While the Tokyo Disney Resort theme parks remain closed through at least mid-May due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, operations on other segments, such as the Disney Resort Line monorail system, continue. And in preparation for the launch of the new Type C monorail trains this year, the Oriental Land Company has taken advantage of the reduced schedule on the Disney Resort Line to test the first new train!
Twitter user @peenattsun was at Tokyo DisneySea Station today when he spotted the Type C train testing during operating hours! Previous tests only took place in the late night after hours. Inside, we can see the new Mickey-inspired interior, complete with larger windows. Below, you can view the concept renderings for these new trains.
The Type C trains are scheduled to enter service sometime in 2020. They were previously scheduled for May 21st, but have since been delayed due to the ongoing disruptions related to COVID-19.
When we saw permits filed earlier this month for work on a Table Service Restaurant, bus stop, transportation dock, and more at the site of Reflections – A Disney Lakeside Lodge, it was still assumed that construction had been halted throughout Walt Disney World Resort––and it has, for the most part––but according to a new report from the Orlando Business Journal, one local construction firm continues chipping away at the upcoming nature-themed Disney Vacation Resort property in progress.
Balfour Beatty Construction LLC continues work on the 900-room resort taking over the space of the former River Country throughout the closure. In a statement to the Orlando Business Journal, it outlined the safety measures it was taking in light of the ongoing COVID-19 crisis:
“Balfour Beatty is taking all necessary measures to ensure workers, clients, partner and the public are safe. As a essential business, we have a responsibility to keep our projects operating while we modify the way we deliver work to allow for the new and necessary health and safety measures that are now required as a result of this pandemic. The practicalities of how to implement social distancing in the field are complex and our workforce is committed to meeting these needs, knowing that each decision has an impact on not only the team’s ability to deliver and our production flow, but the health and wellbeing of everyone.”
Work has continued despite smaller crews and stringent new regulations from the CDC. According to analyst David Heger, it’s in Disney’s best interest to keep work going for certain projects, especially if they’ve already been funded. And surely, a shiny new resort will beckon to both casual guests and DVC members alike in the aftermath of the extended closures. Reflections – A Disney Lakeside Lodge is expected to open in 2022.
How does pineapple, sweet rolls, potatoes, cookies, and even ti leaves sound? Disney’s Aulani Resort in Hawaii is closed but the magic is still flowing! The Aulani Resort is donating fresh food to the surround community. Check out the details below from DisneyParksBlog:
The bountiful fresh food normally enjoyed by Aulani Resort guests won’t go to waste during Aulani’s temporary closure. That’s because it will be used to feed the community through a donation made to Aloha Harvest, a food collection and redistribution organization located on Oahu. Over the past week, Aulani Resort has donated approximately 7,000 pounds of perishable food to Aloha Harvest, which delivers it the same day to social service agencies across the island to help feed those in need.
“Donations like this are so important during times of uncertainty,” said Aloha Harvest Executive Director “Phil” Augustus Acosta. “This food helps ensure that people who are already faced with hunger continue to receive resources.”
The donation included fresh fruit and vegetables such as pineapples, watermelons, lemons, lettuce and onions, bread and milk products, as well as treats such as cupcakes, cookies and popcorn.
“Over the past nine years, Aulani Resort has contributed to the community in a number of ways. That’s why during these unprecedented times, this donation was the kindest and most heartwarming decision to make,” said Aulani Resort General Manager Kimberly Agas.
After the latest closure extension “until further notice” due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Walt Disney World has now announced that they will only begin accepting reservations for dining and resorts for travel dates starting June 1 and later.
The key wording here is: “As always, Guests are able to modify these bookings if Walt Disney World Resort opens before or after that time.” So clearly, after yesterday’s vague announcement, whether or not Walt Disney World will remain closed until June 1st is still undecided.
This comes on the heel of an announcement offering Free Dining to most guests with reservations directly impacted by the unprecedented Coronavirus closures.
Shades of Green, a resort on Walt Disney World property fully owned and operated by the United States Department of Defense (DOD) for members of the military and their families, has announced that it is closing out of concerns for the current ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The resort will be asking any of its current guests to return to their home station as soon as they can make the necessary travel arrangements, with all cancellation fees now waived. As far as when they’ll be taking reservations again, new arrivals will be accepted after May 15th. Of course, this is not an official reopening date for Walt Disney World, but merely an estimate of when this specific resort expects to reboot its operations.
Shades of Green will temporarily close in response to the Coronavirus
The safety of our guests and staff is our primary concern at AFRC Resorts. Shades of Green will temporarily close to ensure the health and well-being of service members and their families during the COVID-19 crisis. Despite our best efforts to serve guests through this situation, it is now apparent that this crisis requires collective action to slow its progression in the United States. Guests will be asked to return to their home station as soon as they can make the necessary travel arrangements. We are waiving any cancellation or early departure fees for reservations during this time.
There have been no reported cases of COVID-19 at Shades of Green Resort.
Shades of Green will continue to accept reservations for new arrivals after May 15th. We will continue to closely monitor the situation and will make a determination to reopen in coordination with our partners at Disney World Resorts when it is safe for our guests and staff.
We will continue to support our staff and military community the best we can during this temporary closure. If you have questions regarding your reservation, please email us at guestsupport@shadesofgreen.org
We encourage all of our military guests to limit their travel during this time. All the world-class attractions, beautiful golf courses, and relaxing vacation amenities will all still be here when this crisis is finished and it is safe to travel once again. We look forward to having you stay with us in the very near future.
