While several third-party restaurants and stores have reopened this week in Disney Springs, crowds have really thinned out since Wednesday.
No Traffic Around Disney Springs This Morning
When we arrived at 10AM to visit some of the restaurants we knew would be reopening today (although one of them didn’t) we were surprised to see what a literal ghost town Disney Springs has become.
Crowds were relatively light on May 20th when many retailers and restaurants opened their doors to the public after being shuttered since mid-March. But yesterday and today, we’ve noticed attendance has dropped off significantly.
Disney Springs
We did hear from several Cast Members on Wednesday that many guests showed up only to realize World of Disney wasn’t open yet. World of Disney along with other Disney-owned locations will reopen in Disney Springs on May 27th.
Check out our full Disney Springs experience on the first day of its partial reopening here!
Disney Springs
Many of the employees we talked with feel like once World of Disney reopens, things might pick up again, but so far, business has really slowed down.
Find out which other Disney-operated businesses will be reopening next week here!
Disney Springs
Disney is also currently working on plans to reopen its theme parks (which could be submitted to the Orange County Mayor by as early as next week).
No Wait Joffrey’s This Morning
We did see pockets of people here and there and some businesses seemed to think things might pick up a little over the weekend, but they expect things to remain relatively calm until major anchor stores like World of Disney reopen.
Can you walk around Disney Springs will sipping a Joffrey’s coffee? Find out here!
Disney Springs
See what it’s like to shop at Disney Springs now here!
The most people we saw today were waiting in line while social distancing in front of Vera Bradley. This was the first store at Disney Springs we were able to confirm had face masks for sale.
Line Outside of Vera Bradley
We’ve also now confirmed American Threads and The Polite Pig also have face masks for purchase. We’ll continue to monitor the crowd levels here and let you know if anything changes once World of Disney reopens next Wednesday, but for now, we’ll enjoy all this extra elbow room at Disney Springs while it lasts.
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Ever since Black Sunday in 1955, Disney has always liked the idea of a soft opening. I’m sure they specifically chose a day where foot traffic would be a minimum So that they could get back to work without huge crowds
Could it be that Floridians are not willing to risk their lives or the lives of their loved ones to a deadly virus that there is not enough information about? Maybe they feel their government officials are valuing the economy over residents. Could also just be caution on the part of the public. Or, just plain old fear. Whatever it is, I’m surprised. I thought it would go in the other direction, with too many people.
Pretty sure it’s dead cause nobody wants to wear a mask in 90 degree weather or at all. Once they lift the mask laws, you’ll see the crowds come back. While the mask prevents me from giving to germs, it doesn’t prevent me from getting germs and it’s just a pain to wear.
Should anyone be surprised the people are not interested in being told what to wear (masks), where to stand (social distancing), and monitored by tempuature control?! At an outdoor facility? If stores are concerned for their employees safety, perhaps they should remain closed. I hope Disney is taking note of attendance when people with money to spend decide to stay home until all this nonsense ends.
Since the virus can’t live in temperatures above 85 the masking and social distancing seem non essential what exactly are they protecting us from? We are tired of all of this and it’s being shown with people boycotting the springs.
I am sure that the politicians are jumping for joy at the failure of Disney springs re opening especially the mayor of Orange County. He is probably shouting from rooftops “ I told you they are not ready”.
Well the exact opposite is true. The failure is from the totally ridiculous requirements to shop the springs.
I was shocked when I saw that teams of cast members going around the springs enforcing social distancing and masking.
What needs to happen is simple.
We are adults. We know the risks. If we want to mask that is our decision. No one else’s. If we don’t feel comfortable with the social distancing and crowds. Don’t go. It’s simple.
If cast members want to wear a mask let them. If the are concerned on their safety stay on furlough. Simple. Everyone else. The cast majority cast members and patron let them alone.
When are politicians going to realize they are not our parents. I have the right to make my own decisions.
Open the parks. If you don’t like it don’t go.
Simple re opening solution
There is a very simple solution to the re opening social distancing dilemma.
Remove all restrictions everywhere outdoors. For all examples the following applies. There will be no additional charge for the use of social distancing accommodations. Volunteer employees will receive no additional compensations. If employers can not obtain volunteer employees then they will not offer social distancing accommodations with no penalty. If there is a location where you don’t feel comfortable outdoors then either mask up, you maintain the 6ft distance or don’t go.
Employees who desire to observe social distancing who do not feel safe can mask up or be placed on administrative furlough until they do feel safe with no penalty. All benefits will continue for up to 12 months.
Restaurant. Sit down. All sit down restaurants will have a designated area for social distancing by reservation only. The area will be separate from others. Servers will all be volunteers and be masked. The area will be at least 20% of the total seating capacity of restaurant. A mobile/curbside pick will be offered at the discretion of the restaurant.
Fast food – for those patrons observing social distancing their orders will be distributed by a naked employee outside of restaurant only. There will be no social distancing allowed inside the restaurant.
Public gatherings- all public gatherings will be by reservation only area for social distancing were the area will have ample area to allow a min of 6 ft between individuals with reservations. The area will have a separate entrance and all employees servicing this area will be masked observe social distancing and be volunteers. If volunteers can not be obtained the area will not be available. Operators can charge up to an additional 20% for additional overhead to compensate for social distancing reservations only
All others areas. To the greatest extent possible all other public retail areas will provide a separate area (check out registers fittings rooms etc) to accommodate those rushing to practice social distancing using volunteer employees only. If social distancing can not be offered with out undue reasonable expense a sign will be prominently displayed at entrance stating that the establishment does not offer social distancing.
Does not look like much of an experience! Mask, social distancing, limited retailers/experiences open, not at all very Disney? Very sad☹️
If you can’t /won’t wear a mask …don’t go…. The cast members want to be wearing mask and feel like other people should be also airing on the side of caution.
It might be an issue of many people not being ABLE to wear face masks in the high heat & humidity. I live in Okla a very humid & pretty warm place . I also Have sever allergies that make breathing difficult this time of year. I’m not able to wear a mask outside. I do ok in stores. As long has Disney or any park has a mask requirement I won’t Be able to go. It’s disappointing but I will find other places to vacation
I think a lot of people are going to wait till you don’t have to wear a mask. Summer heat/humidity with a sweat soaked soggy wet mess on my face sounds rather miserable at best. I would be ok with wearing a mask INSIDE stores/restaurants till you get to the table and your food/beverages arrive. But not outside in our humid climate moving into summer. I do hope all goes well with the soft opening, and that people that choose to go have an enjoyable time. It’s just not for me at this point.