OC Capacity & Reopening Guide for Theme Parks, Hotels & Dining
Orange County, Florida’s Economic Recovery Task Force met via conference call to discuss guidelines and mandates for a phased reopening of Universal, Walt Disney World, and other theme parks, plus hotels, restaurants, and bars. In this post, we’ll offer a rundown of the plans covered during the roughly 90-minute meeting.
Before delving into the guidelines and mandates, it’s important to underscore that these are preliminary plans from this task force. Disney and Universal both have members on the group and play an active role in the conservation, but this is not coming directly from them.
Moreover, this is being done at the county level, is subject to change, and could be superseded by state or federal mandates, so grant it appropriate weight. With that said, Orange County and Orlando leaders are working within the parameters and phases set by the federal government’s Guidelines for Opening Up America Again, and intend for this to be the county’s rubric for reopening…
During the call, the task force further stated that their hope is that once Florida’s statewide stay at home order expires at the end of the month, Governor Ron DeSantis will grant local governments the discretion to reopen communities and the businesses therein as appropriate based upon the circumstances. For instance, Miami might need or want to take a different approach than Orlando.
The Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force’s goal is to have these guidelines finalized by this Friday (May 1, 2020). The goal is to cement plans, and then allow businesses about one week to 10 days to prepare and acquire personal protective equipment as necessary, before the process of reopening is set into motion.
In his remarks towards the end of the call, Mayor Jerry Demings struck a more cautious tone and felt a longer timeline was likely necessary. He stated that while some businesses might be able to get back up and running within a couple of weeks, but felt mid-May was too ambitious. Demings indicated that June 1, 2020 was more realistic from safety, consumer comfort/confidence, and supply chain perspectives.
Thomas Mazloum, Senior Vice President of Resort & Transportation Operations is Walt Disney World’s representative on the group. Mazloum spoke briefly on the call and made a few recommendations with regard to the hospitality industry.
One was to make ensure all finalized guidelines did not contradict with national and state associations that had already created such guidelines. Another of Disney’s recommendations was to set parameters based upon heath guidelines and safety standards that companies could adapt to as appropriate, rather than rigid rules for specific business types.
With that out of the way, let’s start with the guidelines and mandates for hotels and restaurants. Note that these apply to all Orange County businesses, and are not specific to those within theme park complexes…
Hotels
- Guidelines:
- Phase 1: Housekeeping services to be limited, allowing for minimal guest and employee exposure
- Phase 1: Promote mobile check-in, if available
- Phase 1: Housekeeping services only clean upon request, or when guests depart
- Phase 1: Allow employees to work from home if not playing a critical role in serving guests
- Phase 1: Only deliver room service to the guest room doors
- Phase 1: Provide self-parking
- Promote social distancing for all guests and staff
- Touch-less sanitizer at entry recommended
- Increase cleaning services and additional sanitation services through cleaning companies
- Phases 1 & 2: Staff who are 65 years and older are encourage to stay home
- Mandates:
- All employees are required to wear face masks
- Hand sanitizer at entry to be in plain sight
- All employees with flu-like symptoms advised to stay home
- Front desk staff to sanitize themselves on a regular basis
- Consistent cleaning of all guest areas
- Front desk to utilize sneeze-guards
- Remove all service items in guest rooms, including glassware, coffee cups, etc.
- Mini bars not to be stocked
- Do no offer self service foods
- Space pool furniture according to distancing guidelines
- Pool gates and pool chairs to be sanitized regularly
- Door handles, elevator buttons, and railings to be sanitized regularly
- Remove all coffee makers from guest rooms
- Remove all guest collateral items, except those that are single use
- Sanitize guest keys before and after each use
- Sanitize bell carts after each use
- Phases 1 & 2: No conferences or conventions
Restaurants
- Guidelines:
- Paper/disposable menus
- Encourage takeout/online orders
- Touch-less sanitizer at entry
- Phases 1 & 2: Staff who are 65+ are encouraged to stay home
- Mandates:
- Hand sanitizer at every table
- Hand sanitizer at entry to be in plain visible sight
- All employees required to wear face masks
- Temperature checks for staff prior to shift (temp above 100.4 must not enter premises)
- All employees with flu-like symptoms advised to stay home
- Doors to be wiped regularly
- All staff behind counters must wear gloves (except for bartenders)
- Bartenders to sanitize hands after making each drink order
- Seated tables to be six feet apart
- Phase 1: Limit restaurant and bar capacity to 50%
- Phase 2: Limit restaurant and bar capacity to 75%
Finally, the guidelines and mandates for theme parks. The Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force opted to differentiate between small and large operators, even though the guidelines and mandates are identical at this point. Here, smaller parks consist of Top Golf, Funspot, Andretti Go Karting, Icon, and Gatorland. Large parks are Walt Disney World, Universal, and SeaWorld.
As is noted on the conference call, Walt Disney World and Universal will likely set additional guidelines above and beyond those established by the Task Force. These are not the final health protocol and safety policies for either. However, with leadership from both theme park operators serving on this group, the guidelines and mandates were undoubtedly shaped by both Disney and Universal.
Theme Parks (Small & Large)
- Guidelines:
- Tape marking of 6 feet apart in ride/attraction queues
- Staff to regularly wipe down surfaces at random
- Phases 1 and 2: Staff who are 65+ are encouraged to stay home
- Mandates:
- All employees required to wear face masks
- Touch-less hand sanitizer at each ticketing entry and turnstiles
- Touch-less hand sanitizer at each ride/attraction entry and exit
- Temperature checks for staff prior to starting shifts (above 100.4 must not enter premises)
- All employees with flu-like symptoms advised to stay home
- Wipe down all railings and surfaces regularly
- Phase 1: 50% capacity
- Phase 2: 75% capacity
Other businesses were also discussed on the call, but we’re leaving those off because they’re not particularly relevant to Walt Disney World. If you’re interested in learning about the guidelines and mandates for beauty salons, fitness centers, movie theaters, and dentists, consider watching the full conference call. (Not recommended.)
We’ve been offering a lot of commentary lately about potential protocol for reopening Walt Disney World (see here and here), so we’ll refrain from rehashing all of that here as nothing here really contradicts or supplements those past discussions. Rather, this is the point where possible scenarios are beginning to coalesce into tangible plans–albeit tentative ones. It’s worth reiterating that while illuminating, nothing here is final. Things are slowly inching forward, and should have a pretty clear idea of what to expect by the end of this week as both Orange County and the State of Florida weigh in with final plans for reopening.
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
What do you think of these guidelines and mandates for the Orange County hospitality industry reopening? Do you expect Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort to go above and beyond what’s required here? Surprised by any of the mandates or guidelines? Think this is sufficient or insufficient? 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!
I hate to be one of the people accused of not taking the virus seriously, but the flu has quite literally killed more people than this virus, affects everyone, and there is a vaccine for this. We just haven’t had a media frenzy and counter for flu deaths, or any other deaths. It has also been proven that the death numbers are being inflated due to just everyone being reported as dying from complications from the virus, even those who aren’t tested. However, the fact remains that we cannot shut down our entire country or way of life every time the media stirs everyone up into a frenzy. We have to take personal responsibility for our actions, maintain proper hygiene, etc. and we need to be trusted to do that. Extra precautions, like having FREE TOUCHLESS Germ X stations everywhere is GREAT. Reduced capacity, ok. But closing down attractions, changing attractions, asking everyone to stay six feet apart in lines… seems a little ridiculous to me. This would spread the lines out to kingdom come and would make it difficult to actually move around the park. If they are going to be shutting down attractions, or changing them (Winnie the Pooh fun things for kids to do in line, Haunted Mansion, shows, etc.) then prices need to be dropped. Those with reservations already in place should have a discounted price if attractions and shows are going to be modified or shut down. The fact remains no one is forcing you to go to Disney. Go at your own risk. Have people sign waivers. I would happily sign a waiver releasing Disney of any responsibility of any virus I got while on vacation just to have a NORMAL vacation. For the price we are all paying I think we deserve it.
Amen!
No, it’s a lot worse than the flu. Ask the people of NYC how their COVID-19 outbreak compared to the typical NYC flu season. I do think we need to start re-opening sectors of our economy, while we will have an economy to reopen, and end these draconian lockdowns imposed in certain states. Florida has done quite well overall with sensible restrictions, which were nowhere as strict as NY and MI for example. Re-open, but do it smartly. And for goodness sake, folks, please stop comparing this to the common flu, because it is more like a super flu on steroids. Don’t panic, but do use your heads and think it through.
Good point about FL. I’m from MI. Where we’ve been hit is dense population and urban areas. FL doesn’t have those to the extent that we do.
Henry, Miami has about a half million people. That doesn’t include Miami Beach, Broward County, Palm Beach County. So Broward, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade have higher counts than the rest of the state. Orange is also higher than other parts of the state. UP would probably be like the Panhandle area. The SE area of Florida isn’t allowed to enter Phase 1 of reopening yet.
OBVIOUSLY you are not on the front lines caring for COVID patients. This virus is a real threat killing people who are healthy, not healthy, young, old. Many of my coworkers have been put down by this virus trying to save their patients lives and people like YOU think it’s NO BIG deal. Walk DAY IN OUR SHOES!! holding the hands of those dying is what all health care workers are doing many times a day. So sad! Disney is doing the right thing!! Stop being selfish there is no more normal!!!
Thanks Natalie D. Appreciate what you do. We “almost” all want Disney, but not at the expense of our health and that of others.
Thank you and your co workers! My wife had 39 years in a hospital chemistry lab and clearly knows how much worse than the flu this is. But then again, she is well educated and knows what you read, see, or pick up from wherever, is usually not really the truth. Lab results don’t lie. Disney will do the right thing when they are ready.
Natalie, i’m so sorry to hear so many of your coworkers have died! You said they were put down by the virus, i’m assuming they have passed away? My condolences, it’s hard to lose so many friends and coworkers at once! How many coworkers have you lost so far? That’s horrible!
@Kinsley
I THINK she meant sickened. “Put down” is a term used to describe euthanizing animals. I did over 10 years plus of 600 hours in the ER in order to maintain my paramedic license and I never heard that term used to describe anyone we lost or who died. Makes one wonder a bit.
@Jack – well, that’s just dang misleading of her then, isn’t it. I was thinking those people died! But dang it all, they got sick and recovered and now have awesome natural antibodies, now why would that be bad? They don’t even have to wait for the vaccine, I heard Dr Fauci say that he would be very suprised if they don’t have antibodies!
And – to the people who talk about reinfection and no antibodies – a vaccine will do NOTHING then, if you can’t get immunity from the sickness itself, you definitely WON’T get them from a vaccine. There’s nothing special in the vaccine but some virus itself.
I truly feel for you but that’s the same reason fathers don’t determine the punishment for a guy that assaults their daughter. The reasoning is based more on emotion than facts or long term thinking. This is way, way, way more complicated than shut-in vs. open. Or even life vs economy.
Just like people have the choice not to go because they don’t feel safe, the same could be said for people who are upset that attractions will be closed or at a lower capacity, those people also have the choice not to spend their money and not to go.
I trust that Disney will be very careful about re-opening and the health and safety protocols they put in place. If someone doesn’t like them, they can choose not to go. Disney has a huge image to maintain and they will not take heath risks that could be detrimental to that image. This more than anything else is why I trust Disney and the steps they will take.
You’re right! It’s just like the flu, only it’s 10x more deadly. If the flu kills 60,000 people a year, why should we do anything different for a disease that will kill 600,000 people over the next 3 months? Let’s ride the rides!
Where are you getting your 600,000 people figure in the US? 10x more deadly ? No.
I live in NY. Initial Antibody testing is showing that about 2.7 million people statewide have been infected. The vast majority no symptoms or mild symptoms. Based on those numbers by Governor Cuomo and the deaths, we are at .5% (half a percent ) mortality rate. And that number is slightly inflated as many deaths (I knew a few ) were people already on their deathbed. We lost a family member. They were listed as a COVID death. Had lung issues and pneumonia in a nursing home. Acquired COVID towards the end. I’m not making light of our family death but they were on their way to dying anyways.
The other thing people on your end of the argument forget is that people are currently dying of suicide , domestic and sex violence , violent crime related to a bad economy (I know someone who was attacked on their way to work at a hospital ) increased drug overdose etc. To think that sitting inside and hiding isn’t causing much death and long term mental issues is completely foolish.
Like 80% of the US is under stay at home and we have over 1M confirmed cases (and we know that number is much more) with over 50K dead. What do you think is going to happen when that 80% is not staying at home?
@Jeremy
She’s getting it from talking heads who profit from eyeballs and thus quote wildly inaccurate figures or “models.”
Your NYC figures are absolutely correct. Those, coupled with other, actual data driven studies put the Cotonavirus mortality rate at less than 1%. A figure I read today put it at 0.09 percent nationwide. It may go even lower. Problem is, nobody does research.they just quote whomever reinforces their preconceptions. And a million infections is a drop in the bucket vs what the garden variety flu infects every year.
TJ asked what will happen when the 80 percent who have been imprisoned by politicians go back to work. The answer is that they now have enough knowledge of protective actions to employ them so that most will NOT become infected or return home to infect and thus wipe out the population of Cleveland! Yes, there will be a totally predictable spike in infections and some additional deaths, but again, these will be mitigated by knowledge and, if one examines the history of other artificially controlled epidemics, this spike will be nothing new. We will also be on our way to herd immunity, See Sweden for some interesting information, especially pay attention to what analytical decisions drove Sweden’s approach.
We are from NYC and won’t be able to visit until the 14-day quarantine order lifts. We are APs and we’re supposed to go down this Friday for Dapper Day weekend. Our last trip was March 1-6 Glad we got to see the start of F&G at least!
Being in the global epicenter…I will just say this virus is scary. Even if I felt safe traveling now though the experience it seems will be less than magical at the parks for a while…
I have advocated park reservations in the past, but I know that this will never happen. I expect that the parks earn way more from incidentals such as food, snacks, park hopper fees, and merchandise than from admissions. Reservations and limited admissions would reduce or elimiate much of this revenue. It would be interesting to know what increase in admissions and incidental prices would be necessary to maintain revenue. All prices would probably triple.
I would be happy with a trip every three to four years that costs three times as much, but have attendance comparable to that which occurred late 90’s and early 2000’s. Less hassel and more enjoyable vacation. We had a ball with our grandkids during these years. Went two and three times a year. Very enjoyable days back then.
I would love park reservations. There is a small version of this for a certain kind of annual passholder at Disneyland, where you pay a lower price, but you have to make a reservation to come on busier days so the parks don’t get overcrowded with locals just passing through for something to do on a holiday weekend.
I have no problem paying full price if I knew I could get into a park with only 50% capacity. I might not even be upset if a few rides were closed (but not 50%) on the logic that a number of rides are already “closed” to me on normal WDW days if I don’t have a Fastpass for the ride and am unwilling to wait for more than an hour to ride. Going to a park with only 50% of the people we had at New Year’s week sounds blissful–because it sounds like I’d get to ride more rides.
Some good comments. Don’t know how one can actually socially distance compliantly in Disney. Also I don’t see anything addressing pools except for cleaning/disinfecting gates. How do you police keeping swimmers separate?
Regarding reduced capacity, I wonder what the key numbers are for disney to profit vs. operating costs exceeding profit.
Were you not concerned about the flu before? Or any other virus when swimming? Just curious.
Yes I was especially when the flu outbreak killed children. I was very upset and also upset the vaccine isn’t always effective. This virus, COVID 19 however is even worse. A lot worse. As far as swimming or other crowds I would avoid in high flu seasons and visit in the summer.
Seth,
One can get vaccinated for flu, and there is no vaccine yet for this virus. Further, it’s highly contagious. Given how much we don’t know about it (e.g. the presence of antibodies may not equal immunity, testing varies widely from state to state), a vacation won’t be worth the risk for me. Further, it wouldn’t be any fun with all of the guidelines.
I definitely agree with posters who have raised the question of social distancing in queue lines and other concerns. Hopefully, Disney will institute stronger safeguards than what Orange County is considering.
We have a vacation planned in the fall for Disney and Universal. I am hoping we will be able to go. There is nothing any business can do to keep you a hundred percent safe from getting sick during this pandemic or any other time and it is unrealistic to think otherwise. There are all kinds of germs everywhere but is up to you as an individual to keep yourself from getting sick, like wear your mask, make sure you use those sanitizers that are put in place, etc. So your either willing to take the chance on going or not and you will either use precautions or not its all up to you. I think they are doing the best they can with the situation at hand. I’ve had no income since March 19th and I’ve heard nothing from unemployment at some point people need to go back to work to put food on the table and pay their living expenses or we will be in a bad situation. The state of Florida will be in really bad shape if the parks stay closed indefinitely.
Agree!
Absolutely. Were people not concerned with catching the FLU before? This is a new virus, that has proven to be far less deadlier than anyone thought. If you are concerned stay home. Let the rest of us continue living. Disney should be offering discounts for those of us with reservations if they are planning on modifying or closing attractions. Each of us is responsible for our own health and safety. I prefer living my life rather than staying at home in fear of catching a cold 24-7.
Seth, it’s clear you have no science education or you wouldn’t be making your comments about the flu and this pandemic. What you should read, are medical journals and science reports to get a really clear picture of what your missing!
@Gerhard. Actually the SCIENCE supports Seth. And Sweden – the smartest country on the planet.
I’ve not seen anything mentioned about security in regards to bag checks? How do you think that will change?
Herd immunity folks. Go to the parks at your own risk. Elderly and the immune compromised should stay at home. Fear is driving so much of the decision making when the only real solution is to build up antibodies via herd immunity. At least there will be fewer Rascal carts roaming the parks.
Unless I missed it, what I didn’t see is WHO will be allowed in during Phase 1. In the absence of any mention of restrictions of “Florida Residents Only” or “Passholders Only”, or “US/Domestic Only”, it would seem the whole world is invited. Seems rather risky, so hopefully there will be a lot more added to the outline before it’s implemented. Also, saying no “self service foods” would tend to imply the bins and refrigerated displays will be off-limits, which would be a real bummer. So much for the morning muffin from Captain Cook’s…
I could be wrong, but I did see another story that stated Phase 1 was Florida Residents only, Phase 2 was USA only and Phase 3 was everyone. Again, i have no definitive proof and cannot even recall where I read it in this day of information overload!
All this is from the task force, I have to believe Disney will come out soon with their own plans and timeline.
There are ways around this. The food items can be individually wrapped for protection (some stores are already doing this in their bakery areas), or those items can ha e an attendant who will serve them to you.
How do you handle haunted mansion stretch room? Or any other queue like that? Granted if you’re only at fifty percent capacity that helps, but still….and what about the rides themselves? Is someone going to sanitize them? Funny how before this, we weren’t concerned about it. And what about the families that bring their sick kids on vacation? I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been there and you hear kids hacking and coughing while in line at an attraction! Lots of things to think about for sure!
Agreed. As another said, the one thing you can count on is that people won’t police themselves. “We spent a ton of money for this vacation, and there’s no way we are gonna miss it just because the kids have coughs and sniffles.”
My guess is we will pass right through the stretching room. More concerning are the honey walls in the Pooh queue and the gems on 7DMT queue. All the things to keep the “kids” occupied have now become points of concern. I certainly will not touch what I don’t need to touch anymore. Agree…funny how 6 months ago none of of gave a thought to this.
I understand the standing 6 feet apart in the ride line, but how do you ride the ride? You’re not 6 feet apart on the rides. I don’t understand how a plan wouldn’t address that issue.
Perhaps instead of a refund, you can get full credit of their value so you can use it towards a new purchase of tickets in 2021?
We have a trip planned for end of August. I’m unsure if we should go.
Will plans be in Phase 1, Phase 2 or will there be less restrictions?
50 percent capacity? What a farce. How many days did Disney world close a park last year due to “capacity”. Fifty percent is still too crowded to prevent random contact with other guests. I figure it will be 10-15 days after re-opening before the first infection from attending the parks force them to close again.
I agree 100%. Disney World is unlike any other theme park in the world, that’s part of the draw. They will likely have their own rules. They are nothing if they aren’t concerned about PR. Infections will happen everywhere, and most won’t die. But, in light of the financial crisis that Disney is facing, they must tread carefully and be the industry standard on how to do things properly. When they accomplish that, then the visitors will return and with it the money and everyone can say “Disney did it best”
…but this is just my humble opinion
We have booked a combined holiday to Universal and Disney in August from the UK. One of our party has pre-existing medical conditions and is classed as belonging to an “at risk” group by the UK government. I agree with another comment that Disney should formally cancel visits from abroad until “normality” resumes (i.e when a vaccine is available). For Disney and Universal to expect foreign visitors to spend such a large amount on their “holiday of a lifetime” when it is clear the vacation would not meet expectations and be enjoyable, is extremely unreasonable to say the least. Providing we are able to claim on our travel insurance we would be very pleased to reschedule our holiday to 2021 or later.
I am also travelling in August from UK with Virgin. We have been offered to change the dates to next yr for free but we have to pay any price increase to the holiday. Disney dining is currently not available though although this could change. Really unsure as to what to do? Holiday of a lifetime and I dont want to spoil it?
Emma Knight, can I ask if you booked through Virgin Holidays or making your own arrangements using Virgin Atlantic.? The reason I ask is because we have not been offered the chance to move our holiday dates as we are travelling after 30 June 2020 and so far nothing has changed according to the advice from the UK government. We have booked a package holiday through Virgin Holidays and are staying onsite. Thanks
It’s so hard to know what to do for the best isn’t it! We were booked from the UK for Easter but had it moved to October, our travel agent was hopeful that this would be far enough in advance. We have re-booked our dining plans but I’m still not sure it will go ahead and if I even want to risk it! We are a party of 8 with no underlying conditions who always carry our own hand sanitiser regardless of the current climate! I guess we will all have to wait & see and hope for the best while mentally preparing for our holidays to be cancelled/moved. Good luck Emma, hopefully if yours goes ahead you will have a fab time.
Oh and good luck Davidctid too!!
So they are taking the temps of employees, but what about the patrons? One thing we have learned during this is you can not expect people to police themselves.
About the coffee makers; I suppose if you were drinking a bottle of water and half was left, that people could be using that to make their coffee with…..yuck
From the sounds of this council and guidelines, it seems like WDW will open on June 1 with 50% capacity. Assuming of course, but that’s what it appears by reading.
Regarding those saying it would be horrible. How? no crowds. Fewer wait times for rides, and restaurants not crowded either. Given of course everything is open and we don’t see the 1/2 park closed scenario. If it all opens the only inconvenience IMO would be hand sanitizer all the time.
I think FREE TOUCHLESS sanitizer is a great idea, and quite honestly it should have been everywhere all of the time. I think if attractions or rides are going to be closed or even modified, people should start seeing discounts in their reservations. A million viruses exist. This one has proven to not be anywhere near as deadly as everyone thought. If one is concerned about the virus or their safety, they should stay at home. I am fine with reduced capacity. I’m not okay with things being shut down or modified, and not receiving compensation in some way. When I made reservations I planned on visiting the park as we have in the past, riding the rides the same way, seeing the same shows, etc.
Magical Express, Buses and Monorails … what a mess transportation will be if they cancel or limit capacity. Traffic and parking will be tough if more people do Uber or rent cars
I don’t think they can get rid of those if people are flying in there is no way to get to parks.
I think these are reasonable things. I’m sure we can stand with our family in lines/queues. My only thought is if we stand 6 feet a part from other guests in line… does that mean only people/families every six feet ride the ride?
How do you practice social distance on a ride? Will they separate you 6 feet apart while riding?
What a logistical nightmare. And I agree with Lynne. Temperature check for everyone.
From what I am hearing from a local dr a lot of the people who are testing positive have no symptoms so there a persons temp could be normal and they could still have the virus.
Wow, that’s awesome news! So many people don’t even feel sick? That makes the severity AND the casulty rate so much lower! I’m going to see if I can find information on that – so wonderful if people are getting sick, and getting antibodies from getting sick, and not even feeling sick!! that rocks!