We are so excited that the Walt Disney World theme parks are reopening after being closed since late March. As expected, the return of guests to the Disney theme parks brings a lot of excitement. This has been long-awaited and we are so excited to see guests return to the magic this week! Of course, along with this excitement comes the responsibility to keep guests and cast members safe during their visit. We’re here to answer your questions, whether you’re getting ready for an upcoming visit or just want to see what it’s like. Here are the answers to your frequently asked questions about the Walt Disney World reopening!
When do the Walt Disney World theme parks reopen?
One of the most common questions about the Disney World reopening is “when will the parks actually open?”. Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom will be officially opening to the public on Saturday, July 11. EPCOT and Hollywood Studios will follow on Wednesday, July 15. In the week prior to the opening, some previews will be taking place. There will be previews for cast members, DVC members, Annual Passholders, etc. so you can expect to see photos and videos on social media from inside the parks prior to the official opening.
What is the new Disney Park Pass system?
In order to manage crowd levels and capacity, Disney has introduced a new park reservation system called Disney Park Pass. Through the new system, guests will make a reservation to visit a specific park on a specific day. In order to enter a theme park, guests will require both a valid park admission AND a Park Pass reservation. The system is very easy to use. You can even check availability for Park Passes before you purchase your tickets by visiting the Park Pass availability calendar.
For more information about the Disney Park Pass reservation system click here.
For a step-by-step guide (including screenshots) of how to make a Park Pass reservation, click here.
Has Disney increased their amount of cleaning?
Yes, Disney has taken extra steps to enhance the cleaning efforts throughout the theme parks and resort hotels. Extra attention will be given to high-traffic areas such as public elevators and escalators, handrails, benches, tables, handles, restrooms and more. At the resorts, housekeeping services have also been modified to include enhanced cleaning and reduced contact.
What is Disney doing to ensure physical distancing within the parks?
Adjustments have been put into place throughout the theme parks to promote physical distancing between guests. Signage and ground markers in many locations will help guests navigate common areas safely. For example, ride queues have markings on the ground for guests to stand on that keeps them 6 feet apart.
Physical barriers have also been added in places where it is difficult or impossible to maintain a safe distance. For example, at a cash register you will find a clear barrier between the cashier and guest. Similar barriers have also been added in some ride queues and even on rides like Kilimanjaro Safaris.
Finally, cast members have also been trained to engage with guests and promote physical distancing guidelines.
What steps is Disney taking to reduce contact?
Some experiences throughout Walt Disney World have been modified to reduce contact. These include the above mentioned physical barriers and modified housekeeping. Additionally, cashless transactions (such as credit cards, debit cards, mobile wallets, MagicBands, etc.) are being promoted. Cashless transactions help reduce the contact between guests and cast members. Using the My Disney Experience app to order food at quick service restaurants is another example of how Disney is reducing contact.
Do I have to wear a mask?
Face coverings are required for all guests ages 2 and up. They are also required for cast members. You must bring your own face mask with you and wear it at all times, except when dining or swimming. There will also be select rest areas within the parks where you will be permitted to remove your mask.
Disney also has requirements for what type of mask you must wear. They must fully cover your mouth and nose, and allow the guest to remain hands-free. Masks have to fit snugly but comfortably against the side of your face. They must be secured with ear loops or ties. Finally, they must be made of a breathable material. They can be either disposable or reusable. Neck gaiters and open-chin triangle bandanas are not accepted. Be sure to bring a mask that fits the requirements!
Do I need to take a COVID-19 test to enter the theme parks?
No, there are no requirements for guests to take a COVID-19 test in order to enter the park.
Will there be a temperature screening to enter the theme parks?
Yes, temperature screenings may be required to enter some locations. Upon arrival to the theme parks or to Disney Springs, guests will be subject to a contactless temperature screening before being permitted entry. Prior to security, you will go through a checkpoint where you will have your temperature taken with a no-touch thermometer. Anyone with a temperature of 100.4 F or above will be directed to an additional location for rescreening and assistance. Those with temperatures 100.4 F or above will not be allowed entry, along with their party.
Will everything be open during my visit?
During the phased reopening, Disney’s theme parks, resort hotels, restaurants, attractions, experiences and other offerings may be modified, limited in capacity or unavailable. Depending on your dates of travel, certain locations may be unavailable.
Times have changed, and the Disney World experience has to change right now too. While some things are different, Disney is doing everything possible to make every guest’s experience magical. As long as you know that some experiences will be modified or unavailable and keep your expectations reasonable, you can still have an amazing visit despite the changes!
Will there be fireworks, parades or character greetings in the theme parks?
In order to allow for physical distancing, shows such as fireworks and parades will not be taking place when the parks reopen. Character greetings will also be unavailable. However, Disney characters will still be around the parks to entertain guests in new and exciting ways. We do not yet have any information on when these iconic park experiences will return.
Will there by characters in the theme parks?
While traditional character greetings will be unavailable, characters will still be present in the parks to entertain guests. Disney is introducing new Character Cavalcades which are like individual parade floats. These will occur at different, unscheduled times throughout the day and feature a variety of popular characters. They are almost like mini parades! Check out this post from Disney Food Blog to see more about the Character Cavalcades.
How is Disney using technology to reduce contact and promote physical distancing?
Disney is utilizing and expanding many features of the My Disney Experience app during this time. Existing features like mobile food ordering have been expanded to more quick service restaurants. At some quick service restaurants, the only way to order will be via the app. Click here to see our blog post about using mobile food ordering!
Similarly, Online Check In at Disney Resort hotels is now strongly recommended for all guests. This helps guests avoid visiting the front desk and go directly to their room upon arrival by checking in via the app.
In addition to expanding existing features, new features are also being added to the app. Examples include scannable codes for select restaurant menus (to avoid contact with a physical menu) and being able to check in for your dining reservation at a table service restaurant using your phone rather than approaching the host stand.
Can I use Park Hoppers?
With the new Park Pass reservation system in place, guests can currently only get a reservation for one park per day. Therefore, Park Hopper tickets cannot be used at this time. We are anticipating that Disney will be modifying the Park Pass system to allow for guests to visit multiple parks in the future, but we don’t know yet when that will be!
Can I use a Dining Plan?
Dining plans are currently unavailable and cannot be added to reservations. For any existing reservations that had dining plans, the dining plans were removed.
Is Character Dining available?
Character Dining is not being offered during the initial reopening, with the exception of two modified Character Dining experiences. The two restaurants with modified character dining experiences will be Garden Grill Restaurant and Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera. Beginning September 25, a third modified Character Dining experience will open at Hollywood & Vine in Hollywood Studios.
Can I make dining reservations?
If you had previously made reservations (prior to May 28), they were automatically cancelled in an earlier stage of Disney’s reopening plan. Now that guests have had the opportunity to make Park Pass reservations, dining reservations are open again. Dining reservations can be made 60 days in advance, rather than the previous 180 days out. As previously mentioned, some restaurants and dining experiences will be modified or unavailable. You can click this link to view the available restaurants for your dates. Guests require a valid park ticket, a Park Pass reservation and a dining reservation to dine at in-park restaurants.
Planning to dine at a table-service restaurant in a Disney Resort hotel? A confirmed dining reservation is required for day Guests (those not staying overnight) and is highly recommended for resort guests. Dining reservations are also available for select restaurants at Disney Springs.
Which Disney World Restaurants are open?
Click here to see which restaurants are currently open in the Walt Disney World theme parks and at the Disney Resort hotels. Scroll down to ‘Available Dining Experiences’, then select either Theme Parks or Disney Resort Hotels.
Are all the Disney Resort hotels open?
With the phased reopening, Disney resort hotels will be opening on a staggered basis. The first wave of resorts (DVC resorts and Fort Wilderness) opened on June 22. Since then, more resorts have been assigned opening dates. You can click here to see the resorts that currently have opening dates. Some resorts do not yet have opening dates, so these resorts are currently unavailable for booking.
Will Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival be taking place this year?
Due to the current situation, Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival will be taking place in a modified format this year. The “Taste of Epcot International Food & Wine Festival” will begin on July 15 and continue through the Fall. Disney has cooked up a creative, modified experience to make this their longest festival yet! To allow for physical distancing, some features of the festival will not be taking place (such as the Eat to the Beat concert series). Additionally, floral fun from the Flower & Garden Festival will also be incorporated throughout the festivals, from topiary to merchandise.
Will Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party be taking place this year?
Many key features of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party – like fireworks, parades, stage shows and character greetings – cannot take place in this unique environment. For this reason, Disney has made the unfortunate decision to cancel Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party for this year.
Will Disney’s H2O Glow Nights be taking place this year?
Similarly, Disney has made the decision to cancel the H2O Glow Night events at Typhoon Lagoon for the remainder of the summer.
Will holiday events be taking place this year?
As of September 8, 2020, Disney announced their plans for the holiday events this year at Walt Disney World. From November 6 through December 30, their will be festive décor, themed merchandise, seasonal food & beverage offerings and entertainment all across Walt Disney World Resort. Two popular holiday events, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party The Epcot International Festival of the Holidays will be taking place this year beginning on November 27. Click here to read the full post from Disney Parks Blog with all these updates!
What about other special events, tours and dining experiences?
Many other events, experiences and tours have also been cancelled during the phased reopening. For a complete list, please visit this link.
Are the water parks reopening?
As of right now, the Walt Disney World water parks are not included in Disney’s initial reopening plans. At this time, we don’t have any new information about when they will be reopening.
Did we answer all your Disney World Reopening Questions?
If we missed any of your questions about the Disney World reopening, please feel free to comment or reach out to us. If you’re heading to Disney World soon please stay safe, wash your hands and wear your mask! We are so happy that Disney World is opening again, and can’t to get back to experience the magic in new (and safe) ways!
If you have more questions about the Disney World reopening, you can also visit this link to read Disney’s official Know Before You Go information.
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