Last Updated: June 11th
Walt Disney World‘s reopening plan to the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force with a proposed reopening date of July 11th for Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and July 15th for Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios has been approved by the Task Force, Mayor Jerry Demings, and received final approval from Governor DeSantis.
Walt Disney World
While we don’t know EVERYTHING about Disney World’s reopening, here are all of the resort’s plans from Disney’s proposal and from Disney World’s official website.
Dates
Disney World will reopen Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom to guests on July 11th. Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios will follow with a reopening on July 15th. There will be soft opening preview days which Disney will share details about on a later date.
Limited Capacity
Disney World will be limiting capacity for theme parks, resort hotels, restaurants, retail, attractions, buses, monorails, and other transportation so that guests can appropriately physical distance.
Monorail at Disney World
Here’s what that will look like.
Theme parks
To visit the theme parks, guests will need to use a new theme park reservation system. Guests MUST have a reservation in advance. Those with resort reservations will receive priority in the system and Annual Passholders will be given access before new tickets go on sale.
Spaceship Earth
However, Disney has revealed that the total number of reservation days held by Annual Passholders at one time will be limited and that passes may be subject to blockout dates.
2020 Annual Passholder Magnet
It is important to note that Shanghai Disneyland is currently using a reservation system, which you can learn more about here. Disney World has yet to release specific information about its reservation system, but we will continue to update here.
Resort Hotels
And that classic Disney World tradition of resort hopping is paused for now.
Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Restaurants
Disney World dining reservations are NOT available at this time. Dining locations will be limited in capacity and some will remain closed.
Hoop-Dee-Doo Pioneer Hall Players
Also, private dining and in-room delivery will not be available initially. Dinner shows like the Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue will also not be open along with the rest of Disney World.
You can see a FULL list of dining locations that will open with the DVC Resorts on June 22 here!
Transportation
Transportation like resort buses will operate with physical distancing measures in place and reduced capacity.
Star Wars Bus
This means you may experience longer waits. Other options, like Minnie Van Service, will not be available.
You can read MORE about the new theme park reservation system here.
Health and Safety Measures
Disney has broken up their Health and Safety Protocols into five different priorities: Enhanced Protective Measures, Physical Distancing, Enhanced Cleaning/Sanitation, Temperature/Health Screening, and Limited-Contact Enhancements.
©Disney
Let’s take a look at the specific measures within these categories.
Enhanced Protective Measures
Like in Disney Springs, Disney will require face coverings for Cast Members and guests while in public areas on property at Disney World. Cast Members will be issued reusable face coverings, just like they have been in Disney Springs so far.
©Disney
Guests will HAVE to wear their masks as a mandatory measure but they are looking at potential “relaxation zones” where folks can remove their masks for a moment. These approved face coverings are mandatory for all guests over the age of 2 and there are no exceptions for guests unable to wear a mask at this time.
Face Mask
Face masks will be required in restaurants when not eating or drinking and in common, public areas of Disney World’s resort hotels, such as the lobby. However, guests swimming in a resort pool will NOT be required to wear a face mask.
Read our tips for wearing a mask here!
Luna Park Pool at Disney’s Boardwalk
Hand-washing and sanitizing stations and signage reminders will be posted throughout the theme parks, both on stage for guest access and backstage for Cast Member access.
Handwashing stations
Points of sale will have plexiglass barriers installed for all retail and dining locations to protect guests and Cast Members in areas where distancing cannot be maintained.
Here’s what it’s like to wear a face mask in a theme park all day!
Physical Distancing
In addition to reduced capacity for the theme parks as a whole, Disney will be discouraging large gatherings. The initial reopening will see the temporary suspension of parades, fireworks, character meet and greets, and other events that could create crowds.
Happily Ever After
Other close-quarter experiences such as arcades, campfires, character experiences, dog parks, the Electrical Water Pageant, and marina rentals, will not be operating initially.
Pin Trading
Cast Members will see modified and enhanced backstage areas so that they are able to distance while on breaks and in backstage environments.
You can read more about these event suspensions here!
Enhanced Cleaning/Sanitation
Both on stage and backstage areas will see more frequent cleaning across high touch locations and surfaces. And hotel guests have one BIG question: How clean will my room be?!
©Disney
Disney is giving rooms a “thorough cleaning” before your arrival. Housekeeping will pay special attention to high-touch areas like TV remotes and door handles, and steam-cleaning and vacuuming floors between guests. Furthermore, housekeeping tools will be cleaned between rooms.
Click here to read about ALL the ways your Disney hotel experience will be different this summer!
Temperature/Health Screening
Guests will be required to have their temperatures checked at the Main Entrance to the theme parks. This will be done with a third party company using contactless, handheld devices — muck like the methods in Disney Springs.
Spaceship Earth
Cast Members who are guest-facing will receive on-site temperature checks. All Cast Members will be expected to engage in daily at-home temperature checks and health assessments prior to departing to Disney World.
Read more about our experience with temperature checks in Disney Springs here.
Limited-Contact Enhancements
Restaurants and retail will see cashless transactions enabled and contactless payments will be encouraged through MagicBands, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. Mobile Order will also be further enables at separate locations.
Mickey Mouse
Some notable high-touch experiences will be temporarily suspended such as spas, salons, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, meet and greets, and play areas. Fireworks voyages and tasting cruises, the Wonderland Tea Party at 1900 Park Fare, hula lessons, in-room childcare services, mermaid school, and other special classes and programs will also be unavailable.
Pin trading will be available but in a limited capacity. You can read more about that here.
For how to get the most out of your contactless Mobile Order, click here!
Informing Guests
Disney’s focus on informing guests with the new health protocols is with strategies that are focused on education, communication, and engagement. They are looking into “know before you go” strategies for guests so that they are aware of protocols prior to their arrival.
Disney Springs
Once they arrive in Disney World guests will be reminded of protocols and key points will have signage to remind guests of changes as well. Cast Members will be crucial in focusing on the well-being of themselves and guests.
Magic Kingdom
Current guest-facing Cast will be trained on engaging guests and reminding them to follow health and safety protocols. This will be in addition to a dedicated “Social Distancing Squad,” like the one deployed in Disney Springs, to assist guests in staying safe.
Systemic Cancellations
In light of the reopening, Disney is changing how they handle reservations. Unfortunately, this has resulted in the cancellation of all upcoming Fastpass+ reservations, dining reservations and Disney Dining Plans, and experience reservations.
Disney has been reaching out to guests with canceled Free Dining Plans to offer a 35% resort room discount on their packages.
The Fastpass+ system is currently suspended until further notice so that the queue space can be used to help distance guests. In addition, Extra Magic Hours, and new hotel reservations and ticket sales have been suspended as well. These suspensions will give Disney the room to navigate the lower capacities in Disney World.
FastPass+ sign at Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
Dining reservations have been canceled so that Disney can implement a new reservation system that takes limited restaurant capacity and potential restaurant closures into account. Guests with canceled reservations will have priority access to rebooking them. Going forward, the reservation window for dining will go down from 180 days to 60 days in advance.
Prepaid experiences like dessert parties, some Advance Dining Reservations, and tours will be refunded. At this time, character dining will also not be available due to social distancing concerns.
Click here to learn more about the systemic dining cancellations!
We will continue to keep you updated with more details of this developing story.
For more information about the current status of Disney Resorts and destinations around the world, click here or visit the links below.
Disney Park Reopening Details and Info
Click HERE for the All Latest Updates
Click HERE To See FULL LISTS of the Rides, Attractions, Shopping, Entertainment, and Restaurants Opening in Disney World!
TUTORIAL: How To Use Disney World's NEW Park Pass Reservation System
ALL Disney World Reopening Procedures
Disney World Hotel and Ticket Booking Information
We’re Visiting ALL the Reopened Disney World Hotels and Have All the Need-to-Know Details
We’re LIVE in Disney World's Magic Kingdom For the FIRST Time Since the Closures
We’re LIVE in Disney’s Animal Kingdom For the FIRST Time Since the Closures
We Got a FIRST LOOK at Disney World’s New Character Cavalcades and Entertainment!
Everything You NEED To Know About Wearing Masks in Disney World
Join the DFB Newsletter To get all the latest Disney Park Closure News Delivered Right to Your Inbox Click here to Subscribe
Do you have plans to visit Disney World soon? Let us know in the comments.
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Any word yet on what this means for annual passholders extension? They said they would extend the pass for the#of days it is closed. Does that mean till July 11 or 15??
Can you please try to find out if they’re planning to add gift cards as a payment option for mobile orders? That is the only reason not to mobile order at this point.
any news about hotels? we were supposed to be going in July (after rebooking from Easter) and even though flights from the U.K. with Virgin May be suspended through August, we may be able to cancel and rebook if the hotels aren’t open
What does this mean as far as resorts?
Dvc member here, wondering if this means resorts are opening too?
DVC folks: info forthcoming soon! I’ll come back with the link as soon as the info is live!
Here’s the link for Resort and DVC info!
Yup — click here.
Matt, we’ve been hoping for this for a long time. We’re always checking Mobile Order, and if Disney ever adds gift cards, we’ll update!
Is there any indication on how long these protocols, or first phase protocols will last? We have a trip scheduled for October. Thank you!
Leslie, no word on this yet.
We are not DVC but have disney resort and park ticket reservations for 4th week in July. When are resorts opening? With the new theme park reservation system, how will that effect our tickets we already have purchased. We also have dining reservations scheduled for each park beginning with breakfast.
Let us know if you find out what happens to folks who have hotel reservations but were waiting to buy park tickets. We have resos for Pop in August and now I’m wondering if we just won’t be able to buy tickets? 🙁
Cristy, you’ll want to reach out to Disney directly to inquire.
Any word on character dining that have already been booked?
Will people out of state like NY have to self quarantine for 14 days when entering? Still? Going end of July.
Any word on whether any rides/attractions will not be open? I know character meets etc., but are all rides, etc. running, just on limited capacity?
What about medical conditions that prevent wearing a mask or cover over your face? Are they going to have exemptions or not allow people with these disabilities to visit. If so is their a time frame as to when they will be dropping the requirement?
Jason, so far the only answer we have received from cast members on site is that it’s required for everyone three and older — no exceptions. There is no timeline yet for these protocols.
Any news on water parks?
Sara B., CEO Bob Chapek said today on Good Morning America that most attractions will be open.
I sure hope they move into a more relaxed phase when we go in October. I have had my reservations since February to go with daughter’s family who have never been. Not going to spend that kind of money and have to wear a face mask all day and not be able to see parades or the other shows. Still plenty hot in Florida in October. We will either be all in or not at all. Hoping by October maybe they will relax the requirement to wear face masks for all outside attractions and events and parades, fireworks etc. will be going. Keeping my fingers crossed. So glad we are using a travel agent from Small World Travel. They are awesome and don’t have to worry about keeping up with the ever ending changes because they are looking out for us:)
Yeah, what’s even more uncomfortable than a theme of ark in summer? Having to wear a face mask. No thank you.
CRISTY and DFB Sarah – FYI: I called Disney a few minutes ago concerning our trip in September and how this new reservation system might impact it. I was told that, as of now, they have not been given any specific information on this (i.e., how it will work or how it will affect existing reservations). She told me to keep up to date on breaking news. I know that DFB will keep us informed when this information is made public. On another note, let me just say that while I do not mind wearing a mask, I foresee issues with wearing one in that Florida heat and humidity! Plus, my twin three-year-olds do not like wearing masks, and I see where any Guest age 3 and up will be required to wear a mask…no exceptions!
Thanks, Melissa!
Robin, they’re not included in the phase one reopening plan. We’ll have to wait for more information.
Can’t imagine anyone wanting to incur the cost of a Disney vacation to have such an extremely limited experience with all the uncomfortable protocols in place. No Thank You!
What do you guys think they’ll do for the buffets? Tusker house is our favorite 😩…maybe family style like ohana. September trip is gonna be totally different 😬
With so many of the things being cancelled like the fireworks, etc. they should not be charging the same price.
Wonder how many they are going yo let on the busses that they normally pack you in like sardines. If they don’t amp up the number of buses running the wait times will be forever. They are long enough wait times in normal conditions.
Stay safe everyone.
Look forward to the days again that Disney can be enjoyed to the fullest.
Is there any word on visitors from NY and NJ? 2/3 of our party are from there and we have reservations beginning 8/21/20 . Thanks!
Barbara, so far, no. I checked the FL protocols a couple days ago when they were poised to begin phase two, and I didn’t see a change. But we’ll keep checking and update when we see any change.
It’s all becoming TOO MUCH! Too many changes, too much info, too much planning and too much money for such a limited experience. It’s all just too much right now.
Rachel, you’re not alone in these sentiments. Take care.
Please advise on the status for people who have resort reservations but no tickets. When and how can we get tickets.
Also for people who have annual pass extended till sept/oct; but have Resort reservations In December, when and how can we Renew so we have the annual pass for our December trip.
Thanks
Tammy, Disney says new ticket sales for 2020 will resume “later this summer”. That could be any time (even as soon as next week). As for the AP, you could try calling Passholder services, but I’m really not sure whether they’ll be able to help or not. Good luck!
Any word on fireworks. Or parades be opened by december
Laurie, no word yet.