After its lengthy closure due to the Coronavirus concerns, the Walt Disney World Resort has presented its reopening procedures to the Orange County Economic Task Force. The resort has proposed to reopen officially to all Guests in July!
This will be a phased reopening where beginning July 11, the Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom will reopen to Guests. Then, on July 15, Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be available for Guests to visit.
According to the report given to the Orange County Economic Task Force Meeting, there will be a number of things that both Guests and Cast Members will need to adhere to in order to enter the parks. Here is what we know so far:
- Attendance will be limited. To make sure that this occurs, the parks will require that Guests sign up via a reservation in advance. As of right now, Disney did not share how that reservation system would work, however they did share that they would release that information at a later date.
- Enhanced protective measures will be put in place. These include things like implementing face coverings, which will will be required. There will also be an emphasis on hand washing and there will be sanitation stations available for Guests. Finally, there will be physical barriers where appropriate. For example, Guests will find that Plexiglas barriers will be put up at retail and restaurant locations where social distancing cannot be maintained.
- Physical distancing and capacity limits will be in place. This will occur not just at the theme parks, but also the restaurants, retail shops, attractions, buses, monorails, and other transportation modes. In addition, to help limit capacity, parades, fireworks, and other events that create crowds will be suspended for the time being.
- There will be an emphasis on enhanced cleaning both onstage and backstage across high touch locations and surfaces.
- Guests and Cast Members will need to have their temperatures taken via contact-less handheld devices.
- Contact between Guests and Cast Members will be limited. These will include things like putting an emphasis on increasing mobile food ordering, there will be a pause on meet and greets with characters, Guests will not be allowed to enjoy play areas that can be found throughout the park, and contactless payments will be strongly suggested to be used. (So, things like Apple Pay, MagicBands, etc).
- As Guests get ready to head to the parks, they will see “Know Before You Go” messages provided to make them aware of the new safety protocols. There will also be Cast Members on hand to regularly communicate new protocols called the Social Distancing Squad. Their goal is to inspire Guests to follow guidelines. Finally, there will also be signage found throughout the resort reinforcing these messages.
This plan, while approved by the task force, has not yet been approved by the Mayor or the Governor of Florida.
You can watch the meeting here for full details.
The Walt Disney World Resort officially closed on March 16 to all Guests.
