Physical Distancing removed from Disney World Website

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June 16, 2021

Physical Distancing removed from Disney World Website. In an ever-changing sign of the times, social distancing has been finally removed from Disney’s website. Furthermore, this may finally bring an end to us writing about it, after 22 articles. Without a doubt, this brings us joy and also means we are really seeing things return to pre-pandemic times.

When Walt Disney World Reopened last summer, after they had shut down for a few months due to the pandemic, the website had been updated with new health and safety measures. Including, temperature screenings, mask mandates, along with social distancing of 6 feet.

Physical Distancing removed from Disney website

Clearly, vaccines are working. We are seeing Covid cases drop across Florida and the country. It appears Disney is moving forward and removing the most enhanced safety measures because of the success rate. I, along with most people coming to Walt Disney World Resorts, are relieved to see the mask mandates gone in the humid Florida summer. We are all happy to enjoy the Magic Kingdom or Epcot without having to worry about pandemics or distancing.

As of June 15, Disneyland and Disney World have done away with most of the enhanced safety measures. We have seen that the busses and monorail have removed the Physical Distancing markers and barriers. If you walk around the parks or Disney Springs you do not see the floor markers anymore. Not only are we seeing transportation return to normal, but also ride queues and relaxation of crowd controls at indoor shows and restaurants.

Are you happy to see things return to “normal”? Or are you happy with the safety measures?

Condiments returning to the table at Disney World Restaurants

By

Chip

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June 16, 2021

Condiments returning to the table at Disney World Restaurants

So many Disney News posts yesterday… From Fireworks returning to both Disney World and Disneyland and Vaccinated Guests no longer required to wear Face Masks on Rides & Attractions.

Here is something that while doesn’t seem huge it is something many Disney Guests will appreciate…

Condiments are back on the table at Disney World, specifically Salt, Pepper & Ketchup!

No longer do you need to ask your server for condiments they are back on the table at many Disney World Restaurants.

As of right now, we do not have a list of where the condiments have returned. A few fans from our Disney Addict Group pointed out that they are back at places like 50’s Prime Time Cafe and Kona Cafe.

We expect to these changes to roll out site wide in the coming days.

Magic Kingdom extends park hours starting in July

By

Sara

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June 16, 2021

Magic Kingdom extends park hours starting in July

Walt Disney World has extended park hours for Magic Kingdom in July!

From July 1 to 10, Magic Kingdom will be open from 9 am to 11 pm rather than the previous 9 am to 9 pm. From July 11 to July 31, Magic Kingdom will close an hour earlier. The park will operate from 9 am to 10 pm.

Starting August 1st, Magic Kingdom will go back to opening at 9 am and closing at 9 pm. For the month of July guests will have extra time to enjoy the park and even experience the return of fireworks!

Do you have a Disney World vacation planned for July? There’s still time to plan your summer trip! Contact me today to plan your next magical vacation!

Disney World President welcomes back the Disney College Program

By

Sara

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June 16, 2021

Disney World President welcomes back the Disney College Program

The Disney College Program has returned to Walt Disney World! Walt Disney World President Jeff Vahle shared a post on Instagram welcoming the first batch of Disney College Program Cast Members.

The Disney College Program was ended last year when the COVID-19 pandemic began and cast members were sent home. Yesterday marked the first day of new Cast Member arrivals for the reinstated program.

The incoming cast members were greeted by Walt Disney World President Jeff Vahle at the new Flamingo Crossings Village apartments. Vahle’s post on Instagram reads:

“Today was truly an exciting moment, welcoming back the Disney College Program and celebrating the arrival of our newest Cast Members. It was energizing to meet with some of these exceptional students and hear their excitement for starting their own Disney journey. So many of our leaders began their careers on the College Program, and I’m proud to see it continue to develop even more Cast for the future.
As our industry and community continue to bounce back, we are focused on continuing our phased reopening and getting more people back to work.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jeff Vahle (@jeffvahle)

Park Passes completely gone for the first night of Happily Ever After

By

Kevin Koszola

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June 15, 2021

Park Passes completely gone for the first night of Happily Ever After

It’s thrilling to hear Disney is bringing back fireworks to Disney World & Disneyland this summer!

A Disney tradition since 1957, fireworks shows are what Walt Disney called the perfect “kiss goodnight” at the close of a magical day, and this summer the skies above Disney theme parks will sparkle with color once more. Beginning in July, just in time for the nation’s Independence Day celebrations, the incredibly popular nighttime fireworks spectaculars are returning to Disney parks!

At Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, July 1 marks the start of nightly fireworks performances at Magic Kingdom Park and EPCOT. “Happily Ever After” will transform Cinderella Castle with lights, projections and pyrotechnics, as moments from favorite Disney stories encourage you to grab hold of your dreams and make them come true.

However, you’ll want to plan accordingly. Especially since park reservations are already gone for the first night of fireworks at Magic Kingdom!

Also, you can even see the availability is going fast for other days for different ticket groups.

Theme Park Tickets

Select Resort Hotels

Annual Passes

We are eager to see the return of fireworks next month!

As a reminder, valid park admission and a park reservation are required for park entry. Visit Disneyworld.com/update and Disneyland.com/update for important information, including park attendance requirements.

Check back here on Chip & Co. for the latest theme park and entertainment news updates!

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is reopening on Aug. 26th

By

Chip

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June 15, 2021

We have more exciting news to share today! Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is reopening on Aug. 26th!

Here is the official word from Disney:

As we continue to take a measured and deliberate approach to reopen our Disney Resort hotels, we are happy to share that starting tomorrow, June 16th, we will begin accepting bookings for Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge for arrivals beginning Aug. 26th.

As a reminder, we are now also accepting bookings for:

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn for arrivals beginning July 2
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort for arrivals beginning in late July

As we previously shared, future reopening dates of Disney Resort hotels are subject to change and Guests’ reservations could still be modified to other Disney Resort hotels.

Animal Kingdom Lodge was open for Disney Vacation Club members but starting on August 26th it will be open for anyone wishing to stay at this amazing resort!

New Food & Wine Festival Booths Now in Epcot

By

Allison Luna

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June 15, 2021

EPCOT Food & Wine Festival 2021 Hawaii Booth

Booths for the 2021 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival have started to pop up around the World Showcase! The excitement is palpable as we peer at the new structures which will house Hawaii, Africa, and Spain at this year’s festival.

New Food & Wine Festival Booths Now in Epcot

Although we are still over a month away from the Food and Wine Festival, we are gathering lots of information about what to expect. Six continents will be represented in culinary fashion from July 15th to November 20th, 2021. Some booths will not open until October. Below is the complete list.

Booths opening at the start of the festival will be: Australia, Appleseed Orchard (be sure to sample their ciders), Canada, and China (their mango bubble milk tea is a must-have). Also, The Donut Box, Earth Eats hosted by Impossible™ (don’t knock Impossible meat until you’ve had it! Even meat-eaters are impressed), Flavors from Fire hosted by The NFL on ESPN, Shimmering Sips hosted by CORKCICLE®, France, and Germany. Not to forget Greece (try the spanakopita), Hawaiʻi, Hops & Barley, Italy, Japan (it’s more than just sushi!), Mexico (margaritas, anyone?), Refreshment Outpost, and Refreshment Port hosted by Boursin® Cheese.

New booths at the festival are Brew-Wing at the Epcot Experience, Kenya, and Lobster Landing. Mac & Eats, The Noodle Exchange, Rotunda Bistro (fresh seafood and produce in the American Adventure Pavilion) are also new. Others are The Swanky Saucy Swine, and Tangierine Café: Flavors of the Medina.

Related – Epcot Family Playgrounds have Reopened

Returning booths that will not be open until October 1st are The Alps (try the Raclette cheese), Brazil, and India. Also, Belgium (waffles and beer, need I say more?) Ireland, and Spain.

With so many delicious options coming to Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival, can you blame us for being excited? We will see you there when it opens on July 15th!

Disneyland band is returning this Friday!

By

Sara

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June 15, 2021

Disneyland band is returning this Friday!

The Disneyland Band has been performing at Disneyland since 1955. The band has not been performing at the park due to the pandemic and state restrictions. Now, the famous band is returning to Disneyland this Friday, June 18!

Disneyland Resort President Ken Potrock shared pictures of the band practicing on Instagram.

The Disneyland Band ranges from about 15 to 20 members. The band performs in parades, and gives concerts in various areas around the park, with a repertoire that includes marches, polkas, jazz, and waltzes, with perhaps the most-requested tune being the “Mickey Mouse March.“

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ken Potrock (@kenpotrock)

We can’t wait to see the Disneyland Band perform in the park once again!

New it’s a small world Dooney and Bourke Collection

By

Danielle

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June 15, 2021

A brand new it’s a small world Dooney and Bourke collection has arrived at Walt Disney World! This collection will also be arriving soon on shopDisney too!

The adorable collection is trimmed in warm brown leather that is edged in bright pink. A whimsical print sings a stylish song against a light blue background that features the children from the ride! My favorite part though, is all of the hellos and goodbyes in different languages!

There are three silhouettes available for this collection. A large tote, a satchel, and a wristlet!

What do you think of the new it’s a small world Dooney and Bourke collection?

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic to return this fall

By

Greg Gately

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June 15, 2021

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic have just been announced for its 11th year. This year’s Food & Wine will take place on October 29 and Saturday, October 30. Last year’s event was postponed due to the pandemic and health and safety measures implemented by the Walt Disney World resort. Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine is one of our favorite events of the year and we are looking forward to the return of Food & Wine. For more information, please keep on reading and find links at the bottom.

An annual tradition since 2010, the event makes its return to the fall after a one-year hiatus and highly successful debut of the Spring Food & Wine Classic. Set outside among the scenic ambiance of the resort, the event features live music, over 20 food stations, 100 beverage selections, and immersive themed areas, such as the beer garden and the bubble lounge.

“This event means so much to us because we get to share our passion for food and beverage with our guests in a tangible, interactive way,” said Luciano Sperduto, the resort’s director of food & beverage. “We couldn’t be more excited to pick up where we left off and create an even more delicious, energetic, and memorable experience this year.”

Menu highlights will include:

Hand-crafted smoked pork belly, apple butter-bourbon barbeque, buttered grits, shaved radish, roasted chestnut puree served by Smokin’ D’s BBQ

Roasted Linz heritage black angus beef tenderloin, mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, hollandaise sauce served by Shula’s Steak House

Kimonos Roll: ahi tuna, yellowtail, sustainable salmon, wasabi mayonnaise served by Kimonos

Themed areas will include:

The Beer Garden
The Bubble Lounge
The Pig & The Poke
China Town

Overnight packages for the event start at $580 and event-only tickets options are $165 per person (inclusive of tax and service fees, for more information or to book, visit www.FoodandWineClassic.com. Guests can now reserve accommodations at the resort’s newest tower, the Walt Disney World Swan Reserve, a 14-story hotel offering an upscale, boutique atmosphere as well as 149 suites ideal for families.

The event will employ appropriate safety measures in accordance with Center for Disease Control recommendations and Walt Disney World policies at the time of the event.

With a variety of restaurants and lounges and a distinguished culinary and beverage team, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin continually earns national recognition for their food and beverage program. The resort boasts numerous certified wine sommeliers and 1,400 wine selections.

For the latest, guests can visit www.FoodandWineClassic.com, follow www.facebook.com/swandolphinfwc or call 1-888-828-8850.

Join Dollywood’s Splash Country on June 17th for a Water Safety Education Event.

By

Greg Gately

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June 15, 2021

Join Dollywood’s Splash Country on June 17th for a Water Safety Education Event. Swimming lessons, water safety education awareness urgent after pandemic year and Dollywood is looking to help. Drowning remains the leading cause of accidental death in children ages 1 – 4, and it’s the second leading cause of injury-related death in children 14 and younger.

Participation in swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by up to 88 percent! Dollywood’s Splash Country is committed to helping bridge the gap to prevent drowning. This year, swim instructors and community leaders will come together Thursday, June 17 to provide a free 30-minute lesson in the morning and offer education throughout the day.

“Dollywood’s Splash Country is committed to doing our part to educate and raise awareness about water safety,” explained Jason Boothe, Vice President of Park Operations. “In fact, we’re offering a $25 ticket and giveaways to incentivize people to join us for the swim lesson at 10 a.m. Research shows that swimming lessons save lives, so we’re inviting the community to join us as we host the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson.”

The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson (WLSL) is a one-day event that happens at pools and water parks around the world. Dollywood’s Splash Country is one of the participating venues, and to build out the event with a greater scope of water awareness, the Smokies’ most-trusted water park created Water Safety Day.

This year, Splash Country is partnering with SafeSplash Swim School for the swim lesson. The lesson begins at 10 a.m. at Mountain Waves wave pool. Vendor booths are open from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Guests who visit the vendor booths receive a Splash Pass, allowing them to receive a prize at each booth. Once the participants have visited all vendors, they may turn their pass in for the chance to win two season passes to Dollywood’s Splash Country!

Dollywood's Splash Country Water Safety Education Event

To take advantage of the $25 ticket offer, guests can visit Dollywood.com/watersafety. Water Safety Day and WLSL registration begin Thursday, June 17 at 9 a.m. at Dollywood’s Splash Country. The park opens to guests at 9:30 a.m. To receive a free gift, guests should arrive early to register before the swim lesson begins at 10 a.m. Dollywood’s Splash Country admission is required to participate in Water Safety Day and may be purchased on-site or online at Dollywood.com.

Change Your Fate With These Brave Banana Cherry Teacakes!

By

Ana Leal

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June 15, 2021

Change your fate with these Brave Banana Cherry Teacakes! But don’t worry, they won’t change you into a bear.

Dole created a teacake recipe with a modern twist, this vegetarian version is a new, healthier take on an iconic Scottish pastry made with bananas and cherries!

We are sure these cakes will become a favorite in your home, plus making them is super easy and everyone can help! Just follow this easy recipe:

BRAVE BANANA CHERRY TEACAKES

INGREDIENTS:

3/4 cup of white whole wheat flour plus additional for dusting
1/2 cup of oat flour
1 tbsp of baking powder
1/8 tsp of salt
3 tbsp of chopped walnuts
2 tbsp of unsweetened dried cherries, chopped
2 ripe Dole bananas, 1 peeled and mashed (about 1/2 cup), 1 peeled and thinly sliced crosswise
1/3 cup of oat milk
3 tbsp of natural buttery spread with olive oil, melted
3 tbsp of avocado oil
1/4 cup of almond butter
Honey for serving (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS:

Whisk flours, baking powder and salt in a large bowl; stir in walnuts and cherries.
Whisk mashed banana, milk and buttery spread in a medium bowl. Stir banana mixture into flour mixture until incorporated; transfer to lightly floured work surface and knead just until dough comes together.
Divide dough into 8 pieces; roll into balls and shape into 1/4 inch thick disks.
Heat 1 1/2 tbsp oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add 4 dough disks; cook 8 minutes or until golden brown, turning once.
Repeat with remaining 1 1/2 tbsp oil and 4 dough disks. Makes 8 bannocks.
Serve bannocks topped with almond butter and remaining sliced banana; drizzle with honey, if desired.

Enjoy!

Credit: Dole.com