Wednesday, May 20, will be a great first step in the phased reopening of Walt Disney World Resort, as Disney Springs begins its initial reopening that morning. With the safety and well-being of our guests, cast members and third-party operating participants at the forefront of our planning, we are eager to begin welcoming you back to this part of Walt Disney World. While our theme parks and resort hotels remain temporarily closed, the phased reopening of Disney Springs is a welcome milestone as we navigate through this unprecedented time together as responsibly as we can.
Next week, many of our third-party operating participants will open their doors to Disney Springs guests. On May 27, three Disney-owned and -operated stores and venues will reopen: World of Disney, D-Luxe Burger (mobile order) and the Marketplace Co-Op. You can visit DisneySprings.com/reopening for the most current information on which locations are open.
Based on applicable government requirements, as well as guidance from health authorities such as the CDC and appropriate government agencies, we are implementing a number of new health and safety measures and operational changes. Rest assured, there is plenty of magic awaiting you at Disney Springs – it just may feel a bit different than before. Here is what you need to know prior to your arrival:
- Parking and Entrances: During this initial phase, guests will be directed to self-park in the Orange and Lime Garages. All surface lots will be closed. We will also reduce the number of entrances for Disney Springs to four locations: Orange and Lime Garages, along with the Hotel Plaza Boulevard pedestrian bridge and ride share location.
- Appropriate Face Coverings: All guests 2 years of age and older, along with cast members and third-party operating-participant employees, will be required to wear an appropriate face covering while visiting Disney Springs. This is an important part of protecting both our guests and our cast. Please be sure you have an ample amount of face coverings for yourself and your party before you arrive, as you’ll need to wear them over your nose and mouth at all times (except when sitting at a dining table).
- Temperature Screenings: Once you arrive at Disney Springs, you and your party will be required to undergo temperature screenings. Based on guidance from health authorities, anyone displaying a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher will be directed to an additional location for rescreening and assistance; those who again measure 100.4 degrees or higher will not be allowed entry, nor will those in their party. I encourage you to check temperatures of yourself and your party prior to leaving home, as an extra layer of precaution.
- Physical Distancing and Capacity Measures: To maintain appropriate physical distancing throughout Disney Springs during this initial phase, we will limit the number of guests visiting the property, as well as within each location. In addition, ground markings will help promote proper distancing when queuing is necessary. We will also add physical barriers in select places where it’s difficult to maintain physical distancing.
- Cleanliness: We’ve increased cleaning and disinfection procedures in high-traffic areas such as elevators and escalators, handrails, benches, tables, handles, restrooms and more. We will also have hand-washing stations and hand sanitizer available, and encourage you to use these frequently.
- Cashless Transactions: We’re recommending you use cashless payment options whenever possible during your visit to Disney Springs, including debit cards, credit cards, Disney gift cards, etc. You can also opt for contactless payment options or use cash to purchase a Disney gift card at the Welcome Center and select merchandise locations.
Our cast members are going through extensive new training as we all learn to adjust to these changing times together. To that end, we will have some cast members walking throughout Disney Springs to explain our new procedures and answer any questions you may have. They will also encourage everyone to follow these measures for the health and safety of us all.
Everything we’re doing during this unprecedented time is in service of our guests, our cast members and our third-party operating participants, who will also be following these new guidelines in their locations. We are constantly monitoring conditions and best practices, and we continue to learn every day from health and government authorities. As a result, our operational changes and safety measures may change from time to time as circumstances evolve. We want to deliver all the Disney magic you know and love with safety, as always, our top priority.
I understand this is a great deal of change to absorb, and I speak for all of us at Walt Disney World in thanking you for your cooperation and patience during this initial phase. Today’s world is different, and it’s going to require a shared responsibility, with everyone doing their part.
As a reminder, please visit DisneySprings.com/reopening for the most up-to-date information on available shopping and dining locations, operating hours, new safety procedures and more.
We’re looking forward to seeing you real soon!
Please note that this post will be updated based on the latest information and guidance from health authorities and appropriate government agencies.
Comments
They should reconsider some of this now that the WHO says transmission by asymptomstic carriers is very rare. AND in light of the latest data indicating transmission on surfaces is also highly unlikely.
We were so excited to take our son for his first trip in March and again in June. We have been waiting for the day they would reopen the park. But given these changes, we will not be going unfortunately. (1) Because face masks should be an option but not required. My 2yo will not keep one on and I’m not going to spend all day fighting him on that. Also it’s just too damn hot for that and the time you are in a park is too lengthy to wear one. (2) Because what’s the point of a trip to Disney with out the character encounters or the character breakfasts! The irony is that the characters are wearing the best “mask” of all lol.
No thank you, I guess I’ll have to wait maybe I won’t renew my pass since I haven’t had it extended in the first place and can’t get a straight answer how my time will be made up. As a passholder for many years and a shareholder. I get it but extremely dissapointed about the mask requirements. I’ll wait or maybe just not go at all anymore
Thank you Disney for implementing scientifically backed policies to help keep guests safe! We look forward to our first visit back “home” with great anticipation. Nothing can mask our excitement! 😉
I totally agree regarding masks. I will not wear a mask. The more medical evidence that is reported the more it’s ridiculous. This is just another POLITICAL CORRECTNESS action. Disney will lose out on a lot of money. Can we get back to Mormal?
My family and I were planning a trip for the end of this year or early next year. This would have been my kids’ first time. However, no character meets, no parades, no rope drop, and no memory maker (why would we get loads of photos with faces covered by masks?), and no discounted tickets for all these missing experiences? I’ll postpone until the mask requirement, scheduled park entry, and temp checks are lifted and full Disney experiences are restored. Otherwise, there are other vacations that are far more worth the thousands it would cost my family to visit.
Thank you, Disney. I feel as though we are all in this together and should do our part to slow the spread until a more definitive measure is available. Great to see that those so upset over wearing a mask will not be there, awesome. Even better to slow the spread. I am beyond happy you will be opening and taking the scientific based and recommended precautions. Unfortunately, I will have to wait, but not because of being asked to make sacrifices in order to take care for others. It is too risky for me and I will have to wait a bit longer to even join back in on the fun.
No parades, No fireworks, and masks in the parks – sorry Disney that’s not what I signed up for , My family is / will be canceling our annual passes. This is not a magical new normal.
We went to Disney Springs on Saturday, May 23. All cast members were extremely polite and happy to be at work. Everything is very organized and well thought out. It was great go walk through and we ate at Blaze Pizza which was fantastic! We will go back when the Disney stores open also.
Our family are Disney Lifers and annual pass holders, but being forced to wear a mask is a deal breaker for us as well.
Anyone concerned about COVID-19 is free to wear a mask, but to force everyone to wear one doesn’t make sense when looking at the data and personally for us, takes away the entire magic of Disney.
The beauty about a capitalist society and freedom is Disney as a private enterprise can decide their rules for guests and then as consumers we can decide to support them or not. If masks are mandatory we will choose to vacation elsewhere.
And just one more suggestion, it’s not right or wrong to wear a mask, it’s a choice and as a society we shouldn’t put pressure on people to do what each of us think’s is right.
Stay Strong!
Wow, reading some of these comments is depressing. So we went to the springs the last few days and it was great having them open again, we all need to remember that a lot of people depend on the resorts to open so they will have an income. I have been in the emergency services for over 30 years and Disney is doing what they can to make it a safe experience for everyone. Remember we can not see that you have the virus so everyone is seen as a potential carrier. Masks are just like a ballistic vest, not 100% effective and uncomfortable to wear in a hot environment, so there are so many reason not to wear a mask but only one to wear it.
To all you nay sayers out there is a lot more at stake here then just wearing a mask, you are fighting something you can not see taste hear or feel.
Let us all play a part in the safe reopening of Disney and getting the central Florida economy back on tract, and lets all do this safely.
One last comment is that all of the procedures that are being implemented are from scientific data analysis and the scientific communities recommendation.
Everyone be safe out there, and remember we are all in this together.
I understand everybody’s concerns about spreading viruses/diseases/germs.. and other stuff, but before the COVID-19 outbreak NOBODY cared and even thought twice about it. The media has creased this mass hysteria across the United States and it’s so unnecessary. Did you all not wash your hands before this outbreak? Did you not cover your mouth or nose when you coughed or sneezed? There have been plenty of times where I went
to Disney and I witnessed small children licking the hand rails, wiping boogers on the handrails, coughing without covering their faces, and their parents paid no attention to them or tried to better their actions. I also understand that attending Disney springs is your own choice and if you’re going to complain about the mask then don’t go, but whether a person thinks they handle
it or not, they could become a victim of heat stroke. I attended Disney Springs yesterday and pulled my mask under my nose for just one minute before I was told by a cast member to put my mask back on. To which I replied “Just trying to breathe.” and the cast member replied with “Well I wear mine all day too.” and I understand that. But how many times a day are
you allowed to go backstage and sit in air conditioning and maybe take your mask off? Because I bet it’s more than what we’re allowed to do. Again, I understand that the mask are “safety precautions” but what are they really doing? I saw many people with homemade masks in yesterday and I promise you if a drop of water can get through your cloth mask, so can a virus. I saw more people leaving the Springs yesterday than I saw entering. Central Florida heat and masks just do not mix. I’m excited to see how well the mask requirement works at Universal once it opens June 5th. I’ll be surprised if it stays in place. Hopefully, if something goes wrong over there, Disney will take the hint and make Disney World more comfortable for the guest awaiting their return.
Our family has been coming to Disney World for years and was planning on vacationing there before the end of the year, but will not be back until we don’t have to wear masks! It is not a vacation if you have to wear a mask and can’t breathe! The only ones that should have to wear a mask are those that are concerned about their own health.
There are many ways to help us with our antibodies, but a face cover is not one of them. No mask, no Disneyland. Sad. Because I can’t wear one for very long, for health reasons. That’s OK, because my health is more important than going to Disneyland. I have been going for 50 years now. I guess I have been blessed to have had the opportunity to visit dozens of time throughout my life. Now they are requiring us to cover our airways with a filthy rag to protect others. So, I’ll just pass. I’m sure Disney can find new fans with money to spend, like I have spent there for the last 10 years of being an annual pass holder. Part of the reason I’m sad, is that all of the face cover agenda is under a fake premise that the cover protect people. That virus is 125 nanometers in diameter. The cloth cover does not protect anyone from the virus, but it does make a nice breeding ground for cross contamination. It will keep dust and mites away, and would be good if I’m caught in a sand storm. There is science to support that. Think about it. Farewell Disney.
Thank you so much Disney for taking these precautions to protect our families and the Disney Cast members! Putting people first instead of making money. As a family with medical issues that loves to come to Disney, and has on many, many occasions, we greatly appreciate your efforts. We will gladly support and follow these rules. Thank you again and we can not wait for the 50th Anniversary Celebration!!!
Thank you Disney for doing all you can to ensure the safety of your guest. My family and I will wear masks as required. We will actually have fun with it and get the Disney themed ones as well. It may be that in Oct when our trip is scheduled that this policy is no longer necessary. We have been to Disney 21 times and hopefully 21 more. Some of our best family moments and memories have been at Disney from our honeymoon, children’s birthday’s, sons’s first steps, to the holidays parties. This one will be the same, the time we needed to wear masks to possibly keep someone else from getting sick so they might have a “best” moment.
For those posting that this is a: deal breaker, you will cancel your trip, how are my kids going to do this, this will be so hot and uncomfortable, etc… PLEASE, DO NOT GO! Those of us that are going won’t even know if you came or not, nor do we care. Well maybe we will care… 1 less person in line, 1 more dinner reservation available, 1 less grumpy person to listen to about how much everything costs and it’s so hot, 1 less person complaining about having to wear a mask. So, if you’re going post any one or more of the above statements. Save yourself some time and don’t bother, because we don’t care.
Thank you Disney, for trying your best to keep us safe. We love the parks and care about other people. So we’ll still be coming and happily wear masks. Those people that don’t want to wear masks can defer their visits. That is their choice.
With regards to those complaining about face masks, to quote Mrs. Incredible, “This is not about you!” Face masks prevent the droplets you expel from your various orifices from getting into the air/on surfaces/on people. The masks do not prevent you from getting the viral droplets in your mouth/nose/eyes but prevents most of it from leaving your area of influence. I am ecstatic that Disney is taking this seriously and doing their best to prevent the spread.
To those with younger children or family members with neuro-developmental disabilities, try searching for masks that have proven effective with those populations. I have seen some very good methods of keeping the masks on while not being uncomfortable. Having a stuffed animal or action figure that also wears a mask will help prepare them for ventures as well.
Have fun, stay safe, and be nice to cast members!
Mask are a deal breaker, I can deal with temperature checks and we already practice social distancing. I have a trip scheduled for late June, paid off before the COVID craziness. My son is 10 years old and has Autism, we have been practicing wearing mask in case we go and unfortunately he just can’t do it. We’ve tried about 20 different types and they are a no go. He also wears glasses they are necessary as he can’t see with out them. His glasses fog up so a face shield won’t really help with the fogging In Florida heat and humidity. I believe it should be up to the individual as to what works best for them. Not everyone has the same risk. People can decide for themselves whether or they should or shouldn’t go and if they want to wear a mask
We have planned a trip to Disney for the last week of November. If face masks are going to be required, we will be canceling our trip. It is unfortunate because we love Disney.
As an holder of 10 Disney premier passes for my precious family and myself, I thank Disney’s leadership for seriously thinking about the safety measures implemented for my family and everyone’s family so that we can really enjoy our magical time at Disney once the park gates open once again!
Masks/face coverings are nothing more than security theater. They are ineffective and unhealthy. If this absurd mandatory policy remains in place we will be canceling our September trip. We have been to Disney on more than 20 trips knowing full well we could get any number of diseases/viruses/sicknesses and that is a risk we, and every other person who has ever been to Disney, were willing to take.
What can you use as a mask on the face? i believe this is about compliance not that this mask we generically wear is to keep us safe from a flu virus
Yay! So glad you are starting to open! My family will comply with the rules and regulations, no problem at all. It’s only best to think of the safety and well being of staff and guest. Can’t wait to return!
If people don’t want to comply with the rules, then they should stay home until it fits their needs. We’re all in this together and trying to keep each other safe. Thank you Disney for trying to keep us safe.
Thank you for making an effort to make Disney safer. Still hoping to be there in August and the restrictions make my family more comfortable. The restrictions will not be palatable for everyone, but they will allow more people to enjoy Disney sooner rather than later. Some will continue to be too high risk to visit. Some will not be able or willing to comply. We do not know enough at this point to be certain that antibodies are protective, so you have to make requirements that assume that everyone could be a carrier. Ignoring the risks is not an option for a large company like Disney, though everyone has to assume some responsibility any time that they enter into public.
People are going to complaint either way, but don’t come! Less crowded better for us we do come often to the parks!
I am moving to FL next month and was super excited to get my APs… until now. I’ve already had covid19, in Feb. why should my family and I have to wear a mask?? How are small children or disabled kids, or anyone with sensory issues, supposed to keep a mask on all day in the Florida heat? There is no way my kids would be able to do this all day. And… we’ve already been exposed! Can’t we bring proof from a test that we don’t have it or we have antibodies against it? This 1 size fits all approach won’t work.
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