4 springtime activities we love at Walt Disney World
The resort is currently celebrating its 50th anniversary celebration, and now is the perfect time to celebrate the season and upcoming Easter holiday. If you plan on visiting, we have uncovered a number of fun activities for families to experience while out exploring the theme parks and nearby resort hotels.
Smithsonian museum looking to display your Disney photos
Your family’s Disney photos could soon be shown at the Smithsonian. The National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C., wants you to share photos from Disney World or Disneyland for a new project to show how the theme parks have changed over time.
Memo: Disney pauses COVID-19 vaccine mandate in Florida
Disney has paused its policy requiring Florida-based employees to take the COVID-19 vaccine following new laws passed by the state’s legislature last week that limit employers’ power to require vaccinations, according to a memo sent to employees.
Tras 7 meses en silencio, Machu Picchu reabre al turismo
“Los visitantes de todo el mundo sobre todo deben entender eso, Machu Picchu no es Disney World, no es un lugar para venir, gritar y subirse a una montaña rusa”, finalizó. Antes de entrar, a los visitantes se les tomará la temperatura, tendrán que usar máscaras y dentro deben distanciarse dos metros entre sí. Los grupos, junto a un guía, no serán mayores de ocho personas y no están permitidos menores de 12 años. “Machu Picchu realmente ha podido descansar”, dijo a The Associated Press el director del parque arqueológico José Bastante, un arqueólogo de 43 años que sube todas las mañanas desde Aguas Calientes, el pueblo más cercano, en una camioneta blanca para supervisar los detalles. If you need help with the Public File, call (954) 364-2526.
What could Disney crowds look like when the park reopens? We take a guess at the numbers
ORLANDO, Fla. – Walt Disney World is set to once again open its gates to the Magic Kingdom following a lengthy closure due to the coronavirus pandemic. But with most families staying inside and not traveling, how crowded will the theme parks really be when they reopen? Park Capacity Capacity at 25% Magic Kingdom 57,000 people 14,250 people Epcot 34,093 people 8,523 people Hollywood Studios 30,843 people 7,710 people Animal Kingdom 37,671 people 9,417 peopleA park at 25% capacity would mean very minimal wait times. As we can all imagine, visiting a Disney theme park when it reopens will be a new experience for all -- no matter how many times you’ve visited. The Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom parks will open first July 11, with Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios reopening July 15.
Here’s everything you should know before heading to Walt Disney World’s phased reopening
According to Disney, buses and monorails will implement a combination of physical distancing and physical barriers to provide separation between guest parties. Ground markings will help promote proper physical distancing in attraction queues at Walt Disney World Resort theme parks in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Matt Stroshane, photographer)In order to provide appropriate social distancing, Walt Disney World is only allowing a limited number of guests to visit each theme park per day. “Ground markings will help promote proper physical distancing throughout the parks, including attraction queues,” Disney said. Guests at Walt Disney World Resort theme parks in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., are encouraged to use cashless payment options whenever possible when making purchases as the parks begin their phased reopening July 11, 2020.
In case you missed it: Disney’s Splash Mountain to be re-themed to ‘Princess and the Frog’
It’s transformation central at Disney Parks in the U.S., as Disney officially announced that it has big plans for Splash Mountain at Walt Disney World and Disneyland. MORE: Petition calls for Disney Parks to change theme of Splash MountainIf you haven’t heard of the film, you’re not alone. If you’re unfamiliar with Splash Mountain, here’s a little background. Splash Mountain follows happy-go-lucky Br’er Rabbit as he looks for his “laughing place.” All the while, Br’er Bear and Br’er Fox are in hot pursuit of Br’er Rabbit. “Many adults and children ride this attraction because it brings back childhood memories,” the “Keep Splash Mountain” petition said.
Love in the time of coronavirus: ‘It’s times like these that make you realize what’s most important in life’
PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. – After a five-year relationship with Mara Gordon, Local 10 News Photojournalist Jason Weitzman was ready for a marriage proposal. He had planned on getting on one knee in front of the iconic Cinderella Castle. But the power of love pushed him to get down on one knee and mumble a few words from the heart. “It is times like these that make you realize what’s most important in life,” Gordon said. And when the wedding planning begins, she will also remember: “You don’t need fancy things all the time.”
Universal Orlando seeks to reopen theme parks in early June
ORLANDO, Fla. Universal Orlando is aiming to reopen its theme parks in early June, a resort official said Thursday, more than two months after the company joined crosstown rivals Disney World and SeaWorld in closing their gates to stop the spread of the new coronavirus. Universal Orlando executive John Sprouls asked Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings for approval to open the companys theme parks as early as June 5, the Orlando Sentinel reported. Universal, Disney World and SeaWorld have been closed since mid-March in an effort to stop the virus's spread. Officials with Disney World havent said when they plan to reopen. Many of those same protocols will be implemented at the theme parks.
How well do you know Epcot's World Showcase?
But when you visit Epcot's World Showcase at Walt Disney World in Florida, you can do just that. Related: 6 free things to do on your next Disney World vacation -- yes, really | Are you getting the most out of your Disney FastPass? | The Wonderful Walls of Disney: A trend that was never meant to beSome may say this is one of the more relaxing and scenic areas around Walt Disney World. Name a better morning routine than sipping a Joffrey's coffee on the banks of World Showcase Lagoon. This story is for those who think they know everything there is to know about World Showcase.
Disney World guest punches cast member over Fast Pass
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. - A Disney World guest got so angry when she was told her Fast Pass wouldn't work on the Tower of Terror ride, she punched a cast member, according to the Orange County Sheriff's Office. The victim said a 23-year-old Chicago woman and the guests she was with got angry and verbally aggressive when she told them that their Fast Pass wasn't valid for the ride. The cast member moved the woman's hand away, and that's when she was punched in the face, according to authorities. Deputies said the victim had minor swelling near her left eye but refused medical attention and declined prosecution. The woman, who was not arrested, has been trespassed from Disney property.
2 long-time Disney World rides to close doors for good
ORLANDO, Fla. – Sunday marked the end of an era for two popular Disney World rides. Fans will say their final farewell to Epcot’s Universe of Energy and Hollywood Studios’ The Great Movie Ride, two of the theme-parks’ longest-running rides. During Disney’s D-23 Expo last month, company officials plans to open a “Guardians of the Galaxy” ride in place of The Universe of Energy. The Great Movie Ride will also close its doors for the final time Sunday evening. The ride, which company officials described as “groundbreaking” will be Disney's first ride based on Mickey Mouse.