Walt Disney World Resort Update

– Halloween season, COVID-style | Disney delays reopening of Polynesian resort, plans renovation | Swan and Dolphin Resort debuts new culinary event; resort expansion reaches milestone | Walt Disney World Resort $100 Booking Bonus

– It is the traditionally quiet time of year for news around Walt Disney World Resort, and the pandemic has kept that tradition intact: preview Mulan at Disney’s Hollywood Studios; news around Disney Springs. Watch Fun at Home stream on Weds.

– Disney and Actors Equity Association reached an agreement, but no word yet on the return of performers to the parks, as additional September dates now show reduced operating hours. The MLS is Back tournament successfully concluded at ESPN.

– Florida Department of Health reports suggest ‘deceleration of the pandemic’ in Orange County Florida, home of Walt Disney World Resort. Meanwhile, Passholders that wish to cancel, must do so by today. NBA Playoffs at ESPN coming up.

– Tropical Storm/Hurricane Isaias passed Central Florida without impacting Walt Disney World Resort. Disney’s Hollywood Studios opened a new entertainment option, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom welcomed a new baby mandrill.

– Walt Disney World postpones reopening some hotels: Polynesian & Art of Animation until fall; Beach Club & BoardWalk Inn indefinitely. Rise of the Resistance Virtual Queue modified again. DCL shares ‘Tangled: The Musical’ & Fall 2021 Ports

– Phased reopening of Walt Disney World continued last week with the reopening of EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Face Covering requirements have been clarified, and additional merchandise discounts offered to Passholders.

– New COVID-19 infections hit records in Florida, as Walt Disney World continues its phased opening. Tomorrow, EPCOT and Studios join Magic and Animal Kingdoms in operations, with a modified virtual queue offered at Rise of the Resistance.

– As the COVID-19 infections continue to grow, Walt Disney World Resort continues its phased opening: Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom Passholder Previews begin Thursday, reopen on Saturday. Meanwhile, MLS, NBA and Splitsville bring sports.

– Disney Parks Pass System opens for date-specific park reservations, Splash Mountain to be rethemed, NBA to resume season at ESPN Wide World of Sports, Cirque du Soleil seeks financial reorganization; meanwhile Florida sees a COVID-19 spike.