If you’ve visited Disney Springs since it reopened last week, you’re probably aware of the strict procedures in place to keep guests healthy and safe following the COVID-19 pandemic. We’ve seen face masks, hand washing stations, and social distancing markers as part of the heavily-enforced new protocol… but who better to enforce these new rules than the elite soldiers of the Galactic Empire––erm, First Order?
That’s right, Stormtroopers are now on patrol to ensure safety and security in the Disney Springs galaxy.
The first patrol of Stormtroopers have been stationed on a balcony above Kiehl’s, Uno de 50 and Ever After Jewelry Co. in the Town Center side of Disney Springs. Their signature red flags have been hung along the railings to mark their new territory… Where else were they supposed to go if Batuu is sealed for decontamination?
Another set of Stormtroopers can be seen on the roof of the AMC theater. Next to this “Shop, Dine, Play” banner, things almost look dystopian.
Today is the first day that select Disney-owned stores are reopening at Disney Springs. This includes two of the shopping district’s main flagship stores: World of Disney and the Marketplace Co-Op. In anticipation of the large crowds visiting the stores, a new virtual queuing system has been implemented to help manage crowds, and maintain those all-important social distancing protocols.
Cast Members in blue checkered shirts are scattered across store entrances, ready to greet guests. At the dedicated entrance to World of Disney, Cast Members with iPads are taking down details for each party, in order to place them in the virtual queue system. Guests are being asked to give their first and last initials (rather than typing out full names), telephone number, and a count of how many people they will be shopping with.
Upon being successfully registered into the virtual queue, guests receive a text message confirming that they are “in line” and will receive another text when it is time for them to enter the store.
Queues can be seen stretching out along the entrances to both stores as guests clamor to buy the latest Disney Parks merchandise.
The same setup and procedure is available at the Marketplace Co-Op.
Lines continue winding further down as crowds begin to pour into Disney Springs for this second phase of the reopening. The shopping, dining, and entertainment district officially opens at 10:00 AM, but guests were allowed into the Orange Garage for parking as early as 8:00 AM.
Guests will begin getting called to World of Disney and the Marketplace Co-Op starting at 10:00 AM. Capacity for World of Disney is 200, and that is how many guests will be called in at official open. After that, guests will be let in on a one-in, one-out basis. No word yet on how long of a window guests have to return to the store once they receive a text, but make sure to follow our minute-by-minute live updates on Twitter and Instagram for these answers and more.
If you are visiting Disney Springs today, be prepared for crowds. Don’t forget your face mask, and make sure your cell phone is handy to use that virtual system. Happy shopping!
Tomorrow, May 27, begins Phase Two of the Disney Springs reopening! It’s going to be an exciting day as this is the first day we get to experience Walt Disney World owned restaurants and shopping since the closure of the parks due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Before you grab your Mickey ears and head out to do some shopping and dining, you’ll want to know a few things before you go:
Disney Springs hours for Wednesday, May 27, is 10:00am to 10:00pm. So, what’s open? As of May 20, the following list of 40+ venues has been open:
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
Beginning May 27, the following have announced their reopening including:
D-Luxe Burger
The LEGO Store
Marketplace Co-Op
World of Disney
Terralina Crafted Italian (reopening May 29)
Paddlefish (reopening May 29)
Before you go, you’ll want to read up on the following guidelines from Disney Springs. The guidelines apply to Cast Members, Operating Participant employees and Guests. There are 6 key things to know before arriving at Disney Springs, and they include:
Limited parking and reduced entrances
Temperature screenings prior to entry
Face coverings required for Guests ages 3 and up
Physical distancing practices including physically-distanced queues and physical barriers
Temporary operation modifications, including reduced hours at select locations and no scheduled entertainment offerings or high-touch interactive areas
An increased focus on disinfecting and sanitation, including the addition of hand-washing stations and hand sanitizers in key areas
COVID-19 Warning: We have taken enhanced health and safety measures—for you, our other Guests, and Cast Members. You must follow all posted instructions while visiting Disney Springs. An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, senior citizens and Guests with underlying medical conditions are especially vulnerable. By visiting Disney Springs you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19.
Guest Parking and Entrances: During this initial phase, Guests will be directed to self-park in the Orange and Lime garages; all surface parking lots will be closed. At opening, we have also reduced Guest entryways to 4 locations: Orange and Lime garages, along with the Hotel Plaza Boulevard Pedestrian Bridge and the rideshare location. Guest access to Disney Springs from the Grapefruit garage will be restricted.
Temperature Screening: All Guests are required to undergo temperature screenings upon arrival at Disney Springs.
Guest Screening: During this initial period, Guests will undergo temperature screening in these locations: the second-floor exits of Orange and Lime parking garages and the Marketplace Entrance (to serve Guests from the Hotel Plaza Boulevard Pedestrian Bridge and the rideshare drop-off lot). Based on guidance from health authorities, anyone displaying a temperature of 100.4 F or above will be directed to an additional location for rescreening and assistance. Those with temperatures 100.4 F or above will not be allowed entry; those in their party will not be allowed entry either.
Employee Screening: Cast Members and Operating Participant employees will be required to complete a health screening and temperature check at home, prior to coming to work.
Limited Contact: Following guidance from the government and the medical community regarding enhanced screening procedures and prevention measures, we have made some temporary adjustments that include limited-contact Guest Services to ensure a responsible and enjoyable environment for everyone.
Face Coverings: All Guests ages 3 and older are required to wear face coverings when visiting Walt Disney World Resort. All face coverings should fully cover an individual’s nose and mouth and allow the Guest to remain hands-free. Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face. Be secured with ties or ear loops. Be made of breathable material, either disposable or reusable. Costume masks are not considered appropriate and are prohibited from being worn, in alignment with our existing rules. Guests are required to wear face coverings at all times, except while dining. The use of face coverings should not be seen as a substitute for physical distancing. Guests must provide their own disposable or reusable face covering.
Physical Barriers: Physical barriers have been added in select places where it is difficult to maintain strict physical distancing guidelines. These may be visible in areas around cash registers or at Guest Relations, for example, to help ensure proper distances between people.
Cashless Transactions: At this time, it is recommended all Guests use cashless payment options whenever possible during their visit to Disney Springs, including debit cards, credit cards, Disney gift cards, etc. Guests can also opt for contactless payment options, such as mobile wallets, or use cash to purchase a Disney Gift Card at the Welcome Center (Guest Relations) and select merchandise locations.
Mobile Order Service We’re also recommending all Guests use the mobile order service in the My Disney Experience app at participating locations. With the reopening of D-Luxe Burger on May 27, in addition to the current payment options, Guests will now be able to pay for their mobile order using a Disney Gift Card, Disney Rewards Redemption Card and Apple Pay. *Apple Pay is a trademark of Apple, Inc.
Physical Distancing and Capacity Measures: Managing the number of Guests visiting Disney Springs has been a major consideration as we implement physical distancing guidelines based on recommendations from health authorities and government officials. One of the ways to do that is to limit the number of Guests and Cast Members at any given time for each location. Additional measures include:
Signage: Directional signage has been installed to assist Guests to responsibly move throughout the property. Additionally, ground markings will help promote proper physical distancing when queuing is needed at a location.
Training: We are also training Cast Members to engage with Guests and promote physical distancing guidelines in common areas and queues.
Cleanliness and Sanitization: We’ve increased cleaning and disinfection in high-traffic areas such as public elevators and escalators, handrails, benches, tables, handles, restrooms and more. Additionally, Disney Springs will open with hand sanitizer and hand-washing locations, and Guests are highly encouraged to use these while visiting.
Cast Training: We’re further emphasizing our strong culture of health and safety among Cast Members and Operating Participant employees, and will continue to provide new training and reinforcement as we navigate through the reopening phases.
About These Measures: As part of these efforts, Guests may see other changes to our retail and dining offerings, as well as other experiences. Though it may be different from the last time you visited, these new measures are designed to offer a magical Disney experience in a responsible way. We understand that these times are challenging, and we appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as we navigate as responsibly as we can. Together, we can find new ways to have fun while being diligent to maintain proper physical distancing.
Frequently Asked Questions: View frequently asked questions about the phased reopening of Disney Springs—as well as related updates.
Reading through any comments section on posts regarding face mask use or new stringent health and safety guidelines at the parks will render it clear that these new protocols are divisive amongst parkgoers, to say the least. There are guests that are scared of other guests not wearing masks or adhering to the new regulations, and guests that feel inconvenienced by all the new rules. In any case, Disney wants to see what their prospective guests think on the matter in order to guide any future decisions on park reopenings. Guests leaving Disney Springs throughout the week received a QR code to scan and fill out a survey. Now, Disney is following up with a second survey to garner even more detailed responses.
One of the questions asks guests whether they feel that the bundle of new health & safety procedures is adequate, and to what degree. It is just right, not enough, or too much?
Following up on that question, they ask whether the same bundle of health & safety procedures, if implemented throughout the Walt Disney World theme parks, would affect guests’ willingness to visit the parks. Would you be more willing, less willing, or unchanged in your willingness to visit the theme parks?
Finally, Disney asks about the controversial required face masks, and whether the requirement of face masks for your entire party will impact your desire to visit again.
Walt Disney World is set to submit reopening plans to the county this upcoming week, so it seems they may be finalizing any requirements to include as part of their presentation and proposal. Universal Orlando, which presented its plans this week––and received near-immediate approval for a June 5 reopening––will require face masks for all of its guests. Guests with disabilities that prevent them from wearing a face covering will be referred to guest services to discuss possible alternatives and/or accommodations. For a full overview of all the new guidelines and operational changes leading up to their June 5 reopening, click here.
At this time, face masks are required for all guests over the age of 3 for entry to Disney Springs.
Today, May 20th, is the big day! Disney Springs is beginning their phased reopening, and we are excited to see how it all unfolds. Are you planning to head out to enjoy a little shopping and dining? Disney has released all retail shops and restaurants that will be open for this big day. The 40+ venues are shared below!
So, what’s open? The following locations are listed on the Disney Springs website as reopening on May 20:
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
As we previously shared, Disney Springs has strict guidelines (including required face covering and temperature checks) you’ll want to be well aware of before visiting. Guidelines are listed here.
We are looking forward to the next phased reopening day which is May 27. On that day, many of the Disney owned shops and restaurants, including World of Disney, D-Luxe Burger (mobile order) and the Marketplace Co-Op, will be opening. It’s all about taking those milestone steps for Walt Disney World to reopen!
