Update: Disney World Announces Additional Details For Park and Hotel Reopening

Updated June 5, 2020:

Disney has released additional details regarding the reopening of their resort and parks.

Hotel Pools

According to the Disney website, resort hotel swimming pools may operate with reduced hours. Leisure pools, normally the smaller and quieter resort pools will be open 24 hours a day. Pools will also have limited capacity to ensure that all guests can properly social distance. The biggest news is that Stormalong Bay at Disney’s Beach Club will remain closed during the initial, Phase 1 reopening. The leisure pool at Beach Club will remain open for all Beach and Yacht Club guests to enjoy.

Masks

It was previously reported that all guests three and older would be required to wear face masks while visiting the Disney World Resort. Disney has since changed the face mask rule, stating now that all guests two and older will be required to wear face masks while visiting the WDW resort. The face mask requirement is in place at Disney Springs, at the Resort hotels and the theme parks.

Originally Posted May 27, 2020:

The news we’ve all been waiting for has officially been announced! Today, Disney World Park officials presented their phased reopening plan to Orange County’s Economic Recovery Task Force. During the meeting Disney presented their plan on how they would begin to reopen their theme parks and resorts.

Disney’s reopening plan that was presented today is still under review by the Task Force. If approved, guests could be returning to Disney World theme parks as early at July 11th. All of the below plans are pending and subject to approval.

Here’s what we know so far about Disney’s reopening plan.

• Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom are to be the first two parks to reopen on July 11th.
• Epcot and Hollywood Studios are to reopen on July 15th.
• Disney Vacation Club Resorts as well as Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground will reopen on June 22th. 
• Disney Vacation Club Resorts in Vero Beach and Hilton Head will reopen on June 15th. 
• Temperature checks as well as mask requirements similar to the current protocol at Disney Springs will be implemented at the theme parks. This means all guests will be subject to a temperature checks upon entry to the parks and will be required to wear masks. 
• Cast Members and guests two and older will be required to wear masks at all times while in the parks, except when dining.
• Cast Members will also undergo temperature checks upon arrival for their shifts.
• Mobile ordering and cashless transactions will be encouraged in order to limit contact between guests and Cast Members.
• Social distancing measures will be implemented throughout the parks with a “Social Distancing Squad” of Cast Members available to assist and inspire guests to follow distancing guidelines.
• “High Touch” experiences such as Character Meet-and-Greets and playgrounds will be suspended for the time being.
• Parades, fireworks shows and other experiences that create crowds will be temporarily suspended.
• Cleaning and sanitization will be increased throughout the parks and backstage. Hand-washing and sanitizing stations will be available in high traffic areas around the parks.
• Park capacity will be significantly reduced and reservations for park entry will be required. 
• Capacity at attractions and dining locations will also be limited.

Disney will be focusing heavily on their Education, Communication and Engagement initiative which has been developed to ensure that guests have a magical experience when visiting the Walt Disney World Resort. This initiative is intended to inform guests and potential guests of all the new guidelines while planning their vacations as well as while at the Disney World Resort.

Information will be easily available on the website when booking vacations. Signage will be placed throughout the parks to remind visitors to follow the guidelines to ensure safety of all guests and Cast Members. And Cast Members will be available to engage with guests and assist them with following the new safety protocols.

Check back with us at DVCShop.com for updates on the reopening of Disney World.

Are you ready to head back to the parks in July? Share your thoughts below.