Walt Disney World's reopening plan has been approved by the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force to start a phased reopening starting with Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom July 11 and Epcot and Hollywood Studios on July 15!
Several days prior to the official reopening to the public there will be cast previews and soft openings for select audiences. This will provide a "thoughtful ramp up" to the official opening date.
A new theme park reservation system will be implemented to control capacity. It will require guests to obtain a reservation prior to park entry. Walt Disney World also stated that they are temporarily pausing new ticket sales and hotel reservations so they can "focus on guests with existing tickets and reservations." Disney Vacation Club members can still make new reservations.
Existing ticket holders and Annual Passholders will be able to make reservation requests in phases before new tickets are sold. Disney will be providing more information and reaching out to these guests soon to provide additional details.
Disney will resume new ticket sales and hotel reservations after that period of time. More details will be provided by Walt Disney World in the future.
Throughout the presentation new safety measures and operational changes where discussed including:
Face coverings for guests and employees will be required
Temperature screenings for guests and employees. Third party screening via contactless, handheld devices.
Hand washing and sanitizing stations will be at locations in theme parks.
Plexiglass at points of sale in retail and food and beverage locations where distancing cannot be maintained.
Reduced capacity of theme parks, restaurant, retail, attractions, and transportation.
Parades, fireworks, and other events that will create crowds will be suspended.
High touch areas such as character meet and greets, water features and playgrounds will be closed.
Signage will be implemented everywhere to remind guests of general health and safety protocols.
MyDisneyExperience and MagicBands will help to limit contact points. Payments with MagicBands, Apple Pay and Google Pay will be used to enable cashless transactions at restaurants and retail.
Mobile order at food and beverage locations will be used.
Communication and education will be conducted to inform guests of new protocols and expectations pre-arrival.
Jon Weiss, Director Orange County PEDS, discussed the field inspections at Walt Disney World and SeaWorld that were completed yesterday. They reviewed employee health screening, guest arrival and ticketing, attraction queue management, restaurant operations, signage, and sanitization protocols and approved of their safety and operational changes to reopen.
Mayor Demings stated that he appreciates the thoroughness and due diligence to reopen their parks safely. Mayor Demings will review and make recommendations.
Walt Disney World presented their plan to the Task Force and Orange County Major Jerry Demings at 10 AM E.T. this morning. The plan will be reviewed by Mayor Demings. Once approved by Mayor Demings the reopening plan will be submitted to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for final approval.
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