Walt Disney World is set to reopen in July with significant changes amid the ongoing pandemic. After a lengthy closure due to COVID-19, Disney has outlined a plan to welcome back guests, but the experience will be notably different from pre-pandemic visits.
As reported by various sources, Disney presented a detailed proposal to the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force, which has already received approval from the county mayor. However, they still await the go-ahead from Florida’s governor. If all goes smoothly, the Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom parks are slated to open on July 11, 2020, followed by Epcot and Hollywood Studios on July 15, 2020. The reopening will commence with a “soft opening” to allow for adjustments.
Changes Guests Can Expect
Among the changes guests can expect are:
- Temperature screenings at the entrance and mandatory face coverings.
- Capacity limits will be enforced, and visitors will need to book their spots in advance through a new online reservation system that Disney plans to implement.
- The park will be reducing capacity in attractions, dining areas, retail shops, and various transportation methods.
- To enhance safety, Disney will promote mobile food orders and install additional plexiglass barriers in areas where close interactions occur.
Notably, some beloved experiences will be temporarily suspended, including parades, fireworks, children’s play areas, and character meet-and-greets. To help ensure compliance with safety measures, Disney will introduce a “social distance squad” comprised of enthusiastic cast members who will encourage guests to maintain safe distancing. This squad has already been effectively operating at Disney Springs, which reopened on May 20.
Comparative Reopenings
While Universal Orlando is preparing to reopen on June 5, followed by SeaWorld Orlando on June 11, it’s clear that the Florida theme parks will not resemble the places many fondly remember. Nevertheless, this marks a step toward normalcy, and for that, we hold onto cautious optimism.
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Summary
Walt Disney World is gearing up to reopen in July with significant changes to ensure safety during the pandemic, including temperature checks, mask mandates, reduced capacity, and the suspension of popular attractions. As the theme park industry begins to recover, these measures signal a cautious step towards normalcy while prioritizing visitor safety.