Following the recent reopening of Shanghai Disney Resort and Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort, today Disney submitted a proposal to the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force in Florida describing its approach for a phased reopening of Walt Disney World Resort theme parks planned to begin on July 11.
Pending Orange County and state approval, the Walt Disney World Resort proposal plans for Magic Kingdom Park and Disney’s Animal Kingdom to begin a phased reopening to the general public on July 11, followed by EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios on July 15. The proposal details changes to the way that the theme parks will be managed upon reopening, as well as how cast members will focus on operating the parks responsibly while continuing to provide opportunities for guests to create magical Disney memories.
The phased reopening will demonstrate a deliberate approach, with limits on attendance and controlled guest density that aligns with guidance on physical distancing. Experiences that draw large group gatherings, such as parades and nighttime spectaculars, will return at a later date. In addition, “high-touch” experiences such as makeover opportunities, playgrounds and character meet and greets will remain temporarily unavailable, but characters will still be in the parks to entertain and delight guests.
With significant limitations to theme park capacity as the phased reopening begins, attendance will be managed through a new theme park reservation system that will require all guests to obtain a reservation for park entry in advance. At this time, the resort is temporarily pausing new ticket sales and Disney Resort hotel reservations in order to focus on guests with existing tickets and reservations, who, along with Annual Passholders, will be able to make reservation requests in phases before new tickets are sold. Additional details are available now on the Disney Parks Blog, with more information to be shared later.
Disney Vacation Club resorts at Walt Disney World will reopen to members and guests and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground will begin to reopen on June 22. Disney Vacation Club resorts in Vero Beach, Florida, and Hilton Head, South Carolina, will also open to members and guests starting on June 15. Plans to support required physical distancing as well as enhanced cleaning measures, along with a number of other safety and cleanliness protocols, will be implemented as part of this planned phased reopening.
Today, the World of Disney retail shop reopened at the Disney Springs shopping and dining complex at Walt Disney World. In the coming weeks, Disney Stores will begin a phased reopening of operations globally, beginning with a select number of stores in the United States, in addition to stores in Europe and Japan.
As Disney looks forward to reopening our theme parks, Disney Resort hotels and stores, and doing so in a responsible way, our destinations will continue to follow enhanced safety protocols based upon applicable guidance from health authorities and government agencies. To promote the health and safety of everyone, cast members, as well as guests 3 years of age and older, will be required to wear appropriate face coverings in theme parks and common areas of resort hotels. All guests will also undergo temperature screenings prior to entering a theme park; cast members will also have temperature checks. Cashless transactions are recommended, and cleaning and disinfection procedures will be increased in high-traffic areas.
Additional information on enhanced health and safety measures and operational changes for reopening locations will be shared soon. These policies are under continuous review and are subject to change as we monitor conditions and receive guidance from health and government authorities.
The company is approaching these phased reopenings deliberately, and the response from guests at Shanghai Disney Resort and Disney Springs has been extremely positive. Disney will continue to our part, and will ask guests to do their part, too, as we work together to focus on safety.