Now that Disney World has announced it plans on reopening Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom on July 11th along with Epcot and Hollywood Studios on July 15th, we also know some of the modifications the parks are planning on implementing.
Magic Kingdom Sign
According to Disney’s reopening proposal which took place this morning, Disney World’s theme parks will temporarily suspend its parades, fireworks displays, or character meet-and-greets upon reopening.
Disney World presented the following chart at this morning’s Orange County Economic Task Force meeting where it proposed its gradual reopening plan including tentative reopening dates. Due to social distancing concerns, Disney World has decided to “temporarily suspend its parks, fireworks, and other events that create crowds.”
©Disney
Disney World stated they will also be “temporarily suspending high touch experiences such as meet and greets and playgrounds.” Disney has also shared that “characters will still be in our parks to entertain and delight our guests.”
It’s Mickey!
At this time, we don’t know when Disney World plans on resuming these guest experiences or if substitutions will be made. When Shanghai Disneyland opened earlier this month, parades, fireworks, and other entertainment offerings were suspended initially, but some stage shows have already resumed while new character processionals had been added throughout the day.
See what progress Shanghai Disneyland has made since its reopening here!
Happily Ever After
Disney World’s gradual reopening plan has been approved by the Orange County task force, but must be reviewed and finalized by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ before it’s official. We’ll let you know more details as soon as Disney provides additional information.
Disney World plans on using a new reservation system upon its reopening! Learn more about it here!
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
Are you surprised Disney World isn’t planning on offering these guest experiences right away? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
Do we know if no meet-and-greets include character dining?
Gemma, we’re looking into it!
Yeah, quite a shocker and had it coming. I hope it’s for a little while.
All of the all-you-can-eat, serve-yourself buffets will probably change to pay-per-item table-service restaurants; or they will simply close
Ok, they REALLY need to re-think the “no fireworks”. The Magic Kingdom firework show is one of the reasons I visit the park.
Wonder if it means shows such as Fantasmic and Frozen Sing Along will also be closed.
Are they canceling park hoppers did people with existing reservations in September?
I’m booked to go dec after xmas coming from ireland so hoping by then fingers crossed no 2nd wave of virus but that parade and fireworks b back by then. The music etc that helps bring the Disney magic its all those not just been there that is magic.
This is a pretty thorough review but I still have a few questions:
1. Will resort restaurants and shop open for DVC members and guests when they return or later after full opening?
2. Will there be character meals in first phase? If not, will the same restaurants still serve the meals without characters?
3. Will pools be open for DVC members and guests when they return? Will pool bars be open then as well?
I have to wonder why anyone would spend thousands of dollars to go to a park where most of the draw items are closed or not happening. Pay hundreds of dollars for rooms with no amenities or services. I love Disney, but I don’t want my money to go to waste. I don’t want to wear a mask all day in the heat – they make me Closter phobic anyway. I am pretty sad about all of this. I look forward to all of this ending. I don’t believe in the “new normal”. I think the old normal was just fine. I think this stuff has been so over blown it’s mind boggling.
With these restrictions I can’t possibly even imagine why Disney is reopening. It is evident that the people who created the restrictions have never spent a day in a park.
Jasmine, still unknown. We’ll update when we get info!
By the way, Janelle, I like the way you all have been highlighting the opening info in red. It’s very helpful.
Yes , they really do need to rethink the no fireworks !
Must have Happily Ever After at the Magic Kingdom .
That is so much a part of the special magic at Disney !
Please Disney , please don’t wait too long to bring it back .
We all need it !
Yeah, my kid is completely character oriented. Every meal is a character meal. So no characters or shows will be a deal breaker for me. I’m still trying to figure out how to explain to my autistic son that he cannot hug the characters.
After much discussion today my wife and I are seeking help on what we can do when we visit MK. We are annual pass holders and we visited 3-4 days a week. Help.
Prices should be decreased without having so many of the highlights like fireworks.
Too expensive to go here without getting the full experience.
Since alot has been cancelled at Disneyland is there going to be a price reduction since no fireworks are characters and limitations
Cheryl, this is a dream held by many fans and curious travelers. Alas, no information about any price reductions has been announced.
We had a DW trip booked for October & all of our restaurant reservations were canceled. We were told all character experiences are suspended. Plus, no fast pass or meal plans. We will cancel our entire trip bc there’s no point in bringing our 3 year old to Disney without character experiences.
Here’s what the emails read. Hope this helps some of you seeking answers.
Hello Felicia,
As we plan for the reopening of our Disney Resort hotels and Theme Parks, we are keeping the wellbeing of our Guests and Cast in mind. To manage capacity and foster physical distancing during this unprecedented period, at reopen we will be changing – and suspending – some dining and other experience bookings.
As a result of limited capacity, we have made the difficult decision to cancel existing dining reservations and experience bookings.
We’re putting a great deal of thought into helping you return to the magic and appreciate your patience. We look forward to welcoming you again soon.
I’ve been to DW many times. I live in South Florida.
This past January, I wanted to foot the bill for TWELVE of us for 5 days, mostly family members who recently emigrated here, they’ve never been, and don’t have the means.
They refused out of pride, saying it was too much to take from me.
Not only was it my pleasure…I can well afford it…but I wanted to enjoy witnessing THEIR first time there.
I am kicking myself for not insisting, and my heart is breaking when we will ever have the chance again,
Why even open if you’re going to have all these dues and do not I cannot see spending that much money to go to Disney World and things are not allowed to be done why don’t you just cancel out until 2021