When the parks re-open on July 11th and July 15th, Disney World will be making some changes to how dining, hotels, attractions, and more operate.
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
And, Disney dropped some MAJOR news this past weekend about how the resorts will be operating when they open back up again soon.
While we don’t have definitive re-opening dates for many of the Disney hotels aside from Disney Vacation Club resorts and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground, we do know what procedures and regulations are going to be followed when they welcome guests again! And we spotted a few super BIG pieces of news that could really affect your plans!
‘Ohana Won’t Reopen With the Hotels
When the Disney Parks and Resorts re-open, character experiences will be limited. On top of character meet-and-greets being halted, most character dining will also no longer be happening during this time. This includes ‘Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort (parting with that Bread Pudding is such sweet sorrow). We’ll still have to wait a bit longer for our character breakfast or dinner meat feast (including those glorious noodles) over at ‘Ohana.
Mahalo, Lilo!
However, there is one character dining event that will be open when Disney Resorts welcome guests again. So, if you really want to meet some characters while you eat some Mickey Waffles, you can go to Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera at Disney’s Riviera Resort for a modified character dining experience.
Topolino’s Terrace Breakfast a la Art Characters
Details concerning this new experience haven’t been shared yet, but we’ll let you know as soon as we learn more.
Read about all the ways Disney dining will be changing this summer!
Most Signature Dining or Dinner Shows Unavailable
Although many of the DVC Disney Resort restaurants will be greeting guests again during their re-opening, signature dining locations will remain closed for the time being! This includes California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Narcoossee’s, Citricos, and Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa!
Queen Victoria Room at Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
But, don’t worry — you can still swing by spots like Contempo Café for a cupcake or a bite (PHEW!). 😉 Dinner shows will also be halted at the resorts.
Strawberry Shortcake
That means no Polynesian feast at Disney’s Spirit of Aloha and no unlimited buckets of fried chicken at Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue (cue our tears here).
These are all the restaurants where you will be able to dine in the Disney Resorts when they re-open!
The Best Pool in Disney World Will Be CLOSED!
Although Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club are gorgeous locations to stay in Disney World, the resorts are also home to an AWESOME sand-bottom pool — the largest resort pool on property. While Stormalong Bay is a major pull for many guests picking a Disney Resort, the pool will not be open during guests’ stay. Guests at these resorts will have access to the Beach Club’s leisure pool or the Luna Park or leisure pool at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn.
Stormalong Bay
However, other pools at the other Disney resorts will be open with reduced hours, while leisure pools will be open 24 hours a day. At this time, pools will be operating with limited capacity for guests who are staying at the resorts.
You might not be thinking about these things when you book a Disney World hotel!
You’ll Have to Wait for The Next Minnie Mouse: The Main Attraction Series to Arrive Online ONLY
Although merchandise locations will be re-opening at the resorts, the shopping experience will be changing a bit. While we’ve loved shopping for each Minnie Mouse: The Main Attraction Series or the next limited edition Mickey Ear Hat, new product launches and limited-edition merchandise won’t be available for purchase at the stores.
Ears Section of World of Disney
Since these items sell out pretty quickly and guests go a bit wild for them (Enchanted Tiki Minnie is just too cute!), the resorts are most likely suspending these collections in-store as a means of social distancing guests.
Limited Releases like the Minnie Mouse Main Attraction Collection Won’t Be Released in Disney Stores Initially
Since Disney Springs saw limited edition merchandise at the World of Disney sell out extremely fast with large crowds, it’s possible they decided to forego any in-store limited releases for the time being.
Take a look at all the Disney merchandise you’re going to want to take home with our latest merchandise round-up!
Looks Like You Won’t Be Able to Eat Mickey Waffles in Bed Anymore!
Since the resorts will be using limited operations across the board, Room Service will also unavailable for the time being.
Mickey Waffles!
Since the Disney Resorts will be using limited amounts of cleaning service during guests’ stays, Room Service would just be another way to have in-person contact that’s deemed unnecessary at the moment.
Read our full review of the AMAZING Twilight Feast you (could previously) order to your room here!
Package Delivery Is Taking a Leave of Absence
If you’re shopping around Disney World, the parks usually give you the option to send purchased items back to your hotel for you to pick up or to the front of the theme park. However, guest package deliveries from stores on property will not be happening as a safety measure.
Polynesian Lobby
According to a Cast Member we spoke with, Disney hasn’t confirmed whether this suspension would be extended to delivery for things like Amazon packages or medicine yet.
These are ways you can fix big Disney World disasters!
One of Your Favorite Nightly Shows Will Be Halted!
While Disney’s Contemporary Resort has some BOMB views of Magic Kingdom where you are able to watch the fireworks from the comfort of your hotel room, entertainment will be paused for the time being. Disney World will be temporarily suspending its fireworks, parades, and character meet-and-greets in the parks when they re-open.
View from California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
However, Disney has also announced that another piece of nightly entertainment will be closed as well. The Electrical Water Pageant that makes its way around the Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake nightly will also be stopped during the re-opening.
©Disney
Although we aren’t entirely sure why Disney World is halting this since the “parade” happens away from guests and can be witnessed from the resorts, Disney might just be starting from scratch with all entertainment.
Take a look at the full list of activities that will be halted at the Disney Resorts here!
You’ll NEED a Reservation to Dine at Table-Service Restaurants!
Now, this is a HUGE change for Disney dining that may affect how you plan your vacation to Disney World going forward! Since the parks will be implementing a new reservation system, Advance Dining Reservations and the Disney Dining Plan have been canceled.
Whispering Canyon
However, once the system is up and running, there will be new ways to book reservations for the restaurants you love (we’re coming for you, Garden Grill). But, there’s a catch — when the table-service restaurants re-open in the parks and resorts, you’ll NEED to have a reservation to visit.
Garden Grill Restaurant
If you’re staying at a Disney Resort, you must have a confirmed hotel reservation or dining reservation to even enter the hotel. And, if you’re wanting to eat at one of the multiple table-service locations in the resorts, only guests who have previous reservations will be allowed to dine at the restaurant.
Sanaa
The parks will be following similar guidelines — guests who want to eat at a table-service restaurant will need to have valid park admission, a reservation for park entry, and a dining reservation. Since this system hasn’t been the process at table service locations so far in Disney Springs, we’ll keep an eye on this one for more information as it’s released.
Learn more about the dining reservation information at the Disney Parks and Resorts here!
While Disney is still moving towards releasing more details about what the parks will look like in July, they are doing everything they can to keep guests and Cast Members safe with these changes. We will continue to keep you updated with more news and details about Disney World’s re-opening!
Here’s everything you need to know about Disney World’s re-opening procedures!
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
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We Got a FIRST LOOK at Disney World’s New Character Cavalcades and Entertainment!
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Will you be heading into Disney World when it re-opens in July? Let us know in the comments below!
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I wonder what that means for places like Enchanted Rose and Trader Sam’s? Will those only be available to resort guests?
Mickey’s Backyard BBQ has been closed for a year and a half, so I don’t think anyone was planning on stomping along there.
Can you explain what this means? Thanks!
l. And, if you’re wanting to eat at one of the multiple table-service locations in the resorts, only guests who have previous reservations will be allowed to dine at the restaurant.
Has there been any indication as to how long “the time being” will be? As in, do they expect these severe restrictions to be for two weeks, two months, 4 months or longer? I wonder what the period will be to cancel resort reservations without penalty as time goes on? I have a reservation in December and definitely don’t want to go if things are this pared down, but I want to give it as long as possible for them to open some things back up before I cancel.
Magic meter continues to drop, and dropping fast
1900 Park fare is not a signature dining location, and Mickey’s Backyard BBQ has been closed for over a year.
Mickey’s Backyard BBQ permanently closed December 31, 2018.
Sure did, Tona. Thanks for the heads up!
Ashley, thanks for your comment. 🙂
LC, unfortunately there’s no timeline for… anything, as far as I know. It’s a lot of waiting to see what Disney announces right now, which is really tough. We’ll keep updating, and hopefully things will become clearer soon.
Susan, what we take it to mean is that visitors can not enter the Resort property unless they’re staying there on a confirmed reservation OR have an Advance Dining Reservation confirmed. Basically, they won’t have visitors coming in just because.
Lisa, that’s a good question, and we won’t have the answer until the Resorts open in 13 days. Hopefully we can provide some clarity when that happens.
This all sounds MOST unmagical. So much structure, wearing masks, and half the entertainment gone. Why would anyone go and spend big money for this kind of experience?
Any chance Stormalong Bay will open when the parks open?
BigFatYeastRoll, no word on the timeline for Stormalong Bay. As soon as we know when it’ll open, we will update.
Now also no package delivery for resort guests?
Rumors of no park hopping.
I truly can’t see any advantage of staying at the resort we have booked in September. Please correct me if I’m wrong. Really close to canceling.
If resorts are open to 100% capacity and parks and pools are at limited capacity (some pools are not even open- BC sharing with Boardwalk…seriously!) how is that going to work? Just wait, you’ll need a reservation to use the pool. I think there’s going to be a lot of hanging out in resort rooms. Where are are the deep discounts Disney?
If I’m reading this correctly, only people who HAD Topolino reservations before will be able to get new reservations at resort locations? I have a resort reservation at Riviera July 3 and was hoping to dine there for breakfast.
All of this is sooo disappointing.. I’m so sad. So unmagical. PLEASE DISNEY COME BACK TO US!!!!
I never thought the fried chicken at Hoop-De-Do was unlimited. I was extremely disappointed at how fast they took away the food and got us out of there.
Can’t wait for my reservation in October. Not too worried about these restrictions, but am hoping to nab that character dining experience since I already had two Topolino reservations that got cancelled! Cannot wait to see Daisy in her ballet outfit. and everyone saying they won’t be heading to the parks while these restrictions are up? Im secretly hoping for empty parks! Life changes, Disney will still be magical, thanks so much for always keeping us updated!
It boils down to: stay home!
Great for Florida residents looking to go without the big crowds. Out of staters ….not so much.
Sounds miserable. Heat, masks, edgy people, no service, full price, not even guaranteed admission, what a joke.
I thought the same thing regarding the Electrical Water Pageant – there usually aren’t crowds watching that one. I hoped that would have been saved during this time.
Also, have you heard anything about Magical Express still operating?
Thanks!
I have the same question as Susan, there was a special effort to bold the “And, if you’re wanting to eat at one of the multiple table-service locations in the resorts, only guests who have previous reservations will be allowed to dine at the restaurant” after clearly stating that you need a reservation to dine there just to get into the resort. That makes it seems like a previous reservation is a qualifier just to get a new reservation. Not sure if intended that way but I am definitely reading it that way
I will be saying at Fort Wilderness in July for a few days. I am wondering if we will be able to go eat at other Resort restaurants? I can’t find any info on that! Thx
Florida lifted travel restrictions for Lousianna when they entered Phase 2. Any news on when the travel restriction on NY, NJ and Conn will lift?
Unbelievable! If they cut cost by 50%, it still wouldn’t be worth the money!
Disney should just release a list of ‘What We Can Do’ it would be a lot easier and a lot shorter!…Geeesh !
Does anyone else when reading all the things that won’t happen feel your heart sink ? I had no idea how much Disney TRULY gave me and my family , especially my special needs child who adores Mickey, happiness . My son who is in a wheelchair and has autism just sits and waits and counts down Until his next Disney trip. It is so much magic for him. He lives for the Character meet and greets. He doesn’t understand the concept of “I don’t know”. And I can’t give him a date of when we can go back. However, I appreciate Disney doing everything they can to keep everyone safe. And you know they areN’t going to open if they can’t do it well.
Wondering at what point Disney will realize we are not returning because of all their “safety” measures and protocals. We want the Magic back. I am over 60 and am not the least concerned about “feeling safe”. Enough already.
Disney already cancelled our reservation at Victoria and Albert’s for August 31. Now we may not have a chance to rebook if they aren’t open while we’re there. It’s looking more and more like we may cancel. After spending so much for an annual pass for our one trip this year. That’s alot of money down the drain. They’ll only refund for when the parks are closed.
With a decrease in “magic” should come a decrease in pricing. Has there been any announcements of price decrease?
D’awn, nope. No announcements or evidence of price reductions that we’ve seen or heard.
MJ, no update on this yet.
Nikki, what Disney has said is that visitors hoping to go to the Resorts when they reopen will need an ADR or a Resort reservation to enter.
Ann, in order to enjoy Table Service dining at Resort when they reopen, you’ll either need to have a confirmed reservation to stay at the Resort (so you’ll be dining in the Resort you’re staying in) OR an Advance Dining Reservation (so you’ll be traveling to and entering a Resort that is not yours in order to keep a pre-made ADR). I hope that clarifies.
Susan, Disney’s Magical Express is confirmed to be running when Resorts reopen.
Have a great time, Shelby.
Kindra, what Disney has said is that guests who had ADRs that were cancelled will receive priority in rebooking ADRs. However, we don’t know the timeframe on that.
Allison, we won’t know about Park Hopping until Disney releases information or until the new reservation system goes live. Package delivery is temporarily suspended, and unfortunately we don’t have a timeline on that. Sorry I can’t be more helpful!
This list is very helpful. Thank you so much. We didn’t have a trip planned yet and this helps us know that now is not the time to go for us. There are people out there who can still have a magical trip. For them and the employees, I hope all goes well. I’m sure these decisions weren’t made lightly and appreciate the effort to continue to try to keep people safe.
Disney is gone! Farewell Mickey. Call me when I can visit without a mask.
Well, that sucks! My October trip means that I book ADR in August. So, IF Disney doesn’t open up California Grill, or some other Fine Dining Restaurants, I’m spending my money at locations on I-Drive, as I’m staying off-site. I’ve already booked Morimoto Asia at DS via Open Table and hope to do the same with others. This appears to be my LAST visit to Orlando ever again after this year ….. we’re selling our timeshare and going back to stay at our vacation spot on the Lauderdale Coast. Orlando is just too expensive for 1/2 service. I don’t mind the mask rules (I’m in NJ) and October won’t be 99% humidity like the summer, but IF they think I’m eating burgers and fries all week, forget about it!
Looks like our trips will be postponed indefinitely until masks for kids are not required and character dining opens back up. Not worth the cost for us.
Wow, all of this is making my head spin! I can’t even visit now because I’m taking care of my Mom ❤, but I hope when I do get to go I can eat at the Crystal Palace. Everything else I can just take as it comes.
I do feel that all of the restrictions will diminish the “MAGIC”; but, Disney didn’t invent the virus. It’s a reality, and one that we all have to deal with. It has changed the world, not just the Disney “make believe” one. Anyone who says they are not in the least concerned hasn’t seen the agony of those who die from it; that might change their minds.
I wonder if I can go to a resort (that I’m not staying at) if I’m just going to the food court for a meal?
Cindy, according to Disney, no. They’re saying you must have a Resort reservation or an Advance Dining Reservation to enter a Resort.