On the heels of today’s task force proposal, we are seeing statements from Disney directly to us about their plans moving forward into the phased reopening. And just as we guessed, they are starting to release more details about the decisions that they are making, apart from and more detailed than the framework that requires the approval of the task force, the mayor, and the governor.
The full text of the statement is HERE but the key details are:
- Pending Orange County and state approval, the proposal plans for Magic Kingdom Park and Disney’s Animal Kingdom to begin a phased reopening to the general public on July 11, followed by EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios on July 15.
- Limits on attendance and controlled guest density will align with guidance on physical distancing. As such, certain experiences that draw large group gatherings – such as parades and nighttime spectaculars – will return at a later date. In addition, “high-touch” experiences such as makeover opportunities, playgrounds and character meet and greets will remain temporarily unavailable, but characters will still be in the parks.
- Disney will manage attendance through a new theme park reservation system that will require all guests to obtain a reservation for park entry in advance. More details about this new reservation system will be available soon.
- At this time, Disney is temporarily pausing new ticket sales and Disney Resort hotel reservations to focus on guests with existing tickets and reservations. Disney Vacation Club members can still make new reservations. Existing ticket holders and Annual Passholders will be able to make reservation requests in phases before new tickets are sold. Disney will be reaching out to these guests soon to provide additional details. New ticket sales and hotel reservations will resume after that period of time.
- Disney Vacation Club resorts at Walt Disney World will reopen to members and guests and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground will begin to reopen on June 22. Disney Vacation Club resorts in Vero Beach, Florida, and Hilton Head, South Carolina, will also open to members and guests starting on June 15.
- In the coming weeks, Disney Stores will begin a phased reopening of operations globally, beginning with a select number of stores in the United States, Europe, and Japan.
- Cast members as well as guests 3 years of age and older will be required to wear appropriate face coverings in theme parks and common areas of resort hotels.
- All guests will also undergo temperature screenings prior to entering the theme parks. Cast members will also have temperature checks.
- Cashless transactions will be recommended.
- Additional information on enhanced health and safety measures and operational changes for reopening locations are under continuous review and will be shared soon.
