Month: July 2021

Walt Disney World Updates Mask Policy to Require Everyone to Wear Masks When Indoors

What is old is new again!

Disney has updated its mask policy following the latest CDC guidance which was published on July 27th.  The US theme parks have moved quickly to again require all guests and Cast Members to wear masks when indoors, regardless of vaccination status.

The new indoor mask requirement will go into effect on July 30th at both Walt Disney World in Florida, and Disneyland Resort in California.

This policy change is a return to an earlier policy that was in place prior to the Disney updated the policy on June 15th when they eliminated mask requirements for those who are fully vaccinated except when using enclosed transportation.

According to news reports, Orange County is seeing a rapid surge in COVID-19 cases. AdventHealth, the area’s primary healthcare provider, has said its ICUs are at capacity, and the system has moved to a red alert level.

Disney has updated the Health and Safety notice on its website to notify guests that policies may change at anytime.

As we have done since reopening, we’ve been very intentional and gradual in our approach to our COVID-19 health and safety protocols. Based on recent trends and regulatory guidance, Walt Disney World Resort will be making adjustments to these measures, which may continue to change at any time without notice.

We encourage people to get vaccinated.

Below is the latest Disney World mask policy in full:

Effective July 30

Beginning July 30, face coverings are required for all Guests (ages 2 and up) while indoors and in Disney buses, monorail and Disney Skyliner, regardless of vaccination status. This includes upon entering and throughout all attractions. Face coverings remain optional for all Guests in outdoor common areas.

Face Covering Requirements until July 30

While face coverings are required for all Guests (ages 2 and up) while in Disney buses, monorail and Disney Skyliner, they are now optional in most areas for Guests who are fully vaccinated. While we do not require proof of vaccination, we expect Guests who are not fully vaccinated to continue wearing face coverings in all indoor locations and upon entering and throughout all attractions and transportation except ferry boats.

Four Popular Walt Disney World Restaurants Get Re-Opening Dates

Today Walt Disney World announced re-opening dates for four popular Walt Disney World restaurants.

Yachtsman Steakhouse at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort will be re-opening on August 5th, with guests being able book starting July 29th.

Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort re-opens August 5th, with booking also available July 29th.

At the Magic Kingdom, Columbia Harbour House makes its return on August 5th.

Pizzafari re-opens at Disney’s Animal Kingdom on August 2nd.

Bob Chapek and Josh D’Amaro to speak at Destination D23

Presentations by Bob Chapek and Josh D’Amaro will headline ..Destination D23 2021.

The event will come to Disney’s Contemporary Resort at Walt Disney World November 19 – 21, 2021.

The welcome presentation with Bob Chapek, CEO, The Walt Disney Company headlines the event, alongside “What’s New and What’s Next for Disney Parks, Experiences and Products” with Chairman Josh D’Amaro.

According to Disney –

The exclusive presentation will feature updates on some of the most anticipated projects around the world. And as D23 Members know, there is always a surprise or two in store!

Tickets go on sale on July 29th at 1 PM ET. The Virtual Waiting Room will open at 1 PM ET.

Pricing for General Seating: $249 (plus $7 processing fee), Preferred Seating: $399 (plus $7 processing fee).

For those unable to be live at the event in person, select segments of Destination D23 will be live-streamed on D23.com and D23 social media channels.

Walt Disney World Expands Number of Performances of ‘A Celebration of Festival of the Lion King

Disney’s Animal Kingdom will be adding more daily performances of ‘A Celebration of Festival of the Lion King’ later this month.

Beginning July 31st, Walt Disney World will be increasing the number of performances from six per day to eight per day.

The first show will begin an hour earlier, at 9:30 AM, with a shorter midday break to accommodate another show.

The new schedule from July 31 will be: 9:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM, 4:00 PM, and 5:00 PM.

The show that will be performed will still the modified version, which does not include the tumble monkies and aerial acts.

Magic Kingdom Re-Opens Two More Snack Kiosks Today

Walt Disney World re-opened two more snack kiosks today at the Magic Kingdom.

In Fantasyland, Cheshire Cafe has re-opened, offering the Cheshire Cat Tail, a slushy, and coffee.

Operating hours for the Cheshire Cafe are currently 9 AM to 7 PM daily.

Located across from the Little Mermaid, Prince Eric’s Village Market is also now open. Menu items include Turkey Leg, Pretzels, fruits, and slushies.

Operating hours for Prince Eric’s Village Market are 11 AM to 6 PM daily.

Disney Cruise Line to Resume Bahamian Itineraries from Florida in August

Beginning August 9th, the Disney Dream will kick off the long-awaited return to cruising from the United States, with tropical voyages to the Bahamas departing from Port Canaveral, Florida.

Three and four-night cruises will visit Disney’s  private island, Castaway Cay, for an unforgettable vacation at sea.

Yolanda Cade, Director, Public Relations, Disney Signature Experience stated on the Disney Parks Blog recently –

I’m speaking on behalf of our entire cast and crew when I emphatically say, “We have missed you!” Right now, we’re working hard to get ready for your return, and our focus remains on operating in a responsible way while creating magic for all on board. That’s why we’ve enhanced our health and safety measures to promote wellness for guests and crew aboard our ships and in the destinations we visit.

Disney Cruise Line will not require vaccinations, but Disney will be requiring pre-trip and embarkation COVID-19 testing. Guests must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test (paid for at the Guest’s expense) taken between 5 days and 24 hours prior to the sail date ($98.33 per PCR test). Guests are then required to undergo a rapid PCR COVID-19 test ($65) at the terminal prior to boarding. Guests with positive COVID-19 test results, as well as those in their travel party, will be denied boarding.

Guests who are fully vaccinated may choose to provide proof of vaccination in order to be exempt from pre-trip and Embarkation Day testing requirements.