Walt Disney World just presented a 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.

This proposal was approved by the Task Force. Now it must be approved by Mayor Jerry Demings before it is presented to Governor DeSantis for final approval. Disney World’s presentation today included the parks’ initial plans for reopening and those details are outlined below.

Dates

Disney World’s proposed plan would reopen Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom to guests on July 11th. Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios would 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 using a reduced capacity for theme parks, restaurants, retail, attractions, buses, monorails, and other transportation so that guests can appropriately physical distance.

To visit the theme parks, guests will need to use a new theme park reservation system. Guests MUST have a reservation in advance and new information is coming soon. It is important to note that Shanghai Disneyland is currently using a reservation system, which you can learn more about here.

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.

Let’s take a look at the specific measures within these categories.

Enhanced Protective Measures

Like in Disney Spring, Disney will require face coverings for guests and Cast Members while on property at Disney World. Cast Members will be issued reusable face coverings, just like they have been in Disney Springs so far. 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.

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.

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.

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, and other events that could create crowds.

Cast Members will see modified and enhanced backstage areas so that they are able to distance while on breaks and in backstage environments.

Enhanced Cleaning/Sanitation

Both on stage and backstage areas will see more frequent cleaning across high touch locations and surfaces.

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 3rd party company using contactless, handheld devices — muck like the methods in Disney Springs.

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.

Some notable high-touch experiences will be temporarily suspended as well such as meet and greets and play areas.

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.

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 wellbeing of themselves and guests.

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.

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.

Do you have plans to visit Disney World or Universal Orlando soon? Let us know in the comments.