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.
I suspect that the reason why Don’ stand here works is because most groups of people visiting DW are large enough that they would not fit on Stand here signs Easier to do distancing as a group that way. One person standing on the Stand here? Easy. Ten or more people? Not so much.
I’ve been thinking.. what Disney really needs is a Covid-19 mascot! Create a fun character that wears a mask and helps kids and families learn about safe practices in the pandemic in a fun and educational way. Heck, they could even sell merch of their cute little mascot! 🙂
It is a cute idea, but I don’t think Disney will be doing something that divides people so sharply at this point and is so controversial. Plus a reminder of the “outside world” problems. Masks by far are not the only measure, what about hand-washing, temperature checks, etc.? Would they need to design mascots to educate people about that too? Eventually, it will look like a field trip to a local health-care facility, rather than a theme park. But people do love their Disney merchandise, so not doubt a mascot like that would have some fans and would sell.
I think it’s a cute idea, Melody. Or they could fit Mickey w/ a mask — he’s already wearing gloves, haha.
I wholly agree that standing on a designated mark is more intuitive than avoiding the marked spot – unless it’s an image of lava; then it would be a fun game. But I’m guessing there has to be a good reason why they decided to mark the ground in a seemingly illogical way. It’ll be interesting to see how guests react to it.
My guess is that providing a spot for people to stand on might intuitively suggest that people group closer together to fit on the spot rather than keep them apart. Just a thought.
What are they doing about the entrances that can be accessed by foot? Surely not all guests will drive.
I can hardly wait to get back to Disney Springs. What could be more awesome than standing outside Raglan Road in 90° heat and a facemask imagining all the good times that could be going on inside there if it was open! The value add is knowing that me and all the other attendees are compromising our good times in the name of Science.
I don’t think it’s in the name of science. About 10% of people exposed end up testing positive. 10% of positives present symptoms. Maybe 2% of the symptomatic are hospitalized, and a small percentage of those die. So all of us healthy people are having our vacations ruined so that a very small number of people don’t get a cough. Oh and the longer this thing is around, and the more people that get it, the lesser chance of it continuing to spread.
To agree with you, I have to ask a simple question: can you guys name a few friends and close relatives to expend in exchange for a magical day, or maybe sacrifice yourselves so others can happily enjoy their time at Disney? It’s not just numbers, every life matters. Also, like it has been said numerous times before, Disney is not a right, it’s a privilege: either you go and abide by the current rules or you just stay home/go elsewhere. Best regards.
David, no one is making you go. In fact, stay home. Please.
David, I agree. If we lived there, it would be OK. But for us coming from far away, and paying the kind of $ we normally do, it’s just not worth it. My family will be staying home. Where we live masks are not required in most places (at least not yet) and certainly never required in our back yard.
Joshua Harris, your numbers are clearly made up nonsense and, at most recent count, I believe there are over 90,000 corpses who might disagree about your “cough” assessment. Please, don’t trivialize the death of other Americans.
Joshua, since you seem to find some Americans expendable for the sake of your vacation, let me ask you this: can you pick one of your family members that you would sacrifice in the same of a Disney vacation?
Stephanie, Mark, Matheus –
We have recently lost two people, one a family member, one a friend. Two different circumstances, but both dead.
Neither had covid but both needed medical attention and could not receive it due to covid – medical appointments and surgeries have been cancelled.
They both died alone, because no one could see them due to covid – even though they didn’t have it.
Let’s quit pretending people aren’t dying everyday. Let’s quit pretending that shutting down the world is causing deaths. Let’s start moving forward with life, because death comes for us all, no matter if it’s from a virus or something else. We cannot prevent death, but we are preventing living. The two recently deceased would have agreed.
I meant to say – let’s quit pretending shutting down the world isn’t causing deaths. I’m sure you knew what I meant though, and there isn’t an edit button as far as I can see.
It’s time to start moving forward with life. enough of this already, people are dying alone in hospitals and nursing homes from non-covid illnesses. People are going hungry, people are going bankrupt. Let’s quit pretending that this will stop a virus that is unstoppable, one that we will have to live with especially if there isn’t a vaccine. We cannot stay inside forever. I want to live before I die, not stay holed up inside my house because outside is scary. Two recent non-covid, lonely deaths have shown me how short life truly is.
Kinsley, I am so sorry for your losses during this awful time. I agree 100% with everything you said – and you said it so well. Thank you for speaking for MANY of us.
I think the “Don’t Stand Here” markings are somewhat confusing for guests, but perhaps they are easier for Cast Members. If the markings are unobstructed, you can do a quick scan and see people are properly social distancing. If the markings are covered by bodies, Cast Members have a visual queue as to where they need to intervene. They can walk up and down the line while giving general “be sure to not cover the markings in front or behind you” announcements before they are forced to confront guests directly.
Plus less wear and tear on the signage if you aren’t stepping on them….I know the ones in the groceries are worn out and needing replacement in just a few short weeks…it would be constant at a place as busy as Disney..maybe this will help them last a bit longer
I’ve said from the beginning that we should just unleash all the retired kindergarten teachers to get this thing going smoothly!! They know how to get a line going, how to get everyone to “hush puppy”, and how to handle temper tantrums:) Wish adults wouldn’t act like kindergartners.
Tom,
Does it have to be a mask or can you wear a face shield?
Thank you in advance.
Dear Tom people with underlined health issues are we allowed to wear a face shield because I wear one @ work it,it does help. I think everyone should be allowed to wear a face shield especially when it hot. That way we could be comfortable aleast.
I don’t like it at all the mask. Wishing I didn’t have reservations worked so hard saving my money. It will be my last trip plan to mostly eat and stay in my room.
Why not cancel? There’s no way they won’t give you a refund.
In regards to having a medical note to NOT wear a mask. I’m guessing then this is not the time for you to go. Others will see that and not be too happy. Best to stick with the rules now and wait. If you have medical issues then you probably shouldn’t be going.
Tom, do you think it’s possible marking where not to stand is to make the reminders more visually intrusive and therefore noticeable? I agree with you, to me it is more logical to put a line or stamp where people *should* stand, and would be less time consuming for whoever was tasked with setting all that up. But it’s a lot harder to claim you didn’t see the giant boxes plastered all over the ground.
Yeah, I’d love to hear the rationale for this. Especially since any grocery store, Walmart, Target, etc. has gone with the approach you suggested – mark where people should stand in a queue and then draw lines to mark 6′ of space between them. Disney’s signage isn’t that confusing on its own, but it does go against the way everyone’s been conditioned the last few weeks.
Oh Boy!
If I park in the right garage I’ll have Lime with my Corona!
(Sorry. Just couldn’t resist!)
Good one dude!
Are they doing bag checks? If so and they are wearing gloves, do they change them after every bag? This seems like something that will be a big concern if that is not the case. Also, I totally agree with the “do not stand here” markers. It should be the opposite, “stand here”! Even Shanghai had people standing on the markers they shouldn’t be standing on.
I agree with the “Stand Here” vs “Don’t Stand Here” especially if its mixed within the same park.
Pick one way or another. X marks the spot works for the Roadrunner….
Although I can also see the reason for “Don’t stand here” as the paint/decal will last longer w/o people standing on it all day.
Ahhhh that makes sense! For the life of me I couldn’t figure out why guests would have to avoid the markings
Agree Disney has the right as a private business to enact any measures for safety. But in Florida During summer I can’t take wearing a mask outside. I can barley handle it getting groceries inside the store for 30 min. Will have to wait till everything calms down to return as I don’t want to spend money to be uncomfortable. I also don’t see any way they are going to open the water parks any time soon! Summer will be over before they open in my opinion as you can’t wear a mask down a water slide or in a wave pool!
“Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.” — JFK. If all I am asked to do is wear a mask, social distance and wash my hands during a pandemic so that my fellow citizens can go back to work sooner to provide for their families and help others stay healthy, then I count myself blessed that is all I’m asked to do. (I know I posted this elsewhere, it just really seems to sum up how I and many people seem to feel and live out daily. Much love to all of you, whether you agree with me or not.)
love this comment.
This!
Excellent post @Kay. Thank you! â¤ï¸â¤ï¸
Thank you for posting this! Sums up how I feel, too.
“Too often we enjoy the comfort of opinion without the discomfort of thought.” JFK
Does anyone know if they are honoring Doctors notes saying you medically can’t wear a mask?
I wouldn’t chance it. If you can’t comply with the security measures, they will not let you in, whether you have a good reason or not. They’ll probably deem it your limitation, not theirs. And I’d be sorely disappointed if they were to accept doctor’s notes… can you imagine all the fake notes going around, written by uncle Bob on scanned prescription pads, for the entire family??? This may sound exaggerated but you know there will always be folks trying to take advantage of the system (remember ‘disabled tour guides’ that would charge $ to accompany other guests to the front of the line under the old system?….)
I would absolutely sue them if they didn’t. They are open to the public, it makes no difference that they are “private property.” If they want to open as a private club type of organization, that’s a different story.
By being open to the public, they cannot ignore HIPAA or ADA or discriminate against those with medical conditions. If found to be in violation (they would lose or settle) fines range from $75,000 – $150,000.
AMy it is not a violation of ADA for a private company to require a mask during a pandemic and you can’t sue a business for doing so. If you do have a medical condition that prohibits you from wearing a it is most likely in your best interest to avoid areas like Disney during a pandemic. See the text below from the national law review on whether it’s a violate of ADA for businesses to require masks. “The ADA generally prohibits eligibility/screening criteria that tend to exclude individuals based on a disability, unless the criteria are necessary for the business to operate safely in providing its goods and services. Those requirements must be based on actual risks and may not be based on speculation, stereotypes, or generalizations about people with disabilities. At this time, businesses concerned about the safety of their staff and customers should be justified in relying upon guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as state and local governments’ orders, to justify policies forbidding customers without face masks from entering their stores.”
Guys, do it and go! I went and it was okay, but worth it! You can hear the Disney music and it does still feel magical! In the words of Lumiere and the other objects from beauty in the beast, it made me feel: Human again!
Thanks for sharing your experience. Judging by photos on social media today, it was way less crowded than we anticipated. It’ll be interesting to see if more people show up after 5 pm.
We probably should’ve just gone today!
Yeah I’ve made a reservation Saturday at 7:00 at the wine bar, so I’m wondering how that’s going to work out with 50% capacity.
You still got time to go you should go.
I like that the CM in red/khaki got off his shift at Target in time to make the photo shoot.
In Spain and UK it is 2 metres, not 1.5m