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.
I really do feel sorry for the obsessed park fanatics do everyone a favor and please stay home. You think opening up with reduce the spread? You have no idea what’s going to come when the second wave of the virus hits then it’ll be too late and everyone will start to be against going out if going out and eating and going to parks is more important than health and survival I truly feel sorry for you.
Mild exposure builds up an immune response. Many people had the virus back in Dec, Jan, Feb and didn’t realize it.
Please don’t panic. The situation is improving. The chances of developing any serious problems from this virus are less than 1% if you are healthy. It is more dangerous for the elderly and immuno-compromised, but I am sure they will make the best decision for them and not go to the parks. Younger, healthier people, even when exposed to the virus (and the chance of that is very low too) recover and develop immunity, promoting herd immunity that protects the vulnerable too. The economy, including entertainment industries, can not be shut down indefinitely.
My family already had covid 19 and we are pretty healthy so it was a small blip. I was so excited to hear Disney Springs was opening up on our 20th anniversary., but in the end, we opted to go to a local restaurant that didn’t require us to wear a mask to walk from the car to the front door. For us, the masks are only for show. As much as I want to return to the parks, it will be the same story. The discomfort of the masks is not worth it. What I’m wondering is, if you have reason to be concerned/fear that this virus may actually kill you or a family member, does the promise other people wearing a mask really make you okay with visiting Disney or any other public space? I understand how people want to see masks in grocery stores or other places that are necessary for daily life. But I don’t get it in places that are optional? I don’t see how everyone else wearing home made masks (even in the unlikely scenario that they are properly worn) would give someone who is scared of the virus an acceptable level of protection. I’m not trying to argue the efficacy of masks, just really trying to understand how the mask seems to flip the switch for people. Do you see it as going from 80 percent safe to 90 percent safe? Or 80 to 99.9? This all leads me to wonder who is going to Disney? People who are concerned but willing to take the risk? People who aren’t concerned but are willing to wear a mask just to make other people feel better? Anyways, I hope Disney has it figured out. I’m looking forward to all the fun stuff that Disney has coming out in the nearer future.
There has been so much focus on masks and the individual that I think people are missing the context of these decisions. Yes companies such as Disney are trying to protect guests and cast members, but the main objective is to limit the reproduction rate of the virus. If it goes above 1 we get exponential growth again. Even if Disney were to say it is up to the individual to accept all risks they won’t be allowed to contribute to an unacceptable increase in the reproduction rate. So these measures will happen whether people feel safe with them or if they think they are unnecessary. These individual debates are rather pointless. We will be required to wear masks until such time as the reproduction rate can be controlled via other means or the severity of the disease can be lessened greatly with treatment.
On a side note, besides the masks and reduced entertainment, does anyone else think these measures sound great? Enforced spacing between people, enhanced cleanliness and lower capacity sound delightful to me.
I agree, I’m planning a trip from the UK at the end of the year but waiting to see if we will need to wear masks. We have already have the virus so dont feel it’s necessary and dont want to have to wear one. The wearing of masks is not considered a preventative measure unless it’s of a certain standard, which most people aren’t wearing! I had to have a face mask fit test for my work to ensure it fits correctly.
I feel if you dont want to catch it or have a health issue that puts you more at risk then you should continue to stay at home.
Keeping my fingers crossed that masks wont be required by the end of the year. Difficult to know as will need to book soon.
I don’t understand people’s conflict. Everyone should have expected that going end of June or July that there would be significant changes to prevent crowd gatherings, etc. Its unrealistic to think you’re entitled to deep a discount because of these changes! If you want the full magical experience of Disney, book a future date to go! Disney isn’t locking you into anything – 100% refunds for everyone, even airlines are giving 100% credits back so you can travel another time. I rebooked my June trip to next year, it sucks but I’d rather wait and get the experience I’m paying for.
I can’t wait to get back to the parks, but I’m not sure I’m willing to go with the mask requirement. I’m okay with reduced entertainment (as long as it’s a temporary reduction and we see it added back in over the next year or so) but I don’t think walking around all day in a mask would be a pleasant way to spend an expensive holiday. I’m hoping that after a few months the mask requirement will be relaxed to a suggestion or recommendation.
I completely agree with you, too expensive of a vacation to walk around in a mask, in the heat and humidity in Florida.
Scheduled trip mid July that was booked a long time ago. Just riding it out for the time being and waiting to see what the new parks will be like (hoping for an open sooner than later). Not only evaluating the parks but hotel and air travel as well. Temp checks and masks, I can tolerate but we won’t be going if rides, restaurants, etc. are closed.
SAME! I AM VERY ANEMIC AND AS MUCH AS I WANT TO GO BACK TO THE THEME PARKS AFTER I JUST HAD TO CANCEL MY MAY 5TH TRIP, I WILL HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL MASKS ARE NOT REQUIRED AND OF COURSE, IT GETS COOLER. HOPING FOR A NICE FALL TRIP TO FOOD & WINE!
Why are you yelling at everyone?
Ok folks, everyone has a right to their opinion, but piling on with snarky comments isn’t constructive here.
I can’t tell if the anemic mask comments are sincere or not.
If masks make oxygen levels dangerous for anemic people because they are already coping with having lower than optimal blood oxygen saturation, maybe masks shouldn’t be the reason they don’t go to an amusement park. Covid is known to reduce blood oxygen levels further. The exacerbated risk to anemic people going to highly attended venues sounds like a better reason than masks for them to skip it right now.
Those comments are likely fake ‘agitator’ posts.
Helen, I can assure you that I do have low iron. I am certain I already had covid- just waiting on antibody test. Breathing is hard sometimes without a mask but I don’t want anything on my face further hindering my oxygen level while walking. That would be horrible- nevermind with the heat. This has been an ongoing battle to keep my iron up. If Disney requires masks that is fine. Disney will always be there and I can wait until masks are optional. No problem.
It is a personal decision. I am not comfortable with restricted breathing. I will not be able to adhere to this policy so I won’t go.
Universal is opening June 5th…what are the details? Is it reduced capacity? How do you figure that with annual pass holders??? I don’t understand how the reduced capacity actually works?
I have low iron. Breathing in itself is hard sometimes without a mask. No way I can handle a mask in the heat. I would pass out. I will have to wait until the masks are not required.
I have been an Annual Passholder to Universal and Disney and love both theme parks for different reasons. I think Universal Studios might have an easier time reopening than Disney because it doesn’t have as many hotels spread out that depend on bus and monorail transportation. It’s very walkable after you park your car too compared to Disney. Then Disney dining is a lot different than Universal, Disney fans love their character meals whereas Universal is more fast casual. Of course Disney halting fireworks, parades and meet and greets makes Disneys announcement even harder on their fan base. They know a lot of fans will be upset and I don’t envy their position. I’ll be sad to have to explain to my toddler she can’t see Minnie, I’ve telling her for weeks she can’t see her now because she’s sick when she asks to go on car rides to see her. Glad to hear Universal released their plans to reopen. I think Lego Land is reopening June 1 at 50% capacity.
If it’s not Disney there really isn’t much reason to go to Disney Springs. Same with the theme parks. The stores there are not as good as the outlet malls and other shopping areas for most local residents. The reason we go to Disney Springs is a combination of the ambiance and the dining.
I’d probably go to a theme park with all the requirements which I believe are based more on medieval era mythology than actual science (viruses don’t usually spread due to surface contact and guess what they’re telling us now…Covid isn’t spread on surfaces). But I’d go just to say I went during a pandemic and to hope I could get in extremely short lines for the rides. But I think if rides weren’t walk on, then I’d not go at all.
Disney is in a tough spot. Disney is Disney because of the experiences. That’s why you go to Disney over Universal or the local carnival. But Disney needs to put on safety theater to make the Karens among us feel safe. But then you can’t provide the experiences. Crowds are already long at main attractions. What are you going to do when you cut capacity?
Also, temperature checks are already known to do nothing which is why most governments stopped doing them at airports and such (too unreliable). What’s gonna happen when somebody pops a fever? They obviously feel well enough to be out. What if its a false reading? Is Disney going to take their names down and prohibit them from entry? I mean all you have to do is take a fever suppressor and come back or go to another park. So is Disney going to deny entry and keep it in their database?
My daughter just had a dentist appointment last week and had to drive her car with broken air conditioning 5 minutes from our home in 100 degree AZ heat. When she arrived they took her temperature With an external thermometer and it showed it at 100.4 degrees. She told them she felt fine and it was because she had been in the heat. They let her stand in the lobby and cool off for 5 minutes and when they tried again it was only 97.4. If temperature checks are done with a similar device, it seems everyone would have a “temperature” during the Florida summer waiting in line. It doesn’t even makes sense to me. I think it’s ridiculous, but I also know Disney is being required to do it.
I’m excited for an opening as long as the numbers stay down so we can progress toward Disney returning to its previous magic. Seeing as how some parks plan to open prior to when some states stay at home orders expire I’m curious how they will handle that situation. We have less cases in Indiana but cant have gatherings of that size until July.
I read that Universal will use virtual queues for rides. Is this true? It seems odd to me – surely it’d just increase the number of people in the common areas around the parks?
Here is what happens in June: soaring confirmed cases, serious illnesses and deaths because of the politically fueled “reopenings” in May.
I love Disney. I love my life more. WDW 2021 for us – maybe.
…and that was Mike, who has the “half-empty” glass…also a pessimist with an Eeyore syndrome. Don’t call him to get cheered up when you have a problem.
Please stay home Mike. For a long, LONG time. We will enjoy the parks while you spend your existence cowering in fear.
@Sandy: in an actual life-or-death assessment, pessimism is a virtue.
Thousands of people are dying from this every day – why the focus on getting cheered up?
In November we will be at Fort Wilderness campground. We have a character breakfast planned. I’m worried that my kids will miss out on the character experience. Also, I’m wondering if, since we are already booked, with it being this far out, if they are still operating at 30% by then, that we will get cancelled, or we will travel 13 hours and not get to go to the parks. Is there any information on how they are deciding on how to choose the 30% Leila first come first served? That’s would be unfair for people who have had their vacations booked for so long and staying on property. Just my opinion but I feel like if they are going to limit them the first people to get in should people booked on property. I’m sooo worried!
No one knows the answer to how they will limit park capacity, but in the past when there has been closures due to capacity (such as on popular holidays like New Years Eve) Disney has utilized a phased closure model. If they follow that, there is a chance of on-property guests getting turned away, but only if it reaches a phase 3 or 4 closure. In the beginning they will turn away guests not staying on property, or guests with only a one-day ticket, or without any in-park dining or hard ticket reservations.
I have been wondering this same thing as my husband and I have a two week Disney vacation booked for September. If they are still cut back to 30% capacity then, whose reservations will get cancelled? Will they only let people who have had reservations go into the park or will they still be selling tickets at the ticket booth as part of that 30%? So many questions and unfortunately not many answers which is understandable but frustrating nonetheless.
I’m traveling in November and staying at Fort Wilderness campground. We have a character breakfast planned. I’m worried that my kids will miss out on the character experience. Also, I’m wondering if, since we are already booked, with it being this far out, if they are still operating at 30% by then, that we will get cancelled, or we will travel 13 hours and not get to go to the parks. Is there any information on how they are deciding on how to choose the 30% Leila first come first served? That’s would be unfair for people who have had their vacations booked for so long and staying on property. Just my opinion but I feel like if they are going to limit them the first people to get in should people booked on property. I’m sooo worried!
Excellent questions. We are booked for FW in November as well, and we just snagged a weekend in July. I am curious if the parks aren’t open for some reason in July, will they still let us camp? We are only 2 hours away and are passholder, but you bring up an excellent point about capacity and guests staying on property. I guess we will see how it all plays out in the next few months.
We will wait, people are dying, that does not sound like a happy place.
Thank you for the updates though.
Amen
I really hope they rethink the mask requirements. I would be ok with wearing one once inside an air conditioned ride or restaurant but. No need to wear them outside walking around the parks in the uv light of the hot sun!
I honestly can’t wait for Disney to reopen the gates. We have a family trip of 11 planed for the last week in July. The only concern I have is with the heat and being asmatic the face mask would be a little difficult to wear and breath with would they allow face guards as an alternative?
Thank you for all the great info Tom, it’s always so helpful! I’m grateful we were able to spend a beautiful but much busier week than expected at Disney World in February. Our family’s next trip is scheduled for December. After a very long spring in N.Y. we will happily wear our masks to protect others. Maybe I’ll get them to match our Magic Bands. Of course a Stitch mask is a must and then there’s Olaf or maybe Pooh. What T-shirt do we wear, what Magic Band do we choose, should all our masks match or can we mix and match a Star Wars with a Little Mermaid? Oh the stress for those of us lucky enough to plan a trip to Happiest Place on Earth!
Amen!