Disney Springs Reopening Starts May 20
Walt Disney World has just announced that a phased reopening of Disney Springs will begin on May 20, 2020. In this post, we’ll share details about the reopening of the entertainment complex, which will open its restaurants and retail ahead of the theme parks.
This decision by Walt Disney World to reopen Disney Springs follows the guidance of government and health officials, and will be done in stages. During the initial phase, a limited number of shopping and dining options that are owned by third-party operating participants will begin to open.
Walt Disney World notes that the health of guests and Cast Members is at the forefront of planning, and as such, Disney is making several operational changes as it starts the process of resuming operations at Walt Disney World. Here’s some of what to expect when Disney Springs reopens…
While Walt Disney World doesn’t explicitly say so, our assumption is that the decision to reopen will be made by each third party restaurant or store. As with other businesses around Florida and the rest of the United States, they’ll each likely make their own risk assessments, as well as determinations as to viability with significantly limited capacity.
Other complicating factors will include availability of employees and potential supply chain issues. (At least the restaurants and Cast Members have a couple weeks’ notice here.)
Disney Springs will begin to reopen in a way that incorporates enhanced safety measures, including increased cleaning procedures, the use of appropriate face coverings by both Cast Members and guests, limited-contact guest services, and additional safety training for Cast Members.
Walt Disney World additionally indicates it will “apply learnings and ideas from leaders in the health and travel industries, and we’re also talking to our unions as we prepare for some Cast Members to return to work.”
This news of Disney Springs reopening comes two days after the Disney Parks Chief Medical Officer Announced Health Considerations to Reopen Disney World & Disneyland, which set out some protocol that would be utilized once Walt Disney World and Disneyland reopen.
It also follows the Shanghai Disneyland Reopening Date Announcement, which provided more specific requirements for guests. The big question following that was whether guests would have to wear face masks when Walt Disney World reopened.
The detail in this Disney Springs announcement about both Cast Members and guests using “appropriate face coverings” would seem to suggest that will be the case. (Although, once again, everything is subject to change in these quickly evolving and highly dynamic times.)
During the initial opening phase, Disney Springs will have limitations on capacity, parking, and operating hours.
Given this unprecedented situation, Walt Disney World requests everyone’s patience and understanding as they navigate through this process as responsibly as we can.
Additional protocols and procedures may be announced closer to the opening date. Please check DisneySprings.com as the May 20, 2020 reopening date draws nearer. That page will have the most current information on operating hours, operating restaurants & shops, and safety procedures.
As locals, we’ve become frequent visitors of Disney Springs. It’s our “home” AMC and between that and its top tier dining, it’s often one of our go-to choices for a night out.
A late night at Disney Springs is right up there with dinner in Epcot followed by late night laps around World Showcase, which obviously is not possible at this time. It’s gotten to the point, as noted in our More Mellow Music from Disney World & Beyond, that I’m even nostalgic for the Disney Springs BGM. And it’s not very good!
To that end, if you’re looking at a visit to Disney Springs to get your Walt Disney World fix, check out our resources for the entertainment complex. For starters, there’s our Disney Springs Tips & Tricks.
For dining specifically, see our Best Disney Springs Table Services Restaurants and Best & Worst Disney Springs Counter Service Restaurants lists are great post to read if you’re planning a meal out. The good to great choices far outnumber the mediocre or bad ones.
I’m personally already looking forward to our first meal at Disney Springs. Right now, I’m craving Chef Art’s Famous Fried Chicken & Doughnuts.
Speaking of which, I should probably review the spectacular brunch at Homecomin’…or perhaps we should test it out again just to be sure that it’s still spectacular. Yeah, eat there again first…
Or maybe we’ll do the excellent Liz Angus Burger at STK, which we previously called the “best lunch deal at Walt Disney World.” Or perhaps we’ll feast at the food trucks, like Cookie Dough and Everything Sweet, Mac & Cheese, or the fantastic 4 Rivers Cantina. Or the latest monthly option for D-Luxe Burger.
Or or or–the World Disney Springs is our oyster! Sorry, we’ve been cooped up at home for a while. I’m just mildly excited by the prospect of restaurant food for the first time in a long time!
We’ve expected that Disney Springs will open prior to the theme parks and resorts for a while, especially as that squares pretty well with the parameters established by the State of Florida and Orange County for reopening the economy. The added upside here is that Walt Disney World can test & adjust on the fly, seeing what works and doesn’t.
Disney Springs is an environment populated by third party tenants and local guests who aren’t paying admission and are generally lower maintenance than tourists visiting and staying at Walt Disney World for multiple days (or over a week) at a time. (Calling it “lower stakes” as compared to the parks doesn’t feel quite right, but that’s exactly what it is.)
A few things are worth noting in that regard. First, Disney is quick to point out that third party tenants are the ones reopening, and not ones that are Disney owned and operated.
It’s possible that Walt Disney World is not ready to reopen its venues but wants to avoid contractual conflict with third party tenants and is thus beginning the phased opening of Disney Springs. It’s also possible that Walt Disney World simply hasn’t negotiated a deal with its unions yet for reopening, and will announce that its venues in Disney Springs will likewise reopen on May 20 with the third parties.
For those looking at the opening of Disney Springs and wondering what it means for the theme parks, we can once again look to Shanghai Disneyland. Not because it’s conclusive, but it’s at least instructive.
Shanghai Disney Resort’s Disneytown complex reopened on March 8–over two months before that resort’s one park is resuming operations. For what it’s worth, Disneytown also reopened faster after its closure, welcoming guests after a little over one month of downtime. Disney Springs will have been closed for roughly two months when it reopens.
Ultimately, the reopening of Disney Springs still doesn’t tell us when the Walt Disney World theme parks and resort hotels will open, but it’s a step in the right direction. At minimum, this bodes well for subsequent phases and might mean that more of Walt Disney World reopening in Summer 2020 is still in the cards.
These incremental steps to ‘power up’ the machine that is Walt Disney World may take some time, but the cautious and methodical approach will hopefully pay off with smooth results. Here’s hoping for the best as Walt Disney World–and everyone else–tries to reestablish a sense of normalcy!
Planning a Walt Disney World trip? Learn about hotels on our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews page. For where to eat, read our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews. To save money on tickets or determine which type to buy, read our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets post. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips post takes a unique look at clever items to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Ride Guides will help. For comprehensive advice, the best place to start is our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for everything you need to know!
Your Thoughts
Will you visit Disney Springs once it reopens, or will you wait? Anywhere you’re excited to eat first? Thoughts on the health protocol and safety measures? Do you agree or disagree with our Disney Springs restaurant recommendations? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!
Reality Man? I don’t think so.
You have the right to your opinion, but please don’t be rude and crude.
Drew: Yes Facts are stubborn things. The article you reference refers to a limited study of symptomatic carriers. Symptomatic carriers are quarantined and not leaving their homes. Dr Osterholm stresses they have no real data on face masks regarding spread in asymptomatic carriers, which is the concern. My daughter-in-law proved to be an asymptomatic carrier. Prior to returning to work after being furloughed she and all her colleagues had to be tested. She was shocked when she tested positive. She and my son quarantined for two weeks in accordance with instructions from the local Health Dept.
The article you cited reiterates CDC guidelines of social distancing, hand washing, not touching one’s face and proper use of facial masks. This article supports the guidelines and in no way undermines it.
My solution that will never happen: Have two completely different sets of protocol for offsetting weeks. On odd weeks, don’t require masks, have looser distancing rules, run more shows, have more interaction. Charge less these weeks since they will have higher capacity in the parks, but pay cast member more since 1) they will have higher revenue, 2) there is the risk factor. On even weeks, require masks, have very stringent controls in place, limit capacity, don’t run shows or events where distancing is very difficult to enforce. Charge more these weeks since this is a premium option, but pay the employees less since there is less risk. Then let the crowds decide when they want to go. Personally I would go during an odd week. (This is obviously a terrible idea, but what the heck, I thought I would throw it out there.)
It’s an interesting idea, at the very least! 🙂
Actually a great idea in my opinion. I think it will be a while before we return because I think they will not be stringent enough, but I would never go under odd weeks/loose rules, but I actually would consider even weeks/strict rules.
I wonder how third-party restaurant and business owners located in Disney Springs feel about being used as lab rats by Disney? My analysis of Disney’s statement is that none of their business or dining establishments will be open.
My guess is that third parties are the ones pushing to reopen, and Disney is doing so to avoid contractual disputes or having vacancies if/when businesses go under.
None of them are going to be under any obligation to reopen, so why would it bother the businesses? If they don’t want to open, don’t view it as viable, or can’t get ready by then, they won’t open.
And, given our litigious society I’m sure that no venue will open without the appropriate insurance and having taken rigorous steps to ensure the safety of patrons and staff.
Sorry, but that is not factual information. Wearing facial coverings reduces spread, dramatically. It is why the CDC reversed it position over a month ago. Facts are stubborn things.
You’re right, facts are stubborn;
https://www.nap.edu/read/25776/chapter/1#7
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (pretty reputable source) just published a study stating there is no/little evidence that cloth masks are effective. You can read it via the link above.
This is separate from surgical masks and N95 masks, which are proven to be effective. The distinction is made in their research. Most of us don’t have access to those types (i.e. medical grade) of products given shortages.
I’m not anti mask, and have no problem wearing one. It is important to remember how new this all is and how little anyone knows. Even when the CDC is publishing guidelines, those are often ahead of the science (as was the case with cloth masks). Today’s “facts” may become irrelevant tomorrow.
@Drew
You are absolutely correct. And further, an improperly worn N95 serves no purpose either, AND there is a proper protocol for donning and removing a mask. Most of this mask and stay at home protocol has no real scientific basis and further, now that we have actual hard data on this virus, can be modified and relaxed quite a bit. But PLEASE don’t confuse people with facts, their minds are already made up.
I love the utter certainty and moral preening of those demanding that Disney, and all of society, follow there preference of a draconian response and never-ending shutdown to the pandemic until said THEY decide when, and to what degree the lockdown orders may be loosened. They pretend that their way is the only way to re-open, and, if you disagree, you want someone’s grandma to die. They make unsupported claims, many easily refutable which they assert are Science. Time for the rest of us to let our opinions known, at volume greater than that of those trying to intimidate those who want to re-open into silence with their insinuations and half-truths. People’s lives have been ruined by the lockdown, and the time for allowing people to re-gain their lives is now, despite the presence of a virus that may never go away.
Keep spreading the fake news and data Janis! Move along to the Facebook pages where people actually believe this misinformation.
The mask protects others. Wearing a mask is not to protect the wearer (unless it is an N-95). It is to protect others. If an infected, asymptomatic person wears a mask, there is only a 5% chance of infecting another person. If an uninfected person wears a mask, there is a 70% chance of getting infected from a person with Covid 19, even if the infected person is asymptomatic. If both parties wear a mask there is only a 1% chance of spreading the virus. It is not rocket science to see the purpose of facial coverings. It is all about personal responsibility. The death toll in FL has been deliberately underreported by order of our governor. Makes no sense in a society who professes to embrace freedom. The price of freedom is responsibility.
I would love to break free of this isolation and go to Disney Springs. I am local and a WDW AP holder. Miss the magic. But Cast Members, vendors and visitors all have a responsibility not to pass on an infection. The govt has not demonstrated any degree of reliability in curbing the death toll.
Nobody is forcing you or anyone else to go. If you’re not comfortable with it, then by all means stay home. It’s always going to be “too soon” for someone, because it will never be gone, even with a vaccine. I prefer to get out and start living again, because tomorrow is NEVER guaranteed.
I second that, Mark.
I third that Mark. Is that a thing?
I fourth it!
AMEN! People are acting like they are being forced to go…it is their choice. Make your own choice and live with it. I would rather be out there living my life with risks and wearing a mask than to die of old age behind closed doors.
Motion passed!
HERE HERE!!!! Well said!
I surely do hope that my doctor friends who are going nuts right now, May 8, in overcrowded ERs have the capacity to handle more people who get sick. Making the choice for yourself = choosing to burden medical staff. Wait a little while longer and we can all be out of this. Or don’t, and we won’t. I can wait out both instances.
Thanks for another great update, Tom. And in response to your question, masks for guests at Disney is pretty much a deal killer for us. We’ll wear them to the grocery and other places we have to go to, but I don’t see paying a large amount of money and wear a hot, uncomfortable mask for something we don’t have to do. We’ve found lots of other ways to have fun and entertain ourselves during this time. I hope we don’t have to, but we can wait a little longer for Disney.
I also agree. We go annually to Disney for a family vacation. Our March vacation was of course cancelled and rescheduled for October. I can’t see it being fun having to wear a mask and worry about the virus. Would rather forego and wait until this is behind us.
Universal sent a survey that focused on a reopening date of August 1. Based on that date, questions on if I’d visit in 2020 or wait until 2021. It asked about face masks as a requirement or optional, would that deter me from going. I had to sort and rate about 40 different safety measures. It was interesting!
Sigh. I hope the kinks (And by kinks I guess I mean the pandemic ) are worked out in time for our Labor Day trip. In the mean time, I’ll have to be ok with working out while listening to Disney music and watching YouTube walkthroughs of Disney parks. Yep, going crazy in quarantine
You mention “as locals”, did you move to FL? I’m super envious you’re able to live right near both Disney parks! Personally I’d love to live near Tokyo Disney for many reasons.
Yes, we’re here temporarily.
I can’t wait to go back! I’m eager to see how they control the pending crowds at the Springs. I wonder if reduced capacity at the restaurants will cause crowds outside them as people wait. I’m really looking forward to dining inside a good restaurant (The Boathouse)-or even outside there-again!! Holding out hope for my June 1st resort reservations….but until then, I’ll love seeing your pictures of ‘Reopening Day’ at Disney Springs, Tom!
Thanks, but it’s unlikely we’ll be there reopening day. I’m eager to go back, but concerned there will be huge crowds on that first day.
I’ll be there! I’m so excited to hear it’s a step in the right direction!
It’s gonna be July Tom!
And I’m thinking our Food and Wine yearly trip is looking better and better!
I love the Chicken and donuts!! But I will wait a while before venturing over there – let them work out the kinks first
We are booked for the Bay Lake Tower for the end of August/beginning of September. I’m
starting to think there is hope that will actually materialize!
Yeah! That is progress. ..it’s not Disney World yet, but it has to do with Disney and for that…I am thankful. If I lived in Florida or near Disney, I would be there on the 20th with a mask on if that is required. It would be worth it. Thank you, Tom for the update. Enjoy Disney springs…I am as green as Shrek with envy. We plan to go to Disney in September. We have a long way to go with the Covid-19 recovery , but look how far we have come since March 16 when WDW closed. So thankful to all those that have gotten us this far.
I will be there on the 20th and am looking forward to it. I am sure not much will be opened but I do have a dining reservation for lunch at one of the restaurants that are. I am thinking probably the regular retail stores in the newer sections will open. As far as I am concerned I am just looking forward to seeing a little Disney and enjoying a day out.
I hate to be a wet blanket but what is the chance that this will not go well from a crowd perspective? I have visions that the demand will be overwhelming. Unlike a theme park that requires admission, Disney Springs does not have that deterrent to stop a large number of people from arriving at the same time. Even if they close the parking garages there may be a considerable traffic jam. As I type this, the announcement was made less than an hour ago and social media is blowing up over it. Collectively Americans have quarantine fatigue. If my city announced that a festival will take place on a Wednesday two weeks from today, I’m pretty sure that there would be a social distancing problems because a sizable enough percentage of the population would show up out of curiosity and boredom. I hope that I’m wrong.
I think you’re almost certainly right. Our initial thought is to avoid the first couple of days (maybe even the first weekend) and go late at night after at least some of the pent-up demand fizzles out.
Not sure what we’ll ultimately end up doing–I definitely have cabin fever, but also want to err on the side of caution and play things conservatively. Tough to reconcile the two.
What’s your take on the fact that Shanghai tickets sold within fifteen minutes of releasing tickets. Yikes, that would be cringey if it played out that way in the U.S.
That is an interesting announcement, and I wonder what it means for the resorts. We have a stay booked 5/23 – 5/30, renting DVC points. Disney has not yet cancelled our stay – I wonder if they will with DS being open. I really don’t terribly want to spend the money/vacation time to go the Orlando and not be able to go to the parks. But if they don’t close the resorts (and perhaps if they do) the $$ I paid for the DVC points won’t be refunded. It makes for an interesting quandry.
They still haven’t cancelled our stay for next week. I’m not sure what’s going on with that, as I know at least some cancellations have gone out through May 30.
David’s Vacation Club told me they have been cancelling reservations one week out at a time, FWIW.
If it helps, our stay which was due to begin tomorrow only got cancelled on Monday.
Man! If I lived in Florida, I would totally go to get my Disney fix!
Thanks for letting us know the great news, Tom….I feel baby steps are much better than no steps! Hopefully the Parks will be soon to follow!
I agree with Cindy. Baby steps better than no steps. I just feel if it moves along slowly as long as it moves is good. I am jealous though. We have gotten takeout at home but want to eat in a restaurant so much. Mothers day is Sunday and my birthday is Tuesday 2 of my favorite days to go to a special dinner so you know why I am jealous. I check every day to see if you have a post. It’s my GO TO Highpoint. You guys are great.