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Throughout the last few months, many of us have deeply been missing Disney magic in our lives. However, good news is here! Walt Disney World Resort officials have submitted a plan for a phased reopening of parks and resort hotels. Pending approval, WDW plans to reopen Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom to the general public on July 11 followed by Hollywood Studios and EPCOT on July 15.
The reopening of parks will be slow and deliberate with a host of precautionary measures in place to protect both guests and cast members. There will be limits on attendance and controlled guest density to allow for social distancing. This means that events like parades and fireworks will not be a part of this initial reopening and will start back up at a later date. Other “high-touch” experiences like makeovers, playgrounds, and meet-and-greets will also be unavailable at this time. However, characters will still be around the parks to entertain guests.
Because guest capacity will be so limited, at this time, WDW is putting a pause on new resort reservations and ticket sales. Attendance will be managed through a new theme park reservation system that will require guests to have a reservation for theme park admittance prior to arrival. Existing ticket holders and annual passholders will be given the opportunity to make reservation requests in the coming weeks and will be informed by WDW when they are able to do so. New ticket sales will resume after that time. Information about that is forthcoming, so be on the lookout!
Disney Vacation Club resorts and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground will begin to reopen to members and guests beginning June 22. Disney Vacation Club Resorts in Hilton Head, SC and Vero Beach, FL will also begin to reopen on June 15.
While we’re all very much looking forward to the reopening of the Walt Disney World Resort, there will be some new safety guidelines in place for guests and cast members. All cast members and guests, ages 3 and over, will be required to wear appropriate face coverings in the theme parks as well as common areas in resort hotels. All guests and cast members will also undergo temperature screenings prior to entering any theme parks. Cashless transactions will be recommended and enhanced cleaning and disinfection procedures will be in place as well in high traffic areas. More information on all of these new policies and procedures will be shared soon.
While this is all very different from what we’re used to, Disney officials have said the following about these new procedures, “We’re doing our part, and we need our Guests to do their part, too, as we work together to focus on safety.”