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’m a lot disappointed with the direction Disney’s going. I also feel like they have forgotten what made them great the first 40 years. I’m a casual visitor…. every seven years or so, so I really notice what is different from the last visit. What I noticed from my visit last month is that prices are now stupid high on everything in the park. After paying hundreds to get my family of five into the park, we could only afford to eat one meal in the park. The poor kids had to eat the snacks we brought to hold them over until we got back to the hotel. It was insanely expensive. And we ate at Be Our Guest last visit so I’m not one to skimp.
Secondly, the customer service has absolutely tanked. The one thing that set Disney apart from any other theme park was the incredible service. It was part of the ‘Magic’ of Disney. Even during our character dinner, service was lacking. I actually had an eye till from one cast member when I asked a question about food allergies. Further, we ordered the gluten free dessert for our table where the server knew three of us had allergies. He brought one plate (serving) of cookies for the entire table. We requested a second. 30 minutes later it still hadn’t come and we were not so subtly being encouraged to leave for the next patrons.
It reminds me of Wal-Mart from the 90s. When the family was still involved, I worked there for a summer and we were trained to open a register if more than 3 persons were in line and to physically walk customers to the product they are looking for. I think everyone has been in a Wal-Mart in the last decade. It is a very different experience because the company went from the soul of the company with the values of the family to being more concerned with shareholders profit.
I’m very concerned Disney is going the same direction. We have another trip planed in 2021. If that trip is like this one, it will probably be our last. I can go ride rides in cedar Point for less cost and more thrills if that’s all I’m getting for my money.
As much as I love Beauty and the Beast it does not fit in with the Grand Floridian and should not go there. I do hope for those that stay there it is of proper taste.
What ever happened to the umbrella stroller?
I will hold out hope that the rumors are wrong, and Disney is actually planning a tasteful and appropriate remodel to commemorate the 200th birthday of Queen Victoria. When a children’s movie inspires the decor of a bar, I think we can safely say we have entered strange and bizarre territory.
As far as the strollers go, I am a mother of two who grew up going to Disney. While it may seem passé, we rented a stroller when the children were younger, and it worked wonderfully. We did not have the dumb thing taking up space in our car, we did not have to carry it on the bus, and we could leave it in stroller parking with a cast member whenever we wanted. We did pay about $100 for a week with a double stroller, but it was worth it for us. If we decided we didn’t want a stroller, we didn’t get one. When we needed it, we did. A family can easily walk 10 miles or more a day at Disneyworld, and it is hard on little legs. I agree that stroller size should be limited, but I think it would also be helpful to everybody if more families would rent strollers. Ten years ago many people rented strollers, and I think it was better.
I rented strollers there until I worked there in the stroller area. We just ran a rag with basic cleaner on it if there was something in the stroller. And believe me what we found a lot of times you would not want your kids riding in without it being sterilized.Which was never done. It was all about get them in and put away quickly to go on to next task.
I agree with stroller limits…my daughter was run over by a stroller at disney world bruiser her foot ruined rest of trip…..$8000 loss and lady never said sorry just glared at my grown daughter like it was her fault. I also agree that there are no discounts or perks offered to valued repeat customers or recognition. Also customer service at deluxe resorts is terrible…. best service is at port Orleans riverside…those “cast members” truly make you want to return.
I agree with stroller limits…my daughter was run over by a stroller at disney world bruiser her foot ruined rest of trip…..$8000 loss and lady never said sorry just glared at my grown daughter like it was her fault. I also agree that there are no discounts or perks offered to valued repeat customers or recognition. Al ssr o customer service at deluxe resorts is terrible…. best service is at port Orleans riverside…those “cast members” truly make you w as not to return.
I am a Mom of three young kids and I think it’s a fantastic idea to enforce stroller size!!! I love all the exercise my kids get from discovering and exploring the parks. When they are tired in Magic Kingdom and need a break we go on Carousel of Progress, Mickey’s Philharmagic, Hall of Presidents, Country Bears or the Tiki room. Honestly, unless you have a baby or young toddler there is no excuse for a stroller. A lot of strollers really are obnoxiously big and inconsiderate of everyone else trying to enjoy the ambiance of the parks.
we come to Disney with 5 kids under 10 … twin 2 year olds and i hate that people with over the limit strollers are there our trip in December this woman’s triple stroller was a big as a smart car and she was very miserable and mad she couldn’t get into the bathroom with out everyone else getting completely out of her way. of you know the washrooms near splash mountain you know how big the enterance is. also glad to hear about avatar we waited in the line years ago with all the kids the twins were new babies and it was miles before there was a fountain and never a toilet. it was very very hot…
YES PLEASE!! Limit the stroller size! These ridiculous oversized trucks are even taking over the wheelchair spots on ferries, monorails and buses! Spots that are SUPPOSED to be reserved for wheelchairs are being taken by strollers! We had to wait more than 1 extra time for a ferry on our last trip due to strollers hogging up the spots where our sons WHEELCHAIR was supposed to go. Bad enough we have to wait extra times for the ferries and buses because of ECVs , and then after the the rider parks their scooter they pop right out and go grab a seat. WHAT!!???
What is Avengers: End Game?
I thought we were getting Guardians of the Galaxy in Epcot?
Sorry to not be informed!!!
An NFL experience would have been infinitely better than this NBA fail. I realize that the NFL isn’t popular worldwide either, but what kind of interactive stuff are they going to have? Free-throw shooting? Vertical jump? Not even interested. I would love to see if I could kick a field goal or complete a touchdown pass NFL style, though. Come to think of it, an MLB experience might have nailed it. Would’ve made sense given the spring training stuff they’ve got going on at the wide world of sports complex.
As for strollers, nobody is in any position to judge who needs and does not need a stroller. That said, we can all judge how well those strollers are piloted. Of the hundreds of strollers I encounter each park day, the number of accidents or rude bumps is actually pretty low. It can still ruin a day or even an entire vacation, though. Enforced stroller restrictions are welcome in that they will help traffic flow. But until the parks are kid free, they’re never going to be stroller free in the US. Best to keep your eyes peeled and feet quick, or get comfortable yelling and throwing stink eye. ;o)
I agree, I would have loved an NFL experience. It is slowly becoming more popular worldwide with the international games being held in the UK and Mexico this year.
I can attest to it growing in the UK and so many Brits visit Disney World, it would have made an exciting addition to Disney Springs. I’m sure it will be really popular, but I’d get much more excited about an NFL experience and think it would be a great time for it.
Hi all,
As a 35 year visitor to the Kingdom I feel it’s all going in the wrong direction.
No to anything NBA, a drug allowing organization that, like most sports, is just about the o’mighty dollar (sound familiar).
No to cheapenIng the Mothership of hotels in the World. When is enough enough?
After decades of pass holder dues, associated costs etc. we are contemplating a just say no attitude.
Sad part is the Disney Company really does not need us or care one bit about any of us. Consider these “Facts”
1) They offer nothing for families in the way of “deals” How many years without admission that includes a locker and lunch? I’ve been saying this for my entire Disney life. (Our kids are now
33 and 30!)
2) Disney representatives cannot tell you how many visits you have made to the World.
Ridiculous truth that is a slap in the face to all of us ( you) that love this place and have put our “precious” credit scores at risk, year after year.
We all have stories or “Facts” like these.
We are a cult that gets no respect. Return the attention to the fans and rename all, in the blessed name of Walt Disney.
Will be at the World to celebrate 35 years of marriage this week, so I too am a hippocrate.
“We are a cult that gets no respect.”
For what it’s worth, I don’t think “highly respected cult” is generally a thing. 😉
True Tom,
Thanks for the opportunity to vent.
Hitting all monorail hotel bars this trip and documenting the experience. Only get one 35th anniversary!
Appreciate your site.
Jon
As a parent who has Disneyed with a stroller, I also agree that some of these stroller sizes are ludicrous. Much like many things “American”, the companies make them look so snazzy, and social media influencers push them, etc, so people think they need them. I know several first time parents who wish they had known better. Certainly there are kids who don’t look like they need a stroller, but do. However, I also personally know some there are perfectly capable but had a stroller anyway because…again…the blogs and forums talk about the long days, miles of walking, hours of waiting, blah blah.
I’d also like to see some better enforcement(?) on ECVs. I’ve seen children sitting on laps and driving. On another occasion, pushing my 10mo old with my 6yo by my side, I had to sweep everyone off the path in AK as a lady was heading right at us with no signs of stopping. It was a bit of a bottleneck and she ran over my foot. I cried out in pain and said “please watch out, you just ran over my foot”, and she just looked at me incredulously. It hurt for the rest of the day.
I fully understand that people have needs, be it strollers or ECVs, but the lack of common courtesy never fails to amaze me. I cannot imagine hitting or running over someone with either apparatus and not being thoughtful of that person.
“However, I also personally know some there are perfectly capable but had a stroller anyway because…again…the blogs and forums talk about the long days, miles of walking, hours of waiting, blah blah.”
The easiest argument in support of your point is taking a look at the comparative lack of strollers at the Paris, Tokyo, Hong Kong, or Shanghai Disney Parks.
There are some demographic differences, but the biggest thing is likely childhood obesity in America, and a lack thereof in those other places.
As a mother of two that’s traveled to all of the Disney Parks around the world with my little ones, I know how important it is to travel with a stroller (it was a twin stroller). If you’re far removed from this being your reality you won’t get it. ESPECIALLY for parents of children with disabilities that you might not be able to recognize by sight (such as MS or cerebral palsy). The disabled child might be 8, 9, or 10+ years old and can’t walk longer than an hour or two. A regular size stroller just won’t due…. I say this as a person that have known parents of disabled children that have had such difficulties while traveling to WDW. Let’s face it, there are a lot of rude people that will knock you over period at WDW with or without a stroller or ECV. It would be great if we could get a ban on them!!!
I don’t think anyone is disputing that some children need strollers due to legitimate reasons–disabilities or otherwise. If we have kids, we will undoubtedly use strollers, too. I’m not anti-stroller.
All I’m suggesting is that when you look at overarching societal patterns, stroller use has proliferated in America, and we utilize the devices far more than Europe or Asia. There must be some explanations for those trends, and I don’t think it can be simply waved away.
obesity: hence the spelling of Hippocrate a few posts above regarding the disney cult and strollers?
My youngest had just turned 6 before our first Disney World trip and we skipped the stroller entirely the whole trip. She was a tough cookie and walked and stood in lines the entire trip. I realize not every kid is the same and obviously special needs kids are a whole different discussion but we loved the freedom of not having to drag a stroller everywhere. Prior to that we’d taken the kids to Disneyland many times since they were babies and just brought a super cool umbrella stroller that reclined a bit, had a canopy, and also a small basket underneath. Just enough for naps and diaper bags but no bigger, and it was awesome! Folded up easy and small and was easy to maneuver! Everyone’s got to do what’s right for them and their kids but I’m on board with stroller size restrictions!
CMs all around the park are supposed to enforce the rule that no children can rid on the EVCs. Some do, some don’t. When I was a CM, my managers and I did not give back the security deposits ($50, if I recall correctly) if we caught them breaking that rule.
Very unpopular opinion, but I thought the live action Beauty and the Beast was a disorganized mess of storytelling and bad directing. Live action Cinderella adds scenes but keeps the story well put in my opinion. I loved Maleficient, though not sure it counts as a remake. Finding it hard to believe people would have nostalgic attachment to the live action BatB so that just feels odd to me. Guess I will wait and see.
I’m a +1 not interested in the NBA experience. Out of our 20+ extended family who love Disney (and my dad, who doesn’t), I can’t think of one of us who would spend Disney time to go in here. We’re Canadian, so I originally just thought “Well, the NBA is more of a thing in the States”. It will be interesting to see how popular it is. I know they wouldn’t have done hockey (which would have interested my family a lot) but I can’t help but think soccer would be more popular, especially with international guests. Oh well.
36X52 strollers are reasonable. Hope enforcement is strict AND WDW/travel agents emphasize this with customers. Also, the policy should PROMINENTLY displayed on brochures, transportation, etc to minimize anger and/or embarrassment.
Same with ECVs – only LICENSED drivers should be behind the wheel AND speed limited to 2 mph or slower.
I would love a ban on strollers altogether! I know…wishful thinking. But I am incredulous each visit how those with strollers pay absolutely no attention to their space- where they are heading and who or what might be in their way.
My mom and I were walking to Snow White Rollercoaster in the morning rush and a double stroller ran up on her heel from behind. It was the start of our holiday and the injury hurt her the entire week. She is 78 and diabetic, so any sore on her foot takes a long time to heel and usually needs medical help. She almost fell onto the stroller and the lady never said Sorry or excuse me. She glared at my mom for almost falling. So any and all restrictions Disney wants to make on strollers, including a MANDATORY stroller safety class for all drivers, is fine with me.
I agree, as one person who has been run over and into more times than I can count. I am all for a “wheels free day”. And how much would I pay extra , plenty and so would a lot of other people. Most of the time there are not children in the stroller but just stuff. It is a way for some parents to plow through crowds and same spaces for parades.
OMG the idea of a bathroom pass is heavenly for this one parent with kid! I thought I was happy when Disney added order ahead options for certain restaurants (waiting in line to order food is not a joyful experience with kid in hand). This is equally as helpful. Thank you Disney.
I am like, 86% sure my child peeing his pants in the line at Avatar (along with the dozens of other kids who have probably done the same thing) caused them to create that queue-reentry pass. I hope they considering adding to other rides where someone (my kid) is refusing to leave because someone (my kid) does NOT want to miss the ride but someone (my kid) really doesn’t know just how much of a potty emergency they (my kid) are having.
Agree with banning the size of strollers and wagons. It looks as if some bring the entire house with them and maneuvering that in crowds is very irritating . I have been to WDW with children in strollers and totally understand the need for items for them but some of these are crazy. Also many of those folks think because they have an enormous load that everyone else should get out of their way.
Another great post, Tom. Either I missed it or maybe you’re prepping this for a future post, but I’m wondering if you have any thoughts on other recent announcements, like the new “Awesome Earth” movie at Epcot or the planned reopening of Rafiki’s Planet Watch (with “enhancements” to the area)?
I think after reading about Beauty and the Beast Bar being put where Mizners is will be a MISTAKE! The Grand Floridian is the Flagship of Disney Resorts. I know Disney has been going after the almighty dollar and the 1% but going from a classy resort that looks and shows refinement to a bar/lounge/forest situation is a mistake. When I stayed there prior to the expansion of the second pool, main issue they had was complaints of not having a kid friendly pool (now they do). I think adding this will bring the class/refinement of this resort down. Disney shouldn’t mess with their flagship like this but refine it more. If necessary, bring in some higher class stores, etc. There is enough room to do that.
Now the strollers…I love that they will be enforcing that because 1) of the running over, hitting, using it as a battering ram to get through the crowds & 2) those mega strollers that are CInderella’s carriage, it takes up too much space on the monorail (it takes the space of 2-4 people very easily and reduces the amount of people to/from on the monorail.