We’re seeing progress in Florida! Phase Two reopening for Florida begins Friday, June 5! Florida Governor, Ron DeSantis, spoke at Universal Orlando to make the announcement that Florida is advancing to Phase Two beginning June 5th.
According to WFTV: “DeSantis said 64 of Florida’s 67 counties are moving into the new phase. The counties not moving into the phase are Palm Beach County, Miami-Dade County and Broward County.”
What does Phase Two allow for? Phase Two will allow bars, nightclubs, bowling alleys and movie theaters to reopen at 50% capacity. This means bar-top seating will appropriate social distancing will be allowed. Retail businesses and gym can operate at full capacity. Tattoo parlors, tanning salons and massage establishments may also reopen.
What exactly does this mean for Walt Disney World? While Disney has yet to release an update regarding the announcement of Phase Two beginning Friday, we do know this can only help the phased reopening approach Disney is planning for July 11th (Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom) and July 15th (EPCOT and Hollywood Studios). Disney Springs began its phased reopening on May 20 with a second phase of reopening May 27. We can’t help but wonder if Florida opening of Phase Two will allow for the Disney Springs venues such as the movie theater and bowling alley to open soon!
What comes next? Well, after Phase Two is of course Phase Three which for the most part returns Florida back to normal. While we wait for Walt Disney World to reopen, we are keeping our fingers crossed that Florida will continue to have reduced cases of COVID-19 and reopening of local business and venues continues to rise!
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.
