One of the great things about living in California is the hundreds of miles of gorgeous coastline. From San Diego to San Francisco and beyond, living and working by the water is something that a lot of people want in their lives. However, there are downsides to building things right along the water’s edge, and hundreds of thousands of Californians are about to learn that the hard way.
According to multiple reports, Metrolink and Amtrak services from Irvine, California to San Diego — a distance of about 85 miles — will be shut down for at least one month due to a landslide and corrosion near the train tracks.
Metrolink and Amtrak train service between Orange County and San Diego County has been suspended until further notice because of slope movement beneath the seaside tracks at San Clemente.
The tracks are San Diego’s only viable rail link with Los Angeles and the rest of the United States, and are part of the 350-mile LOSSAN rail corridor from the downtown Union Station to San Luis Obispo on the Central California coast.
“Working with geologists, geotechnical engineers, and surveyors, we have determined (that) to ensure passenger safety service, suspension is necessary,” states an announcement on the Metrolink website. “Until we have confirmation from the experts the slope movement has stopped, we will not resume Metrolink service.”
Unfortunately, the suspension of both Amtrak and Metrolink services could have a massive impact on a lot of local California residents who use the trains to travel to Disneyland Resort. Both Amtrak and Metrolink have stations near Disneyland Resort, and the closing of the lines will mean that certain residents have lost a convenient way to get to The Happiest Place on Earth. Amtrak will be offering bus services to certain locations, but Metrolink is offering nothing to travelers at this time.
Gas prices in California are 70% higher than they are in the rest of the country — averaging more than $6 per gallon — and parking at Disneyland Resort costs $30 per car. The Metrolink provided some Guests with a cheaper and more convenient way to get to the Parks.
Officials have said that they hope to have the track fixed and safe enough to open by mid-November, but there is no definitive opening timeline.
Hurricane Ian barreled into Florida on Wednesday with damaging winds, devastating storm surge, and catastrophic flooding. Hurricanes are known for being completely unpredictable, and Ian was no exception. Over the course of several days of forecasts, data models projected different points of landfall, as well as differing wind speeds, resulting in various forecasts related to which Category Ian would ultimately fall into.
But ultimately, Ian finally reached Florida’s shores on the Gulf Coast as a Category 4 storm, though its wind speeds were just shy of those in a Category 5 storm. Now, as Ian has moved into South Carolina and dissipated, officials are surveying the damage and beginning to estimate the costs associated with that damage, and the numbers are staggering.
Ian made landfall further down the Gulf Coast than expected, devastating the city of Fort Myers in Lee County with sustained winds of 155 miles per hour. The coastline was completely rearranged in some places–and destroyed in other places. The Sanibel Causeway–the only roadway to and from Sanibel Island–was obliterated as the storm made its way over the Gulf of Mexico and into the Sunshine State.
The scenes of destruction are staggering. Homes flooded to their second floors. Entire buildings reduced to heaps of rubble. Yachts launched into city streets. Sections of critical bridges and roadways torn away. Beloved local landmarks, gone.
The worst of it was in coastal southwest Florida communities such as Sanibel. The small island with 6,500 residents was severed from land when the only roadway to the island collapsed.
After all is said and done, Hurricane Ian’s damage in Florida could cost an unbelievable $65 billion. That’s according to data firm Enki Research, which specializing in studying the financial impact of storms. The firm’s projections were released on Thursday and estimate the best-case scenario would still see damage from Ian at $55 billion.
To compare, damages from Hurricane Katrina in 2005 totaled $161 billion.
Ian not only destroyed homes and businesses but also caused extensive damage to infrastructure like bridges and roadways. It also appears to have caused significant harm to citrus fruit trees in Florida, which play a huge role in one of the state’s key industries.
As the firm’s report came out the day after the storm, updated data may change estimates about the amount of damage caused by the powerful hurricane.
It’s been a wild time in terms of Disney movies, both animated and live-action. Disney has been creating some truly great movies recently, like Encanto, Turning Red, and the highly-anticipated upcoming sequel Disenchanted. On the flip side, there have been some less successful films like Lightyear and the recently released Pinocchio. There are a number of other live-action films coming down the pike — including Snow White, The Little Mermaid, and Peter Pan and Wendy. However, there is one movie that was just announced that may surprise you.
According to a report from Deadline, Disney is going to make a movie about the adorable, purple dragon, Figment.
A Disney film is in the works featuring the character Figment, a small purple dragon who serves as the mascot of Epcot’s Imagination Pavillion in Orlando. The feature hails from Seth Rogen’s Point Grey with Pokémon Detective Pikachu‘s Dan Hernandez and Benji Samit set to write, Deadline has learned.
Rogen and his producing partners Evan Goldberg and James Weaver have released various TV and film projects under their Point Grey banner including Hulu’s Pam & Tommy, Amazon’s The Boys and The Boys Presents: Diabolical, as well as This Is The End, The Interview,The Disaster Artist, and An American Pickle.
Up next, they have Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem on deck.
The writing team of Hernandez and Samit penned 2019’s Pokémon Detective Pikachu, 2021’s The Addams Family 2, and created the upcoming Hulu animated series Koala Man, premiering in 2023.
At this time, we have no idea what the story will be about, but hopefully, they can do justice to Figment — who has become more popular over the years and is now the symbol of EPCOT.
Figment has become so popular that, when Disney released a Figment popcorn bucket at the 2022 Festival of the Arts, people waited in line for 5 hours to get their hands on one. Disney Parks Chairman Josh D’Amaro also shared that a Figment meet and greet will be returning to the Imagination Pavilion at EPCOT in the near future.
Beginning Oct. 14, 2022, for Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, and Disney Wish sailings and Nov. 7, 2022 for Disney Magic sailings, Disney Cruise Line will no longer require Guests to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at the time of sailing, however, it is highly recommended. All Guests ages 5 years and older who are not fully vaccinated (Unvaccinated Guests) will need to submit proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken 1-2 days before the sail date. Guests ages 4 years of age and younger do not require testing.
The following SeaMail will be sent to guests who have booked through travel agents on impacted sailings:
Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, and Disney Wish – Beginning Oct. 14
Dear [Guest Who Booked Through a Travel Agent],
All of us at Disney Cruise Line look forward to welcoming you aboard soon. We are reaching out with important updates to the COVID-19 vaccination and testing requirements for your sailing.
Beginning October 14, 2022, for Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, and Disney Wish sailings, Disney Cruise Line will no longer require Guests to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at the time of sailing, however, it is highly recommended. All Guests ages 5 years and older who are not fully vaccinated (Unvaccinated Guests) will need to submit proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken 1-2 days before the sail date. Guests ages 4 years of age and younger do not require testing. Acceptable vaccines and testing information can be found in the Know Before You Go section of our website.
COVID-19 Testing Requirements for Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, and Disney Wish sailings from the U.S. beginning October 14, 2022
Fully Vaccinated Guests
No testing required.
Unvaccinated Guests(ages 5 years and older)
COVID-19 test required 1-2 days before the sail date. The test may be an observed antigen test through a proctored telehealth service with digital results. A rapid or lab-based PCR test, or Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) is also acceptable.
Unvaccinated Guests (ages 4 years and younger)
No testing required.
Upload Proof of Vaccination and/or COVID-19 Test Results
To be exempt from testing requirements, fully vaccinated Guests must upload their proof of vaccination to the Inspire Diagnostics Safe Passage website by midnight prior to embarkation day. Unvaccinated Guests must upload a negative COVID-19 test result to the Inspire Diagnostics Safe Passage website by midnight prior to embarkation day. Uploading proof of vaccination or a COVID-19 test result is a requirement for adults and children, except for those ages 4 and younger. A parent or legal guardian will need to use their own account to provide this information on behalf of minors. To learn more about how to provide proof of your negative COVID-19 test result, please visit the Know Before You Go section of our website.
After appropriate documents have been uploaded and reviewed by Inspire, Guests should see the words “Clear to Arrive” or “Clear to Sail” in the Pre-Sail Screening section when they log into their Safe Passage account before arriving at the port.
It is also recommended that Guests bring a copy of their proof of vaccination or negative COVID- test result with them to the port. Guests who fail to upload proof of vaccination and/or COVID-19 test results prior to embarkation day will be delayed and may be denied boarding. If you have any questions about your Safe Passage registration or status, please contact Inspire Diagnostics at 877-250-5132.
Back-to-Back Sailings
Fully vaccinated Guests are not required to be tested between back-to-back sailings. Guests ages 5 years and older who are not fully vaccinated and traveling on back-to-back sailings will be required to complete a COVID-19 test between sailings, arranged by Disney Cruise Line.
Guests Recently Recovered from COVID-19
In some cases, people who have recently recovered from COVID-19 may still test positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus. If Guests have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 within 11 to 90 days of their sail date, they may qualify to be considered as “90-Day-Recovered,” with the appropriate documentation and subsequent approval. Guests who are not fully vaccinated and are considered “90-Day-Recovered” are not required to submit a negative COVID-19 test result prior to sailing. Details on what documentation is required is available in the Know Before You Go section of our website.
Online Check-in
You must complete Online Check-in beginning 30 days prior to your sailing. You will need to submit the required documents as well as select a Port Arrival Time. All Guests, including our Platinum Castaway Club Guests, will need to select a Port Arrival Time. Please be aware that Guests will not be permitted at the terminal or in parking areas before their scheduled arrival time. Guests who arrive early will be asked to return at their scheduled arrival time. Online Check-in can be completed or modified up to one day prior to sailing. After completing Online Check-in, you will receive a Port Arrival Form by email. Bring this with you to the port to expedite your arrival.
As our health and safety protocols and operational guidelines are subject to change, please visit the Know Before You Go section of our website for the latest information and answers to many frequently asked questions.
Guests booked on the Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy or Disney Wish October 14, 2022, through January 31, 2023, may modify or cancel their sailing by October 11, 2022 without any Disney-imposed cancellation fees. Please contact your travel agent for details on how to cancel or modify your booking. Please note that change fees and cancellation fees imposed by third-party suppliers, such as airlines and hotels, as well as travel insurance, are not refundable. Refunds will be processed back to the original form of payment. Standard cancellation policies and terms and conditions apply for any cancellation or modification requests received on or after October 12, 2022.
We look forward to welcoming you aboard soon.
Sincerely,
The Cast and Crew
Disney Cruise Line
Disney Magic – Beginning Nov. 7
Dear [Guest Who Booked Through a Travel Agent],
All of us at Disney Cruise Line look forward to welcoming you aboard soon. We are reaching out with important updates to the COVID-19 vaccination and testing requirements for your sailing.
Beginning November 7, 2022, for Disney Magic sailings, Disney Cruise Line will no longer require Guests to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at the time of sailing, however, it is highly recommended. All Guests ages 5 years and older who are not fully vaccinated (Unvaccinated Guests) will need to submit proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken 1-2 days before the sail date. Guests ages 4 years of age and younger do not require testing. Acceptable vaccines and testing information can be found in the Know Before You Go section of our website.
COVID-19 Testing Requirements for Disney Magic sailings from the U.S. beginning November 7, 2022
Fully Vaccinated Guests
No testing required.
Unvaccinated Guests(ages 5 years and older)
COVID-19 test required 1-2 days before the sail date. The test may be an observed antigen test through a proctored telehealth service with digital results. A rapid or lab-based PCR test, or Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) is also acceptable.
Unvaccinated Guests (ages 4 years and younger)
No testing required.
Upload Proof of Vaccination and/or COVID-19 Test Results
To be exempt from testing requirements, fully vaccinated Guests, must upload their proof of vaccination to the Inspire Diagnostics Safe Passage website by midnight prior to embarkation day. Unvaccinated Guests must upload a negative COVID-19 test result to the Inspire Diagnostics Safe Passage website by midnight prior to embarkation day. Uploading these documents is a requirement for adults and children, except for those ages 4 and younger. A parent or legal guardian will need to use their own account to provide this information on behalf of minors. To learn more about how to provide proof of your negative COVID-19 test result, please visit the Know Before You Go section of our website.
After appropriate documents have been uploaded and reviewed by Inspire, Guests should see the words “Clear to Arrive” or “Clear to Sail” in the Pre-Sail Screening section when they log into their Safe Passage account before arriving at the port.
It is also recommended that Guests bring a copy of their proof of vaccination or negative COVID- test result with them to the port. Guests who fail to upload proof of vaccination and/or COVID-19 test results prior to embarkation day will be delayed and may be denied boarding. If you have any questions about your Safe Passage registration or status, please contact Inspire Diagnostics at 877-250-5132.
Back-to-Back Sailings
Fully vaccinated Guests are not required to be tested between back-to-back sailings. Guests ages 5 years and older who are not fully vaccinated and traveling on back-to-back sailings will be required to complete a COVID-19 test between sailings, arranged by Disney Cruise Line.
Guests Recently Recovered from COVID-19
In some cases, people who have recently recovered from COVID-19 may still test positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus. If Guests have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 within 11 to 90 days of their sail date, they may qualify to be considered as “90-Day-Recovered,” with the appropriate documentation and subsequent approval. Guests who are not fully vaccinated and are considered “90-Day-Recovered” are not required to submit a negative COVID-19 test result prior to sailing. Details on what documentation is required is available in the Know Before You Go section of our website.
Online Check-in
You must complete Online Check-in beginning 30 days prior to your sailing. You will need to submit the required documents as well as select a Port Arrival Time. All Guests, including our Platinum Castaway Club Guests, will need to select a Port Arrival Time. Please be aware that Guests will not be permitted at the terminal or in parking areas before their scheduled arrival time. Guests who arrive early will be asked to return at their scheduled arrival time. Online Check-in can be completed or modified up to one day prior to sailing. After completing Online Check-in, you will receive a Port Arrival Form by email. Bring this with you to the port to expedite your arrival.
As our health and safety protocols and operational guidelines are subject to change, please visit the Know Before You Go section of our website for the latest information and answers to many frequently asked questions.
Guests booked on the Disney Magic November 7, 2022, through January 31, 2023, may modify or cancel their sailing by October 11, 2022, without any Disney-imposed cancellation fees. contact your travel agent for details on how to cancel or modify your booking. Please note that change fees and cancellation fees imposed by third-party suppliers, such as airlines and hotels, as well as travel insurance, are not refundable. Refunds will be processed back to the original form of payment. Standard cancellation policies and terms and conditions apply for any cancellation or modification requests received on or after October 12, 2022.
Just a couple of weeks ago, The Walt Disney Company hosted its ultimate fan event — the D23 Expo — in Anaheim, California, just steps from the Disneyland Resort. The Expo celebrated all things Disney and there were a ton of fun events and happenings, including the Disney Legends awards, exclusive merchandise and shopping opportunities, and panels that shared more on everything from first looks at new films and television shows to news about what is happening in Disney Parks around the world.
As in years past, the Disney Parks Panel was one of the most in-demand panels at the Expo. Disney fans always want to be the first to hear about what is coming down the pike at places like Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland.
At this year’s Parks Panel, Disney Parks Chairman Josh D’Amaro shared a lot of exciting news — including more on Splash Mountain’s transformation into Tiana’s bayou Adventure, the return of Happily Ever After to the Magic Kingdom, and San Fransokyo coming to Disneyland. One of the more unexpected announcements had to do with Disney World’s popular theme park — EPCOT.
D’Amaro shared that a Figment meet and greet would be returning to EPCOT for a limited time in 2023 — although no specific dates have been announced at this time. Fans were shocked and excited to hear that the icon of EPCOT would once again be back at Disney World and greeting Guests. Even the Orlando International Airport was excited to hear the news, and shared the following tweet:
We’ve heard that Figment’s meet & greet will return to EPCOT next year and we just wanted to let you know that our rainbow tunnel is no figment of your imagination either. 😉 🌈 pic.twitter.com/6lnImC41mz
For years, Guests visiting EPCOT could head to the Imagination Pavilion and ride Journey Into Imagination and then meet the purple dragon himself. The Figment meet and greet ended in the early 2000s, but since then, Figment seems to have only grown in popularity. At last year’s International Festival of the Arts, Disney released a Figment popcorn bucket, which sold out in less than two days and had Guests waiting 5 hours to get their hands on one.
Even though D’Amaro said that the Figment meet and greet will only return for a limited time, it is possible that, if the meet and greet proves to be popular, Disney could choose to keep it around for a while. Only time will tell!
