Plans Submitted - Are we there yet?!
It was announced today, May 27, 2020, that Walt Disney World submitted plans for a phased reopening of its parks. The plan was submitted to the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force that described the ways WDW will plan to reopen its parks beginning on July 11, 2020. This comes just a few weeks after Shanghai opening its Disney Park and the opening of various areas in Orlando's Disney Springs.
Ah! Right?! I am as excited as you are! But hang on... what does this mean?! Read on and I'll tell ya all the tea.
According to the Disney Parks Blog, Walt Disney is planning to open just two parks on July 11, 2020 and follow through with the other two on July 15. Of course, Magic Kingdom is a member of the duo set to re-open along with Disney's Animal Kingdom on July 11. Hollywood Studios and EPCOT will open just four days later and will follow the same protocol for opening. More to come on that in just a bit. There are a few caveats along the way so make sure you read all the way to the bottom. Some of these restrictions may not allow everyone to visit the magic, just yet.
As we await Orange County and State Approval, Walt Disney World stated in their blog post that there will be some changes in the way the park operates, including the way guests are welcomed into the parks. There is a huge push to remain physically distanced while out and about in the world; this will continue at WDW parks as there are limits on attendance and controlled guests density. In finding ways to adhere to the recommendations surrounding physical distancing, Disney stated that the population of visitors will be significantly limited. Disney will introduce a new reservation model that will allow the parks to understand the population of visitors prior to guests entering the park. This reservation will need to be done in advance. Disney states that more details regarding this technology will come in the near future. The resort has paused new ticket sales at this time as well as new hotel reservations.
But what about night time spectaculars and parades? These are said to draw large groups and will be temporarily postponed for reopening during this time as will experiences such as makeover opportunities, character meetings and playgrounds.
But what about resort hotels and campgrounds? Disney is halting the sales of new ticket purchases and hotel reservations to focus on those who have purchased tickets and hotel stays during the time of re-opening and the near future. There are some exceptions; Disney Vacation Club Members (DVC) can make hotel reservations, current ticket holders and Annual Pass holders (AP) can make reservations utilizing the new reservation technology in phases before new tickets are sold. Again, reservations will be limited and will most likely be available on a first come first serve basis.
Universal in Orlando, FL. submitted their documents to the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force last week. The OCERTF approved Universal's Plans to reopen and then forwarded the documentation and approval over to Governor Rob DeSantis for which he approved just a few hours later. Following the approval, a committee is sent to the parks to review the plans and make certain they are being followed prior to opening. Universal Parks are set to participate in a phased reopening on June 1.
Disney is definitely remarkable in the way that they communicate their plans with their guests. I am delighted to know that there is movement to reopen the magic. I am also happy to see that those who have already purchased their tickets during the reopening will have the opportunity to use their tickets and resume their hotel stays. I am excited for DVC members and APs to be able to experience the magic the way they intended when they purchased their memberships. This is a step in the right direction and I couldn't be more excited and pleased!
As always, if you are considering visiting the parks in the near future, please make sure you are following the Disney Parks rules and regulations for attending while also adhering to social distancing and CDC guidelines regarding face coverings. WDW is requiring all individuals over the age of three to wear a face covering while visiting the resort.
That's all for now, folks. Thanks for going on this bumpy journey with us. It's definitely looking there is a "Great Big Beautiful Tomrrow."
<3 All Love <3
AED