Month: April 2021

Magic Kingdom Baby Care Center Moving to Temporary Location During Refurbishment

Some very important news for guests with little ones…

The Baby Care Center at the Magic Kingdom which is located near the Crystal Palace restaurant will be closing in May while it undergoes a refurbishment.  The center will be moving to a temporary location while the work occurs.

The location is scheduled to close on May 2nd.  The temporary location will be located in the Tomorrowland AAA Lounge next to the Carousel of Progress.

The Baby Care Center is expected to re-open in the fall at the original location on Main Street U.S.A. with an updated interior with more capacity and new theming.

Walt Disney World Announce Re-Opening Date for Disney’s Boardwalk Resort

Today Walt Disney World announced that Disney’s BoardWalk Inn will re-open from its COVID-19 closure on July 2nd.

With today’s announcement, Disney continues the phased re-opening of its resort hotels as guest demand increases.

The updated list of upcoming Disney World hotel re-openings now looks like this:

  • May 30 2021 – Disney’s Beach Club Resort
  • June 6 2021 – Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
  • July 2 2021 – Disney’s BoardWalk inn
  • Late July 2021 – Disney’s Polynesian Resort

Mobile Order at Walt Disney World Expands to Magic Kingdom Snack Kiosks

Starting today some snack locations are joining Mobile Order at the Magic Kingdom.   This will allow guests to order some of their favorite snack directly from their phone.

The new locations are Sunshine Tree Terrace, The Friar’s Nook and Sleepy Hollow.

As a reminder, Mobile Order allows guests to pay for meals on-the-go within the My Disney Experience app, thereby bypassing the queue to order at the restaurant.

When using the app, guests can select menu items, customize an order and pre-pay for a meal.

After arriving at the restaurant, all guests have to do is tap an “I’m here” button in the app.  This will notify the kitchen to prepare the meal. When ready, guests will be alerted via the app to pick up the meal at a designated window.

I personally love Mobile Order and use it whenever I can.

Walt Disney World Announces that “A Celebration of Festival of the Lion King” to Open in May

Earlier  today, Walt Disney World President Jeff Vahle announced that ‘A Celebration of Festival of the Lion King’ will open in mid-May at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Although we don’t yet have a specific start date, the general timeframe of mid-May timeframe supports the idea that Disney plans to increase capacity at the theme parks for the summer season.

As when Disney announced that the show would be returning this summer, the show itself will see some modifications to assist with performer safety and will be reduced in length.

Disney Cruise Line Opens Pop Up Store in Disney Springs

You aren’t able to go on a Disney Cruise yet, so why not shop instead.

Now through early September, guests will be able to stop by the Marketplace Co-Op to shop exclusive collections including the traditional Disney Cruise Line Wave and Sail Away Minnie Mouse collections, as well as a selection from Castaway Cay, Disney Cruise Line’s private island in The Bahamas.

Guests should be prepared to sail away with trendy and nautical-themed spirit jerseys, T-shirts, and even matching styles for adults and kids so you and the family can all match.

You’ll be able to pack those perfect getaway essentials in adorable Disney Cruise Line Loungefly bags or with a classy luggage set.

Are you looking for gifts for Disney Cruise Line fans? You’ll be able to discover treasure that includes everything from mugs, magnets, luggage tags, hats to photo frames, and more.

Guests will also be able to check out the ship models for an up close and personal look of the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy ships.

Avenger’s Campus to Open at Disney California Adventure on June 4th

Recently Disneyland Resort made an announcement that we’ve all been anticipating, that Avengers Campus… an entirely new land dedicated to discovering, recruiting and training the next generation of Super Heroes – will open June 4, 2021 at the Disney California Adventure!

Inside this fully immersive land, guests will be invited to team up with the Avengers and their allies and live out your Super Hero dreams. Avengers Campus is comprised of several super hero locations, each hosted by a different Avenger to share their unique powers, technology and knowledge with recruits.

The first key area is the Worldwide Engineering Brigade, also known as WEB. This area will bring together bright innovators like Peter Parker who have been assembled by Tony Stark to invent new technologies and equip everyday people to become Super Heroes like the Avengers. WEB will house the new WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure, the first Disney ride-through attraction to feature the iconic friendly neighborhood Spider-Man!

The second anchor attraction will be a fan-favorite that opened in 2017, Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!

When it is time to take a break from all of the heroics, several new dining spots at Avengers Campus will offer dishes that are rich in both flavor and storytelling. One of these is Pym Test Kitchen,  a food innovation science lab where the food and drinks tell a story. Just as Ant-Man and The Wasp use “Pym Particles” to grow and shrink just about anything, Pym Technologies applies this science to the creation of shareable bites, inventive entrees and sweet treats. You will be able to savor such items as the Impossible™ plant-based large and micro meatballs with pasta, or the “Pym-ini,” a panini served by the slice or as a long, multi-portion sandwich.

Adjacent to the Pym Test Kitchen, an oversized beer can overhead signals that grown-up beverage tastings are available at Pym Tasting Lab. You can order a craft beer, ranging from a blood orange hefeweizen to an amber lager, or try one of the Pym Research Staff’s Pym Particle-infused cocktail experiments.

Both of these locations will be offering mobile ordering via the Disneyland app.

Guests can visit one of The Avengers favorite food joints, Shawarma Palace. There they can enjoy a shawarma wrap at this food cart, which is decked out with memorabilia for Avenger fans. Lastly, Taneleer Tivan did not limit his collection to lovable misfits; he is also curating a weird and wonderful menu of intergalactic eats at the Terran Treats food cart near Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!

Super Heroes will come to life in more exciting ways than ever throughout Avengers Campus. You may have heroic encounters with Iron Man, Captain Marvel, Black Panther, the Dora Milaje, Black Widow, Ant-Man and The Wasp, the Guardians of the Galaxy, Thor and even villains like Loki, some of whom are making their first appearances at the park.

Guests may even have the chance to witness Spider-Man swinging into action high above Avengers Campus with gravity-defying, acrobatic feats never seen before in a Disney theme park.

At a nearby ancient sanctum, Doctor Strange will be training recruits in the mystic arts by bringing this ancient sanctum to life with powerful spells. At night, the area will glow even more vividly with majestic colors and lights, pulsating with mystic energy.

There also will be plenty of shopping locations.

The WEB Suppliers store will offer the latest inventions, including interactive Spider-Bots much like the ones you will see in the new attraction, WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure. Each Spider-Bot has a remote control, and all eight articulated legs move forward and backward. You may customize your Spider-Bot with tactical upgrades to harness the powers and style of favorite Super Heroes, including Black Panther, Iron Man and Black Widow, as well as Ant-Man and The Wasp.

Other must-have items at WEB Suppliers include a specially-designed backpack to carry Spider-Bots when they are not in action, Spider-Man light goggles, a take-home spider web kit and Funko Pop! vinyl figurines of Spider-Man and Iron Man.

The Campus Supply Pod is the place to power up with official Avengers Campus gear, including performance fleece hoodies and tees, headwear, drinkware and other Super Hero supplies.

Creations Shop Opening this Summer at EPCOT

Walt Disney World announced today that the new flagship merchandise location at EPCOT will be called “Creations Shop” and will replace the former Mouse Gear.  The new shop is scheduled to open this summer.

Creations Shop will feature a bold, sleek design that creates a perfect showcase for large variety of items you’ll find as part of the guest experience at EPCOT.

The new store will include a Mickey Mouse mural along the side wall and homages to him throughout the shop. These large dynamic murals will showcase the global, contemporary icon that Mickey has become for generations around the world.

According to Imagineer Zach Riddley –

Creations Shop features a bold, sleek design that creates a perfect showcase for the rich variety of items you’ll find as part of your EPCOT experience. It will be an open, bright, welcoming environment with huge glass walls that allow sunlight to pour in and make you feel like you’re in touch with nature even while indoors. We are using color, materials and light in new ways with some unique EPCOT touches that connect back to this park’s storied past while looking to the future.

Adjacent to the shop will be a revitalized Club Cool Hosted by Coca-Cola, which will also open this summer.

According to Disney –

This will celebrate Coca-Cola in a fresh new way, while keeping the fan-favorite experience that invites you to explore tasty drinks from around the world. This space will also have some new magic to bring the global experience of Coca-Cola to life for you.

Disneyland Resort Announces Which Attractions Will be Running When Parks Re-Open

The Disneyland Resort has announced which attractions, restaurants and shops that will be operating and which ones that won’t be when Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure re-open to guests on April 30th.

Disneyland Attractions That Will Be Open –

  • Alice in Wonderland
  • Astro Orbitor
  • Autopia
  • Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
  • Casey Jr. Circus Train
  • Disneyland Railroad
  • Dumbo the Flying Elephant
  • Gadget’s Go Coaster
  • Haunted Mansion
  • Indiana Jones Adventure
  • It’s a Small World
  • King Arthur Carrousel
  • Mad Tea Party
  • Main Street Vehicles
  • Mark Twain Riverboat
  • Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
  • Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride
  • Peter Pan’s Flight
  • Pinocchio’s Daring Journey
  • Pirates of the Caribbean
  • Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin
  • Snow White’s Enchanted Wish
  • Space Mountain
  • Splash Mountain
  • Star Tours — The Adventures Continue
  • Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
  • Tarzan’s Treehouse
  • The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
  • Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room
  • Surprise character sightings

Disneyland Dining That Will Be Open –

  • Bengal Barbecue
  • Cafe Orleans
  • French Market Restaurant
  • Galactic Grill
  • Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor
  • Jolly Holiday Bakery Café
  • Little Red Wagon
  • Market House
  • Milk Stand
  • Mint Julep Bar
  • Plaza Inn — with modified service and menu
  • Red Rose Taverne
  • River Belle Terrace
  • Ronto Roasters
  • Ship to Shore Marketplace
  • Stage Door Cafe
  • The Tropical Hideaway
  • Churros, popcorn and ice cream carts

Disneyland Shops That Will Be Open –

  • Adventureland Bazaar
  • Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique — For merchandise only, no makeovers
  • Black Spire Outfitters
  • Candy Palace and Candy Kitchen
  • Creature Stall
  • Cristal d’Orleans
  • Crystal Arts
  • Disney Clothiers
  • Disney Showcase
  • Disneyana
  • Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities
  • Droid Depot
  • Emporium
  • First Order Cargo
  • It’s a Small World Toy Shop
  • Kaman’s Art Shoppe
  • Le Mascarade d’Orleans
  • Little Green Men Store Command
  • The Mad Hatter in Fantasyland
  • Main Street Magic Shop
  • Pieces of Eight
  • Pioneer Mercantile
  • Savi’s Workshop — Handbuilt Lightsabers
  • The Star Trader
  • Toydarian Toymaker
  • Balloons and glow carts

Disney California Adventure Attractions That Will Be Open –

  • Games of Pixar Pier
  • Goofy’s Sky School
  • Guardians of the Galaxy — Mission: Breakout
  • Incredicoaster
  • Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind
  • Jessie’s Critter Carousel
  • Jumpin’ Jellyfish
  • Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters
  • Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree
  • Mickey’s PhilharMagic
  • Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!
  • Pixar Pal-A-Round
  • Radiator Springs Racers
  • Silly Symphony Swings
  • Soarin’ Around the World
  • The Little Mermaid — Ariel’s Undersea Adventure
  • Toy Story Midway ManiaTurtle Talk with Crush
  • Games of Pixar Pier
  • Goofy’s Sky School
  • Guardians of the Galaxy — Mission: Breakout
  • Incredicoaster
  • Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind
  • Jessie’s Critter Carousel
  • Jumpin’ Jellyfish
  • Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters
  • Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree
  • Mickey’s PhilharMagic
  • Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!
  • Pixar Pal-A-Round
  • Radiator Springs Racers
  • Silly Symphony Swings
  • Soarin’ Around the World
  • The Little Mermaid — Ariel’s Undersea Adventure
  • Toy Story Midway ManiaTurtle Talk with Crush

Disney California Adventure Dining That Will Be Open –

  • Adorable Snowman Frosted Treats
  • Angry Dogs
  • Award Wieners
  • Carthay Circle Lounge — Alfresco Dining
  • Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill
  • Cozy Cone Motel – Cones 1-3
  • Cappuccino Cart
  • Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Café
  • Flo’s V8 Café
  • Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop
  • Hollywood Lounge
  • Lamplight Lounge
  • Pacific Wharf Distribution Co.
  • Poultry Palace
  • Rita’s Bajas Blenders
  • Senor Buzz Churros
  • Smokejumpers Grill
  • Sonoma Terrace
  • Studio Catering Co.
  • Churros, popcorn and ice cream carts

Disney California Adventure Shops That Will Be Open –

  • Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff
  • Collector’s Warehouse
  • Disneyland Backlot Premiere Shop
  • Elias & Co.
  • Kaman’s Art Shoppe
  • Kingswell Camera Shop
  • Knick’s Knacks
  • Off the Page
  • Paradise Pier Sunglass Cart
  • Ramone’s House of Body Art
  • Rushin’ River Outfitters
  • Seaside Souvenirs
  • Studio Store
  • Trolley Treats
  • Balloons and glow carts

Disney also included a full list of attractions that will be closed across the Resort on opening day, many due to refurbishments.

Disneyland Closed Attractions –

  • Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
  • Chip ‘n Dale Treehouse
  • Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes
  • Disneyland Monorail
  • Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln
  • Donald’s Boat
  • Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage
  • Frontierland Shootin’ Exposition
  • Goofy’s Playhouse
  • Jungle Cruise
  • Main Street Cinema
  • Matterhorn Bobsleds
  • Mickey’s House
  • Minnie’s House
  • Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island
  • Sailing Ship Columbia
  • Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough
  • Star Wars Launch Bay
  • Storybook Land Canal Boats

Disney California Adventure Closed Attractions –

  • Animation Academy
  • Bakery Tour
  • Blue Sky Cellar
  • Disney Junior Live on Stage
  • Golden Zephyr
  • Grizzly River Run
  • Red Car Trolley
  • Redwood Creek Challenge Trail
  • Sorcerers Workshop

Based on rumors as to what types of attractions the State of California was going to allow to be open, the list of open attractions is much larger than I had expected.

Is there any one particular attraction that you missed the most and are really looking forward to experiencing?

Disneyland Resort Announces Ticket and Park Reservation Information for Re-Opening

As previously announced, Disneyland and Disney California Adventure will be re-opening on April 30, with limited capacity.

When Disneyland Resort re-opens its two theme parks, they will have enhanced health and safety measures, and will limit capacity through a new theme park reservation system that requires all guests to obtain a reservation for park entry in advance. Theme park reservations will only be available online, in advance only, and for a specific date, subject to availability.

Disneyland provided some important information to help you plan ahead:

Theme Park Reservations:

To enter Disneyland park or Disney California Adventure park, both a theme park reservation and valid admission ticket for the same park on the same date are required for guests ages 3 and up. Guests must have a valid theme park admission ticket in order to make a reservation. Theme park reservations will be limited and subject to availability and, until further notice, only California residents may visit the parks, and in groups no larger than 3 households, in line with current state guidelines. 

The theme park reservation system will launch on April 12, and guests with existing valid theme park tickets can begin making park reservations for the days that their ticket is valid. Theme park ticket sales will resume on April 15, and guests without park tickets may begin purchasing tickets and making park reservations. As a reminder, ticket expiration dates were extended for many outstanding tickets. To accommodate as many types of ticket holders as possible, park reservations for select dates may be made available on a rolling basis. Ticket calendars will be updated on a rolling basis. Check for updated availability.

Here are some key dates to remember:

  • April 9: If guests currently hold a theme park ticket, they can check available days for your 1-day ticket type beginning April 9 on Disneyland.com/ParksUpdates.
  • April 12: The theme park reservation system will open no earlier than 8 AM PT on April 12.  Guests who already have valid theme park tickets may begin making park reservations at that time.
  • April 15: Theme park ticket sales will resume no earlier than 8 AM PT on April 15.. Guests without park tickets may begin purchasing tickets and making park reservations at that time.

Disneyland is asking guest to make sure that guests log in to their Disney account first to link valid theme park tickets prior to accessing the park reservation system.

See how to make a park reservation, below –

It is important for everyone to note that a hotel stay DOES NOT guarantee a theme park reservation. Guests with valid theme park admission tickets who are planning a stay at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa will also need to book a theme park reservation.  Disney is advising guest who plan to visit the theme parks during their stay to get their theme park reservation prior to making a hotel reservation.

If you have park hopper tickets, there is some good news. Guests with Park Hopper tickets may choose, pending availability, which theme park to start their day, when making their theme park reservations, and then will be able to visit the other park beginning at 1 PM that day. Guests with multi-day tickets will be required to make a separate park reservation for each day they plan to visit the theme parks.

Park Hours:

At this time Disney is planning that daily park hours for Disneyland and Disney California Adventure will be 9 AM to 7 PM.

Parking:

Theme park parking will be available at the Mickey & Friends and Pixar Pals parking structures, located off Disneyland Drive.

Dining: 

Disneyland Resort is planning to re-open dining bookings for select locations on April 22, with limited capacity. Guests will be able to book their dining reservation 60 days in advance on Disneyland.com or with the Disneyland App, subject to availability.

Disneyland Resort is also encouraging guests to use the mobile order service for a contactless and cashless experience.

Walt Disney World Updates Mask Policy

Walt Disney World has just announced that it will be modifying its mask policy to slightly loosen the requirements for when masks must be worn at the theme parks.

The latest update will begin on  April 8th.  The update will allow guests to remove masks when they are taking photos outdoors while physically distanced.

Specifically the new policy states –

Face coverings are required for all Guests (ages 2 and up) and Cast Members, including those who have received a COVID-19 vaccine. Please bring your own face coverings and wear them at all times, except when dining or swimming. You may temporarily remove your face covering while actively eating, drinking or taking an outdoor photo, but you must be stationary and maintain appropriate physical distancing during this time.

It is important to note that masks must be worn at all other times, in accordance with the original guidelines for the park’s reopening back in July of 2020.