Hong Kong Disneyland Testing Soft Reopening With Cast Members

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

In the past couple of weeks, Hong Kong Disneyland has been making preparations for reopening. Temperature screening tents and social distancing markers similar to those seen at Shanghai Disneyland were installed recently. But now, it appears Hong Kong Disneyland is imminently set to be the second Disney park to reopen! According to user HKDL of Fantasy on Twitter, a soft reopening for Cast Members is taking place from May 19th through 21st.

Reportedly, this soft opening began yesterday, with Cast Members likely testing procedures for social distancing that will be used once Hong Kong Disneyland reopens, including temperature checks for guests before entering the park. There’s been a slow return to operations at Hong Kong Disneyland, similar to Shanghai’s pre-reopening. Character dining returned at the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel at the end of April, and reservations recently reopened for the Disney Explorer’s Lodge and Disney’s Hollywood Hotel on May 15th.

Disney Springs Reopens Today

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

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!

Governor DeSantis Announces Full Phase 1 Reopening May 18th

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced that starting May 18, businesses may enter a “Full” Phase 1 reopening.

WATCH LIVE: Press conference in Jacksonville regarding #COVID19 https://t.co/kKfDUfQZ3i

— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) May 15, 2020

Under this “full” Phase 1, restaurants can move up to 50% indoor capacity, with retail also moving up to 50% capacity, up from the initial 25% capacity. Gyms may reopen while respecting social distancing and maintaining high sanitation levels. Florida businesses (with the exception of West Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade County) first entered Phase 1 on May 4.

The Governor has also prompted theme parks to submit their reopening plans, but they will require endorsement from the Orange County Mayor. Movie theaters will remain closed.

Disney Springs will begin its phased reopening on May 20, with third-party restaurants and stores now able to abide by the new increased capacity limits. Starting on May 27, Disney-owned shops and eateries will also reopen under the new guidelines.

List of Disney Springs Restaurants Reopening May 20th

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Dining, Disney Parks

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.

Shanghai Disneyland President and GM Share A Message For all

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

Monday, May 11 will forever be a historic day for Shanghai Disneyland as it was the first Disney Park to reopen amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Closed for roughly 4 months now, the park is reopen with a phased capacity approach and operational guidelines. Joe Schott, President and General Manager of Shanghai Disney Resort, shares a message below via DisneyParksBlog to celebrate the magic of the day!

A Disney park is a place unlike any other – where we are transported to wondrous worlds of fantasy and adventure to create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.

Today, we marked a return to those worlds, as Shanghai Disneyland reopened its gates to welcome guests and fans.

For myself – and for our Shanghai Disney Resort cast members, who have taken great care to prepare the park for our guests – this is a very special moment. Making magic means even more to us today, as we reflect on the resilience of our community; our wonderful cast members who worked so diligently to preserve the park during the closure; the enthusiasm of our guests and fans; and, of course, the determination and dedication of the medical workers and first responders who helped to make this possible. 

For Shanghai Disney Resort, while this is a key step in our phased reopening, there are many more milestones to come for us and our sister parks around the world. I invite you to learn more about our approach to reopening our parks here.

Thank you all for helping the magic live on, in your homes and imaginations, during these challenging times. I hope you enjoy these moments of joy and excitement from the first day of our reopening at Shanghai Disneyland!