What do you feel it will be like for us when WDW opens again using our mobility wheelchairs & scooters?

Hi, jo-jo.

I guess we will have to wait and see and from someone that goes in July..

There are several attraction rides like MK's mermaid where you could park it.

For some attraction rides, the cast members have to move the mobility scooter/wheelchair because the loading is not at the unloading.

I wonder if Disney will change the way getting out of wheelchairs/scooter at rides. Usually DH would stay in wheelchair until maybe 10 - 20 feet from the ride, then CM would take the chair. Will disney now want the guest to put the chair in the parking spot, so less contact between guest and CMs?
 
Post #62-Disney's Required Action for Guests with Upcoming Resort Reservations- kennythepirate Donna Farmer - June 7, 2020

So much information in only two days from different websites trying to explain them.

Review of New Information
Transportation and Merchandise Updates
Resort Amenities and Experiences that will be unavailable
The ONLY Character Meal Offered
A Resort Reservation will NOT guarantee Park access
Check-in procedures and cancellation policies for resort guests

As select Walt Disney World Resorts prepare to on June 22, 2020, guests who have a resort reservation booked between June 22, 2020, and July 4, 2020, have received an email to either confirm, modify, or cancel their resort reservation.

Action is required by June 12, 2020. Guests will need to select one of the following options in regards to their upcoming reservation:

#1: “I’m Still planning on coming”
This is included in the email: Many Disney Resort benefits and amenities may be temporarily unavailable. Select Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground will be open during your travel dates but other Disney Resort hotels will remain closed.
If you have a reservation at a Disney Resort hotel that won’t be open during your travel dates, we can help modify your Disney Resort hotel reservation. And if you have a room and theme park ticket package, we can help modify that too.

#2: “I’m Planning on Modifying My Reservation”
If you have a reservation at a Disney Resort hotel that won’t be open during your travel dates, we can help modify your Disney Resort hotel reservation. And if you have a room and theme park ticket package, we can help modify that, too.
Note, due to system update, online modifications are currently unavailable. After choosing this option, we will validate your selection then provide the next steps
.

#3: “I’m Planning on Cancelling My Reservation”
Please note, additional action will be required to cancel your reservation online. After choosing this option we will validate your selection then provide the next steps.

In the initial phased reopening only select hotels will be available. Guests are told that they may be moved from a closed to an open resort.

If a resort change is needed due to resort closures, the guest will not be charged additional fees. Along with this, a special resort request is not available as Disney will reassign guests as needed.

Those with resort reservations with a Park Ticket Package that will be arriving prior to July 11, 2020 when select theme parks will reopen will be downgraded from their ticket package.

These guests have the option of moving their reservation to new dates or they may cancel their reservation.

Cancellations
In light of the phased reopening of Walt Disney Resorts and Theme Parks, Disney is “waving Disney-imposed change and cancellation fees up to the date of check-in for reservations with arrivals through October 3, 2020.”
 
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Post #63-Disney World's and Disneyland's Current News and Information About Travel to Disney World and Disneyland in 2020 - FAQ & Links DFB Janelle Sheetz - June 7, 2020

Food Blog has this very comprehensive history listing links since the start of the Disney closures including their updates as of June 5, 2020, Friday. I suppose you could return to this link to see updates.

Almost 100 links on one page in outline form.

I was impressed.

This post was last updated on June 5th







Disney World News
Union Leader Shares That the Disney College Program Will Not Resume “Anytime Soon” <– NEW
Disney Publicly Confirms That Multi-Day Theme Park Tickets Are Extended Through September 2021 <– NEW
Disney World Has an OFFICIAL Reopening Date
Disney World Is Polling Guests About the New Health Measures
Disney World to Submit Reopening Plans
Disney World Canceling More June Reservations
Everything You Need to See About a Reopened Disney Springs
Health Measures Implemented in Disney Springs Upon Reopening
Health Measure Details for Disney Springs Reopening
Disney World Canceling Early June Vacations
Disney World No Longer Accepting Reservations Before July 1st
Disney World Closure Extended “Until Further Notice”https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020...-longer-accepting-reservations-before-july-1/
Full List of Disney World Refunds
Virtual Queues Being Considered for Domestic Disney Parks
Health Measures In Consideration for the Disney Parks
Disney World Comments on Reopeninghttps://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020...-longer-accepting-reservations-before-july-1/
Reservation Availability Does Not Indicate Park Reopening, Says Disney World Senior VPhttps://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020...-longer-accepting-reservations-before-july-1/
Disney World Will Have Modified Attractions and Capacity Limitshttps://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020...-longer-accepting-reservations-before-july-1/
Disney Springs Custodial Cast Members Were Called Back to Workhttps://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020...-longer-accepting-reservations-before-july-1/
Disney World Free Dining No Longer Available for Affected Guestshttps://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020...-longer-accepting-reservations-before-july-1/
Private Disney World Vacation Package for Guests Affected by Closurehttps://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020...-longer-accepting-reservations-before-july-1/
Most Disney World Dining and Events Reservation are Unavailable through July 1sthttps://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020...-longer-accepting-reservations-before-july-1/
Analysts Predict Disney World Could Open in Late July
Disney World Character Meal Changeshttps://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020...head-of-the-curve-when-it-comes-to-reopening/
Disney World Suspension of Transportationhttps://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020...head-of-the-curve-when-it-comes-to-reopening/
Tables in Wonderland Updatehttps://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020...head-of-the-curve-when-it-comes-to-reopening/
Annual Passholder Updatehttps://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020...head-of-the-curve-when-it-comes-to-reopening/
Disney World Park Ticket Refund Policy
Disney Parks Are “Closed Until Further Notice.” But What Does That Mean?!




Florida News
Florida Governor Announces Most of State Will Move Into Phase Two of Reopening
Vice President Pence Visits Orlando to Discuss Economic Reopening
Orange County Mayor Predicts Theme Parks Won’t Open Until June or Later
Florida Theme Parks to Submit a Plan for Reopening
Florida Sports Venues are Able to Open in “Full Phase One”
Small Orlando Theme Parks Request to Reopen in Florida’s Phase Two
Florida Governor Extends Phase One Reopening to Two Closed Counties
Theme Park “Health Ambassador” and Standardizing Among Ideas Discussed by Orange County Economic Recovery Task
Orange County Convention Center to Host 30,000 People Next Month
Orlando Mayor Cancels 4th of July Fireworks
Mayor Demings Provides an Update on Orange County’s Progress
Orlando Mall at Millenia Re-Opened
The Latest from Orlando Tourism Orange County Task Force Group
Barbershops and Salons Reopening
Florida Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force Advocates for Disney World Opening
Important Details from Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force
Mayor Demings Extends Curfew and Announces Reopening
Florida State Parks Reopen May 4th
Takeaways from Florida Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force
Proposed 3-Phase Plan to Reopen Florida, Including Theme Parks
Initial Plan to Reopen Theme Parks Proposed by Orange County Task Force
Governor DeSantis Announces Plan to Start Reopening Florida
Takeaways from Florida’s Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force
Florida Task Force Considers Who Should Determine Theme Park Reopenings
More Info from the Recent Florida Task Force Meetings
Theme Park Reopening Guidelines Discussed by the Florida Task Force
Florida Government Comments on the Peak of the Health Crisis
Submit Comment Cards to the Re-Open Florida Task Force
Reopenings for Hotels, Restaurants, and More Discussed in Florida Task Force Meeting
More Restaurant Reopening Details Discussed by the Florida Task Force
Airport Protocols Discussed by Re-Open Florida Task Force
Cruise Line Protocols Discussed by Re-Open Florida Task Force
Key Points from Re-Open Florida Task Force Meeting
Florida Task Force Discusses Safely Reopening Restaurants
Orlando Theme Park Reopening Procedure Discussed by Florida Task Force
Florida Floats a Plan to Rebuild the Tourism Economy
Florida Task Force Examines Gradual Reopening of Disney World
Disney World President Appointed to Florida Task Force
Florida Allows the Reopening of Some Beaches
Florida Schools Closed through End of Semester
Bob Iger Joins Florida Task Force
Florida is Working on a Reopening Plan
Florida’s State Budget May Take a Big Hit
Florida’s Surgeon General Warns that Things Could Remain Until a Vaccine Exists
Furloughed Disney Employees May Be Auto-Enrolled into Florida’s Unemployment System
Expected Peak for the Health Crisis in Florida







Other Theme Parks News
SeaWorld to Use Guest Reservation System Upon Reopening Theme Parks <– NEW
We’re LIVE from the Public Reopening of Universal Orlando’s Theme Parks <– NEW
We’re LIVE at the Reopening of Universal Orlando’s Theme Parks
Our First Look at a Reopened Theme Park! Step Inside Universal Studios Resort With Us!
Universal Studios Hollywood Might Be Looking To Reopen in July
Select Universal Orlando Hotels Will Reopening June 2nd
Universal Orlando Annual Passholders Can Register For a Reopening Preview
Legoland Proposes a Reopening Date
SeaWorld Orlando Announces a Proposed Reopening Date of June 11th
Universal Orlando Is Officially Reopening on June 5
Universal Orlando’s Reopening Plan Approved by Orange County Mayor
Universal Orlando Resort Presents Safety Measure Plan for Reopening
Universal Orlando Resort Proposes Early June Reopening
Several Smaller Attractions in Orlando Request Late May Reopening
Legoland Has Initial Approval for June 1st Reopening
Florida’s Fun Spot American and Gatorland Request Reopening Dates
Tennessee Theme Parks Cleared to Open
Texas Theme Parks Release a Reopening Proposal
Live from the Reopening of Universal’s CityWalk
Universal Orlando’s CityWalk Has Reopened
Dining at a Reopened Universal’s CityWalk
Temperature Checks at a Reopened Universal’s CityWalk
Universal Orlando Epic Universe Theme Park Construction to Remain On Pause Until Economy Starts to Recover
Six Flags Using Date and Time Reservations When Open
Universal Orlando CityWalk to Open on May 14th
Universal Sends Out Surveys About Reopening
Owner of Knott’s Berry Farm Says Parks Might Stay Closed the Rest of the Year
SeaWorld Orlando Offering Free Tier Upgrades to Annual Passholders
Universal Orlando CityWalk Reportedly Planning a Partial Reopening
Epic Universe Theme Park Construction Delayed
Universal Studios to Implement Employee Temperature Checks
Furloughed Universal Orlando Employees will be Auto-Enrolled into Florida’s Unemployment System
Universal Orlando Annual Pass Update
Sea World Closure Extended
Universal Closure Extended
SeaWorld Closure
Universal Studios Closure
Universal Studios Extends Closure
 
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Post #64-Disney's Full List of Dining Locations Opening at Disney World Resorts - PHOTOS - kennythepirate Jamie Fonseca - June 7, 2020

Dining reservations are still not available at this time. Once the new reservation system rolls out, guests traveling within 60 days will have opportunities to book dining for the length of their stay (up to 10 days for onsite guests).

It should be noted that dining reservations do not guarantee admission to the park once they reopen.

We also know that character dining will not be available. However, a modified character dining experience will be offered at Disney’s Riviera Resort at Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera.

Here is a complete list of dining locations that will be available at select Disney World Resorts

Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
  • The Wave… of American Flavors
  • The Wave Lounge
  • Contempo Café
  • Cove Bar

Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
  • Whispering Canyon Cafe
  • Roaring Fork

Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
  • Whispering Canyon Cafe
  • Roaring Fork
  • Geyser Point Bar & Grill

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
  • Sanaa
  • Kidani Breakfast at Sanaa
  • Sanaa Lounge
  • Maji Pool Bar

Disney’s Beach Club Villas
  • Beaches and Cream Soda Shop
  • Beach Club Marketplace
  • Martha’s Vineyard

Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
  • Trattoria al Forno (this excludes Character Dining, which is temporarily unavailable)
  • Pizza Window
  • BoardWalk Bakery
  • Leaping Horse Libations
  • AbracadaBar

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
  • P&J’s Southern Takeout
  • Meadow Snack Bar
  • Crockett’s Tavern

Disney’s Old Key West Resort Dining
  • Olivia’s Café
  • Good’s Food to Go
  • Gurgling Suitcase

Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
  • Kona Cafe
  • Capt. Cook’s
  • Pineapple Lanai
  • Barefoot Pool Bar

Disney’s Riviera Resort
  • Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera (please note that the Character Dining experience will be modified)
  • Primo Piatto
  • Le Petit Café
  • Bar Riva

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort
  • The Artist’s Palette
  • The Paddock Grill
  • On the Rocks Pool Bar

The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
  • Grand Floridian Cafe
  • Gasparilla Island Grill
  • Enchanted Rose
  • Beaches Pool Bar & Grill
 
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Post #65-Rumor: Disney Will Not Allow Guests To Park Hop With New Park Reservation System - PHOTOS - kennythepirate Monica Street - June 7, 2020

Recently, Walt Disney World shared that they would be requiring guests to make a park reservation using a new system they will be releasing in the coming weeks.

Under this new system, guests with reservations and tickets will have priority access to booking the parks they would like to visit during their stay.

According to an email released by Virgin Holidays, a UK travel agency, when choosing parks while using the new park reservation system, guests will be limited to one park per day.

SINCE THIS INFORMATION IS FROM Virgin Holidays AND NOT DIRECTLY FROM DISNEY I DON'T KNOW IF THIS IS TRUE AS OF JUNE 7TH. I GUESS TIME WILL TELL. BUT ALREADY SUSPECTED THIS MIGHT BE TRUE. I CAN'T FIND THIS INFO FROM THE DISNEY WEBSITE.

Under this rule, park hopping will not be allowed.

The email reads as follows:

A new park reservation system

When the parks reopen, park attendance will be managed through a new park reservation system.

To enter a park, both a park reservation and valid admission for the same park on the same date is required. Reservations need to be made via My Disney Experience in the coming weeks. You can request one park a day. As customers won’t need to hop between parks, the hopper service is currently suspended.

This reservation applies for all confirmed tickets through 2020, so reserve your parks as early as possible to help plan your itinerary.

While it is important to note that this has not yet been confirmed by Walt Disney World, this rumor can potentially be accurate.

Walt Disney World intends to significantly reduce capacity at their theme parks. In an effort to control capacity, it would make sense not to allow guests to have the ability to move from park to park on a given day.

As it currently stands, Guests who hold Annual Passes and Park Hopper tickets have not seen any changes made to their ticket status.
 
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Who Will Get Access to the New Disney World Reservation System First? - June 8, 2020

Disney has been very quiet ever since that announcement regarding the system itself and who will be able to book it.

First, here is what we know to be true so far:

In the meeting with the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force, Disney stated they have established significant limits in overall attendance for each park and the locations within. They will manage overall attendance demand with a new theme park reservation system that will require Guests to obtain a reservation for park entry in advance.

A few hours later, Disney shared an official written announcement. In the announcement, it was made known that new ticket sales and room reservations were going to be temporarily paused so Disney could work with existing Guests.

Existing ticket holders and Annual Passholders would also be able to make reservation requests in phases before new tickets are sold.

During the limited capacity period, it may be difficult for Annual Passholders to get park reservations to visit on certain dates. To help manage capacity, total reservation days held at one time will be limited. More details will be shared in the coming weeks.

In other terms, Annual Passholders will be limited in how many days they can make park reservations. They could cap reservations for APs at xx days in one month, xx days in a row (I intentionally did not put real numbers there), or any other combination of numbers you can think of.

Who do I think is going to have priority booking for the new reservation system?

I initially (before the reopening plan was even announced) believed Disney Vacation Club members and Annual Passholders along with Florida residents would be the first in the parks. I figured this was a pretty safe start. However, no mention of DVC or Florida residents was discussed in the Task Force meeting.

After the initial announcement, I speculated Annual Passholders and Guests with current vacations booked would be the first to receive the opportunity to obtain a park reservation.

Upon hearing DVC accommodations would be available on June 22, I lumped DVC members into the above category.

Now, after the announcement regarding Annual Passholders, I don’t necessarily think Annual Passholders will get first access. I think the top priority will go to any Guest with a room reservation and valid tickets. This is especially true after hearing Disney say they were pausing new reservations and ticket sales.

Annual Passholders who also have room reservations will be lumped into this priority access.

Then, Annual Passholders without room reservations will be given next priority followed by Guests with room reservations but no tickets. Purchasing tickets will be a requirement prior to getting into the system.

Finally, new ticket sales and room reservations can open up if capacity has not been reached.

But who is considered an onsite Guest?

So, if I believe Guests with a room reservation AND valid park tickets are going to get first priority, who is considered an onsite guest?

As we all know, there are several hotels that partner with Disney and are on Disney property but are not considered official Disney hotels.

Swan and Dolphin, Shades of Green, and Disney Springs hotels all offer various benefits that are offered for Guests who stay onsite. 60-day FastPasses+, Extra Magic Hours, and the ability to make dining reservations for your entire trip on your 180-day booking window are some of the accommodations that have been extended to Guests staying at these partner hotels.

According to other reports that received confirmation from Disney sources, these Guests will be included in the priority access to the reservation system. There is an agreement between Disney World and these resorts so I think they will be included.

Of course, as we’ve heard for the last 2 months, this is a very fluid situation where things change by the day. We may see this change once people start canceling trips and Disney has a better idea of how many people still have reservations on any given date.

Until Disney confirms who exactly is getting into the new reservation and in what order, this is all speculation based on the information we do have so far.
 
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Post #67-Will Disney's DAS be Available when Disney Reopens? - PHOTOS - kennythepirate Heather Alosa - June 8, 2020

What is DAS?

The new Disability Access Service (DAS) will allow Guests with disabilities at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort to receive a return time for attractions based on the current wait time.
Guests Relations at the front of each park will continue to assist Guests and provide assistance that is responsive to their unique circumstances.

How does it work?

The DAS Card is designed to accommodate guests who aren’t able to wait in a conventional queue environment due to a disability (including non-apparent disabilities).
DAS will be issued at Guest Relations main entrance locations and will offer guests a return time for attractions based on the current wait time. As soon as the Guest finishes one attraction, they can receive a return time for another.
This service can be used in addition to Disney’s FASTPASS Service and Disney FastPass+ service.

But will I be able to use it when the parks reopen?

This a concern for many who use the DAS, especially with all of the unknowns of what the parks will look like when they reopen. The tweet below shares some good news!

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DAS services will be available when the parks reopen! Disney has always been accommodating to all families when visiting “the most magical place on Earth.” I am happy to see that this will continue for those families that need this to enjoy the magic that Disney brings.

Some of our writers use the DAS system to enjoy the magic with their families. Read their stories HERE and HERE.

AUsome Disney: Visiting Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge

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As any family traveling with a loved one with sensory differences knows, new experiences are daunting. We took a chance visiting Galaxy’s Edge at Hollywood Studios on its second day of opening, and I’m so glad we did! (A new feature to the website will be regular articles by a mom with an autistic child. She will share her tips and experiences on navigating the parks with sensory needs.)


I had originally planned our day to be a short one at Magic Kingdom followed by some resort pool time because Kenny’s Crowd Calendar (yay green park!) noted Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party would close MK early. But after checking the My Disney Experience app to see stand-by times for Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at only 95 minutes at 6 pm, we hopped on a bus for Hollywood Studios!

As soon as we arrived, we obtained a Millennium Falcon Smuggler’s Run (MFSR) Disability Access Service (DAS) return time from a blue umbrella Guest Experience cast member. Our return time was 85 minutes later, around 8 pm. Perfect. Now we could walk slowly back to Galaxy’s Edge, taking as much time as needed to navigate through the crowd and keep our son’s sensory system from getting heat overload.

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Our first impression of GE is that it was impressively true to the Star Wars aesthetic. We had fun admiring all the details and taking pictures with the various famous props and vehicles from the Star Wars universe. After we were done looking around, there was still 30 minutes remaining on our DAS time; so we went to the closest air-conditioned attraction to help our son stay regulated: Muppet Vision 3D, which is always reliable amusement.

After that cute movie, we walked back to MFSR and approached a cast member at the entrance about where to enter for a DAS return time. “Right this way!” he said and directed us up the single rider entrance. Yay! I was excited and nervous. Would our son enjoy this experience? Would there be a pre-show period of pressure as he tried to keep quiet in a confined space like for Avatar’s Flight of the Passage? Would it be hard for him to act out his “role” on the mission? Well, the transition from queue to attraction turned out to be a relaxed series of preshow, hallways and waiting area, easily managed sensory-wise with my young man’s trusty earmuffs.


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We were each given a mission “ticket.” My husband and son were designated “gunners” and I was an “engineer.” Some relief for me as I knew these were not the first-row “pilot” tickets that required more effort. I realized later, it’s totally fine to switch tickets with other people in your boarding group if they’re fine with it too.

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And the ride turned out really fun for all of us! Although yes, how well you do your role does affect your “ride,” it isn’t catastrophic to everyone’s experience if someone doesn’t have expert gamer skills. In fact, funny story: the right-side pilot in our crew was an older gentleman who decided he wanted to do nothing on this mission and I mean, literally nothing. There’s a part in the beginning when he was supposed to activate warp speed by pulling his lighted lever, but despite his wife repeatedly saying to him “Honey, pull that down!” he just sat there with his hands on his lap then . . . and the whole time. I’m laughing now as I write thinking about how comical the whole thing was. In effect, for our entire mission, we had no right pilot! It was still fun though and my son enjoyed pushing his gunner buttons when they lit up.

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And I think I managed well enough as engineer even though I don’t normally like to play video games. It wasn’t stressful at all and the scenes were really cool to watch.

MF.jpg



I also think too, there’s a point when you just have to concede that you’re going to give up some effectiveness in your role if you’re also going to watch all the action at the front. No one has two sets of eyes for both the scenes at the front and the buttons on your side at the same time. I suppose if we were on the mission with three other people who really took it seriously, I might have felt differently if they had made comments about how we did. (Note we were able to come back two more evenings on our trip when the stand-by times for this ride was never more than 40 minutes and both times the other three people we rode with were very nice.) The sensory input for this ride is very similar to Star Tours.

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After the ride, we decided to have a light dinner at Docking Bay 7. We ate at a cool table “made” from scrap spaceship wings. It was late – around 8:30 pm – so we were able to get a table with not too much difficulty after ordering. It was quite sensory in Docking Bay 7 though, as there are loud sounds of docking bay doors opening overhead every 15 minutes and all the surfaces are hard, which bounces sound around a lot. However, it also has some tall booths and effective air-conditioning; so this counter restaurant could be a good dining spot for any families needing relief from summer heat. I had the cold shrimp noodles and my son had the mac and cheese. We both thought our food was good. The cast member for our section was funny, asking if we were successful on our smuggling mission and lamenting that she was there working off her debt because her mission had not been successful. The immersive story interactions with Batuu cast members are fun.

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I had been unnecessarily anxious about whether Batuu would be a planet that my non-speaking autistic teen could enjoy; so I hope this little post about our time there encourages another family like ours to give it a try. To the spire!

My Experience Using Disability Access Service with Rise of the Resistance

With Rise of the Resistance opening recently, many guests have questions about boarding groups and how it all works. Kenny has detailed the procedure here. But where do guests utilizing the Disability Access Service (DAS) Pass fit in?


Disney’s answer has been that guests utilizing a DAS pass still need to arrive early and obtain a boarding group the way Kenny describes. Then, once a guest’s boarding group is called, the DAS pass will allow that guest and their party to enter the currently unused FastPass line to avoid the 30-70 minute wait in the queue. They do not need to obtain a return time as with other rides.

Many guests, including myself and my son, have limitations that preclude us from arriving in the pre-dawn hours and standing in a huge crowd to obtain a boarding pass. If we have a DAS pass, there’s a reason, and we are no more able to follow the procedure for obtaining a boarding pass than we are able to wait in standard queues for all the other rides.

What it's Like to Experience Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance on Opening Weekend (and how I got a Star Wars Character Meal out of it!)

I followed my instincts and politely emailed guest services (guest.services@disneyworld.com) with my concerns. It took over a week for them to respond, which is atypical for inquiries sent to the email address. I emailed them on December 13, they called back on December 21.


They happened to call while my husband was at Hollywood Studios for his boarding group, which was just bad luck. I had said in my email that due to restrictions on mine and my son’s part, we would not be able to experience the attraction but would send my husband alone to get a boarding group and then do it.

The guest services person on the phone told me that he can, in fact, add me to the boarding group that he obtains once I arrive at the park. This was in contrast to what he had been told in person at Guest Services in the park that day.

The phone agent at first indicated that it was a “new policy” but seemed to backtrack on that in follow up e-mails.

The agent gave me a case number, which I was to give to the guest services team in the park. My husband agreed to go on another morning during our trip to obtain another group for himself with the intention of adding me later in the day.

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On December 23, he was able to arrive at the park around 6:45 a.m. and obtain a boarding group. Once the My Disney Experience app said they were getting close to the boarding group, we headed over to Hollywood Studios to speak to guest services in the park.

With that case number, they were able to see that we had been told he could add me to his boarding group. It took some maneuvering on their part, but it worked.

Next, we had to speak to the Cast Members outside Rise of the Resistance. They could see that he had a boarding group, and they could see that I had a boarding group. It probably took them around 5 minutes to sort it all out. We also needed rider swap because our son was too afraid to ride it.

Finally, I was able to walk right up to the FastPass+ line and enter the deserted queue. After I rode, we swapped and he was able to ride this amazing attraction for his second time this trip!

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Finally got on!

I strongly encourage guests with disabilities both physical and cognitive to send an email to Disney and let them know that we can no more follow the above boarding procedures that Kenny helpfully lays out than we can queue for the other great rides that we come to Disney for.

Update: One of our readers shared a more direct line to the disability team! You can call (407) 560-2547 or email disability.services@disneyparks.com. Thanks, Jackie!

If I can’t get through a Slinky Dog Dash queue, what makes them think I can physically show up at 6 am, stand around for an hour in a giant mass of people just to get a boarding time? It does not sit well logically.

I put off utilizing the DAS pass for some time, despite myself having Multiple Sclerosis and my son having Autism, ADHD and Anxiety. I finally gave in when they opened Toy Story Land as there is basically no respite from the heat.


Disney responded to my kind email about Toy Story Land with a phone call instructing me to obtain a DAS pass. I now encourage other guests with invisible disabilities to obtain one as well. It is there for us; it is for people who need it.

Disney Confirms New Opening Procedures for Rise of the Resistance

A Southwest airlines agent once told me that if people for whom the accommodations exist don’t use them for fear of being scrutinized, the only people using them will be ones trying to cheat the system. I still never ask to pre-board, but it made me reconsider my reluctance on the DAS and similar accommodations that I feel I actually need.

I hope this helps guests who are hesitant about using the DAS and have questions on using DAS along with the ROTR boarding groups. Prior to your trip, ask Disney what they recommend you do, and just see what they say. Please keep in mind that they made an exception for me, and my results are not typical.
 
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Post #68-Disney's Enhanced Cleaning of Guest Rooms at Disney Resort Hotels - PHOTOS - June 10, 2020

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The letter reads as follows:
Dear Guests,

As we look towards reopening our parks and resorts around the world, your wellbeing – and the wellbeing of our cast members – is one of our top priorities. In March, we began the phased reopening of Shanghai Disney Resort, and on May 20, we took another step as guests returned to shop and dine at Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort.
Just as we’ve started making plans for our theme parks, we are also making plans for our hotels and Disney Vacation Club resorts. With that in mind, we wanted to share what you can expect when you book a stay at a Disney Resort hotel.

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Post #71-SeaWorld Orlando Fumbles Reopening -PHOTOS - themeparkuniversity Josh Young - JUNE 11, 2022

As businesses around the United States start to reopen, everyone is looking at them under a microscope. Rightfully so considering we are still in the middle of a pandemic. Theme parks, in particular, are being watched closely simply because of their size and how many people congregate there on a daily basis. SeaWorld Orlando reopened today with new social distancing, face mask and cleaning policies put in place. However, it didn't seem like everyone was on the same page.

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According to the SeaWorld website, guests are required to make a reservation prior to entering to help keep the park from being too crowded. In addition, they now require guests to wear face coverings beyond the security checkpoint, aside from eating and drinking. Plus, there have been social distancing signs and markers set up throughout the park to try and space guests apart.

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Yet these new "rules" seemed to be more of a suggestion on the opening day of SeaWorld Orlando. According to multiple reports, very few guests were social distancing. While there were markers on the ground in some places to spread guests out, they didn't go far enough to control the crowds.

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Notice in the above photo (which leads to the main entrance turnstiles), there are no markings on the ground to be found at all. Guests just clumped together because SeaWorld Orlando didn't take the time to put any kind of markers out spacing. As we have mentioned before, theme park guests don't naturally spread themselves out six-feet apart with no clear visual direction on how to do that.

"It was a **** show," says Theme Park University reader Chris Moschella. "Guests were clumped together all over the parks. Guests and even employees weren't wearing masks or had them pulled down once they entered the park. I didn't feel safe and I am not heading back there anytime soon. I support SeaWorld on a lot of topics - but there's simply no denying that today, they put me at more risk of contracting this virus than anything I've done since this whole situation began."

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Unscrew the cap and help yourself?
That sentiment was echoed by dozens of people who were at SeaWorld Orlando today. We talked to several guests who all said the same thing. Despite posted signs, no one was enforcing social distancing or wearing masks within the park.

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Whether it's lack of training, lack of leadership or simply not caring, this poses a problem for SeaWorld Orlando. Regardless of where you sit on the mask vs no masks debate or even if COVID-19 is something you should concern yourself with, many many people do. Theme parks are looked at as a safe haven for families to escape reality.

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This is because they truly are and it's not an accident. Theme parks put a lot of time, money and training to make them safe for guests from all over the world. That is why they are so popular. For example, if you don't like the fact that a roller coaster has a 40-inch height requirement, those parameters were put there by that theme park to keep you and your child safe. If you let someone ride who is 38-inches, why bother with the policy? It becomes meaningless if you decide that certain safety policies are important and others bear no weight.

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If you take a look, you'll see tweets like the one from above all over the internet today. Don't take my word for it. Parks like Legoland and Fun Spot aren't requiring masks. Thus, it's hard to complain about those locations if you believe that masks are necessary to reopen the economy. SeaWorld Orlando chose to implement a rule for masks as a company that their employees aren't being asked to enforce.

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The ripple effect of this could be catastrophic. There are families all across the United States (and the world) ready to travel again and looking for an escape. Theme parks are the number one place many often look to. If pictures of guests not social distancing or wearing masks are spread around, it could not only hurt SeaWorld Orlando, but all other theme parks as well.
Plus, imagine a family arrives in Orlando and visits SeaWorld on their first day. Granted, they saw the signs requiring masks, but they weren't enforced. Thus, they decided to ditch wearing them for most of their day at SeaWorld. Imagine their shock when they visit Universal Orlando the following day. If your mask is even pulled below your nose (I've seen this on several occasions), a Universal Team Member is quick to tell guests to pull it back up and wear it properly.
Let's hope this was just an opening day occurrence and SeaWorld Orlando learns from these mistakes. With any safety policy, if you're going to announce it to your guests and employees, you need to stick to it regardless of who agrees with it for the sake of everyone involved and in this case, the entire theme park industry. Your thoughts?
 

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Post #72-Disney World Opens in a Month, Here’s What We Know PHOTOS - blogmickey-June 11, 2020

Magic Kingdom: 9am – 7pm
EPCOT: 11am – 9pm
Disney’s Hollywood Studios: 10am – 8pm
Disney’s Animal Kingdom: 8am – 6pm

All still be open for 10 hours.

Theme park reservation will be required to enter a theme park.
This doesn’t mean a ticket, although you’ll need one of those too.
We’re talking about a reservation in addition to your ticket.
Disney has made it clear – no reservation, no entry.

According to Disney, those with existing tickets and Annual Passholders will get the first crack at reserving a day at the park.

To assist with guests who already have tickets and vacations scheduled,
Disney has paused new ticket sales and reservations.
This is a temporary measure, but Disney hasn’t announced when they might reopen new ticket sales.

Everyone (ages 2 and older) will be required to wear a mask per the CDC guidelines.
Fully cover an individual’s nose and mouth and allow the Guest to remain hands-free
Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
Be secured with ties or ear loop
Be made of breathable material, either disposable or reusable
Costume masks are not considered appropriate and are prohibited from being worn

Those with temperatures 100.4 F or above will not be allowed entry; those in their party will not be allowed entry either.

Encourage social distancing
Signage and Ground Markings
Physical Barriers
Cashless Transactions

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NO Fireworks
NO parades
NO select shows

On June 22, select Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts, and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground will reopen. These select Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts include:
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 Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo (Disney Removed again June 24, 2020
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
The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
As for when the rest of the Walt Disney World Resort hotels will open, we don’t know yet.

Disney has retracted an earlier statement that hotels would open on July 11th. As of right now, Disney has not announced when the hotels will reopen.

Menu items may vary. For specific menu information, check the restaurant’s online menu when the restaurant reopens.
Character Dining will not be offered during the initial reopening, with the exception of a modified Character Dining experience at Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera.
Dinner shows will not be offered during the initial reopening.
Dining locations will be limited in capacity. Some locations will remain temporarily closed.
Private dining and in-room delivery will not be offered during the initial reopening window.
Mobile order service will be offered at select quick-service dining locations throughout the Walt Disney World theme parks (when open), Disney Springs and select Disney Resort hotels.

The reservation window is shrinking to 60 days instead of the previous 180 day window.

Disney Water Parks will remain closed. Disney has not identified an opening date.

There will be soft opening opportunities for Annual Passholders and Cast Members in the days leading up to the official public reopening.

Disney has announced that they will temporarily suspend all Characters meet and greets. In addition, play areas will remain closed.

During an investor call after the theme parks shut down, Disney revealed that they plan on saving $900 million in capital expenditures this fiscal year “driven primarily” by a pause in construction and refurbishment projects at their theme parks.

When asked about the possibility of construction projects being completely cancelled, Disney CEO Bob Chapek said that the company still believes in the ideas that Imagineers have pitched, but that they will have to go over projects with a “fine-tooth comb” to see where they can save money. At this time, it’s unclear if any projects will be cancelled or which projects might be on the chopping block.
 
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All these new changes are absolutely awful. I hope they are able to reverse these policies soon after a vaccine is released. because right now it doesn't sound like a vacation at any of these places. And STILL! The number of people in these pictures!
 
On June 22, select Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts, and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort (NOT cabins) & Campground will reopen. These select Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts include:
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
The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
As for when the rest of the Walt Disney World Resort hotels will open, we don’t know yet.
The highlighted above is a misinterpretation by the blog poster. Both the campground and the cabins at Fort Wilderness are opening June 22nd. Several folks with pre-opening reservations at other resorts have been moved to cabins.
 
Post #76-Disney World testing new hands-off security bag check at Disney Springs BY Attractions Magazine Staff PHOTOS - JUNE 13, 2020

Walt Disney World is testing new security scanner technology with guests at Disney Springs today. This new contact-less body scanner, powered by Evolv Technology, is said to screen guests quickly and safely. If implemented at the Disney Parks, the technology could help drastically decrease wait times at theme park checkpoints. Guests would no longer have to open all their bags to Disney security officers.

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Evolv Technology states these new scanners can check over 3,600 people per hour. Visitors can walk through side-by-side or in groups. The scanners are made to detect guns and other types of weapons. And the system is made to display where the potential threat is on a person’s body or in their bag to security members in real-time.

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Today, we saw a Disney security cast member watching a tablet while guests passed through.

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The system is made to be smart enough to distinguish personal items, such as phones and wallets, as non-threats.

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The Evolv Express scanner can even check the temperature of guests as they walk through. Visitors can be screened for elevated skin temperature and weapons at once. This all-in-one system seems to be a no-brainer for Disney as a way to do security and temperature checks all at once. And, this quicker system would help to drastically lower wait times at security checkpoints. It could also eliminate the possible passing of any viruses from bag to bag or Disney security offers to guests and they belongings.

https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/evolv-technology-express-acd4f38930fa475eb4bd3c614aa4d32a
These type of scanners were recently put into use at Six Flags theme parks.

Strong security measures don’t seem very magical. But for the Disney magic to happen, safety must come first. Whether checking for weapons or high body temperatures, it appears Disney is looking forward with new ideas and solutions. If the Disney Springs tests go well, we may see this replace bag check at all the Disney theme parks in the U.S.

What do you think about this new way to screen guests? Would you prefer this over the more personal approach of a security guard looking through your bags?

For more details on the technology and what inspired it, read our interview with Anil Chitkara, the founder and head of corporate development at Evolv.

New Security Measures Tested at Disney Springs; Massive Bag Check Experience Improvements Possible When Theme Parks Reopen June 13, 2020

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Disney is testing new security measures at Disney Springs today. While photos and video are strictly prohibited, the brand in use is Evolv Technology.
Essentially, the technology allows for a completely contact-less bag check experience. When we visited earlier today, we didn’t have to put our bags through any x-ray machines and didn’t have to stop walking at all. The technology is very impressive from a guest experience standpoint, crating a frictionless entry experience. Again, photos and video were strictly prohibited and we abide by all rules at BlogMickey.com.

Here is a photo of the device in use from the Evolv Technology website and a video of what they offer.

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Security Scanners In Testing Phase At Disney Springs By Donna Farmer - June 14, 2020

Many guests have voiced concerns over prolonged security lines that will now include temperature scans. We have just learned that a new brand of security scanners are being tested at Disney Springs. See how these scanners may help to reduce security lines and possibly eliminate bag checks.

Currently there are only 4 entry points to enter Disney Springs and each has a temperature checkpoint prior to guests entering Disney Springs. One of these entry points, Lime Garage, has a new Security Scanner that is in the trial phase.

It seems like I always get stuck in the slowest line trying to enter through security. I was wondering how these added safety protocols may add additional time in trying to gain entrance into the parks. We may have a view of the security check of the future.

The newest security scanner that is still in the trial phase at Disney Springs is the Evolv Express scanner. The Evolv company promotes this scanner as offering the following features:

Thermal imaging capability to automatically screen visitors for elevated skin temperature as they walk through the screening system.

Real-time detection of guns and other weapons. It is able to differentiate between personal items and possible weapons.

It offers fast and efficient scanning. Over 3,600 guests may pass through this scanner per hour. Guests may be able to walk through in groups and even side-by-side.

No need to empty pockets or remove bags. This offers a more respectful option to bag checks.

Scans are offered in real-time which would allow security hosts to know precisely where to search for a potential weapon.

This scanner may be used indoors and outdoors with easy set-up and mobility.

There is even the added bonus that this security scanner can calculate park entrance numbers.

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At this time this security scanner is simply in the trial phase and no word has been shared as to where and when this new system may be used. We hope that these may be used at Disney Park entrances in the near future.

We wonder if this could eliminate the need for a bag check, metal detector, and temperature scan. This could help to streamline guests entrance into the parks while helping to monitor the number of guests entering the park


.
 
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I'd read about the Evolv teachnology elsewhere and it seems quite interesting. If it works it would certainly change the security experience for the positive.

One thing I haven't seen addressed anywhere wrt it is people using mobility devices like wheelchairs, rollators, and ecvs. Can it handle them or are those who use them relegated to the old measures/manual searches ?

SW
 

Wow, that sounds so nice! It would make entering the parks so much smoother and easier. I look forward to hearing how it works out in the test phase. The only glitch I can imagine is possibly people with heart pace-makers or such, might need to be scanned the old way. Thanks for sharing this article. :)

"One thing I haven't seen addressed anywhere wrt it is people using mobility devices like wheelchairs, rollators, and ecvs. Can it handle them or are those who use them relegated to the old measures/manual searches ?"

I hadn't thought of that, Starwind, but that is a good question too.
 
Agreed, hopefully they will be able to scan those of us in mobility devices without having to resort to a manual process. And I'd be overjoyed if their system avoids anyone going through my bag at security. Although it would be easier to take if they change gloves before going through my bag.

I've been trying to think of how to handle it if they're still manually searching bags at security when I go in December. Has anyone had luck with putting their items in a large clear plastic bag when going through security?
 
Hi, bluecruiser.

I use a gallon ziplock bag for my armrest bag. I just lift it out, security looked at it and handed it back to me.

I use the netting on the back of my wheelchair back for a jacket or anything larger.

Agreed, hopefully they will be able to scan those of us in mobility devices without having to resort to a manual process. And I'd be overjoyed if their system avoids anyone going through my bag at security. Although it would be easier to take if they change gloves before going through my bag.

I've been trying to think of how to handle it if they're still manually searching bags at security when I go in December. Has anyone had luck with putting their items in a large clear plastic bag when going through security?
 

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