Beginning March 11, 2022, Disney Cruise Line will begin to relax its face covering policy!

Following recently updated guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Disney Cruise Line has updated their face covering requirements for sailings originating from a U.S. port of departure. Beginning March 11, face coverings on Disney Cruise Line will become optional in most indoor locations throughout Disney ships.

Guests ages 2+, including those who are fully vaccinated, will still be required to wear face coverings in the Walt Disney Theatre. Guests under 5 years of age who are currently ineligible to be vaccinated will be required to wear face coverings in Youth Activities spaces and in the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.

While not required, Disney Cruise Line continues to strongly recommend guests wear a face covering in all other indoor locations.

Face coverings may be required in ports of call based on local government requirements, including in some areas at Disney Castaway Cay. Masks should also be worn in the cruise terminal during the boarding and screening process, as well as during disembarkation.

For further questions, or for more information about taking a Disney cruise, contact me.

BIG changes are coming to Walt Disney World! Beginning Thursday, February 17, 2022, face coverings will become optional for fully vaccinated guests.

Face coverings will still be required for anyone ages 2+ on Disney transportation, including buses, Monorail, and Skyliner transportation.

Universal Orlando removed the face covering requirements for fully vaccinated guests on February 12, 2022.

Refer to the Operations and Safety updates from both Disney and Universal for the most updated information. Contact me with any questions!

Breaking News from Walt Disney World and Disneyland

Beginning Friday, July 31st, face coverings will once again be required for all guests 2+ at Walt Disney World and Disneyland. Guests will be required, regardless of vaccination status, to wear face coverings in all indoor locations and upon entering and throughout all attractions and in enclosed transportation vehicles, including shuttles, buses, monorails and at Disney Skyliner. Disney's official statement is below.

"We are adapting our health and safety guidelines based on guidance from health and government officials, and will require Cast Members and Guests ages 2 and up, to wear face coverings in all indoor locations at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort beginning Friday, July 30, regardless of vaccination status. At Walt Disney World Resort, this includes upon entering and throughout all attractions and in enclosed transportation vehicles, including shuttles, buses, monorails and at Disney Skyliner."

I strongly recommend checking both Walt Disney World and Disneyland's "Know Before You Go" sections often, as information continues to be updated. Stay tuned for more travel updates. 

Beginning Oct. 1, “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” honors the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort, and, wow, are there some great new details about this incredible 18-month event! Resorts are booking up quickly, contact me as soon as possible to get your stay booked!

A new nighttime spectacular, “Disney Enchantment,” will help kick off the 50th anniversary festivities when it debuts Oct. 1 at Magic Kingdom. Created to launch with “The World’s Most Magical Celebration,” this evening extravaganza will take Guests on a journey filled with adventure, wonder and empowerment. Inspiring everyone to believe in magic, “Disney Enchantment” will feature music, enhanced lighting, stunning fireworks and, for the first time, immersive projection effects that extend from Cinderella Castle down Main Street, U.S.A.

Joining “Disney Enchantment” on Oct. 1 will be “Harmonious” at EPCOT, one of the largest nighttime spectaculars ever created for a Disney park. This new show will bring the globe together at World Showcase Lagoon in a celebration of Disney music that inspires people worldwide. It’s a grand, powerful tribute to the stories and songs that unite us, embracing new technical magic that incorporates pyrotechnics, choreographed moving fountains, lighting and media in new ways. “Harmonious” will invite Guests to travel the globe through new interpretations of classic Disney songs as you’ve never heard them before, reimagined in more than a dozen languages by a diverse group of 240 artists from around the world.

There’s also new daytime entertainment stirring at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Check out this artist rendering of “Disney KiteTails,” which will come alive several times daily at the Discovery River Amphitheater beginning Oct. 1. Performers will fly windcatchers and kites of all shapes and sizes, while out on the water elaborate three-dimensional kites – some stretching to 30 feet long – will depict Disney animal friends, including Simba, Zazu, Baloo and King Louie. These colorful creations will dance through the sky to the beat of favorite Disney songs in an uplifting, vibrant experience for the whole family.

Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse will be the hosts for “The World’s Most Magical Celebration,” and they’ll be decked out in sparkling new EARidescent fashions for the 50th anniversary. As you can see in the photo above, their best pals want to get in on the shimmer, too, as Donald Duck and Daisy Duck, Goofy and Pluto, and Chip ‘n’ Dale will be sporting their own custom-made EARidescent looks beginning Oct. 1. Guests will get a chance to see them when they travel through Magic Kingdom several times daily in the new “Mickey’s Celebration Cavalcade.”

​These eight friends will also be featured in special golden character sculptures debuting Oct. 1 at Magic Kingdom; in this artist rendering, you can see Mickey and Minnie shining in the sunlight near Cinderella Castle. There will be 50 characters total in this series of sculptures that will be displayed across all four theme parks. We’ll soon reveal more of the “Disney Fab 50” as excitement builds for the big day, as well as the surprising ways Guests will be able to interact with these beautiful sculptures as part of the 50th anniversary celebration.

This fall, bring home “Walt Disney World: A Portrait of the First Half Century,” a beautiful new coffee table book from Disney Editions. You can see the cover art above for this insider’s look at the history and evolution of Walt Disney World, written by Kevin Kern, Tim O’Day and Steven Vagnini. A link for that book can be found above or here from Amazon.

“The World’s Most Magical Celebration” will also see the grand opening of Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure at EPCOT, icons at each of the four parks transforming into Beacons of Magic at night, EARidescent décor all across the resort, plus much more. Walt Disney World cast members – who will be wearing new EARidescent nametags designed especially for this occasion – are looking forward to sharing all this magic with Guests, as they are the heart of this momentous event.

You won't want to miss this celebration! Contact me for more details!

Nothing like kicking off a holiday weekend with some major news from Universal Orlando and Disneyland, plus more details about the Disney Wish!

Speaking of the holiday weekend, I'm running a 15% off special on everything in my Etsy shop, Dani's Travel Templates through Monday. My email subscribers always get 40% and that deal is combinable with the holiday special! (YES, that means you can save up to 55% off right now!) To join my email list, scroll down and enter your email!

Universal Orlando Resort
Updated Safety Guidelines
Beginning May 29, 2021, face coverings are no longer required for fully vaccinated guests, indoors or outdoors. Please note that while they do not require proof of vaccination, those who are not fully vaccinated are encouraged to wear face coverings while indoors. As always, please follow directions from team members.

​Surfside Inn & Suites Now Reopened!
As I had previously reported, Universal's Endless Summer Resort - Surfside Inn & Suites has resumed operations!

Disneyland
Disneyland Reopening Announcement
It's official! Beginning June 15, 2021, Disneyland Resort will welcome guests from outside the state of California! ​The State of California strongly recommends that all guests be fully vaccinated or obtain a negative COVID-19 test prior to entering the theme parks. In addition, all Guests will be required to wear an approved face covering throughout their visit.  Additionally, the booking window for theme park reservations has expanded out to 120 days, allowing guests even more time to plan their return to the resort! 
Avengers Campus
Opening June 4th is the all-new land, Avenger's Campus! It will allow guests to join the action with the Avengers like Iron Man, Black Panther, Black Widow and more; sling webs on the first Disney ride-through attraction to feature Spider-Man; taste-test food and drinks and become part of a bigger universe. The virtual queue system will be used for WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure. Similar to Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, virtual queue enrollment times will be twice daily, at 7 a.m. and 12 p.m. To learn how the system will work, Guests can visit the WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure page.
New Jungle Cruise Experience
Jungle Cruise will reopen July 16, 2021 at Disneyland park, with an updated experience that welcomes new characters from around the world plus even more of the humor, wildlife and skipper heart that makes this classic attraction a favorite. 

Disney Cruise Line
Worlds of Marvel
Aboard the Disney Wish, guests will be able to dine at Worlds of Marvel. This is the first-ever Marvel cinematic dining adventure, where guests will play an interactive role in an  Avengers mission that unfolds all around. This upscale-restaurant-meets-technology-showcase will up the ante on the traditional “dinner and a show” concept. Worlds of Marvel will take families on a flavorful tour of the real and fictional settings of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with dishes inspired by legendary locales like African Wakanda, Eastern European Sokovia and the Avengers’ home base of New York City.

There were some MAJOR announcements made by Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort yesterday! Both parks have relaxed their face covering policy, effective today. (5/15/21) In addition, temperature checks are no longer happening before park entry. You can check out some of the information listed on their websites below.

As you can see, face coverings are still required in queues, on rides, and in any indoor areas. Please also take extra precautions by using hand sanitizer and distancing when possible to keep your family safe and healthy!

With the constantly changing requirements, continue to check Walt Disney World's "Know Before You Go" and Universal's reopening guidelines frequently so that you're as prepared as possible.

Of course, I've been in contact with my currently booked clients who are in the parks or are traveling in the next few weeks, as these vacations are most directly impacted at this time. To be added to my client list, contact me!

My, oh my....what a week it's been! Promotions, Halloween events, restaurant reopenings, those E P I C details announced about the Disney Wish, and more! Plus, we've learned more about Universal's jaw-dropping VelociCoaster. Remember, to book a vacation to these destinations and more, be sure to contact me!

Walt Disney World
Disney After Hours "Boo-Bash" Announced!
Disney has announced a new Halloween-themed Disney After Hours event coming this fall to Magic Kingdom: Disney After Hours BOO BASH!
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This specially ticketed event will take place on select nights, Aug. 10-Oct. 31, from 9 p.m. to midnight. Festivities will include Halloween-themed cavalcades, character sightings, performances by the Cadaver Dans, décor, lighting, music, treat stops (with plenty of candy) and so much more! Plus tickets will grant admission to Magic Kingdom as early as 7 p.m. without the need for a day park ticket or Disney Park Pass theme park reservation!

This event is open to a limited number of guests after normal park operating hours. The experience offers low wait times at more than 20 attractions! Tickets will go on sale next month, with an early purchase window available to guests at select on-site Disney Resort hotels!

Disney Room Offer
As I mentioned earlier this week, there is a new room-only offer available! Save up to 25% for stays most nights July 11-September 29th. More details about that promotion can be read on my Disney World promotions page or in this post.

​Galactic Starcruiser Coming 2022
Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida will take Guests to a galaxy far, far away for an all-immersive, two-night vacation experience that goes beyond anything Disney has ever created before...including a brand new (and mind-blowing!!) lightsaber. Guests who experience Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser will be the first to see it in action. Check out the video of the new lightsaber and get more details here!

Honoring Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, and Disney is celebrating the cultures, experiences, and contributions of Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) cast and communities. A World of Voices, Honoring Asian Pacific American Heritage Month at Walt Disney World will share the creativity and contributions of some incredible cast members through experiences, entertainment, and food and beverage offerings. Special experiences will be featured at all 4 parks, at Disney Springs, and at Disney Resort hotels.

More Dining Options Returning

• May 16th, Chef Mickey's will reopen for dinner at the Contemporary Resort with an all-you-care-to-enjoy family-style meal, complete with “no touch” character appearances with Mickey and Friends. Guests will take home a souvenir with character signatures and colorful artwork. 
• May 18th, Cape May Cafe will reopen at the Beach Club Resort for breakfast and dinner. (Note: Minnie’s Beach Bash Character Breakfast and the Seafood-and-More Dinner Buffet will not return at reopening.)
• Later this summer, fan-favorite Tusker House will reopen at Animal Kingdom! It will feature Donald and friends dressed in their safari best.

Disney Cruise Line
Disney Wish Details
Disney Cruise Line unveiled a ton of details about the Disney Wish, which will set sail on her maiden voyage June 9, 2022. In case you missed it, read all about what the Disney Wish will offer!

Disneyland
Paradise Pier Reopening
As Disneyland continues the phased reopening of its hotels, Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel will reopen and welcome back guests starting June 15, 2021! As a reminder, only California residents are able to make reservations at this time.
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More Dining Options Available
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa is reopening popular dining locations Napa Rose and Storytellers Cafe AND will be open to non-hotel guests as well! These restaurants will begin allowing guests May 28.

Universal Orlando Resort
VelociCoaster Details
Previews have started for VelociCoaster, the new jaw-dropping coaster at Islands of Adventure. Annual Passholders, team members, and some select media guests have been able to ride the coaster and from what I hear, it's a nonstop thrill from start to finish! I've been hearing amazing things about the queue line, too. VelociCoaster opens to the public on June 10th.

Very exciting news from Disney this week, including some hotel reopenings at Walt Disney World and exciting news about the newest addition to the Disney Cruise Line fleet! Remember, to stay up-to-date about all Disney and Universal news, be sure to sign up for my newsletter! (Link below the post!) If you're interested in booking a Disney vacation to experience the magic for yourself, contact me!

Walt Disney World
Resort Hotel Reopenings
While we did know about Disney's Beach Club Resort reopening May 30th and Disney's Wilderness Lodge (I've missed you!!!!) reopening June 6th, but we have an official reopening for Disney's BoardWalk Inn! The BoardWalk will begin accepting reservations for arrivals beginning July 2nd! I love the BoardWalk Resort, and couldn't be more excited to begin booking this one for clients again.

Disney's Polynesian Village Resort does not yet have an official reopening date, but plans to allow guests are still on track for late July 2021. Of course, future reopening dates of Disney Resort hotels are subject to change and Guests’ reservations could still be modified to other Disney Resort hotels if needed.

Disney Cruise Line
​New Ship Revealed!
The wish you’ve been waiting for will soon come true! Disney is getting ready to unveil never-before-released details of their newest ship – the Disney Wish – coming to the high seas in summer 2022. 
Their grand unveiling, Once Upon a Disney Wish, takes place on Thursday, April 29 at 11 a.m. ET, and you can tune in on the Disney Parks Blog. This special 30-minute virtual presentation will give you a sneak peek at all of the magic that awaits, including a look behind-the-scenes with Walt Disney Imagineers and the creative team bringing the Disney Wish to life. It will also include special character appearances and surprise performances!

New Concept Art Released
The design of the Disney Wish centers around a motif that I’m sure we’re all familiar with… Enchantment! 

• An Enchanted Ship Designed with Character - The Disney Wish will continue the Disney Cruise Line tradition of incorporating an elegant, classical exterior design — a tribute to the golden age of cruising — in the emblematic colors of Mickey Mouse. For the Disney Wish, elegant filigree artwork on the bow will feature Captain Minnie Mouse for the first time, solidifying her pioneering place at the forefront of the fleet’s future. The stern will boast a custom sculpture of Rapunzel. To take it one step further into enchantment, Imagineers even added a whimsical curvature to the deck edge along both sides of the Disney Wish, which will create a sense of magic and visual movement both inside and out.
• The Grand Hall – Our Castle on the Seas The Grand Hall is a bright, airy and elegant space that will welcome Guests as they first step on board. Its fairytale castle-inspired design is touched with Gothic, Baroque and French Rococo influences that will give life to the columns, carvings, trimmings and adornments. Glittering trails of pixie dust climb majestic three-story columns, spill across the ceiling and animate the shimmering chandelier above with an effusive burst of magic. At the base of a grand staircase will stand a bronze statue of Cinderella.

Okay, okay...I know! I always do a "Mid-Week Roundup", but on Wednesday, I just could not stop watching the inauguration! (I could go on and on about this...but I think I cried 1,000 HAPPY tears!) Anyway, since the world had its eyes on President Biden and Vice President Harris' inaugurations, I'm delivering this news a few days late. Remember, the best way to stay updated with all Disney and Universal news is still to follow my Facebook and Instagram pages. (Both are linked below!)

Walt Disney World
Festival of the Lion King Returning!
More singers, dancers, technicians and other Cast Members are returning back to work...because the incomparable Festival of the Lion King is coming back THIS SUMMER! Festival of the Lion King is one of the most popular shows at Walt Disney World Resort. The Harambe Theatre at Animal Kingdom will present the show in a modified format to be mindful of the current environment. There will be some adjustments to audience seating, the show onstage, and backstage areas to allow for appropriate physical distancing for Cast Members and Guests. It’s going to be an amazing celebration! Are you as excited as I am?

Disney Cruise Line
Disney Wonder 2-Night Seattle Sailing Available for Booking!​
I feel like its been forever I've been able to share some positive cruising news! A new Disney Wonder 2-Night Seattle sailing on July 5, 2021 is now available to book! The 2-Night sailing will leave from and return to Vancouver, British Columbia and will stop in Seattle Washington. This sailing is in addition to the June 28, 2021 7-Night Alaska sailing. (The June 28th sailing replaced a June 28th 9-Night Alaska sailing. Guests who were previously booked on that 9-Night Alaska sailing are eligible for a 10% discount* if they rebook this 2-Night sailing.)

*Guests must have been booked on the applicable sailing at time of cancellation (Dec. 11, 2020) by Disney Cruise Line to qualify for the 10% discount. Guests who were booked on Disney Wonder June 28, 2021 9-Night sailing will be eligible to apply 10% of the June 28, 2021 7-Night Alaska sailing and/or July 5, 2021 2-Night Seattle sailing.

Flexibility Options Extended
Beginning January 22, 2021, a temporary final payment extension, relaxation of the cruise cancellation fee,  and a Cruise Date Flexibility option were added to all Disney Cruise Line sailings through Aug. 31, 2021.
With the Cruise Date Flexibility option, Guests have the option to change the sail day up to 15 days prior to the cruise. This means that for any new or existing cruises booked prior to March 31, 2021, for sailings through Aug. 31, 2021.

Disneyland
Sunset of the Disneyland Resort Annual Passport Program
More sad news out of Disneyland. Due the continued uncertainty of the pandemic and limitations around the reopening of California theme parks, Disney will be "sunsetting" the current Annual Passport program. They will be issuing refunds for eligible Disneyland Resort Annual Passports. (No word yet on what "sunsetting" means in the long term. I personally think we might be seeing something similar take its place once California parks can open, but that's purely speculation on my part!)

First Look at WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure!
When Avengers Campus opens at California Adventure, you'll notice a very familiar face inside the Worldwide Engineering Brigade (or WEB as the kids call it.) Tom Holland will reprise his role as Peter Parker for WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure!
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In the WEB workshop, you'll get to see Spider-Bots, which are designed to be robotic sidekicks capable of building anything a Super Hero might need. When Peter’s demonstration goes awry, the Spider-Bots are stuck in a replication loop, creating even more Spider-Bots! Your mission will be to test-drive a new invention, the WEB Slinger vehicle, and discover your own web-slinging super powers! Through specially designed, innovative technology that recognizes body movements and gestures, you will actually be able to reach out your hands and sling webs from your own wrists! As the WEB Slinger vehicles progress, you will virtually pass through Pym Test Kitchen, Avengers Headquarters and the Collector’s Fortress (also home to Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!)

Menus, events, tours, and special offers! It's been an eventful week at Disney and Universal...let's dive in!

Universal Orlando Resort
All-New Celebration Of Flavors – Mardi Gras 2021: International Flavors Of Carnaval
Universal Orlando Resort will be celebrating Mardi Gras for the first time ever! This festival will feature cuisine and entertainment inspired by the most iconic Carnaval festivities worldwide. It will take place daily at Universal Studios from Saturday, February 6 through Sunday, March 28. You'll be able to enjoy:

• Eclectic global food with more than 70+ dishes and beverages from 13 locations around the globe.
• Vibrant décor
• A chance to get up close with Mardi Gras floats stationed throughout the park.
• A Big Easy bash in the streets complete with dancers, stilt performers, brass band musicians, and beads
• A Mardi Gras Tribute Store

Special Offers Announced!
Universal Orlando Resort welcomes 2021 with a selection of special offers! With the upcoming summer debut of the Jurassic World VelociCoaster, the recently-opened The Bourne Stuntacular stunt showm and the all-new Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites hotel, now is the perfect time to plan a visit! Offers include: 

• Guests who purchase a 4-Day, 2-Park or 3-Park ticket can save up to $50 per ticket. (That’s a combined savings of up to $200 for a family of four!) This package is stackable! Must be booked through April 27th for travel now through December 17th.
• Florida residents can purchase a 1-Day, 2-Park ticket and receive THREE EXTRA DAYS FREE! This can be purchased now and can visit any four days through April 30th. There are NO blockout dates and this offer is NOT available for purchase at the front gate!​

Walt Disney World
Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Arts Now Open!
The Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Arts began January 8th at Walt Disney World Resort! This incredible festival celebrates visual, culinary and performing arts from around the world. The festival is included with your EPCOT park admission and runs through Feb. 22nd. You can expect to enjoy:

• Voices of Liberty and the JAMMitors with all-new shows
• Performance artists, chalk artists, and visiting artists all performing live!
• The Animation Academy will have a Disney artist providing a step-by-step lesson
• A Paint-by-Number Mural invites you to help complete a larger-than-life piece of arts, or create your own art by “spinning” it to life via a specially-made stationary bicycle.
• Special photo-ops, custom t-shirts, and event-specific merchandise
• A family-friendly scavenger hunt around World Showcase where you can look for Figment hiding inside famous works of art at each pavilion. Return the map for an artful surprise!
• 15+ Food Studios offering art-inspired food and drinks

"The Soul of Jazz: An American Adventure" Coming to EPCOT
In early February, “The Soul of Jazz: An American Adventure,” will debut! This exhibit, inside The American Adventure, features Joe Gardner from Disney and Pixar’s “Soul”. The exhibit will invite you on a musical tour of America to learn about all about jazz music!

New Mediterranean Small plates at Spice Road Table
With scenic views of World Showcase Lagoon and décor inspired by outdoor cafés from the Moroccan seaside, Spice Road Table is now open offering a delicious new menu of small plates and sips for Guests to enjoy al fresco or in the dining room. B’Saha! 


Adventures by Disney
First-Ever Dedicated Expedition Cruises
Journey to some of the world’s most sought-after destinations when you set sail on all-new Adventures by Disney Expedition Cruises. Voyages will include both Antarctica and the Galapagos Islands! (Just like Ted! Any Schitt's Creek fans?) This means that Adventures by Disney now offers experiences across all seven continents!! Antarctica and Patagonia Expedition Cruises will sail with PONANT, a leader in luxury polar expeditions. A Buenos Aires Escape will also be an option. It will be a 4 day, 3 night guided group experience in Argentina!

On the Adventures by Disney Galapagos Islands Expedition Cruise (coming 2022), families will island-hop from one adventure to the next with five 9-day, 8-night sailings aboard the boutique expedition ship, the Galapagos Legend. Three routes are scheduled.

River Cruise Departures Return in 2022
Adventures by Disney’s popular river cruise vacations return to Europe with three itineraries along the Danube, Rhine and Seine. New for 2022, specialty National Geographic Photography Sailings along the Seine will offer photo-driven excursions with National Geographic photographers. Sailing with AmaWaterways, these all-inclusive voyages are filled with immersive experiences in European destinations. Advance booking begins Jan. 19, 2021 for all previous Adventures by Disney Guests, or Jan. 21, 2021 for Disney Vacation Club Members, Golden Oak Club Members and Disney Cruise Line Gold & Platinum Castaway Cay Club Members. General booking begins Jan. 22, 2021.