During today’s Orange County task force meeting, Disney presented its plans for a phased reopening of Walt Disney World Resort. The parks have been closed for months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now we know Disney’s plans to reopen the parks.
Walt Disney World’s parks will begin to reopen on July 11 starting with the Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. On July 15, Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios will reopen.
Walt Disney World’s reopening will be similar to Shanghai Disneyland due to the reservation system and enhanced social distancing measures.
More signage for the Walt Disney World parks once they reopen:
Disney Springs has already been open. At Disney Springs today more Disney-owned stores and restaurants reopened.
The plan still needs to be approved by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis but all signs are pointing towards Disney reopening in July. The phased reopening of Walt Disney World will have a limit on attendance and more guidelines on physical distancing. Meet and greets will be temporarily unavailable along with no fireworks or parades due to social distancing.
Due to the limited capacity, there will be a reservation system, which Disney will reveal more details on at a later date. Disney is also temporarily pausing new ticket sales and Disney Resort hotel reservations. So they can 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 providing more details soon.
Disney Stores across the globe will begin a phased reopening. Also, 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.
So, just to recap July looks to be the month where some of Disney’s businesses get back normal. Walt Disney World will begin to reopen on July 11 with the Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom, followed by Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios on July 15.
Be sure to follow Boardwalk Times for the latest on Walt Disney World and The Walt Disney Company.
Zach Perilstein is the Editor-in-Chief of the Boardwalk Times
