In the last few days there have been plenty of announcements and information released related to next month’s reopening of Walt Disney World. Honestly, at times the information has almost been a little overwhelming. To help you stay on top of all the changes, we have put together this list to highlight some of the updates.
Reopening Dates
Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom are scheduled to reopen on Saturday, July 11. Epcot and Hollywood Studios will reopen several days later on Wednesday, July 15.
Hotels Reopening
Although parks are opening soon, not all the Disney resorts will immediately be opened. Here is a breakdown of what to expect.
Opened June 22
- Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
- Beach Club Villas
- BoardWalk Villas
- Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
- Old Key West Resort
- Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
- Riviera Resort
- Saratoga Springs Resort
- The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Below is a listing of opening dates for other select resorts:
- July 10 – Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House, Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- July 29 – Caribbean Beach Resort
- August 12 – Polynesian Village Resort and Art of Animation Resort
- August 24 – Yacht & Beach Club Resorts
- September 21 – Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
- October 1 – Boardwalk Resort
- October 14 – Coronado Springs Resort
New Disney Park Pass System
To manage attendance during this reopening period, Disney has introduced the new Disney Park Pass system. During this time, all Guests with valid admission will be required to make a reservation in advance for each park entry, using this new online tool. Know that just having a ticket does not guarantee you entry into the park. Prior to your arrival guests must “reserve” their space in the park via the Park Pass System. Availability is limited at each park.
Park Hopper and Park Hopper Plus Tickets
Park Hopper and Park Hopper Plus Tickets will be unavailable and temporarily suspended upon park reopening. Guests will only be able to visit one park per day.
Temperature Checks
During the initial reopening period, Guests will undergo a temperature screening prior to park entry. 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 of 100.4 F or above will not be allowed entry; those in their party will not be allowed entry either.
Face Coverings
Face coverings are required for all guests age 2 and up. Face Coverings which must be worn in all public areas, except while eating.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Parties and H2O Glow Nights at Typhon Lagoon
Both of these events have been canceled for 2020. If you have already purchased tickets, you will automatically receive a refund.
Attractions and Entertainment
To accommodate physical distancing, some experiences will be temporarily paused when the parks initially reopen, including:
- Parades and nighttime spectaculars
- Character Greetings
- Playgrounds
Disney Characters will still be in the parks to entertain and visible to the Guests. From special cavalcades down the Magic Kingdom park parade route and friends sailing the waterways of Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park to processions along World Showcase promenade at EPCOT and motorcades on Hollywood Boulevard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, each area will come to life throughout the day.
FastPasses
The FastPass+ service will be suspended for the time being as Disney plans to use additional queue space to manage capacity at the attractions and maintain physical distancing.
Disney PhotoPass Service
Disney PhotoPass Service will continue to be operational however, there will be a few minor changes. The biggest change is that Disney PhotoPass photographers will not handle Guests’ personal devices such as cellphones and cameras.
Pin Trading
Disney will continue to offer Guests the opportunity to pin trade with Cast Members through the use of pinboards in select locations. Cast pin trading with lanyards will not be available at this time to maintain physical distancing.
Tickets and Resort Reservations for Remainder of 2020
Currently, neither new ticket sales nor resort reservations are not available for the remainder of 2020. However, these may open booking later this summer depending on the number of park reservations made by existing ticket holders and Annual Pass Holders.
2021 Reservations
On June 24, all Guests will be able to purchase new Disney Resort hotel packages and theme park tickets and make their park reservations for arrivals starting in 2021 as our phased reopening continues.
Does all this information seem a little overwhelming? No worries. Reach out to us at natalie@castleandcruiseadventures.com to help navigate or book your next Walt Disney World vacation.