Disney World Reopening : What To Expect In The Parks and Resorts

Disney World is slowly reopening, but it’s not going to be what we are used to. As details about Disney Parks and Resorts roll out I will share them here. 

Disney World ReOpening 

This is going to be an extremely fluid situation, with a lot of moving parts. 

Health and Safety Measures

The first question on everyone’s mind is, will masks be required? The answer is, absolutely yes. Walt Disney World guests will be required to wear a face-covering of some kind while in the parks unless they are eating. You may bring your own masks from home, but, if you do not have a mask, ask a Cast Member for assistance. If you aren’t ready to wear a mask in the parks and at Disney Springs, I would say your best bet is to reschedule your visit. 

There is going to be a “mask resting area” for guests where they can remove their masks and take a break, “We’re also looking at establishing relaxation zones in and around, and off-property for people to go mask-off for a moment.” says Jim McPhee, SR. Vice President of Operations at Walt Disney World Resort. 

Disney Parks will be adopting a “Know Before You Go”  mantra for the following changes to park operations to prevent the spread of COVID-19:

• Enhanced Protective Measures: A layered approach of protocols including face coverings, hand washing & sanitizing stations, and physical barriers where appropriate
• Physical Distancing: Reduction in theme park capacity that enables appropriate physical distancing in the theme parks and appropriate signage of physical distancing requirements as a reminder
• Enhanced Cleaning/Sanitation: Build upon existing standards of cleaning with heightened protocols in the theme parks
• Temperature/Health Screening: Conduct Guest and Cast temperature checks
• Limited-Contact Enhancements: Reduction of Guest & Cast Member Contact Points

Phased ReOpening 

As opposed to reopening to the masses, Walt Disney World will be rolling out a phased plan to reopen. This will help with working out the kinks as we all navigate travel to Disney. 

This phased reopening will demonstrate a deliberate approach, with limits on attendance and controlled Guest density that aligns with guidance on physical distancing. That means certain experiences we know draw large group gatherings – such as parades and nighttime spectaculars – will return at a later date. In addition, “high-touch” experiences such as makeover opportunities, playgrounds and character meet and greets will remain temporarily unavailable, but characters will still be in our parks to entertain and delight Guests.

Because theme park capacity will be significantly limited as Disney welcomes Guests back, they will manage attendance through a new theme park reservation system that will require all Guests to obtain a reservation for park entry in advance. At this time, Disney is temporarily pausing new ticket sales and Disney Resort hotel reservations so they can focus on Guests with existing tickets and reservations. (Disney Vacation Club members can still make new reservations). Existing ticket holders and Annual Passholders will be able to make reservation requests in phases before new tickets are sold. Theme park reservations will be limited due to attendance limitations and will be subject to availability. More details about this new reservation system will be available soon.

Theme Park Opening Dates

• Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom will reopen on Saturday, July 11th
• EPCOT and Hollywood Studios will reopen on Wednesday, July 15
• Dates for Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon were not addressed

What We Know at a glance

Again, these things are certainly subject to change, but this is what we know for know about the reopening. 

• An online reservation system will be used to gain your spot in the park (details coming soon)
• Park capacity will be reduced (percentage unknown at this time)
• Signage will direct guests to maintain safe social distancing while entering the park
• Turnstiles will be touchless, scanned by a Cast Member behind plexiglass
• The finger scanners will not be a part of the park entry process
• Contactless payment systems, plexiglass between Cast Members and guests where heavy interaction could occur
• Cashless transactions will be the standard for all purchases
• Cleaning and sanitation will be bumped up even a few notches above Disney’s usual spit-spot requirements
• Cast Members will be trained on COVID-19-specific cleaning procedures
• Guests will be encouraged to wash their hands with signage at the parks

DINING

In order to foster physical distancing during this time, upon reopening, restaurants and other experiences such as behind-the-scenes tours will be limited in capacity, and some experiences may remain closed. As a result of limited capacity, they have made the  decision to cancel all existing dining reservations and experience bookings, including Disney dining plans included in packages.

They will reopen dining and experience bookings with more limited numbers closer to when the parks reopen. Disney will also shift from a 180-day booking window to a 60-day booking window for dining and experience bookings going forward to allow Guests to make their plans closer to their visits.

• QR Code capability on mobile devices to access menus
• Disposable paper menus available upon request
• Physical distancing will carry over to the dining experience
• Food will be pre-packaged where possible
• Payment for food items will be a touchless system

Additional changes to Walt Disney World dining experiences include:

• Menu items may vary. For specific menu information, check the restaurant’s online menu when the restaurant reopens.
• Character Dining will not be offered during the initial reopening, with the exception of a modified Character Dining experience at Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera.
• Dinner shows will not be offered during the initial reopening.
• Dining locations will be limited in capacity. Some locations will remain temporarily closed.
• Private dining and in-room delivery will not be offered during the initial reopening window.
• Mobile order service will be offered at select quick-service dining locations throughout the Walt Disney World theme parks (when open), Disney Springs and select Disney Resort hotels.

FastPass+ and Extra Magic Hours 

As a result of the COVID-19 impact, the FastPass+ service will be suspended for the time being as Disney World plans to use additional queue space to manage capacity at their attractions and maintain physical distancing. They will be automatically canceling existing FastPass+ selections and share any future updates on the service at a later date. Also, please note that upon reopening, Extra Magic Hours will be temporarily suspended.

Disney Springs 

Having already opened 3 weeks ago, they are working out the kinks and opening more locations each day to guests. Visit Disney Springs Reopening to see what is open during your visit. 

 

Here is what you need to know prior to your arrival: 

• Parking and Entrances: During this initial phase, guests will be directed to self-park in the Orange and Lime Garages. All surface lots will be closed. We will also reduce the number of entrances for Disney Springs to four locations: Orange and Lime Garages, along with the Hotel Plaza Boulevard pedestrian bridge and ride share location.
• Appropriate Face Coverings: All guests 2 years of age and older, along with cast members and third-party operating-participant employees, will be required to wear an appropriate face covering while visiting Disney Springs. This is an important part of protecting both our guests and our cast. Please be sure you have an ample amount of face coverings for yourself and your party before you arrive, as you’ll need to wear them over your nose and mouth at all times (except when sitting at a dining table).
• Temperature Screenings: Once you arrive at Disney Springs, you and your party will be required to undergo temperature screenings. Based on guidance from health authorities, anyone displaying a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher will be directed to an additional location for re-screening and assistance; those who again measure 100.4 degrees or higher will not be allowed entry, nor will those in their party. I encourage you to check temperatures of yourself and your party prior to leaving home, as an extra layer of precaution.  
• Physical Distancing and Capacity Measures: To maintain appropriate physical distancing throughout Disney Springs during this initial phase, we will limit the number of guests visiting the property, as well as within each location. In addition, ground markings will help promote proper distancing when queuing is necessary. We will also add physical barriers in select places where it’s difficult to maintain physical distancing. 
• Cleanliness: We’ve increased cleaning and disinfection procedures in high-traffic areas such as elevators and escalators, handrails, benches, tables, handles, restrooms and more. We will also have hand-washing stations and hand sanitizer available, and encourage you to use these frequently.
• Cashless Transactions: We’re recommending you use cashless payment options whenever possible during your visit to Disney Springs, including debit cards, credit cards, Disney gift cards, etc. You can also opt for contactless payment options or use cash to purchase a Disney gift card at the Welcome Center and select merchandise locations. 

My Disney Experience App

Resorts 

We have learned that the DVC and Fort Wilderness Resort will open during the first phase, beginning June 22, but with limited capacity and offerings. 

Also, you can not “resort hop” during this time. You MUST have a valid room reservation or dining reservation to be at the resort. 

 

Here is a detailed list of what resorts will be open, and the offerings each will have. Take note that there is very limited table service dining available. 

Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Dining:

·       The Wave… of American Flavors

·       The Wave Lounge

·       Contempo Café

·       Cove Bar

Shops:

·       Bayview Gifts

·       Fantasia Market

Activities:

·       Pools

·       Poolside Activities

·       Movies Under the Stars

·       Fitness Center

·       Community Hall

·       Sports Courts

Boulder Ridge Villas and Cooper Creek Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Dining:

·       Whispering Canyon

·       Roaring Fork

·       Geyser Point Bar & Grill

Shops:

·       Wilderness Mercantiles

Activities:

·       Pools

·       Poolside Activities

·       Movies Under the Stars

·       Fitness Center

·       Reunion Station

·       Multi-Purpose Courts

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village

Dining:

·       Sanaa

·       Kidani Breakfast at Sanaa

·       Sanaa Lounge

·       Maji Pool Bar

Shops:

·       Johari Treasures

Activites:

·       Pools

·       Poolside Activities

·       Movies Under the Stars

·       Fitness Center

·       Community Hall

·       Sports Courts

Disney’s Beach Club Villas

Dining:

·       Beaches and Cream Soda Shop

·       Beach Club Marketplace

·       Martha’s Vineyard

Shops:

·       Beach Club Marketplace

Activities:

·       Leisure Pool (Stormalong Bay will not be available during the initial reopening period)

·       Poolside Activities

·       Movies Under the Stars

·       Fitness Center

·       Seaside Retreat

·       Sports Courts

·       Fishing Excursions

Disney’s BoardWalk Villas

Dining:

·       Trattoria al Forno (Character dining is temporarily unavailable)

·       Pizza Window

·       BoardWalk Bakery

·       Leaping Horse Libations

·       AbracadaBar

Shops:

·       Screen Door General Store

Activities:

·       Pools

·       Poolside Activities

·       Movies Under the Stars

·       Fitness Center

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground

Dining:

• P&J’s Southern Takeout
• Meadow Snack Bar
• Crockett’s Tavern

Shops:

• Settlement Trading Post
• Meadow Trading Post

Activities:

• Pools
• Poolside Activities
• Movies Under the Stars
• Bike Barn
• Sports Courts
• Trail Rides and Horse Barn
• Fishing Excursions

Disney’s Old Key West Resort

Dining:

• Olivia’s Cafe
• Good’s Food to Go
• Gurgling Suitcase

Shops:

• Conch Flats General Store

Activities:

• Pools
• Poolside Activities
• Movies Under the Stars
• Fitness Center
• Community Hall
• Sports Courts

Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows

Dining:

• Kona Cafe
• Capt. Cook’s
• Pineapple Lanai
• Barefoot Pool Bar

Shops:

• Moana Mercantile
• Bou-tiki

Activities:

• Pools
• Poolside Activities
• Movies Under the Stars

Disney’s Riviera Resort

Dining:

• Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera (Character dining will be modified)
• Primo Piatto
• Le Petit Cafe
• Bar Riva

Shops:

• La Boutique

Activities:

• Pools
• Poolside Activities
• Movies Under the Stars
• Fitness Center
• Eventi

Other DVC locations outside of Florida, such as Disney Vacation Club properties in Vero Beach, Florida and Hilton Head, South Carolina, will open on June 15.

Disney has announced the following resort re-openings: 

• July 10 – Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Contemporary Resort
• July 29 – Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
• Aug. 12 – Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
• Aug. 24 – Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts
• Sept. 21 – Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• Oct. 1 – Disney’s BoardWalk Resort
• Oct. 14 – Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

Reservations for stays in 2021 will begin booking on Wednesday, June 24.  

Things will certainly be different when we return to the magic, but I believe it will still be an amazing experience.