Orange County Under New State of Emergency Due to COVID-19 Rise

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Uncategorized

It seems like each and every day Walt Disney World is making huge strides in returning to some sense of normalcy as they have navigated through phased reopenings after COVID-19 closed their doors in March 2020. Masks are no longer required for vaccinated guests at Walt Disney World with the exception of masks on transportation. Fireworks are back in full force. Disney is increasing capacity regularly; attractions that had limitations are returning; and Disney is preparing for “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” in honor of their 50th Anniversary. More restaurants, more resorts, more attractions, and more Cast Members are returning each and every day! But today makes us a little nervous, as the Orange County Mayor has declared a new state of emergency.

As reported by OrlandoSentinel on July 28: “Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings has declared a new state of emergency as new infections of Covid-19 skyrocket to a single-day high, and wastewater surveillance hints at further increases coming soon. He also said county employees have until Aug. 31 to get their first shot of vaccine protection. He is requiring employees and visitors to wear masks in county facilities and pleaded with private businesses to require employees to wear masks indoors. Demings and other local officials have been seemingly boxed in by actions taken by Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature, both limiting the ability of cities and counties to implement emergency orders. “Because of that, I’m taking the action that I believe is legally defensible today,” he said.”

A vast portion of Walt Disney World resides in Orange County. On July 27, Orange County reported 1,371 new infections which is the most cases in a single day. Not only are infections on the rise, but hospitalizations are creeping closer to record highs of last July.

Orange County, Florida Seeing 1,000 New COVID-19 Cases Per Day

Posted on by Mathew Corn Uncategorized

Via wdwnt.com

Mayor Jerry Demings reported on Orange County, Florida’s current COVID-19 cases in a press conference today, saying, “we are in crisis mode.”

Orange County is seeing almost 1,000 new COVID-19 cases a day, which is about the highest peak the county saw in 2020. Demings is urging residents to get vaccinated. Approximately 61% of Orange County residents aged 12 and older have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine shot.

Mayor Demings has also been urging businesses to require masks indoors again regardless of vaccination status. The county cannot enforce a mask ordinance due to legislature by Governor Ron DeSantis, but private businesses can. Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort have yet to make any changes to their current mask guidelines, which do not require vaccinated guests to wear them.

The 14-day rolling positivity rate in Orange County has more than tripled in the past month, currently sitting just under 14%.

Train Route to Walt Disney World Delayed Indefinitely

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

We’re sorry to say Walt Disney World travelers, but the highly anticipated train route with Brightline that was planned to deliver guests from Orlando’s airport to Disney World and Tampa has been delayed indefinitely.

As reported by OrlandoSentinel: “The Central Florida Expressway Authority agreed unanimously Tuesday (July 20) to delay indefinitely a decision over whether to allow Brightline Trains to build passenger rail beside the agency’s State Road 417 on the way from Orlando’s airport to Walt Disney World and Tampa. The vote came after nearly 3.5 hours of discussion dominated by a coordinated push from representatives of the International Drive tourism strip and the Hunter’s Creek residential community to deny access by the private rail company to the tolled S.R. 417 expressway. Such a denial would force Brightline to consider a significantly more costly route to the tourism strip.”

So, what’s Universal’s involvement? A consultant hired by Universal and International Drive merchants said the alternative route could cost as little as $294 million more than Brightline’s choice. On the other hand, a consultant hired by Brightline said they estimate the $1 billion cost for the preferred route would increase to $1.7 billion to take the International Drive route.

“We will put our money and our resources where our mouth is,” said John Sprouls, executive vice president and chief administrative officer for Universal Parks & Resorts, adding that his company would donate 17 acres for the rail corridor at the convention center. “We want to be part of the solution.”

Central Florida Expressway Authority Votes To Delay Brightline Orlando to Tampa Connector

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

During a meeting lasting over three hours, members of the Central Florida Expressway Authority voted to delay Brightline construction along State Route 417. The decision was unanimous. The Authority’s decision puts construction of the Brightline Orlando to Tampa connector in limbo.

The Expressway Authority has been under pressure from International Drive businesses as well as the Hunter’s Creek residential area. Those groups do not want Brightline to build along State Route 417. Current plans call for a stop at Disney Springs between Tampa and Orlando.

brightline-2021-complete-florida-service-map

This evening’s decision will force Brightline to consider a more costly route. Meanwhile, work continues on the Miami to Orlando line, which reached its halfway point in late May.

Hurricane Meal Kits Arrive on Menus at Walt Disney World

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom

Headed to Walt Disney World in the next couple of days? Chances are you’ll be seeing lots of rain as Tropical Storm Elsa continues to keep Central Florida in her path. Thankfully, Elsa was downgraded from a Hurricane to a Tropical Storm – and our hopes are it stays that way! It looks like Disney is however preparing for the arrival of the storm (and likely storms in the near future) with special “Hurricane Meals Kits” on their menus.

As shared by InsideTheMagic: “Today, several quick service locations at Walt Disney World have added “Hurricane Meal Kits” to their menus for Guests. One of those restaurants is Everything POP at Disney’s Pop Century Resort.” The screenshot below shows Hurricane Meal Kits available for breakfast:

If you’re visiting Walt Disney World when tropical storm or hurricane weather hits, it’s actually a comfortable place to be from personal experience. If the weather gets bad enough, parks will close. We’ve even seen Disney moving guests staying at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campgrounds to resort hotels so they can ride out the storm in a safe location. These meal kits are another way Disney has been known to make the situation as accommodating as possible. You simply get your food and get back to your room.

Rainy Disney World

Hopefully, Tropical Storm Elsa will continue to weaken as she moves through Central Florida. Without a doubt, guests can expect heavy rain and high winds.