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
Any word on Rainforrest or T-Rex and if they will be reopening?
I don’t think wearing a face mask for children under 5 is ok, specially in Florida with humidity and the heat. there are tons of people with conditions that makes it worse when covering their face..
Look forward to visiting Disney Springs. Wearing masks outside seems a bit much especially since you are limiting the number of guests and incorporating social distancing. Many people do not even wear masks in stores any longer.
Thank you to all at Disney for acting responsibly!
This is absolutely insane. We won’t even consider visiting Springs or any of the parks as long as masks and temperature checks are a requirement. You might as well stay closed.
You have made our decision For us. We will be there once you return to normal procedures.
You punish the healthy by your requirements.
We we’re almost at that point anyway by the decisions of Disney going outside of what Walt wanted for his Parks.
I appreciate the concern at this time, but I wish there would be more of a measure of “hope” for things to be updated as we move through the re-opening. Where’s the “this won’t be forever” and we hope to get back to normal?!
A few thoughts:
**It seems the union pushed the issue of cast members AND guests wearing masks. That may backfire on them when they see all the people who are canceling their annual passes and refusing to go.
**Wearing masks and standing apart is not going to be fun–no matter how you articulate it. In fact, I see people potentially getting sick from wearing masks in the heat.
**Some studies support the fact that the heat and humidity kill the virus on surfaces and in the air quickly.
**The statistics continue to point to the majority of the deaths and severe illness in people over 61. Are we continuing to isolate the rest of the population in many ways when we just need to ask this group to quarantine and isolate? (In TN, out of the 287 passed, apx 80 – 85% of them are 61 and over.)
Disney, let’s support everyone and encourage Florida and local government to use common sense over the next few months and ease some of the restrictions as we see things going well. Yes, we want to be safe, but I believe we can do it with adjustments that we’ve all gotten used to. But, also starting to do some things in a normal fashion. Masks–especially outside–aren’t going to be a good option for the long-term and I hope that isn’t the plan “until further notice.”
Unable to wear mask for medical reasons. Exceptions?
I’m sorry to say that I will not be visiting if face coverings and masks Are required. If this is a requirement for the parks eventually I won’t renew our annual passes either.
I have a wheelchair child with a trach. What will be required for him since requiring him to wear a mask is like bleeding from your head and requiring a bandaid on your knee.
This is welcome news Mr. Simon!
Thank you for all you do keeping the magic alive while balancing it with practical safety measures.
Well done!
My family and I are looking forward to visiting again soon.
-Sarah
How do I find out what you all are doing with disabled people with trachs? As wearing a mask with a trach is like wearing A mask on your elbow.
Yea…good luck getting a 3 year old to keep a mask on for the entirety of the visit.
Since face mask will be required will you start selling some fun cute Disney face coverings?
Why the face masks? How are you supposed to eat at a restaurant? Disney Springs is outside! It should be a recommendation and not made mandatory. Wearing face masks for too long is not healthy! You are breathing in CO2! Come on already!
Face masks? The science is dubious. Won’t be attending.
Face masks and temperatures means I won’t be returning. I will be letting my annual pass lapse next month.
Hope you get over the fear soon, I will not be visiting if I have to wear a face mask. That is certainly not a “Disney Experience “.
I think I can wait to spend my money until all the requirements are done with.
All the rules make for an unenjoyable Disney experience.
There are plenty of restaurants and stores to spend money without the burden of useless rules.
Continued . Myself my family and few other pass holders will not be going anytime soon to the parks so thank you bob Chapek
I am glad that you are re-opening some of the restaurants and shops, but I can visit lots of other places in the Orlando area without wearing a mask at all. I will wait until I don’t have to wear a mask to visit Disney Springs again.
Having a child 3,4,or 5 years old is absolutely ridiculous. What about the child that has asthma. You better be prepared to have your EMT ready, and hopefully they have asthma medicine with them as I guarantee the parents won’t have it. How about Florida extremely high temperatures.
Their will be children and Parents fainting as you’ve never seen before. Life long Disney lover, I nor my family will not attend Disney World as long as this is implemented.
Is face masks going to be a permanent requirement at Disney?
I won’t be returning until kids don’t have to wear masks in the outside areas. It’s too much of a risk for them touching their face and mask. Adults, I understand, and inside stores, I understand, but kids are going to put themselves more at risk by touching their faces. The reasoning is not based on medical information. It’s a bad call.
How are you handling guests who are physically unable to wear masks due to medical reasons?
If Disney requires masks I won’t come period
Disney is going to lose tons of business
This is 99.85% survival rate
Disney didn’t stop people concerned with TB or the Flu For years and if Disney doesn’t think they have had it there before you’re delusional.
Stop the fear mongering
My body my decision isn’t that the liberal way?!?
Nope. Won’t be going as long as masks are required.
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I appreciate your taking such well thought out precautions and communicating them clearly beforehand. I love Disney and will be back as soon as I am able and deem it safe enough for me to be among the magic, once again.
My wife & I like your attitude toward best practices and good health efforts, towards protecting your valued guest.
“Thank You, Mickey”
* * * * *
So, how do I wear a mask while eating snacks and drinking beverages? Will adequate seating be provided or can you walk with your food and beverage?
How long will face coverings be required? Will this requirement drop with Florida’s Phase II? We want to visit but will not as long as this requirement is in place.
Masks should not be a mandatory thing moving forward as things open. I suffer from fibromyalgia that makes it difficult to breath and I can not wear a mask for more than 30 minutes. That being said, I am also an annual passholder and will be getting married at Disneys Seabreeze Point in October. The masks have been proven to do absolutely nothing to protect anyone. Will there be exceptions for people with medical conditions who can not wear a mask or do i need to cancel my family’s 4 annual passes and my $20,000 disney wedding because they will not accommodate my needs.
I won’t be going to Disney springs if wearing a mask is required. That’s such an unhealthy proposition with breathing my CO2 and the germs that would accumulate in that mask in the Florida heat.
It all sounds reasonable to me for the situation we find ourselves in. If it is enforced, the park can be enjoyed by a large number of fans. If it isn’t enforced, and CMs start getting sick, the park will close again.
I hope people who desire to adhere to the rules plan to go and allow the CMs to work safely, to start the economy so many people demand and make new memories in the parks in these extraordinary times.
I appreciate the well thought out plans!
No thanks. Masks and temperature checks are not very magical no matter how you try to paint it. Plus masks are meant to be worn for short periods of time. Not all day long. Just not good for you. I see people suffering from heat stroke all the time at Disney on a normal summer day. The number of folks that go down in the heat will go up dramatically because of the masks. I’m going to the beach instead. It’s the healthier choice anyway.
Medical exemptions for masks? Will Disney follow ADA guidelines for accommodations as well as CDC? There are legitimate medical reasons a person cannot wear a mask. I carry a letter from my doctor stating why I cannot wear a mask. Will that be honored as it is at other businesses?
Thank you for requiring face masks! Thank you for protecting all of your cast members as well as your guests! I so appreciate that you have taken this step and I hope that there are lots of managers and cast members around to enforce the rule and that guests who don’t comply are asked to leave. In this case, the customer is NOT always right and cast members should have the support of their managers when some people create an issue over such a simple ask of them. Thank you, Disney! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!
Apparently those commenting that the precautions are unnecessary or even frivolous must not mind being infected by others or infecting others. The complainers could easily be asymptomatic and spreading the virus. Infecting an elderly person or one with co-morbid conditions could be a death sentence for them. I’m quite happy the objectors are going to stay away.
I’m sorry but I and my family will not be coming to Disney Springs with these ridiculous rules especially wearing of the mask. Masks should be optional. The mask seems to be coming more of a badge of honor and a feel good thing to do than a medical necessity. As an annual Pass holder, I will standby and see if the rules are modified by the time the Parks reopen. If the mask remains mandatory, I will be canceling my four annual Passes. Thank you and good luck.
How are they going to handle wearing a mask on some of these rides. No way it stays on when riding Expedition Everest!
My two cents:
Paula – of course you can remove the mask when you sit down to eat. Don’t be ridiculous.
Barbara – there are cute Disney face masks for sale on the Disney store website and I’m sure on Etsy.
I’m sure the cast will use common sense when it comes to tracs and other medical exceptions.
To all the complainers – look- we are all tired of this. Lots of people don’t want to wear masks because they’re hot and they look goofy (yes, that was on purpose), but please remember the mask YOU wear will protect someone else. I believe there are a majority of good people in this country who care about others Enough to be a bit inconvenienced.
And if you feel that strongly that you don’t want to comply, then the answer is simple. Stay Home.
Thank you for having a well thought out protocol for protecting the guests and cast members. We realize that there might be some exceptions based on the medical needs of individual guests. Masks have been shown to be effective in reducing exhaled droplets in multiple studies and in otherwise healthy people, pose no inherent risk to the wearer. Those who cannot wear masks should consider postponing their Disney trip until conditions improve so as to help protect the other guests.
How it works? If I have restaurant reservation but springs capacity had exceed by the time I get there?
I am dismayed to read so many negative comments about wearing face masks. That attitude is uneducated and dangerous to everyone else. Please do stay away. The rest of us will feel far safer without you.
ECSTATIC that so many folks are saying they’ll boycott until the policy changes. Lower crowds and lines for the rest of us. same folks that think bakers should have the right to turn down customers who want them to bake certain cakes…Disney gets to turn down your business for now if you don’t want to adhere to their rules. Problem Solved!
As a season pass holder and stock holder, I really appreciate your cautious reopening. Wading back into unknown waters is so much smarter than diving in. I am beyond shocked by the comments critical of your rational precautions. If one fears a “no-touch” temperature check, I don’t want to be near them. If a mask saves even a single life, it is worth the sacrifice. If a person wants all to instantly be the old normal, they are going to be disappointed for a long time. Thank you for caring about the health of your patrons. There will be plenty of us visiting who appreciate your efforts.
What a disappointment and let down. Wearing a face mask while walking around Disney Springs sounds like torture, not enjoyable fun. I walk around my town and can enjoy myself while not wearing a mask. I hope to return to Disney someday, but not with these restrictions.
Here is my experience and thoughts about masks. Outside in the fresh air and sunshine, masks are ridiculous and completely unnecessary. I am pretty much a strict mask-wearing person, inside buildings with other people. But I had to wear a mask outside the other day for about an hour. It was mild and pleasant outside, but also sunny. I simply could not do it. I kept getting dizzy and feeling woozy. Even people who are supportive of wearing masks ( like me) are not going to be able to do it in the FL heat and humidity. And I feel really bad for the cast members who will be stuck in a mask for so long.
I love right behind Disney Springs, and was looking forward to May 20th, until I read the mask policy. How are we suppose to eat at the restaurants with a mask? Obvious answer is you can take the mask off to eat…so it obviously isn’t that important.
Guess I’ll be at City Walk until these rules change.
Those who choose not to wear a mask are welcome to stay home. Kudos to Disney for protecting its staff and patrons. Things will eventually be back to normal but until then we should take every precaution to protect the vulnerable among us. Better to be safe than sorry.
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