This is the week that Disney fans have been waiting for since the theme parks shut down in mid-March. Later this week, Disney will begin what they’re calling a phased reopening by welcoming guests back to Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom on Saturday. The busy week doesn’t begin when the parks open to the public though, as various previews are set to take place…not to mention the NBA is checking in and the MLS is kicking off too. Here’s a look at some key dates for the busy Disney World week ahead.
Monday, July 6th
This is the last day that the parks will be “empty”. Cast Member previews begin on Tuesday, which will mark the end of a 100+ day closure of the Walt Disney World theme parks. With COVID-19 cases on the rise, many are asking if Disney should even open at all.
Tuesday, July 7th
- Cast Member previews of Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom begin on Tuesday, July 7th. While the theme parks won’t be open to the public until later this week, the previews are crucial for Disney to adjust their operating procedures as they look to keep guests and working Cast Members safe in the midst of spiking COVID-19 cases in Florida.
- The NBA arrives – NBA players, staff, and coaches begin to arrive at Walt Disney World hotels ahead of the July 30th restart of the season at the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex.
Wednesday, July 8th
- Cast Member previews continue for a second day at Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- MLS is Back Tournament kicks off at ESPN Wide World of Sports complex. The tournament will run from July 8th to August 11th.
Thursday, July 9th
- Annual Passholder previews begin for Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. All preview spots filled up in less than 45 minutes when the registration went live a week ago today. This will be the first look that non-Cast Members will get at the Disney World theme parks in over 100 days.
Friday, July 10th
- Annual Passholder previews will continue for Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Disney will not be previewing Disney’s Hollywood Studios or EPCOT to Annual Passholders, but Cast Members will get a preview of those parks next week.
- Splitsville will reopen at Disney Springs
- Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s Contemporary Resort are set to reopen to guests
Saturday, July 11th
- Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom open to the public after being closed for over 100 days due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. Keep in mind that you will need to have already purchased tickets and secured a Disney Park Pass reservation to visit between July 11, 2020 and September 27, 2021 – no exceptions.
As you can see, it’s going to be a busy week here at the Walt Disney World Resort, but we can’t wait to provide you with some on-the-ground coverage of the reopening of the Disney World theme parks. Thank you for sticking with us here at BlogMickey.com through the park closures and your continued support of the site as we provide coverage of the reopening of the Walt Disney World Resort!