Who will have the chance to step into Walt Disney World first? Walt Disney World Senior Vice President of Operations, Jim MacPhee, shared with the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force on Wednesday, May 27, the proposed dates of reopening Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom on July 11 and EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios on July 15. MacPhee also gave insight into who may be invited to enter the parks prior to the phased reopening dates.
As quoted during the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force meeting, Jim MacPhee shared: “We believe our reopening proposal for our property reflects a very thoughtful, methodical, and phased approach. And we’ve incorporated all of the reopening protocols throughout our guest experience and our cast experience. We will deploy a series of soft opening tactics for select audiences several days prior to July 11 with Cast previews and affinity soft opening preview days. This will reflect a thoughtful ramp up in our attendance strategy and allow us to launch, learn, and adjust along the way.”
We know Cast Members are likely to get a preview, but the real question is what qualifies for a Disney “affinity” group? Whenever Disney has soft openings for new experiences, the groups typically invited are VIPs (such a Media), Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club Members, and select special groups such as Club 33 Members and Golden Oak Residents.
Do you fall into one or more of these possible “affinity” groups? We’re eager to learn more from Disney on when these soft openings proposed by MacPhee will take place!
The incredible Dapper Dans are back at it! This time, they sing “A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes” from the classic film, Cinderella. Many of us had our dream come true with the announcement of the reopening of Walt Disney World in July! Until then, close your eyes and listen along while imagining you’re on Main Street U.S.A. in Magic Kingdom.
We simply can’t wait to get back to Walt Disney World to see the Cinderella Castle and experience the sights and sounds of Disney magic once again. Thank you Dapper Dans!
Disney just released an update on Walt Disney World Resort Reservations. It is confirmed that Disney is pausing all New Ticket and Resort Reservations and cancelling all Dining and Experience Reservations, FastPass+ and Extra Magic Hours in preparation for the new park reservation system. Please see the full update below as shared by Disney:
In case you missed it, this week we shared some big news about Walt Disney World Resort, including plans to welcome guests back to the theme parks as part of a phased reopening beginning July 11, pending state approval.
We know many of you are excited to return to the magic and make new memories with your family, friends and loved ones. As we previously shared, as we take these next steps forward, we are introducing enhanced health and safety measures reflecting guidance from health authorities and appropriate government agencies.
When our theme parks reopen, we will manage attendance through a new theme park reservation system on DisneyWorld.com that will require all guests to make a reservation in advance for theme park entry. Over the coming weeks, we will be making some necessary updates to prepare for the launch of this park reservation system. Here’s some important information to help you plan ahead:
New Ticket Sales and Hotel Reservations: At this time, we are temporarily pausing new ticket sales and Disney Resort hotel reservations so we can focus on guests with existing tickets and reservations. Existing ticket holders and Annual Passholders will be able to make a theme park reservation before new tickets are sold; we will be reaching out to these guests soon to provide additional details. We will resume new sales of tickets and Disney Resort hotel reservations after that period of time. Theme park reservations will be limited due to attendance limitations and will be subject to availability.
Dining and Experiences: In order to foster physical distancing during this time, upon reopening, our offerings, restaurants and other experiences such as behind-the-scenes tours will be limited in capacity, and other experiences may remain closed. As a result of limited capacity, we have made the difficult decision to cancel all existing dining reservations and experience bookings, including Disney dining plans included in packages, through the end of the year. We will reopen dining and experience bookings with more limited numbers closer to when the parks reopen. We will also shift from a 180-day booking window to a 60-day booking window for dining and experience bookings going forward to allow Guests to make their plans closer to their visits.
FastPass+ and Extra Magic Hours: As a result of the COVID-19 impact, the FastPass+ service will be suspended for the time being as we plan to use additional queue space to manage capacity at our attractions and maintain physical distancing. We will automatically cancel existing FastPass+ selections and share any future updates on the service at a later date. Also, please note that upon reopening, Extra Magic Hours will be temporarily suspended.
We are reaching out to guests affected by these updates with additional information and details on options, including refunds. We understand how much excitement, thought and time goes into planning a Disney vacation and realize some of these changes may be disappointing. Please know we will be here to help you, as we remain focused on delivering a wonderful experience for everyone who visits.
You can visit a new “Know Before You Go” hub at DisneyWorld.com/Updates, where you can find the latest updates on our operations and offerings, including details on how to modify your plans. If you booked through a third-party, we recommend you reach out directly to your travel professional or ticket seller.
We appreciate your ongoing patience and understanding as we continue to keep the well-being of guests and cast members in mind. Stay tuned for more information over the next few weeks on how to use the theme park reservation system and other tips to be aware of prior to your visit.
Disney Springs came alive this morning with the reopening of select Disney-owned shops, and you’ve just got to see all these new merchandise arrivals! If you’re looking for a sweet and fruity addition to your wardrobe, you’ll want to check out this new Loungefly backpack that’s perfect for the summer!
Mickey Mouse Pineapple Mini Loungefly Backpack – $75.00
You’ll be carried away to a tropical hideaway when fitted with this quilted faux leather mini backpack. In the form of a pineapple with Mickey Mouse ears, it will summon summertime dreams of tasty treats and island escapes.
This faux-leather pineapple-shaped backpack brings a bright and tropical addition to summertime, topped off with pineapple slice Mickey ears!
The inside of this backpacked is lined with a royal blue print fabric featuring regular and Mickey-ear topped pineapples.
Additional logistics details are being sent out to Cast Members ahead of the planned June 22 reopening for DVC resorts and July 11 reopening for select parks and resorts throughout Walt Disney World.
Upon reopening, transportation will be available for resort hotel guests, albeit on a limited basis. Transportation will be available via Monorail and ferry boat. At this time, it is unknown whether transportation options will still include resort buses or the Disney Skyliner.
Plans to support required physical distancing as well as enhanced cleaning measures, along with a number of other safety and cleanliness protocols, will be implemented as part of this planned phased reopening.
Disney is temporarily pausing new ticket sales and Disney Resort hotel reservations in order to focus on guests with existing tickets and reservations. Disney Vacation Club members can still make new reservations.
