This page is your one-stop shop for all the details you need to know regarding the phased reopening of the Walt Disney World Resort.
All the Disney World theme parks closed to guests March 16, 2020. Disney Springs closed all of the Disney-owned shops and restaurants on March 17, 2020, and the Disney Resort hotels quickly followed suit by closing on March 20, 2020.
Disney Springs began a phased reopening on Wednesday, May 20, 2020.
Walt Disney World's plan for a phased reopening of its theme parks and select Resort hotels was presented May 27th during the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force meeting and was signed off by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on May 29th.
Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom reopened to guests on July 11, 2020.
EPCOT and Disney's Hollywood Studios reopened to guests on July 15, 2020.
Guests with partially used multi-day tickets or date-specific tickets purchased prior to June 6, 2020 (with a use period starting March 12, 2020 or later), will have the expiration date on those tickets extended to September 26, 2021. If guests are unable to use a ticket by September 26, 2021, the value of a wholly unused ticket can be applied toward the purchase of a ticket for a future date.
At this time and for the forseeable future, theme park reservations are required in order to enter any of the Walt Disney World theme parks. Attendance will be limited due to capacity restrictions, and will be subject to availability. Theme park attendance is now managed through a park reservation system entitled Disney Park Pass System. In order to enter a theme park, both a park reservation and valid admission for the same park on the same date will be required. It's also important to note that simply having an Advance Dining Reservation within a theme park does not guarantee admittance.
All guests including existing ticket holders and Annual Passholders can make reservation requests using Disney's online reservation calendar. Disney has stated that it may be difficult for Annual Passholders to get park reservations to visit on certain dates during the period of time where capacity is limited. The total reservation days that can be held by an Annual Passholder at one time will be limited to three (3) maximum to somewhat ease reservations. If an Annual Passholder has a Resort reservation, they will be able to secure theme park reservations for their entire length of stay in addition to their three rolling days.
The Advance Dining Reservation system has switched from a 180-day booking window to a 60-day booking window in order to allow guests to make plans closer to their visits.
Guests can now purchase theme park tickets and book Disney Resort hotel reservations for the remainder of 2020. Visit us at DreamsUnlimitedTravel.com for more information and to request a no-obligation quote from one of our knowledgable travel agents.
ARTICLE: Rediscovering the Magic of Disney in Your 2020 Return to the Parks
Disney has advised guests to be sure to link their upcoming resort reservations and/or theme park tickets in their My Disney Experience accounts as soon as possible. Making sure to complete this step will enable guests to receive important communication and information regarding their vacations including key planning dates and details about the new Disney Park Pass reservation system. Follow the link above for more detailed information on how to use My Disney Experience.
Visit this page to learn more about the brand new Disney Park Pass Reservation System
Signs featuring characters from Disney's The Incredibles will be located around the theme parks and Resort hotels upon reopening to remind guests to practice the enhanced health and safety measures.
Those who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, have been in contact with someone with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 symptoms without completing a 14-day quarantine, or are under quarantine orders MUST NOT enter Walt Disney World Resort.
All guests are required to undergo temperature screenings prior to entering any Resort restaurant as well as the theme parks and Disney Springs. Based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, anyone displaying a temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher will be directed to an additional location for rescreening and assistance. Those who again measure 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher will not be allowed entry, nor will those in their party.
Each of the theme parks as well as Disney Springs have "Relaxation Stations" where guests can take a break from wearing their face masks. Some locations are indoors and air-conditioned while others are outside. Take a look at each of the Disney maps to see the specific locations of each "Relaxation Station."
Related: How to Add a Nose Wire to a Cloth Disney Face Mask
Additionally, all guests ages 2 and up are required to wear a cloth face mask over their nose and mouth at all times. Guests may remove their face coverings while they are eating or drinking, but should be stationary and socially distanced in order to do so.
Related: Five Ways to Ease into Masked Life at Disney
Below is the additional Coronavirus-related statement that appears on the official Walt Disney World website as well as in the My Disney Experience app:
We have taken enhanced health and safety measures – for you, our other guests, and cast members. You must follow all posted instructions while visiting Walt Disney World Resort.
An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, senior citizens and guests with underlying medical conditions are especially vulnerable.
By visiting Walt Disney World Resort, you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19.
All of the up-to-date information we have on the reopening of Walt Disney World is located below in the following sections:
The hours of operation for Disney Springs are currently 10am to 10pm (subject to change at any time without notice).
During the first phase of reopening Disney Springs, guests are being directed to park in either the Lime or Orange garage. Surface lots will remain closed, and guests will only be able to access Disney Springs via the following four locations: the Orange and Lime garages, the Hotel Plaza Boulevard pedestrian bridge, and the rideshare location.
Due to capacity restrictions at Disney Springs, once the parking garages are full, guests will no longer be able to park and visit Disney Springs; this includes guests who have a booked Advance Dining Reservations. If a guest is not able to make their reservation because Disney Springs is closed due to capacity, the dining guarantee charge will be waived.
The following safety measures and regulations are in place for guests, cast members, and third-party employees wishing to visit Disney Springs:
During the initial phase of reopening, guests will be subject to a no-touch temperature screening in the following locations: the exits located on the second floor of both the Orange and Lime parking garages, the Marketplace entrance (located near the pedestrian bridge), and the rideshare drop-off location. Guests who have a temperature of 100.4 or higher will be directed to an alternate location for rescreening. Guests with temperatures above 100.4, along with their party members, will not be allowed to enter Disney Springs. Cast members and employees will be asked to complete a health screening and temperature check at home before coming to work.
All guests ages 2 years old and older must bring their own face coverings and wear them over the nose and mouth at all times, except when seated at a dining establishment or swimming. The same rule applies to cast members and third-party employees. Neck gaitors are not allowed; the face coverings used must have ear loops or straps.
Physical barriers are located in certain places to allow for physical distancing. Disney recommends that all guests use cashless or contactless payment options at this time.
Related news: Cirque Du Soleil's 'Drawn to Life' Delayed Until February 2021 at Disney Springs
The following Disney Springs restaurants are OPEN but are subject to close at any time for any reason without notice:
Aerophile – The World Leader in Balloon Flight |
MAC Cosmetics Marketplace Co-op (with virtual queue when necessary) MARVEL Super Hero Headquarters Melissa Shoes Na Hoku - Hawaii’s Finest Jewelers Since 1924 Oakley Once Upon A Toy Origins Orlando Harley-Davidson® Pandora® Jewelry Pelé Soccer Pin Traders Pop Gallery Ron Jon Surf Shop® Royally Yours by Arribas Brothers Rubio Arts Balloons Rustic Cuff Sanuk Savannah Bee Company Sephora Shop for Ireland Shore Sosa Family Cigars Sperry The Spice and Tea Exchange Stance Star Wars Galactic Outpost Star Wars Trading Post Sugarboo & Co. Sundries Sunglass Icon® Superdry Super Hero Headquarters Tommy Bahama Tren-D TUMI UGG® UNDER ARMOUR BRAND HOUSE UNIQLO UNOde50 Vera Bradley Vintage Amphicar Volcom World of Disney (with virtual queue when necessary) ZARA |
Select Disney Vacation Club Resorts, as well as Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, are now open. Disney's Vero Beach Resort and Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort are both open as well.
The following DVC Deluxe Villa Resorts that are now open are:
Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa will begin its phased reopening on November 1, 2020.
Non-DVC Resort Pool Hours
The following Resort hotels will open to guests on the opening dates that are listed below:
It's very important to note the dates above are subject to change and guests’ reservations could still be modified to other Resort hotels if need be.
Guests with current reservations at impacted Disney Resort hotels can now get assistance with modifying their reservations if they need to. Reservations for stays in 2021 are now available as well.
We also want to share that while Shades of Green is not a Walt Disney World Resort, it is on Disney property and now open. If you'd like more information on the Shades of Green Military resort, click HERE.
Remember, only guests with a valid theme park ticket or Annual Pass will be able to access the Disney Park Pass reservation system.
Given the current situation, there are some Resort hotels and other areas that are not being scheduled for reopening just yet. Disney will continue to evaluate the current situation and reopen more locations when they feel that the environment is right to do so.
Important things you will need prior to visiting a Walt Disney World Resort hotel are as follows:
Resort guests are strongly encouraged to utilize the Online Check-In Service via My Disney Experience in order to avoid a visit to the front desk. On the scheduled checkout day, guests will be automatically checked out of their rooms; no need to visit the front desk unless you have unresolved charges to your Disney Resort hotel folio. Guests can now virtually chat with a Resort cast member via the My Disney Experience app for assistance during their stay. This new feature offers support nearly anytime of the day so there’s no need to visit the lobby or stand in line.
It's also important that you review advisories and/or restrictions that may be in place prior to traveling to Florida. We recommend checking often as things are changing constantly. Visit https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/travelers/ for more information.
New health and safety measures have been put into effect at Walt Disney World as well as some updates:
The following amenities and experiences WILL NOT be available during the initial reopening period:
Some Disney Resort hotel services will be modified or unavailable during the initial reopening period, based on physical distancing and health guidelines.
Changes include:
Complimentary Disney transportation has been modified and is limited in capacity to control guest density. It is also subject to limited availability or closure, based on direction from health experts and government officials to promote physical distancing. Buses and Monorails have implemented a combination of physical distancing and physical barriers to provide separation between guest parties. Party groups are required to maintain physical distancing while aboard Disney watercraft. For those arriving in their own vehicles, auto plazas will offer cashless payment; parking lot trams will not be available at this time.
Disney Skyliner
The Disney Skyliner is now open and will load one party per gondola.
Monorail
The Magic Kingdom monorail is back in business. It is unknown at this time when the EPCOT monorail line will reopen. Physical distancing methods have been put into place on the monorails with the use of plexiglass. Wait times may be longer than guests are accustomed to.
NOTE: The monorail station located at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort will close for refurbishment November 2, 2020, and will not reopen until the summer of 2021 when the non-DVC section of the Resort reopens.
Disney's Magical Express Service
Complimentary airport transportation via Disney’s Magical Express service is available for guests arriving and departing from Orlando International Airport (MCO). Luggage delivery service is no longer being provided so guests will need to pick their own luggage up from baggage claim and bring it with them to check-in for Disney's Magical Express.
Many airlines have modified their flight schedules, so it's important to confirm your flight information. If you plan to use Disney’s Magical Express service, be sure to make any updates to the flight information on file with your Resort reservation.
Complimentary Resort Transportation
Bus transportation has resumed between theme parks, Disney Springs, and the open Disney Resort hotels.
Minnie Van Service
Minnie Van Service will not be available during the initial reopening period.
Parking
Self-parking is available at Disney Resort hotels. Valet service is temporarily unavailable, with the exception of guests with disabilities who may require parking assistance. A valid disability parking permit is required.
Walt Disney World has made updates and enhancements to their dining experiences based on guidance from health authorities, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and appropriate government agencies. During the reopening period, many dining experiences may be modified or unavailable in order to promote cleanliness and physical distancing.
The Advance Dining Reservation system has switched from a 180-day booking window to a 60-day booking window in order to allow guests to make plans closer to their visits.
With the exception of a modified experience during breakfast at Topolino's Terrace at Disney's Riviera Resort and at Garden Grill in EPCOT, Character Dining is temporarily unavailable. Additionally, a modified Character breakfast featuring Goofy & Friends will be available for guests of the Four Seasons Orlando at Ravello.
Related news: Temperature Screenings Now Required at Disney World Table Service Locations in Resorts
Prior to dining at any restaurant on Walt Disney World property,
At this time, the Disney Dining Plan is unavailable.
In addition to increasing cleaning in high-traffic areas such as public elevators and escalators, handrails, benches, tables, handles, restrooms and more, new health and safety measures have been put into place across Walt Disney World dining locations to promote health and hygiene, including:
Guests will now check-in for their dining reservations via the My Disney Experience app on their smartphones. The new mobile check-in feature will be available at select Table Service restaurants and will save guests from having to visit the host stand to check in.
It is recommended all guests use cashless payment options, including debit cards, credit cards and Disney Gift Cards. Guests can also opt for contactless payment options such as mobile wallets. Guests can use cash to purchase a Disney Gift Card at Guest Relations or at select merchandise locations. Disney Resort hotel guests can also use MagicBands to charge their purchase to their Disney Resort hotel folio.
Related news: Disney Table Service To Go Debuts in the My Disney Experience App
The following Disney Resort restaurants and bars are now open but are subject to close at any time for any reason without notice:
AbracadaBar (BoardWalk) |
Le Petit Cafe (Riviera) |
See the charts below for all the Magic Kingdom and Disney's Animal Kingdom restaurants that are now open. Click each restaurant to see their menu.
See the charts below for all the Disney's Hollywood Studios and EPCOT restaurants that are now open (unless otherwise noted). Click each restaurant to see their menu.
Related news: All 2020 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Parties Have Been Cancelled
It's important to know that guests must not only have valid theme park admission, but also a theme park reservation in the new Disney Park Pass reservation system in order to enter the theme park.
Guest protective measures will include the wearing of face coverings by cast members and guests while on Disney property – mask-free "relaxation zones" will be located in select areas. In Magic Kingdom, you can find an indoor, air-conditioned relaxation area in Storybook Circus at Pete's Silly Sideshow. Additionally, there are two outdoor relaxation zones; one located on the pathway between Adventureland and Frontierland and the other at Tomorrowland Terrace.
Hand-washing and sanitizing stations with clear signage will be located throughout the parks as well. Plexiglass has been installed at points of sale in retail shops and in food and beverage locations as well. Guest temperature checks will be conducted at the main entrance of the theme park.
Below is a list of the attractions, shops, and entertainment offerings are available at Magic Kingdom (subject to change at any time, for any reason, without notice):
Attractions
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Entertainment
Shops
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Parades, fireworks, and other events that draw a crowd will be temporarily suspended. Additionally, Disney is temporarily pausing character meet and greets, but characters will still be visible in special cavalcades down the Magic Kingdom park parade route. FastPass+ and Extra Magic Hours will be temporarily suspended up the opening of the theme parks as will Character Dining.
The theme parks will be operated with "controlled guest density" and at reduced capacity – as will restaurants, stores, attractions, buses, monorails, and other Disney transportation.
There will be "Social Distance Squads" located all around Walt Disney World to help promote social distancing.
Related articles:
A Taste of EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival will be taking place in 2020 – a modified version of the full Food & Wine Festival. This modified Festival will kick off on July 15th; the first day EPCOT opened after the months-long closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic; the exact end date has not been announced.
Disney has announced that there will be 20 signature global marketplaces such as Hawaii, Hops & Barley, and Islands of the Caribbean, and they will be spaced out around the theme park.
Additionally, Disney has announced that they'll be sprinkling in the "floral fun" of the Flower & Garden Festival with the "global goodies" of the Food & Wine Festival. Guests will be able to see the Remy topiary in the France pavilion along with special Flower & Garden merchandise. Scavenger hunt fans will be glad to hear that Remy’s Ratatouille Hide and Squeak scavenger hunt will return. Later on, after the Festival begins, Food & Wine merchandise will be added in.
The musical acts during the “Eat to the Beat Concert Series” are so popular and "often pack the house" but in an effort to accommodate proper physical distancing, these concerts will not take place this year. Guests will be able to enjoy music at the America Gardens Theatre with local EPCOT entertainment such as Mariachi Cobre, the JAMMitors, and more. These performances will be spread throughout the day in order to give audiences more options to enjoy them.
It's important to know that guests must not only have valid theme park admission, but also a theme park reservation in the new Disney Park Pass reservation system in order to enter the theme park. Guest protective measures will include the wearing of face coverings by cast members and guests while on Disney property, hand-washing and sanitizing stations along with clear signage. Plexiglass will be installed at points of sale in retail shops and in food and beverage locations as well. Guest temperature checks will be conducted at the main entrance of the theme park.
Guest protective measures will include the wearing of face coverings by cast members and guests while on Disney property – mask-free "relaxation zones" will be located in select areas. In EPCOT, you can find an indoor, air-conditioned relaxation area in Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in the Norway pavilion. Additionally, there are two outdoor relaxation zones; one located in the UK pavilion and near Test Track in Future World East.
Below is a list of the attractions, shops, and entertainment offerings that are now open at EPCOT (subject to change at any time, for any reason, without notice):
Attractions
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Shops
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Parades, fireworks, and other events that draw a crowd will be temporarily suspended. Additionally, Disney is temporarily pausing character meet and greets, but characters will still be visible in the theme park through processions along World Showcase promenade at EPCOT. Additionally, FastPass+ and Extra Magic Hours will be temporarily suspended up the opening of the theme parks as will Character Dining.
The theme parks will be operated with "controlled guest density" and at reduced capacity – as will restaurants, stores, attractions, buses, monorails, and other Disney transportation.
There will be "Social Distance Squads" located all around Walt Disney World to help promote social distancing.
It's important to know that guests must not only have valid theme park admission, but also a theme park reservation in the new Disney Park Pass reservation system in order to enter the theme park. Guest protective measures will include the wearing of face coverings by cast members and guests while on Disney property – mask-free "relaxation zones" will be located in select areas. Hand-washing and sanitizing stations with clear signage will be located throughout the parks as well. Plexiglass will be installed at points of sale in retail shops and in food and beverage locations as well. Guest temperature checks will be conducted at the main entrance of the theme park.
In Disney's Hollywood Studios, you can find an indoor, air-conditioned relaxation area in Star Wars: Launch Bay. Additionally, there is an outdoor relaxation zone located in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge.
Below is a list of the attractions, shops, and entertainment offerings that are open at Disney's Hollywood Studios (subject to change at any time, for any reason, without notice):
Attractions
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Shops
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Parades, fireworks, and other events that draw a crowd will be temporarily suspended. Additionally, Disney is temporarily pausing character meet and greets, but characters will still be visible in motorcades that will take place on Hollywood Boulevard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Additionally, FastPass+ and Extra Magic Hours will be temporarily suspended up the opening of the theme parks as will Character Dining.
The theme parks will be operated with "controlled guest density" and at reduced capacity – as will restaurants, stores, attractions, buses, monorails, and other Disney transportation.
There will be "Social Distance Squads" located all around Walt Disney World to help promote social distancing.
It's important to know that guests must not only have valid theme park admission, but also a theme park reservation in the new Disney Park Pass reservation system in order to enter the theme park. Guest protective measures will include the wearing of face coverings by cast members and guests while on Disney property – mask-free "relaxation zones" will be located in select areas. Hand-washing and sanitizing stations with clear signage will be located throughout the parks as well. Plexiglass will be installed at points of sale in retail shops and in food and beverage locations as well. Guest temperature checks will be conducted at the main entrance of the theme park.
In Disney's Animal Kingdom, you can find an indoor, air-conditioned relaxation area in Pizzafari. Additionally, there is an outdoor relaxation zone located in Upcountry Landing, just across the way from UP! A Great Bird Adventure.
Below is a list of the attractions, shops, and entertainment offerings that is now available at Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park (subject to change at any time, for any reason, without notice):
Attractions
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Entertainment NEW!
Shops
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Parades, fireworks, and other events that draw a crowd will be temporarily suspended. Additionally, Disney is temporarily pausing character meet and greets, but characters will still be visible sailing the waterways of Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park. Additionally, FastPass+ and Extra Magic Hours will be temporarily suspended up the opening of the theme parks as will Character Dining.
The theme parks will be operated with "controlled guest density" and at reduced capacity – as will restaurants, stores, attractions, buses, monorails, and other Disney transportation.
There will be "Social Distance Squads" located all around Walt Disney World to help promote social distancing.
Walt Disney World does not plan on opening their water parks until March 7, 2021. At that time (pending government approval), either Disney's Blizzard Beach OR Typhoon Lagoon will open.
Annual Passholders will receive a pro-rated refund and other guests can chooose to modify or cancel their tickets.
Read more: Walt Disney World Water Parks Closed Until at Least March 7, 2021
