We now have an official reopening date for Disneyworld (WDW) in Orlando….July 11. Earlier today, WDW announced that it will be planning to reopen in phases. The first two parks to reopen will be Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom. Epcot and Hollywood Studios will be reopened on July 15. There is no further dates for any of the other DIsney Parks yet.
What To Expect
From what has been announced so far, online reservations will be required. You will not be able to purchase any tickets online at this point in time as the reopening will be limited to guests who had existing reservations before the closure back in March. The website for reservations is to be rolled out at a later date. As with Shanghai Disneyland, the parks will only allow for about 30% of its capacity. There will be no parades, character meet and greets or shows in the beginning stages. (Note that if you are a Disney Vacation Club member you can make new reservations).
Disney has announced that face coverings will be required for all guests over the age of 3. If you are planning to go in summer, bear in mind that Orlando is hot and humid. Cotton masks will probably be the most comfortable. Disney will be requiring temperature checks prior to being allowed entrance into the parks. This includes checks for Cast Members.
WDW uses the Magic Band technology heavily already and will continue to encourage the use of cashless payments. The areas of the theme parks that did not previously use Magic Band technology for dining reservations will be converted as quickly as possible. The goal is to limit the interaction between people.
There will be social distancing procedures in place as there will also be a certain “mask free” area guests will be able to ease some of the restrictions. Hotels do not yet have a reopening date, but form my sources are not subject to the same rules as the WDW resorts. They will be reopening on a rolling basis. Online check in is heavily recommended.
Wrapping Up
I’m sure there will be a lot more information in the coming days. For those guests who do not follow the rules, Disney will not make any exceptions. They are a company, who having worked for, take the safety and health of their Cast Members and Guests as their first priority. Do NOT think you will be able to go around any rules.
With that being said, I believe that you would be best to wait until the Fall if you are planning to visit Disney Parks, but to each their own. California Parks are, in my opinion, more than likely to reopen by August if all goes according to plan in Florida. Paris, Hong Kong and Tokyo will more than likely be more cautious than us here in the US. I hope you are all staying safe! Until next time!