When Will Disney World Reopen?
“When will Walt Disney World really reopen?” and “will the parks stay closed until [insert date/season]?” have become frequently asked questions. This is due to Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and the resort hotels all currently closed. (Updated June 1, 2020.)
With so much uncertainty in the air and people wanting to plan vacations or cancel trips, these questions are unsurprising. Accordingly, we’ve been doing an ongoing series that attempts to offer balance, nuance, and our best guesses with all things considered. To recap, here are questions what we’ve addressed:
- Will Walt Disney World Offer Huge Discounts Once It Opens?
- How Bad Will Crowds Be at Walt Disney World After Reopening?
- What Operational & Health Safety Changes Will Disney Make?
Likewise, you can find regular updates in our Disney Closure & Reopening News & Rumors. In this post, we’ll share official reopening dates for Walt Disney World’s four theme parks, plus the future of the resort hotels, and what operations will look like when they resume. If you want further updates when Disney makes official announcements, sign up for our free email newsletter and we’ll send you notifications ASAP when important new info is released…
The good news is that we have a few pieces of official news in terms of when Florida’s theme parks will begin reopening. First, Universal Orlando that Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay, and Universal Studios Florida will reopen in early June 2020.
Next, SeaWorld Orlando will reopen on June 11, 2020, as will Busch Gardens Tampa. Legoland Florida has already reopened, as have the majority of smaller regional amusement parks and roadside attractions in the Orlando area and throughout Central Florida. That leaves Walt Disney World as the final park operator to reopen…
For its part, Walt Disney World has already begun to reopen its Disney Springs shopping and dining district.
We shared thoughts and photos from a recent visit there in “Our ‘Ghost Town’ Experience at Disney Springs.” As the title suggests, Disney Springs has not been particularly busy since reopening. To the contrary, it’s been dead most of the time.
When it comes to WDW’s theme parks, fans will have to wait a little longer. Walt Disney World will begin a slow, multi-phase reopening beginning on July 11, 2020.
On this date, Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom will officially reopen to the general public.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot will officially open on July 15, 2020.
Prior to these dates, Walt Disney World will host a series of Cast Member previews and soft opening days for affinity groups (such as Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club Members, Florida Residents, Club 33, Golden Oak, etc). The details of these preview days will be announced at a later time.
It’s unclear when these soft openings will begin, but we believe it could happen as early as late June 2020. Walt Disney World could attempt to scale up park operations with the lower stakes, less-demanding local audience.
Disney has also announced that once the parks reopen, advance reservations will be required. It’s likely this will also hold true for the soft opening preview days–we’d expect email invitations with a registration link to go out to affinity group members within the next week or two.
Walt Disney World’s two-dozen resorts will likely open in phases.
It has already been announced that all Disney Vacation Club properties at Walt Disney World will reopen on June 22, 2020. When the other hotels will reopen has not yet been announced. Disney initially released a statement suggesting some would reopen on July 11, 2020, but that has since been retracted.
Our expectation is that the first hotels to reopen will be those with DVC add-ons. The hotel side and Disney Vacation Club villas side share infrastructure, staffing, and other resources with one another. It doesn’t make a ton of sense to reopen only the Disney Vacation Club side of the property.
Following the hotels with Disney Vacation Club wings, we’d expect the next phase of resort openings to include those connected to the parks by non-bus transportation (Caribbean Beach, Art of Animation, Pop Century, and Yacht Club), followed by the remaining resorts.
There might even be some Walt Disney World hotels that don’t reopen this year at all if there’s a lack of demand or if they’re being utilized for events or other purposes, such as the NBA or MLS finishing their seasons (think Coronado Springs, the All Stars, both of the Port Orleans Resorts).
If that does happen, guests with existing bookings at those properties would be relocated elsewhere. This already happens now when resorts are overbooked, and frequently entails an upgrade.
It’s also worth noting that there is still an executive order requiring residents of Louisiana and the New York Tri-State Area (Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York) arriving in Florida to isolate or quarantine for a period of 14 days after arrival.
This does not expire until July 7, 2020–it’s unclear whether it will be extended (we doubt it). Plus, most international tourists still cannot enter the United States. This brings up the issue of demand, which will be an obstacle to Walt Disney World getting back to normal.
The complexity of Walt Disney World is another huge variable, and it’ll undoubtedly take the sprawling Florida resort much more time to ramp up operations than it did to wind them down. There are literally dozens of hotels, hundreds of restaurants, and myriad other components–in addition to the four theme parks. This machine will require a slow restart that’ll take more than a week to initiate.
It’s also problematic that Disney terminated its College Program, clearing out the housing, and sending those students home. The argument could be made that these are moves made to limit liability or cut surplus labor that won’t be necessary when the parks reopen. However, the reality is that they’ve cut or furloughed a lot of labor, and it’ll take some time to get that back.
Demand is another hurdle. Over 30 million Americans have now filed for unemployment in the last two months, and millions of employers have closed their businesses and slashed their workforces. It’s by far the worst string of layoffs on record, adding up to more than one in six American workers. Economists have forecast that the unemployment rate could go as high as 20% in the near-term, and possibly surpass the 25% rate reached during the Great Depression. Consumer confidence is likewise plummeting.
While some of this will bounce back when the economy reopens, some of the damage will be lasting. Americans have already expressed an overwhelming reticence to travel on airplanes and be in large venues right now. Between that and economic anxiety, a majority of Americans may be unable or unwilling to take a Walt Disney World trip right now. That too will likely impact Disney’s reopening plans.
All of this is a very long-winded way of saying (and explaining) that a lot still remains up in the air when it comes to Walt Disney World’s reopening. Even now that we have official reopening dates for Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom plus Epcot and Hollywood Studios, there are still many unknowns.
In the last week, we’ve seen Walt Disney World Cancel All Reservations–Free Dining, Restaurants, FastPass+ & Dining Plan. We’ve also seen Park Hours Cut Significantly for Reopening. Additionally, Character Dining Has Been Cancelled. These are just a handful of changes–with many more likely to come. This might leave you wondering what you should do if you have a Walt Disney World vacation planned for July 2020 and beyond.
Ultimately, that’s a personal decision. If the lack of parades, fireworks, character meet & greets, playgrounds, nighttime spectaculars, and other entertainment are important to you, waiting is recommended. If the health safety protocol and requirements are too burdensome or sound like they’ll ruin the magic for you, waiting is also recommended. However, if you want to experience the parks with significantly limited attendance and other advantages, now might be a good time to visit. We cover all of the upsides in our new post, “The Dawn of a Temporary Disney Era.”
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
Do you plan on visiting Walt Disney World in July 2020 when the parks reopen? Hoping to visit earlier for soft openings? Or will you wait until modified operations and restrictions end, and the experience is closer to “normal” again? Do you agree or disagree with our advice and assessment? 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!
Tom, in your opinion, how likely is it that the restriction on Louisiana residents will be lifted? Do you think it will run all the way until July 7th or could possibly be rescinded earlier if reported cases continue to drop? As always, thanks for all you sage words of Disney wisdom!
I don’t have any particular insight to make an even slightly educated guess as to the likelihood of that happening–sorry!
Great analysis. I think you really nailed the complexity of Disney opening. I think not being able to fly is a huge hurdle. I mean you COULD hypothetically fly but what if you get sick on the plane (not even covid, you really can’t go in with any illness right now). It seems possibly a lot of vacations could get disrupted as people get ill mid week. Then you have sick out of town hotel guest who are now unable to fly home.
This is happening in northern Michigan right now. The tourists are showing up with covid and getting sick after they arrive. Then you have stuck, sick tourists.
Has anyone else noticed that through the regular website, you can’t do resort reservations past Dec 15th, 2020? I can go past that through DVC but not for a cash room? Tom you need a write up on that. Or they planning on jacking the prices through the roof? Do they expect no one to plan more than 6 months in advance?
Now I can see through Dec 31st, but not January 2021.
How about it’s just as simple as maybe they just screwed up something on the site and will be fixing it soon?
Occam’s Razor, or put another way, if you are in Wyoming and hear hoofbeats, don’t look for Zebras.
We used to go to WDW during Brazilian carnival, in February. I remember that it usually took a while further down the previous year to be able to see the next year window. Hope it helps.
You can make reservations for 2021 by calling.
WDW packages for the following year don’t normally release until mid-to-late June. You can call directly and book a room-only reservation 499 days in advance, but you normally can’t book packages until June for the following calendar year.
Tom- So we have a trip planned at the very end of august, early September at all star movies. If they are not a resort to open do you think we will be offered another resort or our reservation canceled?
This is my same wondering. The two resorts Tom mentions are the same where I have a split stay scheduled for July. So I wonder, what happens, are reservations canceled or are guests reallocated in some way? This of course is IF they don’t open all resorts.
I’m wondering the same. Our reservation is from August 28th-September 5th at All Star Movies.
If a resort isn’t open for whatever reason, they’d simply move you to a different one. This happens from time to time when WDW overbooks a hotel–it often entails an upgrade.
Tom thank you so much for responding to my question. I read your blog all the time but have never posted anything. Your response makes me feel so much better. I am really looking forward to our trip! I appreciate it and love all you guys do 🙂
We have Disney tickets for mid September. I can’t decide if we should try to cancel or just go with it. This would be our first time and I’m afraid if they do open they will have major restrictions and my kids won’t have a good time.
Before September there will be lots of blogs and YouTube videos about what the new normal is like at the parks. You won’t have to make this decision blind.
We are a Disney family. We go multiple times a year and stay at the yacht club/beach club. We are booked for end of September as well. They are working around the clock to put those safety measures in place, so that we will be able to enjoy the parks as soon as possible. We are looking forward to our trip! Not going to cancel !
Tom,
So if Disney is open and I have reservations starting that day do you think we are safe with the expiration of the executive order?
I have a question completely unrelated to reopening… in reference to the above photo at AK with Everest and the fireworks, I thought there were never fireworks at AK, and that the park is sufficiently far away from the other parks that you couldn’t see fireworks from there, so what’s up with that (super cool!) photo?
Thanks, as always!
Years ago, my brother and I rode Expedition Everest in the evening and when we got to the very top, we could see fireworks going off! Granted, it did seem a little further in the distance and I have no clue what park they came from, but we definitely saw them and it is something I’ll never forget!
Ours is august 30 thru sept 6 at all star movies. I sure hope they give us an alternative resort or do you suggest putting a deposit down on a resort with skyliner access in case?
Those are the fireworks at Disney’s Hollywood Studios; there are a handful of places in Animal Kingdom where you can see those fireworks.
I tried to find an expiration date for the mandatory quarantine for NYers and couldn’t. Where did you see the July 7th date? I have a trip booked for Aug 9th with my teenage daughter and am still hoping it will happen!
https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/travelers/
It expires when Florida’s state of emergency expires. Executive Order 20-114 extends that (via Executive Order 20-52) by 60 days until July 7, 2020.
Enforcement (or lack thereof) is a different story entirely.
The Orlando Sentinel reported this morning (Saturday May 16) that the theme parks will have to obtain local government, then state approval to reopen. The Orange County mayor reports he hasn’t yet had such requests but suspects “some time in June or thereafter.” Hospitalizations are at a low rate right now. The Florida Department of Health (same news story) reports that Orlando area cover-19 hospitalizations are in the single digits.
Sometimes people forget just how much power Disney (and to a lesser degree Universal) actually has. The state can ask them politely to do something, but…
Many issues with re-opening theme parks at this time. One thing we keep hearing us using temp checks on employees and guests. This is not a good measure if if someone has covid or not. Many studies have show that upwards of 30-60 percent of people have virus and can pass to other but there is no fever. Concept of wearing masks is a start but it is not 100% as people have caught covid from someone with mask. Then you have look look at when in is over 90 degrees in Florida how many will keep masks on not to mention when they sit down to eat. Another issue will be bathrooms where distancing will be difficult and the fact that covid has been found in fecal material presents a problem. It would be impossible to keep all surfaces wiped down. all the time. Final factor will be all of the people travelling from all over country and world and the problems that presents. What is the cost to open to only have to shut down again due to a hotspot in the parks. BAD IDEA RIGHT NOW.
This virus is going to be around forever, just like the flu. They’ll develop a vaccine, but people will still get covid 19, just like the flu. Also, international travel will not be open anytime soon. Disney won’t allow international guests for a period of time either. It’s either risk it and save these companies, or stay closed and all these places go under. We still need to live our lives and just take proper precautions. Remember, nobody is forcing you out of your house, you don’t have to go. Myself, I need to restart my life and continue living….mental health is just as important.
We have reservations for end of November and were discussing the possibility of going (or not) just yesterday. (We are considered high risk and perhaps more cautious). We went over our Disney travel routine to see what would need adjusting to make us feel comfortable and safe. The first three are the scariest – airport, airplane and Magical Express. Time will tell on those.
The hotel seems doable from our viewpoint. The food and theme parks are a bit scarier, but by November, maybe not as scary as today. We don’t have small children and can control our movements and time spent at the parks. If we don’t feel safe or comfortable, we can always go back to the hotel and hang out.
So the question is, do we want to go to Disney just to stay in their hotel and sit by their pool (in November/December) for the duration? The answer to that is a big maybe. That’s the best we can hope for right now.
The future is uncertain where all travel is concerned, not just Disney. From what I’ve seen and heard, people are not paying attention to the rules. Something like that will help determine if we go or not in November. Let’s stay safe, even when out and about, and let’s hope for the best.
@Barbara
Two problems:
1. The “Rules” are not the same state to state and venue to venue because we have a Federalist Republic. Shy of the Federal Government declaring Martial Law, the states can pretty much do as they please so long as they do not violate the Constitution. In effect, your concept of “Rules” may not be valid.
2. Everyone has a different interpretation of “Safe.” For instance, some feel that the most vulnerable should be locked down or quarantined while those not at high risk of death or seriouscomplication, are generally allowed to go back to work. Once again, there is no absolute.
3. If you’re waiting for a 100% effective vaccine you’re liable to have a long wait. There are anywhere from 12 to 20 mutations so far.
IMO the most reasonable solution is for people to take responsibility for implementing their own level of precautions while hoping that others do the same.
Jack, nowhere did I mention anything about rules or vaccines. The only thing discussed was our comfort level as high risk people. I also didn’t discuss any particular state and their rules, or lack thereof.
We decided to wait until the beginning of October to see whether we should keep our reservations or cancel. This gives Disney and the airlines sufficient time to get the kinks out and for us to see how things are working.
I didn’t stay home for 2 1/2 months just to jump on a plane and run back to Magic Kingdom the first day it opens. I’m not an anti-masker, but I’d never go at this time of year when masks are required. That would be more like punishment than enjoyment.
Barbra,
It’s totally do able. Obviously don’t go if you don’t feel safe. But exposure is distance x time. It’s not the time to have a heart to heart with a fellow guest or CM but otherwise your interactions with people should be minimal, plus there will be masks. Eat outdoors when able and avoid enclosed spaces with poor ventilation. It’s almost impossible to get outdoors in the heat and humidity and sunlight. If it makes you feel safer (and doesn’t feel like it ruins your vacation) avoid dark rides and bring your own Lysol wipes.
I’m annoyed that airlines aren’t required to space people out. It will be a long time before we fly. That fails both distance x time. We are hoping to take our little to Not So Scary. We wouldn’t do anything too risky with her. Disney to us still seems doable.
@ Barbara
Direct quote from your first post: “From what I’ve seen and heard, people are not paying attention to the rules.” Note the last word.
I was merely trying to point out by example that everyone’s perception of what it will take or should take to achieve “normalcy,” indeed even the definition of “normalcy” is different and why it will remain so.
In other words, everyone will end up needing to reasonably compromise their views to some extent or very few people are going to be going anywhere where the are groups, much less having any fun. Ultimately what people end up doing is up to them and their comfort level. Nobody is “wrong,” we all want to be safe and comfortable, but by the same token, nobody can expect people to totally sublimate their own ideas of safety and comfort to those of others.
Jack, you got me on that one. The rules I was referring to involved social distancing and face masks, rules which are currently in effect in most places. Nothing more, nothing less. Unless you count my biggest and most important rule, which is to stay safe while still living my life. We’ll see how that goes down the road.
@ Barbara
And in that endeavor I know you will be successful. Thing is, we humans are social animals and, again in my opinion, we can’t be or stay healthy and practice antisocial distancing forever. At times I feel as if I’m in some sort of 60s avaunt garde play by Samuel Beckett. I refuse to continually live in someone else’s fantasy. Personally, I’ve had quite enough of being treated as someone incapable of making informed decisions that will allow me to effectively take care of myself or someone not having the empathy and intelligence to do my best not to harm others by my action or inaction. One of my favorite quotes comes from an old book called the Peter Principle: “Either we are being led by some very smart people who are putting us on, or by a bunch of imbeciles who really mean it”
Either way, I was never a good sheep.
“Live long and prosper!” Spock
Well written, honest informative article on the current state of play. I am due out there in Oct 2020 & not for one minute can I see how the parks can operate in a way that will be as enjoyable. The complexities involved in almost every aspect of visiting WDW whilst trying to adhere to C19 guidelines seem impossible. Without some minor miracle in relation to this, I’m sorry but I remain pessimistic, wish I wasnt cos I just wanna see Main St packed out again.
Are there plans for handling the protesters who do not want their rights infringed upon? This will happen.
If masks are optional in the parks, then what’s the point? I think the masks and hand gloves and social distancing should be required. Otherwise, what’s the point? I’ve had people harass me for choosing to wear a mask and gloves and social distancing and tell me I’m a sheep and that’s being polite. Others use many colorful words, too! This has been in local, small grocery stores and florist shops. I have a lot of anxiety going to places of business because of the “anti-sheep” aggressive people.
It doesn’t matter if I tell them I have asthma which is an underlying health issue. I guarantee the “sheep” bullying will be there. How will WDW/DL handle this inevitable backlash about constitutional rights?
I know the masks will be A pain in the in the hotter summer months–they are Frustrating in cold weather.
We have gone 2x a year for The past 9 years and and many, many more times for over 40 years. I’m not going back until WDW can show they are able to handle unruly guests and enforce whatever they implement. People will come in wearing the mask and gloves with no intention at all of wearing them in the park at all. I’m hoping that would be a minority of park guests. I have no idea how Disney is going to handle this.
Many WDW fans with underlying health conditions probably won’t be visiting for awhile. My guess is I won’t be going back to WDW until they have a vaccine–which is my choice. But, it still bums me out because I LOVE WDW!
@Kate
I have no idea where you live but in dear old Pennsylvania I’ve NEVER seen anyone openly harassed, as you claim to be, for wearing a mask, even before they became mandatory. Maybe some sideways glances but never nasty or obscene comments, much less comments about “constitutional rights.” And, of course, I’ve never seen anything like this “bullying” on a reoccurring basis.
I have my opinion of what you are trying to accomplish. I’ll keep it to myself.
I don’t anticipate any ‘protesters’ per se. I expect to see some folks who will at least pull their masks down to take a drink or eat a snack and leave them down so it’s easier to breathe. Or so their glasses don’t fog up constantly (my problem). I kind of enjoy walking into the post office or liquor store with a bandanna over my face, Old West style. I don’t have my pistol drawn and up though…
I laugh when people bring up nonexistent rights, like the ‘right’ to not wear a mask, or to ‘not be shot’. I have the actual constitutional right in these USA to own firearms of any kind, or other arms including a full combat-ready A-10 Warthog or nuclear submarine if I want to. There are a few areas where I can’t generally take them, however. WDW is privately/publicly owned (as a company, they control access, though the stockholders actually own it). I’m a Disney stockholder, but not even a fraction of a percent of any controlling interest. I’m also a former Cast Member. Some are DVC ‘owners’. But we can’t just do anything we want to at any time. So they can control some access requirements and security, such as requiring masks. But it gets muddy depending on the issue. For controlled areas such as the parks requiring a ticket and full security, metal detectors, bag searches, etc. they can legally and reasonably bar you from carrying firearms, knives, selfie sticks or other batons, etc. That’s fine. They are 100% responsible inside those areas for any criminal activity leading to injuries, etc. Not allowing smoking, similar to bars and restaurants or any indoor area is reasonable as well.
For more open areas you can just walk into, like Disney Springs or resort and theme park parking lots, not so much. Sure, they still have decent security, but it’s nowhere near 100%. Similar to a movie theater. In those places, I can and will carry when I want to, period. Smoking, however, is still not allowed for public health reasons because you cannot control where the smoke pollutants go.
Masks and PPE are an interesting, semi-gray area. The company can require you to wear a mask. It will be difficult to enforce, of course, especially concerning children. Even if you have cool character masks, children will tire of it quickly and pull them off no matter what you do. Reason doesn’t work on children, much like many adults who think their dislikes of certain things trumps the rights of others. Then there are special needs children and adults who simply do not understand the need to do things. It saddens me to see family members try to frustratingly get these guests to do things, or stop doing things, knowing they are doing everything they can to help their loved ones have a great time. Masks will be a hot button on this as well. I see…problems.
I see folks carrying portable oxygen bottles with them, and they deal with it. but masks are physically, medically impossible for some people to wear continuously.
Then there’s the need to eat and drink, or simply wash the sweat off your face or apply more sunscreen. This is and will be an interesting time period, as we ease back into reality.
Wow, I’m sorry you’ve been treated so badly! I’ve not personally seen anything like that here in the South.
As for testing everyone before park entry, that’s not particularly realistic. You realize testing requires an up-the-nose-and-down-the-throat swab? Yeah, invasive and painful.
Personally, I won’t go back until this situation is MUCH calmed down and/or a vaccine is available. Even if every person wears a mask and gloves, they can’t clean the rides between passengers. Just can’t.
This got started due to Law Enforcement not doing their jobs. Lets look at Michigan that had an active lockdown order in place. Why is it that law enforcement did not arrest? Their job is to enforce. The lawyers can figure out the rest. To your point I do see not folks in Florida protesting masks and pretty confident it would not happen on Disney or Universal properties. It is private property and if someone does not want to follow the rules they can be asked or forced to leave. Gloves are a bad idea per cdc as they help spread per last report due to not changing enough so they should not be allowed. Masks are not 100 percent and when it is 90 or more in Florida they will be a lot of fun and I see people pulling down, taking off, etc. Will Disney or Universal enforce????? Could be huge legal issue if they don’t and 1 person gets infected in Parks. My bigger concern is the huge influx of tourists back to Orlando and what that might create. Testing would be a good idea but the quick test by Abbot has accuracy issues and is being suggested to be pulled so we can’t trust it. Temp. checks are also not a good measure as up to 50% can have but show no elevated temo. I live here and would not go to any of them for quite a while. Last 3 days numbers have been up for infection in Florida so…
Evan, how so, exactly? On what grounds or authority would they arrest people? Michigan is a perfect example of government abuse of power. Saying you can’t sell garden seeds because they’re not essential, seriously? New Mexico is just as bad. Drove here today to visit parents. My cousin is a state police officer in Albuquerque and was sent to tell a business owner they were in violation and had to close. The guy started crying over it. My cousin said he’s not doing that again and neither will a lot of the others. They see the actual financial damage it’s causing to people, as opposed to the imagined and overblown health projections. If I owned a small business, I wouldn’t be closed either.
The only real way to ensure a safe Disney experience at the parks is testing. My suggestion;
–Reservations only for the theme parks, admission prepaid
–Disney acquires 500-1000 Abbott Lab machines and lends them to pharmacies around Orlando
–Families with Disney theme park reservation gets tested on the Abbott machine at an Orlando pharmacy within 3 days of reservation date, getting certificate of negative test
–Families admitted with reservation ticket and COVID 19 NEG. certificate
–Park population reduced to 25% of normal
–Social distancing and face masks still required
Yeah John, I wouldn’t hold my breath on that plan.
That wouldn’t ever happen and tourists wouldn’t do it. You think someone would drive or fly all the way to Disney, pay all that money, to have a positive antibody test because they might have been exposed 3 months ago, and be told they can’t go into the parks?! Get real.
Disney World President Says Face Coverings Are Required for Cast Members and Guests
Walt Disney World President Josh D’Amaro has clarified via email that face coverings will be required for all guests and cast members when Disney Springs reopens on May 20th.
An influential if not necessarily very accurate model has become less optimistic about Florida’s COVIDS-19 death rate. We’re at about 4 dozen/day for the state. Their new estimate (with a vast margin of error) is to reach 2 dozen/day about July 1. https://covid19.healthdata.org/united-states-of-america/florida
It is, however, nice to be once again able to visit the beach. The weather’s been perfect. There’s extremely cheap flights to Tokyo on sale now, for anyone interested in visiting Disney there.
@David Martin
Something else to consider as well as so far horribly inaccurate models.
In addition to record unemployment numbers, experts now predict that a “wave” of small business bankruptcies is on the horizon – and it could leave the United States with 40% fewer small businesses.
The New York Times reports that the United States Chamber of Commerce estimates “more than 40 percent of the nation’s 30 million small businesses could close permanently in the next six months” – a statistic entirely attributable to the coronavirus pandemic and ensuing lockdowns.
The economic consequences of such a mass business failure could last for “generations,” the NYT reports.
Orlando is is one of the lowest-wage urban areas in the country. The NY Times has a story on low wage earners bearing the brunt of job losses. The Orlando Sentinel has a story on the Orlando area’s low covid-19 death rate compared to the south Florida urban area. The early closure of the theme parks shut down travel, as did cancellation of a number of huge conventions, so Orlando, unlike New York City, didn’t become a center of spread for the epidemic. That much is good, but the economic cost has been enormous. The city needs a lot of help for the unemployed and smaller businesses, or a quick economic recovery, which looks impossible with the virus threat.
The reopening of some retail (including parts of Disney Springs), golf courses, barber shops, and to some extent restaurants, can probably be done without setting off a further wave of infections. Encouraging outdoor eating is already happening. Selected Disney visitor experiences could be made safe and bookable. Think of their evening programs to enjoy Pandora without the crowds, but with more things to do.
Unfortunately, the convention business looks like it’s hibernating for now. Hotels in Disney World and Lake Buena Vista have been active participants in that area.
Plan on listening to Disney’s investor call tomorrow. Even if they don’t announce a date, a hint at one is likely. My money is on sometime in August 2020 for Florida, later for CA.
Well, anything interesting to report from the call?
@Mrnico
Lots of new info just now on the Disney Food Blog site. Combining that blog with Tom’s site will give you about the best information and insights available.
Where do you find the dates?
how about first re-opening to only DVC resort guests. It would a) help alleviate the compounding issue of unused points accumulating and b) limit the number of people in the parks as they test how real crowds will flow in the parks.
After that, then phase in the other disney resorts in similar fashion.
This gives them a way to phase reopening, as well as fill their hotels (helping shareholders), and employing people (helping the local economy).
We really like that idea , we are the bread and butter if Disney . Currently we own at 3 resorts ! Wouldn’t that be nice to move us to the top of the list for bookings
@Paul Pagano
Whoo Hooo! Give us two hours and we’ll be on our way!
Although I’m not a DVC member and have reservations that I’ve already moved once to mid-June with regular resort accommodations, I have to say that this makes a lot of sense. I just hope that if that’s the way Disney goes, that it won’t muck it up for the rest of us down the road by people trying to skirt whatever protocols are put into place causing more problems. Stay safe everyone!
The Orlando Sentinel has an interesting story on theme park reopening by reporter Dewayne Bevil. Think admission by appointment, reduced capacity, once you’re there, rides by appointment. Disney Shanghai is already showing how to reopen. There may also be some creative uses for hotel rooms–they make good private offices.
The governor announced that he’s in no hurry to reopen theaters and other gathering places, and wants to do things in stages. He also went to Weston to visit Cleveland Clinic (the big medical organization that has expanded its presence in the state). In my county, beaches (including the tiny park next to the Disney Vero Beach Resort) will reopen in a limited way on Tuesday. No sunbathing or hanging around.
For Florida residents, it may be a good time to buy into Disney’s current offers.
I was on the Disney website searching dates and there are none past Dec 2020….this isn’t a great sign. Social distancing measures can’t be lifted immediately, I just can’t see how a ridiculously busy theme park could implement these measures. I want to go this summer but, it’s not looking good. I have found a few questionable sources saying the parks won’t reopen to 2021.
Past Dec 2020? Maybe the calendar is my open out that far. I have trip booked for October, there are plenty of dates available then.
Hi Christine! Last year I was trying to make January 2020 reservations. It was probably in June. I called and was told that they don’t open up reservations for the new year until the final room rates for the year have all been put in place. They told me that would probably happen by August. They also said that if you were planning a large group, like a family reunion, you could phone reservations and make your reservations, subject to a price change. I an not sure this is what is happening this year, but it is what happened last year.
Those of you who have stated that you feel confident in the development of an effective Coronavirus vaccine and will wait for that until returning to the parks might want to read this. Take it for what it’s worth.
https://m.jpost.com/HEALTH-SCIENCE/Coronavirus-has-mutated-into-at-least-30-different-strains-new-study-finds-625333
A new study in China has found that the novel coronavirus has mutated into at least 30 different variations.
The results showed that medical officials have vastly underestimated the overall ability of the virus to mutate, in findings that different strains have affected different parts of the world, leading to potential difficulties in finding an overall cure.