Last updated June 30, 2020
Below are some questions and answers (or lack there of) we are frequently asked. We are updating this regularly. Current information is always also available at https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/plan/my-disney-experience/ , Disney’s Know Before You Go Website or contacting your agent.
Governor DeSantis approved the reopening plan on May 28.
Client Q&A
Resorts
Q: When will resorts open?
A: June 22 Fort Wilderness and all Disney Vacation Club Resort rooms will open. Additional resort opening dates have not been announced
Q: Will pools be open to resort guests?
A: All reports by the CDC say that Covid-19 dissipates in water and does not spread disease. Pools will be open subject to normal closures (medical, weather, etc,) Please note: Stormalong Bay at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts will not be available during the initial reopening period; Guests of this Disney Resort hotel may enjoy the leisure pool at Disney’s Beach Club Villas
Q: Will face masks be required in public space?
A: Yes, everyone over age 2 must wear a mask in public spaces. Personally, while we love our cute Disney fabric masks, long term wear, we have found the paper masks much more comfortable and cooler. (please note the original announcement was ages 3 and up and has been modified)
Q: Should I do online checkin?
A: While in the past we have not recommended it, it is now highly recommended as another opportunity to cut down on close contact with others. Disney is also highly encouraging you add a credit card and 4 digit pin to allow for purchases via the app and magic band.
Q: Will some things be unavailable at the resort?
A: Sadly, yes…the following will be unavailable initially: arcades, campfires, character experiences, marina rentals, playgrounds, spas, salons and Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. Additionally, fireworks voyages and tasting cruises, including the Pirates and Pals Fireworks Voyage, fun runs, Wonderland Tea Party at Park Fare, Hula lessons, mermaid school, special classes and programs—including culinary, cultural and animal programs and the Electrical Water Pageant will all be on hiatus as well.
Q: Will there be wellness screening?
A; Persons who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, have been in contact with someone with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 symptoms without completing a 14-day quarantine, or are under quarantine orders must not enter Walt Disney World Resort. Walt Disney World Resort Guests may be subject to additional screenings. Before you leave home, please check the temperatures of everyone in your party—including yourself—as an extra layer of precaution.
Q: Are there any limitations for travelers to Florida?
A: Yes, before traveling to Florida, please make sure that you have reviewed any advisories or restrictions that may be in place for travel to Florida. Visit https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/travelers/ for information. Guests who are under isolation or quarantine orders must not enter Walt Disney World Resort.
Q: Can I make a reservation today?
A: Currently, Walt Disney World is not accepting any new reservations and they are not selling park tickets.
Q: What changes can I expect
A:
- Bell Services will deliver luggage to rooms, but will not escort Guests
- Club-level service will be temporarily unavailable
- Deliveries will only be made to occupied rooms
- In-room celebrations will not be available
- Dry-cleaning and valet laundry services will be temporarily unavailable; self-service laundry will remain available
- Shipping services will be temporarily unavailable
- Resort airline check-in service may be temporarily unavailable
Q: What extra cleaning precautions are being taken?
A:
Common Areas
We’ve increased cleaning in high-traffic areas such as public elevators and escalators, handrails, benches, tables, handles, restrooms and more.
Housekeeping
Prior to your arrival, your room will undergo thorough cleaning—with attention to:
- High-touch areas, like TV remotes and door handles
- Housekeeping tools will be cleaned between rooms
- Floors, which will be steam cleaned and vacuumed between Guests
Inside your room, you’ll find:
- Extra linens and towels wrapped in single-use packaging
- Individually wrapped glassware
- Double-cased pillows
- Additional items that have been cleaned and wrapped in single-use packaging
And during your stay, your room will receive a light cleaning service every other day, which will include:
- Removal of trash and used towels
- Replenishment of towels and amenities throughout the room and bathroom
- Wiping and cleaning of the vanity and counter surfaces
- Vacuuming if needed
You can also decline every-other-day service.
Parks
Q: When will parks open?
A: Under the proposed plan Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom will open July 11. Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot will reopen July 15. We do not have dates for the water parks.
Q: Will resort guests be guaranteed park entry?
A: At this time Disney is working on a park reservation system and details are unavailable
Q: What is happening with FastPass+?
A: At this time and for the remander of 2020, Disney will not be offering FastPass (we anticipate virtual que will be added for some rides,details are forthcoming)
Q: Will Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party still occur?
A: Sadly, it has been cancelled for 2020. No decision has been made on Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas party
Q: Will Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival still occur?
A: Great news….yes, in a slightly modified format and starting early – July 15!
Q: Will there be extra magic hours for resort guests?
A: At this time and until further notice, they are not being offered
Q: Is attendance being limited?
A: Yes, park attendance will be limited but keep in mind, unless you are traditionally there on peak days (Christmas, New Years, Fourth of July), you may not feel it is limited. The limit is from overall occupancy not what the traditional attendance has been on that day in the past.
Q: Will the lines be shorter since attendance is limited?
A: There is no way to know for sure until they open but we do not believe so. With social distancing in mind and with all the knowledge we have gained from following the opening of Shanghai Disneyland, we know: single rider lines are eliminated, families are not seated in the same row of a ride vehicle with other park goers; and spacing such as every other row in attractions will be left empty. Therefor, while there will be less people in the park, attraction capacity will be reduced.
Q: Will face masks be required in the parks?
A: Yes, everyone over age 2 must wear a mask in public spaces. Personally, while we love our cute Disney fabric masks, long term wear, we have found the paper masks much more comfortable and cooler. Additionally, we highly suggest bringing additional masks in a sealed ziploc bag into the park each day in case of rain or other needs.
All face coverings should:
- Fully cover an individual’s nose and mouth and allow the Guest to remain hands-free
- Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
- Be secured with ties or ear loops
- Be made of breathable material, either disposable or reusable
Costume masks are not considered appropriate and are prohibited from being worn, in alignment with our existing rules.
Q: Will there be parades and fireworks?
A: When the parks reopen, there will not be in order to allow for social distancing. This will continue to be re-evaluated.
Q: Are character meets available?
A: Opportunities to see and interact with characters from a safe distance will be offered. They will have a new (hopefully temporary) feeling.
Q: Will I still be able to attend Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party or Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party?
A: At this point no decision has been made by Walt Disney World.
Q: Will Minnie Van Services still be available?
A: They are suspended until further notice
Q: Is resort package delivery available?
A: Front of the park and resort package delivery is suspended until further notice. Ship to home is still available for a fee
Q: Will there still be pin trading?
A: Guests will have the opportunity to pin trade with Cast Members through the use of pin boards in select locations. Cast pin trading with lanyards will not be available at this time to maintain physical distancing.
These guidelines are currently in place at Disney Springs and will be in places at the theme parks.
Dining (Resorts & Parks)
Q: When can dining reservations be made?
A: At 60 days prior to arrival. A guest must first secure a park entry reservation before being allowed to book theme park dining. (The system opened on June 30)
Q: Will the character buffets still be available?
A: Character meals are currently being evaluated for changes as is the style of buffet service. Character Dining will not be offered during the initial reopening, with the exception of a modified Character Dining experience at Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera for breakfast and Garden Grill for lunch and dinner.
Q: How will menus be sanitized?
A: Sitdown restaurants will make their full menu available online via a scanable code
Q: Is all resort dining going to be available?
A: Unfortunately, not. Please use this link and scroll to the bottom for “resort updates”. Click on your resort to see the current list.
Q: What changes can I expect
A:
- Menu items may vary. For specific menu information, check the restaurant’s online menu when the restaurant reopens.
- Dinner shows will not be offered during the initial reopening.
- Dining locations will be limited in capacity. Some locations will remain temporarily closed.
- Private dining and in-room delivery will not be offered during the initial reopening window.
- Mobile order service will be offered at select quick-service dining locations throughout the Walt Disney World theme parks (when open), Disney Springs and select Disney Resort hotels.
Our thoughts
We appreciate you letting us be a part of your vacation planning. We know at first glance this can be a lot to digest. We’ve had the question, should I still go? Will this really be a good trip? Should you go, is 10000% a personal decision. Everyone has different circumstances to consider. If you are not comfortable being where there will be so many people, we don’t believe you can enjoy and recommend looking at a 2021 trip instead. We do believe if anywhere in the World can be a good vacation, it’s Disney. Even in the darkest of times, it is where the magic lives. We believe kids grow up too quickly and there is always the chance to make memories!
NOTE:
Disney has taken enhanced health and safety measures. Follow all posted instructions while visiting Walt Disney World Resort. An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present.
Any refusal to comply with Disney regulations could result in being denied park admission and/or removal from the parks.