Orlando Changes Social Distancing + Updates Mask Policy
Orlando
Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings provided updates to Orlando’s mask and social distancing mandates and outlined a 3-phase plan as to when masks may no longer be needed.
The first phase, which starts today, calls for a change in social distancing from 6 feet to 3 feet in all settings.
Phase 2 will go into effect when 50% of Orlando’s population, age 16 and older, has received the first dose of the vaccine. Face covering mandates for outdoors will be lifted for everyone at that time.
Orlando is on track to reach Phase 2 in about 3 weeks.
Phase 3 begins when 70% of the population age 16 and older has received their first dose of the vaccine or Orlando’s 14-day rolling positivity rate is 5% or below.
In Phase 3, all mandates will be lifted. Mask buring party at my house!
Currently the positivity rate in Orlando is trending downward and is at 8%, according to Orange County officials.
I know, we’re all wondering about Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando. I wouldn’t expect any big changes right away at the theme parks.
Keep in mind that Florida has given Disney World and Universal Orlando the green light to open at at 100% capacity but neither resort has done so. Disney says its parks will be at about 35% capacity through at least September. I think it will be much sooner.
It’s more likely that the parks will go to 3ft. physical distancing before dropping any mask requirements.
With 3ft physical distancing, the lines in the parks won't stretch out as far and that means they can safely increase capacity.
Of course we will have to see what happens, especially over the next few weeks. My guess is that we will have an update from at least one of the theme parks.
For over 12 years Darren Wittko has been helping people save money at Walt Disney World as both, a travel writer and a travel advisor with Magical Vacations Travel. He’s featured in the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren resides in Celebration, FL.
Recent Updates
Port Canaveral Cruises Likely to Restart in Mid-July
CDC says cruises may be able to resume starting in Mid-July. Disney Cruise Line posts offers for early August 2021
USA Today has reported that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention sent a letter to the cruise line industry, including Disney Cruise Line, about possibly letting cruises set sail in Mid-July.
Disney Cruise Line posts offers for Early August 2021 Bahamian Cruises
“We acknowledge that cruising will never be a zero-risk activity and that the goal of the CSO’s phased approach is to resume passenger operations in a way that mitigates the risk of COVID-19 transmission onboard cruise ships and across port communities,” said Aimee Treffiletti, head of the Maritime Unit for the CDC.
The letter also said no test cruises would be necessary if 98% of crew members and at least 95% of passengers are vaccinated.
CDC spokesperson Caitlin Shockey gave a more specific timeline. Cruises could begin passenger voyages from the United States in mid-July, depending on cruise lines' pace and compliance with the CDC's Framework for Conditional Sailing Order.
Disney Cruise Line is planning to restart Bahamian cruises from Port Canaveral starting in early August, 2021. I already have special offers posted on the Disney Cruise Line page where travelers can save 25% on fares.
If you have any questions about a Disney cruise from Florida, contact me here or use the comments below.
For over 12 years Darren Wittko has been helping people save money at Walt Disney World as both, a travel writer and a travel advisor with Magical Vacations Travel. He’s featured in the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren resides in Celebration, FL.
Recent Updates
Disney World Updated Park Pass Reservations. Here's a Helpful Tip!
Here’s a tip for finding Disney World park reservations
You may notice that May and June Park Pass reservations for Walt Disney World just opened up slightly. This is due to a new policy Disney has implemented to help make theme park availability accessible to more people.
Walt Disney World Park Reservations
Has Disney increased park capacity? Not yet, though I think that’s coming soon.
Disney is now sweeping the system of cancelled package reservations.
If you had made a Walt Disney World vacation package and then later cancelled it, your theme park reservations remained in the system unless you manually went in and removed them.
Disney’s reservation system wasn’t yet smart enough to automatically cancel the park reservations along with the package cancellation.
Defunct park reservations were clogging up the system and making the parks appear to be sold out when they actually had availability.
Starting today, Disney will sweep the Park Pass system of all theme park reservations that are attached to cancelled package reservations.
Of course, if you hold tickets without a hotel reservation or have an annual pass, your park reservation will not be cancelled. The sweep only looks for park reservations that are attached to cancelled packages.
If you modify your package dates, Disney will give you 48 hours to change your Park Pass reservations to your new dates. After 24 hours, your park passes will automatically go back into inventory starting at midnight.
Disney World Park Reservation Tip
So we know that midnight is when Disney performs the sweep. If you need a park reservation and can’t get one, check early in the morning to see if any availability has been placed back into inventory. This would be your best chance of finding what you need.
There’s a lot to know about traveling to Walt Disney World these days. This is a great time to book with someone who can help you navigate all the changes and updates.
To get started, click the button below!
For over 12 years Darren Wittko has been helping people save money at Walt Disney World as both, a travel writer and a travel advisor with Magical Vacations Travel. He’s featured in the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren resides in Celebration, FL.
Recent Updates
Disney Lowers Rates at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort
It’s now possible to stay at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort for less per night than Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
In a previous post I discussed how there wasn’t much difference in price between a Little Mermaid Standard Room at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort and a Standard View room at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. Art of Animation Resort is a Value Category hotel and Coronado Springs is in the Moderate Category .
I’d like to take this one step further now. I have come across examples where Coronado Springs actually costs less than Art of Animation!
Disney’s Coronado Springs rates are dropping. In this example, Coronado Springs costs less than Art of Animation (a Value Category resort).
This is truly amazing because Coronado was always considered the flagship Moderate resort with upgraded amenities like central air conditioning in each room (other Moderates have window units), a computer desk with ergonomic chair, upgraded soft goods, several dining and lounge options, and it’s the only Moderate to have a fitness center.
Among the Moderate resorts, Coronado had the highest average nightly rate so the fact that rates are, in some cases, less than a Value hotel is remarkable. This is a great opportunity to stay at this resort and save money.
One reason could be that Coronado Springs is not on Disney Skyliner. Skyliner hotels are Art of Animation, Caribbean Beach, and Pop Century. Disney’s Riviera Resort is too, that’s in a different price category altogether.
So now is a great time to take advantage Coronado’s low rates. Is it better than Art of Animation? Well yeah! It’s one category up and has a lot more to offer like a brand new lobby experience (which is beautiful by the way), a water slide at the feature pool, a fitness center, and better bus service
Dining Options Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
Three Bridges Bar & Grill at Villa del Lago
Rix Sport Bar and Grill
Dahlia Lounge
Barcelona Lounge
Siestas Cantina
Toledo - Tapas, Steak and Seafood
Maya Grill
Cafe Rix
El Mercado de Coronado
Laguna Bar
Room Service
Of course Art of Animation is a terrific resort as well, but when it costs more than a Moderate hotel, I don’t think it’s a good deal because you’re paying more, but getting less.
Dining Options at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Landscape of Flavors Food Court
The Drop Off Pool Bar
Pizza delivery
As a travel agent who specializes in Disney World vacations, I am constantly monitoring rates and deals so my clients are getting the best price, even after they book!
For over 12 years Darren Wittko has been helping people save money at Walt Disney World as both, a travel writer and a travel advisor with Magical Vacations Travel. He’s featured in the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren resides in Celebration, FL.
Recent Updates
Two Disney World Benefits Expiring Soon
Disney World updated ticket offer and the regular cancellation policy will resume
Earlier this week I posted an an article about why I thought the Disney World Summer Offers Might Not Be Available Much Longer. As expected, Disney World just modified the 2 free ticket days offer.
Also, the flexible cancelation policy is about to expire and it doesn’t look like Disney World will be extending it this time.
Ticket Offer Will Expire Sooner Than Expected
The new travel dates for this offer have been updated, it’s now July 4 through September 25, 2021. It was previously valid most nights from January 8, 2021 though September 25, 2021. This means the offer is now unavailable for the remainder of April and all of May and June.
Offer Expiration Date: I also learned that Disney will be pulling this offer on May 2, 2021. Want to see how much you can save? Click here and I’ll send you a quote before it expires.
When looking at the Disney World park reservation calendar, you’ll see that the theme parks are nearly at capacity through July. I’m sure this has a lot to do with the revised offer dates and the new expiration date.
The good news is that you can book travel through late September and still get the the offer. Just book by May 2, 2021.
In this article, I explore the difference between ticket offer and the spring room discount. See which offer is better.
Flexible Cancelation Policy to End
As part of the reopening process Disney World guests can modify or cancel their reservations up to the day of arrival without penalty through April 30, 2021.
This was a great idea. We didn’t want a sick person traveling to Walt Disney World just because they couldn’t get a refund on their vacation.
Staring May 1, the regular cancelation policy will take effect. If you book a package reservation, you’ll have until 30-days prior to arrival to cancel. Inside of 30-days you’ll forfeit the $200 package deposit. If you make a modification inside of 30-days to arrival that results in the package price going down, Disney may impose a $50 change fee.
On room-only reservations and Magical Vacations Travel Exclusive Offers, you have until 5-Days prior to arrival to cancel for a full refund. The cancellation policy for Walt Disney World will be outlined in your quote from me.
When you book your Disney vacation with me, you’ll have an advisor who stays current with important news that may affect your travel plans. See all the perks you’ll enjoy here.
Why Disney World’s Best Summer Offers Might Not Be Available Much Longer
Summer Vacation Deals for Disney World
Attendance is definitely picking up at Walt Disney World. What a difference a year makes! Last spring Orlando was literally a ghost town with all our theme parks shuttered. This year Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando were the number one domestic travel destinations in America, according to TravelAgencyCentral.com.
While Disney has terrific offers through July 10 and even September, it’s the theme park reservations that you need to watch out for.
As of today, Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios are at capacity for most of April, May and June. I’m also noticing that the parks are just now beginning to sell out in early July as well.
People have figured out that reduced capacity for a Disney theme park means less crowds and shorter lines. It’s like going back to the 1980s when FastPass wasn’t even a thing! So, you can save big and enjoy fewer crowds!
But if the Disney parks are at capacity, it doesn’t matter how good the hotel discount is, you won’t be able to get in.
Sample Rates When You Travel by July 10
Sample Packages below are on a family of 2 adults and 2 children staying July 4-8, 2021 with 4-day theme park passes.
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, Garden View $4,596.
Rack rate is $5,092.
Savings: $500! This is a terrific discount for the Grand!
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Pirate Standard View, $2,939.
Rack rate is $3,415.13.
Savings: $475
Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Standard View $2,378.57.
Rack rate is $2,853
Savings: $475
Disney’s All Star Music Resort, Preferred Room $2,643.
Rack Rate: $2774
Savings: $130
Sample rates are subject to availability. Actual rates may vary based on party mix, ages of children and length of stay.
The parks are filling up fast. I can help you with a quote and get you booked for Walt Disney World Resort today! Click the button below.
For over 12 years Darren Wittko has been helping people save money at Walt Disney World as both, a travel writer and a travel advisor with Magical Vacations Travel. He’s featured in the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren resides in Celebration, FL.
Recent Updates
Photo Tour of Disney's Art of Animation Resort - Little Mermaid Rooms
Photo Tour: Disney’s Art of Animation Resort Little Mermaid Room
Recently I had an opportunity to stay at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort in a Little Mermaid Standard Room. There are two sections to Art of Animation: the Little Mermaid Standard Rooms section (regular hotel room with 2 beds) and the Family Suites section. Today I’m writing specifically about the Standard Rooms.
How Disney’s Art of Animation Resort Little Mermaid Rooms Compare to rooms at Disney’s Pop Century Resort.
Art of Animation was originally planned to be phase 2 of Disney’s Pop Century Resort so there are a lot of similarities. Both, Little Mermaid and Pop Century have nearly identical exteriors, only the themes are different.
Rooms are about the same size at and they both have the similar, if not identical, floor plans. Even the lobby and food courts are nearly identical.
The maximum occupancy in each standard room is 4 guests plus one child under the age of 3 at both resorts.
Little Mermaid rooms have 2 queen beds whereas Pop Century has 1 queen bed and one queen-size murphy style bed. While Pop Century gives you flexible space, Little Mermaid rooms are a more traditional hotel room.
In the Disney Value Resort pecking order, Little Mermaid rooms are at the top, and considered to be a crossover resort to the Moderate category hotels.
This means that the price to upgrade to a Disney Moderate hotel isn’t that much more than a Little Mermaid room. For example, the average nightly rate is $240 per night for a Little Mermaid room. Disney’s Coronado Springs, Standard view is about $260 per night.
Disney’s Pop Century has an average nightly rate of $203 per night and the All Stars are about $185 per night.
Are Little Mermaid Standard Rooms worth the additional cost?
Yes! Rooms have upgraded softgoods, better soundproofing, a very kid-friendly theme, and they are the only Value rooms to offer 2 traditional queen size beds.
Throughout the entire resort you’re surrounded in the artistry, enchantment and magic of Disney and Pixar movies. Disney’s Art of Animation “draws” you and your family in to become a part of some of your animated favorites.
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort Little Mermaid Standard Rooms have 2 queen beds. This is the only Disney Value resort that offers regular queen beds. A limited number of king bed rooms are available.
Rooms have a small table and 2 chairs. The trend within the Disney Value Resorts these days is to have 1 queen bed, and 1 queen murphy bed that doubles as a table.
Little Mermaid rooms are ideal if you prefer not to flip the bed up and down. By the way, it looks like someone left a few notes for you on the table! Be sure to check them out!
Bathrooms are small, this is typical for both Value and Moderate hotels at Disney World, but the bathroom and vanity are separate. This not only gives you more room, but makes it possible for more than one person to get ready at the same time.
Vanities have one sink, same as the other Value Resorts. If you prefer 2 sinks, you’d have to go with a Moderate Resort.
To maximize space and to create a little privacy, a Little Mermaid themed curtain divides the bath and vanity area from the room. It’s a great way to maximize space.
Art of Animation Resort has the some of the most-kid friendly hotels rooms on Disney World property and have a whimsical theme throughout.
As with all Disney Value Resorts, larger than life icons are found throughout the resort. Here’s Ursula who looks overlooks one of the pools. It’s reminiscent of the end scene in the movie when Ursula grows in size and rises of the ocean, except here it’s not scary.
The Little Mermaid section of Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is about a 5 minute walk to the Disney Skyliner station. If you’d like to see which rooms are closest to the Skyliner station, see my video on Disney Skyliner here.
There are 3 pools at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. As a guest of this hotel, you’re free to use any of the pools on site. The feature pool is centrally located to the resort, near the Nemo section and features underwater music. The Little Mermaid section has its own pool and so does the Cars section, which is by far my favorite!
The pool in the Cars section has cabanas that are oversized traffic cones. There’s no extra cost to use them, they’re just here for fun!
Be sure to take a tour around the entire resort. There’s a lot explore, especially the Cars section.
And speaking of tours, click here to see my online brochure for Disney’s Art of Animation Resort!
If you have any questions about Disney’s Art of Animation Little Mermaid Rooms, or if would like help planning your next Walt Disney World Vacations, I’d be happy to help. Just click the Contact button below to reach out to me.
For over 12 years Darren Wittko has been helping people save money at Walt Disney World as both, a travel writer and a travel advisor with Magical Vacations Travel. He’s featured in the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren resides in Celebration, FL.
Recent Updates
Disney has started piloting an airport luggage assistance program at select Disney World hotels!