Disney Springs Releases Guidelines For Reopening

Disney is ready to welcome guests back to Disney Springs beginning May 20. On May 16, they released a “what you need to know” list. So, before you head out for some shopping and dining, you’ll need to read all the details and watch the video below from DisneyParksBlog. We’ll see you on the May 20th!

Wednesday, May 20, will be a great first step in the phased reopening of Walt Disney World Resort, as Disney Springs begins its initial reopening that morning. With the safety and well-being of our guests, cast members and third-party operating participants at the forefront of our planning, we are eager to begin welcoming you back to this part of Walt Disney World. While our theme parks and resort hotels remain temporarily closed, the phased reopening of Disney Springs is a welcome milestone as we navigate through this unprecedented time together as responsibly as we can.

Next week, many of our third-party operating participants will open their doors to Disney Springs guests. On May 27, three Disney-owned and -operated stores and venues will reopen: World of Disney, D-Luxe Burger (mobile order) and the Marketplace Co-Op. You can visit DisneySprings.com/reopening for the most current information on which locations are open.

Based on applicable government requirements, as well as guidance from health authorities such as the CDC and appropriate government agencies, we are implementing a number of new health and safety measures and operational changes. Rest assured, there is plenty of magic awaiting you at Disney Springs – it just may feel a bit different than before. Here is what you need to know prior to your arrival: 

  • Parking and Entrances: During this initial phase, guests will be directed to self-park in the Orange and Lime Garages. All surface lots will be closed. We will also reduce the number of entrances for Disney Springs to four locations: Orange and Lime Garages, along with the Hotel Plaza Boulevard pedestrian bridge and ride share location.
  • Appropriate Face Coverings: All guests 3 years of age and older, along with cast members and third-party operating-participant employees, will be required to wear an appropriate face covering while visiting Disney Springs. This is an important part of protecting both our guests and our cast. Please be sure you have an ample amount of face coverings for yourself and your party before you arrive, as you’ll need to wear them over your nose and mouth at all times (except when sitting at a dining table).
  • Temperature Screenings: Once you arrive at Disney Springs, you and your party will be required to undergo temperature screenings. Based on guidance from health authorities, anyone displaying a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher will be directed to an additional location for rescreening and assistance; those who again measure 100.4 degrees or higher will not be allowed entry, nor will those in their party. I encourage you to check temperatures of yourself and your party prior to leaving home, as an extra layer of precaution.  
  • Physical Distancing and Capacity Measures: To maintain appropriate physical distancing throughout Disney Springs during this initial phase, we will limit the number of guests visiting the property, as well as within each location. In addition, ground markings will help promote proper distancing when queuing is necessary. We will also add physical barriers in select places where it’s difficult to maintain physical distancing. 
  • Cleanliness: We’ve increased cleaning and disinfection procedures in high-traffic areas such as elevators and escalators, handrails, benches, tables, handles, restrooms and more. We will also have hand-washing stations and hand sanitizer available, and encourage you to use these frequently.
  • Cashless Transactions: We’re recommending you use cashless payment options whenever possible during your visit to Disney Springs, including debit cards, credit cards, Disney gift cards, etc. You can also opt for contactless payment options or use cash to purchase a Disney gift card at the Welcome Center and select merchandise locations. 

Our cast members are going through extensive new training as we all learn to adjust to these changing times together. To that end, we will have some cast members walking throughout Disney Springs to explain our new procedures and answer any questions you may have. They will also encourage everyone to follow these measures for the health and safety of us all. 

Everything we’re doing during this unprecedented time is in service of our guests, our cast members and our third-party operating participants, who will also be following these new guidelines in their locations. We are constantly monitoring conditions and best practices, and we continue to learn every day from health and government authorities. As a result, our operational changes and safety measures may change from time to time as circumstances evolve. We want to deliver all the Disney magic you know and love with safety, as always, our top priority. 

I understand this is a great deal of change to absorb, and I speak for all of us at Walt Disney World in thanking you for your cooperation and patience during this initial phase. Today’s world is different, and it’s going to require a shared responsibility, with everyone doing their part.

As a reminder, please visit DisneySprings.com/reopening for the most up-to-date information on available shopping and dining locations, operating hours, new safety procedures and more.

We’re looking forward to seeing you real soon!

Disney Springs Dining Reservations Cancelled For June On My Disney Experience

We’ve been tracking all of the third-party Disney Springs restaurant reopenings as they are announced for May 20, and while we were initially excited at the prospect of making reservations for June 1 and later, My Disney Experience has pulled all availability online and on the app, and informed guests with reservations that they have been cancelled.

Currently, restaurant reservations for the May 20 phased reopening are only available on OpenTable. Earlier this week, guests could book dining reservations directly via My Disney Experience for June 1 and later:

Now those same reservations have been pulled from the system:

Yesterday, it was announced that Disney-owned shops and eateries would reopen on May 27, however it seems they may still need to tweak the system to allow for limited capacity reservations. Other third-party restaurants, like Jaleo, have yet to announce a reopening date at all.

Starting July 1, dining reservations are open for nearly all restaurants on property. Walt Disney World Resort is currently only taking bookings for July 1st onward, with June reservations to be potentially cancelled on a week-by-week basis––in fact, the first week of June has already seen a wave of cancellations.

Restaurants reopening at Disney Springs on May 20 include Chicken Guy!, The Polite Pig, Wolfgang Puck Bar and Grill,  STK Orlando and Wine Bar George, which recently released a set of health and safety guidelines the restaurant would be adhering to during the phased reopening. This includes the use of digital menus and hand washing/sanitizing stations for employees and guests. You can read all of the guidelines here.

List of Disney Springs Restaurants Reopening May 20th

As we shared previously, phased reopening of Disney Springs will begin next week on Wednesday, May 20. Select Disney Springs restaurants are announcing they will be open with social distancing precautions in mind.

While dining reservations are not currently available for May 20 on My Disney Experience, you may find reservations available for restaurants via OpenTable. Dining reservations are open however beginning June 1 on My Disney Experience for Disney Springs restaurants only.

Please note that the list below continues to change. Double check the restaurant’s details prior to making plans to ensure the most up to date reopening requirements, date and dining times.

Restaurants that have announced their reopening on May 20 include:

  • 4 Rivers Barbacoa Truck
  • Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC
  • Haagen-Dazs
  • Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Co.
  • STK Orlando
  • The Polite Pig
  • Wine Bar George
  • Wolf Gang Puck Bar & Grill
  • YeSake Kiosk

According DisneySprings.com here is what to “Know Before You Go”:

Following the guidance of government and health officials, a limited number of shopping and dining experiences that are owned by third-party operating participants will begin to open during this initial phase. The rest of Walt Disney World Resort will remain closed, including theme parks and Disney Resort hotels.

As we continue to monitor conditions, and with the health of Guests and Disney Cast Members at the forefront of our planning, we are making several operational changes. 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. We will apply learnings and ideas from leaders in the health and travel industries, and we’re also talking to our unions as we prepare for some Cast Members to return to work.

During the initial opening phase, Disney Springs will have limitations on capacity, parking and operating hours. Given this unprecedented situation, we appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as we navigate through this process as responsibly as we can.

Disney Springs To Begin Phased Reopening On May 20th

We just learned some exciting news from Disney! Disney Springs in the Walt Disney World Resort area will begin phased reopening on May 20. See the details below as shared by DisneyParksBlog:

A phased reopening of Disney Springs will begin on May 20. Following the guidance of government and health officials, a limited number of shopping and dining experiences that are owned by third-party operating participants will begin to open during this initial phase. The rest of Walt Disney World Resort will remain closed, including theme parks and resort hotels.

As we continue to monitor conditions, and with the health of guests and Disney cast members at the forefront of our planning, we are making several operational changes. 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. 

We will apply learnings and ideas from leaders in the health and travel industries, and we’re also talking to our unions as we prepare for some cast members to return to work.  

During the initial opening phase, Disney Springs will have limitations on capacity, parking and operating hours. Given this unprecedented situation, we appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as we navigate through this process as responsibly as we can. Additional protocols and procedures may be announced closer to the opening date. Please check DisneySprings.com as we get closer to May 20 for the most current information on operating hours, locations and safety procedures.

Cirque Du Soleil Clears “Drawn To Life” Schedule Through June 2nd

Tomorrow would have been Cirque Du Soleil’s official debut of “Drawn to Life” at Disney Springs. However, after a wave of preview cancellations due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Cirque Du Soleil has now cancelled all performances through April and May, with the first performances now showing on the ticket calendar as starting on June 2.

Cirque du Soleil sent out the following advisory via email to current ticket holders:

Dear Cirque du Soleil Guest,

In light of current events, Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group is temporarily suspending the preview performances of Drawn to Life at Disney Springs. This action follows the postponement of numerous Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group shows worldwide in recent days and takes into consideration the most current recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as the escalation of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

From the very beginning of the new coronavirus outbreak, the Group took rigorous measures to protect its work teams and the public. Our priority has always been, and remains, the health and safety of our artists, our partners, our employees and our audiences. We will continue to monitor and assess the situation to determine when the show previews will start.

As the performance you purchased has been postponed, we are encouraging you to keep your tickets and contact us to exchange them for a future date.

All tickets that are not exchanged will be automatically refunded within 30 days of the performance.

If you have any questions about Cirque du Soleil resident shows, including Drawn to Life, please write to lasvegas.customerservice@cirquedusoleil.com

We appreciate your support and thank you kindly for your understanding.

Cirque du Soleil
Your Drawn to Life customer experience team