Walt Disney World theme parks officially reopening July 11, here’s what you need to know

Walt Disney World Resort’s theme parks will officially reopen to guests on July 11, after being closed since March 16 due to COVID-19.

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This news was shared by Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, who announced that Disney had received state approval to reopen via his Twitter:

Walt Disney World will reopen in phases over multiple days:

  • June 22: Disney Vacation Club resorts at Walt Disney World and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground will reopen to members and guests
  • July 11: Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom reopen
  • July 15: Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios reopen

With their reopening plan, Disney will implement new health and safety regulations, as well as a new theme park reservation system that guests will utilize to visit the parks. These reservations will be limited due to attendance limitations and will be subject to availability. We will update with more information about reservations when Disney shares it, closer to the reopening dates.

Disney’s plan involves new health and safety protocols, focusing on education, communication, and engagement with guests and cast about these new procedures and policies. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Face coverings will be required for guests ages 2 and up while on property.
  • Temperature checks will be required of guests visiting, and will be administered at the Main Entrances to the theme parks.
  • Hand-washing and sanitizing stations and signage reminders will be set up at appropriate locations in the parks. Cast members will also see sanitizing stations and signage reminders in backstage areas.
  • Plexi-glass will be added to points of sale in retail and food & beverage locations in the parks where physical distancing cannot be maintained.
  • Walt Disney World will reduce the capacity of its theme parks, restaurants, retail stores, attractions, buses, monorails, and other transportation that enables appropriate physical distancing.
  • Parades, fireworks, and other events that create crowds will be temporarily suspended.
  • More frequent cleaning across high-touch locations and surfaces in operating areas will be implemented.
  • Contactless payments will be encouraged with MagicBands, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
  • Cashless transactions will be enabled at restaurants and retail locations.
  • Mobile ordering will be expanded to new food & beverage locations.
  • High-touch experiences, like meet-and-greets and playgrounds, will be temporarily suspended.

In addition to these new safety measures, Walt Disney World has announced plans to suspend Extra Magic Hours, eliminate FastPass+ and cancel all existing dining and experience reservations. Walt Disney World is also not selling new theme park tickets or allowing new Disney Resort hotel reservations in order to focus on those who have existing tickets and reservations.

To learn more about all the new policies and procedures that will be implemented once Walt Disney World parks and resorts reopen, visit DisneyWorld.com/Updates.

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