It’s been an exciting few weeks for Disney fans as the parks are slowly starting to reopen worldwide. This week has seen the re-opening of some of the Walt Disney World resorts and we’re here to give you all the information you need to plan your next visit.
Walt Disney World Resorts
As of the 22nd June, Walt Disney World has welcomed back guests to the following resorts:
- Bay Lake Tower at the Contemporary Resort
- Boulder Ridge Villas and Copper Creek Villas at Wilderness Lodge
- Kidani Village Villas at Animal Kingdom Lodge
- Beach Club Villas
- Boardwalk Villas
- Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
- Old Key West
- Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
- Riviera Resort
- Saratoga Springs Resort
- The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian
As of now the scheduled dates for further resorts are as follows:
- July 10 – Pop Century and Contemporary
- July 29 – Caribbean Beach
- August 12 – Polynesian Village Resort and Art of Animation
- August 24 – Yacht Club and Beach Club
- September 21 – Grand Floridian
- October 1 – Boardwalk Inn
- October 14 – Coronado Springs
- All further resorts’ opening dates are still to be confirmed at this time
If you are looking to book and plan your 2021 trip these will be going on sale from June 24th, and you are able to modify any outstanding bookings for 2021 now. Currently, you are unable to make a new vacation booking for 2020, but Disney is hoping to release more availability in late summer.
Theme Parks
The big news coming out of Walt Disney World is the imminent reopening of our beloved theme parks. However, there is a big change in store for guests; guests will now require reservations to visit a theme park each day of their stay, and for the time being, park hopping is no longer accepted.
If you already have a vacation package (resort and tickets) booked for 2020 you can go ahead and start making those reservations for your visit on Walt Disney World’s website. Everyone in your party will need a ticket and reservation so make sure you plan ahead to make the most of your next trip.
July 11 will see the reopening of the Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom, with Epcot and Hollywood Studios following on July 15th. Expect to see many changes since your last visit, with no Character Meet & Greets, Parades or Fireworks currently scheduled for the re-opening. Disney Springs has been open already for the last few weeks, with most stores and restaurants running as usual.
What to expect on your next Disney visit
Walt Disney World has laid out clear guidelines for visitors to the parks including many health measures to keep everyone safe and healthy during their visit. Face coverings must be worn at all times (apart from eating, drinking or in designated rest areas) by all guests ages 2 and up. Upon entry to the theme parks and Disney Springs, expect your temperature to be checked each time.
Enhanced cleaning and reduced contact are to be expected now, with the 2m physical distancing in place via signage and cast member guidance during your visit. The capacity of the hotels, parks and restaurants has been significantly reduced to ensure all these measures can be adhered to.
As mentioned above there will no longer be any Character Meet & Greets happening currently, however, if you are looking for a character experience We would highly recommend Topolino’s Terrace at Disney’s Riviera Resort which will be doing a socially distanced character dining experience for breakfast.
To make your visit as smooth and enjoyable as possible it is highly recommended to have a contactless payment option and to download the most recent version of the My Disney Experience app.
Another big factor to consider is that Disney will no longer be used Fastpass or Virtual Queues at this time, although hopefully, the reduced capacity will allow for lower wait times at the attractions.
Special Events wise Disney have announced that for 2020 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party has been cancelled, however in good news starting on July 15th Epcot will be home to a new expanded version of the Food and Wine Festival running all the way through Fall.
It’s certainly an exciting time for Disney fans around the world, and we can’t wait to return to Walt Disney World as soon as possible!
Do you already have your next Disney vacation booked? If you need any help getting started with planning that next incredible trip make sure to contact us here. We will be more than happy to answer your questions and get you ready to return to the magic!
