Photos & Video: Disney Springs Reopening Safety Screening & Signage
Disney Springs has reopened after a two month closure, with the restaurant and retail district at Walt Disney World implementing a variety of new health and safety protocols, screening, and signage with the well-being of guests and Cast Members as top priority. In this post, we’ll share photos and video of the temporary changes, plus thoughts and new info about Disney Springs operations.
By way of quick recap, there are 6 key things to know before arriving at Disney Springs. These are: 1) limited parking and reduced entrances; 2) temperature screenings prior to entry; 3) face coverings required for all guests ages 3 and up; 4) physical distancing practices including physically-distanced queues and physical barriers; 5) temporary operation modifications, including reduced hours at select locations and no scheduled entertainment offerings or high-touch interactive areas; and, 6) increased focus on disinfecting and sanitation, including hand-washing stations and sanitizers.
We previously offered extensive “Know Before You Go” Info for Disney Springs, which includes further elaboration about the 6 key practices and health safety measures that will temporarily be undertaken by Walt Disney World during the phased reopening of Disney Springs. Our latest WDW Reopening Update also covers some answers to frequently asked questions about these policies. Additionally, we have a full List of Restaurants & Retail Reopening at Disney Springs. That’s been updated with a lot of venues!
During its phased reopening, Disney Springs will operate with reduced hours, opening at 10 am and closing at 10 pm daily. These are the hours listed on the official webpage as far out as the calendar goes, but we’d expect the closing time to be extended at some point.
In recent years, Disney Springs has been open long after the theme parks, and is still hoppin’ at around midnight some nights. Once the district has been smoothly running for a couple months, or the parks and resorts reopen, we’d expect hours to be modified again.
Now, for some photos and video of the the temporary safety measures and signage you’ll see if you visit Disney Springs right now, which were released by Walt Disney World…
After parking in Orange and Lime garages, you’ll encounter these health screening stations before taking the escalators or elevator down to the entrances of Disney Springs.
Here’s where you’ll have your temperature taken and Cast Members will confirm you’re wearing a face mask. Parties with a guest whose temperature is above 100.4 will not be allowed entry, nor will those without face masks.
A look at the sandwich board signage that greets guests coming down the Lime Garage escalators.
Still better than the dreaded “We apologize, at this time, all boarding groups for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance virtual queue have been distributed for today.”
Another look at signage that’s been installed around Disney Springs. You’ll likely see these on sign posts about as frequently as the wildlife warnings that now line the shores of Walt Disney World’s waterfront.
In the parking garages and prior to entering Disney Springs, there are also signs offering the same liability disclaimer warning that we previously covered. We’d expect these to be a regular fixture in front of hotels, transportation areas, and bag check once the parks reopen.
New hand-washing and sanitizer stations have also been added around Disney Springs.
In the weeks prior to closing the parks, Walt Disney World had installed these all over the theme parks. It’s safe to assume these will be all over the place once the parks reopen, too.
A look at the ‘do not stand here’ markings on sidewalks outside World of Disney.
Stores will have reduced capacity upon reopening, so it’s expected lines will form outside. Same deal as your local Trader Joe’s or Costco. Still beats trying to score limited release merchandise on shopDisney!
Maybe it’s just the way my brain works (or doesn’t)…but this doesn’t seem intuitive.
I’m used to markings in line at Walt Disney World where you do stand, not where you do not stand. It’s obviously easy enough to read and stand appropriately, but I think a circle with footprints would be a quicker visual cue for where to stand. What do I know, though.
Directional signage that follows the rules of the road.
I was concerned that some walkways would be one-way only, requiring a big loop around to access some spots–glad that’s not the case. Walt Disney World probably realized too many guests would totally disregard that. Our local Publix can’t even enforce one-way aisles (then again, they seem to change the direction every other day, so that’s partially on them).
On their Facebook page, the Walt Disney World Cast and Community has announced that Resort Children’s Activities Cast will be ‘repurposed’ into the Disney Springs Social Distancing Team, and will “bring their magic of engaging Guests in fun and caring ways to provide a helping hand in select areas. They have a keen understanding of our enhanced health and safety procedures, and will throw in some pixie dust for good measure.”
It’s apt that this role will be filled by Resort Children’s Activities Cast Members, as they’re reinforcing the kind of personal space and hygiene lessons learned in kindergarten…and will probably be dealing with guests reminiscent of petulant children in the process.
On that note, we’ll once again reiterate our reminder to be kind to Cast Members if you’re choosing to visit Disney Springs. This should go without saying and is always the case, but it’s especially true now. Frontline Cast Members with whom you interact have literally zero say over Walt Disney World’s policies they’re tasked with enforcing, and you’re not going to change anything by being rude to them.
Moreover, please don’t try anything “clever” to circumvent the rules. We’ve heard from a disconcerting number of commenters who have said that they plan on always walking around with a snack so they’re technically eating and don’t have to wear a mask. Why stop there? Eat food inside the grocery store to skirt shoplifting laws. Take off your shoes once you’re past the sign on the front door of 7-11.
If you disagree with any policy, we encourage you to contact Walt Disney World and voice your opinion. Or, vote with your wallet. In general, follow Wheaton’s Law. As Disney’s leaders have stated repeatedly, how Walt Disney World’s reopening process proceeds depends in large part upon guest cooperation–meaning that compliance with current measures is a necessary first step to moving past them.
Finally, here’s a video from the local news covering the reopening procedures:
Several of you have asked if we’ll be sharing an “on the ground” photo report, and our answer is not right away.
It’s not because we’re protesting any of the safety screening measures, nor is it because we believe Disney Springs should not be reopening. Rather, it’s because we’re still trying to mitigate risk and decrease likelihood of exposure, at least to the extent possible.
It seems likely to us that between pent-up demand and the Memorial Day weekend, the first few days could be busy. It wouldn’t surprise us if some fans from Georgia, Alabama, etc., make the pilgrimage to Disney Springs over the holiday weekend.
In any case, we’ll be monitoring crowd photos on social media to see how things are looking and going. We’re hoping that by next week, some of the initial hubbub has died down and we can do dinner at the Boathouse or Wine Bar George (depending upon who gets to choose the first meal). We’ll bring you a photo report whenever we end up doing that–we’re eager to go back!
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 Disney Springs this holiday weekend? Excited to head back to Walt Disney World, even if it’s “just” Disney Springs? What will be your first store or snack? Plans for a full meal? Optimistic that the 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.
This 6 feet of separation really grinds my gears because in Europe, they don’t go by feet, they go by meters. So over there, it’s 1.5 meters separation which is 4.9 feet. So are they at a greater risk because of the conversion system over there? Or is this 6 feet or 4.9 feet not that big of a difference. Also, I’ll take a royal with cheese.
I don’t know where you heard 1.5 metres, and maybe it is that in different countries, but every European country I’ve seen has said 2 metres, not 1.5.
In Britain, they just reduced it to 1 meter. I guess Science was offering a limited time 33% off discount on Covid spacing. Act soon before this limited time offer ends!
David – where have you heard that it’s reduced to 1 metre in Britain? This is not true. I live here and the government literally today just re-affirmed that it will stick with two metres for now.
“Rather, it’s because we’re still trying to mitigate risk and decrease likelihood of exposure, at least to the extent possible.”
tom, thank you for this line. i appreciate tour responsibility in this regard. no need to be another body in a space right now when the news clip you posted covered things sufficiently. it’s not like the first night of one of the holiday parties where you need to experience things firsthand to report back.
Nice report. I agree the ground signs are counter-intuitive and not what I’m used to locally. I’m getting more optimistic by the day and pleased to see the precautions taking place at Disney Springs. I’m also re-thinking my kids wearing masks. It is simply the “new normal” and kids are resilient. I think my kids will roll with the punches like adults and simply wear masks as required by policy and my wife and I telling them to do so. Shame this didn’t happen in cooler weather but all the buildings have A/C and the virus isn’t thinking about our comfort (;
My only thought on the sign reversal is that the ones you actually stand on, will wear out faster than ones that you DO NOT stand on. I think all people should wear masks. The younger children should be encouraged to wear one in case they have the virus. I understand that it’s hard to make a 2 year old keep something in place on their face, and I assume that’s why they are not enforcing it. I do avoid younger children without masks because of my safety.
Not sure of the age of your kids, but I have a 2.5 year old and we’ve been slowly building up her mask “tolerance.” A few minutes everyday with some extra strategies — made one for her doll, repurposed an old Little Mermaid shirt she loved that’s too small into her mask. She also sees us wearing them when we go out whether to work or get groceries. It’s not her favorite thing by any means, but it’s becoming more normal, because as you said “kids are resilient” and their normal is whatever we create for them.
Temporary abnormal, not new normal.
My 3-year-old barely learned how talk, there is no way we can tell her to wear “masks as required.” Doubt it will work with our 5-yr-old. Perhaps your children are older. I know 5 min after we put them on ours, they will be on the floor. We will wait to go until this passes, hopefully. Otherwise, we need to hire a babysitter, and as one of us recently lost a job, we can’t afford it.
There’s nothing “normal” about it Steve. The “new normal” is a psychological talking point.
There are meetings being held today with local government, theme park reps and government officials. Each theme park brand has to submit a reopening package. Once that is approved announcements will be made.
Doubtful that mask enforcement will hold up over time. Just flew an airline with a mask requirement policy yesterday. Masks We’re on for boarding By 95% and then 90% took them off once airborne, including the airline staff. For those worried about masks, it will not be well enforced after a few weeks, plus legally they can’t anyway and that’s why airlines say they are required but do not enforce it. Same thing here.
Legally any private business can require patrons to wear a mask, same as the no shoes, no shirt, no service policies. It’s different with airlines though because they can’t exactly ask you to leave if you take your mask off while in air. Other businesses can (and do) escort patrons off the premises if they refuse to put a mask back on. It sounds like the former Resort Children’s Activities Cast repurposed as the Social Distancing Team will be the ones to approach guests at Disney Springs found to not be following the new rules. In general most people caught breaking a rule will usually do as told, but in the rare circumstances they don’t security is called in to escort the individual off the premises.
Well that’s not cool. If they are promoting that they are taking precautions and then once in the air where you are captive at thousands of feet, then poof – we don’t follow our own rules- just not cool.
This is fascinating… In general, I believe many of the current “rules” being posted are excessive but wearing a mask on a commercial aircraft when the only air you have to breathe is re-circulated, is a GOOD idea.
Thank you so much for sharing regarding the airlines! I was wondering about that. For us to get to FL and other vacation destinations we like is at least 6 hrs. My two littles ones would not be able to wear masks in flights for that long. They already hate flying as it is. It makes sense to have them on when everyone is in close proximity. Then take them off once everyone is seated with enough spacing in-between.
I agree on the “do not stand” zones. It is just counter-intuitive. I also think it is even more confusing outside of a ride queue because in an open area I think most people will see the crossed through feet as meaning “do not step here at all” and so will be walking AROUND the boxes when you are supposed to be walking THROUGH the boxes –which will defeat the purpose because they’ll be invading the space between the boxes that is meant to be reserved for “standers”.
Agreed. My brain processes “stand here” much better than “do not stand here”.
Also do you think Disney will have bag scanners when they reopen? I hope so I think it would be to everyone’s benefit.
They certainly should, but Shanghai Disneyland did not (and I don’t believe they’ve been installed at HKDL, either).
I hope they switch to the X-ray machines and that they disinfect the conveyor belt often. I’ve always thought it’s gross to handle everyone’s belongings and then also at the airport, the bins are reused after people put their shoes in them – the same shoes they wear inside the bathrooms, ugh. Gross. I’ve always thought things should be cleaner in general which is why I’ve never been for reusable bags if all people do is throw them in their automobile floors then put them in the carts that I use to hold my items. At least the carts get rained on, lol. Some people with reusable bags don’t have wash them and I’ve seen them look downright gross when they proudly put them up at the checkout counter.
they should. i had been hoping to see those as each park refurbished their entrances and was severely disappointed. another site had an editorial on that the other day, citing that with a pandemic, having individual security guards with hands in each bag is just another way to transmit the virus from person to person. bag scanners are not only more efficient, faster, and streamline the process, but they are also more sanitary in that regard. disney has been in a distant second place ever since universal installed theirs, and they seem in no hurry to catch up. those who check the bags can man the machines.
Kay – I so agreed with all your comments!
Thanks for the detailed info. And the laugh about “petulant children”. I do feel really bad for those CMs. And kudos to you for keeping your family safe and the reminder that we each need to evaluate our personal risk tolerance.
One just told me she can’t breathe and can’t wait to not wear the masks anymore.
I am really interested in hearing how people feel while experiencing Disney Springs under these conditions and circumstances. Is it enjoyable? Do you feel uncomfortable? Has the “magic” been overly diluted by the safety measures? I applaud Disney for their reopening but I really would like to get a truer sense of the atmosphere there.
It’s ok. Am here now. Got reservations at t Rex. Hot AF and uncomfortable. But it’s ok
I’m likewise interested, but it’s worth noting that how locals feel about experiencing Disney Springs in several-hour increments will be dramatically different than how vacation-goers feel about experiencing Walt Disney World’s theme parks for days at a time.
I have no issues wearing a mask to Disney Springs for a few hours and think it’ll be completely fine…but I can totally understand the concerns tourists (especially those with kids) have about taking a full trip like that. It’s a valid perspective/question.
I’m a local. It’s way too hot to wear masks outside.
Reading through the previous comments I don’t see many Comments about snacking except mine. I’d like to say I wasn’t planning to skirt any rules but just discussing how they might implement enforcing this. As I had stated previously, will they have special areas that you eat or will they not sell snacks etc. My eating habits, although far less than ideal, include way too many snacks at Disney. Just enjoying snacks. Not skirting rules. Was discussing eating how I normally do at Disney and how that might play out. Maybe there were multiple other comments that I missed, but if not, I believe mine were misinterpreted!
There were at least a dozen of them. The reason that you may not have seen the rest is because: 1) they were spread out across several posts, and 2) about half contained long political rants about resisting oppression or things along those lines, and were deleted per policy.
In terms of general discussion, I do think it’s worth having–especially since people will need to remove their masks while eating or drinking and walking. (That’s presumably already happening given that Starbucks is open!) I think what you brought up differs dramatically from the more “problematic” comments on the issue. 🙂
it’s not just he snacking skirting comments. i’ve seen, here and everywhere else, comments about people planning to claim a medical exemption and attempting to get around it that way, like people used to abuse ADA with fake ailments to skip lines, etc.
I love my Disney snacks too. If I’m not eating my own snack, I’m finishing off my wife’s or kids’ snacks. This may end up eliminating having to wear a mask for most of the day.
Karma, I was also wondering regarding that, since snacking, while walking around or waiting in line, is one of our favorite things when we go on a Disney vacation. We try to avoid doing it at home, to stay healthier, but on vacation is when we do it. I also would never do it for sake of breaking or skirting the rules, it’s just something we really enjoy. I can imagine not snacking would be hard to enforce, even if they don’t sell any snacks in the parks, people can still bring their own.
I’m all for safety measures but I’m really surprised Disney didn’t do a better job at branding the signage and making it fun. Red and yellow six foot Xs everywhere scream constantly that something is wrong and we are doing everything wrong. They could’ve easily used a Mickey sign on the floor that is friendly, polite and if it was funny, even better. Between seeing smiles replaced by blank masks and the big red Xs and warnings everywhere, it just doesn’t feel happy. What a missed opportunity. CityWalk did a much better job. Small blue stamps that blend with the park vibe.
that could be a liability issue. make it plain so no one can argue they “didn’t see it because they thought it was a decoration”. sometimes you juts have to to be blunt.
Tiffany, I totally agree! If Disney Parks look like that when they re-open, even “after the masks,” it would still take a lot away from the usual, upbeat theme park atmosphere. And combined with masks it makes it even more anxiety-inducing. My toddler cried the other day when she saw someone wearing a black, whole-bottom-of-face-covered, mask. Even my older one is afraid and weary of people who wear them. Granted, they will get more used to it, but it’s still not something I want to deal with, if trying to have fun family time outdoors.
It seems like it would be best to greatly increase the number of security staff (armed?) and task them with enforcing the health and safety policies. In general, people respond differently to security than say, retail or dining associates. Also, eating all day to avoid wearing a mask? Ugh.
i agree, i think more visible obvious security personnel would be a huge help.
Wait a sec. Are you saying you WANT armed guards enforcing the mask rules onto paying guests? Yeaaah, I think my time visiting any sort of Disney property is over if that ever happens.
“It’s apt that this role will be filled by Resort Children’s Activities Cast Members, as they’re reinforcing the kind of personal space and hygiene lessons learned in kindergarten…and will probably be dealing with guests reminiscent of petulant children in the process.”
This is why I love your blog, Tom. Thanks for sharing!
What a great way of putting it. My toddler finally got to go back to school and we’re on our third day and she and her friends have no problem wearing masks throughout the day except nap time. This morning she told the teacher to take her temperature before going into school. So if a 3 year old can adjust to certain things I think adults can too. I understand that some folks are worried about those with disabilities not being able to cooperate but Disney has always been very understanding from what I’ve seen. My 4 year old nephew is Autistic and the restaurants allowed him to sit in his stroller inside until he felt comfortable . So they do bend rules to accommodate everyone, but I hope people don’t take advantage when certain things are being done to protect everyone.
where i live, a high ranking medical doctor and epidemiologist was part of a press conference yesterday and gave a talk about wearing masks. some complained that they should be sitting on the rug during circle time while she was talking, but the fact is so many adults need to be spoken to like children right now because of how they are acting. i think if someone was complaining, that’s the exact target audience.
“Resort Children’s Activities Cast…will probably be dealing with guests reminiscent of petulant children in the process.”
I could not agree with you more. Best of luck to those Cast Members, I can’t imagine the flack they are going to have to deal with. I caddied at a very wealthy golf course when I was younger. Pros: all cash, done work by noon, and a lot of exercise. Cons: made me question how humans could treat other humans so poorly on a daily basis.
As bad as it was, I’d rather go get yelled at for 18 in the summer heat then enforce social distancing on a Disney property.
Sorry to hear that Drew! I know how you feel.
I really hope guests can behave, adhere to the rules, and treat cast members and other guests with respect. If we want the parks and resorts to open, we need to play by Disney’s rules while visiting Disney Springs. Like them or not, how we behave will have a major impact on when the parks open.
I think it was the last time I caddied that I was carrying double and in addition their 2 cokes because they were too important to hold their own cokes. (I was supposed to hold the coke until they wanted a sip, walk to wherever they were, hand it to them and then they’d hand it back to me until they wanted another sip, etc.) Anyway, I managed to spill several ounces of coke inside one guy’s leather driver head cover which shrank like crazy. Spent the rest of the round fighting to get the thing on and off at each tee.
It will be interesting to see what happens and how this all shakes out. I had to laugh about that walking around eating mask workaround. You seriously think Disney hasn’t thought of this possibility and how to deal with it? Please!
“You seriously think Disney hasn’t thought of this possibility and how to deal with it? Please!”
In the past, there have been issues with Cast Members being empowered to enforce no smoking rules. It’s not a matter of not having thought about it–it’s a matter of balancing the need to enforce rules with not putting CMs in a position of potential conflict.
Am here now, T Rex cafe at 11!!!
Thanks for showing all the details. It looks like they have put a LOT of thought into this opening. I love that hand washing stations are all over the place. Good luck with the directional arrows though. In my local (FL) stores, where the signage is on the floor–and on some eye-level shelves–there seems to be about 70% compliance with that.
Last week there were about 10 people in a long aisle with me. I had to check the floor to make sure I was going the right direction (I was!) because every single other person was coming toward me. Next aisle 2 staff members were coming toward me. I’m a Hermione Grainger-style rule follower and almost asked at the desk if it was Opposite Day. And yes, I seriously thought about just going with traffic, but I couldn’t make myself do it.
Lis- too bad you couldn’t use magic to turn them into toads!
I’m guessing those do not stand boxes are 6 feet long so physical separation is easier to see. However, on one of those pictures, after you leave the garage, is there 6 feet separation to the side of each other minimum? It’s hard to tell. Maybe the virus doesn’t travel sideways down there. Anyway, I’ll wait till this is all back to normal. If masks are necessary, guessing restaurants aren’t open.
Restaurants are open. Thus the line about snacking all day. You are allowed to remove your mask while eating. Yes, seems weird to inforce mask wearing, but to have to have times it okay not to wear it.
the hope is that if you are eating, you are still actively maintaining social distance of at least 6 feet or more from others, whether that’s at disney or anywhere in public right now.
great article as always! do you think a face shield will count as a face covering? they are more comfortable than a mask for me.
Am wearing gator neck. It passed!
I can appreciate information on Disney Springs. What about information on opening the parks? Will this happen soon or by Halloween? Will parks have normal participation by Halloween?
I evaluate the usability of objects and websites for a living. On another site I saw the “Please Stand Here” mats in addition to the “Please Do Not Stand Here” mats you have pictures of. Oh boy. They are quite similar. Talk about confusing.
I just wanted to say that your name caused me to happily relive Dr. Horrible’s Sing-along Blog, and I now have Bad Horse running through my head. You are awesome. Thank you. 🙂