At a press conference today, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said that Florida will enter a “full” Phase 1 on Monday, May 18th.

During the press conference, DeSantis noted that the Phase 1 reopening plan that he originally released didn’t go as far as it could have. He pointed to closed gyms and more that could have opened in a Phase 1 reopening per the federal guidelines. Instead, DeSantis elected for a slower reopening for the initial announcement, most notably lowering allowed capacities for indoor shopping and dining venues.

In this latest announcement, DeSantis said that Florida will be able to enter a “full” phase 1 opening on May 18th. Here are the relevant details for the Disney Springs reopening on Wednesday, May 20th:

• Restaurants will be able to increase indoor capacity to 50% (previously set at 25%)
• Retail locations will be able to increase indoor capacity to 50% (previously set at 25%)

Additionally, DeSantis said that theme parks can now submit reopening plans. DeSantis did not give a date for when theme parks could reopen, but he did say that each theme park needs to outline how they will be keeping guests and employees safe before the Florida government can give them a “yes” to reopen. As a reminder, it’s likely that theme parks would reopen in a Phase 2 according to recommendations made by the Reopen Florida Task Force.

As of this writing, the Walt Disney World theme parks and resorts remain closed indefinitely, but Disney Springs is scheduled to begin a gradual, phased reopening on May 20th.

As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com for the latest Disney Parks news and photos. We’ll continue to bring you news and photos, where possible, through the Disney Parks closure due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) and will resume our normal coverage once the parks reopen to guests on July 11th!