Shanghai Disney Issue Temporary Refund Policy After Coronavirus Outbreak In China

Amidst concerns over the current Coronavirus outbreak affecting many areas of China, including Beijing, Shanghai, and the virus’ location of origin in central Wuhan, Shanghai Disney Resort has issued temporary refund policies in case guests wish to cancel their trip.

Image result for shanghai disneyland

The theme park’s website omits any mention of the outbreak, simply stating: “We understand that in recent days some guests may wish to change their travel plans.”

The temporary refund policy is as follows:

Guests who have purchased tickets for admission to Shanghai Disneyland, or other dated products and services at the park, can choose to reschedule their visit to Shanghai Disneyland on any other day within the next six months, or get a refund if you cannot visit the park in the next six months.

Guests who have booked resort hotels may choose to reschedule their stay at the hotels on another day within the next six months (subject to hotel room availability), or get a refund if you cannot visit the resort in the next six months.

Guests who have booked tickets for the Beauty and The Beast Mandarin Production may choose to reschedule their visit on another day before February 23 (subject to availability of the performance schedule), or get a refund if you can’t visit the resort before this date.

For all ticketing enquiries, people can contact their original ticket purchase channel, or send enquiries via e-mail to shdr.yuding@disney.com. They can also contact the Shanghai Disney Resort Reservation Center at: 400-180-0000 (Chinese mainland) or +86-21-3158-0000 (other country/region) for all enquiries.

Image result for shanghai disneyland

Shanghai Disney Resort is currently operating normally, and while there are no travel restrictions to the region and no reported cases of illness within the park, local shops are quickly running out of protective face masks and other necessary items.

Grand Floridian Walkway Seen In A Closed Position For First TIme

Via wdwnt.com

The bridge for the Magic Kingdom to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort walkway was in the closed position this morning as work continues. This is the first time our reporters have caught the bridge in the closed position, which will let guests cross the Electrical Water Pageant canal.

We can see where the bridge will connect with the land on the side of the Magic Kingdom. Of course, there will be a walkway and a lip that the bridge will connect to so guests don’t have to jump to cover that small gap.

The pivoting side of the swing bridge seems to be much further along with the ground being less torn up. Also, this is where much of the equipment is staged as they had to install all the mechanisms here.

The lush Magic Kingdom walkway beckons and will be a welcoming sight for guests walking to or from the park in the bright Florida sun. It appears this side of the bridge needs some additional soil for some leveling of the terrain to match the height of the bridge.

Citricos To Be Refurbished in Grand Floridian Redesign

With Enchanted Rose now open and the Grand Floridian Orchestra officially moved into an odd corner of the lobby, work continues as part of the resort’s redesign, now with Citricos set to undergo refurbishment.

The second-floor restaurant is set to become “Victoria and Albert’s Bistro”, a slightly different dining concept that still retained the signature aspect of the restaurant.

The refurbishment for the restaurant will take place in phases, and while the space will remain open thoughout, the bar will close in February and the menu will be slightly modified while work takes place in the kitchen. Dining room renovations will begin sometime in May, with the project expected to be completed by Summer 2020.

Bob Chapek is not a fan of the look and feel of Disney’s Grand Floridian hotel. Here is an excerpt from a story from wdwnt in January 2017:

It appears Chairman of Disney Parks and Resorts Bob Chapek is not a big fan of the current Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, Walt Disney World’s flagship hotel and often most expensive per night. Similar to the recently initiated shakeup in housekeeping for Disney World, Chapek feels as if the Four Seasons Resort Orlando is putting them to shame when it comes to what a luxury resort on-property should be. So, what’s the solution? To completely gut the 28-year-old Magic Kingdom area resort, of course.

Should it come to fruition, all of the rooms and the lobby of the resort will be completely gutted and rebuilt with a more modern-luxury theme, perhaps along the lines of the new hotel being constructed at the Disneyland Resort.

As it stands now, this project may not even be in the design phase as of yet, but it seems as if it will come to fruition should Chapek remain at helm of Parks and Resorts for the foreseeable future.

While the next phase includes Citricos, we also know that the concierge level lounge in the lobby building will be getting an overhaul imminently, likely followed by the Grand Floridian Cafe.

The space that today is Citricos was once Flagler’s Restaurant, which opened on June 28, 1988. It featured Italian and continental cuisine. It closed on July 6, 1997, to become Cítricos on November 8.

Duffy’s New Friend, CookieAnn Makes Debut @ Aulani Disney Resort and Spa

Do you know Duffy? Duffy is Mickey Mouse’s cuddly teddy bear that Minnie gave him so he could travel the world without being lonely. Duffy used to be available for a meet and greet in Epcot but hasn’t been seen in any of the Walt Disney World parks recently. It is exciting however that Aulani Disney Resort and Spa is embracing Disney fans’ love for Duffy by introducing his new friend, CookieAnn. Check out CookieAnn’s story below from DisneyParksBlog:

We’re thrilled to share some wonderful news for fans of Duffy and his friends. CookieAnn, Duffy’s creative, food-loving friend, has arrived on Oʻahu to bring her recipe for friendship to Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa.

In an Aulani-exclusive outfit that celebrates her imaginative spirit, CookieAnn showcases her passion for the culinary arts in a pretty pink outfit adorned with a colorful sweet treat motif. Her look is topped off with her signature chef’s hat, with a beautiful pink flower inspired by the flowers of Hawaiʻi.

So, how did Duffy’s inventive friend arrive at Aulani Resort? Here’s the story of how CookieAnn came to bring her delicious recipes and creative spirit to Hawaiʻi.

Duffy and his friends were planning a lūʻau to welcome CookieAnn, who loves to put things together to create something new and interesting, like delightful recipes and desserts. Duffy and his friends decorated with beautiful flowers like plumerias and prepared snacks and fruits that are enjoyed in Hawaiʻi.

As soon as she arrives, CookieAnn is fascinated by so many things she had never seen or smelled, such as pretty flowers, tropical fruits and a never-ending blue ocean.

All these sights and scents inspired CookieAnn to decorate plain cupcakes with blue icing, slices of star fruit and mango, and a plumeria flower to create a tropical cupcake.

Duffy and his friends are all excited that CookieAnn shared her liking of Hawaiʻi in such a delectable way. They all enjoyed the cupcakes and the special time of friendship together.

Book A Trip To Hawaii Now!

Topolino’s Terrace @ Disney’s Riviera Resort Now Accepting Tables In Wonderland

Mere weeks after opening, Topolino’s Terrace at Disney’s Riviera Resort is now participating in the Tables in Wonderland program. Previously, the restaurant only accepted discounts for Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members, as well as the Disney Dining Plan.

Benefits of Tables in Wonderland include:

  • A 20% discount offered on food and beverage, including alcohol, at over 100 participating restaurants at the Walt Disney World Resort (discount is valid for a party of up to 10 guests including the member)
  • Special dining offers
  • Invitations to special dining events
  • Complimentary Resort hotel valet and theme park parking for dining purposes
Image result for topolino's terrace

Membership is $175 for Florida Residents and $150 for Walt Disney World Resort Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members.

Book A Disney Vacation Now! Click Here!