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We’ve created a list of Walt Disney World Resort reopening guidelines, procedures, and other details that may affect your vacation.
The COVID-19 pandemic has really turned Disney World planning on its head! Things like FastPass+ reservations, dining, and even Extra Magic Hours have completely changed for 2020. In fact, so many of the things we’ve come to know about Disney theme parks may have changed forever.
To help you plan, we’ve created this page that breaks down the important new details. Disney’s website is a little confusing, especially with the wording, so our job is to give some clear answers and tips. We’ll regularly update this page as details are announced, so bookmark it and travel back if you’re planning a visit!
Walt Disney World Reopening Guidelines
Updated: July 12, 2020
Disney Springs Is Open
Walt Disney World’s phased reopening began with its shopping district, Disney Springs. Stores and restaurants are slowly reopening and depending on demand, some many require a reservation to access. So far, the World of Disney is the only store with massive lines, but those have since died down. Other popular spots (like Starbucks) have queues with markers that encourage social distancing. In tight spots like bridges, arrows may point for one-directional walking to encourage social distancing.
Disney Is Screening Guests
Visitors to the Walt Disney World Resort must undergo temperature checks before entering. Temperatures are checked with contactless thermometers that measure from the forehead. Furthermore, Disney asks that all guests with a fever or cold symptoms stay home.
Extra Sanitation Precautions
Disney World has placed several hand wash stations and hand sanitizers throughout the resort. Guests can find these at the entrances and exits of the rides and dining locations.
The Theme Parks Reopen Starting July 11th
The Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme parks reopen on July 11th to the general public. Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT reopen on July 15th. However, all theme parks will reopen with very limited capacity. Meaning that only 20-30% of the parks’ capacity will be allowed inside. As the weeks continue, Disney will let more guests into the parks each day. So far, waits have been significantly shorter due to low crowds! Furthermore, plexiglass and other barriers have been used to separate guests while waiting in queues.
Guests Need Reservations to Access the Theme Parks
Disney created an online reservation tool called the Disney Park Pass to help guests experience the parks. Click here to read more.
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Transportation
Most methods of transportation have reopened. The Disney Skyliner opens on July 15, but there’s still no word about the EPCOT monorail loop. Guests can take busses from the Resort hotels to the parks. At this time, trams from the parking lot to the gates are also unavailable. All methods of transport will have limited capacity to help with social distancing. For example, only one party will be allowed in a gondola at a time.
Phased Hotel Reopening
Walt Disney World Resort hotels will reopen in phases, beginning with Disney Vacation Club Resorts and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground on June 22nd. We list the reopening dates here.
FastPass+ Is Cancelled
For now, all Disney FastPass+ have been cancelled. Those with previous reservations will eventually receive e-mails with first access to the restaurants. We expect that Disney will use a virtual queue system sometime in the near future.
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Disney Dining Plan Is Cancelled
Since many of the dining experiences aren’t offered, Disney is refunding guests what they’ve paid for the Disney Dining Plan. We do expect that Disney will resume the Dining Plan later in 2020 or 2021.
Character Experiences and Shows Indefinitely Cancelled
To maintain social distancing, character meets and theatre shows won’t run at Walt Disney World. This included character breakfasts. Instead, expect to see characters in traveling parades, atop buildings, and greeting guests near Cinderella Castle. Select character experiences as Topolino Terrace (Riviera Resort) and Garden Grill (Epcot) will have modified greets while you eat.
Face Masks for Ages 2 and Up
The Walt Disney World Resort requires face coverings for all guests ages 2 and older. We’re very aware that keeping a mask on a 2-year-old child is virtually impossible. However, they are required to wear a face mask when in the common areas of the hotels and theme parks. Disney World is implementing “Relaxation Zones” for guests who wish to take a break from their face coverings while visiting the parks. Furthermore, guests are not required to use face coverings in dining areas, and tables will be placed to keep guests apart.
Keep in mind, our list isn’t totally complete and some information may need updating. As July 11th draws near, Disney will likely make changes and re-add reservations links. To get updates on Walt Disney World’s reopening and the reservation system, sign up for our free e-mail newsletter! You can also follow us on Instagram and Twitter.
