Disney World reopens as coronavirus cases surge in Florida

ORLANDO, Fla. — “The Most Magical Place on Earth” has reopened after nearly four months with new rules in place to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom are reopening Saturday, while Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios will follow four days later.“It's the chance to come back and be in the magic,” said Diane Watkins, a preschool teacher from Helena, Alabama, who visits the park about eight times a year. “Hot or not, mask or not, we’re just happy to be here.

'Splash Mountain' ride at Walt Disney World, Disneyland to be re-themed

ORLANDO, Fla. -- The 'Splash Mountain' attraction at Walt Disney World and Disneyland is being re-themed to 'The Princess and the Frog,' Disney announced on Thursday.On Disney Parks Blog, a Disney official said that the classic attraction will be completely reimagined and that this project has been underway since last year.The ride will reportedly be set in 1966 New Orleans and will join Princess Tiana and Louis on a musical adventure, featuring music from the film."Tiana is a modern, courageous, and empowered woman, who pursues her dreams and never loses sight of what’s really important.

Walt Disney World presenting plans for reopening parks

ORLANDO, Fla. — Walt Disney World is presenting its plans for reopening after being shuttered along with Florida's other theme parks since mid-March because of the new coronavirus.Disney World and SeaWorld Orlando will present their proposals for phased reopenings before an Orange County task force on Wednesday, said Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings.

VP Mike Pence visits tourism-reliant Florida as Disney shops reopen

ORLANDO, Fla. — Vice President Mike Pence visited central Florida to meet with tourism officials Wednesday as the region’s biggest tourist destination — Walt Disney World — began reopening a shopping and entertainment complex.During his trip to Orlando, Pence was also scheduled to talk to the governor and drop off protective equipment at a nursing home as tourism, the state's biggest industry, continued taking steps toward reopening.Some third-party shops at the Disney Springs complex opened Wednesday with new requirements and restrictions.

Disney Springs reopening comes with a warning about risk

ORLANDO, Fla. — As Walt Disney World prepares to allow some third-party shops and restaurants to open at its entertainment complex later this week, it's posting a warning.While enhanced safety measures are being taken at Disney Springs, “an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present," the company said Monday on a website for the entertainment complex.“COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death.

Walt Disney World will reopen within months, economist predicts

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. --  Disney reported a steep decline in profit as many segments of its media and entertainment offerings ground to a standstill during the coronavirus pandemic.Second quarter profit dropped 91% to $475 million.

Disney shares Dole Whip recipe while theme parks remain closed

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- While its theme parks remain closed to the public due to the coronavirus pandemic, Disney has started sharing the recipes for some of their most popular snacks.After Disney Parks officials recently posted the recipe for churros, many fans made another request: They wanted to know how to make the famous Dole Whip.The frozen pineapple treat can usually be found in the Magic Kingdom's Adventureland.

It's a girl! Disney's Animal Kingdom welcomes baby porcupine

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. - Disney's Animal Kingdom has a new addition!In a news release, Disney officials said although the Walt Disney World is closed, it's animal care team is still working hard to make sure its animals are well taken care of.The new baby they're caring for is a prehensile-tailed porcupine.The news release said, "The baby, known as a porcupette, was born to mom, Peri, on Feb. 25.