Updated News On Disney Resorts For Reopening

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Dining, Disney Parks, Disney Resorts, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom

Hold on tight Disney fans! We have a LOT to share with you as Disney just released breaking news for Walt Disney World Resorts! As we previously learned, on June 22 select Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground will reopen. This will be taking place prior to the Disney Parks phased reopening which begins July 11 for Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom and July 15 for EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. As we gear up for the June 22 reopening of the Deluxe Villa Resort & Fort Wilderness, Disney has released several new guidelines and details as a “Disney Resort Hotels: Know Before You Go”.

The Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts opening at Walt Disney World on June 22 include:

  • Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
  • Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
  • Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
  • Disney’s Beach Club Villas
  • Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
  • Disney’s Old Key West Resort
  • Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
  • Disney’s Riviera Resort
  • Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort
  • The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort

Top Things You Need To Know:

Before traveling to Florida, please make sure that you have reviewed any advisories or restrictions that may be in place for travel to Florida. Visit https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/travelers/ for information. Guests who are under isolation or quarantine orders must not enter Walt Disney World Resort.

Please be aware that you’ll also need:

  • A confirmed room reservation for your stay. Be sure to link your reservation to your Disney account to receive important information prior to your arrival—visit My Plans to get started
  • A confirmed dining reservation if you’re a day Guest (not staying overnight)
  • 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 park beginning July 11, 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)

Also, it’s highly recommended to have:

  • The latest version of the My Disney Experience app on your mobile device, with location services and notifications enabled
  • Cashless or contactless forms of payment, including MagicBands, which Disney Resort hotel Guests can use to charge purchases to their Disney Resort hotel folio

Wellness Screening:

Persons who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, have been in contact with someone with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 symptoms without completing a 14-day quarantine, or are under quarantine orders must not enter Walt Disney World Resort.

Walt Disney World Resort Guests may be subject to additional screenings. Before you leave home, please check the temperatures of everyone in your party—including yourself—as an extra layer of precaution.

Disney Resort Hotel Guest Benefits:

During the initial reopening period, some benefits may be modified or unavailable.

Disney’s Magical Express® Service: Complimentary airport transportation via Disney’s Magical Express service will be available for Guests arriving and departing from Orlando International Airport. Many airlines have modified their flight schedules, so please confirm your flight information. If you plan to use Disney’s Magical Express service, contact your room reservation booking agent, or call (407) 939-1936 to make any updates to your flight information on file.

FastPass+ Service: As a result of the COVID-19 impact, FastPass+ service will be suspended for the time being as we plan to use additional queue space to manage capacity for attractions and maintain physical distancing. With that in mind, access to FastPass+ planning is temporarily unavailable. We will share updates at a later date.

Extra Magic Hours: The Extra Magic Hours benefit is unavailable until further notice.

Cleaning:

When you stay at a Disney Resort hotel, enjoy peace of mind knowing that your room will be thoroughly cleaned prior to your arrival and serviced during your stay. Plus, common areas will receive enhanced cleaning.

Common Areas: We’ve increased cleaning in high-traffic areas such as public elevators and escalators, handrails, benches, tables, handles, restrooms and more. 

Housekeeping: Prior to your arrival, your room will undergo thorough cleaning—with attention to:

  • High-touch areas, like TV remotes and door handles
  • Housekeeping tools will be cleaned between rooms
  • Floors, which will be steam cleaned and vacuumed between Guests

Inside your room, you’ll find:

  • Extra linens and towels wrapped in single-use packaging
  • Individually wrapped glassware
  • Double-cased pillows
  • Additional items that have been cleaned and wrapped in single-use packaging

And during your stay, your room will receive a light cleaning service every other day, which will include:

  • Removal of trash and used towels
  • Replenishment of towels and amenities throughout the room and bathroom
  • Wiping and cleaning of the vanity and counter surfaces
  • Vacuuming if needed

You can also decline every-other-day service.

Please note that:

  • If you’re a Disney Vacation Club Member using your Membership to stay, you’ll receive service on the 4th and 8th days, unless you decline that service.
  • If there is more than one room on your reservation and you choose to decline service, your selection will apply to all rooms on the reservation.
  • We reserve the right to enter any room at a Disney Resort hotel for maintenance, safety, security or any other purpose, even if the Room Occupied sign is displayed on the room door. View Walt Disney World Resort Property Rules. Learn more about housekeeping service.

Transportation & Parking:

Learn about parking and transportation options at Walt Disney World Resort.

  • Complimentary Resort Transportation: Before the theme parks reopen, bus transportation will be available between your Disney Resort hotel and Disney Springs area. When the theme parks reopen, complimentary transportation will also be provided between your Disney Resort hotel and Disney theme parks. Transportation will operate with physical distancing measures in place, reducing capacity. As a result, you may experience delays.
  • Minnie Van Service: Minnie Van Service will not be available during the initial reopening period.
  • Parking: Self-parking will be available. Valet service is temporarily unavailable, with the exception of Guests with disabilities who may require parking assistance. A valid disability parking permit is required. Parking fees apply for Disney Resort hotel Guests. 

Resort Services:

Some Disney Resort hotel services will be modified or unavailable during the initial reopening period, based on physical distancing and health guidelines. Changes include:

  • Bell Services will deliver luggage to rooms, but will not escort Guests
  • Club-level service will be temporarily unavailable
  • Deliveries will only be made to occupied rooms
  • In-room celebrations will not be available
  • Dry-cleaning and valet laundry services will be temporarily unavailable; self-service laundry will remain available
  • Shipping services will be temporarily unavailable
  • Resort airline check-in service may be temporarily unavailable

Resort Amenities & Recreation:

Amenities and recreation will be modified based on physical distancing and health guidelines.

Dining Experiences: Select dining locations will be available at Disney Resort hotels. Learn about updates to dining experiences.

Pools:

  • Feature pools may operate with reduced hours; leisure pools will be open 24 hours a day
  • Pools will operate with reduced capacity to allow for physical distancing
  • Select poolside activities may be available at select Resort hotels
  • Stormalong Bay at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts will not be available during the initial reopening period; Guests of this Disney Resort hotel may enjoy the leisure pool at Disney’s Beach Club Villas

Fitness Centers & Sports Courts

  • Fitness centers will open in alignment with state and county regulations, and may have reduced hours
  • Fitness centers may have reduced hours and capacity
  • Instructor-led fitness classes will not be available
  • Fitness and sports courts will be open, and Guests must maintain physical distancing

Available Recreation: Activities and schedules will vary. The schedule of activities for your Disney Resort hotel will be shared during your stay.

Merchandise Locations: In merchandise locations throughout Walt Disney World Resort, Guests will continue to discover favorite Disney items, with some modifications to the shopping experience that will help us manage capacity and foster physical distancing.

  • New Product Launches: New collection product launches and limited-edition merchandise will not be available for in-person purchases at Walt Disney World Resort until further notice. As always, Guests can find these items on shopDisney, subject to availability.
  • Pin Trading: We will continue to offer Guests the opportunity to pin trade with Cast Members through the use of pin boards in select locations. Cast pin trading with lanyards will not be available at this time to maintain physical distancing.
  • Delivery Option: Package delivery to the front of our theme parks or to Disney Resort hotels will be suspended. However, shipping merchandise to Guests’ homes continues to be available.
  • Dressing Rooms: For the time being, dressing rooms will not be available.
  • Returns: In-person returns will be available upon the reopening of our merchandise locations.

Temporarily Unavailable: The following amenities and experiences will not be available during the initial reopening period:

  • Arcades
  • Campfires
  • Character experiences
  • Dog parks
  • Electrical Water Pageant
  • Marina rentals
  • Pin trading
  • Playgrounds
  • Spas, salons and Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

Additionally, the following special offerings and childcare services will not be available during the initial reopening:

  • Fireworks voyages and tasting cruises, including the Pirates and Pals Fireworks Voyage
  • Fun runs
  • Wonderland Tea Party at Park Fare
  • Hula lessons
  • In-room childcare services
  • Mermaid school
  • Special classes and programs—including culinary, cultural and animal programs

Check In Online:

To aid in physical distancing efforts, we strongly recommend that you use Online Check-In Service in advance—online or with the My Disney Experience app. When your room is ready, you’ll get a room-ready notification. Then, you can use either a MagicBand or the My Disney Experience app digital key feature to enter your room! If you don’t receive your MagicBand(s) prior to your vacation, simply use the My Disney Experience app as a digital key to enter your room. At your convenience, you can visit the Front Desk to pick up your MagicBand(s).

Automatic Checkout

On your scheduled checkout day, you’ll be automatically checked out of your room—so you don’t have to visit the Front Desk (unless you have unresolved charges to your Disney Resort hotel folio).

Virtual Chat With a Resort Cast Member:

Beginning June 22, you can chat with a Resort Cast Member via the My Disney Experience app for assistance during your stay. This new feature will offer convenient support nearly anytime—so there’s no need to visit the Lobby or stand in line.

Walt Disney World To Reopen Mid-July

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

After months of unprecedented closure, Walt Disney World has presented its plans for a phased reopening before the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force group, the last major Central Florida theme park to do so after finalized announcements from Universal Orlando and Sea World.

Walt Disney World plans to begin its phased reopening on the following dates:

Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Saturday, July 11

Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT – Wednesday, July 15

Walt Disney World will reopen much like Shanghai Disneyland, on the basis of a reservation system. Guests will have to secure a reservation on the day they intend on attending the park.

The main entrance to the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. (Photo courtesy, Walt Disney World)

Major changes to operating procedures:

  • A reservation system will be in place and be used to visit the parks.
  • Required face coverings while on property. This will be enforced by cast members.
  • Reduced capacity of theme parks, restaurants, retail, attractions, buses, monorails, and other transportation.
  • Temporary suspension of parades, fireworks, and other events that create crowds.
  • Temporary suspension of high touch activities such as character meet & greets, playgrounds and water playgrounds.

Disney is also developing “relaxation zones” for guests to break off from the main areas and take off masks in designated spots.

Increased mobile food ordering options will be available, and cashless transactions will be encouraged throughout.

The following COVID-19 General Health and Safety Protocols have been revealed. Signage will be posted throughout the parks and attractions:

Plans were presented during today’s Task Force meeting, headed by Jim MacPhee, Senior Vice President of Operations of Walt Disney World Resort. The phased reopening proposal has since passed with zero opposition from the Task Force.

Reopening plans will require endorsement from the Orange County Mayor before they can be submitted to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for final approval. You can view the full Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force Meeting from today below:

For a recap of what the current experience is like at Disney Springs, including temperature checks and new social distancing guidelines, click here. Disney Springs expanded its offerings today with the reopening of the World of Disney store, among other Disney-owned and operated restaurants and stores.

FAQ of Universal’s June 5th Reopening

Posted on by Mathew Corn Uncategorized

Universal Orlando has officially announced its June 5 reopening for all three of its theme parks: Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay.

Here are some of the details:

General Information – Temperature Checks, Face Masks, Halloween Horror Nights, and More

1. Where do I have to go to get my temperature taken?

Guests will have their temperatures taken in a screening area inside the parking structure, prior to the security checkpoint.

2. What will happen if a guest has a high temperature?

Any guest that has a temperature of 100.4 degrees or greater will not be able to enter CityWalk and it will be requested that the individual see a doctor, per CDC guidelines.

3. Will I be required to wear a face covering?

Yes. We are following CDC guidelines as well as local health protocols. If you have a disability that prevents you from wearing a face covering you will be referred to guest services to discuss ways we can accommodate you. If you do not have a face covering, we’ll have them available for purchase. Also, per CDC guidelines, children under the age of two are not required to wear facial coverings.

4. What is considered an appropriate facial covering for my visit?

Facial coverings in line with CDC’s guidelines are considered appropriate for a visit to Universal Orlando Resort, and should cover an individual’s nose and mouth. Costume masks and veils will not be considered as facial coverings and per our costume guidelines, are not permitted.

If a guest has a disability that prevents them from wearing a facial covering, they’ll be directed to our Guest Services team to discuss reasonable accommodations. Also, per CDC guidelines, children under the age of two are not required to wear facial coverings.

5. Where can I purchase a face covering? Are they available in various sizes?

Face coverings will be available for purchase at a merchandise cart in the screening area within CityWalk. At this time, face coverings are available in one size.

6. What about face coverings when guests are eating?

We have arranged tables and seating so that guests can remove their face coverings while they eat. But we ask that they wear them at all other times.

7. Who will be the “limited number of guests” during your first days of operation?

We are still working through those details and will share soon.

8. Are cashless payments available?

Yes, guests can use Apple Pay or Google Wallet for cashless payments at merchandise and quick service food locations.

9. Is Mobile Food Ordering available? And at which venues?

Yes, mobile food ordering is available for Voodoo Doughnut, Red Oven Pizza Bakery and Cinnabon. To use it, download the official Universal Orlando Resort App and select “Order Food and Drinks” under the drop-down menu. Then, select the food location you’re interested in to view the menu. Make your selection(s) then follow the prompts to place your order.

10. Will these new procedures be in place for Halloween Horror Nights and the 2020 Holidays celebration?

More details about these events will be shared at a later time.

11. Grad Bash 2020

Due to the parks’ temporary closure, all Grad Bash 2020 events have been cancelled.

12. Gradventure 2020

Due to the parks’ temporary closure, all Gradventure 2020 events have been cancelled.

13. Will you have themed face coverings for sale?

Yes, we will have themed face coverings available for purchase in the weeks ahead. Stay tuned for updates.

Theme Parks – Reservations, Attractions, and Volcano Bay

1. Are the parks reopening at reduced capacity during this phase?

Yes, we are limiting attendance at our theme parks during our phased reopening.

2. Is a reservation required in order to visit the theme parks beginning June 5?

No, a reservation is not needed in order to visit the theme parks. Please note that since we’re limiting attendance, there may be times when the parks reach capacity and additional guests will not be admitted.

3. Will all rides and attractions be open?

Majority of the attractions and experiences within the parks are scheduled to open. Select experiences will not be available during this phase, and some queue experiences may be slightly altered as we implement our new procedures. Additional details and specific experiences will be shared soon.

4. Will I have to wear my face covering while on the attractions?

Yes, guests will be required to wear face coverings on attractions. The only exception will be for attractions that include significant amounts of water as part of the experience, as well as Volcano Bay’s slides and pools.

5. Will I have to use my own hand sanitizer in order to board a ride vehicle?

Universal Orlando team members will provide guests with the hand sanitizer that is required prior to boarding a ride vehicle.

6. What is Virtual Line?

Virtual Line allows guests to select a time to experience an attraction via the Official Universal Orlando Resort app so they’re minimizing the time they’re actually waiting in the queue line. Guests can make Virtual Line selections while they’re onsite at the parks on the day of their visit. Virtual Line will be available for select attractions.

7. How will you implement social distancing guidelines at Universal’s Volcano Bay?

Overall, Universal’s Volcano Bay will follow the same guidelines and procedures as the other theme parks. Some of the specific measures we’re taking to implement social distancing at Volcano Bay include:

  • We will limit capacity on each attraction – including rivers and pools
  • For multi-person raft rides, only one travel party will be allowed to ride in a single raft. Please note that Volcano Bay’s standard height and weight requirements will be applicable.
  • Lounge chairs will be placed in a fashion that allows travel parties to sit together, while also maintaining at least six feet of distance between other guests.
8. At Volcano Bay, will I have to wear my face covering while on the slides?

Face coverings are recommended when guests cannot socially distance. They will not be permitted on slides and in pools.

9. Will all Volcano Bay team members wear face coverings?

Face coverings are required for team members in “dry” roles. Team members who have “wet” roles, such as lifeguards, will wear a balaclava when they cannot socially distance. These will not be worn on slides or in pools for safety reasons.

10. Will the TapuTapu wearables be cleaned and sanitized?

Yes, per our standard practice, all TapuTapu wearables will be cleaned and sanitized prior to guest use.

Hotels

1. What about hotels? And what if I have a hotel reservation?

Our hotels are an important part of our guest experience and we will share details soon. We are still finalizing our reopening plans and will contact those guests with reservations as soon as our plans are available.

2. Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites

We have postponed the scheduled March 17 opening of our new hotel, Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites, as we continue to evaluate our offerings during this time. A new opening date will be announced at a later time.

Guests have the option to modify or cancel room or package reservations. Guests with specific questions can call this number for more information: (877) 801-9720

3. Hotel and Package Bookings

Guests can modify or cancel room or package reservations held for our closure period with no penalty or fee. During our park closure period, cancellation fees will be waived for hotel reservations cancelled prior to 24 hours of arrival.

4. What if I make a booking while you are closed?

Ticket purchases, hotel reservations and packages purchased between March 4 and May 31 qualify for our Stress- Free booking policy, which means they may be modified or canceled with no fee at least 24 hours prior to arrival. We will continue to evaluate this policy after May 31. For details, click here.

Tickets and Annual Passes

1. Are the limited-time increased Passholder discounts still available?

Passholders can take advantage of their increased limited-time discount at select Universal CityWalk venues through May 31, 2020. There will be additional special offers and discounts for passholders once the parks reopen. Additional details will be shared soon.

2. How will my Annual Pass or Seasonal Pass be affected?

All Annual and Seasonal Passes will automatically be extended by the number of days our theme parks are closed. There is no action required from the Passholder. Existing benefits and restrictions will continue to apply.

3. Will my monthly payment be charged during the park closure?

If you are signed up with FlexPay, we have postponed all monthly payments effective March 25, 2020. We will be in touch with further details on when payments will resume. If you need to make any changes to your credit card information, please contact Passholder Services at 1-888-5-FLEXPAY

4. Will there be changes to blockout dates for Seasonal and Power Passes?

Current blockout dates remain and can be found at www.universalorlando.com/apblockout. Any future updates will be communicated.

5. Can I get a refund?

Unexpired single-day tickets that have already been purchased will be valid on any day for 365 days from the purchase date. Unexpired multi-day tickets that have already been purchased will also be valid for first use on any day from 365 days from purchase – but, as always, must be used within seven days of first use. Florida Resident discounted ticket usage windows and blockout dates remain unchanged unless otherwise communicated. If you cannot travel during this time, you can apply the value of a wholly unused ticket toward a new purchase.

6. What if I purchased Blue Man Group tickets?

Blue Man Group’s shows through at least Sunday, May 31 are cancelled. Guests who have purchased tickets for Blue Man Group shows during this time can call (407) BLUE-MAN (258-3626) for assistance.

Is this a precursor to what you can expect to see at WDW?

Watch The Reopening Ceremony of Shanghai Disneyland

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

Last Night, Shanghai Disneyland made history by becoming the first Disney Park to reopen after the unprecedented COVID-19 closures. You can watch a livestream of the reopening via The Paper, the official Twitter account of Pengpai News 澎湃新闻. As we’ve covered extensively, the reopening of Shanghai Disneyland will implement a number of new health and safety protocols, including limited capacity and social distancing for all guests. All guests present today had to secure advance reservations in order to attend the grand reopening, and advance reservations will be required throughout the phased reopening.

You can watch the live stream of the official reopening grand ceremony embedded below. If you’re on mobile, you can also access the live broadcast via this link.