walt disney world reopening plans and dates

4 Questions About Walt Disney World Reopening Plans YOU Are Asking

ByPatty Holliday

One of the biggest questions about the reopening of Walt Disney World has been: Will Disney World require masks? And I know you have more: here are the 4 big questions about Disney World reopening plans that you are asking. Go ahead and mark your calendars, Disney friends: Walt Disney World Resort begins a phased reopening on July 11.

Storm Troopers inside Rise of the Resistance at Galaxys Edge in Disney World
Storm Troopers inside Rise of the Resistance at Galaxys Edge in Disney World. Photo: @realmousewifewdw

Plans Submitted: Walt Disney World Reopens July 11

Plans have been submitted to the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force for a phased reopening of Walt Disney World theme parks starting on July 11 for the general public. 

These plans do need to move on to approval by the Mayor as well as the Governer before officially confirmed. 

In the recent discussion with the task force, Walt Disney World indicated the future of the parks reopening with soft openings for press and cast members. 

The Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom will reopen on July 11th with a smaller capacity (number not announced by estimated at 20% to 30% based on previous discussions by Disney management.) 

Hollywood Studios and Epcot will open on July 15th. 

four big questions asked about disney reopening plans

Will Disney World Require Masks For Guests?

The big question on everyone’s mind has been: will Disney World require masks for guests?

And the answer is a loud YES. 

If you are planning on going to Disney this summer, you’ll need to wear a face-covering or maybe one of these Disney face masks. 

disney surgical face masks

The shopDisney face masks are still available if you need to order one!

Face Coverings 

From the Walt Disney World Website

All Guests ages 2 and up—along with Cast Members—are required to wear face coverings when visiting Walt Disney World Resort. Please bring your own face coverings and wear them at all times, except when dining or swimming.

All face coverings should:

  • Fully cover an individual’s nose and mouth and allow the Guest to remain hands-free
  • Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
  • Be secured with ties or ear loops
  • Be made of breathable material, either disposable or reusable

Costume masks are not considered appropriate and are prohibited from being worn, in alignment with our existing rules. 

The use of face coverings is not a substitute for physical distancing. 

Will Disney World Have Parades or Fireworks When It Opens?

This is a huge thing to note: Disney World will not have parades or fireworks when it opens. They are avoiding any event that might bring a crowd. 

It will also not have any meet and greet opportunities. 

That’s right: you won’t be able to meet Mickey or Minnie or your favorite princess this summer. 

Maleficent Returns to Disney's Festival of Fantasy Parade at Mag
Maleficent returned to Disney’s Festival of Fantasy parade at Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., Jan. 25, 2019. (Charlene Guilliams, photographer)

How Are You Feeling? Temperature Checks Required

Disney World will also be checking guest and cast member temperatures upon entry to the Florida theme parks. 

This will be similar to the way Disney Springs is running entry points. 

Contactless temperatures will be taken and if there are any concerns, it will be handled on-site. 

New Health and Safety Reminders at Disney Springs
Signage at Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., reminds guests of new health and safety protocols in place when the shopping, dining and entertainment district reopens May 20, 2020. While visiting Disney Springs, guests must maintain physical distancing and those 3 years of age and older must wear a face covering at all times, among other new guidelines. (Olga Thompson, photographer)

Temperature Screenings 

From the Walt Disney World Website

Upon arrival at Disney Springs or at the Walt Disney World theme parks, you may undergo a temperature screening with no-touch thermometers.

Based on guidance from health authorities, anyone displaying a temperature of 100.4 F or above will be directed to an additional location for rescreening and assistance. Those with temperatures 100.4 F or above will not be allowed entry; those in their party will not be allowed entry either.

Before you leave home, be sure to check the temperatures of everyone in your party—including yourself—as an extra layer of precaution.

Slinky Dog Dash in Toy Story Land
Slinky DogÕs coils twist and turn around the curves, hills, and drops of Slinky Dog Dash at Toy Story Land at DisneyÕs Hollywood Studios. The family-friendly coaster is inspired by the hit Pixar Animation StudiosÕ Toy Story films, and is DisneyÕs first coaster with a double-launch. Walt Disney World Resort guests get to race and dive around a track that stretches across Toy Story Land. (David Roark, photographer)

Should You Go To Disney World This Summer?

The number one question being asked this year is should I go to Disney World this summer?

And the best answer I can give you is: maybe? 

I know, clear as mud. 

1. GO: If your family has been to Disney many times before and an altered, somewhat altered experience is ok with you.

My family is not huge parade or fireworks people, so losing that opportunity this summer is not a deal-breaker. Plus we’ve seen the shows and enjoy them frequently via a virtual Magic Kingdom vacation so- we’re ok with this news. 

We can also do without the meet and greets and wearing masks are part of our reality now, so none of that are issues here. 

My family also looks at this as a unique Disney opportunity, a once-in-a-lifetime experience: you gotta admit, these times are very different than a typical summer vacation. 

And we embrace different and unexpected- especially when it comes to Disney. 

I personally believe the magic will be there because it lives in the Cast Members. Supporting them is reason enough for me to consider making that trip this summer. 

If you are a go with the flow kind of family, there are some possible BIG reasons to go to Disney World in the summer of 2020. 

Think smaller crowds and virtual queues for example. I could see more widespread use of the type of Rise of the Resistance boarding pass process (hopefully not as chaotic!) and Disney did say more Mobile Food ordering options will be instituted. 

All are huge time savers and positive changes to the park experience in my option. 

Expedition Everest roller coaster at sunrise

2. STAY HOME: if you were hoping for a big first trip or milestone celebration. It won’t be the same, it won’t be what you (or Disney!) wanted. 

First up: the masks.

If your family really cannot handle the experience of wearing masks (and its valid for many many people who feel this way) – in Florida in the summer mind you- this is NOT the time to go. 

If you’ve never been to Disney World before and this was the bib blow-out opportunity of your dreams, I’d say you might want to reconsider. Especially if this was a one-time event for your family.

It will be very different than what Disney wants it to be for you. And you may leave feeling jilted a bit. 

Trust me: they want you to be wowed and want to have that special moment with Rapunzel or Aladdin or Gaston meet and greets. 

But it just can’t happen right now in a safe way. 

They understand and will see you when things DO get back to more normal experience. 

What do you think about the opening plans? Come join us in the No-Guilt Disney Facebook group for the discussion. 

More Disney World opening information is available on the Disney Parks Blog. 

Sea World reopening plans were also submitted.

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