Disney has recently released an extensive update on resorts, dining experiences, and more! If you want to read the entire update, check out our earlier post.
As part of the recent updates, Disney has shared some insight as to what the resort experience will look like when they reopen.
Perhaps the biggest change announced is a Virtual Chat feature via the My Disney Experience app. Here’s what Disney says:
Beginning June 22, you can chat with a Resort Cast Member via the My Disney Experience app for assistance during your stay. This new feature will offer convenient support nearly anytime—so there’s no need to visit the Lobby or stand in line.
This new feature is obviously meant to cut down on the Cast Member interactions that a guest will have during their resort stay and assist with social distancing measures.
When the resorts reopen, guests will be strongly recommended to use Disney’s Online Check-In Service. Some incorrect reports circulated a couple of months back that stated that Disney would require guests to use Online Check-In. That is not the case. That said, Disney does strongly suggest using it.
With the Online Check-In service, you will get a notification when your room is ready without ever having to go to the front desk. Your phone or MagicBand will act as your key to the room.
Another thing that will aid in social distancing is automatic check-out. On your scheduled checkout day, you’ll be automatically checked out of your room—so you don’t have to visit the Front Desk (unless you have unresolved charges to your Disney Resort hotel folio).
Other areas where Disney will be cutting back on Cast Member interactions at the resort include:
- Character experiences
- Spas, salons and Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
- Hula lessons
- In-room childcare services
- Mermaid school
- Special classes and programs—including culinary, cultural and animal programs
Of course, this simply the policy for the initial reopening period. It’s likely that Disney will look to get back to the magical experiences that families have come to love over the years as soon as they can, but things will definitely be different when the parks and resorts first 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!