WDW Reopening Update: Orange County Defers to Disney & Florida Announces Phase 1
In this Walt Disney World reopening roundup, we’ll cover yesterday’s press conference by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, WDW cancelling more hotel reservations for May, Southwest Airline’s “request” for the parks to reopen, and a meeting by the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force during which they essentially deferred to Disney.
Before beginning, we want to address the vocal minority expressing closure update ‘fatigue.’ Some readers understandably only want to know when Walt Disney World announces the parks are officially reopening. To be transparent, this is not that–it’s an incremental update. It will be abundantly clear when there’s a major announcement–the words “Disney officially announces” will appear in the title and the news will be emphatically shared far and wide across social media.
If you aren’t interested in anything other than that, we’d encourage you to stop clicking these posts until seeing such a headline. Some have lamented that anything short of an official reopening date is pointless and perhaps stress-inducing, as these inner machinations are easily misconstrued or overblown. For our part, we’ve attempted to combat that by contextualizing everything, frequently using words like tentative, speculative, preliminary, etc. in order to quell rumor and fear-mongering.
There’s a huge appetite for the “inside baseball” updates on Walt Disney World, Orange County, and the State of Florida as they all inch towards reopening. For evidence of this, look no further than the comment counts on any post related to the closure as compared to our fun posts or top 10 lists. For many, the drawn out reopening process is fascinating just as is following the business side of the Walt Disney Company.
The simple reality is that many of us are stuck at home with nothing better to do. Between curiosity and a surplus of time, I’ve voraciously read dozens of articles per day. I have a Google alert set up for a couple of ancillary topics that likely will be impacted (not Disney-related). It doesn’t produce any definitive news (yet), but I nonetheless read all of the commentary and speculation.
On a daily basis, we watch governor press conferences for states where we do not live. Yesterday, I watched a full 84-minute briefing by Arizona Governor Doug Ducey. Why? I don’t know. We don’t live anywhere near Arizona. I certainly don’t blame CBSN for airing the newsworthy content. They didn’t force me to watch it.
While there is overwhelming interest in these closure and reopening updates, we nevertheless want to balance that (most of our content is still fun and lighthearted, like the Cats of Disney or Ducks of Disney posts) and minimize the chances that smaller stories are given outsize consideration. Accordingly, we’re going to begin consolidating some of this news into “WDW Reopening Updates,” which is what we’ve done here. Basically, if you see that preface in a title going forward, it’s less consequential and not breaking news.
With that out of the way, let’s start with the biggest piece of the puzzle first: Florida as a whole. Governor Ron DeSantis held a briefing late yesterday, during which he outlined the steps the state had been taken thus far before unveiling Phase One of Florida’s reopening plan.
Florida will reopen certain businesses throughout the state on Monday (May 4, 2020), excluding the hardest-hit counties of Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach. During this phase, restaurants and retail spaces can allow customers inside, but only at 25% capacity. Restaurants can also offer outdoor seating if tables are 6 feet apart.
Schools and most other businesses in Florida cannot reopen yet. Explicitly included among these are movie theaters, bars, fitness centers, hair stylists, and other personal services.
In public, all people must adhere to social distancing guidelines from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Face masks are recommended in public for interactions and situations where social distancing is not possible.
The implications here for Walt Disney World are minimal, if any. While the theme parks and resorts will not be reopening as part of the first phase, it does leave the door open for Disney Springs.
The questions are whether Walt Disney World wants to reopen the complex, if it’s viable for third party dining to operate at only 25% capacity, and when Orange County will allow restaurants to reopen.
Our expectation is that Disney Springs will be the first component of Walt Disney World to reopen, but that’s incredibly unlikely to happen on May 4, 2020. Orange County’s tentative timeline for businesses was previously May 11, and even that seems aggressive.
However, we view Disney Springs as likely to reopen before the parks and resorts because it’s mostly third party tenants that are frequented by locals. There’s far less cost to Walt Disney World in allowing these restaurants to reopen, and some upside. Disney Springs would offer a ‘proof of concept’ venue to see how some of the modified operational protocol might play out, as well as observing guest demand and behavior trends.
The Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force has kicked things into high gear, with meetings held yesterday by its four subgroups covering a range of topics. Of pertinent interest to Walt Disney World fans is the Guidelines for Reopening Businesses Group, which includes leaders from Disney, Universal, and other Central Florida hospitality businesses.
The group met yesterday, and heard from local health care officials for guidance and best practices. The health care recommendations included the wearing of face masks by all employees and guests, continued social distancing, testing for symptomatic individuals, proper hand hygiene, surface sanitization, and temperature checks for all employees and guests.
Some of these best practices were well received and meshed with tentative guidelines and mandates for theme parks, restaurants, and hotels released the previous day by the group. However, there were concerns about the feasibility of temperature checks and face masks for all guests in addition to employees.
The temperature checks appear to be the biggest point of contention, and officials with the Florida Department of Health have likewise called into question their efficacy and practicality. Given all of that, it seems likely this will be left to the discretion of Walt Disney World and other theme parks.
Speaking of leaving discretion to Disney, that was another topic of the virtual meeting. Following comments the previous day from Thomas Mazloum, SVP of Walt Disney World Resorts & Transportation, the task force expressed its intent to grant greater leniency and deference to Disney, Universal, and other complex venues in determining their own best practices.
The consensus seemed to be that Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando are more like “self-contained cities” that are best situated to internally determine their own level of safe capacities throughout the various phases, consistent with CDC guidelines. Mayor Demings and others on the call expressed that Disney and others will be judged on potential guests’ perceptions of safety and driven by opinions on social media and elsewhere.
This might sound like Disney and Universal are receiving an exemption to not follow the guidelines and mandates, it’s probably better construed as autonomy to reopen components in phases and develop higher standards. Safety is part of Disney’s brand, and they’re much more likely than a mom and pop shop to be excoriated online if consumers are dissatisfied with their approach.
In other words, the stakes are higher for Disney than most businesses. They have a corporate responsibility to protect guests and Cast Members, and are reputationally behooved to do so. As such, the ultimate OC Task Force guidelines and mandates will be instructive, but not conclusive in terms of what Disney does. They’re more likely to be a floor than a ceiling on safety measures. At least, that’s our hope.
Walt Disney World is sending out emails to guests with stays scheduled between May 17 and May 23, 2020 as a notification that their reservations will be cancelled. The email presents recourse in terms of processing refunds due, what’s nonrefundable, and typical stuff you’ve probably already seen. It also presents the Free Dining Recovery Deal as an option for future bookings (details unchanged since it was announced).
This is unsurprising, and it’s safe to assume that in a week or two, reservations through May 31, 2020 will be cancelled. Disney has been taking the rolling approach so as to not overwhelm its call centers with cancellations. The big question at this point is whether reservations for June 1, 2020 and beyond will be next to get cut. That was Walt Disney World’s initial target reopening, and the start date for the recovery deal and when rebookings began.
While a lot remains unknown, it’s fairly clear that the process to reopen will be longer and more drawn out that the closure period. June is now just one full month away, and if even some of the hotels will be operating by that date, the wheels on that need to start slowly turning in the next couple of weeks. We should know whether June 1 is plausible sooner rather than later.
Finally, Southwest CEO Gary Kelly recently gave an interview in which he said that air traffic levels are next to zero at this point, and that “a lot of things are going to have to happen for the country to come back to life, much less air travel.”
When asked what needs to happen for people to travel again, Kelly said that people need to feel safe and “they need to have something to be able to do when they get there. So Disney World needs to open back up.”
Walt Disney World is a superstar in Central Florida, providing the ‘sunlight’ to support a range of smaller businesses and hundreds of thousands of local employees. However, Southwest is far from a small business on I-Drive–this statement really underscores just how instrumental Disney is to the other businesses in its orbit, including a ‘planet’ like a major airline. If you’re wondering why so many people are anxiously awaiting any and all news about Walt Disney World’s potential reopening, look no further than that statement by Southwest’s CEO.
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 Phase One of Florida’s reopening plan? What about Orange County granting more discretion to the major theme parks? Do you expect Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort to go above and beyond what’s required here? Thoughts on Southwest CEO’s comments? 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 think more needs to be covered about out of state travellers. Most states and countries have mandatory quarantines. We have a trip booked for end of August. I’m betting Disney will be up and running by then but that doesn’t meant the guest don’t still face obstacles. I’d like more speculation/reporting on how those guest should plan and if Disney will allow them to rebook (with free dining maybe) if faced with a quarantine at home.
Same! We have a trip booked end of August. We booked with a bounce back offer last August (which was free dining). I called to ask if we canceled this trip and booked same time next year right now, can we move our promotion for next year? I was told unfortunately no and I would loose that promotion. We are most likely gonna cancel. We’re not comfortable going. We do have a trip booked in December also. Hopefully we can make that one.
Thanks Tom for your always very informative post. I got one, Look forward to any updates you provide as a bright spot in my day. I enjoy reading the process and love all things Disney keep it up!
I work in a military medical clinic and they do no-touch temporal temperature checks daily to come Into work. I think that would work there; they don’t take much time either. They don’t let you come in with symptoms of coughing, shortness of breath, etc. I would be okay with a temp check. I don’t know about the face masks though, as if you have a lung disease such as asthma or your child has it, it could be difficult to breath in the hot humid weather where you would otherwise healthy.
Walking around in 95 degree temperatures, with high humidity, is going to artificially inflate temperatures, and cause people to be out of breath. The last time we went we were sweaty, hot, out of breath the entire time…..and no one was sick. This is not a good gauge in a situation/place like Disney during the warm/wet months especially.
I agree with wearing a face mask but I can’t in hot weather all day because of my asthma. I believe in safety measures as well but people with underlined health issues shouldn’t be forced to be uncomfortable either. Temperatures checks,handwashing & sanitizing stations before & after even wiping down the rides will help.But my issue is how is that social distancing going to work especially when the lines are already long? Waiting in line is going to be excessive and to me will be a big turn off.
How do you do a no contact temperature check?
There is a small wand temp check you put it up to the forehead can be a foot a way and it reads your temperature. We are working here in South Florida and our company does it every morning to all employees. We never have a problem everyone abides by the stay at home order when not working. I would like to see Disney opening i have thought about the parades and fireworks i feel the fireworks could be done with a reduced capacity just everyone needs to spread out you can see them all over the park. Hopefully disney opens soon and how about Florida resident specials for the summer??
I understand why you wouldn’t want to wear a mask at WDW but to say they are ineffective at slowing the spread is ludicrous. If I cough without a face covering this droplets are going to project and float in the air where other people can breathe them in. If I cough into my hand I can touch a surface that someone else will touch which will then cause the virus to spread. If cover my cough with my elbow while wearing a face mask those droplets will not project. Also a face covering prevents people from touching their mouth and nose. People unconsciously touch their face constantly, a face covering makes you conscious of the touching. Washing your hands regularly is important but unless you have a sink on your back there is no way you can wash them enough to prevent getting the virus in a crowded environment like WDW.
To those of you with upcoming trips anytime this summer- with the limitations that will be put forth on capacity, there is no guarantee you’ll even get into the parks! Why take the chance spending all that money to get turned away? I had to cancel my trip last month and I’m not going to book until next year when I can feel confident about enjoying my expensive vacation.
From CDCs website:
CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies), especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html
Then stay home This is life and death. Plan your trip when people are not dying. You sound misinformed,selfish and shallow. Disney will be there forever. The quotation marks you put on the words virus shows how little you care or believe in the severity of this crisis. Perhaps if you had family members who died from this virus you would think differently.
Fran Vizzi, Dana’s post was actually scientific and grounded. The CDC recommends the general public not wear masks because they do not properly know how to use them. They would rather the general public practice social distancing, avoiding those who look or act sick and frequent washing of hands. And there are numerous studies that show masks aren’t that effective at preventing the virus. Just because one doesn’t feel the virus is as bad as we have been told it is, which according to the most recent data it isn’t, doesn’t mean one is selfish or misinformed.
Fran, You sound not only ill-informed, but rude. Masks aren’t going to help you, unless you are wearing medical grade (which the general public shouldn’t be wearing, as they are needed by medical personal). This virus will also be here forever, and we have to learn how to live with it. Most people will catch it, that is a fact. Most people 99% in fact will be just fine. If you are concerned and afraid, then you shouldn’t go. The rest of the world should be allowed to do what works best for them. Wash your hands, cover your cough/sneeze, stay home when you are sick.
I agree with you! If you do not want to wear face mask then stay home! CDC guidelines read them and wear a mask! https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html
CDC continues to study the spread and effects of the novel coronavirus across the United States. We now know from recent studies that a significant portion of individuals with coronavirus lack symptoms (“asymptomatic”) and that even those who eventually develop symptoms (“pre-symptomatic”) can transmit the virus to others before showing symptoms. This means that the virus can spread between people interacting in close proximity–for example, speaking, coughing, or sneezing–even if those people are not exhibiting symptoms. In light of this new evidence, CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies) especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.
It is critical to emphasize that maintaining 6-feet social distancing remains important to slowing the spread of the virus. CDC is additionally advising the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others. Cloth face coverings fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost can be used as an additional, voluntary public health measure.
Really hope that Disney will make face masks and temperature check mandatory for all guests. Sounds like they are not leaning that way. But I would feel safer with all guests wearing masks and having gone through temperature screening.
Face masks are highly impractical. And bothersom. Many people can’t wear them either. Due to COPD or other issues.
I for one, will not visit any amusement park that mandates this wearing. If people are interested in wearing them so be it that is your choice but don’t push your choice on to me I did not give you that permission.
I agree with you. Wearing a face mask will make it hard to breathe walking around in that hot, humid weather. Especially for someone with asthma or COPD or other conditions
CDC continues to study the spread and effects of the novel coronavirus across the United States. We now know from recent studies that a significant portion of individuals with coronavirus lack symptoms (“asymptomatic”) and that even those who eventually develop symptoms (“pre-symptomatic”) can transmit the virus to others before showing symptoms. This means that the virus can spread between people interacting in close proximity–for example, speaking, coughing, or sneezing–even if those people are not exhibiting symptoms. In light of this new evidence, CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.
I do not give you permission to infect me either!
With you 100%
We always refer to the AM direct flight from CMH to MCO as the “Disney Flight” because at least half of the plane is always obvious families going to Disney. I’m sure my city is not the only one like that.
When we used to fly from Indianapolis to MCO, it was the same. Southwest seems to be disproportionately popular with WDW-going families, as we haven’t noticed that to the same degree with other airlines.
I’ve noticed that as well.
Coming from Southern California, we’ve always seen plenty of Disney clothes & hats on our way to Orlando when traveling with Southwest.
But hardly at all with American, Delta, or United. Even on the final leg into MCO.
Visit CLT terminals Echo and Foxtrot in the summer, especially on the WDW change over days. This are exclusively AA terminals. Lots of kids, lots of Disney gear. CLT is AAs biggest East Coast hub. I’ve no doubt that Southwest is less expensive but AA is no slouch when it comes to service into MCO.
Disney should close this year for safety of the people .
The Disney Magic Guide app continually shows May 17 as the parks’ reopening date. That can’t possibly be correct.
I have a trip scheduled for June 12. Hoping it opens before then. Definitely plan on attending if opens. Would not want to wear a face mask in that heat. I’m a believer of wash your hands frequently. Don’t touch eyes, nose, or, mouth. Interested to know if staying outside of park would we still be able to attend or will it be only open to Disney resort guests? Keep up the good work! I enjoy reading and staying positive.
Surprisingly, I disagree. Many doctors and studies show that sunlight is beneficial to health and our immune system. additionally, the most recent data points to the fact that this virus outside in the heat and direct sunlight only lasts about 1.5 minutes. As compared to inside at 75 degrees with humidity 1hr. So WDW is probably the safest place to be in the heat and humidity. Also just based on the numbers we have this virus is slightly worse than the seasonal flu. Which the nation wasn’t shut down for it when it’s numbers got to 60,000 deaths and millions infected.
You can choose not to go. If someone dies in a car accident today, do we never drive again? My 28 year old son died in a snowboarding accident. Life has been hell without him. But… I don’t think they should not let anyone ski or snowboard anymore because someone could die. Airplanes crash. We are a free country and can do what we decide we are willing to risk or do.
Hi Tom – I enjoy reading your blog! Could you please attempt to kind of “translate” for us what a 25% of capacity would feel like compared to a “crowd calendar” type numerical rating? 50%? Or maybe what it might “feel like” compared to a day in early June last year? (I’m guessing that a day close to Christmas would be a “10” on a crowd calendar, 100% capacity since sometimes they start to close/limit entry, and a day I’d rather not visit.) I’m having a hard time wrapping my head around this, and I’d love to hear your thoughts on it. Thanks!
It’s not really possible to do that at this point, because we don’t know how capacity will be reduced.
There’s also the question of where crowds actually end up, regardless of capacity limits. My guess is that organic demand will be the limiting factor, rather than any hard limits. Which is to say that the parks could be at 15-20% of normal attendance, rather than 25% or whatever.
Im sure decreased capacity will equal decreased cast members and rides not running at full capacity. This will most likely mean the lines will be the same as usual..what do you think?
THANK YOU for your updates! This is the website I come for any new information. I just keep waiting for the official call, as I am having Disney withdrawals!
I’ve also been reading a ton of speculative content, and with every tiny bit of info that’s released, it’s like a feeding frenzy. And, I find that ok, since a lack of released info and subsequent ability to make speculations would be far worse. I get that people are impatient. Disney reopening means their lives will return to a shade of “normal.” Life and livelihood upheaval isn’t comfortable, but these times aren’t normal and won’t be for a while. The fact that Disney is taking an independent stance on their reopening plans, make me love them even more, and it sets my mind at ease to know they’ll do what’s best rather what’s fastest.
This is the only place that I can find consistent updates on. And even though it’s not “direct” WDW news it seems every small thing coming out relates. Thanks for posting these.
My family and our friends had booked a vacation mid-August and we are watching carefully. Since I am 65, i am hoping we get to Phase 3 before August 12th…. What are the odds?? Selfishly i am hoping that any problems with opening will be resolved before it is our turn to go… At any rate, still praying that all Disneyphiles stay healthy, and also and especially Cast Members who work so hard to bring happiness to all of us when we visit..
A lot of airlines and hotels are issuing no fee cancellations or changes. It may be worth looking into if you feel unsafe
100% agree, Jack!!!
Thank you for the information we have an holiday booked for 2nd August from the UK and Disney not heard anything when you phone on hold for up to an hour.Send emails and they tell you to phone your information is a big help
Just FYI – I’m from the UK, and when I called last Saturday morning at around 10AM I got through instantly with no wait whatsoever. Maybe I was obscenely lucky, but it’s probably worth trying around then?
May suggest either a serious or tongue-in-cheek post on how cast members survive the Florida summer in those character costumes?
@Francisco, I’ve been thinking the same thing! Comments about how princesses would pass out with a mask on keep me wondering how on earth the fur characters haven’t died on the spot from heat stroke! I’ve always wondered whether they wear cooling vests, but can’t imagine how they get relief from breathing inside those masks.
No cooling vests unfortunately Sets in the summer are either 30 mins on, 30 off, or 20 on 40 off, depending on the location and how hot it is. Also they try to keep the furry characters inside as much as possible. Let’s just say that most friends of characters change their t-shirts/shorts underneath after every set!
@KB I’ve always had sympathy for those CMs, and now I feel for them even more! Disney CMs put up with so much, even when times are good and the population is generally happy! Thanks for the info!
My info is decades old, but in summers in California the cast members inside the full costumes spent 15 minutes onstage/45 minutes backstage. I can’t imagine what the ratio was for Florida. Those cast members must be tough!
Thanks for all your work Tom! Keep any and all posts coming as I anxiously look forward to them whether they are simply speculation on phased openings, some fun posts, last trip posts, Free dining posts, and eventually the big one saying we have an opening date! There’s so little to look forward too and I love seeing new posts from you, whatever they may be on! I hope you and Sarah stay safe and don’t get too bored:)
I love the fun posts or top 10 lists. Keep them coming as they are therapeutic in these rough times especially coming up with my own top 10 in response.
That was an unnecessary partisan jab at the Governor. I don’t want political tribalism in my Disney news. FWIW, I watch all the press briefings, and he did nothing like Tom’s snarky comment. Gov. DeSantis needed to give information & respond to the dishonest media attacks, which are not based in any contextual data, and all about him having an R in front of his name. These attacks are especially egregious when Florida has been a model for the rest of the country to follow. Dr. Birx has repeatedly corrected the media as they obsess & spread misinformation over Florida. They were constantly barking about why Florida hadn’t “shut down” at almost every White House press conference when their hospitalization rates were already dropping before the shut down could have an effect. Meanwhile “journalists” ignore that subways have been running this entire time in NYC, when almost half the deaths and infections in the entire United States are coming from New York & Jersey, while praising their Governors. Today in California, our state is ordering MORE lockdowns, closing every beach now, when the scientific data shows outdoors & sunlight is the best disinfectant. I’m one who fully supported the shut down last month & takes COVID-19 very seriously, but this is madness. If California keeps up this insanity, I may end up moving to Florida. The goal posts keep shifting in our state when it was supposed to be about flattening the curve, not eliminating all risk of catching a virus. Florida is taking a careful measured approach to opening their state, and their leadership should be applauded. For a state with one of the highest elderly populations in the nation, it’s remarkable they did not become a New York or Italy. I plan to visit Disney World in late July if it’s open, with mask on and hand sanitizer locked and loaded.
I second the request for more Disneyland updates and would like to know how timelines compare between the coasts. Stay safe everyone!