4 hours ago, twiceblessed....nacole said:

Update as of November 11th:  We have a friend staying at the Fort right now; he has been stopped by a CM twice and required to put a mask on.  The first time he was riding in a personal golf cart (so not a Disney rental) and the second time, he was exercising by riding his bike.   Just got back on to let you know that as of today, they were enforcing that you cover your face.

As people have previously posted here and on numerous FB groups, everyone knows the rules before they arrive, or at the very least when they check in.  If they choose to ignore the rules and get reprimanded I have no sympathy for them.

Do the cart and exercising mask rules make sense?  Maybe, maybe not but it’s Disney’s property and Disney’s rules and if you can’t abide, don’t go.

We just came back from a Halloween stay.  Do to some issues we mostly stayed at our site, but on one of our wanderings, I did hear a CM on a golf cart tell a passing guest on a golf cart to put on his mask.  I saw maybe 95 to 99% compliance on adults and kids.

I know this is minor compared to the 15,000 + employees getting laid off in FL.

No More “A WHOLE CAN?!?” Kitchen Sink Orders No Longer Get Special Treatment from Cast Members at Beaches & Cream Soda Shop

Beaches & Cream Soda Shop at Disney’s Beach Club Resort is famous for its Kitchen Sink Sundae, which Cast Members would announce to the entire restaurant by a raucous display of yelling, sirens, and clapping.

Even when the restaurant reopened in June, the tradition continued—with Cast Members performing in face masks. However, after careful review of health & safety measures, that tradition is now suspended.

When bringing the Kitchen Sink to a table, sirens would go off in the restaurant and a Cast Member would announce the ingredients of the sundae as they carried it to the table. When they yelled, “A whole can of whipped cream!” guests would respond, “A whole can?!” Though the celebration was still happening when Beaches & Cream first reopened following this summer’s closure, they have now received guidance to discontinue it for now. With guests not wearing masks while eating, yelling and cheering could create more infected droplets in the air than is safe. Cast Members at the location are unsure when the tradition will return.

It looks kind of naked and not very impressive.

7 hours ago, Disneymommaof6 said:

URGENT info for Florida resident pass holders on the monthly payment plan. You have until November 1, 2020 to sign a new contract or your passes will end on November 1.  I did not receive an email but supposedly they have been sending them out to monthly payment pass holders. NOTE- the help line is only open Monday through Friday, 8am to 8pm est.  888-701-4100 option 3. If you did not receive an email you must call by Friday, October 30th for help. The regular VIPassholder phone Line cannot help with this issue. 
 

 

https://www.themeparktourist.com/news/20201009/29293/walt-disney-world-annual-passholder-extension-confirmation-deadline-set

I got an email on 10/8 from Walt Disney World Reservations.  You might want to check your spam/junk folder.

I followed the instructions.  Basically you are agreeing to an amendment to your payment plan contract.

I also got a letter in the mail last week saying the same thing.  I thought I missed something in the email, but when I tried to follow the link in the letter it said I had already done the amendment.

5 minutes ago, mmfancipher said:

Haven't tried anything yet.  I was afraid I'd scratch it up.  Thanks for the suggestions!

 

Auto parts stores (or Amazon) will carry a wide range of polishing compounds in various "grits" like sandpaper ratings.

I would try the toothpaste first if they aren't really deep.

Complete article

https://www.sfgate.com/disneyland/article/mineral-king-ski-resort-disney-failed-project-15662462.php

Disney's failed attempt to build a massive ski resort in the California wilderness

It’s never quite made sense that the Country Bear Jamboree debuted in Disney World, located in muggy Florida, a state not particularly known for furry brown bears. But the ensemble of musical bears wasn’t meant for Disney World at all. They were destined, once upon a time, for a stunning alpine-style resort tucked deep in California’s Sequoia National Park.

For almost two decades, Disney’s Mineral King Ski Resort was the company’s white whale, the project that Walt loved but environmentalists hated.

The saga began in 1960 when Walt Disney was appointed head of the “pageantry committee” for the Winter Olympics at Squaw Valley. He loved it. He loved the snow; he loved the resorts; he loved the idea of healthy, family-friendly outdoor exercise. Disney, he decided, should have its own ski resort.

So the company began searching for suitable locations. By the mid-1960s, they’d landed on Mineral King, a little-known jewel four hours north of Los Angeles. The area had never been seriously developed because of its inaccessibility. Miles of the "road" into Mineral King Valley were completely unpaved. As a result, in winter, its most alluring and potentially lucrative season, the region was off-limits entirely.

Famed skier Willy Schaeffler was brought in by Disney to assess the project’s viability. Mineral King had the potential to be “unsurpassed when it comes to magnitude, terrain and dependable snow,” he told the company. They estimated the slopes could accommodate up to 20,000 skiers of all skill levels. It had the potential to be America’s greatest ski resort and a training ground for its Olympians.

The plans, at least on paper, were stunning. Disney officials promised locals Mineral King would never be “another Disneyland.” There wouldn’t be theme park rides or magic castles. Instead, it would be a ski haven built into the mountains. There would be 10 restaurants, 14 ski lifts, two hotels, a heliport, a conference center and even a chapel. To keep the area pristine — and because Walt hated traffic — vehicles were prohibited in the valley. Guests would park at a massive lot some miles away and be ferried into Mineral King via one of Disney’s famed transit vehicles, like a monorail or gondola.

3 minutes ago, mmfancipher said:

I've had my Mickey lamp for several years and the globes have gotten scuffed up a little.  Any ideas on how to get rid of the scuff marks?

Odie, where did you get the duck bill?

 

Did you try some plastic polish, or even some non gel type tooth paste?

My daughter just sent me an Instagram post.

Disney is taking ownership of all Morocco Pavilion businesses.

I had seen that the quick serve had $$ trouble and closed up a few weeks ago.

14 minutes ago, fladogfan aka Gretchen said:

I just renewed my tag for 2 years last August.

Did you read the list of 'special tags' Florida has?  I counted about 124.  That could be off some, was hard to count that list.

It's over 100

I think a lot of the DMVs have run out of wall space to display them all.

And some of them are just terrible graphics on the plates.

36 minutes ago, lightbikes said:

It would be nice if this did a 50th Anniversary license plate frame as well.  That way people from other states/provinces could get one to use around our plates.  

 

I sure there will more 50th Anniversary crap collectables than you could ever dream of.

They are going to have to make up a years worth of lost revenue somehow!

Disney World announces special Florida license plate to celebrate 50th anniversary

Disney may have canceled many of the big plans it had lined up for Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary, but that hasn’t stopped the resort – Florida’s largest single-site employer – from moving forward with many of its smaller plans for the golden anniversary. The biggest news so far for collectors and devotees of all things Mouse is that Disney has announced a specialty Florida license plate.

In car-centric Florida, specialty plates are a big deal, with drivers statewide able to choose from more than 1oo different designs benefiting everything from local environmental causes to cancer research.
 

Interested car owners can purchase a presale voucher for $25 plus state administration fees at County Tax Collector’s offices and DMV branches across the State of Florida. Online presales will be available soon.

This limited-edition license plate is a first for Walt Disney World. The proceeds from the annual use fee will benefit Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation helps grant the wishes of children with critical illnesses. The foundation works closely with other groups, such as Give Kids the World Village, to help critically ill children and their families visit Disney World in the most stress-free way possible.

Since 1980, Disney has worked with Make-A-Wish to grant more than 140,000 wishes, including more than 8,000 that have taken place at Walt Disney World.

Specialty plates must sell at least 1,000 vouchers prior to production, though that likely won’t be a problem for this coveted collectible. This could provide Make-A-Wish a significant donation boost. One of the most popular specialty plates ever, the “Helping Sea Turtles Survive” plate, has brought in millions of dollars.

The WDW 50th Anniversary license plate design hasn’t been revealed yet, but Disney’s announcement regarding the upcoming release featured an image of the 50th Anniversary rose gold-inspired logo. This same blue and rose gold color is now being added to the Magic Kingdom’s ticket booth, and Cinderella’s Castle recently received a paint job featuring the colors.

• Image via Disney

Early rumors pointed to big updates in the works for the anniversary celebration, but this year’s uncertainty has meant many of those plans have been put on pause.

Still, some new attractions will be available in time for the anniversary celebration, including the Tron Lightcycle Run motorcycle-style indoor-outdoor coaster at the Magic Kingdom, the trackless Ratatouille 3D dark ride at Epcot, and the 'Harmonious' nighttime spectacular, also at Epcot. A new nighttime show and possibly other entertainment offerings are also expected to be announced for the Magic Kingdom.

Early indications were that Disney planned to launch the 50th Anniversary celebrations in early summer 2021 but, amid the ongoing economic recession and coronavirus pandemic, it may instead begin on the actual anniversary date of Oct. 1, 2021, then run through late 2022. This would also mean the specialty plate could be released just before or during the actual anniversary events.

19 minutes ago, Katman1356...Jason said:

Kind of. Still working through the pile and the new ones that are coming in. Email headed your way as soon as I get chance. 

 

Take your time...

Hey you woke up!

We went to MK this past Saturday, and EPCOT on Sunday.

The parks definitely were not as crowded as a normal October date, especially EPCOT with Food and Wine going on.

We didn't really have any issued social distancing.  You just have to watch where you're walking and try to anticipate where there will be a clear spot to get past people.

MK we walked around Adventure Land and Frontier Land and caught the Country Bear Show.

Most of the ride times we pretty high on the MDE wait time.  Not sure if that was where all the people were.

It was hot and we didn't feel like waiting on rides so we left to go back and enjoy the condo we rented.  Daughters and granddaughters stayed

No issues with the monorails, one family per seat, and there was a heavy grey vinyl cover above the seat backs making each compartment separate.

It was a pretty warm walk to and from the parking lot.  We were in Scar.

EPCOT wasn't overly crowded.  We walked on to Nemo, maybe 5 minutes from the entrance to getting on the ride.

The LAND boat ride took a little over 5 minutes to get on and that was basically walking the entire time.

Soarin was a 35 minute wait, the MDE said 50 minutes.

We walked as far as England then left.  It was hot and we didn't plan on getting much food or drinks.  My daughters and granddaughter were doing the Ratatouille Scavenger Hunt so they stayed.

That big event hall between Canada and England was open and they had maybe 4 or 5 food vendors in there along with a merchandise stand.

They weren't giving out the little guide books that listed the food vendors.  You're supposed to scan a QR code and download one.

Overall we felt safe and will be going back to the parks when we are camping for Halloween

In an interview with CNBC this evening, Disney CEO Bob Chapek said that Disney has kept the capacity at their theme parks, specifically Walt Disney World, capped at 25% of total capacity. Chapek notes that the theme parks are operating on the premise of a 6′ physical distancing restriction, which amounts to a 25% capacity.

Of course, our experience on the ground has been that there are certainly more people in the Walt Disney World theme parks since they reopened in July, but that’s not necessarily the argument here. If capacity is 100,000 guests at Magic Kingdom, that means Chapek is saying that there are less than 25,000 guests in the theme park on any given day. This can be true.

In July, we may have seen less than 10,000 guests in Magic Kingdom on any given day, and while it would be fair to say that there were more than double the guests in the theme parks in October as there were in July, saying that the parks are not welcoming more than 25,000 guests can also be true.

Chapek says that capacity will not be increased until CDC guidelines allow. Disney is managing capacity via the Disney Park Pass reservation system.

48 minutes ago, LONE-STAR said:

I blame covid 19 for killing my dad. Even though he tested  negative for it. We were unable to see the bad care he was getting in a nursing home that he went in to for 30 days of physical therapy. He got a bed sore that started tunneling into him and since he was fighting prostate cancer there was nothing they could do for him. He passed away at the end of June and I don't think my mom will ever be the same. They had just had there 50th wedding anniversary in March.  There was supposed to be a big party, but due to covid it was postponed. Thank goodness my daughter made them a cake. 

Sorry for your loss...

20 minutes ago, h2odivers...Ray said:

Thanks for the info Carol. They both seem to be about the same distance from the front. Do you have a preference between the two loops?

Depending when you go (holidays or over a weekend) the 2000 loop can be party central.

Large groups come in and take over multiple sites.  They will use one site just for a kitchen set up with 3 or 4 EZ Ups and multiple tables.

They let the kids run wild.

But saying that, last time we were in 1500, a scout group took over 3 sites across the street from us.  Multiple cars and utility trailers on the sites along with a camp kitchen.

They set up maybe 10 - 15 tents along the canal behind the sites.  Must've been about 50 people, but they were pretty quiet and well behaved.

15 minutes ago, Tri-Circle-D said:

You are absolutely right. 

The current Disney management would be perfectly happy to operate the parks department like a Six Flags or even a traveling carnival as long as the dollars keep rolling in. And that’s clearly the direction they’re heading. 

TCD

Disney has been slowly chipping away what made their brand special for years.

People that have been going to the parks and the fort for a long time always post remember when this .....

They are just accelerating it now.

Even people that have only been going for a few years are seeing major changes.

Has Disney been loosing $$?

Yes they have, but so has about 70% of the companies and population.

But I bet they are sitting on plenty of reserve funds that could comfortably take them past this mess without screwing over the workers and guests!

I see that the former buffets are all going family style like Hoop De Doo.

There was a FB review about the Biergarten's new family style, and they liked it.

Since everything is brought to the table, they tried items they wouldn't have chosen on the buffet line.

5 minutes ago, Tri-Circle-D said:

Seems like a pretty good deal for the guy. 

I bet he comes back.

TCD

If you purchase a one day ticket, you don't have to show ID do you?

If he tries to come back we will see how good the Mouse's security cameras are and if they use facial recognition!

7 minutes ago, Tri-Circle-D said:

I know bloggers need to drum up interest by speculating, but this probably really is only for installing parking lot lighting. They already have been using the cleared site for castmember parking. Now, they’re adding some light poles. That’s all. 

TCD

Gotta keep those click coins coming in...

Walt Disney Imagineering has filed a permit for pole mounted fixtures in a temporary cast parking area at Disney’s Fort Wilderness. This may indicate that construction at the neighboring Reflections – A Disney Lakeside Lodge may resume. Rumors of the lodge’s cancellation have been circulating since June, but with this new permit and a “general construction” permit filed last month, the project may be moving forward.

The permit contracts Carter Electric, Inc. to “furnish and install pole mounted fixtures for temporary cast parking area” at 4400 Big Pine Road, Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort. The fixtures will likely be lighting for the temporary parking area.

Disney Parks Blog removed the announcement for Reflections – A Disney Lakeside Lodge from an August 2019 post outlining D23 Expo announcements. Changes to the post were likely made during the first week of August 2020. Disney has been known to quietly change announcement posts like these in cases of canceled, altered, or delayed projects.

Disney has not officially announced or commented on the current state of the Reflections project. There are no recent signs of construction at the former site of River Country besides staged equipment and materials.

21 hours ago, Tri-Circle-D said:

Remember how WDW cut and did not replace the MK night parade, added all those before and after hours events and dessert parties by taking away park hours and venues, and began charging hotel guests for parking?  Not to mention endless price increases and smaller food portions?  That money grubbing adds up to billions of profits that are sitting as billions of dollars of cash on the corporate books. 

All of it made possible by the blood, sweat and tears of their loyal castmembers.

Could they use some of that cash to help their paycheck to paycheck castmembers?  You know, the money they helped them make? Of course. But will they?  Hell no!  They are going to try and rake in a few more billion by charging more and delivering less for as long as they can get away with it. It’s worked for them in the past, and they’re betting it will again.  And it probably will.

Like I said. They’re just another money-grubbing heartless corporation. 

TCD

Still catering to the big spenders...

How many projects have been put on hold that all park goers could enjoy without paying extra?  Mary Poppins in EPCOT was cut at the moment.

A new permit suggests that the next step in construction will soon commence for Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser at Walt Disney World.

A permit was recently filed with the state of Florida by Walt Disney Imagineering to install “set items” for the future resort hotel. The work will be carried out by InterAmerica Stage, Inc., whose work focuses on “stage rigging, stage machinery and specialty theatrical equipment.” The company has experience in the theme park and resort industries, as they’ve worked on projects for Universal Orlando and SeaWorld. Another set installation permit was filed for the project back in July.

Last month, Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser was listed as a “prioritized” construction project by Disney’s Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Christine McCarthy, as the company decreases its capital expenditures due to the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Discovery Island Trespasser Accepts Plea Deal, Banned From WDW For Life

Back in May, an individual made his way to Walt Disney World’s long-abandoned Discovery Island and was able to camp there for about a week before being caught, and has accepted a plea deal in his trespassing case 

What’s Happening:

6 minutes ago, Tri-Circle-D said:

You’re right- it’s the American way. 

I don’t think there are any more compassionate corporations. Disney used to be different. In my personal experience, they are the last corporation I’ve dealt with that at least made an effort at customer service.  Have you dealt with Amazon or Walmart or any other big company  lately?  The pits. Now Disney is right down there with the rest of them. Sad. 

TCD

All too true.

I worked part time in the Geek Squad at Best Buy for 15 years and it really changed over the years.

Partially because they wiped out all of their competition.

When I started we were up against Circuit City, Sears,  Comp USA, Gateway stores and a few others that were tops in their fields.

When I got hired, I was told if we knew that a competitor had an item that we didn't carry, and would be a better fit for the customer,  we should refer them to that store.

That was good customer service.

As we wiped out the competition we doubled down on pushing service plans and add ones trying to get every last dime from the customers.

I finally got tired of trying to sell and not doing repairs, so I packed it in.

22 minutes ago, Tri-Circle-D said:

Remember how WDW cut and did not replace the MK night parade, added all those before and after hours events and dessert parties by taking away park hours and venues, and began charging hotel guests for parking?  Not to mention endless price increases and smaller food portions?  That money grubbing adds up to billions of profits that are sitting as billions of dollars of cash on the corporate books. 

All of it made possible by the blood, sweat and tears of their loyal castmembers.

Could they use some of that cash to help their paycheck to paycheck castmembers?  You know, the money they helped them make? Of course. But will they?  Hell no!  They are going to try and rake in a few more billion by charging more and delivering less for as long as they can get away with it. It’s worked for them in the past, and they’re betting it will again.  And it probably will.

Like I said. They’re just another money-grubbing heartless corporation. 

TCD

The rich get richer, and it's always on the backs of the "little" people.

The compassionate corporations are few and far between and are a dying breed.