The Sweep Spot Ep. #339 – Disneyland Custodial Lead Jennifer Smith

The time has come for another episode of The Sweep Spot! Today’s podcast welcomes former Disneyland Custodial Lead Jennifer Furfaro Smith, our co-worker who we affectionately knew as “Foof.” She was one of the main Leads in the early days of cleaning up Fantasmic! and helped open Disney California Adventure. In our conversation, she also […]

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Skyliner Strategy to Arrive for Early Entry at EPCOT & Hollywood Studios

Taking advantage of Early Entry at Walt Disney World requires getting up (wait for it) early and being to the parks prior to park opening. This post covers whether it’s possible to accomplish that at EPCOT or DHS by relying on the Skyliner gondolas, rather than paying extra for Uber, Lyft, or a Minnie Van. […]

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Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge Souvenir Cups Feature Custom Branding Aboard Disney Wish

While at first glance, the Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge souvenir cups look identical to those at Oga’s Cantina and the Sublight Lounge, guests aboard the Disney Wish will notice custom branding, making these unique collectibles.

Hyperspace Lounge Souvenir Cups

Hyperspace Lounge souvenir cups

The three souvenir cups here, from left to right, are the glasses resembling those that come with the Fiery Mustafarian and the Dagobah Vimlet at the Sublight Lounge, and the one similar to the “Cliff Dweller” Porg mug from Oga’s Cantina.

The souvenir glassware and Porg mug look mostly like their counterparts from Oga’s Cantina on Batuu and Sublight Lounge aboard the Halcyon. However, these pieces feature Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge branding on the bottom.

At the Hyperspace Lounge, these glasses don’t come with a specific drink but can be added to any cocktail for $12.

hyperspace lounge disney wish2276

Meanwhile, the Porg mug can be added to a non-alcoholic beverage for $17.

Are you planning to snag one of these collector’s items on your next cruise? Let us know in the comments below!

For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on TwitterFacebook, and Instagram.

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New Shockingly Expensive Disney Souvenirs Have Hit the Shelves

Disney has done it again. Check out the latest sticker-shock-inducing items to hit the shelves. Soarin Over the Middle Class? For the past decade, it has been postulated that Disney is steadily pricing out the middle class. Price increases, the stripping away of perks such as free FastPass and Magical Express, and lavishly priced items […]

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A Look at the COVID-19 Testing and Vaccination Policies For EVERY Major Cruise Line

The cruise line industry has certainly been put through the wringer since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Disney Wish docked at Castaway Cay

Carriers have had to completely transform their operating procedures to follow international health and safety guidelines, including requiring passengers to be vaccinated, test negative for the virus before boarding, or both. With a few major cruise lines out there, you might be wondering which one has COVID policies that work for you. We’ve done the heavy lifting and are bringing you an overview of the COVID-19 policies for each major cruise line!

When it comes to choosing which cruise line you’re going to sail with, there are even more factors to consider these days than what we’ve seen in the past. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have ended their COVID-19 cruise monitoring program, effectively eliminating any sort of vaccination or testing requirement. It’s up to each cruise line to make that call, so we’re sharing an overview of each major cruise line’s COVID-19 vaccination and testing policies.

Castaway Cay

Disney Cruise Line

Let’s start with the Disney Cruise Line since it’s the one we have recent personal experience with! We were on the first sailing of Disney’s newest ship — the Wish — and got to go through the COVID-19 testing process ourselves. The current Disney Cruise Line COVID-19 policy states that all vaccine-eligible guests (ages 5 and older) must be fully vaccinated before boarding a Disney cruise ship, and all guests (regardless of vaccination status) must show proof of a negative COVID-19 test at the cruise terminal.

Disney Wish boarding process

You can take a test at home before heading to the terminal, but Disney also has a testing site there as well. Either way, you’ll have to pay for the test. If you choose to test at home, once you have your negative COVID-19 test result, you must upload it to your Safe Passage account by midnight before embarkation day.

Boarding the Disney Wish

Safe Passage is a website where guests can upload proof of vaccination, and all guests who are vaccine eligible will have to upload their results.

Click Here to Read Everything You Need to Know About Disney Cruise Line COVID Testing Procedures

Carnival

If you’re thinking about heading out on a Carnival Cruise, there are some health and safety guidelines you’ll still have to follow in order to set sail. Vaccinated guests are not required to take a COVID-19 test prior to boarding on cruises that re five days or less. It will still require pre-cruise testing for sailings that are longer than six nights, but this can be done within three days of departure.

©Carnival

Carnival is no longer providing any testing at the terminal for unvaccinated guests, and all of those unvaccinated guests ages 2 and older must provide proof of a negative result for either a lab-administered or supervised self-administered antigen COVID test within three days of boarding.

©Carnival

Additionally, guests must present an original vaccination record issued by the country’s health authority (i.e., U.S. CDC’s Vaccination Record Card). A digital COVID-19 Certificate, a record of COVID-19 vaccination from a healthcare provider, and a personal electronic health record or government Immunization Information System record are also acceptable. They must be the original documents though, as copies will not be accepted.

Royal Caribbean

For any Royal Caribbean cruise, you might have in your future, you should note that all Royal Caribbean guests age 12 and older must present proof of full COVID-19 vaccination with the final dose administered at least 14 days before sailing. Kids ages 11 and under do not need to be vaccinated to cruise.

©Royal Caribbean

But, Royal Caribbean has just updated its policy and will no longer require vaccinated guests to be tested for COVID-19 before boarding cruises that are less than 6 nights. The cruise line will still require tests for unvaccinated guests on all voyages, and for vaccinated guests on voyages 6 nights or longer. This policy will go into effect beginning August 8th, 2022.

Click Here to Read More About the Royal Caribbean Policy Update

Norwegian

Norwegian Cruise Line is still requiring that all guests age twelve and over must be fully vaccinated at least 2 weeks prior to departure in order to board. According to the cruise line, it is the responsibility of the guest to be aware of any local protocols and/or travel restrictions in place at the visiting destinations at the time of sailing.

©Norwegian Cruise Lines

Additionally, all vaccinated guests ages 12 and older, must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 antigen or PCR test taken within 2 days of the embarkation date for cruises originating in a U.S. or Canadian port and within 3 days of the embarkation date for cruises originating from any other ports.

©Norwegian Cruise Lines

It’s also important to note that individuals that test positive within 90 days of their scheduled embarkation date are exempted from the pre-arrival testing, but will need to provide a COVID-19 Recovery document from a licensed healthcare provider.

Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages was the first major cruise line to remove its COVID-19 testing requirements following the CDC’s termination of the cruise program. It was announced that Virgin Voyages would be removing the requirement that passengers submit a COVID-19 test before boarding.

©Virgin Voyages

It’s important to note, though, that Virgin requires 90% of sailors on their cruises to be fully vaccinated, though there are a limited number of spots reserved for unvaccinated guests. Unlike Royal Caribbean’s new policy, Virgin Voyages will not require unvaccinated guests to take a COVID-19 test before boarding.

Click Here to Learn More About the Virgin Voyages Policy Update

Keep in mind that this information is subject to change, and chances are checking your respective cruise line’s website will have the most accurate and up-to-date information. We’re always looking out for the latest travel news that could impact your plans, so be sure to stay tuned to DFB for more!

Mickey and Minnie at Pirate Night on the Disney Wish!

Thinking about booking a Disney cruise? The itineraries have been announced for 2023, and you can read more about that here. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to live on a cruise ship for six months, we’ve got all that info for you right here too!

Click here to read the latest CDC cruise update, and check out everything you need to know about the Disney Wish here!

 

Have you been on a cruise since the pandemic started? Let us know in the comments!

The post A Look at the COVID-19 Testing and Vaccination Policies For EVERY Major Cruise Line first appeared on the disney food blog.

PHOTOS: Take a Look at the Reopened Harmony Barber Shop in Magic Kingdom!

Did you know you can get a haircut in Magic Kingdom?

Harmony Barber Shop

Harmony Barber Shop is a barber shop on Main Street, U.S.A. in the Magic Kingdom! It closed back in 2020 with the rest of the park, and while we’ve seen a lot of experiences return to Disney World like Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue dining, character dining, and traditional character meet and greets, this Magic Kingdom staple has stayed closed until now!

The Harmony Barber Shop is back open for business! If you’ve ever needed a haircut in the middle of the day at Magic Kingdom (hey, you never know what’s gonna happen!) then stop by to get a quick trim.

It’s open!

Harmony Barber Shop also offers a special “My First Haircut” Experience for infants getting their hair cut for the first time! On top of the haircut, you will get commemorative Mickey ears, a keepsake lock of hair, and an official milestone certificate. There’s also a little bit of added magic and pixie dust (AKA glitter for your hair) for the 50th Anniversary Celebration of Disney World.

Looks like someone is getting a first haircut!

Haircuts are available for all ages, pixie dust and all! If you want to get your hair cut in Magic Kingdom, they do take walk-ins, but you’re probably better off getting a reservation through the My Disney Experience app before your trip. An adult haircut starts at $21, a kid’s haircut starts at $20, a beard trim starts at $8, and the “My First Haircut” Experience starts at $28. These prices have slightly increased since the barber shop closed in 2020.

Ready to cut some hair!

Looking for other unique experiences in Disney World? The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique will be reopening soon to give kids a royal makeover!

If you’re looking for other newly returning things to do in Magic Kingdom, the Merida meet and greet is back to “normal”. We’ve also been keeping an eye on the TRON coaster construction and we’ll keep updating you on the Walt Disney World Railroad!

Click here to see the Grand Reopening of the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue!

Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!

Don’t Miss Out on Any Disney Fun!

Order Your Copy of the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today!

With more than 750 pages, the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We’ve done the research for you, so you’ll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family’s needs!

With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you’ll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet.

Click here to order your copy of the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2022 to save 25% off the cover price today!

Use code WDW2022 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today!

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Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. 🙂

Have you ever gotten a haircut in Disney World? Let us know in the comments! 

The post PHOTOS: Take a Look at the Reopened Harmony Barber Shop in Magic Kingdom! first appeared on the disney food blog.

8 Disney World Ticket and Hotel Deals

Thinking about planning a summer trip to Disney World?

EPCOT

We don’t blame you! Between the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival, continued 50th Anniversary Celebrations, and even the debut of MagicBand+ in the parks, now is an exciting time to head out on your vacation. But, Disney World can be expensive, and if you want to avoid paying full price on your trip stay tuned because we’re sharing all the ways to save on your Disney World trip in August!

U.S. Military Member Discounts

Ticket Offers

Did you know that members of the United States Military can save on park tickets AND on their Disney Resort hotel stays?

Astro Orbiter

This deal is for active or retired members of the US Military, including the National Guard, Reservists, the US Coast Guard, the US Space Force, the Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service (PHS), and the Commissioned Corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) can choose between a 4-day or 5-day Disney Military Salute Ticket (formerly the Disney Military Promotional Ticket).

Spouses of Military Service Members can also qualify for this deal upon presentation of a valid and active military I.D..

Dinosaur

Here’s the pricing for the 5-day Disney Military Salute Ticket:

  • With Park Hopper Option – $349 plus tax
  • With Park Hopper Plus Option – $379 plus tax
  • With Park Hopper Option and Disney Genie+ Service – $424 plus tax
  • With Park Hopper Plus Option and Disney Genie+ Service – $454 plus tax

Pirates of the Caribbean

And here’s the pricing for the 4-Day Disney Military Salute Ticket:

  • With Park Hopper Option – $329 plus tax
  • With Park Hopper Plus Option – $359 plus tax
  • With Park Hopper Option and Disney Genie+ Service – $389 plus tax
  • With Park Hopper Plus Option and Disney Genie+ Service – $419 plus tax

Slinky Dog Dash

Tickets must be purchased now through December 16th, 2022 for trips beginning now through December 16th, 2022.

And, U.S. Military Members can purchase Disney’s PhotoPass Memory Maker for the discounted price of $98 through December 16th, 2022! Normally, this service costs $169 when purchased in advance — this way you can download your photos for less.

Click Here to Learn More About the Military Ticket Offer Here

Specially Priced Hotel Rates

Need somewhere to rest your head after that long park day? Fear not, because military members also receive a discounted rate at select Disney Resort hotels throughout 2022. This deal is available now through December 16th, 2022 for stays between 1 to 14 nights on most nights now through December 16th, 2022.

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

For additional details on resort availability, booking options, dates, and to have other questions answered call (407) 939-7830.

Click Here for More Details on Military Hotel Savings

Annual Passholder Discounts

Ticket Offers

If you’re trying an Annual Passholder trying to beat the heat in Disney World, you can get a special deal on 1-day tickets to Typhoon Lagoon!

Typhoon Lagoon!

The tickets are $49 plus tax, and the offer must be used before December 31st, 2022.

Specially Priced Hotel Rates

Annual Passholders can take advantage of the Stay in the Magic deal and get great rates at select Disney World hotels this summer!

Disney’s Old Key West Resort

On most nights from July 8th through September 8th, Passholders can stay in a standard room at any of the All-Star Resorts for $129 per night, plus deals on rates at even more hotels like the Contemporary and Port Orleans!

Click Here to Learn More About This Deal

Plus, Annual Passholders can save up to 30% off stays at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort this summer!

Swan and Dolphin Resort

To take advantage of this deal, you can either call the resort at 1-888-828-8850 and ask for the promotional code ANNUAL PASSHOLDER RATE or you can book online. If you book online, make sure Promotional Code QWH appears in the Corporate/Promo code box. You will have to show a valid/current Disney Annual Pass at check-in to receive the offer. The website says to act now, because the offer expires soon, but no specific date was given.

Click Here to Read More About the Swan & Dolphin Deal

Florida Resident Discounts

Ticket Offers

Florida Residents can take advantage of a special deal and save up to 40% on 4-day tickets and 30% on 3-day tickets when compared to the non-Florida Resident price!

Enchanted Tiki Room

If you’ve only got time for one day in the parks, Florida Residents can also save on 1-day Park Hopper tickets.

Specially Priced Hotel Rates

Florida Residents can take advantage of the Stay in the Magic deal and get discounted rates at select Disney World hotels for most nights from July 8th through September 8th, 2022!

Riviera Resort

You can in a standard room at any of the All-Star Resorts for $129 per night (before tax). But, there are a lot of other hotels where you can get great rates! Check them all out by clicking on the link below!

Learn More About This Hotel Deal HERE

Other Special Offers

Disney+ Subscriber Hotel Rates

Disney+ subscribers can save up to 25% on select Disney World hotels this summer on most nights from July 8th through September 30th, 2022! Let’s check out which hotels are part of this deal.

Animal Kingdom Lodge

Guests can save 25% at:

  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
  • Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
  • Disney’s Contemporary Resort
  • Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
  • Disney’s Riviera Resort
  • Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

You can also save 20% at:

  • The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
  • Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – Family Suites
  • Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
  • Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
  • Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

Disney+ subscribers will also save 15% at:

  • Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
  • Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
  • Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
  • Disney’s Pop Century Resort

Pop Century Resort

You can save 10% at:

  • The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
  • Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
  • Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

There is a limited number of rooms available for this offer, and guests must provide proof of a Disney+ subscription. The Disney+ subscriber must also be staying in the room, and the offer must be booked online or through a travel agent.

Click Here to Read More About the Disney+ Deal

Don’t forget to check if you qualify for any of these discounts before booking your next Disney World vacation! And if you need some help getting started or making sure you’ve got the best deal, consider using a Disney Travel Agent like our friends at Small World Vacations. Stay tuned to DFB for the latest Disney news!

Click Here for Our FULL LIST of All Disney World Deals and Discounts

Thinking about heading to Disney World this year? Check out everything you NEED to eat at the 2022 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival here, and you can see everything confirmed to return to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party here!

Don’t forget that park pass reservations are still required in Disney World, so make sure you book yours before your visit!

Our favorite people over at Small World Vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all, money, when you book your Disney trip or cruise. 

Their agents compare current offers to find the best deal for you — they’ve literally saved their guests millions of dollars since 1996. Plus, their services are 100% FREE FOR YOU! (They’re DFB’s recommended travel agency, and you can see why here!)

So book that trip now, then sit back and enjoy planning your Disney World Trip with a DFB-approved expert! Click here for a no obligation price quote today, and let them know DFB sent you 🙂

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Are you heading to Disney World this summer? Let us know in the comments!

The post 8 Disney World Ticket and Hotel Deals first appeared on the disney food blog.

VIDEO: Parent Expresses Concern After Rapunzel Seemingly Ignores Black Children at Disneyland

A concerned father has shared a video of his children’s recent visit to Disneyland with their grandmother. In the video, Rapunzel seemingly ignores the only Black children in a crowd of guests.

The children run over to Rapunzel as soon as they spot her, and their grandmother tells them they need to get in line. The character attendant can be heard clearly advising the grandmother that there is no line and they are just “walking around.” Still, the princess is taking photos with another guest, so the children patiently wait at the side.

Rapunzel then walks off but continues to stop and visit with other children along the way. Roaming characters usually try to keep moving, especially if a crowd is starting to form. After a while of following her and the grandmother drawing attention to the children having been ignored, she appears to finally look at them at the end of the video.

You can watch the Instagram video below.

This comes on the heels of a similar incident at Sesame Park, which is now the subject of a racial discrimination lawsuit.

For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on TwitterFacebook, and Instagram.

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