What's Been Going On In The Vacation Kingdom

The Walt Disney Company, like companies all around the world right now, is reeling from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on all aspects of its business. The truth is that there isn't a lot anyone knows for sure when it comes to re-opening the Disney Parks. Until then though, I've rounded up a few reliable articles that offer a glimpse into what's been going on down at our beloved Vacation Kingdom.


Monorail Silver At The Magic Kingdom


Least we fans think that the corporate ship is sailing these new pandemic waters with a green captain, Chairman of the Board, Bob Iger, has returned to running Disney for the time being. Now tasked with establishing new operational policies and procedures to navigate forward in all aspects of the corporation, Mr. Iger has made suggestions that when Disney does reopen it will be a leaner company as the New York Times said "with fewer employees and more thermometers."

That being said, new Chief Executive Officer, Bob Chapek, was elected to serve on Disney's Board of Directors. Both Iger and Chapek have agreed to substantial pay cuts to help keep ease the bleed of money currently going on due to pandemic related closures.


Bob Iger Back At The Disney Helm


Amongst the few still working during the Disney Parks and Resorts closures are the animal care teams at Disney's Animal Kingdom and Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. They continue to labor at creating the most enriching environments possible for the animals that are the stars of the show. These dedicated cast members have made Disney a recognized leader in animal care and conservation. Once again they have been marked as the gold standard by earning accreditation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.


Disney's Animal Care Teams Earn Accreditation


The Boathouse at Disney Springs celebrated it's 5-year Anniversary on April 13th by serving up to-go boxes of authentic Maine lobster rolls, coleslaw, and oreos for their crew members and families. The Boathouse kitchen has remained open in a limited capacity to help support its crew during these difficult times.





Are you interested in saving some money on dining during your next trip? Several of the Disney Springs restaurants are offering great deals on e-gift cards during the closures. Check them out and see which strikes your fancy, then buy a gift card and support the food & beverage industry.

• Now through June 30th, you can purchase a special e-gift card for your loved ones from Paddlefish and receive a $25 bonus card (valid
• Over at Jaleo, a special edition ThinkFoodGroup Employee Support Fund e-gift Card, is available with 100 percent of the proceeds going directly to our employees during this challenging time. Available via our website until April 30 and is currently available at a 20 percent discount.

Sangria For Support


Walt Disney World Annual Passholders may be eligible to receive a partial refund on the purchase of their pass for the period of time that the theme parks are temporarily closed. Annual Passes that are currently active and have been paid in full will automatically be extended for the number of days the parks are closed.

Alternatively, if that arrangement doesn't work for your family, those Passholders who have paid in full may choose to receive a partial refund for the theme park closure period. Call V.I.PASSHOLDER Support at (407) 939-7277 if you are in need of a partial refund instead of an extension.


Walt Disney World Annual Pass


Disney Leaders will be joining a special public-private Task Force dedicated to the reopening of Central Florida's restaurants, hotels, theme parks, and other businesses that have been closed due to the pandemic. The task force will be focusing on safe, sane, and sensible steps that can be taken to get the regional economy moving again.

Walt Disney World President, Josh D'Amaro, discussed furloughs and Theme Parks in new statement. He ended the statement with words of hope in saying that

Someday soon, we will reopen to welcome our guests and our cast. Until then we will continue to take care of the special place we call Walt Disney World Resort.

We'll be right here waiting to return home Josh. Have you been wondering what it's like in those empty Theme Parks right now, eerily quiet is a mild description. Take a Look at an EMPTY Disney World!


Partners Preside Over An Empty Magic Kingdom


For even more Walt Disney World news during these uncertain times be sure to visit our friends over at the Disney Food Blog for all of the very latest information!