Big news today during the Orange County Taskforce meeting. We finally have opening dates for the Walt Disney World Theme Parks!
Taking a cautionary approach with a phased reopening, July 11th will be the opening date for both Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom. Epcot and Hollywood Studios will follow on July 15th.
With the experience of reopening Disney Springs behind them, the Walt Disney Company is moving forward with many of the same measures we have seen in place at Disney Springs.
You will notice a major uptick in signage alerting you to the many ways they are providing to help keep guests safe and distanced.
Using what the company referred to as a “layered approach of protocols” both Cast and Guests will be subject to temperature/health screenings, enhanced protective measures, physical distancing policies, enhanced cleaning and sanitation measures and a reduction in ‘touchpoints’ throughout your experience.
The big question: Will masks be required in the parks?
The answer is yes, for now. Is this a protocol that will be permanent? We do not believe it is the goal of Walt Disney World or really anyone, to keep this permanently in place. It is what will be required as we begin the reopening phase.
What about experiences?
For the time being high contact experiences will be limited or unavailable. We don’t have a great amount of detail at this time, but updates will be posted as we gain a better understanding. For now we know there will be:
• Temporary suspension of parades, fireworks and other events that create crowds.
• Temporary suspension of high touch experiences such as Meet and Greets, makeover experiences (Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique) and Playgrounds.
• Characters will be present in new and exciting ways.
Expect the same changes we’ve seen announced at Disney Springs, contactless ordering and payments where possible, more frequent cleaning, limited capacities in all venues, queues set up for social distancing and plexiglass at points of sale.
News regarding resort openings are now coming to light. DVC resorts and Fort Wilderness Campground will reopen to guests on June 22nd. All other resorts are set to open July 11th.
Perhaps the biggest hint of change is the mention of a new reservations system for the parks. More to come on this as details are released.
We feel like these preparations represent the caution and care with which we have always known Disney to operate. We are very excited to get back to the parks as soon as possible! Let us know what you think. Join us in conversation in our Facebook group at Family Traveling Tips: Disney and Beyond
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