RE-OPENING! -- all resorts will open by year-end

[lanejudy]

WDW will be re-opening! Let's keep this thread for confirmed details about re-opening. So much is buried on other forums, I thought maybe we could keep this easier to find for our disABILITIES folks.

Announced 5/27/2020:

• Disney's Vero Beach and Hilton Head resorts will open to members and guests on June 15th.
• DVC resorts at WDW will open to members and their guests on June 22nd.
• Fort Wilderness Campground will open to guests on June 22nd.
• The remaining WDW resorts will may open to guests on July 11th. (ETA: the original wording of this has since been removed from WDW's website) it is now expected that other resorts will likely open in phases, with probably only deluxe resorts, DVC resorts and the campground open for the mid-July re-opening
• WDW Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom will open July 11th.
• WDW EPCOT and Hollywood Studios will open July 15th.

Announced 5/28/2020:

• The FP+ will not be in use for the foreseeable future
• ADRs will be on a 60-day basis going forward, instead of 180 days this has not started yet, currently the ADR system is unavailable
• The Dining Plan is no longer offered or available, likely for all of 2020 and at least most of 2021
• EMH will be temporarily suspended

More info 6/6/2020:

• Those with reservations in June/early July prior to park opening are receiving emails to confirm, cancel or modify their reservations. Modifications can only be made to DVC resorts or Fort Wilderness. Free upgrade if you don't change dates, paid upgrade for any change in dates. Packages will have tickets refunded.
• No Club Level for the foreseeable future.
• At WDW, only DVC resorts (the DVC side, not the hotel side) and Fort Wilderness are opening as of 6/22/2020. When allowed, any modifications allowed to current reservations are restricted to these resorts.
• Guests subject to quarantine or isolation orders are not allowed on property (no isolation at your WDW resort).
• As previously noted, health screenings (temp checks) will take place, and face coverings are required for ages 2+. still no mention of accommodations
• Disney's Magical Express is available.
• Minnie Van service is not available.
• Valet parking is not available except for those with HA tags/plates needing assistance.
• Self-park is available. no mention of waiving fees so if you upgrade to higher level resort I recommend being prepared for the higher parking fee until we hear otherwise
• It is highly recommended to utilize online check-in to avoid the front desk.
• Housekeeping will be limited. Thorough cleanings between guests, and light service every other day during your stay. You may decline housekeeping if you do not want it; reservations with multiple rooms will be opting-out for all rooms in their party. (guests staying on DVC points will have the usual 4th day and 8th day service schedule)
• Room checks may still occur - nothing specific about this other than the usual disclaimer that WDW reserves the right to enter any room even with the occupied sign.
• Bell Services will deliver luggage but will not escort guests.
• No Club-level service.
• Deliveries will only be made to occupied rooms. no clarification if that also includes DME luggage delivery
• No in-room celebrations.
• No dry-cleaning or valet laundry service. Self-service laundry will be available.
• Complimentary transportation to/from Disney Springs and theme parks (once opened) will be available. rumor is no Skyliner but not confirmed at this time
• No shipping services from resorts. No package delivery from parks/DS to resort.
• RAC may not be available.
• Pools: leisure pools will be open 24/7; feature pools may have reduced hours; pools will operate with reduced capacity. Stormalong Bay will NOT be open during the initial opening phase. SAB is open; be aware of capacity restrictions at resort pools, you may need to join a waitlist to enter

Health and safety measures will be in effect through-out WDW property (parks, resorts, Disney Springs):

• face coverings required for ages 2 and up (note the lower age range has been changed) update: as of April 8, 2021 - masks may be removed temporarily for outdoor pictures while stationary and socially-distanced update as of May 14, 2021 - face coverings optional in outdoor common areas and pool decks
• temperature screenings at DS and theme parks update: as of May 16, 2021 no more temperature screenings
• physical distancing and limited contact
• cashless transactions/contactless pay options available
• theme park admission by reservation - more details still to come

Further info about the health-screenings was posted 6/16/2020. It looks very similar to what many office buildings require for employees to return to work and also many medical/dental offices for those arriving for appointments:
Health Acknowledgement

Please make sure that you have reviewed any advisories or restrictions that may be in place for travel to Florida. Visit https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/travelers/ for information. By entering Walt Disney World Resort, you are confirming that you and all persons in your party :

• are not experiencing any of the following symptoms of COVID-19 identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at CDC.gov, including:
  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea
• have not been in contact with someone with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 symptoms without completing a 14-day quarantine
• are not under any self-quarantine orders

Guests who cannot confirm all of the above criteria must not enter Walt Disney World Resort.

Tickets:

• As of 6/17/2020, WDW is extending Annual Passes by ~4 months (117 days). I believe there is (was?) an option for reimbursement of the closure period; I haven't heard anyone receiving that yet. But expiration dates have started to be extended.
• Most other tickets have already been extended through 9/26/2021. That includes standard date-based tickets and military Salute tickets. No word yet on FL Discovery tickets (I believe they were previously extended to 9/30/2020) or Flexible tickets which currently have an expiration of 12/31/2020.
• No info yet about Park-Hopper or the Plus, Waterparks or Sports options. updated 1/1/21 park-hopping will be allowed after 2pm, no park reservation necessary for the 2nd/subsequent park but required tap-in at 1st park with reservation; Blizzard Beach opens 3/7/2021 and hopper+ is now available for purchase or single-day waterpark tickets

Announced 6/19/2020: NEW Parks Reservation System will debut on June 22nd

Booking Dates for Park Reservations

The Disney Park Pass system will be available soon to select Guests went live on 6/22/2020. So far, capacity doesn't appear to be a challenge except for some of the very first opening dates.

Starting 6/28, the regular resort reservation system and ticket sales will be opened for 2021 dates. Guests can view park reservation availability prior to booking.

Later this summer, ticket sales and resort bookings for 2020 will resume. 2020 tickets are now available, see below. Resort reservations are also available but only for resorts open or with a noted future opening date. As of yet, some resorts do not have a planned re-opening.


posted 6/21/2020
Those with resort reservations in 2020 should call WDW beginning tomorrow (6/22) to find out your options. Various resorts are opening on a phased schedule this summer and fall, and some resorts may be closed during your dates. I'm not going to list the resorts and dates because I have seen at least 2 versions of this today - plus the website indicates the situation is fluid and may change. Here's the link:
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/experience-updates/resorts/

confirmed 6/29/2020
I just posted this on the face mask thread:

It has been confirmed by a CM currently training on the new park rules: NO EXCEPTIONS to the mask rule. CMs have been told to be strict. There will be "no mask" zones where people can take a break if need be.​

(https://www.disboards.com/threads/wdw-covid-19-operations-info-thread.3795738/page-392#post-62078085)​

It has also been confirmed that a face mask MUST have ear loops or ties. No gaiters will be allowed, even those with ear loops. (confirmed 7/9/2020)

Booking ADRs and other Experiences:
Those with reservations through Sept 2nd who had ADRs cancelled -- ADRs will open tomorrow (6/30/2020) for a 60-day window to rebooked your ADRs in advance of it opening to the public. I'm not sure when it opens to the public, but the advanced access opens 6/30 (for a 60-day window).

Similarly, if you had another "experience" cancelled - reservations will open June 30th for the following:
During this initial window, Guests can check availability for the following experiences:

Magic Kingdom Park:

• Capture Your Moment photo experience

Disney’s Hollywood Studios:

• Droid Depot

Walt Disney World Resort Hotels:

• Ft. Wilderness Archery Experience
• Horseback riding
• Wilderness Back Trail Adventure
• Fishing excursions
• Private pool cabanas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

2020 Resort Reservations and Tickets
are now available. Note that tickets are limited to 7-days for 2020, instead of the usual 10-day tickets. This includes adding additional days to currently-held tickets. Park-hopper and Waterparks/Sports options are still not available for 2020 tickets.


Disney's Magical Express
DME is running between MCO and WDW resorts. Be aware starting 7/16/2020 there is no baggage service and guests will need to grab their own luggage at the MCO carousel and bring to DME where it will travel with you under the bus. WDW will have assistance available for unloading and storing luggage on arrival.
No Resort Airline Check-in program yet.


RELAXATION STATION LOCATIONS
These are areas where guests may remove their face coverings within the parks. Social distancing is still required within these locations. Possible limit of 30 minutes, but that doesn't seem to be officially posted. Hand sanitizer is available at the entrances.

MK has 3 locations:

• Adventureland - between Adventureland and Frontierland, next to A Pirates Adventure: Treasures of the Seven Seas and near the (closed) Golden Oak Outpost dining - allowing some tables to be used for the relaxation station
• Tomorrowland - at the Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant, which is currently closed for dining; this location is open air but also has A/C vents
• Fantasyland - at Pete's Silly Sideshow in Storybook Circus since there are no character greets; this is a completely indoors, air-conditioned with some tables/seating and other circles designating areas for groups to stand

AK has 2 locations:

• Discovery Island - at the (closed) Pizzafari, allowing use of some tables and chairs; this location has A/C
• Asia - near the entrance to Up! A Great Bird Adventure named Upcountry Landing, with tables and chairs, overlooking the waterway; bonus is ability to see some character cavalcades from here

DHS has 2 locations:

• Star Wars Launch Bay (This is an inside air-conditioned location that served as a character meet and greet located in the Animation Courtyard)
• Near Rise of the Resistance (This is an open air location that will be located near the Rise of the Resistance ride)

EPCOT has 2 locations:

• Akershus Royal Banquet Hall (This is an inside air-conditioned location that served as a character dining location in Norway in the World Showcase)
• Yorkshire County Fish Shop (This is an open air outside location located in the UK Pavilion in World Showcase)
• Between Mission Space and Test Track (This is an open air outside location located in Future World East)

DISNEY SPRINGS has 1 location:

• near part of the M&F tram loading area

These locations are marked on the park maps, which are available on the app (if you like hard-copy maps, like I do, you may want to print and bring with you because I think I read they do not have hard-copies available).


TRANSPORTATION

• Disney's Magical Express is operating between MCO and the open WDW resorts. However, there is no luggage service available. On arrival at MCO, guests must collect their own checked bags from the baggage carousel and bring those to the DME check-in. Your bags will be placed underneath the bus on which you ride. Once at your resort, there will be Bell Services assistance to store your bags until your room is ready; bags will not be delivered to unoccupied resort rooms, so you need to call once you are there. I believe there are specific loading procedures in place, including assigned seating, to allow for social distancing on the bus.

Similarly, no RAC (resort airline check-in) program at this time. Guests with later DME departures may leave bags with Bell Services; be sure to remember to collect them and bring them to meet your DME bus for return to the airport. I recommend allowing a little extra time in case Bell Services is busy. You will then need to check your bags at MCO.​

• Buses are running, with limited occupancy. Each bus has been divided into 6 "zones" of 5-6 seats, with 1 party per zone. There is also a limit of 1 ECV/wheelchair per bus unless multiples within the same traveling party. Buses have reportedly been running more frequently due to the capacity limits.
• Monorail cars have also been partitioned between the front and back section of each car. I've read conflicting reports as to whether it may be possible to have another party in the same section with you -- with each party directed to a specific bench. The EPCOT line is not running at this time.
• Skyliner is also operating, limiting each gondola car to 1 party.
• Water taxis are limited, running between MK and Wilderness Lodge and the Campgrounds. No water taxi service from Poly, GF or CR/BLT at this time.
• Friendship Boats will resume Nov. 1st running between Epcot and DHS and the area resorts at this time.
• The boats to Disney Springs are also not running at this time.
• Ferry from TTC to MK is running with social distancing markings.
• Minnie Van service is not operating at this time.
• Swan/Dolphin no longer utilize the WDW resort bus system, they now use off-site shuttle bus stops.

Announced 7/27/2020: Changes to Resort re-opening dates

Resort	Original opening	New opening
Caribbean Beach Resort	July 29	July 29, 2020
Yacht Club Resort	Aug 24	Aug 24, 2020
Beach Club Resort	Aug 24	May 30, 2021
Grand Floridian Resort	Sept 21	Sept 21, 2020
Boardwalk Inn	Oct 1	TBD July 2, 2021
Polynesian Village Resort	Aug 12	Oct 4, 2020 July 19, 2021
Coronado Springs Resort	Oct 14	Oct 16, 2020
Art of Animation Resort	Aug 12	Nov 1, 2020
All Star Movies	n/a	Feb 9, 2021 Mar 22, 2021
Wilderness Lodge	n/a	Jun 6, 2021
Animal Kingdom Lodge (and the Villas - Jambo House)	n/a	Aug 26, 2021
All Star Music	n/a	Sept. 16, 2021
Port Orleans - Riverside	n/a	Oct. 14, 2021
Port Orleans - French Quarter	n/a	Oct. 28, 2021
All Star Sports	n/a	Dec. 9, 2021

Future opening dates continue to be subject to change.


October 14th NEWS: Resort reservations are now available through the end of 2021, with parks-reservations available through mid-January 2022. It is currently limited to the resorts already opened or or with scheduled re-opening dates, and apparently not all views are available at this time. No further word on re-opening of closed resorts.


November 20th NEWS: Park hopping to return January 1, 2021
Hopping will return the first of the new year. 2pm until close at each park. While no park reservation will be required for the 2nd park, as always ability to hop will be dependent on capacity limitations. The announcement does state that park reservation requirements are subject to change, which leaves me thinking they may require one at some point in the future. I presume MDE will note if a park is at capacity.



Let's keep the speculation on other threads so this can be a resource for actual re-opening confirmed details. I'll update this post as more is known.

 

[bluecruiser]

Just to clarify for other non-WDW DVC resorts: Aulani and VGC at Disneyland do not have reopening dates yet.

 

[lanejudy]

Just to clarify for other non-WDW DVC resorts: Aulani and VGC at Disneyland do not have reopening dates yet.

Thanks, I'll specify in the first post.

 

[KPeveler]

I am so excited to be able to get back to the parks! I know it will not be the "same" as before, but I am fine with that. I just need some pixie dust in my life!

 

[lanejudy]

So there isn't a lot of firm details yet but some info has been posted:

Currently all resort reservations and ticket sales have been temporarilyi suspended while WDW can "focus on Guests with existing tickets" and "existing reservations." This is expected to be back up within the next few days. WDW will allow those with current plans and APs to make reservation requests before allowing more ticket sales or reservations.

No specific word on capacity limitations but expect admission, controlled by an "advanced reservation" system which will designate the park you intend to visit on which date.

No parades or fireworks, character meet & greets or make-overs. Some shows may remain closed. Playgrounds will be closed. ESPN WWoS and mini-golf will remain closed.

Park hours were recently updated and appear to be 10 hours per park, with staggered open/close times. These times may or may not adjust.

Face coverings will be required for guests age 3+ age 2+ and there will be temperature screenings. Physical distancing will be in effect.

 

[RaySharpton]

Hi, lanejudy.

Thanks for posting this info.

So there isn't a lot of firm details yet but some info has been posted:

Currently, all resort reservations and ticket sales have been temporarily suspended while WDW can "focus on Guests with existing tickets" and "existing reservations." This is expected to be back up within the next few days. WDW will allow those with current plans and APs to make reservation requests before allowing more ticket sales or reservations.

Although I can only hope I can go to WDW in December, I'm glad I made my Pop Century Resort roll-in shower standard room and BWV Resort roll-in shower standard room reservations as early as I could.

I still haven't decided to make a 4-night DCL reservation, I haven't been in over a decade.

But no one knows what the SARS CoV 2 or my health will be like.

At least my Gold Annual Pass will be extended past my dates and will save me a lot of money. My annual pass usually expires when I arrive in December. Right now, I'm not sure I will renew again. I'll have to wait and see.

No specific word on capacity limitations but expect admission, controlled by an "advanced reservation" system which will designate the park you intend to visit on which date.

Oh, I wonder how restrictive and hard to obtain that will be?

I usually plan my dining reservations and Fast Pass+ as early as possible.

I wonder if it will be as hard to get a park day reservations as it was some dining and FP+ reservations.

I know in the past, who knows now; I could make different reservations,

****490 DAYS BEFORE TO START WDW RESORT RESERVATIONS

****11-MONTHS BEFORE TO START DVC RESORT RESERVATIONS

****180 DAYS BEFORE TO START DINING RESERVATIONS

****??? DAYS BEFORE TO START PARK RESERVATIONS

****60 DAYS START FP+ RESERVATIONS

I guess we will see what the new changes for everything will eventually in the future.

No parades or fireworks, character meet & greets or make-overs. Some shows may remain closed. The playgrounds will be closed. ESPN WWoS and mini-golf will remain closed.

Some of my favorite things to watch and do when I go to WDW every December.

No nightly fireworks.

Now not even one parade after they stopped all my favorite parades.

No large audience shows, especially at night at MK & AK & DHS.

And I even hate to think about all of the December Christmas Holiday fireworks, parades & large audience shows.

I'm still going to keep my plans for this December just because I like the way it makes me feels.

I mean...I still went even though WDW stopped the nightly parades and DHS Christmas Lights street and many more things

Park hours were recently updated and appear to be 10 hours per park, with staggered open/close times. These times may or may not adjust.

I can understand this, but with shorter hours I can possibly see the park openings being as crowded as park closings when trying to get bus with only two wheelchair spaces. And the resort bus resort queues aren't as robust as the park queues. I remember leaving DHS when they were constructing the new bus area. When leaving DHS, the unofficial Pop bus queue line weaved back a temporary sidewalk through construction all the way down by the lake and sidewalk to BWV resort.

Face coverings will be required for guests age 3+ and there will be temperature screenings. Physical distancing will be in effect.

Yep. That should be interesting at shorter park hours at opening and closings.

I wonder if most guests will stay the whole 10-hours so they get their money's worth since they can't park hop. Or go in the morning then take a break and then come back later that evening. I mean they could still do that. But would they if the park 10-hours were, for example, 8:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.

From MyDisneyExperience.

Disney World has updated their parks hours for when they reopen.
Magic Kingdom 9am to 7pm
Epcot 11am to 9pm
DHS 10am to 8pm
AK 8am to 6pm

 

[lanejudy]

@RaySharpton there are a lot of variables and a lot of changes expected. I absolutely expect that what is put in place now for the re-opening will change somewhat over time, so keep an eye on it but know that by December things could be different.

 

[Groot]

What does this mean for the Park Hopper option?

 

[lanejudy]

What does this mean for the Park Hopper option?

Nothing has been released, but assuming one must have an advanced reservation to enter a park, the general consensus is that park-hopping is likely not an option. At least for the initial re-opening. Hopefully there will be more info coming out about tickets.

 

[fabfemmeboy]

Nothing has been released, but assuming one must have an advanced reservation to enter a park, the general consensus is that park-hopping is likely not an option. At least for the initial re-opening. Hopefully there will be more info coming out about tickets.

Yeah, they're taking what worked great at a mostly-local park with one gate and trying to apply it to a non-local park with 4 gates which is going to be...interesting. I suspect you're right that there won't be park-hopping at least at first, but even then: having to pick which park you're going to each day with no ability to deviate if you get to the bus in the morning and realize the crowd is enormous (which we've done more than once)?

Another option I've seen but not heard any confirmation on would be essentially to reserve your ability to go to ANY park that day. So instead of reserving one of 25,000 spaces at MK that day, you're reserving one of 82,000 spaces in the parks for that day. As people come in and out, you may not be able to enter the particular park you want to - the same way that you may not be able to enter MK after a certain point on NYE because it's too full.

The other big question I have that I haven't seen addressed or even hinted-at is what if anything they're doing about MNSSHP this year. Tickets still appear to be onsale, but they're not having parades or fireworks or meet-and-greets which are the entire point of doing the party. Maybe they're hoping everything will be "normal" by September, but that seems ridiculous given everything...

 

[RaySharpton]

Hi, lanejudy.

I agree. I hope it does get better for eveyone.

@RaySharpton there are a lot of variables and a lot of changes expected. I absolutely expect that what is put in place now for the re-opening will change somewhat over time, so keep an eye on it but know that by December things could be different.

Nothing has been released, but assuming one must have an advanced reservation to enter a park, the general consensus is that park-hopping is likely not an option. At least for the initial re-opening. Hopefully there will be more info coming out about tickets.

That is how I read park reservation for a day.

I liked spending a few hours in the park with the option to go to another park at nighttime.
It sounds like, for now, that won't happen.

Hi, fabfemmeboy.

I was wondering about when you would be able to reserve a park. I didn't think about the day before.

I don't know about MNSSHP. I probably pay the premium to attend MVMCP with no fireworks, parade, etc.

Yeah, they're taking what worked great at a mostly-local park with one gate and trying to apply it to a non-local park with 4 gates which is going to be...interesting. I suspect you're right that there won't be park-hopping at least at first, but even then: having to pick which park you're going to each day with no ability to deviate if you get to the bus in the morning and realize the crowd is enormous (which we've done more than once)?

Another option I've seen but not heard any confirmation on would be essentially to reserve your ability to go to ANY park that day. So instead of reserving one of 25,000 spaces at MK that day, you're reserving one of 82,000 spaces in the parks for that day. As people come in and out, you may not be able to enter the particular park you want to - the same way that you may not be able to enter MK after a certain point on NYE because it's too full.

The other big question I have that I haven't seen addressed or even hinted-at is what if anything they're doing about MNSSHP this year. Tickets still appear to be onsale, but they're not having parades or fireworks or meet-and-greets which are the entire point of doing the party. Maybe they're hoping everything will be "normal" by September, but that seems ridiculous given everything...

 

[RaySharpton]

Chapek Speaks Out on Reopening: The Proposed Date, Challenges, and The ‘Silver Lining’

As the news around Walt Disney World’s proposed reopening July 11th continues to pour in, guests are wondering just what awaits them when visiting the Theme Parks this summer. In a new interview with Good Morning America, Disney CEO Bob Chapek talks about reopening, how they arrived at their proposed date, wait times, and more!

Walt Disney World is planning to reopen their theme parks slowly and cautiously. The first parks to open will be Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom on July 11, followed by Hollywood Studios and Epcot on July 15.

In a new interview with Good Morning America, Disney CEO Bob Chapek talked about how Disney arrived at their proposed reopening date.

[QUOTE“Well, its really a function of working backwards in terms of all the things that we can sort of forecast, how much time we need to open up responsibly, and our procedures will have to change dramatically. There is going to be a lot more training, a lot more sanitation, more hygiene, and of course social distancing.“ ][/QUOTE]

“Disney Theme Parks are very well planned out as you know in terms of trying to make sure we can handle guests in a way that is going to create those magical memories. When something changes as substantively as six feet social distancing, you essentially have to re-engineer your people part of the business, and that is what we are going to be doing.”

“We are also going to be introducing a brand new reservation system, and these things take time. What we want to do is get it right the first time, make steady progress, and eventually be able to accommodate more and more guests in the way that they are accustomed to.“

When asked what will happen with wait times, Chapek responded, “I think that’s going to be the silver lining. For those folks that are lucky enough to get in that new reservation system, it’s going to be quite a magical day.”

“You’ll see a lot more areas that are taped off, and that are going to specify what six feet actually look like in the park. You’re going to see a lot less density than you normally might see at a Disney Park. While not everything inside the park will be open, most things will be open. That will, of course, do the math, its going to turn into a much shorter wait time.”

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=251122325952066

“I think the biggest challenge in reopening the park is the inherent sense of trust that the community places within Disney. That is a bond, that is a contract that we would never ever want to violate. Knowing that there is going to be some implicit risk in doing almost anything in a post COVID world, we need to make sure that when we do open up, we are doing it very conservatively, in a very measured way.”

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=264336718242431

.

 

[RaySharpton]

Verbiage for Resort Reopening Date Taken Down from Disney World Website

The information about when Disney World Resort hotels plan to reopen has been taken down from the website. Could this mean we no longer have a set reopening date for the resorts?

...many questions. When would the resorts reopen? What exactly is this reservation system?

...additional information regarding the reopening of resorts, the reservation system (though not much but still a start), DVC contracts, and even some answers to frequently asked questions.

Wed, May 27, 2020 Plans Unveiled for the Phased Reopening of Walt Disney World Resort Theme Parks, Resort Hotels and Disney Stores Thomas Smith by Thomas Smith, Editorial Content Director, Disney Parks

Throughout these past few months, we’ve been touched by the outpouring of support from our guests and fans around the world who’ve shared their favorite Disney memories and even replicated their favorite attractions at home. Everyone who has ever visited a Disney theme park has their own special connection to these magical worlds and the amazing cast members who bring that magic to life.

Following the recent reopening of Shanghai Disney Resort and Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort, we’re pleased to share that more Disney magic is coming back. Today, we submitted a proposal to the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force in Florida describing our approach for a phased reopening of Walt Disney World Resort theme parks planned to begin on July 11.

Pending Orange County and state approval, our Walt Disney World Resort 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. In preparing to reopen during this unusual time, we have to manage our theme parks in a very different way from what we’ve known before. As we begin to reach out to our cast members and call them back to work, they will be focused on operating our parks in a responsible way that continues to give our guests opportunities to create magical Disney memories.

This phased reopening will demonstrate a deliberate approach, with limits on attendance and controlled guest density that aligns with guidance on physical distancing. That means certain experiences we know 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 our parks to entertain and delight our guests.

Because theme park capacity will be significantly limited as we welcome guests back to the magic, we will manage attendance through a new theme park reservation system that will require all guests to obtain a reservation for park entry in advance. At this time, we are temporarily pausing new ticket sales and Disney Resort hotel reservations so we can 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; we’ll be reaching out to these guests soon to provide additional details. We will resume new ticket sales and hotel reservations after that period of time. Theme park reservations will be limited due to attendance limitations and will be subject to availability. More details about this new reservation system will be available soon.

Additionally, 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. Plans to support required physical distancing as well as enhanced cleaning measures, along with a number of other safety and cleanliness protocols, will be implemented as part of this planned phased reopening.

Today, our World of Disney retail shop reopened at our Disney Springs shopping and dining complex at Walt Disney World. And 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, in addition to stores in Europe and Japan.

We’re looking forward to reopening our theme parks, Disney Resort hotels and stores and doing so in a responsible way. In this spirit, our destinations will continue to follow enhanced safety protocols based upon applicable guidance from health authorities and government agencies. As we all must work together to promote the health and safety of everyone, 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 a theme park; cast members will also have temperature checks. Cashless transactions are recommended, and cleaning and disinfection procedures will be increased in high-traffic areas.

Additional information on enhanced health and safety measures and operational changes for reopening locations will be shared soon. These policies are under continuous review and are subject to change as we monitor conditions and receive guidance from health and government authorities.

We’re being deliberate during these phased reopenings, and we’re encouraged by how our guests are responding at Shanghai Disney Resort and Disney Springs. We’re doing our part, and we need our guests to do their part, too, as we work together to focus on safety.

DVC Phased Reopening Announcement and Use Year Point Information By Heather Alosa - May 27, 20200

Disney closed all of it’s theme parks and resorts here in the United States back in March due to COVID-19. Third party vendors at Disney Springs just reopened with Disney retail locations following days later.

Today, we heard Disney’s proposal of their phased reopening. This includes Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom opening on July 11, 2020, and Epcot and Hollywood Studios opening on July 15, 2020.

Disney’s Vero Beach Resort and Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort will open on June 15, 2020. All of the Disney Vacation Club properties at Walt Disney World Resort will reopen on June 22, 2020.


The Villas at Grand California Hotel & Spa as well as Aulani have not been determined yet. Members are encouraged to visit Disneyvacationclub.com or contact Member Services if wishing to alter their reservations.

DVC members just received an email regarding what they can expect with this phased reopening. In the email you will find some operational adjustments that you can expect to see:

• Enhanced cleaning of all rooms prior to arrival, including additional measures for dishware and appliances for Disney Vacation Club units, along with the standard Disney Vacation Club housekeeping services during your stay
• Increased cleaning and sanitization in high-traffic areas
• New hand-sanitizing stations in key areas
• Physical distancing at restaurants, lobbies, pools, fitness centers and other public areas, including reducing capacity where appropriate

What about those points?
We are all navigating through this uncharted territory together. We previously reported about Disney altering Use Years on points that were set to expire. They have not let us down, and have given us more information on points, and what to expect. Also included in the email:

“Finally, as part of our continued efforts to provide flexibility during these uncertain times, we are further changing and extending our temporary policies regarding expiring points. April, June and now August, September and October 2019 Use Year points that are set to expire in 2020 and that were used for reservations during the closure period will be extended for one year from the current expiration date.

Additionally, April, June and now August, September and October 2018 Use Year points that were banked into 2019 Use Years and used for these reservations will now all expire November 30, 2020. This temporary policy only includes expiring points that were used to book a stay arriving between March 12 and the end of the closure period and that involve a reservation cancelled after February 29. Additional information on these policies is available at disneyvacationclub.com.“

FAQ for Reopening of Walt Disney World By Heather Alosa - May 28, 2020

What is opening and when?
Pending Orange County and state approval, our proposed plans are 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.

Additionally, Disney Vacation Club resorts at Walt Disney World 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 open on June 15.

Are you reducing capacity in the theme parks?
Yes. When our theme parks reopen, we will be managing attendance through a new park reservation system and implementing physical distancing measures in line with CDC guidance.

As a result, capacity and theme park reservations will be significantly limited and subject to availability.

How much capacity are you reducing, and when will you increase it? What will it take to get back to normal?
We are starting conservatively, and will slowly increase capacity slowly and at the appropriate times as the circumstances permit.

We will learn as we go and will keep an eye on what’s happening around us and will make adjustments going forward.

What resorts are you opening?
During this phase of reopenings, we will begin to open the Disney Vacation Club properties and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground June 22. This includes:

• Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
• Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
• Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
• Disney’s Beach Club Villas
• Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
• Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
• Disney’s Old Key West Resort
• Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
• Disney’s Riviera Resort
• Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort
• The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• In addition, Disney’s Vero Beach Resort and Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort will open June 15.

Will you have transportation available?
We will begin running our Disney bus transportation on a limited basis for Guests staying in our resort hotels and will open monorail and ferry service when the parks reopen.

What about water parks? Will they open?
At this time, we are not reopening our water parks. Our focus is on our theme parks. We will share more information when we are ready to do so.

Is the reopening of Walt Disney World a sign that the other Disney theme parks will reopen soon?
No. Operations plans and details are decided independently at each Disney Park.

Will you open theme parks with all of the rides and entertainment?
We are temporarily pausing on some experiences like parades, nighttime spectaculars, character meet and greets and makeovers to accommodate social distancing.

However, our characters will still be in the parks to entertain and delight our Guests.

Will anyone with an existing ticket be able to enter the theme parks?
Because theme park capacity will be significantly limited as we welcome Guests back to the magic, we will manage attendance through a new theme park reservation system that will require all Guests to obtain a reservation for park entry in advance.


At this time, we are temporarily pausing new ticket sales and Disney Resort hotel reservations so we can 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; we’ll be reaching out to these Guests soon to provide additional details. We will resume new ticket sales and hotel reservations after that period of time.

Theme park reservations will be limited due to attendance limitations and will be subject to availability. More details about this new reservation system will be available soon.

Will masks or face coverings be required to visit theme parks and resorts?
Yes. All Guests ages 3 and above and Cast Members are required to wear an appropriate face covering over both their nose and mouth. Guests must bring their own face coverings and wear them at all times, except when dining, and except when Resort Guests are in their rooms.

At this time, we’re focused on consistent health and safety measures. We know this is difficult, and there is nothing normal about this time in our lives.

What if I forgot my mask at home? Will masks be provided to Guests or will they be available for purchase?
We are asking that our Guests bring their own mask for experiences at our parks.

What if a Guest doesn’t want to wear a face covering. Will there be any exception?
We understand that these times are challenging, and we appreciate everyone’s cooperation and patience and as we navigate as responsibly as we can. At this time, we’re focused on consistent health and safety measures.

We know this is difficult, and there is nothing normal about this time in our lives.

Will hand sanitizers or hand washing stations be available throughout property? Where will they be located?
Yes. Disney theme parks and resort hotels will open with hand sanitizer and hand washing locations and Guests are highly encouraged to use these while visiting.

Will Guests be required to go through a temperature screening station to enter a theme park?
Yes. All Guests are required to undergo temperature screenings upon arrival to either a theme park or Disney Springs. 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 above 100.4 will not be allowed entry; those in their party will not be allowed entry either.

How will physical distancing guidelines be enforced?
Our Cast Members at Disney Springs have gone through new training as we all learn to adjust to these unique times together.


To that end, we will have some Cast Members in Disney Springs and the theme parks when they open to explain our new procedures and answer any questions Guests may have. They will also encourage everyone to follow these measures for the health and safety of us all.

Will you be adjusting your security screening procedures when the parks reopen?
Yes, we will be making some adjustments to minimize the amount of contact our Cast will have with Guests’ personal items. We look forward to sharing more information soon.

Will you accept cash?
At this time, it is recommended all Guests use cashless or contactless payment options, such as MagicBands, credit cards, debit cards, Disney Gift Cards, Disney Reward redemption cards and Mobile Wallets such as Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay.


Guests may purchase a Disney Gift Card at select merchandise locations and Guest Relations to pay without cash. We will continue to accept cash.

 

[Hoodie]

Update. Fast Pass program will be suspended. Dining will not open until 60 days out, not 180.

I wonder what the impact on DAS would be since they are closing the fast pass lines to help with social distancing. Presumably waits would be shorter anyway, but it adds an additional question mark.

https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2020/05/an-update-on-walt-disney-world-resort-reservations/

 

[lanejudy]

For anyone who currently has reservations: all ADRs and FP+ that were previously booked (before the system blocked everyone yesterday) are now canceled.

The FP+ will not be in use for the foreseeable future (until after the COVID-19 restrictions are lifted).

Those with current reservations will be allowed to make new ADRs once they have made an "advanced park reservation" to select your park each day. ADRs will be on a 60-day basis going forward, instead of 180 days.

Anyone who had purchased the Dining Plan will be refunded. If you had a free dining package, you will be eligible to rebook at a later date with a should be offered a 35% room discount instead.

Tickets appear to be getting automatically extended through Sept. 26, 2021. No further word on tickets, but that leads me to believe they may have a special ticket for this re-opening period.

 

[SteveMouse]

I am interested in knowing what specific attractions will be open. I cannot sit upright, so am generally constrained to attractions accessible in my power chair, so no haunted mansion, mountains, etc.

I can easily see where I'm not going to head to Disney for quite a while.

 

[fabfemmeboy]

For anyone who currently has reservations: all ADRs and FP+ that were previously booked (before the system blocked everyone yesterday) are now canceled.
...

Those with current reservations will be allowed to make new ADRs once they have made an "advanced park reservation" to select your park each day. ADRs will be on a 60-day basis going forward, instead of 180 days.

They haven't canceled all ADRs; mine for September and October all show up as usual in MDE. I assume that they're assuming things will be slightly more normal by then?

 

[Starwind]

They haven't canceled all ADRs; mine for September and October all show up as usual in MDE. I assume that they're assuming things will be slightly more normal by then?

Or as with many things Disney IT the system hasn't gotten around it it yet...

SW

 

[lanejudy]

They haven't canceled all ADRs; mine for September and October all show up as usual in MDE. I assume that they're assuming things will be slightly more normal by then?

I would expect they will cancel once the system gets that far - you can then book again at 60 days out. That will be the process going forward.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

...
Face coverings will be required for guests age 3+ and there will be temperature screenings. Physical distancing will be in effect.

Update (5/29/20): Walt Disney World Quietly Updates Age Requirement for Face Coverings
Masks now required for age 2+.