It is time:  it's reopening week!

We've got the scoop on what's open, what's modified, and where all the Plexiglass is in the parks.  Ride queues seem to currently be on hiatus, while gift shops are getting virtual wait lists.  Rise of the Resistance is going back to a virtual queue, and Splash Mountain merchandise is selling out by the bag full.  

PLUS: Character cavalcades, 2020 tickets, and more!

All eyes are on Disney World's re-opening on July 9th, but our stomachs are growling for park food!  This week, we're sharing links to Whispering Canyon's apple pie recipe, along with Gaston's Cinnamon Rolls, Ohana bread pudding, and blue/green milk from Galaxy's Edge!

A small glitch left Annual Passholders overcharged, transportation options for re-opening were revealed, and Actor's Equity continued to hold out for COVID-19 testing options.  But, Cinderella's Castle is nearly repainted, we got more Loungefly x Disney collaborations, and Baby Yoda is getting his own cereal!

PLUS: NBA update, Halloween Horror Nights news, and more!

Just a normal, quiet week in the Disney World universe...right?  Right?!?

The announcement of a Princess and the Frog renovation to fan favorite Splash Mountain sent us all reeling, but so did the debut of the Disney Park Pass reservation system on My Disney Experience.  Annual Passholders also tried to reserve park days, but 5 hour wait times and system glitches left many frustrated.

Disneyland announced a delay in reopening, leaving many to wonder if Disney World would follow suit.  Several NBA players tested positive for COVID-19, but the league is still set to open on July 30th.

PLUS:

• Baby Yoda Loungefly bags
• Disney Bussing Procedures
• A new look at character dining at Topolino's
• And more!

We didn't plan to rap through the Disney restaurants re-opening in July, but that's what happened in Episode 31! We've got a plethora of new details about the re-opening, including restaurant mobile check-in and an end to resort/park hopping.  Buffets are going family style, Magic Bands will no longer be complimentary, and characters are going to be appearing in "cavalcades.  Disney Springs is getting a sweet new bakery, Homecomin' has a new patio, and Spaceship Earth is here to stay for the time being. 

PLUS:

• New Loungefly Wall-E bags
• The return of Mariachi Cobre and the Jammitors
• AP/Cast Member preview days

I miss Disney!  Anyone else? Good, because we've got two new segments for you in Episode 30:  a segment on keeping the Disney spirit alive at home and another portion dedicated to the reopening of the parks.

Disney wines are now available at home, soccer is coming to the Wide World of Sports, and Cinderella's Castle is getting a new paint job.  Splash Mountain finds itself in some hot water, stirring a fan petition to re-theme the ride after "The Princess and the Frog."

PLUS: more Disney Springs reopenings, enhanced cleaning procedures at the resorts, and another Haunted Mansion Funko Pop!

As this episode releases on May 11th, Shanghai Disney Resort will reopen to the public! In Episode 29, we review some of the safety measures the resort is undertaking and analyze when the other parks may reopen as well.  

Disney Springs will also embark on a small reopening on May 20th, including such restaurants as STK and Wine Bar George.

Loungefly has released a new Marvel line of bags and wallets, while Build-A-Bear is now offering a Stitch doll for online purchase.

PLUS: A Funko Haunted Mansion board game, Kate's bad Stitch impression, and the status of the Florida Aquarium.

After a three-month hiatus, we're back and discussing potential rumors around the re-opening of Disney properties. Hong Kong & Shanghai resorts have been testing opening procedures, while Florida prepares to enter Phase One out of quarantine.  ShopDisney released face masks sets, while Pixar debuted "Cooking with Pixar" on their YouTube channel. José Andres raised money for essential workers, but most importantly: Bob Disney stops by to discuss his own soft opening ideas!

Happy 2020! We're kicking of the new year with two special guests, Emily and TJ! Emily is here to discuss her recent trip to Disney World during "wartime," a.k.a. "the holidays."  She shares her experiences at the Wilderness Lodge, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, Epcot's Candlelight Processional, boarding/unloading/re-boarding Rise of the Resistance, and what it's like to navigate a scooter at Disney.

PLUS: 

• Off-Season changes
• Rise of the Resistance issues
• The quartet gets into a game of Word Association with "white powder alert," "E-Stop," "good night kiss," and "protein spill."

Disney's most anticipated ride opening since Flight of Passage has come and gone: Rise of the Resistance is finally open!  Tune in to Episode 26 to hear about the revival of boarding groups, opening day crowd control, ride breakdowns, and more! We'll discuss a few of the ride's tech specs,  requirements to board, and how it stacks up against other Orlando attractions.  PLUS:

• A report from Cap'n Jim!
• A bizarre onstage incident at Carousel of Progress
• A holiday visit from Bob Disney

This will be our last episode of 2019.  We look forward to bringing you new episodes of Earful in 2020!  Happy holidays!

The holidays are in full swing at Disney World and Santa Claus has stopped by for an extended stay in the Town Square Courtyard.  Jock Lindsay's Hangar Bar debuted a new festive overlay, along with several merry beverages and appetizers. We've got new merchandise from the Epcot Festival of the Holidays and there's also a new Cinderella-themed Magic Band that would work great as a stocking stuff.  PLUS:

• John Williams gets a Grammy nomination for Galaxy's Edge
• Universal Studios launches their first running event
• Final preparations for Rise of the Resistance opening