Here’s what a gradual reopening of Walt Disney World will look like
Walt Disney World is set to reopen this summer after being closed since March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Walt Disney World Resort parks have submitted plans to initiate a phased reopening beginning in July, subject to approval from local and state authorities, according to Walt Disney World News.
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These plans outline the reopening of the Magic Kingdom Park and Disney’s Animal Kingdom to reopen on July 11 with EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ reopening shortly after on July 15.
The park submitted plans for a phased reopening to the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force group in a meeting this morning, headed by Senior Vice President of Operations Jim MacPhee.
Pending approval from the Task Force, the proposed reopening will come with a strict set of health, hygiene, and safety protocols. “In preparing to reopen during this unusual time, we have to manage our theme parks in a very different way from what we’ve known before,” a post on the Disney Parks Blog states.
Similar to the reopening of Shanghai Disneyland in China and Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort, the park will open at limited capacity to align with CDC guidelines for physical distancing.
Certain activities and experiences, such as parades, evening shows and performances, and other events that draw large crowds will thus be postponed until later, the post explains. As well, interactive “high-touch” encounters, including makeovers, playgrounds, and meet and greets with characters will stay temporarily unavailable.
But don’t fret, you will still see your favorite characters throughout the parks.
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Guests will need to book in advance through the new reservation system to gain entry to the park on specific dates at specific times.
However, the sale of new tickets is temporarily paused and reservations for the Disney Resort hotel are on hold to ensure that the venues can concentrate on those already in possession of tickets and reservations.
Guests will also be expected to wear face masks throughout their visit — except for children under three-years-old — and will be required to undergo temperature checks before being granted entry. Cast members will have their temperatures checked as well.
Sanitizer and hand-washing stations will be available throughout the parks.
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Cashless transactions are preferred, the post states, and sanitization and disinfection measures will be increased in highly frequented areas.
“We’re being deliberate during these phased reopenings, and we’re encouraged by how our guests are responding at Shanghai Disney Resort and Disney Springs,” the post concludes. “We’re doing our part, and we need our guests to do their part, too, as we work together to focus on safety.”
Note: As border closures and travel restrictions begin to lift, health authorities are reminding individuals to monitor themselves for any signs of COVID-19. If you are feeling unwell, it is recommended you stay at home. If you do decide to travel, follow the health and safety precautions and protocols outlined by the departure and arrival locations you will be traveling to/from.
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