Select Walt Disney World Resorts reopened today, June 22. The next step is the phased reopening July 11 (Magic Kingdom & Animal Kingdom) and July 15 (EPCOT & Hollywood Studios). As Disney gears up for the big reopening, it seems Cast Members are petitioning otherwise as COVID-19 is re-surging in Florida.
According to the Orlando Sentinel, some Disney World workers are pleading with theme park executives to reconsider plans to reopen in July, following days of record-number cases of COVID-19 infections that have pushed the statewide total past 100,000. Reopening would mean bringing back tens of thousands of workers who were furloughed April 19 and since then have struggled to navigate Florida’s broken unemployment system. Still, workers who signed the petition said it’s too soon to welcome back guests.
“This virus is not gone, unfortunately, it’s only become worse in this state,” reads the petition, which was approaching 4,000 signatures Monday, a small showing of the resort’s 78,000 staffers. “While theme parks are a great way to relax and enjoy free time, it is a non-essential business; it is not fair to the people who work there to risk their lives, especially if they are at risk or have family members who are at risk. People are more important than making a profit. Mayors, theme park executives, government officials — please hear what we are saying.”
But with Disney set to start its phased-in reopening in just a few weeks, nearly four months after it voluntarily shut down on March 16, it’s unclear if executives will be swayed by the plea.
Disney also is facing pushback from Disneyland workers who over the past two weeks have collected nearly 45,000 signatures calling to delay the Anaheim, California, park’s reopening amid rising ICU hospitalizations.
Disney would not comment on whether there had been any discussions over postponing the Orlando return, but the parks have previously laid out the safety precautions, as well as the decision to give paid sick leave to workers who develop symptoms and need to quarantine.
Disney is preparing to open its Disney Vacation Club properties and Fort Wilderness Campground and Resort on June 22, 2020. We now have learned details on operation policies for the resorts and for dining. Now Disney has released details on what we can expect regarding the safety and cleanliness of the resorts. Check out all the details below.
Here are all the details from Katie Kelly, Vice President of Worldwide Safety Services:
Dear Guests,
As we look towards reopening our parks and resorts around the world, your wellbeing – and the wellbeing of our cast members – is one of our top priorities. In March, we began the phased reopening of Shanghai Disney Resort, and on May 20, we took another step as guests returned to shop and dine at Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort. Just as we’ve started making plans for our theme parks, we are also making plans for our hotels and Disney Vacation Club resorts. With that in mind, we wanted to share what you can expect when you book a stay at a Disney Resort hotel.*
As Disney’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Pamela Hymel shared in her previous update, our health and safety team has taken a close look at the experiences at our hotels, from resort and room cleaning to check-in, dining and entertainment, so you can have a magical visit with peace of mind. During your stay, you’ll find updates and enhancements made with health and safety in mind, in line with the guidance of health and government authorities.
At the Resort
Staying with confidence starts at check-in, with options to use Online Check-in service at select locations and meet your luggage at your room with redesigned bell services.
Throughout Disney Resort hotels, we’re increasing cleaning in high-traffic areas such as elevators and escalators, handrails, benches, tables, handles, restrooms, and more. We’ve also expanded the number of hand sanitizer locations across the property.
At our restaurants, lobbies, pools, fitness centers, and other public areas, we’re looking at adjusting services to enable preventive measures and physical distancing, including reducing capacity where appropriate and implementing enhanced cleaning measures.
We’re using technology to aid us in these efforts, with limited-contact services in place at our shopping and dining locations, with Mobile Order, cashless options and Magic Bands.***
In Your Room
Before arrival, every room will be given an enhanced cleaning. During your stay, a light cleaning service (including removal of trash and replenishment of towels and amenities) will be offered every other day.**
Our housekeeping cast members will receive training on increased cleaning measures throughout the resort hotel and for each guest room, including updated practices for cleaning tools and managing in-room amenities, linens, luggage, and more.
Of course, we all have an important role to play in promoting health and safety. We are asking our guests to help, by washing your hands frequently with soap and water; following physical distancing and other guidelines when you visit; and rescheduling your visit if you or a member of your party feel ill or are subject to quarantine or other travel restrictions.
We’ll share more information about the health and safety measures at Disney Resort hotels with you ahead of your visit – and continue to monitor the situation and make adjustments as appropriate.
While our new experience may be a little different from the last time you stayed with us, a magical and memorable visit awaits you at our Disney resort hotels. We’re looking forward to welcoming you – see you real soon!
Katie Kelly
Vice President of Worldwide Safety Services Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products
*Owned-and-operated Disney resorts. **Available at Walt Disney World Resort only. ***Disney Vacation Club members will receive their traditional housekeeping service.
In just two days Disney released a ton of information on the new theme park reservation system, updates on fall special events, attraction, and entertainment updates, MagicBands, and recreation such as special tours and experiences. We will be diving into these changes over the next several days. Keep reading to learn 20 details you might have missed from the recent news about Walt Disney World’s phased reopening.
1 – Disney Resort Guests Get the Perk of Getting Reservations First
Not surprisingly, Disney is giving its Disney Resort guest the first crack at theme park reservations. This is to be expected and the right thing to do for people with existing travel plans. Reservations for Disney Resort and other select hotel Guests with valid theme park admission can make reservations can begin to make reservations on Monday, June 22, 2020.
2 – Park Hopping is NOT Available While it has been rumored and expected, Disney confirmed that there till be no park hopping during the initial reopening phase. Guests will be able to select one park per day. Visiting more than one park per day will be temporarily unavailable upon the reopening of the theme parks due to attendance limitations. Disney hopes to bring back the ability to visit more than one park per day soon and will continue to offer these add-ons for 2021 ticket purchases.
3 – You’ll Need to Make Reservations for Each Day of Entry
When the reservation window opens, be prepared to make reservations for each day you want to visit. We recommend you start with your first choices first and then work your way down. So, if you want to visit Magic Kingdom on a particular day, try that first and then make reservations for the other parks in the order you want to visit.
4 – Annual Passholders May Only Reserve 3 Parks Days at a Time Unless You’re a Disney Resort Guest
Disney annual passholders are eligible to make park reservations on June 26. Note that you can only make theme park reservations for up to 3 days at a time. However, annual passholders staying at select Disney Resort or other select hotels with valid Theme Park admission are eligible to make theme park reservations for their entire resort length of stay.
5 – Existing Ticket Holders
Existing Ticket Holders without resort reservations can begin to make theme park reservations on June 28, 2020.
6 – Disney Resorts Will Have a Phased Reopening As Well
The Walt Disney World resorts will also undergo a phased reopening. Not all resorts will be reopening and the reopening of many is spaced out. Below is the tentative schedule listed on the Walt Disney World website.
Please note that given the fluidity of the current environment, these dates are subject to change and Guests’ reservations could still be modified to other Disney Resort hotels if needed.
July 10 – Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Contemporary Resort
July 29 – Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
August 12 – Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
August 24 – Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts
September 21 – Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
October 1 – Disney’s BoardWalk Resort
October 14 – Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
Given the current situation, there are some Disney Resort hotels and other areas that are not, as of this time, being scheduled for reopening yet.
7 – Spaceship Earth’s Refurbishment Has Been Delayed
Spaceship Earth was scheduled to close on May 26 for a lengthy refurbishment as part of the reimagining of Epcot. Disney has confirmed that they have paused its planned refurbishment and it will be available in its current state.
8 – Other Confirmed Attractions
Most attractions will be available at each park. Here are the confirmed major attractions that will be open.
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Space Mountain
Pirates of the Caribbean
Spaceship Earth
Frozen Ever After
Test Track
Soarin’ Around the World
Kilimanjaro Safaris
Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain
Avatar Flight of Passage
9 – Expect to See Characters in the Parks in Different but Familiar Ways
Disney Characters will still be in the parks to entertain and delight guests. From special cavalcades down the Magic Kingdom park parade route and friends sailing the waterways of Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park to processions along World Showcase promenade at EPCOT and motorcades on Hollywood Boulevard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, each area will come to life throughout the day. Disney characters have interacted with guests this way before. Click on the photos below from 2004 and 2005 to see the characters at Epcot and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
10 – 2021 Resort Packages and Tickets Available Soon
By June 28, all guests will be able to purchase new Disney Resort hotel packages and theme park tickets and make their park reservations for arrivals starting in 2021 as the phased reopening continues. Guests will be able to view park reservation availability on DisneyWorld.com prior to purchasing their tickets.
11 – The Reservation Window is through 2021
Park reservations will be available through September 26, 2021, based on your Resort stay and ticket eligibility or ticket eligibility window. This doesn’t necessarily mean that reservations will be required for that long. It simply means that as people book their 2021 packages and tickets, they can make their reservations right after they book. This gives guests the opportunity to book their theme park reservations well in advance and gives guests peace of mind that they will be able to visit the parks.
12 – 2020 Tickets and Reservations Opening Up Later This Summer
Later this summer, Disney will resume sales of 2020 tickets and Disney Resort hotel arrivals, based on availability of park reservations, while we continue to provide guests with existing tickets and annual passholders the opportunity to make park reservations for 2020 dates.
13 – Fall Special Events Canceled
With so many park experiences being temporarily suspended Disney announced that Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, the Eat to the Beat Concert Series, and H2O Glow Nights at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon have been canceled. Note that if you purchased Halloween Party tickets or H2O Glow tickets, refunds will be given.
14 – A Modified Food & Wine Festival Coming
A modified Epcot International Food & Wine Festival will kick off on July 15, when Epcot reopens. This shrunk down version will feature 20 global marketplaces (usually there are over 35) and will continue through the fall. As soon as we learn more about “Taste of Epcot International Food & Wine Festival”, we’ll update our audience.
15 – A New Epcot Scavenger Hunt is Coming to Epcot
Some floral fun from the Flower and Garden Festival will be around the modified Food & Wine Festival as well as Flower and Garden merchandise. For scavenger hunt fans, you can look forward to a new experience that celebrates the best of both festivals: Flower & Garden and Food & Wine.
16 – Christmastime Events are Safe – For Now
The good news is that no decision has been made about how Holiday Season events will be impacted or canceled. We’ll update you on this when we learn more.
17 – Tours, Special Dining Experiences, & Recreation Activities Impacted
We’ve already learned about certain resort activities being modified or canceled. But we also learned that miniature golf, surfing activities, spas, salons, and the Harmony Barbershop will be closed unavailable during the initial reopening period.
You might enjoy backstage tours such as Backstage Magic, Behind the Seeds, and Wild Africa Trek. Disney confirmed the park tours will be unavailable. We also got a definitive list of special dining and nature experiences that will be impacted.
18 – Complimentary MagicBand Distribution Ending in 2021
Complimentary MagicBands for Disney resort guests will end this year. Beginning with arrivals January 1, 2021, and beyond, resort guests will not receive a complimentary band. This is because a new system will be rolled out in the My Disney Experience app that will bring key features to your smart devices. Disney Resort hotel guests will continue to have the option to purchase new MagicBands at a discount, and Disney will be introducing even more colors and designs featuring favorite Disney characters in the future.
19 – Small Change in Disney Photo Pass Service
Note that to promote cleanliness, physical distancing, and reduced contact, Disney PhotoPass photographers will not handle Guests’ personal devices such as cellphones and cameras like they have in the past.
20 – Annual Passholders Will Have the Option to Cancel Their Passes or Get an Additional One-Month Extension
With all of the changes in the parks, many annual passholders have expressed concern about being able to enjoy the parks. Disney has now addressed those issues and is giving passholders either a one-month extension on their passes (on top of the four months the park was closed) or the option to cancel the pass. See the details below.
If you are an Annual Passholder that has paid in full, your options include:
You will receive a one-month extension to your pass (unless you choose one of the alternative options below). This additional month (on top of the four months the park was closed) will automatically be processed and visible in your My Disney Experience account in October 2020.
Alternatively, and in lieu of the one-month extension, Passholders who have paid in full may choose to cancel their annual pass and receive a partial refund.
If you are an Annual Passholder on the monthly payment plan, your options include:
You will receive an additional one-month extension to your pass (unless you choose the alternative option below). This additional month (on top of the four months the park was closed) will automatically be processed and visible in your My Disney Experience account in October 2020. Please note that monthly payments are scheduled to resume with park opening on July 11, 2020.
Alternatively, and in lieu of the additional month extension, Passholders on the monthly payment plan may choose to cancel their annual pass and waive their monthly payments due after August 11, 2020. Any payments made between July 11, 2020, and August 11, 2020, will be retroactively refunded for those that select this option and all future payments would be stopped.
We were thrilled to announce last week that the Walt Disney World resort hotels would be reopening to guests starting from July 11th. This date matches up with the reopening of Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom on the same date, and before the reopening of EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios on July 15th.
However, it has been revealed that the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin will not be reopening this early, as their website clearly points out that their closure will be effective right through July 29th.
All existing reservations to this hotel are being offered cancellation or changes without charge up to 24 hours prior to arrival, providing the modifications are made before the resort reopens on July 29th. If you do have a stay booked at the resort between now and then, we encourage you to contact your travel operator.
It is worth mentioning that the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin was one of the last resorts on property to close for the COVID-19 pandemic on March 24th, after slowly reducing operations down to just the Swan Wing as the Walt Disney World closures began to take effect.
Of all the things that Disney has to consider when preparing to reopen Disney World Parks & Resorts, dining issues are perhaps the most complex and present the most significant challenges to providing a safe experience for both guests and cast members. Since the official announcement of a July reopening, we’ve known some general information on changes coming to dining but had very little detail on how Disney would handle new reservations, character dining, etc. Disney has released further information answers many of our questions. Details are below.
Here is the information listed on the Walt Disney World Website:
1 – Changes and Enhancements to Dining
We’re committed to a responsible reopening of Walt Disney World Resort—and we’ve made some important updates and enhancements to our dining experiences based on guidance from health authorities, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and appropriate government agencies.
During the reopening period, many dining experiences may be modified or unavailable in order to promote cleanliness and physical distancing.
2 – What You’ll Need
Before you dine at Walt Disney World Resort, please be aware that you’ll need:
Face coverings for each Guest age 2 and up, which must be worn in all public areas—including while entering and exiting dining locations—and can be removed while eating or drinking
Planning to dine at a table-service restaurant in a Disney Resort hotel? A confirmed dining reservation is required for day Guests (those not staying overnight) and is highly recommended for Guests staying overnight at a Disney Resort hotel
Also, it’s highly recommended to have:
The latest version of the My Disney Experience app on your mobile device, with location services enabled
Cashless or contactless forms of payment
3 – In-Park Dining Reservations
At this time, dining reservations are not available. Reservations will resume at a later date.
When in-park dining initially becomes available, you’ll need valid park admission, a reservation for park entry and a dining reservation to dine at an in-park, table-service restaurant. Dining reservations do not guarantee admission to the park.
At this time, Disney dining plans cannot be added to reservations. Check back soon for more information.
6 – Booking Windows
While we plan for the reopening of our Disney Resort hotels and theme parks, we are keeping the well-being of our Guests and Cast Members in mind. At this time, dining and other experience reservations at the Walt Disney World theme parks and Disney Resort hotels are unavailable. We will reopen dining and experience bookings with more limited numbers closer to when the parks reopen. Select Disney Springs locations are currently open for bookings.
When reservations resume, Guests will be able to make dining and experience reservations up to 60 days in advance to allow guests to make their plans closer to their visits.
In addition, Disney Resort hotel Guests can make reservations up to 60 days in advance plus the length of their stay (up to 10 days).
Please note: 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, while other experiences may remain closed.
7 – Health & Hygiene
New measures have been implemented across Walt Disney World dining locations to promote health and hygiene, including:
Enhanced Cleaning: We’ve increased cleaning in high-traffic areas such as public elevators and escalators, handrails, benches, tables, handles, restrooms and more. Additionally, seating areas, dining areas and pagers will be cleaned between Guests.
Reduced-Contact Menus: Menus will be shared in ways to minimize contact. At quick-service restaurants, menus will be displayed on signage. And at table-service restaurants, you can scan a code with your mobile device to access the digital menu.
Self-Serve Changes: Beverages and other items that were previously self-serve will instead be served by Cast Members.
8 – Enhanced Technology
Use convenient technologies to minimize your contact with others:
Mobile Order Service: A time-saving feature of the My Disney Experience app, mobile order service enables you to order ahead at select dining locations and pick up food during a designated arrival window.
Scannable Codes for Select Restaurant Menus: While at a table-service restaurant, you can use your own mobile device to scan a code for access to the digital menu.
Cashless Payments: At this time, it is recommended all Guests use cashless payment options, including debit cards, credit cards and Disney Gift Cards. Guests can also opt for contactless payment options—such as mobile wallets—or use cash to purchase a Disney Gift Card at Guest Relations and select merchandise locations. Disney Resort hotel Guests can also use MagicBands to charge their purchase to their Disney Resort hotel folio.
9 – Dining Experiences
Additional changes to Walt Disney World dining experiences include:
Menu items may vary. For specific menu information, check the restaurant’s online menu when the restaurant reopens.
Character Dining will not be offered during the initial reopening, with the exception of a modified Character Dining experience at Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera.
Dinner shows will not be offered during the initial reopening.
Dining locations will be limited in capacity. Some locations will remain temporarily closed.
Private dining and in-room delivery will not be offered during the initial reopening window.
Mobile order service will be offered at select quick-service dining locations throughout the Walt Disney World theme parks (when open), Disney Springs and select Disney Resort hotels.
10 – Modifications, Cancellations, and Refunds
We understand how much excitement, thought and time goes into planning your visits to Walt Disney World Resort and realize some of these changes may be disappointing. Please know we will be here to help you, as our Cast remains focused on delivering magical experiences and incredible storytelling for everyone who visits.
During this unprecedented period, some of our policies and offerings have been modified:
All pre-paid dining and experience reservations impacted by the closure will be automatically refunded.
Reservations made at locations impacted by the closure will not be charged a cancellation or no-show fee.
We have made the difficult decision to cancel and temporarily no longer offer Disney dining plans. If you have an existing Resort package with a Disney dining plan, we will update your reservation to reflect the removal of the dining plan from your package. The package price will be adjusted accordingly. You will receive a refund if you have already paid in full or a reduction in amount due if you have not yet made final payment.
11 – Tables in Wonderland
All active Tables in Wonderland Memberships will be extended for the number of days the parks are closed.
Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Whispering Canyon Cafe
Roaring Fork
Geyser Point Bar & Grill
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
Sanaa
Kidani Breakfast at Sanaa
Sanaa Lounge
Maji Pool Bar
Disney’s Beach Club Villas
Beaches and Cream Soda Shop
Beach Club Marketplace
Martha’s Vineyard
Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
Trattoria al Forno (this excludes Character Dining, which is temporarily unavailable)
Pizza Window
BoardWalk Bakery
Leaping Horse Libations
AbracadaBar
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
P&J’s Southern Takeout
Meadow Snack Bar
Crockett’s Tavern
Disney’s Old Key West Resort
Olivia’s Café
Good’s Food to Go
Gurgling Suitcase
Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
Kona Cafe
Capt. Cook’s
Pineapple Lanai
Barefoot Pool Bar
Disney’s Riviera Resort
Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera (please note that the Character Dining experience will be modified)
Primo Piatto
Le Petit Café
Bar Riva
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort
The Artist’s Palette
The Paddock Grill
On the Rocks Pool Bar
The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
Grand Floridian Cafe
Gasparilla Island Grill
Enchanted Rose
Beaches Pool Bar & Grill
13 – Modifications, Cancellations, and Refunds
We understand how much excitement, thought and time goes into planning your visits to Walt Disney World Resort. Please know we will be here to help you, as our Cast remains focused on delivering magical experiences and incredible storytelling for everyone who visits.
During this unprecedented period, some of our policies and offerings have been modified:
All pre-paid dining and experience reservations impacted by the closure will be automatically refunded.
Reservations made at locations impacted by the closure will not be charged a cancellation or no-show fee.
We have made the difficult decision to cancel and temporarily no longer offer Disney dining plans. If you have an existing Resort package with a Disney dining plan, we will update your reservation to reflect the removal of the dining plan from your package. The package price will be adjusted accordingly. You will receive a refund if you have already paid in full or a reduction in amount due if you have not yet made final payment.
