WDW News & Rumors: Beauty and the Beast Bar, Stroller Restrictions, and More!
We’re back with another Walt Disney World news and rumor round-up. This time, we cover the Beauty and the Beast bar rumored for Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s plan to enforce stroller size restrictions, NBA Experience at Disney Springs details, and more.
Let’s start with one that’s a mix of news and rumor. Last week, Walt Disney World announced that Mizner’s Lounge at the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa would be closing for refurbishment starting April 4, and concluding sometime in Fall 2019. During the closure, a temporary lounge would be available on the ground floor by the Garden View Team Room, with the Grand Floridian Society Orchestra also performing on the ground floor.
Additionally, Commodore Porter’s, the menswear store adjacent to Mizner’s Lounge, will be closed to accommodate for a lounge expansion. Summer Lace on the ground floor will consolidate men’s and women’s apparel in one storefront. No details, concept art, or other info about the scope of the project were released at that time. Until now…
However, rumors have started to surface that the reimagined lounge will be themed to the live action Beauty and the Beast. No, this is not an early April Fool’s joke. The best I can tell, this rumor originated with Mizner’s Lounge regular @SchuckJH on Twitter, and has subsequently been corroborated by a slew of other insiders.
Per these rumors, the new Beauty and the Beast bar will consume much of the second floor, with 3 themed rooms. The Library will occupy the space of the existing lounge, with plush couches and a fireplace. Commodore Porter’s will become the main bar, themed to the Ballroom. Finally, the hallway area and outdoor patio will become a forest-like area.
There are a few things that gave me pause about this rumor. First, the Grand Floridian is not themed to France. Second, this is Walt Disney World’s flagship resort and arguably the most adult lounge, and one associated with Victoria & Albert’s and other Signature Dining. Finally, Walt Disney World is big on character integrity, and having a bar themed to characters and places strongly tied to an animated film is a questionable choice.
These are all reasons it should not happen, which should not be confused for reasons that it will not happen. Wilderness Lodge isn’t themed to Germany, and yet it recently received Storybook Dining. As for the other points, I’m guessing someone looked at the numbers Trader Sam’s is doing and thought, “Wow. We could increase these even more if we had souvenir mugs themed to an animated Disney film and more colorful, Instagram-friendly drinks.”
I’m still skeptical, but suffice to say, I won’t be at all surprised if this comes to fruition. Walt Disney World is becoming less and less about theme, and more about characters. Kids love them, and modern adult fans seem more interested in them than immersive theming that isn’t explicitly Disney.
As an old school Walt Disney World who fell in love with the place thanks to its rich theming, transportive environments, and original ideas, part of me wants to yell, “get off my lawn” to the people who don’t “get” what made Walt Disney World special for the first four-ish decades of its existence. However, another part of my recognizes that the times they are a-changing. As someone who cares less about Disney movies, I don’t get what makes Walt Disney World special to these new fans.
Nevertheless, I still don’t have to like an adult bar becoming a more juvenile environment that is at odds with an existing theme, nor do I have to be on board with the current IP-laden trajectory. Beyond that, I’m skeptical that what sounds like an ambitious project can be accomplished in the span of around 6 months.
One possibility is that Imagineering won’t go all-in on the Beauty and the Beast theme, but instead create environments that evoke settings from the live action film without expressly invoking them. In addition to being a quicker build and one that’s not quite as jarring in the context of a resort with a Victorian theme, this might serve to sidestep issues of character integrity.
If there’s a backdrop that vaguely resembles a library and a souvenir mug that looks like one of Belle’s books, that’s probably sufficient to get the Instagram crowd to drop $30 on a drink so they can post a photo with a clever caption about their ‘dreamy far off look with their mouth stuck in a booze book’ or something.
Either way, I’m now dreading what I initially felt was an overdue refresh of Mizner’s Lounge. If this rumor comes to pass in any sense, it’ll either be a half-hearted overlay that is bewildering and slightly out of place, or a whole-hearted overhaul that has depth but is completely out of place and at odds with the theme and sophisticated elegance of the Grand Floridian.
Next, Walt Disney World and Disneyland will begin enforcing stroller size limits beginning May 1, 2019. This would not be a new rule, as Walt Disney World’s Park Rules and Restricted Personal Items already prohibits strollers larger than 31″ (79cm) wide and 52″ (132cm) long.
It also wouldn’t be the first time both Disneyland and Walt Disney World contemplated doing something to enforce those rules. The same policy was on the cusp of being implemented last year, with size check stations outside of security, and a guest recovery protocol. For reasons unbeknownst to me, that enforcement never began and was shelved.
This would eliminate the large novelty strollers (the royal carriages that are more like undersized parade floats than oversized strollers), which have become a burgeoning small business around Walt Disney World. It’d also ban the stroller wagons that are pulled and loaded with enough rations to traverse the Oregon Trail.
Presumably, the goal is to roll out enforcement with enough lead time before Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opens that word starts to circulate about the new stroller policy so people leave their kids’ Cadillacs at home. For all parties involved, it’ll be better if the crush of crowds is reduced as much as possible.
As a non-parent, I’m not about to touch this topic with a 10-foot pole in terms of offering commentary. I will say that I’ve unintentionally locked eyes with a parent trying to navigate an oversized stroller amidst the gridlock of post-fireworks crowds in Magic Kingdom, and seeing the desperation and dejection in their face is something I can never unsee or forget. You could call it a cautionary tale, I suppose.
Next, NBA Experience will officially open August 12, 2019 at Disney Springs in the offer location of DisneyQuest. This one-of-a-kind environment will feature 13 interactive elements and hands-on activities across 44,000 square feet and two floors. Specifics are here, for those who care.
This has been under construction for a long time, as progress has been slow-going. I’ve questioned in various posts whether Walt Disney World has a sufficient NBA fan demo to make this a hit, and I’ll continue to wonder that until this opens and is or isn’t a hit. I think the Disney fan community (me included) isn’t qualified to answer this, as we probably have blinders on. The NBA is very popular with begrudging dads, international guests, and locals who also aren’t necessarily Disney fans.
Finally, there’s a new “Queue Re-Entry Pass” now in use at Avatar Flight of Passage in Pandora at Animal Kingdom. If a guest needs to leave the line to use the restroom, they can find a Cast Member who will give them a lanyard with the pass attached, which allows one person (or an accompanied minor) the ability to leave the line, use the restroom, and re-enter to meet back up with their party.
This is hardly major news, but it’s a welcome and overdue addition for anyone who has ever waited 3 hours in line for Flight of Passage. Unfortunately, sources inform us that Avengers: Endgame will not have such a pass, but here’s hoping that it has an intermission. (The last film I saw with an intermission was The Hateful Eight, and that was a welcome addition, and nice chance to process what had happened–I’m sure Endgame could use the same.)
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YOUR THOUGHTS
What do you think of these stories? Thoughts on potential stroller restrictions? Excited about the prospects of a Beauty and the Beast themed bar, or think it’s inappropriate for Walt Disney World’s flagship, Victorian-themed resort? Think it’ll happen or would it be out of character for Walt Disney World? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!
I must say, I do not care for the changes to the “Mizell” lounge. The GF gave us a look back in time. You walk through the hotel and just wonder how it must have been. Now, it is all about the bean counters. Being one of the first paying guest to register at the GF. What I got to see. Gone now. Original Florida Maps on the second floor. Now replaced by copies and not very good ones. You used to be able to read the plaque on Mizell, gain a little history, which may I add Walt loved to teach. Even in his rides! 20,000,00 leagues under the sea. The lessons that ride taught young minds. Oh well Mizell’s was a nice place to relax a little before going off to the parks. To spend our money with our children.
I wouldn’t worry too much about the Beauty and the Beast update at the GF. Guests who stay at the GF pay top dollar and are for the most part, very picky. If it turns out to be hideous, Disney will hear about it all the time. It’s a flagship resort and if the dollars slow down at all, they would probably change it. I’m glad to see them adding more character experiences as a whole at the deluxe resorts. I enjoy them and do not want to wait in line at the park for them. 1900 Park Fare is wonderful and Cape May Cafe is another favorite. The character interaction at a resort in our our experience far exceeds the interaction of that at a park. A child doesnt just want a quick picture and autograph, they want a few minutes of interaction. The only park experience I know of that exceeds the resort character experience is the talking Magician Mickey at Town Square. He is the best! My second favorite(s) are the Mad Hatter at 1900 Park Fare and Goofy at Cape May Cafe. How we vacation at WDW: Resorts function in addition to the normal rest and refresh downtime, a place to swim, explore, eat 99% of our meals, visit characters, take pictures, shop, boat rides and just admire the beauty. Theme parks – fireworks, shows, parades, rides and snacks with a bit of shopping thrown in.
Wanted to add that admiring the beauty also is a Huge function of Magic Kingdom and just about every acre of WDW in general. I guess that’s why I detest the Value resorts. They are not a Value. I’ve only stayed at one for just a couple nights and quite frankly, couldn’t believe how ugly it was. They aren’t that cheap either. 11 or 12 years ago, we stayed at POR for a full 7 nights, with park tickets and the standard dining plan (1TS, 1 CS, 1 snack per person per day with Disney paying the tips!), Magical express service and all airfare with luggage for three people for just $2800. For just under $1000 per person, we had 7 night vacation at a moderate category beautiful resort, theme park tickets and dining, and all transportation from thousands of miles away. I’m not that old. I’m not thinking about back in my day. No offense to anyone, just venting, OT.
Looks like the Beauty and The Beast bar rumor was true. Didn’t put much thought into at as a rumor but now that it’s confirmed I’m disappointed that they didn’t pick a different movie to use for their theme. With the new Mary Poppins movie just coming out wouldn’t it make more sense to push that, and in a hotel where it ACTUALLY belonged? This feels a little lazy. I’m sure it will be executed fantastically, but it will be a bit of a sour thumb to me aesthetically.
And while we’re making improvements to the parks, why not add some more lighting? Once it’s dark, you can barely see anything around you in Fantasyland and Tomorrowland. The best lighting is on main street. I really don’t want to trip over a curb or any small children that are running loose just because I can’t see it in the dark. Bad lighting is an accident waiting to happen. Not ready to fall and break a hip!
I am excited about the stroller news. I’ve always hated the congestion they cause by parking alone and felt they needed rooftop parking with an elevator to get to it. Save a lot of foot traffic space. I have kids and they are grown so this does not impact me, but we do hate when folks use their strollers as a batter ram to get through the crowds. And personally, I would LOVE to see a stroller free day! Unless there are special needs, of course. Think of the wide open space! And I am only referring to Disneyland. We’re AP holders and go about once a month from out of state.
I feel like the vast majority of Disney parks fans agree that the reduction in theming consistency (or just themeing in general in the hotel rooms), and increase in characters and IP everywhere is disappointing. Wish they would listen.
I will say I’d love a themed bar like that though — theming in general is great… just not at the Grand Floridian.
I’m thrilled with the new stroller policy. Honestly it has gotten out of hand. I also wish they included suitcases and huge coolers which take forever to check! I have also tripped over many and it’s quite frustrating.
I hope the Beauty and the Beast bar at GF rumor turns out to be false. Not sure if anyone else noticed this, but I’ve spotted a worrying trend….
In the past, the parks were about entertaining the kiddos, and the resorts were geared more to adults. Seems this is flipping around. I would assume if this is due to market research.
Think about the rising ticket prices. These don’t have an huge impact on adults visiting (honeymooners, retirees, friendcations, etc.) because these groups all contain adults who are only responsible for their own costs. But for families with kids, these price increases are far more significant–the price hikes are disproportionately raised for peak seasons, when school is out. (i.e. a $2 hike for offseasons tickets is of little impact to a vacationing couple, while a $10 hike for peak is an big difference for a family of five). As a result, families with kids may be opting to have more non-park days (as in, resort/pool/Disney Springs/etc.) to save a little money.
Disney, of course, still wants that money. So to get it, they’re starting to bring more characters to the resorts. If a family shaves two park days off and hangs out at the pool, they lose not only the ticket money but snacks, drinks, meals, and souvenirs that family might have bought in the park. Putting more character experiences in each resort is a chance for them to recapture some of that lost money. It’s a win for Disney: parks may get slightly less congested, and they create a new revenue source for people who aren’t in the parks.
I agree with the concerns about the changes to a Beauty and the Beast lounge in the GF. It has always been part of the GF charm that all aspects of the hotel fit with the theme. However, I doubt that Disney cares what I think. I also appreciate your comments regarding new park policies. My first thought went to international visitors. I wonder if vaping outside of current smoking areas contributed to the new policy since smoking areas were out of the way already. Lastly, we just stayed at the Yacht Club. Love the redone rooms..just enough theme, much improved storage, lots of charging outlets, etc. Thought of you every time we entered the lobby and inhaled that lovely scent. Thanks for the updates and pointing out things we might have missed. Keep up the good work!
Let’s face it Disney does not care about what anyone thinks about anything, they are going to do whatever they want regardless of how people feel about it, in their mind you’ll get over it. Smoking in the park does not bring in money but alcohol does. Do away with the smoking areas but let people roam through the parks with alcohol Disney does not find that to be a problem. I have yet to see a smoker get out of hand from smoking too much. Strollers can be a problem on the buses when you have a bus packed like a sardine can and parents trying to get on with oversized strollers at least they have a designated parking spot for the scooters.
“Stroller wagons that are pulled and loaded with enough rations to traverse the Oregon Trail.” Best statement ever! I couldn’t believe the amount of stuff I saw people bringing in to the parks in these monstrosities! However, I can understand exceptions made for those with special needs who may require this type of device, but these should not be necessary for the general public.
You make good points about the Beauty and the Beast bar. It does seem an odd choice. Plus there is an expansive area devoted to Beauty and Beast in the Magic Kingdom. It seems odd to have another place at WDW highly themed to that film.
I read it was pull wagons that are not allowed [wagons (and all trailers or vehicles that you pull])? there are wagons with just a push handle like a buggy and we found a few companies you hire from and have delivered to your hotel. Is this all change from 1st May? Thank you for any advice.
Another vote for no Beauty and the Beast in Grand Floridian for all the reasons everyone has said. In addition, although I liked the 1991 version of the movie, there is too much BatB in the parks already.
My family and I just returned from our beautiful stay at the Grand Floridian. I have to say that I am on Sarah’s side with this one Tom. I thought the resort was exquisite and every bit deserving of it’s Disney “Flagship” status. To put a “Beauty and the Beast” themed bar in it would completely destroy its theming integrity in my opinion. With all the Beauty and the Beast fans out there it would make it a destination in and of itself and would overly crowd the elegant lobby. I also find it confusing as to why they would theme a lounge/bar area to clearly attract children though I guess, being that it’s Disney, the line between children’s areas and adult areas is already blurred. I’ll just have to cherish the memories I had on this last trip.
Tom, it appears that Disney is actually changing the allowable stroller size. Looks like stroller width is limited to 31″, instead of 36″. Also, no wagons at all. From https://www.wdwinfo.com/news-stories/disney-parks-to-remove-in-park-smoking-areas-and-adjusts-stroller-restrictions/ (supposedly quoting from Disney directly):
Beginning May 1, guidelines on stroller sizes are being adjusted, which will require them to be no larger than 31″ (79cm) wide and 52″ (132cm) long or smaller. Many of the strollers on the market, including many double jogging strollers, fit within these size guidelines. As a reminder, wagons are not permitted in the parks. Beginning May 1, stroller wagons will also no longer be permitted.
Yep. Disney confirmed the changes late last night: https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2019/03/moms-panel-update-know-before-you-go-tips-for-your-next-park-visit/
The post has been updated accordingly.
Just saw something about new smoking rules. That’s gonna produce a lot of irritable people!
I get the new stroller rules. We’ll be bringing a Summer Infant Lite foldable stroller that’s been great for our city commuting. Not great storage space, but it’ll be a lesson in efficiency. I also jut bought a larger foldable sun shield for it that will also help us locate the stroller easily.
Just a thought for Disney: Make and rent small locator devices that can be attached to strollers for the day, and synched up with phone. They’re already available for purchase online, and mainly for attaching to pet collars and children, but expensive if they’re only needed for a couple of days or so.