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
Until the pandemic has past people need to realize wearing a mask is helpful to others in preventing the spread of infection. Remember it’s not for the wearer of the mask. Don’t be the cause but be part of he solution. I’ll gladly wear one when I’m there for the NSSH in September.
Thank you Disney for using common sense and caring about cast member and guest safety with these basic requirements. My family would not feel safe visiting if they were not in place.
I’m planning on scheduling an October 2021 trip to WDW for my wife and myself in June or as soon as 2021 reservations become available. VERY MUCH hoping the mask requirement is gone by the Summer of 2021 because it is a major deal breaker. We will ABSOLUTELY, POSITIVELY be cancelling our trip if masks are still required in October of 2021. I know this is a long way in advance, but I have witnessed enough panic to see the possibility. Since no effective vaccine has EVER been created for ANY coronavirus we are extremely pessimistic that one will happen by next year. Here’s hoping for multiple viable treatments being available by then! Maybe the panic will settle down.
We’re booked in July with the Free Dining Recovery but if masks are a requirement, we will NOT come. Also the fact there will be no fireworks, parades, shows or character greets… Rides are HALF the fun and value…
Will do whatever it takes to get Cast Members back to work. Just please make sure you enforce this rule consistently. If we all wear a mask and follow the rules, we will be able to keep people employed and enjoy our happy place!
What are you doing for those who can’t wear masks due to medical reasons?
I will not be coming to Disneyland until the mask policy is rescinded. I understand the legal liability and that some people expect it but I don’t think it’s necessary. I have reservations at the Disneyland Hotel for August that most likely will get canceled and I will wait to renew my annual pass until the majority of this has all been settled.
The masks won’t prevent you from getting the virus as much as it prevents you from passing on to someone. If you are asymptomatic, you can pass it without knowing you have it. If 80% of the population were to wear mask, it would flatten the curve quicker than self isolation. People on this blog stating they won’t wear mask, would be the first to complain that they got sick and blame everyone but themselves.
There is an easy solution that will make the majority feel safe and heard. Mass optional outdoors but required indoors except when dining seated. Age 5 and under are exempt. The biggest complaint is wearing the mask the entire day in the heat. This eliminates that. It also keeps people safe where they are most vulnerable, indoors. Masks are ridiculous for outside. Everyone I asked that I know said they’d never go to Disney wearing one all day.
Fully supportive of Disney’s efforts to follow the recommendations and do the best they can to resume welcoming guests. Can’t wait to visit soon!
Masks and temperature scans are flat out deal breakers for my family and I. I’ll return when this unwarranted hysteria is over. Not before!
We’re DVC members and knew we could trust Disney to take appropriate precautions to protect their Guests and Cast Members. It’s disappointing to see that some who claim that they love Disney aren’t willing to protect fellow Disney fans by wearing masks. We all know we can’t run, smoke, or take selfie sticks in Disney parks, so I don’t see why wearing masks causes such controversy- it’s just another rule than is enforced to keep everyone safe.
We have been booked to go to Disney world in August since last year. We are from the UK, even if all flights etc are up and running, there is no way my 3 year old will wear a mask at all times. Surely the age for compulsory mask wearing will need to increase?
Wearing a mask should be optional.. does nothing to stop the spread just ask the experts which none of you are even if you think you are. Make masks optional if you want to wear on great.. look sickly and pathetic.. if you don’t like it if people are not wearing masks don’t go, not the other way around
We have a booking for the middle of August and hope to be able to return to Disney World with our masks. Thanks, Disney, for looking out for your Guests and Cast Members!
Thank you for your dedication to our health and well being. I go to the parks with my cool aunt. She’s 71 and a barrel of fun! It would break my heart to go alone if she had to stay home. It would crush me to go alone because selfish people caused her death.
As an essential worker, I wear a mask all day. It’s not the greatest. But neither is wearing a bra. You get used to things that are mildly uncomfortable in order to be part of the community.
Thank you for putting time and thought into Disney Springs reopening. Planning on coming back later this year and I’ll be wearing a mask. Have a magical day!
Do you know if medical face shields will be allowed as an alternative to face masks?
Thanks Disney. I just hope the cast members are prepared for the ones who will be less than magical. Me? Mask in hand. Limited or not, it’s the first step and I can’t wait to enjoy it. Sweaty face and sunburn lines here I come.
Thank you Disney! I am happy to wear a mask and help stop the spread.
My family and friends appreciate you offering this process, and doing everything you can to keep people safe.
Thank you, Disney, for your cautious and thoughtful approach to reopening and fully support your policies and efforts. As a long time passholder family, we look forward to safely returning to DisneyWorld!
Thank you very much, Disney – I support these decisions and requirements 1000%! I’ll be there when I can, with mask on, to support both Disney and the greater need to keep cast members and everyone as safe as possible.
The mask requirement is a deal breaker for my family. It should be an option, not a mandate. In the Florida heat and humidity, masks will be unbearable.
I was so excited to hear Disney Springs was opening until I saw the requirement to wear face masks. It is ridiculous to make people walk around in this heat wearing masks. Social distancing is the way to go. So disappointed in Disney…I will wait until the mask requirement is lifted.
Thank you Disney! Remember everyone…It is a privilege not a right to be able to go to Disney.
What is considered an appropriate face covering??? I know it can’t have inappropriate comments on it!! Surgical, N95, bandanna? Scarfs? Reusable cloth mask?
Thank you for those who are staying away….less people there with more room for those who want to be…as far as those thinking theyre going to CityWalk. You are required to wear masks and temperature checks there too….Can’t get away from it…it’s the guidelines that responsible businesses are following….thank you a Disney….
Thank you Disney for doing the right thing and putting your cast members/ guests and humans as your top priority. Thank you for believing in science and having that humanity we look at Disney for. I will absolutely attend and abide by all rules and restrictions for a better future 🙂
Nope. I’ll be the first one there, but no masks
I’m glad to see that for now at least Disney Springs is able to reopen. . .thank you to all the Cast Members who make Disney such a magical place, and for taking the health and safety of both Guests and Cast Members seriously! Have A Magical Day!
Masks are not necessary or proven effective. The “science” I read seems to be very different than some I see posted above. The virus is only a severe threat if you are in an “at risk “ category. If you are, then stay home. My family all had the virus and we are just fine. I know it is my choice to go or not go to Disney, but those of you saying that people who don’t want to wear a mask “don’t care about other people” are wrong. I do care about other people and safety, the issue is that I care about freedom more. We can all be safer if we never leave the house, nothing in life is a guarantee… but I want to live, it is not enough to just survive.
Thank you for the measures that you are taking to keep people as safe as possible. While it may be inconvenient to some, those of us that want to enjoy the parks and also be safe not only for ourselves but those around us, can appreciate the extra care taking place by the park and park guests.
You have my support Disney
Thank you Disney! We can’t wait to come and enjoy the parks in this safe manner! So glad u are looking out for your workers as well as the guests! Can’t wait! We were at ESPN in December and looking forward to coming back!
So happy to hear about this plan which will allow us to visit and stay safe, while also keeping others safe. THANK YOU! I am not going anywhere that does not require face coverings for a while, so thank you for offering us a chance to come back and enjoy!!
Thank you Disney for being responsible and enforcing safety measures to enable guests to start to return to as normal a life as can be had.
Thank you Disney for being thoughtful in your approach to reopening Disney Springs and your other operations around the world. My family and I will be back to visit soon … masks, hand sanitizer, and common sense in hand!
Thank you Disney for thinking about everyone.
I’m DVC and don’t understand why masks are such a big deal when you look at the bigger picture. Who is going to want to go anyways with the limited entertainment offerings Disney will have even rolling out their reopening into parks and resorts? No parades, fireworks, indoor shows or characters? Just rides only pretty much… it’s sad to me because all that entertainment is what made the Disney magic for me and I worry many of them will never come back 🙁
why bother? Just wait till it’s all clear and open normal.
So glad things are starting to open up, but it would be nice to know the hours of operation. I live about 45 minutes (without traffic) away but to drive to Disney Springs only to be turned away would not be appreciated.
Mandating the wear of masks is ridiculous. I will not be going until this policy is removed.
I was so excited for Disney to be reopening, but as if the security measures weren’t already bad enough asking my children to cover their faces all day in the Florida sun is asking far too much. If this isn’t just a temporary bandaid and instead becomes policy, we may have had our last trip to Disney and not even known it. What a shame.
Thank you Disney for remaining to be a magical place where we can trust that we are safe and happy!!!
So if I’m walking in to 100 degree weather and I want to take a drink of water or give my kid a popsicle I can’t unless I’m sitting at a dining table? Disney you really need to rework the wording on the face mask coverings.
I have season passes for myself, sig other, and 5 and 3 year olds. I also have a 2 year old and twin 1 year olds.
The three youngest are exempt from the masks due to age and o2 kickback. My 5, 3 and 2 year olds are autistic. They will not wear a mask!
How is this all going to play out for families like mine?
We’re planning to move up north and planned to have an awesome last year here in Florida enjoying Disney!
I seriously hope you plan to make some concessions for people and children like mine!
It’s no surprise to me at all that Disney has a solid, thoughtful plan to welcome guests back that is realistic and executable. My family has vacation plans for October, and we are very much looking forward to coming. We’ll happily comply with any guidance Disney requests we follow. Thanks, Disney!
Um yeah if I have to wear masks and junk Disney is going to not be fun anymore. I will not be going until masks are not required. It’s hot as heck and it will make everything even more uncomfortable than it already is. Not worth wasting money to be super uncomfortable sorry.
Thank you so much for your responsible opening. You are taking good care of your cast members and your patrons. Please know that many ,many ,many of us appreciate your attention to the best recommendations of experts in the fields of science and medicine.
Please, please strictly enforce the face covering rule. This is not nearly over and masks will undoubtedly help prevent the spread.
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