Disney has just announced that they plan on a phased reopening of their Walt Disney World theme parks beginning July 11th. In this post, we’ll go over the details of the proposal and put together a FAQ regarding what we know right now.
When Do The Theme Parks Reopen?
- Magic Kingdom – July 11th
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom – July 11th
- EPCOT – July 15th
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios – July 15th
What Will the Theme Park Hours Be?
Disney has recently updated their calendar to reveal significantly shortened hours including closing Disney’s Animal Kingdom as early as 6pm and opening EPCOT as late as 11am. Here are the hours for all of the theme parks.
Where Can I Get Details on the Disney Park Pass Reservation System?
We have compiled a few different resources for you, including registration dates and more info. Please see the stories below:
Will Park Hopping Be Available?
During the initial reopening phase, park hopping will not be available.
What is Open at Disney Springs?
For an updated list of what is open at Disney Springs, check out our latest post.
Are the Water Parks Reopening at the Same Time as the Theme Parks?
No, the Disney Water Parks will remain closed. Disney has not identified an opening date.
Why Is Disney Opening A Month Later Than Universal Orlando?
Disney CEO Bob Chapek talks about that in an interview you can watch here.
Will There Be Soft Openings?
Yes! Passholders were able to sign up for soft openings for the following dates. Note that all soft opening spots filled up in about 45 minutes:
- Magic Kingdom: July 9th and 10th
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom: July 9th and 10th
Will There Be Capacity Limits?
Yes, Disney will be implementing significant capacity limits for the theme parks to encourage social distancing and keep guests and Cast Members safe.
There will also be capacity limitations within restaurants, queues, and on rides.
Will Reservations To Enter Theme Parks Be Required?
Yes, you will be required to make a reservation to enter a theme park. Guests will make a reservation prior to arriving at the theme park. There will also be restrictions on how many days an Annual Passholder can reserve.
Who Will Be Able to Secure a Theme Park Reservation First?
Disney has provided some details on who will be able to secure a required Theme Park reservation first.
Will Masks Be Required?
Yes, both guests and Cast Members will be required to wear masks. This is for the safety of all involved and follows CDC recommendations to wear a face covering. Guests 2 years old and older will be required to wear a face covering.
- Article: Face Masks at Disney World
Disney is looking at implementing “relaxation zones” where guests will safely be able to exit main traffic areas and remove their face masks to seek some relief from the summer heat.
Will There Be Temperature Screenings?
Yes, just like at Disney Springs, there will be temperature screenings at the entrance to all four Walt Disney World theme parks.
For Cast Members, Disney will ask that guests do at home screenings before showing up to work, but that there will be on-site screenings as well.
Will There Be Parades and/or Fireworks?
No. Disney will temporarily suspend parades, fireworks, and other events that typically draw big crowds. Disney hasn’t announced when parades or fireworks would resume.
Will There Be Character Meet and Greets?
No. Disney has announced that they will temporarily suspend all Character meet and greets. In addition, play areas will remain closed.
Other “high touch” experiences such as Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, and other makeovers will not be available either.
While you won’t be able to meet with Characters, Disney has said that they will still be out and about to delight guests. So far, we’ve seen socially distanced Stormtroopers at Disney Springs.
Will There Be Character Dining Meals?
No. Just like meet and greets, Disney has cancelled Character dining meals.
When Can I Book a Dining Reservation?
The dining reservation booking window has been shortened from 180 days down to 60 days. Disney hasn’t opened up reservations just yet, but we’ll continue to update you when they do.
What Other Sanitization Protocols Will Be in Place?
- Disney will roll out more of the hand washing stations that we saw in the theme parks before they closed in mid-March.
- Disney will be installing signage throughout the theme parks that help guests maintain social distancing. Here is some of the signage that we saw during the presentation.
- Disney will encourage contactless payment systems such as Mobile Order and payment systems such as Apple Pay. Disney will encourage a cashless environment. QR codes and disposable menus will also be in use.
- Disney will deploy a “Social Distancing Squad” to encourage social distancing at the theme parks.
- Disney is putting together a “Know Before You Go” series of informational messages that will inform guests about not only the new safety protocols, but also what they can expect when they arrive at the theme parks. This is similar to a messaging campaign put in place before the launch of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge last summer, and Disney Springs more recently.
When Will the Hotels Reopen?
Disney has retracted an earlier statement that hotels would open on July 11th. As of right now, Disney has not announced when the hotels will reopen.
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!
what about Disney water parks? when will they be opening??
Hahahahahaha
I’m sorry. This is all a joke.
We will not be visiting this year, first year we have missed in 20 years however with these so called guidelines, what fun could be had? No parades, no fireworks, no characters and the list goes on. Will Disney reduce pricing? Sad for sure, we will wait til next year.
Required masks=not getting our business.
Can we cancel our annual passes now by calling or do we have to wait until they email us regarding the option to cancel.