Disney Springs is set to have a phased re-opening of its third-party stores and restaurants on May 20th with Disney-owned locations following on May 27th.
Disney Springs
Although we’ve been keeping you up-to-date on all the restaurants and stores that will be re-opening in Disney Springs, here are all the health and safety protocols you need to know.
In a statement released from Disney, Cast and Crew Members will be following guidelines set by the CDC and other health authorities during Disney Springs re-opening. The restaurant and retail locations will be following “new health and safety measures and operational changes” to comply with these precautions.
©Disney
Masks Required
Like we’ve seen in Shanghai Disneyland recently, guests ages two years and older and employees will be required to wear masks. The statement states that visitors will need to wear masks that cover their mouths and noses at all times, except when they are seated at a dining table. Note: Disney asks that guests bring enough masks for guests in their party that are two and older. [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.]
©Disney
Disney says that disposable masks “may be available” for guests who have forgotten their own, but you should 100% plan on bringing your mask…or else you won’t be getting into Disney Springs. Period.
Mandatory Temperature Checks
When guests arrive at Disney Springs, they will undergo a temperature check at one of the four open entrances.
The Disney Springs site states “At opening, we have also reduced Guest entryways to 4 locations: Orange and Lime garages, along with the Hotel Plaza Boulevard Pedestrian Bridge and the rideshare location.”
These temperature checks will be required for anyone going to Disney Springs, including guests, Cast Members, vendors, and other employees.
©Disney
While we were at Universal CityWalk, we experienced the touchless thermometer screening that Disney plans to use. If a guest has a temperature of 100.4 degrees or more, that person will be moved to another location for re-screening to double check the accuracy. Disney encourages everyone to check their temperature before leaving their homes.
Temp Check
Limited Capacity
In order to abide by CDC regulations for physical distancing, Disney Springs will be limiting the number of people visiting the property, stores, and restaurants during its phased re-opening.
Guests will not be allowed to park and enter Disney Springs once the two in-use parking garages (Lime and Orange) are full.
Important note: once these two parking garages are full, even guests with dining reservations at a Disney Springs restaurant will not be allowed into Disney Springs. Cancellation fees for these reservations will be waived for guests who are not allowed in due to limited capacity.
©Disney
Physical Distancing
There will be ground markings to maintain distance in queues as well as physical barriers in other places as needed. One-way and other directional signage will be placed around Disney Springs to help the flow of traffic on-property.
Ground Markings
Cashless Payments Preferred
Disney is recommending the use of cashless payments like debit cards, credit cards, and Disney gift cards. Contactless payment or cash can be used to purchase gift cards at the Welcome Center and other select retail places throughout Disney Springs.
It does not sound like Disney Springs is going completely cashless, but they are encouraging cashless payments as much as possible.
©Disney
Increased Sanitation Efforts
The Cast and Crew Members have been undergoing new health and safety training before the re-opening. There will be enhanced “cleaning and disinfection procedures in high-traffic areas such as elevators and escalators, handrails, benches, tables, handles, restrooms and more.” Hand-washing and hand sanitizer stations will also be available throughout Disney Springs.
Purell Dispenser
Cast Members will be located throughout Disney Springs to answer any questions or explain new protocols when you’re visiting. In the meantime, you can learn more about the health and safety protocols in this video.
Take a look at the Disney-owned locations that will be re-opening in Disney Springs here!
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Will you be going to Disney Springs when it re-opens? Let us know in the comments below!
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I don’t think Disney should turn away guests who have dinner reservations because parking is full. This hurts the restaurant and it can ruin a special evening! Plus you know someone who has a reservation is going to spend money. Disney could easily avoid what will undoubtedly lead to bad feelings by having reserved parking for guests with reservations
So, no walking around with a drink in your hand? If you are thirsty and want something to drink, you have to be seated at a table to remove your dopey mask? Well good luck with that one! I am sure there will be some bored locals who will put up with these measures but I wont. Hope Disney and the rest of the world or at least the US comes to its senses over this virus. We are the land of the free and the home of the brave, time to start acting like it!
I agree about the parking, but hopefully this will not be a problem as only a few restaurants are open and at a much smaller capacity. I guess if you have a reservation, make sure to show up early to ensure a parking spot.
As for the temperature checks, as a nurse, I can say these are pretty useless. Many people with COVID do not have a fever, especially in the early stages or if they are asymptotic carriers. Also, some people just “run hot”. A temp around 100 is normal for some people. In healthcare, we don’t even consider that someone has a fever until they get up to 101 or higher. There are also a ton of other reasons why someone may have a temp of 100.4 that have nothing to do with COVID, or any other infectious disease that is transmittable. I think this gives people a false sense of security to think that if you get in, then everyone is “safe” and you can be more relaxed about hand washing etc. Temperature checks are going to unnecessarily ban some guest, as well as let in infectious guest who do not yet (if at all) have a fever.
Honestly, you have to just treat everyone as if they have COVID. Wear your mask, do not touch your face unless you just washed your hands and did not touch anything else in between. Stay 6ft or more apart, and wash, wash, wash those hands and you will be fine. If you want 100% safety, then the only thing you can do is stay home.
I find it hard to believe that Disney is requiring masks to be worn outside. Their medical officer must have skipped the respiratory class on Carbon Dioxide poisoning. Constant wearing of a mask while exercising(walking) will result in your expelling excessive amounts of CO2 into your lungs. Be aware of nausea, vomiting, dizziness, panic attacks, confusion and a host of other related problems.
How in the world can Disney enforce face masks?! Just think breathing your same air in and out in the Florida heat! People will be passing out left and right! There is no way little kids will leave them on! How are they going to deal with people who are so called exempt, like myself who has asthma? People are going to get hot and take them off. This is not a feasible rule!
That’s a good idea Nichole
I don’t think many people will visit while having to wear a mask, ok for a short while maybe but not for a longer visit. Wearing a mask will look more like the set of a movie that the fun place Disney is.
I can’t imagine what wearing a face mask will be like in June-September. I feel like people will be passing out left and right.