Theme Parks “Can Definitely Do a Lot More” – Governor Ron DeSantis

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

Via Disneyfanatic.com

Florida’s Gov. Ron DeSantis and Visit Florida unveiled a $13 million ad campaign yesterday, September 2, designed to urge Floridians to travel within the Sunshine State. DeSantis also said he believed Central Florida theme parks “can definitely do a lot more” when it comes to expanding visitor capacity according to OrlandoSentinel.

As shared by OrlandoSentinel: When DeSantis was asked about theme parks, DeSantis said that while Disney, Universal and SeaWorld “made the business decision to start off very conservative,” he cited the low crowds he saw at Universal Orlando on a recent trip to argue that the parks can begin to expand capacity. “There was a lot of space,” he said. “It was not like people were crowding at all. … The parks are big enough that they can really accommodate a lot of folks, so they can definitely do that if they want.”

Dana Young, head of the taxpayer-financed tourism marketing agency, said research has shown that “people right now, even though many aren’t ready to travel, feel more comfortable traveling closer to home. And right now they’re feeling more comfortable driving. … Our goal of Visit Florida through this campaign is initially to harness that pride that Floridians have, and then channel it toward rebuilding our economy.”

Judson Green, Former President of Walt Disney World, Dies at Age 68

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

Via DisneyTips.com

Judson Green, a philanthropist, musician and former Walt Disney Co. executive, has died at age 68.

As shared by OrlandoSentinel: Green worked for Disney nearly 20 years. He served as president of Walt Disney World and in 1991 became president of Walt Disney Attractions, which created projects around the globe. He also had been senior vice president and chief financial officer for the resort that became Disneyland Paris. Among the accomplishments during his Disney tenure was the development and opening of Disney’s Animal Kingdom in 1998.

On opening day ceremonies for Disney’s Animal Kingdom in 1998, Judson Green gave chimp expert Jane Goodall a porcelain Tree of Life.

Green died at his Orlando home on Monday. He had had complications from a stem-cell transplant. He is survived by his wife, son, daughter and three grandchildren.

“It was with sadness that we learned of Judson Green’s passing. He was passionate about leadership and creativity and will be greatly missed by many,” Jeff Vahle, Walt Disney World current president, said in a statement.

Some Dining Options Returning to Disney’s Hollywood Studios & Magic Kingdom

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

Via DisneyLists.com

Disney has released details on several dining options that are returning to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom this fall. Catch all the details below!

Here are all the details from Disney Cast member Laurel Slater:

Fall is just around the corner and recently we’ve shared some pretty exciting updates about Halloween fun planned for Magic Kingdom Park and tasty treats that will be available at all our parks. As part of our phased approach to reopening, we’re adding more Guest-favorite dining choices this fall at Magic Kingdom Park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios – which you’ll definitely want to add to your fall dining must-do list.

At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, there’s some Halloween fun in store at Hollywood & Vine where Minnie’s Seasonal Dining is set to return September 25. While it may look a little different than the last time you visited, you can get in the spooky spirit during Minnie’s Halloween Dine with a monster feast served to your table where you will be able to wave and snap photos of your favorite characters such as Minnie Mouse, Mickey Mouse, and their friends. It’s a boo-tastic time filled with Halloween décor and music, scary good food, and more! 

Beginning Sept. 24, Guests can enjoy dining in the enchanted, fairytale setting of Cinderella’s Royal Table at Magic Kingdom Park. Enjoy a delicious regal banquet with unforgettable main courses ranging from roasted chicken breast and tenderloin of beef to chef’s fish of the day. The princesses will be taking a break from their royal duties greeting Guests, but there will be plenty of delicious fare and fun to be enjoyed in this beautiful, one-of-a-kind restaurant.

Gaston's Tavern Menu - Magic Kingdom

Both of these immersive dining experiences will be available for reservations on DisneyWorld.com and in the My Disney Experience app beginning September 11.

Additionally, some more snack and quick-service options are reopening soon! Gaston’s Tavern at Magic Kingdom Park will return on September 4 and the ABC Commissary at Disney’s Hollywood Studios reopens for walk-in quick service for lunch beginning October 8. With so many delicious delights to try this fall, I’ll certainly be coming to the parks hungry and ready to dig in!

Long Lines at Food Bank For Furloughed Disney Cast Members

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

Via Disneyfanatic.com

Orlando is known as the “tourism capital of the world”. While COVID-19 numbers are showing a decline in the state, the pandemic has without a doubt rocked the tourism industry as the usual crowds simply aren’t flocking to the area as they were before. A local food bank with a 2-mile long line is a sign of the times.

As shared by the OrlandoSentinel: At 4 a.m., the first furloughed workers arrive to stake out their spots for free groceries. They wait for 4 1/2 hours in their cars. If they show up late, the food might run out. By the 9 a.m., the nearly bumper-to-bumper row of cars stretches 2 miles, clogging up one lane of Orange Blossom Trail and heading down Landstreet Road.

In the line are hundreds of people: Furloughed Disney World employees, welders who saw business shrivel up, hotel workers unceremoniously laid off in mass numbers, and others.

Every week for the past four months, volunteers have handed out free boxes of groceries at the drive-thru food bank organized by Unite Here 737, a local union that represents primarily Disney hotel housekeepers and food service workers.

“Every week it gets worse,” said Nick Canturano, a furloughed server at a Hollywood Studios buffet restaurant, who volunteers every week at the outdoor food bank located at a union hall about a mile from the Florida Mall.

The $600 federal unemployment benefit Floridians had been collecting each week vanished July 31, so now the state’s benefit — one of the lowest in the country — only pay a maximum of $275 a week.

The reopening of Disney World, SeaWorld and Universal Orlando theme parks have not fixed Orlando’s economy which recorded a 15.3% unemployment rate in July — the highest in the state.

NEW “Magic Is Here” Annual Passholder 40% Off Room-Only Offer Now Available Through December 25

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Disney Resorts

Magic is here! Stay in the middle of it all with this room offer for fall and holiday travel—and make the most of your annual pass. With this offer, Passholders can save up to 40% on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels for stays most nights September 1 through December 25, 2020.

Book through December 25, 2020.

Take advantage of this offer and rediscover the most magical place on Earth! There’s still so much to explore and enjoy when you stay at a Disney Resort hotel at Walt Disney World Resort.

For extra peace of mind, know that if your plans change, any Disney-imposed change and cancellation fees will be waived up to the date of check-in for reservations with arrivals through December 31, 2020.

This offer is valid for the Disney Resort hotels listed below. Select Disney Deluxe Villas. Save up to 40% for stays most nights September 1 to December 25, 2020.

  • Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
  • Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
  • Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
  • Disney’s Beach Club Villas
  • Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
  • Disney’s Old Key West Resort
  • Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
  • Disney’s Riviera Resort
  • Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
The main entrance to the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. (Photo courtesy, Walt Disney World)

Select Disney Deluxe ResortsSave up to 40% for stays most nights September 1 to December 25, 2020

  • Disney’s Contemporary Resort
  • Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – reopening September 21
  • Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

Select Disney Moderate Resort HotelsSave up to 35% for stays most nights September 1 to December 25, 2020

  • Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
  • Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort – reopening October 14
  • The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

Select Disney Value Resort HotelsSave up to 30% for stays most nights September 1 to December 25, 2020

  • Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – reopening November 1
  • Disney’s Pop Century Resort

The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Savings based on the non-discounted price a non-Passholder pays for the same room. Length of stay requirements may apply.