Disney World Update on Characters in the Parks
Back in 1980 something, I would go to Walt Disney World with my family often. I remember being in a competition with my sisters to spot Disney characters in the parks. Back then, characters weren’t scheduled, you had to discover them. And Mickey Mouse was the one everyone wanted to see. It was like discovering plutonium if you turned a corner and saw Mickey.
Today, Disney announced how they are going to bring Mickey and pals back to the parks during the initial reopening. I say “initial reopening” because this may change in the weeks following the reopening. Time will tell. But here’s the latest:
According to Disney, if you are hoping to see some familiar friends or take in the tunes of treasured performers, you’re in luck! Disney characters will appear in new and different ways. From special cavalcades down the Magic Kingdom Park parade route and friends sailing the waterways of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, to processions along the World Showcase promenade at EPCOT and motorcades on Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ Hollywood Boulevard, each area will come to life throughout the day. You never know when a party of your pals may come by, so be prepared for plenty of surprises!
For example, after rocketing through space in Tomorrowland guests might see that famous Space Ranger, Buzz Lightyear; or discover a captive Captain Jack Sparrow as they traverse the Castillo del Morro on their way to Pirates of the Caribbean. Guests could cross paths with Queen Anna and Elsa as they venture “into the unknown” on a journey around World Showcase at EPCOT or spy members of the Resistance hiding out from the First Order throughout Black Spire Outpost on the planet Batuu.
View Current Walt Disney World Offers, available to book right now!
Please check the Walt Disney World Know Before You Go website for the most current information as things are changing by the hour in some cases.
The Walt Disney World News We've Been Waiting For is Finally Here!
Over the past few weeks, Disney has been sharing with us that a theme park reservation system would be announced to help manage attendance at the Walt Disney World Resort. Today, I have exciting information to share!
My Disney Experience & Park Pass System
On June 16th I shared that you will need a My Disney Experience account as we move forward. This is where your Walt Disney World Resort plans are stored and managed. You’ll also need a valid theme park ticket or Annual Pass that’s linked to your My Disney Experience account.
If you have a Disney Resort hotel reservation, be sure to link it to this My Disney Experience account beforehand, as well.
Once you’ve logged into your My Disney Experience account and linked your ticket, you’ll have access to a calendar of available reservation dates for each theme park. If you have a multi-day ticket, you will be required to make a park reservation for each date of your visit.
Families and friends can link their tickets together and look to arrange theme park entries at the same time. Use the Family and Friends section of My Disney Experience to link to each other there.
Please note, park reservations are limited in number and subject to availability. Availability can change until the reservation is finalized. At this time, guests will be able to select one park per day; visiting more than one park per day will be temporarily unavailable upon the reopening of the theme parks due to attendance limitations.
Guests with existing tickets that include the Park Hopper Option or Park Hopper Plus Option have options available to them for ticket modifications and cancellations. Disney says it hopes to bring back the ability to visit more than one park per day soon and will continue to offer these add-ons for 2021 ticket purchases.
Walt Disney World Park Pass System - Key Dates
Here’s a great video that explains more:
Planning a Trip for 2021
Planning a New Trip for Next Year: By June 28, all guests will be able to purchase new Disney Resort hotel packages and theme park tickets and make their park reservations for arrivals starting in 2021 as Disney’s phased reopening continues. Guests will be able to view park reservation availability on DisneyWorld.com prior to purchasing their tickets.
For those of you who already contacted me about booking or modifying your existing Walt Disney World reservation for 2021, I will be in touch very soon!
Magic Bands update
The technology for Magic Bands was almost obsolete the very day they were introduced as Smartphone technology really took off. We saw Disney doing a lot of testing with digital key entry into hotels rooms at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, where guests could use their phone to unlock the door. As the use of phones and apps continues to evolve. In 2021, Disney will unveil an innovative new offering as part of the My Disney Experience app that will bring features of a MagicBand to your smart devices, building on the app’s existing digital key feature.
With this new offering on the horizon, Disney will be retiring complimentary MagicBand distribution to Disney Resort hotel guests for new reservations with arrivals beginning Jan. 1, 2021.
Disney Resort hotel guests will continue to have the option to purchase new MagicBands at a discount, and we'll be introducing even more colors and designs featuring favorite Disney characters in the future. Guests who prefer not to purchase a discounted MagicBand will be able to use the My Disney Experience app or a Key to the World card during their visit.
Disney will still offer MagicBands in retail locations and on shopDisney.com, and guests will be able to continue using the wearables throughout Walt Disney World Resort.
Walt Disney World asks the Incredibles for Advice
Disney is looking forward to welcoming you back to the magic in just a couple of weeks. Mr. and Mrs. Incredible, their incredible kids and some other familiar faces will show us how to use our powers to help everyone be well. For example:
Epcot Food & Wine Festival Opens on July 15!
One staple of the fall season at the Walt Disney World Resort is the annual EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival. Today, Disney announced a modified festival experience, it will also be its longest festival yet – giving you plenty of time to enjoy “A Taste of EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival!”
A Taste of Epcot International Food & Wine Festival begins July 15, 2020
This new take on the foodie festival will debut July 15 and continue through the fall, offering over 20 signature global marketplaces like Hawaii, Hops & Barley, and Islands of the Caribbean, spaced out around the park.
And, you’ll be able to see Disney’s newest topiary, Remy, in the France pavilion and find Flower & Garden merchandise. For scavenger hunt fans, Remy’s Ratatouille Hide and Squeak scavenger hunt return.
There will be over 20 signature global marketplaces like Hawaii at Taste of EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival starting July 15, 2020.
And stay tuned as Food & Wine merchandise joins the fun later on after the festival begins.
>> View current offers for Walt Disney World. Summer and fall dates available now!
Walt Disney World Launches Mobile Dine Check-in
According to the Walt Disney World website, Mobile Dine Check-in will be offered at select restaurants across property. This feature will allow you to bypass the check-in podium by pressing a button on your Android or iPhone.
When your restaurant check-in time arrives, you’ll receive a notification on your phone. You can also check-in by scanning a QR code at the restaurant with your phone. When your table is ready, you’ll receive instructions as to where to go.
Mobile Dine Check-in will be offered at the following restaurants:
Magic Kingdom
Be Our Guest, Cinderella’s Royal Table, Liberty Tree Tavern, Skipper Canteen
Epcot
Akershush Royal Banquet Hall, Biergarten, Coral Reef, Le Cellier, Rose and Crown,
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Hollywood & Vine, Mama Melrose’s, 50’s Prime Time Cafe, Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater
Disney Boardwalk
Flying Fish
Resort Hotels
Boatwrights Dining Hall, Olivia’ Cafe, Sanaa, Boma, Jiko, Toledo, ‘Ohana, Kona Cafe, California Cafe, Chef Mickey’s, Artist Point, Citricos, Grand Floridian Cafe, Narcoosee’s, 1900 Park Fare, Ale & Compass, Cape May, Beaches and Cream, Sabastian’s Bistro.
Airfare Discontinued as a Walt Disney World Package Component
Today Disney confirmed that airfare will no longer be offered as part of 2021 Walt Disney World Resort Packages. Airfare will still be offered for 2020 packages, however.
In most cases, travelers could save money by booking airfare on their own anyway. Click here for money-saving tips on how to save money on flights into Orlando, Florida.
Guests With Walt Disney World Reservations Should Link to My Disney Experience Now!
If you have an upcoming Walt Disney World Resort reservation, it’s very important for you to link your upcoming resort reservation and/or ticket to My Disney Experience as soon as possible.
This will enable you to receive important communications and information about next steps and key planning dates, including the recently announced Theme Park reservation system.
Here’s a helpful guide on how to link your Walt Disney World reservation to your My Disney Experience account:
Prepare for your Walt Disney World Vacation
Walt Disney World Update: The Magic is Returning in Just 4 Weeks
The following is an email from Josh D'Amaro, Chairman, Disney Parks, Experiences & Products:
Walt Disney World will begin reopening on July 11, 2020
With the announcement of the proposed reopening dates for the Disneyland Resort, we are one more exciting step closer to reopening all of our Disney parks and experiences around the world. Throughout the past few weeks, we have reopened Shanghai Disneyland, Disney Springs and several Disney stores, and set dates for both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts, with more announcements coming soon.
We are purposefully taking baby steps during this very intentional phased approach. As one of the first major theme parks to close our operations and the last to reopen, we have been deliberate about keeping the health and safety of our cast, guests and local communities top of mind. And as we look forward to bringing our cast members back to work, and welcoming you back as cherished guests – we know it will take all of us working together responsibly to recapture the magic.
We’re fortunate to be guided by a talented team of professionals who’ve helped us implement a variety of new health and safety measures reflecting the guidance of local health and government authorities. These are designed with both the cast and guests in mind for the unique environments of each of our parks, resorts and stores.
While certain aspects of your visit may change, I assure you the quality of our storytelling, magic of our experiences and the caliber of our cast members has not. We recognize the trust that you have in the Disney brand, and we will continue to earn your trust every day.
My confidence comes in part from all of the hard work our teams have been doing behind the scenes in the past few months… as well as by the early successes we have seen at Shanghai Disneyland, the first of our theme parks to reopen. Guest satisfaction has been extremely high, and we will continue to make sure that as we bring back experiences, our attention to promoting your safety, maintaining your trust and providing unique ways for you to come together with family and friends to create new memories remains high as well.
Walt Disney once said that it takes people to make the dream a reality, and as we prepare ourselves to reopen his original park, I want you to know how eternally grateful I am for all of you who have made Disney parks, stores, hotels, cruise lines, guided tours and vacation properties part of your lives, as well as for the cast members, crew members, Imagineers, and employees who have brought them to life for the past 65 years.
I know this has been a difficult year due to the impacts of COVID-19, but I can’t help but feel a great sense of hope and optimism. And like many of you, I look forward to hearing the laughter and seeing the joy of families making memories together… and I can’t wait to see you when the magic returns to all of our parks and resorts.
Be well,
Josh D'Amaro
Chairman, Disney Parks, Experiences & Products
For current offers, visit SaveAtWDW.com/resorts
Update on the enhancements made with health and safety in mind at Walt Disney World
Throughout its resort hotels, Disney is increasing cleaning in high-traffic areas such as elevators and escalators, handrails, benches, tables, handles, restrooms, and more. Disney has also expanded the number of hand sanitizer locations across the property. Here’s a video that shows more:
At Disney’s restaurants, lobbies, pools, fitness centers, and other public areas, they are looking at adjusting services to enable preventive measures and physical distancing, including reducing capacity where appropriate and implementing enhanced cleaning measures.
Disney is also using technology to aid us in these efforts, with limited-contact services in place at our shopping and dining locations, with Mobile Order, cashless options and Magic Bands.
Enhanced Cleaning at Walt Disney World Resort Hotels
What You'll Need to Visit Walt Disney World During the Intitial Reopening
Disney shared some very important updates about what guests will need during the initial reopening of Walt Disney World Resort. I would like to emphasize “initial reopening” as Disney has stated that it is using Shanghai Disneyland as a model. In Shanghai, Disney began increasing park capacity just one week after opening and began adding other resort features as well.
Initial Reopening Proceedures at Walt Disney World
What You’ll Need to Visit Walt Disney World During the Initial Reopening Phase
A confirmed room reservation for your stay. You cannot show up at a hotel to book a room. (I don’t know who would do this, but it must happen).
A confirmed dining reservation will be needed if you just want to visit one of the Walt Disney World Resort hotels (not staying overnight). So you won’t be able to just walk around the resorts for fun unless you have a reason to be there.
Face coverings for each Guest age 2 and up—which must be worn in all public areas, except while swimming or seated for dining.
To enter a Disney Theme Park, both a park reservation and valid admission for the same park on the same date is required (a Disney Resort hotel reservation does not guarantee theme park access).
- Animal Kingdom Park
- Aulani Resort
- Disney Cruise Line
- Disney Springs
- Disney World Dining
- Disneyland
- Epcot
- Hollywood Studios
- Magic Kingdom Park
- My Disney Experience
- Offers for Walt Disney World
- Resort Hotels - Walt Disney World
- Royal Caribbean
- Special Events - Walt Disney World
- Tickets - Walt Disney World
- Transportation
- Universal Orlando
- Walt Disney World
- Walt Disney World General
2 Days at Universal Orlando, Here's What it Was Like
I attended two days of previews at Universal Orlando Resort under the new health and safety guidelines and I had a great experience. Walt Disney World Resort will have nearly identical guidelines when it reopens on July 11, 2020 and based on how well Universal Orlando managed things, this just might work out even at Disney!
Here’s a recap of my experience at Universal Orlando with the safety guidelines in place.
All guests must have their temperature taken prior to entering the park. Team Members will also check for masks at this point. If you do not have a mask, you can purchase one at the gift shop near the security checkpoint. Guests who do not have a mask, even those with medical notes, will not be permitted to enter, no exceptions.
Every attraction at both Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios have blue floor markers that help guests visualize where to stand. It’s amazing how many of them there are, I couldn’t help but think how long it must have taken to measure and tape them down. These markers even take into account switchbacks. So, not only are you 6ft. behind the group in front of you, but you’re also spaced appropriately from those alongside of you. This is no joke here, Universal thought of everything.
Guest stand about 6ft apart in attraction lines. It works well, floor makers, pictured above, help show guests where to stand. Having the extra room in line is nice, no annoying people stepping on your heels in line. It’s a first class experience.
Team Members will dispense hand sanitizer for all members of your party right before you board an attraction. I would bring hand lotion as the sanitizer does dry out your skin after a while.
Guests won’t be able to hug the characters for obvious reasons but you can still interact with them. Here Sponge Bob did a number of silly poses for my son and I. He was really playful too, we had no idea what he was doing behind us, but he had my wife, the photographer, laughing hysterically.
We saw other characters getting kids to dance with them, Fortnight dances, the Hand Jive, Chicken Dance all very popular. The kids loved it and parents got some great photos and video. Characters will also pose for photos if you ask, you just have to stand 6ft. in front of them. But in the photos, they appear to be right behind you.
Is it like it used to be? Unless you must give them a hug, it’s still a lot of fun, and in some ways it’s even more fun now because they interact more rather than just pose for photos.
What’s it like having to wear a mask all day in the park? Well, it would be better if we didn’t have to, but it’s not that bad. For me, it beats staying home. You do get used to it. I highly recommend investing in a quality mask, one that fits comfortably and breathes well. I had been using those blue paper masks until I finally got one made of cloth. Wow! What a big difference! I was a lot more comfortable and didn’t mind wearing a mask at all. I didn’t feel too hot or stuffy with the mask on. The only issue I had was that my sunglasses would occasionally fog up when I exhaled into the mask.
If you need a break from the mask, Universal has designated areas where you’re allowed to temporarily remove it. They just ask that you stay 6ft from others while doing so in this area.
So was it worth visiting the parks with these guidelines in place? Absolutely! It really didn’t feel that much different honestly. My family and I were so focused on the experiences, that we didn’t think much about the new guidelines. It just felt great being back in the parks again.
The Simpsons Ride at Univereal Orlando, couldn’t agree more!
- Animal Kingdom Park
- Aulani Resort
- Disney Cruise Line
- Disney Springs
- Disney World Dining
- Disneyland
- Epcot
- Hollywood Studios
- Magic Kingdom Park
- My Disney Experience
- Offers for Walt Disney World
- Resort Hotels - Walt Disney World
- Royal Caribbean
- Special Events - Walt Disney World
- Tickets - Walt Disney World
- Transportation
- Universal Orlando
- Walt Disney World
- Walt Disney World General
Update on Walt Disney World Reservations
Walt Disney World will begin reopening on July 11, 2020. I know many of you are excited to return to the magic and make new memories. As Disney World takes the next steps forward, it is introducing enhanced health and safety measures reflecting guidance from health authorities and appropriate government agencies.
Here is a summary of what you can expect. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at darren@magicalvacationstravel.com or you can use the Contact link.
Related: No Need For Park Hoppers, FastPass, Dining Plans When Walt Disney World Reopens
Wearing a mask at Walt Disney World: What it's like:
Yesterday I had an opportunity to visit Disney Springs. There are strict guidelines in place to help protect the spread of COVID-19 such as 6 ft. distancing, face coverings, and temperature screenings. There are several other precautions in place as well.
As a travel advisor, I have been getting a lot of questions about wearing masks at Disney so I wanted to share with you some of my experiences so far in an FAQ format.
Disney parks face masks are now available on sites like Etsy and TeePublic. Here’s one from the WDWNT shop featuring Spaceship Earth.
What’s it like to wear a face mask in Florida? Is it hot?
Most of us are used to wearing face-coverings by now so it’s not much of a transition. I didn’t notice that it feels hotter or that is made me uncomfortable. Sure, it would be better without the mask, but having mine on didn’t stop me from having fun.
I do recommend cloth or breathable masks over those light blue paper masks. I find those can get itchy if you wear them for a while. Masks are here to stay, so invest a good one that’s sized right.
ShopDisney has character masks online, available in July. There are few unofficial Disney parks masks on Etsy if you want to show off your Disney spirit. I like these masks from WDWNT.com
What if I need a break from the mask?
It’s no problem if you need a breather. Just find a place to sit down that is isolated. The mask police aren’t out to get you. It’s ok take them off at restaurants to eat, so no one is going to be concerned if you just need a breather. Just be smart, safe, and distance yourself during your break.
Is everyone wearing a mask or just some people?
Everyone must wear a mask to be on property at Disney. There are employees who are actively checking. They will politely remind you if you forget to put yours on but it’s not really a suggestion.
Do kids need to wear masks at Walt Disney World?
Yes, any child over the age of 3 must have a face covering. If you’re concerned about them taking it off or not wanting to wear it, see if you can get them excited about one of the Disney character masks. Allow them to pick one out so they are more committed to wearing it, and offer them a break if they need it.
If you have a question for me that I didn't answer here, feel free to ask!
Disney, Universal Orlando & SeaWorld Submit Plans to Reopen on Thursday
Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld will begin presenting their reopening plans on Thursday, Orange County officials said.
FOX 35 reporter Robert Guaderrama confirmed on Wednesday afternoon with Orange County that the three major Orlando-area theme parks will begin presenting their reopening plans on Thursday.
While all three theme parks will make presentations tomorrow, only Universal Orlando will speak publically. Disney World and SeaWorld will speak at future presentations next week, according to Guaderrama.
Darren Wittko
Vice President To Discuss Reopening Florida on May 20th
Vice President Mike Pence will visit Orlando, FL on May 20, 2020.
According to ClickOrlando, Vice President Mike Pence will travel to Orlando and meet with Gov. Ron DeSantis to discuss Florida’s phased economic reopening.
Pence will join in a roundtable with hospitality and tourism industry leaders to discuss their plans for reopening. Disney Springs will begin a phased reopening on the same day.
Related:
Disney Springs Phased Reopening, What You Need to Know
Behind the Magic: 5 Secrets of The Haunted Mansion You Probably Didn't Know
At night, keep an eye on the windows, you may notice a ghost or two passing by. Image credit: Walt Disney Co.
Everyone knows The Haunted Mansion at Magic Kingdom Park is a classic and one of the most beloved attractions at Walt Disney World Resort. The 999 happy haunts have been eliciting no-so-scary chills and shrieks since Walt Disney World Resort opened on Oct. 1, 1971. But here are some insider secrets that you may not know.
The Raven - Why He’s There:
In the original plans for the Haunted Mansion, the raven was going to be our narrator as we toured the attraction. It was even going to be a water ride at one point. But it was later decided to have Paul Frees be our ghost host, the voice that we hear today. You’ll still see our fine-feathered-friend four separate times throughout the ride.
We are first introduced to the raven in the stand-by queue just above the Ravenscroft organ. By the way, the graveyard in the queue area is full of references to Walt Disney Imagineers like X Atencio and Marc Davis, just read the tombstones. Thurl Ravenscroft, a voice actor also known as the original voice of Tony the Tiger for Frosted Flakes cereal, gets a little nod on the organ itself. He voices one of the singing busts in the graveyard scene in the ride, the one that resembles Walt Disney.
2. Chess Pieces on the Roof
It’s often said, especially on the Keys to the Kingdom Tour, that Imagineer Marc Davis, an avid chess player, cleverly hid chess pieces in plain sight on the roof of the Haunted Mansion as a nod to his favorite pastime. But in his book The Art of the Haunted Mansion, former Imagineer Jason Surrell writes that this was simply a design element that was popular when the Haunted Mansion would have been built. But Marc Davis is also credited for adding the scene in the Pirates of the Caribbean queue where 2 skeletal pirates are playing chess, deadlocked where neither player can make a move. No matter which version you believe, there are chess pieces on the roof, and they are hidden in plain sight. All pieces but the knight. Why? Because it’s always night at the Haunted Mansion.
Chess pieces are hidden in plain sight on the Haunted Mansion at Walt Disney World
3. Park Benches
There are a few park benches located just outside the Haunted Mansion. While most of us sit on a bench to rest relax for a bit, I can’t think of a bench that would make someone more uncomfortable. Look closely, the iron work is actually a serpent with red eyes.
4. The Stretching Room - are you actually going down?
Is this room actually stretching? Or is it just your imagination?
The stretching room is one of the best special effects of any attraction at Walt Disney World. Once inside, the room begins to stretch, leaving us to wonder if we are actually moving down in an elevator, or staying put.
I believe that knowing the effects enhances the magic at Walt Disney World, helping us to appreciate the details even more. But I would hate to ruin this for anyone who doesn’t want to know. If you wish to keep this one a mystery, skip over the spoiler alert below.
Spoiler Alert!
In the Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion, the show building, where the ride actually takes place , is on the other side of the Disneyland Railroad tracks. In order for guests to access the ride, they need to take an elevator down to a tunnel, under the tracks. So in Disneyland you’re actually in an elevator. But in Walt Disney World, there is no need to move guests down, so the stretching room doesn’t actually move.
Speaking of the show building, here’s another secret that is sure to impress.
5. The Show Building
Most of us assume the ride takes place inside the mansion itself but this isn’t actually the case. What we see on the outside is simply a facade. Other than the stretching room, the ride takes place in a massive warehouse-style building backstage. And while the Haunted Mansion is set in Liberty Square, it sits right along side “it’s a small world” in Fantasyland.
Here’s a bonus secret: In addition to its home in the Liberty Square area at Walt Disney World Resort, The Haunted Mansion is featured at Disneyland Resort (in New Orleans Square), Tokyo Disneyland (in Fantasyland) and Disneyland Paris (known as Phantom Manor and located in Frontierland). It is the only Disney attraction to be featured in four different park “lands” worldwide.
Related:
What You Need to Know About the Phased Reopening of Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort
Update May 19th - Revised List of Disney Springs Restaurants and Retailers Opening on May 20th
The following locations will open on May 20. Hours of operation vary. Please contact the store or restaurant directly for hours of operation.
4 Rivers Cantina Barbacoa Food Truck
Anthropologie
The Art Corner by Artistic Talent Group
Basin
Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza
The BOATHOUSE®
Chapel Hats
Chicken Guy!
Columbia Sportswear
Crystal Arts by Arribas Brothers
Earl of Sandwich®
Edward Beiner Purveyor of Fine Eyewear
Erin McKenna's Bakery NYC
Free People
Frontera Cocina
Happy Hound
Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company®
Lucky Brand
Luxury of Time by Diamonds International
Pandora® Jewelry
Paradiso 37 Entertainment
Pelé Soccer
Planet Hollywood
The Polite Pig
Pop Gallery
Ron Jon Surf Shop®
Royally Yours by Arribas Brothers
Sanuk
Savannah Bee Company
Sosa Family Cigars
STK Orlando
Sugarboo & Co.
Sunshine Churros at Disney Springs Marketplace
Sunshine Churros at Disney Springs West Side
T-REX™
UGG®
UNIQLO
UNOde50
Volcom
Vera Bradley
Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill
Wine Bar George – A Restaurant & Bar
YeSake Kiosk
ZARA
Wednesday, May 20 will be the first milestone in the phased reopening of Walt Disney World Resort! Beginning with some of the Disney Springs third-party operating participants who will open their doors to guests at various times throughout the day.
Disney Springs Reopening May 20, 2020 | Walt Disney World Resort
On May 22, Morimoto Asia will open to guests (one of my favorite restaurants at Walt Disney World) Reservations can be made at OpenTable, not through Disney at this time.
On May 27, three Disney-owned and -operated stores and venues will reopen:
World of Disney
D-Luxe Burger (mobile order)
Marketplace Co-Op.
You can visit DisneySprings.com/reopening for the most current information.
Reservations for many of the third-party restaurants can be made on OpenTable to seating times in May. From June 1st onward, guests can make reservations on at disneyworld.com or through the My Disney Experience mobile app.
Disney Springs will reopen May 20, 2020
Cast Members have gone through extensive new training to adjust to these changing times. Disney will have some Cast Members walking throughout Disney Springs to explain its new procedures and answer any questions guests may have. They will also encourage everyone to follow these measures for the health and safety of everyone.
Employee Union: Disney Owned Shops, Restaurants Will Open May 27 at Disney Springs
On May 8th I shared with you that Disney Springs will begin the phased reopening of Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. but only non-Disney owned retailers and restaurants are expected to open their doors at first.
World of Disney Store to open May 27, 2020 at Disney Springs, Walt Disney World
In an interview with the Hollywood Reporter, Eric Clinton, president of UNITE HERE, Local 362, shared that his members are preparing to return to work on May 27th, when the Disney-owned restaurants and stores will officially reopen.
"Some are anxious to get back because the unemployment system [in Florida] is completely broken," Clinton said. On May 20, only sub-contracted shops will be open in the Disney Springs shopping and dining complex. The next phase will start seven days later when Disney retail shops, such as World of Disney Store, and Disney eateries reopen,” the union president said. For that, an additional 59 custodians will report back to work on May 24.
Related
How Disney Springs Will Reopen Safely on May 20
Walt Disney World Begins Phased Reopening May 20th with Disney Springs
How Disney Springs Will Reopen Safely on May 20
Eric Clinton, president of UNITE HERE, Local 362 on Wednesday told The Hollywood Reporter that park staff have a "mixed bag of emotions" about returning to work: Potential infection is a major concern, but so is not being able to pay rent.
Phased reopening of Disney Springs on May 20, 2020 with limited non-Disney owned retailers and restaurants.
"Some are anxious to get back because the unemployment system [in Florida] is completely broken," Clinton said. On May 20, only sub-contracted shops will be open in the Disney Springs shopping and dining complex at Walt Disney World. The next phase will start seven days later when Disney retail shops, such as World of Disney Store, and Disney eateries reopen, the union president said. For that, an additional 59 custodians will report back to work on May 24.
Disney is treating the safety of both guests and employees with the utmost seriousness, explained Clinton, highlighting some of the precautions that will be put in place. All guests and employees will be required to wear masks. Disney will provide employees three washable masks. Guests will have their temperature checked, and plexiglass dividers have been installed at registers. Guests will swipe their own payments cards, as they will no longer be handled by employees. And custodians will be retrained to pay attention to high-touch areas.
Clinton would not speculate about when the rest of the resort, namely the theme park itself, might reopen, but he did point to the Monday reopening of Shanghai Disneyland Park, noting "what you see there is a lot of what you'll see here." The sprawling China park requires all guests and staff wear masks, has line queues and rides marked for one-meter social distancing and is allowing far fewer guests daily (below 24,000) than the maximum capacity, which is 80,000.
Related
Employee Union: Disney Owned Shops, Restaurants Will Open May 27 at Disney Springs
Walt Disney World Begins Phased Reopening May 20th with Disney Springs
Walt Disney World Begins Phased Reopening May 20th with Disney Springs
Disney Springs will begin a phased reopening on May 20, 2020. Here's what to know before you go. Other areas of Walt Disney World Resort remain closed, including theme parks and Disney Resort hotels.
Upon reopening, theme parks, Disney Resort hotels, restaurants, attractions, experiences, and other offerings may be modified and will be limited in capacity and subject to limited availability or closure, based on direction from health experts and government officials to promote physical distancing.
Disney Springs will reopen on May 20, 2020 at Walt Disney World Resort
Disney Springs will begin to reopen in a way that incorporates enhanced safety measures, including increased cleaning procedures, the use of appropriate face coverings by both Cast Members and Guests, limited-contact Guest Services and additional safety training for Cast Members.
Disney stated it will apply learnings and ideas from leaders in the health and travel industries.
During the initial opening phase, Disney Springs will have limitations on capacity, parking and operating hours. Given this unprecedented situation, Disney is asking for everyone’s patience and understanding as they navigate through this process as responsibly as it can.
Additional protocols and procedures may be announced closer to the opening date. As May 20 gets closer, please check DisneySprings.com for the most current information on operating hours, locations and safety procedures.
Related:
How Disney Springs Will Reopen Safely on May 20
Employee Union: Disney Owned Shops, Restaurants Will Open May 27 at Disney Springs