***Official March 2021 Thread***

[MomOTwins]

The menu is scaled back from the NORM but not super scaled back. Looks as if their best dishes are there still.

The menu on the Jaleo website for the disney springs location seems to have more than the one in the disney app. Though honestly I could just eat that tomato bread and be happy

 

[Bama Mom]

I may as well delurk. I'm going with my 19yo son he first week of March (arriving 2/28, leaving 3/6, staying at Caribbean Beach Resort. He's taking a break from college because remote learning was not working for him. We've both been vaccinated because his brother receives in-home services (his brother thinks Disney is boring, so it's just the two of us). The only time he was there was around 2012 and I was last there in 2014, but we've both been to Disneyland several times.

Got you added to the list.

I have a 19 year old son as well and he prefers online classes. I told him from the get go when he took a schedule that had a combination of online and in person classes that it take a certain level of self discipline to take those online courses. I was very surprised how well he handled those online classes. So last fall semester, when they went strictly remote for classes it was an easy transition for him since he seems to prefer class that way. Some of his friends who prefer in person classes struggled with strictly remote classes. Which I totally understand because some people need that. Hopefully all the colleges can get back to their normal way of doing things so these students can continue to thrive in whatever way works best for them.

 

[Mzpalmtree]

We're doing Beaches and Cream for the first time ever! I'm so excited for some yummy ice cream. We're also headed back to Sci-Fi, which I've been to before, but it will be my kids' first visit. I'm also looking forward to trying some of the new food and snacks in Galaxy's Edge. (Clearly, we're aiming for kid palates, so we'll have to hold off on the fancier dining options until my 4 year old DS eats more than 2 bites of his meal.)

We’ve been to Beaches and Cream before and it is fun! I hope your kids like their first visit to Sci-Fi. It’s not on the regular rotation for us but we took my husband for his first visit last trip—really yummy burgers! In Galaxy’s Edge we like the ronto wraps at Ronto Roasters best of all the food we’ve tried there. I bet you can find some fun stuff to try with your littles. Enjoy this time with them—fancier places can wait . Mine are 15 and 20 and I’d give anything to go back in time to have a meal with them at the Crystal Palace with Pooh .

Not sure of the dining situation in downtown Chicago with everything but hopefully all the restaurants are able to host people in person soon. Frontera's Saturday brunch is the BEST thing ever if you do go - and make reservations 60 days in advance (like Disney as they go FAST). We also really love Beatrix for brunch, RPM Italian, and the pizza inside Eataly. DH's sister & family live downtown so when we go and while it's great to see them, getting to go to so many wonderful restaurants is a good motivator for me

Yes, it’s been awhile since we were able to go but I should have said pre-covid we were frequent visitors. We were actually there last year for spring break when they started to shut the city down. My son is still there in school—he elected to live on campus this year even though the classes have been online because he’s an athlete and was really hoping to have a season at some point. We’ve had brunch at Beatrix before and LOVED it. I was so excited it was coming to Orlando but I don’t think it is now? Chicago brunches are the best. One of my favorite things about Disney too. We don’t live in a “brunchy” place but we appreciate a good brunch!

 

[Wood Nymph]

there are water refill stations in the parks right? I know many places roped them off during COVID—wasn’t sure about WDW.

The drinking fountains and refill stations are open, but there aren't very many refill stations.

Magic Kingdom - I haven't seen any refill stations, but would love to know if there are any in this park

Epcot - there is a refill station at the new restrooms next to Starbucks - World Showcase

Hollywood Studios - has a refill station at the new restrooms near the Skyliner station. They have at least one refill station in Galaxy's Edge

Animal Kingdom - ???

 

[TexanInTheMidwest]

Yes, it’s been awhile since we were able to go but I should have said pre-covid we were frequent visitors. We were actually there last year for spring break when they started to shut the city down. My son is still there in school—he elected to live on campus this year even though the classes have been online because he’s an athlete and was really hoping to have a season at some point. We’ve had brunch at Beatrix before and LOVED it. I was so excited it was coming to Orlando but I don’t think it is now? Chicago brunches are the best. One of my favorite things about Disney too. We don’t live in a “brunchy” place but we appreciate a good brunch!

I don't live in a "brunchy" place, either. In fact, most of the places here are chains and even before COVID, we went out maybe once every other month. SO I really savor any travel with good restaurants. AND it's funny on timing - we were scheduled to go to Chicago (we just drive) - the day after everything began to shut down. When the NBA cancelled, DH said that was IT. I always suggest we arrive on a Friday just so we can have brunch at Frontera (they only do it Saturdays) I was super sad to cancel all the dining reservations I'd made for that long weekend!

I believe Beatrix is STILL coming to Disney Springs - it's just delayed. It's still listed on Beatrix's website as "coming soon" https://www.beatrixrestaurants.com/beatrix/disney-springs/

I'm glad your son decided to stay there - and I hope he gets to have some semblance of a season! My heart just aches for all these kids that are high school and college and are having such an altered experience. I know it's hard on everyone, but the extra events in high school and college are things that just can be done "later"

 

[BellesLibrary]

In Galaxy’s Edge we like the ronto wraps at Ronto Roasters best of all the food we’ve tried there. I bet you can find some fun stuff to try with your littles. Enjoy this time with them—fancier places can wait.

Thanks for the suggestion! My kids are obsessed with Star Wars, so I know we'll be spending a big chunk of our time in HS wandering around Galaxy's Edge. I'll make a note to try Ronto Roasters! Did I also read that there is a blue milk stand?!

 

[TexanInTheMidwest]

Thanks for the suggestion! My kids are obsessed with Star Wars, so I know we'll be spending a big chunk of our time in HS wandering around Galaxy's Edge. I'll make a note to try Ronto Roasters! Did I also read that there is a blue milk stand?!

YES there's a Milk Stand with both Blue and Green Milk. Even though I like the Blue Milk, I cannot drink a whole one. If you ask, they'll give you an extra cup so you can share it which may be a good thing with the kids.

 

[Luvmyfam3]

I teach college English, and I wish more of my students were this self-aware. Online learning can be a great option--both now and in non-pandemic times--but it takes a completely different skill set to succeed than a traditional face-to-face class. Yet, many of my students think the experiences are going to be the same, which they can't be no matter how many lectures I record or virtual office hours I hold. It isn't to say that one is inherently better than the other, just that each modality serves a different population more effectively.

I hope that colleges and universities can safely reopen sooner rather than later. While I like the flexibility of online classes, I do miss making those deeper in-person relationships with my students. We're still hearing rumors that we might be teaching online into the fall, which doesn't surprise me. I'm hoping for a 2022 school year that looks more like normal!

BellesLibrary, I teach 2nd grade and completely agree! Out of our team of 7 teachers, I'm the only "all virtual" class. All the others have in-person students. Our parents have been allowed to change their learning options each grading period. Most of the ones that have stayed virtual are truly dedicated to this option. But, it's definitely not for everyone. The majority of my kids would truly benefit from being in-person, but I understand the parent's decision. Many of them have a high-risk person in their family. So, we make it work. Like you, I like the flexibility of online classes and when I meet with my small groups, it's just them, which is nice. But, I miss those deeper relationships with my students. It's interesting that I feel as close to them as I do when I've only seen them on screen. I have a Lunch Bunch every Wednesday where we just hang out together during my lunchtime to talk and play games. Stuff like that really helps us get connected.

I have 32 students (plus ones that have to go into quarantine). I can't imagine trying to juggle and connect with so many as a college professor! My Mickey ears bow to you! . Now, back to our Disney planning...

 

[BellesLibrary]

YES there's a Milk Stand with both Blue and Green Milk. Even though I like the Blue Milk, I cannot drink a whole one. If you ask, they'll give you an extra cup so you can share it which may be a good thing with the kids

We will DEFINITELY be trying the blue milk as my kids think that it's so weird when the characters drink it in the Star Wars movies! I'll definitely ask for an extra cup so we can sample it between us. My 4 year old DS loves to try new things, but he doesn't stick with them for long before he's onto the next snack. Sharing is a much better option!

Most of the ones that have stayed virtual are truly dedicated to this option. But, it's definitely not for everyone. The majority of my kids would truly benefit from being in-person, but I understand the parent's decision. Many of them have a high-risk person in their family. So, we make it work. Like you, I like the flexibility of online classes and when I meet with my small groups, it's just them, which is nice. But, I miss those deeper relationships with my students. It's interesting that I feel as close to them as I do when I've only seen them on screen. I have a Lunch Bunch every Wednesday where we just hang out together during my lunchtime to talk and play games. Stuff like that really helps us get connected.

I have 32 students (plus ones that have to go into quarantine). I can't imagine trying to juggle and connect with so many as a college professor! My Mickey ears bow to you! . Now, back to our Disney planning.

So true! Since we moved online last spring, my online classes have had around a 60% passing rate, which is about 10 points lower than the typical F2F face. Yet, of the students who pass, nearly all of them pass with an A or B--they're in it to win it, and they can effectively portion out their time each week to get through the material.

I wish more of my students would make use of the video technology, but so many of them seem to hide from me! I offer lots of virtual meetings and chats, but most students keep their cameras off. I get to know their voices, but not their faces, unfortunately. I love the idea of Lunch Bunch, and I would be overjoyed if my students wanted to hang out and do trivia...maybe I can try that for my next round of classes!

I love talking about teaching! Cheers to more teachers at Disney!

 

[staceylacey1]

We leave in 2 weeks and I have the suitcases out with a few items in them. I love to pack but I usually overpack and have to repack a couple of times before we actually leave. My husband will pack the night before. My kids are old enough to pack themselves. I’m getting excited

 

[Castlequeen5]

BellesLibrary, I teach 2nd grade and completely agree! Out of our team of 7 teachers, I'm the only "all virtual" class. All the others have in-person students. Our parents have been allowed to change their learning options each grading period. Most of the ones that have stayed virtual are truly dedicated to this option. But, it's definitely not for everyone. The majority of my kids would truly benefit from being in-person, but I understand the parent's decision. Many of them have a high-risk person in their family. So, we make it work. Like you, I like the flexibility of online classes and when I meet with my small groups, it's just them, which is nice. But, I miss those deeper relationships with my students. It's interesting that I feel as close to them as I do when I've only seen them on screen. I have a Lunch Bunch every Wednesday where we just hang out together during my lunchtime to talk and play games. Stuff like that really helps us get connected.

I have 32 students (plus ones that have to go into quarantine). I can't imagine trying to juggle and connect with so many as a college professor! My Mickey ears bow to you! . Now, back to our Disney planning...

We will DEFINITELY be trying the blue milk as my kids think that it's so weird when the characters drink it in the Star Wars movies! I'll definitely ask for an extra cup so we can sample it between us. My 4 year old DS loves to try new things, but he doesn't stick with them for long before he's onto the next snack. Sharing is a much better option!

So true! Since we moved online last spring, my online classes have had around a 60% passing rate, which is about 10 points lower than the typical F2F face. Yet, of the students who pass, nearly all of them pass with an A or B--they're in it to win it, and they can effectively portion out their time each week to get through the material.

I wish more of my students would make use of the video technology, but so many of them seem to hide from me! I offer lots of virtual meetings and chats, but most students keep their cameras off. I get to know their voices, but not their faces, unfortunately. I love the idea of Lunch Bunch, and I would be overjoyed if my students wanted to hang out and do trivia...maybe I can try that for my next round of classes!

I love talking about teaching! Cheers to more teachers at Disney!

I love talking about teaching! Cheers to more teachers at Disney!

I teach PreK, which unfortunately doesn’t offer virtual learning like the rest of my district. So our numbers have been extremely low..district wide. It’s been nice having a small class, but I have to wonder about all the kids that are not being served. And I teach at a low income school.

My own 4 girls are virtual, because we take care of my high risk mother. I totally agree that for most kids face to face is much better than learning from a computer. It has been difficult at my house, but necessary for now. My son goes to school, because there was no way it would work for him. He needs the social interaction. He likes to talk...like a lot. And he plays football, even though I made him sit last season out. Right now he has very limited interactions with my mom. And he’s already been quarantined twice. So as a parent it has been tough to make decisions about what’s best for my family, when as a teacher I know going to school is the better option.

But since I am a teacher, I’ve been off the last 7 school days because of winter weather. And I have loved every minute of it! We have gone out in the snow, made snow cream, sat around and talked, and watched movies...my favorite being Frozen! And my girls made a Frozen cake...which was delicious! Plus we’ve been able figure out some details for our trip and started packing. And I consider that a big bonus since we still have 4 weeks until we leave!!! I usually don’t get this much thinking time! Ha!

 

[Wood Nymph]

We leave in 2 weeks and I have the suitcases out with a few items in them. I love to pack but I usually overpack and have to repack a couple of times before we actually leave. My husband will pack the night before. My kids are old enough to pack themselves. I’m getting excited

We've been using carry ons instead of larger suitcases ever since Disney stopped the luggage delivery service. The challenge is to fit everything that I want to bring into a small suitcase.

 

[skeettafic]

I have a friend who is there right now. She's a physician so I was interested in hearing her take on things.

She said, that for those particularly concerned about covid she would recommend avoiding Disney Springs, and avoiding table service. She said that other than that, she thinks things are being done well. Yes, there are definitely crowds but like most others say, mask compliance is great. So we will probably take some of that into consideration and maybe adjust some of our dining.

Just putting that out there for those that are still debating plans, making plans, adjusting plans... lol

 

[kathi]

What new places are you all trying this trip?

We are trying Topolino (dinner) and Jungle Navigation (lunch) for the first time. If I can get into Via Napoli, I'm going to try that also since I just learned they serve a drink that you can get on DCL in Palo. Other ADRs we currently have: Tiffins (lunch) Brown Derby (lunch), BlueZoo (dinner), Il Mulino (dinner), California Grill (dinner). That could all change if/when they open up later park hours.

 

[kathi]

My very favorite is Oyamel down in Penn Quarter. I knew I was going too often (every trip) when I had to explain to the lunch time maitre d that I no longer lived in DC

We eat at Oyamel twice every time we visit (which sadly has been over a year). It is so darned good!! (We are also foodies and also pack at the last minute.)

 

[Mzpalmtree]

We are trying Topolino (dinner) and Jungle Navigation (lunch) for the first time. If I can get into Via Napoli, I'm going to try that also since I just learned they serve a drink that you can get on DCL in Palo. Other ADRs we currently have: Tiffins (lunch) Brown Derby (lunch), BlueZoo (dinner), Il Mulino (dinner), California Grill (dinner). That could all change if/when they open up later park hours.

We are also trying Topolino's for dinner. We had breakfast there on our last trip and loved it more than we even expected to. We envisioned having a sunset dinner there on the next trip (hopefully at a lovely table near a window). We have not tried Jungle Navigation yet, but have heard so many rave reviews we will have to put it on the schedule for a trip in the future. Old favorites we are returning to on this trip: Cali Grill dinner and Brown Derby lunch. Our trip is 8 nights and we will likely fill in the rest with mobile order or lounges. We love lounges and hope to go back to Enchanted Rose, Tambu, and maybe try Geyser Point if we can hit it at a time when the wait isn't unreasonable. We added a night to the beginning of our trip at CSR and would love to try Three Bridges and/or Dahlia. We haven't seen the tower yet and I'm excited about that add on night . I get the most excited about food with my planning, lol, because I am sooooooo tired of cooking at home.

 

[jolinda]

Well I jinxed it when I delurked! We're still going, but a week later (3/7 - 3/13), now staying at pop century.

 

[lluv3971]

I'm just over here, twiddling my thumbs, waiting for Disney to release the Flower and Garden menus and update park hours for my trip!

I know I'm not the only one, but man... Waiting is so hard, especially as it inches closer to our departure date. I'm dying over here!

 

[Orion Nebula]

I have a friend who is there right now. She's a physician so I was interested in hearing her take on things.

She said, that for those particularly concerned about covid she would recommend avoiding Disney Springs, and avoiding table service. She said that other than that, she thinks things are being done well. Yes, there are definitely crowds but like most others say, mask compliance is great. So we will probably take some of that into consideration and maybe adjust some of our dining.

Just putting that out there for those that are still debating plans, making plans, adjusting plans... lol

I have heard warnings about DS from a lot of members here so we cancelled our reservations and will not be visiting this trip. We are however doing a few TS dinners though but for us that is hard to completely skip out on.

 

[TexanInTheMidwest]

I'm just over here, twiddling my thumbs, waiting for Disney to release the Flower and Garden menus and update park hours for my trip!

I know I'm not the only one, but man... Waiting is so hard, especially as it inches closer to our departure date. I'm dying over here!

RIGHT? I am going to be there the week that it opens but am going to avoid opening day and try to go the 2nd day.

I have heard warnings about DS from a lot of members here so we cancelled our reservations and will not be visiting this trip. We are however doing a few TS dinners though but for us that is hard to completely skip out on.

I felt safer doing table service than quick service, to be honest.