Everyone here at Heyday Travel Company is excited to share that Disney has presented their reopening plans and now await official approval. Although it was immediately and unanimously approved by the Recovery Task Force there are still a few pending approvals they must wait on.
These past few months have been difficult and trying in so many ways. We’ve certainly been influenced by watching all of the other 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. We’re excited to think about returning to the Parks soon and helping all of you find your own magic there.
Following the recent reopening of Shanghai Disney Resort and Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort, we’re excited to share that more Disney magic is coming back. Today, Disney submitted a proposal to the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force in Florida describing their approach for a phased reopening of Walt Disney World Resort theme parks planned to begin on July 11.
Pending Approvals
Pending Orange County and state approval, the 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, they will have to manage the theme parks in a very different way from what we’ve known before. Cast members will be focused on operating the parks in a responsible way that continues to give guests opportunities to create magical Disney memories.
Phased Reopening
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 guests are welcomed back to the magic, attendance will be managed through a new theme park reservation system that will require all guests to obtain a reservation for park entry in advance. At this time, new ticket sales and Disney Resort hotel reservations are being paused to allow a 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. 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.
Additional Resorts and Dates
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, 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 the reopening of the theme parks, Disney Resort hotels, and stores and doing so in a responsible way. In this spirit, Disney 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 Coming Soon
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.
Disney is being deliberate during these phased reopenings, and we’re encouraged by how guests are responding at Shanghai Disney Resort and Disney Springs. We all need to do our part to work together and focus on safety.
Keep checking out Heyday Travel News for these special Disney Magic Moments blogs. In these difficult times, when we’re all looking forward, we want you to remember, “There’s a great, big, beautiful tomorrow, just a dream away.”
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