Potential Plans for Disney World Phased Reopening
Leaders from Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld, and other Orlando area theme parks met today as part of a subcommittee within the Reopen Florida Task Force to determine how and when to reopen parks and other attractions in the Sunshine State. In this post, we’ll share some ideas discussed, what this could mean for Walt Disney World, and potential impediments to these plans.
The subcommittee that met has been dubbed the “Industry Working Group on Tourism, Construction, Real Estate, Recreation, Retail and Transportation,” and includes executive leadership from a wide range of businesses from theme parks to airlines to retirement communities (yes, really). Of relevance for this blog are two group members: Walt Disney World President Josh D’Amaro and Universal Orlando CEO John Sprouls.
This meeting comes a few days after Florida beaches began to reopen and 24 hours after Florida Governor Ron DeSantis claimed that Walt Disney World is “so far ahead of the curve” on reopening and will be “leading the way” in Florida’s plans to begin opening in the coming weeks under the federal government’s Guidelines for Opening Up America Again, a three-phased approach based on the advice of public health experts…
During the tourism portion of the Reopen Florida Task Force meeting, Walt Disney World President Josh D’Amaro did not speak. However, Universal Orlando CEO John Sprouls did, and he outlined some of plans to reopen Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure.
This is significant because, as with security, the health protocol plans here are certain to be collaborative in nature. While some diehard fans of both Disney and Universal project their own aspersions and view the companies in an oddly adversarial light, that doesn’t reflect reality.
While competitors, it’s also true that Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando both exist in the same community, and to some degree, indirectly benefit from one another. In the past, we’ve seen identical changes and policies rolled out simultaneously at the two resort complexes, including 5 years ago when both (plus SeaWorld) installed enhanced security infrastructure overnight.
There have been some diverging approaches between the two on the security screening measures (most notably, Universal uses baggage scanners–something we’d love to see Walt Disney World adopt), but there are a lot of practices that are consistent between the two. This is not coincidence. It’s a foregone that Universal and Disney will likewise adopt nearly identical health procedures and protocol for reopening.
Sprouls outlined a number of possibilities, including increased sanitation throughout the parks, increased use of virtual queue systems, encouraging guests to wear face masks, added social-distancing measures, disinfecting attractions throughout the day, increased use of mobile ordering and contactless payment transactions, staggered seating for shows, screening employees daily, and more.
Much of what was mentioned mirrors the possibilities outlined in a Universal Orlando survey sent out over the weekend. Notably, that survey also mentioned suspending parades and nighttime shows, limiting attendance to half of park capacity, and removing 3D glasses from attractions. (Anything that accelerates the abandonment of 3D is welcome in our book!)
He additionally stated that multiple teams are working on a number of different scenarios for reopening protocol. Moreover, that the theme parks will be guided by state and local officials, as well as health officials with the overarching goal to be keeping employees and guests safe.
This all mirrors recent comments from Disney Executive Chairman Bob Iger–along with health safety measures that have been floated for Walt Disney World and Disneyland, and what’s currently being rolled out ahead of Shanghai Disneyland’s imminent reopening. (All as previously discussed in our What Operational & Health Safety Changes Will Walt Disney World Make to Reopen? post.)
For both Universal and Disney, there’s the complicating factor of their theme park operations on the West Coast. While Florida is overzealous about reopening its businesses, California Governor Gavin Newsom is striking a much more tentative tone. The two governors are essentially at opposite ends of the spectrum on this, which is noteworthy here.
California’s more cautious approach to resuming normalcy could end up shaping big business behavior nationwide, as has happened with auto emissions and other things. It’ll be interesting to see what California’s economic task force–which counts Disney’s Bob Iger as a member–determines is the best course of action for that state in the coming weeks.
There’s also the potential matter of trepidation on Disney’s part. The state of Florida is offering some degree of cover with this task force and its official recommendations, which could encourage Walt Disney World to resume operations sooner. However, there’s still the reality that “safety” is part of the Disney brand, and reopening prematurely would damage that.
On balance, it’s tough to predict how this will play out and Disney’s position here is unenviable. It’s somewhat difficult to envision Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando reopening while Disneyland and Universal Studios Hollywood remain closed. Suffice to say, just because DeSantis wants to reopen the state ASAP doesn’t mean that’s the route Disney and Universal will take.
Florida’s eagerness here comes as the local economy has already been decimated by the shutdown. The bulk of Central Florida’s businesses and employees are dependent upon tourism, and the impacts have already been catastrophic. This is not to say that Florida’s plans (whatever they might end up being) are right–just that the state is in a tough spot.
Visit Florida CEO Dana Young stated that hotels in the state have seen a $1.6 billion drop in revenue over the past six weeks, per Spectrum News 13. In order to get tourism numbers back up, people will need to feel that it’s safe to travel. Visit Florida is thus working on a multi-phase campaign, with the first part focused on Florida residents, encouraging them to visit state attractions.
Part of Visit Florida’s push will involve encouraging Floridians to support local businesses by taking an in-state vacation. This should mesh with the Reopen Florida Task Force’s plans for a gradual and careful reopening that will entail first reopening to Florida residents, then national visitors, followed by international guests.
While this phased approach to reopening the Walt Disney World theme parks has not yet been cemented (far from it), it certainly makes sense. Moreover, it would offer more latitude in a slower rollout of rides, shows, and other offerings (even potentially a phased opening of the parks themselves).
Once in a lifetime or other infrequent Walt Disney World guests are less forgiving (we’re trying to put that diplomatically), but the stakes are lower with Floridians. There’s less of a cost for locals in visiting Walt Disney World. Many are Annual Passholders and those who aren’t don’t have to book airfare, stay in a hotel, etc–many will be happy just to get out of the house and have a public space to walk around.
By contrast, tourists are spending thousands of dollars for their vacations, and may be less receptive to parades, fireworks, attractions, etc., not happening. We’ve already heard from a ton of readers who have expressed similar sentiment. We can’t blame them given the cost of a Walt Disney World vacation, but we all also have to accept the reality that things are going to be a bit different (mild understatement) for a while.
Reopening to locals first with all of the modified health safety procedures would allow Walt Disney World something of a “soft opening” period for the resort complex as a whole. During that time, Disney could test and adjust its new protocol, see what works and doesn’t, and slowly ramp up operations.
When and how long such a “soft opening” would last before welcoming out of state tourists to Walt Disney World is anyone’s guess at this point. However, we likely won’t have to speculate for too long, as Florida Governor Ron DeSantis wants a plan submitted to him by the end of this week. We’ll keep you posted as to how the reopening plan shapes up at that point (for a heads up when that happens, subscribe to our free email newsletter).
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 Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort reopening to Floridians before out of state or international tourists? Which of the health security screenings and protocol do you think will come to fruition when the parks reopen? Are you anticipating modified operations—including the elimination of entertainment and reduced ride capacity? Do you expect a phased opening of the parks & resorts? Will you immediately book a trip, or wait until everything is back up and running, and things have returned to normal? Do you agree or disagree with our commentary? 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 would definitely be in the camp of NOT spending the thousands of dollars to experience Disney as a shell of its former self. I’ve got too many amazing memories, and it would be painful to remember what was. I’d rather take my chances with a virus, but I know that will never happen.
Being able to social distance outside on the Florida beaches or going to the wide open National Parks look like the wave of the future to me, unless the world decides to start living fully again. I’m not trying to be hard with that comment, I realize people are fearful, but I’d rather just live on through it and build immunity, than experience the end of the world as we know it. This thing is going to repeatedly come back, and after it, there will be something else. The shelter in place genie has been let out of the bottle, and will be near impossible to put back.
I can’t imagine 6 ft apart in every line up all day long. I don’t want Plexiglass between me and the popcorn vendor or wearing a mask in the Fl heat. Nothing about that is magical to me. We are DVC /AP and have been many , many times. I can wait a year to get the full experience.
Go back into your groundhog home and stay there! I’m going out and enjoy life!
That’s fine I understand. I think some states are accepting a high death toll for the sake of the economy and the pain that causes is also enormous. The governors of those states should just be more upfront and tell their states “we are reopening, the death toll will go up but most of won’t die. Make appropriate preparations and good byes just in case.”
I would also just recommend telling your friends and family that you’re going to go out and likely get exposed so they are aware and social distance from others. If you or your family do get very sick, do not call 911 or go to the hospital no matter how bad it gets. Recover at home, or don’t. Don’t put healthcare workers and first responders at more risk. Make sure your will is up to date etc.
@James Timbro
For shame James! Don’t you realize that your selfish attitude will eventually kill 3,632.67 people when you return home and inevitably infect your dear granny’s nursing home? Not to mention that you’ll never get your “Good Neighbod” or “I Care For The Greater Good” merit badges!
Rotten Yankee Capitalist!
You mock the death toll on healthcare workers and elderly, immune compromised like it’s a joke. I understand the economic hit is also huge and shouldn’t be overlooked. But we can’t have our cake and eat it too. If we want to get the economy started up again and life back to normal, then we have to accept a high death toll and it isn’t fair to healthcare workers. We should either do one or the other: take shelter in place seriously, or open up the economy and accept deaths. Anyone with Covid type symptoms just stay at home and recover. If you don’t, then the next call should be a funeral home, not 911 or a trip to the hospital. It’s unfair to healthcare workers to deal with that. We should just except the death toll and forget about getting hospital beds and respirators. That’s how I see it, this in between is ridiculous. And people that want to go out and live life I understand, but it can’t be “I’m going to go out and live life, but if I get sick I expect the ambulance to get me in 30 seconds and a hospital bed and respirator, and if I get nurses and doctors sick who cares that’s their job”. That is unacceptable as well
DP & Sunshine, the world cannot stay in hiding forever. Should James check with you first before making personal decisions? To venture out into a world that has always been FULL of germs & viruses is not selfish. There has always been risk. Thousands of people are killed everyday as a result of car accidents. Is it fair to call YOU selfish for choosing to get behind a wheel & thereby accepting the risk of killing someone in an accident?! No, of course not! We would hope that every driver is exercising caution, but we don’t avoid driving altogether because of the potential for death. Likewise, we can’t avoid the outside world simply because people are dying from a virus. DP, you mentioned mocking the death toll. No one’s mocking, but death is inevitable! The elderly, in specific, are going to die from SOMETHING…and sooner rather than later! It clearly bothers you that people are dying from COVID-19. Would you be less bothered if they die from a heart attack? Pneumonia? Cancer? Car accident? The point is, all of life is filled with accepting various degrees of risk. It is up to each person to judge what amount of risk is acceptable for him/herself.
Do you know what’s happening with the Disney cruises booked for mid July
My concern as a annual passholder is that we would have no option to wait until we feel safe enough to go and get the extension on our annual pass. Once they open back, the payment plan starts back and you would lose time from your annual passes if you don’t go. Being that I am immunocompromised I would be scared to back go if they open too soon.
We go several times a year and we all know walking around Disney is hard enough in the blistering Florida summer sun, let alone with a mask on. We’re gonna have to figure out something soon though. I like small, local crowds to get people used to it. I’d attend for sure with my wife and daughter, PPE and all.. I have the upmost faith in WDW figuring out a safe plan for its guests. A line of WDW themed masks could boost revenue. Bring your own 3D glasses etc.
Love your last 2 ideas (re: the WDW theme masks – I thought of that myself – and bringing your own 3D glasses. I have some that I accidentally took home with me one time after visiting my local AMC theater where I saw a 3D movie.
Wow – is this a record for most comments in the least amount of time for an article?
I know this is not an original idea, but are there any credible rumors or discussions on limiting the parks to resort guests? Obviously this doesn’t fit with the overall plan of opening the state for internal business first. Furthermore, for this idea to work, it is highly dependent on testing that is not yet available, but if rapid testing (15 min. tests – heck, I think even an hour would work) were made available to Disney (and was reliable), Disney could, theoretically, test resort guests upon arrival and prior to being allowed to check in. Then once checked in, they’re now in “the bubble,” so there’s more confidence in allowing them in the parks, etc. Obviously this is not foolproof (incubation period, exposure to workers who are going outside of the parks, they flew in on planes and were exposed in-flight and at the airport, etc.), and many other means would have to be in place, but this would add at least some protective layer. This would also accomplish limiting the capacity in the parks while encouraging staying at Disney resorts. It limits capacity and allows Disney extra control of the situation, all while allowing Disney to maximize revenue off of the guests that are there.
As a side note, I think the mask situation is a really interesting one to watch and a difficult situation. I completely understand the purpose and the need for it (protect everyone from the unknown carriers), but that’s definitely a difficult wrinkle for visiting the parks. Just wearing a mask for an hour or two having to go out shopping is difficult enough – it’s harder to breathe, hot, sweaty, etc. My wife now has to wear one full time at work (she’s a retail pharmacist), and it’s difficult. I cannot imagine wearing one in 90-degree, 90% humidity. I know there are areas of the world where this is done, and I suppose we will all adjust as summer arrives, but this just seems . . . difficult. Encouraging mask use is tough as well, because I am doing everything I can to follow the advice of medical and scientific professionals, and I don’t want to seem like a jerk that’s blowing them off and putting others at risk, but I honestly believe I would consider postponing our trip (scheduled for August) rather than have to wear a mask. That is not a knee-jerk, I’m pissed, reaction, but a measured one that would be weighing the enjoyment of the trip and whether it is appropriate to take such a trip under those circumstances. Additionally, I don’t see how the heck we will be able to make our 6- & 8-year-old children keep masks on.
Let’s just hope testing abilities are rapidly accelerated so we can all be able to get to our Happy Place with a greater degree of comfort and confidence.
Anthony you have very good and valid points. The World as we knew it is no longer and we have to bend and adjust to our NEW NORMAL, whatever it may be. We are big Disney fans, pass holders, and out of State. We have a upcoming stay at GF and I have a comprised immune system so we may be postponing our trip, as heart breaking as it is, lives are at stake.Having just lost a family member to Cover 19 I don’t take this lightly. WDW and all the theme parks typically bring so much joy and happiness to so many. I am sure they want to continue to do so and this world desperately could use a magical day, but safety comes first. Disney has been a front runner always with health and safety of guest and thats why we go so often. They will not take any of this lightly and I believe Disney brand will be a front leader in showing the rest of us how to be safe and still have fun! Pray for a cure!!
I feel that if Disney World only opens to those living in Florida there will be many people who’ve booked vacations long ago who will be upset when told they cannot come. If Disney intends on opening this way then why are they taking reservations online right now for dates from June 1st and on? Anyone from anywhere can now book their trips. Why would you do that just to be informed in a month that they won’t honor your reservation? It could lead to many a lawsuit. When they do open I for one don’t believe these parks will be anywhere near capacity. Many people still don’t believe it will be safe and won’t go.
Can’t see how testing will work, the lines are long enough for bag search, instant testing will not be accurate and people could give false negative or show signs the next day. Children in masks would be continually admonished and it would be more risk to them and adults when they were continually adjusted to make them more comfortable and also touched their faces in the process of identification, eating, drinking, spreading any infection. Will they still want a finger print on entry. How many people will hide illness just to get their booked vacations. This virus will keep raising it’s head so we need responsible people to have patience to ride it out before visiting – save lives.
As a Florida Epcot passholder I am all for reopening. It’s a difficult decision for Disney on who or how many are allowed to visit but bottom line is this, if your sick stay home, scared stay home. For myself & I know I’m not the only one. I refuse to live in fear, nor will I wear a mask.
@Charlotte
I guess you and I will just have to resign ourselves to being the ones who kill half of the world’s population. We’ll either get the chair or some sort of Nobel Prize!
See you in the park!
Charlotte, your refusal to wear a mask is selfish and not something you should be proud of/bragging about. I am already wearing a mask in public to help OTHER PEOPLE (such a novel concept). If people would stop being so selfish and just do what needs to be done, this would all be over that much quicker….
@Dolph
You forgot to say “In my opinion. . . .:
Big WDW fan from UK, spent 12 weeks last year in and out of Disney attractions. I would not even contemplate booking our next trip currently. It would be impossible to safe distance as so many people have not even taken onboard yet the severity of Covid-19. Even when borders are open and flights resume USA will not be on our travel list. We were in the Canary Islands (part of Spain) in March 2020 when they brought in lockdown and our last week was spent in our accommodation/patio, only allowed off resort for food/medical purposes. This was strict with a high majority following guidelines and police monitoring and consequences for those who didn’t. A month later and most children not been out and adults protecting the vulnerable and front line staff by staying in. They will be opening up their tourism slowly as they are barely getting new cases now and I will trust the locals to be taking things seriously. I see people in USA marching on protest meetings, flooding beaches and tourist locations, long lines outside gun shops and some denying there is a problem. Thank you to our many ‘cousins across the pond’ who are staying home and isolating to protect their loved ones, I appreciate there are many but until the vaccinations have been proven and widely used we will wait.
Can we keep this on a personal level about Disney World reopening, not a State of the Union address. I know it’s the issue at hand, but the article is about Disney.
Hi Sandra, I’m also from Canada, ottawa area. We had planned to go in March for March break, but then decided to go for Christmas in December. I won’t be going on any vacations until next year. Not worth the risk and my elderly parents live with us. Disney isn’t going anywhere, when things are safer, it’ll be there waiting for us.
Due to the current job loss many people, Floridians included, will not have the extra cash to visit the parks at the rates they ask. Perhaps as a bit of incentive to the state residents Disney could offer a better deal. Unlikely I know.
My opinion is if the parks are going to eliminate rides and shows they had to lower the prices because guest won’t pay to see less.
Totally agree. It’s simple math/ economics. 70% of something is better than 100% of nothing. If you want your clientele to flex, you need to give an incentive.
They’ve still been paying to visit EPCOT though.
W2g…..let all the locals win the covid19 prize and spred it around a little more to other locals…gez I havnt been to Disney enough…let me go and maybe enjoy 4 rides I’ve already been on a thousand times…buy a Disney game or costumes dress up have a drink and chill till this madness is over..or go get it maybe die….next time I go less people in line….its over !!! Sad but true…..rhe end for us all is near
I would go today if it opened.
While I definitely want to see Walt Disney World reopen, if they are going to impose such drastic restrictions and cancellations, then they should not bother reopening at this time. Who wants to worry about wearing a face mask and no doubt seeing countless distancing/saftey signs while on vacation? On top of that, if you’re not going to be getting the full experience/value for the trip, it’s not at all worth going (unless perhaps you are lucky enough to have a large quantity of expendable wealth). Having to constantly consider virtual queues and missing out on the ambience of the fireworks shows or seeing your favourite character in the parades definitely contradicts it as being “the most magical place on Earth.” Overall though, Walt Disney World was open for quite a while before closing with no reported illnesses linked to the park and it has always had sick individuals in attendance without everyone going home sick. I think it should be fine for the parks to eventually reopen normally (i.e. without worrying about distancing, masks, etc.). Those who are fearful of getting ill can simply stay home. Common sense of washing your hands, trying to avoid endlessly touching your face, and not coughing on people is more than enough protection for the majority of vacationers (obviously with the parks also maintaining normal sanitation practices).
I hope opening isnt restricted to locals only, at least open for passholders, from all states, not just FL. I drive down from SC every month, was there in Jan, Feb & March right before closing, pretty sure coronavirus had already been in the US, but I wasnt worried then about catching any cold or the flu then, because as always, I washed my hands & practiced good hygiene & I wont be worried when they reopen, I will be there the first day they do, as long as it’s not restricted to locals (ok if locals only are allowed in, could the fact that I was born & raised in FL count towards being a local? 🙂
I’m a Texas resident with early June reservations For my 16 family members this was our first trip using DVC membership and taking family members that would never be able to go themselves. I’m not sure what I would do if given the opportunity to still go. I don’t want a watered down version but less crowds is appealing. I also have 4 generations attending and memaw is 73. it makes sense to offer to local passholders, I’d be curious to know how much revenue they generate vs resort guests or out of state guests. But for phase reasons it makes the most sense.
I live in Kissimmee, Florida. Yes I am an annual pass holder. And yes I do believe that we should have first entry when they do reopen. And Walt Disney World is my favorite place on the planet! But……….. There is no chance in #%$& that I would step inside one of the 4 parks anytime soon. Look, I too have been sitting on my butt for 7 weeks and I am so bored out of my mind. Getting back to normal would be great, but if you think this pandemic is over your crazier than I thought! Just because they aren’t letting anyone in from other countries yet doesn’t mean anything. You could have it and not even know it and spread it to me. But I guess risking your life for a little fun overtakes your health, your families health, and my health. No thank you! I miss you Mickey Mouse but I’ll wait……..
I live out of state but am a pass holder. I just booked a 5 night trip for Universal for the end of June (with the expectation that it may end up needing moved if it isn’t opened as quickly as they hope) but I will not be happy if I have to cancel not because they aren’t yet open but because I’m from out of state. All the more reason not to cancel me. I paid for airfare. I’m willing to deal with the park modifications but don’t exclude out of state who already have something booked.
If they open only for state citizens and you miss your scheduled dates, you will get a 100% refund, no questions asked. Why would you think you wouldn’t when almost everything and every company is giving refunds for flights, hotels, tickets, etc? If I were you, I would be very ready for it to be canceled.
Annual passholders first, regardless of where coming from in the US. Listen, this virus was out there BEFORE Disney shutdown, and we never hear of masses of people getting the virus from a Disney trip. If they did get it at Disney, believe me, it would be all over the news. Just sayin. Don’t be sooo stringent on opening. Goodness. Whoever wants to come, will, and whoever is afraid to come, won’t. No fear here. I’m not afraid I’ll get the virus, simply by going to the park. I’ve always made sure I washed my hands a lot while there. That’s just common sense. Oh wait, there’s not a lot of that out there.
I couldn’t agree you more, Sherri. My family has been to Disney World too many times to count. I’ve seen a lot of sick people at Disney, yet we’ve never come home with any illness even when the kids were little. Why? We wash our hands and use common sense. People are smart enough to stay home if they have health conditions that make Coronavirus riskier for them than others. Those of us who are willing to go out in public can reopen the economy and put people back to work. It’s a risk I’m willing to take. I would rather be thanked than criticized.
Given the number of foreign visitors, it is silly to think that Coronavirus didn’t make it to DW before the park closed. I was there in January when Trump closed travel from China. The parks were full of foreigners and, yes, I know that there are many Americans of Chinese descent; However, most Americans regardless of their ethnicity do not wear surgical masks in public like these guests.
Have a trip for July with all my family, 10 of us. Florida residents staying on site. If we have to wear masks in July and have limited experiences we will wait until everything is open. It cost my son and his family around 5500 for tickets meal plan, resort stay and tips and miscellaneous expenses for 5 nights and that’s Florida discount tickets and AP discount on room. That’s a lot of money to pay for limited experiences. Way to hot to wear masks. July is hot.
I agree. Our trip is the last week of May. I’m still holding out and hoping it will be open.