Details of Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park Reopening

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

Back in March 2020, Disney decided to close down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the theme parks reopened in July 2020, the water parks remained closed a bit longer. Disney’s Blizzard Beach will finally welcome guests again on Sunday, March 7, 2021. Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon remains closed until further notice. Since COVID-19 is still a very serious issue things will look a little bit different than you are used to. Here’s what to expect with the reopening of Disney’s Blizzard Beach.

1. No Reservation System

If you’ve gone to the theme parks since the reopening you are used to having to get a reservation for the parks. Blizzard Beach is not using a reservation system, at least not for the time being. That means that it is first come, first served. You may want to get there early to guarantee your spot since capacity will be limited.

2. Temperature Screenings

Like in most areas of Walt Disney World you will be required to have your temperature taken before entering. It is super quick and it is just for everyone’s safety. You must have a temperature below 100.4F or you will not be allowed to enter the park. Just like the theme parks, it was quick and easy during the preview.

3. Face Coverings

It is a little bit more tricky when it comes to face coverings at the water parks. You were going to be required to wear a face covering while entering and exiting the park, in any retail areas, or when ordering food and beverages. Just like at the parks you may remove your face covering while actively eating or drinking, but you must remain stationary and stay at least six feet away from others. Face coverings, however, will not be allowed in the water or on any slides. During our event we weren’t actually going in the water or riding the slides, so we didn’t really experience how that will work. We will be back when they officially reopen and let you know.

4. Social Distancing

Social distancing is important, especially when not wearing face coverings. Make sure to maintain at least six feet from other guests. You will need to follow all markers on the ground which indicate where to stand. Disney is good at taking the guesswork out of it for you, so please just follow the new guidelines for everybody’s safety. Also, there are signs around the park that ask guests to not move chairs or tables. All the chairs and tables have been separated to the appropriate distance, so please leave things where they are.

5. Enhanced Cleaning

Safety is always Disney’s number one priority, so they have enhanced cleaning just like the rest of Walt Disney World. So that you can do your part there are now hand sanitizing stations and handwashing locations all over Blizzard Beach. Make sure to take advantage of these areas.

6. Dining Options

Just like the theme parks, we were told that Disney is strongly encouraging Mobile Ordering at Blizzard Beach. This is to make sure that everyone has as minimal contact with other people as possible. There are some delicious new offerings available that we got to taste. I am vegan so I couldn’t try all of them, but the vegan sausage with peppers and onions was quite tasty. We also got to try some drinks over at Polar Pub. The clear cups are for alcoholic beverages and the white cups for nonalcoholic. A cold drink will be a nice treat on a hot day.

Please be patient with all of the cast members, they are doing everything they can to keep you safe and still be able to have all the fun and magic that Disney can bring. Thank you, Walt Disney World, for hosting us and giving us a special preview. We all are excited for things to start to get back to normal, and every new opening is a step in that direction.

Orange County Case Rate Drop Makes Disneyland Reopening Possible??

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

Orange County, California’s COVID-19 cases have been steadily dropping. This week, the county met two out of three metrics needed before it could drop from the purple tier to the more relaxed red tier.

Sleeping Beauty Castle – Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland is the centerpiece of Fantasyland, and one of the most recognizable structures in the world. Surrounded by beautiful flowers and whimsical topiary, the Disneyland landmark beckons park visitors to explore the different realms of the place “Where Dreams Come True.” Walt Disney wanted this castle to be a friendly and welcoming presence in his park so it was built on a smaller scale than its European counterparts. (Joshua Sudock/Disneyland Resort)

The share of COVID-19 tests coming back positive countywide and among hard-hit neighborhoods have both met the red tier goals for the past two weeks. The third metric, the rate of new COVID-19 cases by population, was just barely above the red tier threshold.

The county’s case rate was 11.9 per day per 100,000 residents last week. As of Tuesday, the rate was 7.6. A rate of 7 per 100,000 is needed to move into the red tier. The outlook is good that a rate of 7 could be reached next week.

All three metrics must then stay in their red tier ranges for two consecutive weeks for the tier to actually change. In the red tier, restaurants, movie theaters, and other indoor businesses could reopen with masking and physical distancing in place, which will be a good step for Downtown Disney District.

Orange County was in the red tier for a few weeks last fall before moving back into the purple tier in mid-November. A bill was recently passed in favor of Disneyland Resort reopening in the orange tier, or tier 3, after purple and red.

Hong Kong Disneyland Reopening February 19th

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

After 77 days of its latest closure, Hong Kong Disneyland will reopen for the third time starting February 19th. Along with this, a number of new initiatives will be instituted to further strengthen measures against COVID-19 at the park. The park has been closed since December 2nd due to a rise in COVID-19 cases in Hong Kong. February 19th marks the park’s third reopening, following those in September and June of last year.

Among the new measures includes mandatory COVID-19 testing for all Cast Members every 14 days, as required by the latest regulations in Hong Kong.

Additionally, all Guests must scan the “LeaveHomeSafe” QR code at the park entrance, or register their names, contact numbers, and date and time of visit on the official Hong Kong Disneyland website before entering the premises. All visiting Guests will be required to provide their names and contact numbers on the Hong Kong Disneyland Park Reservation website when reserving their visit date with valid tickets or membership cards prior to arrival. Additionally, “LeaveHomeSafe” QR codes will be displayed across the resort, such as the entrance of the park, restaurants and hotel recreation facilities.

The park also provided a new video themed to The Incredibles to explain the latest safety procedures at the park.

Reservations for all guests will begin from 10 a.m. on February 18. Guests are also required to make a health declaration as part of their reservation process. 

hkdl_reopening_health-and-safety-measures_cleaning

The resort will continue with its health and safety measures including temperature screening, the wearing of face masks, social distancing, and increased cleaning and sanitization in accordance with the latest regulations and guidance from the Hong Kong government and health authorities.

Similar to park operations prior to the recent closure, a five-day per week operation will remain in place, with the park closed on Tuesdays and Thursdays (except public holidays and special days designated by the resort from time to time) until further notice. Additionally, the park will control capacity as required by government regulations.

hkdl_reopening_health-and-safety-measures_hand-sanitizer

Park operations and processes for both guests and cast members will continue to be reviewed on an ongoing basis and adjusted as necessary to take into account the latest government regulations.

Michael Moriarty, Managing Director of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, offered the following statement:

From everyone at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, we wish you good health, happiness and prosperity in the year of the Ox. Every cast member has been putting tremendous effort in preparing our park reopening.  I could not be more thrilled to announce that our park will be reopened on February 19, to welcome guests to experience the magic of our 15th anniversary and our new Castle of Magical Dreams.  I want to give thanks for the support of our guests and the countless efforts from our cast members during this challenging time.

Hong Kong Disneyland is currently celebrating its 15th anniversary, and the special event will resume with the park’s reopening. The Castle of Magical Dreams, newly completed shortly before the park’s closure, will also be open for Guests once again.

Now, the final resorts to remain closed are Disneyland and Disneyland Paris, the latter of which is currently slated to reopen on April 2nd. 

Disney Announces Blizzard Beach Reopening

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

This past September, Disney announced that one of the two water parks would be reopening on March 7, 2021. The water parks have yet to reopen during the phased reopening. Disney has announced which water park will open and it will be Blizzard Beach.

First opened to the public on April 1, 1995, this spring will kick off Blizzard Beach’s 25th season. In honor of this exciting news – here are seven fun facts you may not have known about Disney’s wintry-themed water park.

1.Blizzard Beach has a special story all its own 

Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park

A ski resort in Florida? You heard that right! As the story goes, a legendary snowstorm in Florida prompted local opportunists to build a ski resort. When Florida’s climate returned to normal temperatures and the snow began to melt, Blizzard Beach was born.

 2. Blizzard Beach is home to one of the fastest waterslides in the world

Summit Plummet at Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park

The ultimate water park thrill ride, Summit Plummet is a 120-foot-tall waterslide with a near-vertical drop. Guests accelerate up to 65 mph on the slide, making it one of the fastest attractions at Walt Disney World.

3. There’s no shortage of tasty treats

Nachos from Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park

From churros to Mickey ice cream bars, you can discover many of your favorite snacks at the Disney Water Parks. There are plenty of menu options to choose from, including these loaded nachos from Frostbite Freddy’s Frozen Freshments.

4. The first chairlift in Florida was built at Blizzard Beach

Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park

Want to know a Disney secret? This colorful chairlift, built to ferry guests to the top of Mount Gushmore, was the first of its kind in the state of Florida. The chairlift offers a scenic bird’s-eye view of Blizzard Beach and easy access to Summit Plummet, Slush Gusher and Teamboat Springs.

5. There’s a full-service beach bar serving Blizzard Beach-inspired cocktails

Fancy drink from Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park

Piña CoLAVA anyone? How about a Blue Blizzard Margarita? The Polar Pub serves as Blizzard Beach’s own full-service beach bar and offers specialty cocktails inspired by the park’s stories.

6. Cross Country Creek is one of the longest lazy rivers in the U.S.A.

Cross Country Creek at Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park

At 3,000 feet, Cross Country Creek ranks among the longest lazy rivers in the country. It takes between 20 and 30 minutes to complete one journey around the waterway – depending, of course, on how lazy you want to be!

7. Teamboat Springs is one of the world’s longest family whitewater raft ride

Teamboat Springs at Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park

One of the world’s longest family whitewater raft ride is none other than Teamboat Springs at Blizzard Beach. Along the winding rapids of Teamboat Springs, guests encounter remnants of the fabled snowstorm in the form of snowshoes, snow shovels, melting icicles and a snow mobile.

Reopening of Two Magic Kingdom Restaurants

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Dining, Disney Parks, Magic Kingdom

Via DisDining.com

The Crystal Palace and Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant have officially reopened at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom! Disney Cast Members took to Facebook to share their excitement over the reopening’s with a few photos. And yes, while characters are currently not visiting guests at The Crystal Palace, the food is still superb!

As shared via the Walt Disney World Cast & Community Facebook page:

“What’s better than one of our favorite restaurants opening at Magic Kingdom Park? TWO! Cast Members are welcoming Guests back to The Crystal Palace and Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant once again. Not only do they have stunning views of Cinderella Castle, you’ll also catch some of these friendly faces as they serve up both new and tried-and-true menu items to delight your rumbly tumbly.”