Disney World Announces Official Reopening Dates
It’s a big day for Walt Disney World, which just announced reopening plans and official opening dates for Magic Kingdom & Animal Kingdom, followed by Epcot & Hollywood Studios. This came in a comprehensive presentation to the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force. In this post, we’ll share the details, including temporary health safety protocol, rules, plans for soft opening opening, guest reservations, and more.
Regular readers of our Walt Disney World Closure & Reopening Updates know we’ve been following these weekly OC task force meetings since they began. It’s been an interesting albeit tedious process. These virtual meetings typically run over an hour, with early ones containing a bunch of nonsense and only a few worthwhile nuggets of info. However, even those provided insight into Walt Disney World’s plans days or weeks prior to the same announcements via Disney’s official channels.
The last couple of weeks, Orange County TV has become must-watch television (well, YouTube–watch for yourself here). It has gone from only a few dozen streaming viewers for each meeting to a few hundred last week to thousands this week. For good reason, as the stakes have gotten higher and the substance of the meetings more compelling…
Last week, the bulk of the meeting was devoted to Universal Orlando Resort’s comprehensive reopening presentation. Executives from Universal highlighted their preventative measures plan and laid out a “guest journey” that would stress the importance of communication, engaging guests and building confidence to encourage visitation.
More significantly, Universal dropped the bombshell announcement that Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay would open for employee previews on June 1 and 2, followed by an Annual Passholder soft opening on June 3 and 4, and then to the general public on June 5, 2020. This accelerated timeline surprised a lot of people, us included.
Although initially rumored to be presenting their own reopening plans at that meeting, both Walt Disney World and SeaWorld waited until this week’s meeting to do the same.
Rumors have since swirled that Disney leadership was caught off-guard by Universal’s announcement. Supposedly, this process has been less collaborative in nature than previous security and health safety plans, which were designed in tandem by the three major players in the Orlando theme park market.
We cannot speak to the veracity of those rumors, but it’s worth noting that Universal Orlando isn’t alone in moving fast. The same day of Universal’s big reveal, Legoland Florida announced it would reopen first on June 1, 2020. Last Friday, FunSpot Orlando announced it had already opened (you read that correctly), and Gatorland followed suit the next day.
Roughly one-dozen area water parks and smaller scale amusement parks or attractions have likewise received approval to open–before the end of this month or first few days of June.
SeaWorld Orlando presented its plans first during this week’s Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force. During this, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment announced a general public reopening date of June 11, 2020 for SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica, and Discovery Cove. (With an operational employee appreciation day prior to that.)
SeaWorld also shared specific “enhancements” to park operations, including mandatory masks for guests & employees, physical distancing, temperature screenings, and more. (All pictured above–pretty much identical to what Universal announced last week.) Notably, SeaWorld will not have an advanced reservation system for entering the park–also the same as Universal Orlando.
As for Walt Disney World, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings appeared on CNBC late last week and confirmed that Walt Disney World would submit their proposal and plans this week, which would be scheduled for presentation at today’s task force meeting.
Disney further corroborated this yesterday, with a tweet confirming they would present phased reopening plans today. With SeaWorld’s presentation finished, all eyes turned to Walt Disney World…
Even though we know what health security & safety measures will look like thanks to the opening of Disney Springs (and due to announcements by WDW unions), a number of questions remained to be answered today.
Would Disney present plans for a TBD opening, or reveal a target date as well? Would all parks reopen simultaneously, or just Magic Kingdom at first? What limitations would be placed on park capacity? Would advance registration be required for entry? How would this work for Annual Passholders? What about the two dozen-plus resort hotels? Would Walt Disney World reopen to Florida residents first, or everyone?
Well, we now have answers to these questions. At least, some of them…
Presenting for Disney during the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force was Walt Disney World’s Jim MacPhee, Senior Vice President of Operations and Chief Operating Officer. He shared Walt Disney World’s reopening plans, beginning with opening dates.
The big news here is that Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom will officially reopen to the general public on July 11, 2020. Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot will officially open on July 15, 2020. Prior to these dates, Walt Disney World will host a series of Cast Member previews and soft opening days for select audiences to ramp up operations. The details of these preview days will be announced at a later time.
For the official opening dates, Walt Disney World will employ a new theme park reservation system for visiting, the details of which will also be shared at a future date.
Additionally, Walt Disney World will utilize the above health and safety protocols, including mandatory masks, temperature screenings, physical distancing, enhanced cleaning & sanitation, and the reduction of contact between Cast Members and guests (including encouraging Mobile Ordering, contactless payments, etc.)
We’re not going to linger on any of these details, as this is all pretty much identical to what’s already happening at Disney Springs and what was revealed weeks ago by the Walt Disney World unions.
If you haven’t read our previous posts about the reopening of Disney Springs, here are photos and videos of what it looks like, and here’s what you can expect in terms of temporary health screening & safety requirements.
More significantly, Walt Disney World confirmed that it will temporarily suspend parades, fireworks, and other high-density entertainment during the first phase of its reopening.
Likewise, character meet & greets, playgrounds, water play areas, and other areas where physical distancing is impossible or impractical will be temporarily suspended during phase one.
All of this will be reinforced and effectively conveyed to guests well before they arrive at Walt Disney World via new education, communication, and engagement strategies.
Presumably, this will begin when guests book vacations or, if already booked, via push alerts and email notifications sent to guests. It will continue via the My Disney Experience app, in-park signage, and new Cast Member teams that will communicate with guests.
Walt Disney World concluded its presentation by reiterating some behind the scenes plans taking place to train Cast Members, educate the public, and prepare the parks for their soft opening dates and official reopening dates in July 2020. The approach was described as methodical and deliberate.
This still leaves questions unanswered for anyone contemplating a summer vacation to Walt Disney World. Most notably, they did not address its resort hotels in the presentation, nor did it offer even a vague timeframe as to when the soft openings will begin.
As we’ve said before, Walt Disney World’s two-dozen resorts will likely open in phases. Deluxe Resorts with Disney Vacation Club properties will likely be first, then non-DVC resorts connected to the parks by non-bus transportation (Caribbean Beach, Art of Animation, Pop Century, and Yacht Club), followed by everything else.
The process of hotels reopening could take a few months. There might even be some resorts that don’t reopen this year at all if there’s a lack of demand (think Coronado Springs, the All Stars, Port Orleans Resorts), in which case guests with bookings at those properties would be relocated elsewhere.
UPDATE: Walt Disney World Announced Opening Dates for Hotels & DVC Resorts!
With Walt Disney World starting its official process over a full month after Universal Orlando, it’s entirely possible that the “unofficial” opening will begin far earlier. This could include a few days of Cast Member previews followed by a couple weeks of the soft opening time that targets DVC Members, Annual Passholders, and Florida residents. This is an approach that has previously been discussed during these task force meetings, so it’s not exactly far-fetched.
During a longer preview timeframe, Walt Disney World could refine its approaches and have operations more polished before tourists with vacation packages arrive in full force (well, more like reduced capacity force). This would also give Disney more time to scale up operations, getting some of the hotels open for the bigger mid-July opening. The last few paragraphs here are merely our speculation, not anything discussed during Walt Disney World’s presentation. In any case, we’re expecting a deluge of additional news for Walt Disney World directly via official channels in the near future (possibly later today, possibly when Governor DeSantis approves the plan). We’ll keep you updated once we know more!
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 be visiting Walt Disney World right away when the parks reopen in July or will you wait? Surprised by the details of Disney’s reopening presentation to the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force? Optimistic that things will be “back to normal” at Walt Disney World sooner rather than later? A variety of viewpoints are welcomed here, but we will not tolerate insults, arguing, or politically-charged comments. Don’t ruin a 95% fine comment with an unnecessary cheap shot—that 5% will get it deleted. Additionally, please do not debate the efficacy of masks or other health safety policies–all such comments (for, against, otherwise) will be deleted. Those arguments are played out and isn’t the appropriate forum for that. (Saying you will or will not visit in light of certain measures is fine.)
I found his repeated stressing of reducing high contact experiences (can’t remember exact phrasing) interesting. He didn’t give any ride attractions in his examples, but I wonder if that language was laying the groundwork for potentially not opening attractions like Buzz Lightyear, Toy Story Mania, or even Smuggler’s Run?
What will they do with hopper passes already purchased? Refund them? Discount them? Still allow you to hop as long as you have a reservation?
I have many questions but ultimately I won’t be receiving the Disney vacation I had planned or paid for in August, so we will postpone until next Summer.
My question is about park hopper. How will you reserve which park you will be in if your plan is to hop? I have had tickets for some time now for August and included park hopper. Hoping my tickets will be included in their already sold number and then we need to reserve parks. Any thoughts on that? Surely they wouldn’t deny entry to a park for tickets purchased prior to all if this.
We had this question as well. We have plans in September that include park hoppers. If they aren’t going to allow us to park hop then we will have to take this part off, as we will not pay for park hoppers we can’t use. Also, if so many restrictions are still in place including no shows, no fireworks, no meet and greets, etc. we just won’t go unless the prices reflect the loss of half of the draw to Disney. This is all a huge overreaction anyways. Just my opinion.
We had a July 19th vacation planned, but we chose to reschedule for 2021 because of all the restrictions. It will be our kids first time and we want to give them a full Disney experience. It saddens us, but this needs to be a once in a lifetime experience, especially with the cost of this trip.
Agree, if they are going to cut so many things from the experience that needs to be reflected in the price. People aren’t going to pay the same costs to experience half of the events.
I kept checking this site waiting to hear the news of when WDW would reopen. I know I can get that information from other sites, but…I like hearing it from you! Thanks for all you do to keep us informed!
Maybe I missed it but I thought they might talk about doing virtual cues – very curious to see if they make that shift and keep it even as the pandemic goes away
Health and safety is great but I have real doubts about enjoying being notified when you can go to a park. The entire parks have a virtual queues. I love the fireworks and the shows and it would not be the same. I am afraid I will be canceling my September reservation. So sad
Agreed. I’m not paying full price for a partial vacation. We too have plans in September.
We have a late september vacation planned. As it is now, it seems to restrictive for us. Not that I don’t understand the rules, its just a lot to pay for only half the experience. Do you think the restrictions might be lighter by september? I just don’t know when I have to make a decision by.
Praise Jesus! We are booked for first week in November. Do you guys have any thoughts on updating the crowd calendar in light of this new information. Especially for November?
Thanks, really appreciate the blog… read it all the time.
Tom – what is your opinion on phase 2? I realize that face masks have become a polarizing issue so I will more broadly refer to phase 1 as mandatory masks + no parades/fireworks + no character meet and greets. Seems some combination of those three factors will greatly influence a family’s decision to visit. Obviously this is all highly speculative, but are you considering phase 1 to be a short term (month or so) structure, or is this the new normal for the foreseeable future?
Any news on Disneyland Paris? I’m booked for Paris in August and I haven’t read any updates about them.
We have reservations for July 18-26-rescheduled from April. I am good with no parades/fireworks/meet and greets. Not sure about masks and the heat. I am going to hold out and see what they say about resorts. Just glad to have some dates. Hoping for the best.
We’re due to arrive July 26-31 and I’m in the same boat that you’re in. I’ll let my soon to be 18 year old daughter decide – it’s her (thrice rescheduled) birthday and graduation trip, so she can call the shots. She’s really disappointed about missing the fireworks. I’m waiting for a little more info before I reschedule – but it’s tough with her leaving for college in mid-august and THAT schedule being weird and up in the air as well. We’re accustomed to the freedom that homeschooling has given to our trips, so this is a tough one.
I am an AP from New York (Buffalo, not NYC). I am hoping that AP’s are extended by the amount of time that the parks were closed until ALL parks are open. I’m worried that as a NY resident, I will face obstacles to use my AP for a long time.
WNY in da house! Represent!!!
My bff called last night and spoke to a CM (which doesn’t really carry much weight) but she was told the clock won’t start on us AP’s right away. My assumption would be that they can’t start the clock if they’re not allowing us to make reservations…
Why? Is Florida discriminating against ppl who live anywhere in NY STATE? Makes no sense…my county has less cases than areas in Florida…There’s way more to NY than the city area-it’s a big state!
We have reservations with park hopper for August 20. If reservations at parks are required than park hopper will be worthless? Even if we choose to go ahead with our vacation should we modify to omit park hopper?
Good Question Jennifer
Man. At least we have a date. Curious to know who the select audiences will be. I’m assuming DVC members and annual passholders.
June 21st reservation here with a backup of July 27th .
I wonder how much earlier Disney will open its gates to select audiences? Also curious as to why resort cancellations are still not happening through June and why park hours are still posted starting the week of June 14th.
Optimist and dreamer here.
They’ve been cancelling week by week to prevent overwhelming amounts of phone calls for the customer service reps. However, I can see with todays announcements, they’re going to have to wipe out everything until the opening. doesn’t make sense not to.
My trip isn’t until mid November but it still such a waiting game. Glad to see an opening date though. Hopefully all goes well!
I love Disney. But I can’t see myself spending that kind of money especially in july wearing a face mask in that heat will be terrible. No parades,No shows,No meet and greets for the kids. I go to disneyworld every year but this is definitely not worth the money for the experience you won’t be getting.
We have a trip planned mid-October and have been agonizing about postponing it to October 2021 or keep it. If masks are required, fireworks cancelled, Meet & Greets not happening…then I am not sure it’s worth it to go. I wish we knew if this would still be the case in October.
Hi Tom! Since a Disney vacation is very expensive we will be waiting for the COVID-19 restrictions to be over with before we visit. We prefer to wait a year or two and not have to wear a mask in the oppressive Florida heat (not counting all of the other annoying rules related to the virus).
I might go to AK early on but will leave MK to a bit later
I really wish they would have given a better estimated timeline for things, but I realize things will change as they open. It just would have been nice to know that they are considering lots of different things and will adjust as needed. Do they see meet and greets/fireworks/parades coming back at all this year? I have a sensory sensitive child and even though we have tried a million different types of masks, we go into major meltdown mode fast! How long will masks be required? I know going to Disney is not a requirement, and I get that they are trying to prevent the spread of the virus, I’m not debating that at all. Just wondered if they will be required from now on (and I know your crystal ball can’t answer that!). What about buffets? They didn’t mention how those will be handled at all. I hope they give a more detailed outline soon!
Wow, July 11th seems way behind the rest in terms of opening. I’m guessing this gives them more time though to finalize NBA plans, which could explain the lack of focus on resort hotels today. Should be interesting to see what they come up with, but at least we have a date now.
i think the plan with the NBA can operate independently of anything else, but i think this date is right on target. i personally think the others are opening too soon, and WDW sees a huge crowd for july 4th, and especially with that being a weekend this year, it makes sense to wait until after that passes.
Finally some good news! Now all that’s left to hash out is how much they’ll be able to get for the Disney-themed masks that they’re sure to be selling outside the parks!
I foresee some really great opportunities in the parks for those fortunate enough to get some of the soft-opening passes and aren’t too afraid to use them.
Disney is already selling masks – https://www.shopdisney.com/face-masks/?start=0&sz=24. However, the original intent was to raise 1 million dollars for medshare, which they’ve already done.
As for the soft openings, I agree, sounds like the best time to go! If only I lived in central florida and had a pass.
Tom we have reservations at the end of august. do you think character meets, meals and resort pools will be open by then? And fireworks? We really want to do those things!