Disney World Reopening Update: More Cancellations & June Opening for Universal!
In this Walt Disney World reopening update, we’ll cover the latest meeting by the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force (which includes a bombshell from Universal Orlando), what came from VP Pence’s meeting with Florida’s hospitality and tourism leaders, and more. It’s been a busy couple of days, so let’s get started!
This was the first meeting of the task force since Governor Ron DeSantis held his press conference last week announcing that Florida would enter “Full Phase 1” of reopening the state’s economy. At that time, DeSantis also indicated that theme parks in Florida could submit their detailed reopening plans (which would require a target opening date) for review and approval.
In the lead-up to today’s Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force meeting, a few Orlando journalists tweeted reports that Walt Disney World, Universal, and SeaWorld would all be presenting their plans, including proposed reopening dates. This was quickly picked up by CNBC and immediately caused a spike in share prices of the Walt Disney Company’s stock. A rep for Disney corrected this–but then further reports emerged that maybe they’d be presenting…
Suffice to say, yesterday was a whirlwind day. In addition to this roller coaster of reveals and walk-backs about whether Walt Disney World would present its target opening date and plans at the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force meeting, there was also the successful reopening of Disney Springs, plus Vice President Pence’s meeting in Florida, which was attended by representatives from Disney.
Before we get to the good news, let’s start with the bad: more cancellations for Walt Disney World reservations. The second week of June 2020 is now officially out; park hours have been removed from the calendar and cancellation emails have now gone out to those with vacation arrival dates between June 7 and 13, 2020.
This is consistent with Walt Disney World’s standard practice of week by week rolling cancellations. As with all email notifications from Walt Disney World, it’s entirely possible not everyone impacted received one—either check your spam folder or attempt to view the reservation directly on My Disney Experience if you didn’t get an email but should have.
It also squares with Walt Disney World Delaying New Reservations Until July 1, 2020. At this point, it seems like all of the parks and resorts being operational in June is a long shot. It’s entirely possible we’ll see a phased reopening beginning next month given Universal’s bombshell announcement at today’s Orange County Economic Task Force meeting (see below), but the entirety of Walt Disney World being up and running before July still seems like a long-shot.
On the plus side, the reopening of Disney Springs was largely successful. While there were a couple of odd occurrences, the consensus of social media reports was that crowds were far lower than anticipated and the experience was generally pleasant and smooth (despite the heat and humidity).
We were actually shocked to see so many photos of Disney Springs almost entirely devoid of crowds. We expected pent-up demand to last through (at least) the holiday weekend, especially with no turnstiles acting as a monetary barrier to entry. As we noted previously, concerns about crowds were our main motivation for staying home.
Also yesterday was Vice President Mike Pence’s meeting with Governor Ron DeSantis and executives from Florida’s hospitality and tourism businesses. Per media reports, Walt Disney World advised the vice president that they are considering reopening the parks with a 20-30% cap on attendance.
If Disney Springs is any indication, organic demand may limit the number of guests at or below those levels. We’ve been pretty consistent in our belief that the parks would reopen to a short period of pent-up demand from locals before seeing a lull due to a lack of tourists (resulting from a mix of the lag between booking trips and actually traveling, unemployment & economic uncertainty, and lack of demand for a “compromised” guest experience).
The non-existent crowds at Disney Springs has us wondering whether even our pessimistic projections for Walt Disney World’s theme parks are inflated? Perhaps the safety measures and reduced entertainment will significantly suppress demand, even among locals?
Next, let’s jump to the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force meeting (watch here), where John Sprouls, Chief Administrative Officer, and Rich Costales, Executive Vice President of Resort Operations at Universal Orlando presented the reopening plan for their theme parks, which will begin in early June 2020 in a phased soft opening.
Even if you have zero interest whatsoever in Universal, this is HUGE NEWS! The health protocol plans here are certain to be collaborative in nature between Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World. While some diehard fans of both companies project their own aspersions and view the competitors in an oddly adversarial light, that doesn’t reflect reality.
As you might’ve noticed, the reopening health screening procedures and policies at Universal’s CityWalk and Disney Springs were nearly identical–right down to policies and the specific verbiage on the on the liability disclaimer warnings at the two resorts. While CityWalk opened a week earlier than Disney Springs, we would expect similar timing and policies when it comes to the respective theme parks.
In other words, if Universal is opening at the beginning of June 2020, it’s almost certain that Walt Disney World will begin reopening around the same time or shortly thereafter. There are obviously other variables at play, but it’s not as if Universal’s parks will reopen in June 2020 and Walt Disney World will wait until January 2021. Early July for WDW is now the pessimistic prediction, with the more optimistic scenario being that Magic Kingdom (and maybe 1-2 other parks) opens a week or two after Universal.
Universal Orlando’s plan is to open Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios Florida, and Volcano Bay to team members on June 1 and 2, followed by Annual Passholders on June 3 and 4, and then to the general public on June 5, 2020.
During the presentation, Universal’s executives laid out a “guest journey” (above) that would stress the importance of communication, engaging guests and building confidence to encourage visitation.
Next up, Universal highlighted their preventative measures plan (above), which was put together with government and health official input, consumer research, competitive benchmarking, scenario planning, and demand modeling.
Significantly, Universal stated that masks will be required at all times for employees and guests. They indicated that if a guest arrives without a mask, Universal would provide a disposable mask free of charge.
Other modified practices are identified above, including the elimination of single rider lines, character meet & greets, and parades. Another noteworthy thing is that 3D attractions will still be operational (contrary to rumors), with glasses for those attractions handed out individually.
Universal indicated that social distancing signage and graphics have already been installed throughout both parks (above) so guests know where to stand and where to avoid.
This is similar to what can be found throughout CityWalk (Walt Disney World has a comparable version of the same at Disney Springs).
Following the presentation by the Universal executives, a presentation was made by local health officials who did a field inspection of Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida earlier today.
In summary, the Orange County health officials team had no concerns about Universal’s plan. From there, the full Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force voted on the plan (with Walt Disney World and other ‘conflicted’ members recusing themselves), approving the plan and essentially giving it the green light to proceed to Governor DeSantis.
Given that Governor DeSantis has repeatedly expressed an eagerness to reopen Florida’s theme parks and other attractions, it seems like a foregone conclusion that he will approve of these plans and the June reopening date. (In fact, it’s likely that Universal executives discussed this yesterday before publicly unveiling the plan.)
It’s also noteworthy that Universal Orlando’s plan only addressed the theme parks and not the resorts. However, it is possible to book hotel stays at Universal Orlando beginning June 2, 2020. It’s unclear whether that’s intentional and the hotels simply were not mentioned during the presentation, or an error.
As we’ve stated previously, we think it’s plausible for Walt Disney World’s theme parks to begin reopening before the hotels, which could then follow in waves. Central Florida locals can sustain theme parks (to a degree) and help get the ball rolling there, whereas they will not sustain two dozen-plus hotels. Tourists will take some time to return for a variety of reasons, the most noteworthy of which is that there’s a lag time between booking a trip and actually traveling.
Above is a look at the tentative reopening dates of other Central Florida attractions. Local health officials also conducted field inspections of most or all of these amusement parks and attractions today (May 21, 2020).
During the task force meeting, neither SeaWorld nor Walt Disney World presented reopening plans. It was previously reported that both parks (in addition to Universal) had prepared plans for the review of Mayor Demings, but he didn’t mention that on the call. Moreover, Walt Disney World’s (newly-promoted) President of Signature Experiences Thomas Mazloum did not speak on the call. Regardless, the news that Universal Orlando will be reopening at the beginning of June 2020, and we’re consequently now much more optimistic that Walt Disney World will begin greeting guests before July 2020!
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 Universal Orlando when those two parks reopen in June, or will you wait? Surprised to see Universal’s three parks reopening at the same time Walt Disney World is cancelling vacation packages? Optimistic that the WDW parks and/or resorts will reopen in July? We welcome a variety of viewpoints here, and will not delete anything on opinion alone. However, 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 incessantly harp on the same point across multiple comments. Respectfully share your opinion and move along.
So happy to see a Disney World trip in the horizon.
Again, I will repeat what has been stated repeatedly…those of you that think you should have the choice of taking a risk in not wearing a mask need to realize that you wear a mask to prevent passing the virus to OTHERS…not to protect YOURSELF. I wear a mask to prevent others from catching a virus from me. So when someone says they have the right to take a risk, they are saying that they have the right to pass a virus to others….they do NOT have that right.
Those of you that state you won’t go if you have to wear a mask…I understand and respect your decision. I, too hope we won’t have to wear them long. Take care, everyone.
Glad you wear a mask to protect others. I choose not to wear a mask. It does not make me a bad person, as your post implies.
It is up to each individual to protect themselves. If you are high risk, I would suggest you don’t go anywhere, especially to an entertainment venue such as Disney. If those high risk individuals do decide to go to Disney, they are risking their own health. That is their choice. Again, I choose not to wear a mask. They are ineffective at containing the virus.
I would argue that in fact not wearing a mask when in a group situation is in fact extremely selfish and people should stay home if they don’t wear masks.
I don’t know Kelly so this is a general statement not directed at her specifically.
Kelly it makes you a very selfish person who cares not at all for others. You are ok with making other people sick so you don’t have to be inconvenienced by a mask. Take that as you are a bad person or not a bad person. You are for sure a selfish one though. Masks are worn to protect others not yourself. You are basically saying that no one else’s health is worth you being inconvenienced by a mask.
I will definitely not return until Disney is Disney. No masks, and rides, restaurants, characters are as they should be. 80+ degrees with a mask on my face…no thank you. Nothing magical about that at all!!
I follow the boards all over for DW. And it seems to me if die hard , all in Disney fans are not willing to spend the money to wear sweaty masks and forgo entertainment that is paid for dearly, I certainly can’t imagine that the average American family will even consider it. Disney fans will usually go no matter what and most due hard fans are saying they will not go if masks are required and entertainment is cut. I sure hope I’m wrong because Disney does need to pull a profit at some point. Unfortunately, our large family is all in agreement. We will wait until the regulations are relaxed and definitely no to masks.
“Significantly, Universal stated that guests will be required at all times for employees and guests.”
Tom, I think there’s a problem with this sentence. Thanks, as always, for the info!
Akin to the differing experiences between Universal and Disney I am 0% surprised that Universal pulled the trigger earlier. Universal is like the BIG Lots to Disney’s Target and I expect the motivation to be monetary over experience. Don’t get me wrong, Disney is hurting financially as well but Universal I feel like would sell it’s own mother for a nickel. That being said “it’s a no from me dog“ on going to Universal and count me in to Disney’s opening just based on taking more time to figure it out. I just hope as an AP that getting in to the park is not like getting a pass to resistance. Plus ENOUGH with the mask propaganda on either side, rules are rules welcome to society.
Tom,
My wife and I have been following the news on Disney with you WAY before COVID-19. You are the sole reason we were able to snag free dining for my group of 10 going down to Disney for two weeks starting July 7th. However, I refuse to cancel our trip because I do not want to lose the free dining that we worked hard to get. With that being said, we called yesterday and a Cast Member said that even if Disney cancels on us they will not honor our free dining…has anyone else experienced this? I do not think it’s fair that they are going to cancel on us (coronavirus was not something either of us could avoid) and not let us carry our free dining over to the following year.
“With that being said, we called yesterday and a Cast Member said that even if Disney cancels on us they will not honor our free dining…has anyone else experienced this?”
Unfortunately, this is correct. At least, as of right now. We still anticipate more discounts being released for fall and beyond–potentially including Free Dining.
Christopher H
That’s what we were told too.
There is another reason people might not go, besides having to wear masks or having a diminished experience while spending a lot of money, not wanting to risk their families health and safety. I know that may not be reflected on a Disney blog where everyone is super fans, but I’m sure it’s a major reason many people won’t go anytime soon. It’s definitely the reason we are cancelling our July trip even though we are super fans. Anything we do this summer will be done with social distancing in mind and trying to stay as far away from crowds of people as possible. If this virus never gets under control with a vaccine or therapeutics we will have to make different decisions about our comfort level with crowds, but that time isn’t now when we are a couple of months into a pandemic with a virus that is still very new and unpredictable. I’m sure we aren’t the only people who feel this way.
You’re absolutely right. If public polls are accurate, the vast majority of Americans are not comfortable visiting theme parks right now. I’ve mentioned that in past posts–simply forgot to include it here! 🙂
I agree 100%. My biggest concern is the well being of my family. I would like to see more widespread effective treatment options and testing that is more readily available and reliable. My comfort level is very low, even though I am excited for people that businesses are starting up. I had a family member that doesn’t live close to me, test negative yet had to suffer through all the symptoms- days of fever, lung pain, vomiting, diarrhea, coughing and never feeling like oxygen was making it to the lungs no matter how much he/she tried. One day was especially bad and I was fearful that intubation was going to happen or suctioning of the lungs. My relative said it was unlike anything else experienced. So for kids and teens I can only imagine the fear they would have with that experience. So, I’m thinking at first, it may be that a lot of people without children in great health may be the first ones along with those who have decided to seize the day, so to speak.
I agree with this comment – we are fans that live in Maryland. I’d happily wear a mask in order to go to Disney, but we aren’t comfortable flying or being around crowds when there are so many unknowns about the virus.
Significantly, Universal stated that guests will be required at all times for employees and guests.
I think you meant “masks” are required not “guests”.
Thanks for catching that!
Many of those are actually not symptoms of coronavirus….
-nurse
RN
@A
Are you kidding? These days a hangnail is a symptom of Coronavirus and if you get hit by a bus and die, guess what your cause of death is? Unless, of course, you were the resident of a nursing home in New York, New Jersey or Pennsylvania.
Coming from the NY/NJ/CT area, which has been hit so hard, I have a different feeling on all of this. Our family is in a higher risk group. We, too, are die-hard fans and would love to enjoy all of what Disney has to offer. But be realistic in all of this. Complaining just seems a bit out of touch and self serving. I hope Disney doesn’t buckle to politics and just keep up the high standard, especially now, more than ever.
Also, I hope they stick with the requirements and guidelines for everyone’s safety and don’t let people change their minds with whining on the internet.
Amy, I hope they DO change their minds and not keep a bad policy due to whining on the Internet…. theres two sIdes to that coin!
@Joanne I am also from your area and completely agree with you!
Well, we are keeping our plans to visit Florida June 11-16, but now we will give Universal a shot instead of Disney. Rolling with the punches!
That’s exactly what were just thinking about doing too! But we need to see if there will still be travel restrictions for NY at that time.
Me too.
I’ve currently got 11 nights booked at the Poly & Wilderness Lodge for mid-June.
I haven’t been to Universal for years, but I’ll go there if Disney remains cautious.
And I’ll wear a Spacesuit for protection if they want me to. Whatever.
Good for you. Follow protocols and stay safe. We’re scheduled for a DW trip July 11 and as of right now plan on sticking with that if DW is open by then. Only way we would cancel is if the pools at the resort are closed. We can’t see being in Florida in July and not being able to cool off in the pool!
Will pools be open at the resorts? Anyone know?
The temperature checks will be interesting. As someone with an autoimmune disorder that can randomly cause a low grade fever, and that can be the Only symptom on a good day, would make it extremely hard for planning trips and days at the parks. It’d be unfortunate to be turned away from going to a park simply because of that. And I wouldn’t go to a doctor just for a low grade fever when that’s my Only symptom. (And I prefer being in Florida when it’s 80+ degrees)
I totally understand why it’s done and how it’s important, I just feel for those of us with autoimmune disorders who are going to struggle through this.
I am anxious for all the theme parks here in the Orlando are to re-open……BUT – neither myself nor any one in my family will be visiting any of them as long as the wearing of masks is required. With a little research it is obvious that wearing a mask makes some people feel warm and fuzzy and content, but in reality, really does nothing to prevent spreading of any bacteria or virus. SO – until the higher ups at the parks use common sense instead of feeding into the corona virus frenzy, we’ll not participate.
If you don’t want to comply and wear a mask – FOR OTHER’s SAFETY – then don’t go!
That is what most people are saying…they are not going if it is required. No need to YELL at them.
Of course there would be the token person to make that comment –- hand clap Joanne hand clap
Totally agree with you Joanne!! Anyone who is educated in medicine knows the masks are mostly for the protection of others in case you’re a carrier. I caught coronavirus, had an awful illness but not hospitalized, thankfully recovered quickly (about 10 days). Have now tested positive for antibodies. But I still wear a mask in public. Haven’t decided if we’re going to keep our reservations for August, but not because of masks. My parents are close to 70 and I’m not sure it’s safe for them based on how many people don’t understand this virus and how contagious it is.
Tom, again thanks for all your hard work on keeping everyone updated. My question is have you heard any news about Disneyland? Do you think they will reopen any time soon?
Wearing a face mask in Florida heat sounds like a health situation waiting to happen. That’s a NO for me!
Agreed!
Regarding the Universal hotels, it is possible to make reservations starting June 2 going forward, so I believe they plan to open up the hotels as well.
Oh wow–they neglected to mention that during the presentation (that, or I somehow missed it while typing). Thanks for the heads up!
I wonder if they will rotate rooms then? Just guessing as I read that maybe what some other hotels are going to do. It would make sense for a room to be cleaned and then sit empty for a couple days in between guest stays. Anyone know?
Any ideas of what this will mean for a Disneyland re-opening? I’ve heard that perhaps WDW and DLR would open at the same time?
Thanks for the hopeful news! 🙂
“I’ve heard that perhaps WDW and DLR would open at the same time?”
That was the speculation at one point, but I think it’s pretty much off the table now as Florida and California are far apart in their reopening timetables.
We sadly decided to cancel our reservation for August 24th to 31st, (still waiting refund, but was able to do online) due to us flying from Canada and not sure of what restrictions will be on our return and unsure of when we will be able to go again so changing date was not an option. Hopefully after a few years things will be back to normal and we can enjoy the parks without facemasks and social distancing.
We have reservations in July. First I cannot imagine wearing mask outside in the heat and humidity. Inside fine, not outside. Second If the park limits the percentage to around 30% we will be spending a lot of money for a Resort Package and not necessarily being allowed into the parks or possible use of the pools. Third again on the money If all parks are not open we are losing much of the package deal which includes dining. Personally think Disney needs to simply say July is open and this is how or July is cancelled. We should not have to wait so long to have plans cancelled. We will give it till the end of May and then we may just cancel and make plans to vacation elsewhere.
I agree 100%. We too have July reservations, and them doing rolling cancellations or accepting reservations when they don’t plan on opening is not thinking of their guests at all.
If they wonder why there was a low turnout for Disney Springs, it is because of the regulations. Walking around in the heat and humidity, outside, wearing a mask is ridiculous.
As their signage says, guests need to accept a certain amount of personal culpability when we attend, and that should include a mask free experience, for those who do not wish to wear one.
I think if they want to limit all of the experience (no fireworks, character visits, dining limitations) then they need to refund a huge portion of the money charged for visits, because we simply aren’t getting the same experience that we paid for.
I believe we will cancel, because paying premium money, for the premium resort and getting a basic, lacking experience is not acceptable. Especially when you don’t even know if you’ll get into the park or your dining reservation (and if you do, I doubt they’ll have the buffets and the character pictures the same).
Agree. Our reservations are June 14th! But, we are waiting to see what happens. So conflicted on what to do! It could be the best or the worst trip if it’s a “go”. I would like to know what parka would be open, for sure!
Same exact situation and dilemma. We are scheduled July 17 – 26, and would be driving from Illinois. We have a 8 and 5 year old. My wife and I have prioritized 1. Safety, 2. Quality of experience. My kids are okay with wearing masks, they are a little bummed about no character meet and greets, but if pools were closed in the July heat (or considered not safe) then we would definitely be rescheduling for 2021. Having said that, 30% park capacity does sound like short lines!