It’s hard to believe Disney World has been closed for more than two months now. The world’s most popular theme park shut its gates in early March because of the current global health crisis and it has remained shut ever since. However, now that lockdown measures are beginning to ease and cases of the virus are beginning to fall, they’re ready to reopen and welcome guests back again, albeit with a few major differences.
We’re pleased to share plans for the phased reopening of @WaltDisneyWorld Resort Theme Parks, Resort Hotels and Disney Stores. Learn more on the @DisneyParks Blog: https://t.co/T6xSgfVddW pic.twitter.com/LnoVYuWQ8T
— Disney Parks News (@DisneyParksNews) May 27, 2020
- July 11 is the big day. In a proposal sent to Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, Walt Disney World President Jeff Vahle suggested that reopening happen in mid-July, writing, “Our proposal is for Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom to begin a phased reopening to the general public on July 11.”
- Other parts of the park will follow soon after. The proposal also listed July 15 as the reopening date for Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios as they believe it would be possible to adhere to guidelines and keep visitors safe. “During this phased reopening, Walt Disney Resort will institute appropriate safety protocols that focus on the needs of guests and cast members that are outlined in the attached plan,” the proposal continued.
- Parts of Disney are already open. Disney Springs and some of its shopping and dining establishments reopened earlier this month and on May 27, more Disney-owned shops and restaurants including World of Disney, D-Luxe Burger (mobile order), and the Marketplace Co-Op followed suit.
- Disney is taking safety seriously. In a message on the Disney Springs website, rules of operation are stated plainly so that visitors know what to expect following the reopening. The measures taken include “limited parking and reduced entrances, temperature screenings prior to entry,” mandatory face coverings for guests over 3 years of age, social distancing measures even in queues, reduced hours and no scheduled entertainment, and “an increased focus on disinfecting and sanitation, including the addition of hand-washing stations and hand sanitizers in key areas.” It’s safe to assume these measures will also apply to Disney World as a whole as it also opens up.
- Of course, officials still have to approve the plan. No word yet on whether the July 11 Disney World reopening date will actually go through since Orange County, Florida and Governor Ron DeSantis still have to give the plan their approval. Fingers crossed!
