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.