We’re back in Disney Springs today for the first time since the historic closure of Disney World began in March.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, things look a little different in Disney’s dining, retail, and entertainment district. Prior to the reopening, Disney detailed that guests could expect to see some logistical changes with limited parking, temperature screenings, required face coverings, physical distancing, and more. Let’s take a look at what it’s like to be back in Disney Springs with all of these new protocols!

Arrival and Parking

Hours in Disney Springs, upon reopening, are currently set from 10AM to 10PM. To help limit capacity in the district, Disney has limited parking options at Disney Springs. Of the garages, only the Lime and Orange Parking Garages will be open in the initial phase, with no surface parking available.

We arrived early and found that only the Orange Parking lot was open at that time. Cast Members informed us that the Orange Garage was being filled first, and that Lime would be opened to guests later.

As always, helpful signs direct guests as to which lots are open and closed upon arrival, so you won’t wonder about where you’re able to park.

Something unexpected was that we were allowed to self-park. Though we would find Cast Members in the area, none were dedicated to directing guests for parking.

We’ll be taking a closer look throughout the day — and in the sections below — at all the individual new measures. But the presence of signage in the parking garage — reminding guests of safety warnings and new procedures — are noticed immediately upon arrival within the garage.

Cast Members were available to help direct guests through the new procedures.

Again, we’ll be taking a closer look throughout the day at various measures, but we’d like to share an overview here of what the new look and procedures are like at Disney Springs.

Face Coverings

Face masks or appropriate coverings are required for all Cast Members and guests in Disney Springs.

These masks, covering the nose and mouth, are mandatory at all times unless a guest is seated at a dining table or under 2 years of age. Guests of the complex must bring their own masks and be wearing them to be admitted. [Editor’s UPDATE: As of May 28th Disney has updated their mask policy; this post now reflects the current policy that face coverings will be required for all Guests ages 2 and up.]

Note that there is a VERY limited number of disposable masks at the temperature check areas. However, these are used as a last resort and because they are limited, there are no guarantees that any disposable face coverings will be available. Cast Members have been provided with three washable and reusable face masks. Cast members may also bring their own, with stipulations.

Temperature Screenings

As we’ve discussed for the recently reopened Disneyland Shanghai and experienced in CityWalk at Universal Orlando, temperature screenings are a new piece of preventative measures for many tourist destinations.

Disney has partnered with AdventHealth to provide temperature screenings using touchless thermometers.

Screening points are set up at four locations — Orange (pictured here) and Lime garages, along with the Hotel Plaza Boulevard Pedestrian Bridge and the rideshare location.

Temperature checks are required for all guests entering the complex. Anyone with a temperature above 100.4 degrees will be turned away.

That said, if you do not pass the initial screening, you will head to a rescreening tent where you can sit and cool down before being re-tested.

Additionally, Cast Members and Operating Participant employees are required to complete a temperature check and health screening at home before heading to work.

To learn about our full experience with temperature checks at Disney Springs, click here!

Physical Distancing

Disney Springs has also taken measures to encourage and increase physical distancing as health officials maintain that people should keep a 6-feet distance between themselves and others.

To accomplish this, we noticed that Disney has implemented markings on the ground, physical barriers, signage, and reminders from Cast Members.

We are encountering distancing reminders all along the way, from the moment of arrival throughout all areas of the district.

Cleanliness and Sanitization

Disney has stated that there will be increased cleaning and disinfecting of high-traffic public areas.

Additionally, guests are encouraged to make use of hand sanitizer and hand-washing stations placed throughout Disney Springs.

Signs remind to clean hands often with soap and water or with an alcohol-based sanitizer.

Additional Health Measures

Finally, there are a few other health measures that we noticed in Disney Springs today. One interesting measure… well, we can’t show you a picture, because it’s SOUND-related! Guests will hear occasional announcements via the loudspeakers. “Thanks for being our guest today,” precedes audio reminders regarding distancing, hand-washing, and more.

“Thank you for your understanding and cooperation,” follows the message.

As you are out and about shopping and dining, cashless forms of payment are encouraged.

And, as a reminder, Disney Springs is currently operating under limited hours (10 AM – 10 PM, at press time). 

Overall, there are some serious logistical changes to the way that Disney Springs works as of today. While our day has only begun (and we hope you’ll join us for the rest of it), so far we are finding clear information presented in a large variety of ways for implementation on behalf of Cast Members and guests in Disney Springs. Follow along with DFB as we continue our coverage of the first part of a reopened Disney World! 

We’re LIVE at the reopening of Disney Springs! Click here for all the details!

Were you at the reopening of Disney Springs? Have thoughts on the new safety measures? Let us know in the comments!