It's time to welcome back the final 4!!

Whew who would of thought when Disney World turned the lights out at some of the resorts back in March of 2020 that in July of 2021 they wouldn’t all be back on. And yet that’s where we are BUT BUT BUT there is a end in sight!!

Today Disney told us the FINAL FOUR have opening dates!!!!

• Disney’s All-Star Music Resort for arrivals beginning Sept. 16

• Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside for arrivals beginning Oct. 14

• Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter for arrivals beginning Oct. 28

• Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort for arrivals beginning Dec. 9

Disney is also busy preparing Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort for arrivals to begin on July 19 and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge on Aug. 26. 

The end of 2021 is looking pretty MAGICAL don’t you think?!?!?!?!?!!

Why I am excited about the holidays @ Disney in a Covid year

Photo courtesy of Google Images

Greetings ~

It sounds silly I know. To say one is excited about scaled back events BUT let me explain. I have had the pleasure of experiencing the holidays at Disney for well over 30+ years. My memories from 30+ years ago are well… shall we say that they are not quite as clear as those from more recent years but alas I digress. When I worked for Disney Thanksgiving to New Years was my most LOVED time to be in the parks. There was just something a little more MAGICAL about that time. The lights, the music, the storytellers. But those same weeks are CEAZY CRAZY busy. The parks are crowded and the running to see it all is HARD.

So earlier this week I posted about the changes happening to the holidays due to Covid at Disney. Since the news broke I swear every post and article I read is how awful, how wrong, how sad, how blah blah blah. And I get it CHANGE IS HARD!! But let’s STOP and look at what is coming AND the fact that lowered controlled crowds will make this year a year to remember for all the right reasons!

Photo courtesy of Tom Bricker

MAGIC KINGDOM

•Holiday-themed cavalcades and characters

•Christmas characters (Gingerbread men, toy soldiers) will join the Main Street Philharmonic as they march through the park (usually only seen during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party which is an added expense OR just seen the week of Christmas)

•Cinderella Castle will have a display of changing projections to give guests unique PhotoPass opportunities AT NIGHT!  And let’s be honest project mapping of lights on the castle is always MAGICAL!!

Voices of Liberty @ The American Adventure Rotunda

EPCOT

• The Voices of Liberty will be at the America Gardens Theater singing Christmas carols how fun will it be to stop in and hear them

•November 27 will begin the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays

•World Showplace will host JOYFUL! who will sing a variety of R&B, gospel, contemporary and traditional Christmas songs

ANIMAL KINGDOM

•Will have festival flotillas

HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS

•Santa Goofy and Holiday Minnie and Friends at Hollywood & Vine means another character meal coming back!!!

•Special merry motorcades

Photo courtesy of google images

DISNEY RESORTS

*Discounts through CHRISTMAS!!

•The resorts at Disney will be decorated with trees, lights, music, and more

Hangar Bar @ Disney Springs for the holidays

DISNEY SPRINGS

•Decorated Christmas trees spread throughout Disney Springs for guests to enjoy

•Town Center, West Side, and The Landing will get MAGICAL SNOW @ night

•Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar

and let’s NOT forget

•Santa Claus can be found popping up at all four parks and Disney Springs waving to guests and wishing holiday cheer 

Photo courtesy of Disney

Thinking of coming to celebrate the holidays at Disney? Shoot me a message I would be honored to put together options that are perfect for you and your family! Tomickeyandbeyond1@gmail.com

Be sure to visit me HERE for Facebook and HERE for Insta. You can also follow our new Youtube channel HERE

Wishing you a MAGICAL day ~

Courtney

Character Dining in a Covid World

Greetings ~

The Hammons house has just returned from a quick weekend at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge - Kidani Village. I cannot wait to share more about the resort and of course the animals. But today we are going to talk about Topolino’s @ The Riveria Resort. Currently it is the only operating character breakfast on Walt Disney World property. Garden Grill @ EPCOT will be added with the opening of EPCOT on July 15th.

Once you arrive at Riveria you will take the elevator to the 10th floor. At the elevator bank you will find a sign with a QR code on it. This code is used as a mobile check in for your reservation.

Once the QR code opens the reservation you will be asked to confirm your party, check if you need booster seats or high chair. As you enter the 10th floor you will wait for the greeter to call you and escort you to the table. You will then be given a sheet of paper that has the menu via a QR code.

The prices are set at $42.00 per adult and $27.00 per child. We were a party of 7 so gratuity was automatically included. The table receives paint pots of pastries with jam and butter. Those are refillable as well. Here are some photos of the selections our group made.

Topolino’s Sour Cream Waffle and Bacon

Topolino's Scrambled Eggs, Ham and Potatoes

Topolino's Eggs, Sausage, Plant Based Sausage and Potatoes

Paint Pot Pastries

We knew the characters would NOT be stopping at the tables but we were not sure what exactly they would be doing. They danced around the entire restaurant and they came out 1 by 1 circling the restaurant and waving at each table. If your quick you may be able to get a social distancing photo!!

So there you have it! A walk through of a character breakfast in a Covid world. Still MAGICAL just different.

Looking to book your own MAGICAL Disney trip?? Give me a call, shoot me a txt, or send me a message. I would be honored to assist.

Wishing you a MAGICAL day ~

Courtney

Slow and Steady the Disney Resorts are returning!

Greetings ~

As Walt Disney World prepares to open some MAGICAL resort doors tomorrow they took today to tell us what is coming not too far behind!!

Disney currently plans to open the following resort hotels to booked Guests on the following dates. Please note, that given the fluidity of the current environment, these dates are subject to change and Guests’ reservations could still be modified to other resort hotels if needed.

• July 10 – Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas - Jambo House, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Contemporary Resort

• July 29 – Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

• Aug. 12 – Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

• Aug. 24 – Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts

• Sept. 21 – Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

• Oct. 1 – Disney’s BoardWalk Resort

• Oct. 14 – Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

Guests with current reservations at impacted Disney Resort hotels can request help with modifying their reservation starting Monday June 22. Reservations for stays in 2021 will begin booking on Wednesday, June 24.  Only Guests with a valid theme park ticket or Annual Pass will be able to access the Disney Park Pass reservation system. 

Given the current situation, there are some resort hotels and other areas that are not, as of this time, being scheduled for reopening yet. We will continue to evaluate the situation and reopen more locations when the environment is right to do so.  

If you need any help to modify or have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out! I am just a click, call or txt away!

Wishing you a MAGICAL Day ~

Courtney

What is confirmed to be opening when Disney Parks open in July

Greetings ~

I know I know the big question is soooooo what can I do when the Disney Parks re-open? Will my favorite rides be open? Today I have that info for you!!

MAGIC KINGDOM -

 Attractions 

• "it's a small world”

• Astro Orbiter

• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

• Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin

• Country Bear Jamboree

• Dumbo the Flying Elephant

• Jungle Cruise

• Liberty Square Riverboat

• Mad Tea Party

• Mickey's PhilharMagic

• Peter Pan's Flight

• Pirates of the Caribbean

• Prince Charming Regal Carrousel

• Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

• Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom

• Space Mountain

• Splash Mountain

• Swiss Family Treehouse

• The Barnstormer

• The Hall of Presidents

• The Haunted Mansion

• The Magic Carpets of Aladdin

• The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

• Tom Sawyer Island

• Tomorrowland Speedway

• Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover

• Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid

• Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress

• Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room

Entertainment

• Main Street Philharmonic

• Character Cavalcades throughout the day, with Guest-favorite Disney friends appearing along the parade route—which will include:

  • The Royal Princess Processional

  • Mickey & Friends Cavalcade

  • Fantasyland Friends Cavalcade

  • A Goofy Cavalcade

  • Tinker Bell & the Lost Treasure

Shops

• Arribas Brothers

• Baby Care

• Big Al's

• Box Office Gifts

• Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin Photos

• Crystal Arts

• Emporium

• Fantasy Faire

• Hundred Acre Goods

• Island Supply by Sunglass Hut

• Main Street Confectionery

• Memento Mori

• Mickey's Star Traders

• Plaza del Sol Caribe Bazaar

• Rubio Arts

• Sir Mickey’s

• Splashdown Photos

• Strollers & Wheelchairs

• The Chapeau

• Tomorrowland Light & Power Co.

• TTC Cart / Wheelchairs

• Uptown Jewelers & Cinema

• Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe

ANIMAL KINGDOM

Attractions

• Affection Section

• Avatar Flight of Passage

• DINOSAUR

• Discovery Island Trails

• Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain

• Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail

• It’s Tough to be a Bug!

• Kali River Rapids

• Kilimanjaro Safaris

• Maharajah Jungle Trek

• Na'vi River Journey

• The Animation Experience at Conservation Station

• The Oasis Exhibits

• TriceraTop Spin

• Wilderness Explorers

• Wildlife Express

Entertainment

• Character Cruises throughout the day, with Guest-favorite Disney friends appearing in boats around Discovery River—including the following:

  • Discovery River Character Cruise

  • Discovery Island Drummers

  • Donald’s Dino Boat Bash!

  • Mickey & Friends Flotilla

Shops

• Africa Hub Cart

• African Heritage Wood Carving

• Baby Care

• Chester and Hester's Dinosaur Treasures

• Discovery Trading Company

• Garden Gate Gifts & Strollers

• Kilimanjaro Safari Cart

• Mandala Gifts

• Mombasa Marketplace

• Out Of The Wild

• Serka Zong Bazaar

• The Dino Institute Shop

• Windtraders

EPCOT

Attractions

• Awesome Planet

• Canada Far and Wide

• Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival

• Friendship Lagoon Boats

• Frozen Ever After

• Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros

• Impressions de France

• Journey Into Imagination with Figment

• Kidcot (modified)

• Living with the Land

• Mission: SPACE

• Reflections of China

• Soarin' Around the World

• Spaceship Earth

• Test Track

• The American Adventure

• The Seas with Nemo & Friends

• Turtle Talk with Crush

• Walt Disney Imagineering presents the Epcot Experience

Entertainment

• America Gardens Theatre Presents… featuring popular EPCOT performers such as:

  • JAMMitors

  • Mariachi Cobre

• Character Cavalcades throughout the day, featuring favorite Disney friends traveling around World Showcase promenade—including:

  • Frozen Promenade

  • Mickey & Friends World Tour

  • Princess Promenade

Shops

• African Heritage

• Arribas Brothers

• Art of Disney

• Baby Care

• Canada Cart

• China Kiosk

• Disney Traders

• Galerie Des Halles

• Gateway Gifts

• Glas Und Porcellan

• ImageWorks

• Karamell Kuche

• La Bottega Italiana

• Mexico Indoor Plaza

• Mission: SPACE Cargo

• Mitsukoshi

• Mouse Gear Temporary Location

• Pin Traders - Camera Center

• Port of Entry

• Puffin's Roost

• Sea Base Alpha Gift Shop

• Strollers & Wheelchairs

• Tea Caddy

• Test Track Simporium

• Wood Carver

• World Traveler

HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS

Attractions

• Alien Swirling Saucers

• Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy

• Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway

• Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run

• Muppet*Vision 3D

• Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith

• Slinky Dog Dash

• Star Tours – The Adventures Continue

• Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

• The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™

• Toy Story Mania!

• Vacation Fun (at Mickey Shorts Theater)

• Walt Disney Presents

Entertainment

• Character Cavalcades throughout the day, with favorite Disney friends appearing along Hollywood Boulevard—including:

  • Disney Junior Stars Motorcade

  • Mickey & Friends Motorcade

  • Pixar Motorcade

Shops

• Celebrity 5 & 10

• Crossroads of the World

• Dok Ondar's Den of Antiquities

• Droid Depot Experience

• Droid Depot Store

• In Character

• Legends of Hollywood

• Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway

• Mickey's Of Hollywood

• Movieland Memorabilia

• Once Upon A Time

• Sid Cahuenga's One-of-a-Kind

• Rock Around The Shop

• Rubio Arts

• Strollers & Wheelchairs

• Tatooine Traders

• The Market

• Tower Hotel Gifts

• Toy Story Mania Shop

Don’t forget I am here to help you navigate these changes. If you are looking to book in 2021 we can start that process next week on June 24th!! The sooner we book the sooner we can confirm your park selections

Wishing you a MAGICAL day ~

Courtney

Disney Re-Opening Plan

Greetings ~

Disney has just completed their plan for re-opening to the economic recovery task force. Here is what they outlined

• July 11th as an opening date for Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom

• July 15th as an opening for EPCOT and Hollywood Studios

• The parks will now utilize a pre-arrival theme park reservation system and more info will be coming on this

• For the moment the Walt Disney Co. will be pausing character meet n greets as well as fireworks and parades.

• There was NOT any discussion on the re-opening of the resorts

• There will be increased cleaning protocols

• Face coverings will be required for guests and cast members

• Plexiglass at points of sale in retail and F&B locations where distancing cannot be maintained

• Reduced capacity of theme parks, restaurant, retail, attractions, buses, monorails and other transportation that enables appropriate physical distancing

• Temperature checks at Main Entrances to theme parks

• 3rd Party screening via contactless, handheld device

• Contactless payments with Magic Bands, Apple Pay, Google Pay

• Further enable mobile ordering

• Launch of the Social Distancing Squad!! A team designed to encourage social distancing protocols

• Education of new protocols and expectations pre-arrival

• At this time, they didn't address resorts, or if they will be opening on July 11 as well, and they didn't specify if resort guests would get priority into the parks, or how those reservations will be decided.

So there you have it!! This is where we are at as of this moment! We now await the signature of the mayor and then onto the governor for his approval

Here’s some additional info from the Disney Parks Blog - Because theme park capacity will be significantly limited as we welcome guests back to the magic, we will manage attendance through a new theme park reservation system that will require all guests to obtain a reservation for park entry in advance. At this time, we are temporarily pausing new ticket sales and Disney Resort hotel reservations so we can focus on guests with existing tickets and reservations (Disney Vacation Club members can still make new reservations). Existing ticket holders and Annual Passholders will be able to make reservation requests in phases before new tickets are sold; we’ll be reaching out to these guests soon to provide additional details. We will resume new ticket sales and hotel reservations after that period of time. Theme park reservations will be limited due to attendance limitations and will be subject to availability. More details about this new reservation system will be available soon.

Additionally, Disney Vacation Club resorts at Walt Disney World will reopen to members and guests and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground will begin to reopen on June 22. Disney Vacation Club resorts in Vero Beach, Florida, and Hilton Head, South Carolina, will also open to members and guests starting on June 15. Plans to support required physical distancing as well as enhanced cleaning measures, along with a number of other safety and cleanliness protocols, will be implemented as part of this planned phased reopening. 

Spaceship Earth -

We have known for awhile the rehab was coming. We just didn’t know when - well Disney has now given us a date. Starting May 26th 2020 Spaceship Earth will begin its long anticipated transformation. But what does that mean? Well according to Disney it means the ride will focus on the story of humanity, following our long journey from prehistoric humans to today brought to life with magic and depth. Many of the moments you know and love will be updated in amazing ways, blended with brand-new scenes to tell a story about our human experience.

Throughout the attraction, guests will hear new narration including Jeremy Irons and see how light plays a central role in our shared human journey, coming to life in dynamic ways in a celebration of the magic that’s possible when we all come together.

Photo Courtesy of Walt Disney World

Artist rendering of updates to Spaceship Earth @ EPCOT

BOO - MNSSHP 2020

It’s that time of year! Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party dates have been released and are as follows -

• August 13, 18, 21, 25, 28

• September 1, 4, 7, 11, 13, 15, 18, 20, 22, 25, 27, 29

• October 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 16, 18, 20, 22, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31

• November 1

These for the cutest ghosts and ghouls include:

“Disney’s Not So Spooky Spectacular” fireworks show (hosted by Jack Skellington, telling a Halloween tale about Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy)

“Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween Parade,”

The “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular” stage show

Spectacular character meet n greets

Trick or Treating

and more! 

The fun also includes Halloween décor, spooktacular food, specialty merchandise, and some bewitching surprises along the way. 

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party tickets start at $85.  Buying early, could save $10 per ticket

Message me to secure your tickets! The 31st will sell out for sure

A Magical Makeover

Did you know Cinderella animated classic released 70 years ago this month?

And in honor of those 70 years and the amazing 50 year celebration of the Magic Kingdom coming up, the castle is about to receive a makeover fit for a princess!! Today Walt Disney World released the concept art for the MAGICAL makeover about to transpire at Cinderella’s Castle inside The Magic Kingdom.

The makeover begins today and runs through the summer. But don’t you worry you will still be able to experience Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire and Happily Ever After.