Disney Announced July 11th as Opening Day After COVID-19 Closure

Walt Disney World has just announced their proposal for opening after the COVID-19 closure. Procedures will be in place to limit spread and exposure of the virus.

This article will be updated with the latest park news as it is announced.

Disney has just announced their proposal to reopen to cast members on July 11th. The first two parks to reopen will be Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom. Hollywood Studios and Epcot will open on July 15th.

There will be protocols in place for when the parks open to protect guests and Cast Members.

Disney covid 19 protocols Signage disney covid 19

1. Disney WILL require reservation system for guests.

All guests will be required to have a reservation to enter the parks.

2. All Guests and Cast Members must wear masks

All guests will be required to wear masks unless they are under the age of 3. Masks can be taken off to eat and drink, but must be immediately put on afterwards. These procedures are already in place at Shanghai Disney and Disney Springs at Walt Disney World. Guests will be provided a disposable mask if they do not have one of their own.

Courtesy of Axios

3. Prior to entering the parks, guests will get a temperature screening. 

This will be a contactless thermometer. If guests have a temperature over 100.4 degrees, they will be given the option to go to an area to cool down, and get one more try. If they are again over, they will not be permitted to enter the park. Temperature checks will be mandatory each time you exit and reenter the parks.

Temperature Screenings at Disney

Courtesy of All Ears Net

Courtesy of All Ears Net

4. There will be no fingerprint required at the park entrances.

Fingerprint scanning will not be required at the parks. Guests will scan their MagicBand or ticket while entering on the contactless scanners.

Mouselet 1 Scanning Magic Band for Fastpass

5. Hand washing will be encouraged, and hand washing stations will be around the parks.

This was already happening in March when the parks were open, and will be continued when the parks reopen. There are portable handwashing stations across the park, as well as cast members offering hand sanitizer. Hand sanitizing stations will also be stationed around the park.

Disney Hand washing procedures

6. Social distancing will be in effect in the parks.

Social distancing will be in effect in the parks. Character interactions, nighttime shows, and other attractions may operate differently to maintain social distancing. At the initial park opening, there will be no character meet and greets, parades, or fireworks. Restaurants will have limited capacity, and mobile ordering will be encouraged. Cast members will also encourage guests to maintain social distancing. Disney Springs is currently using the recreation team as ambassadors to help remind guests of the best practices.

Shanghai Disney, who have had success with their opening thus far, has said:

“The resort will provide an extensive range of measures, designed to ensure a safe and healthy experience for all guests, Cast Members and Disneytown tenant employees, including strict and comprehensive approaches on sanitization, disinfection and cleanliness,” the website added. “Guests will also be reminded to maintain respectful social distances at all times while in stores, queues and restaurants.”

Cast Members Coronavirus procedures

7. There will be additional cleaning done by cast members.

Disney plans to significantly increase cleaning and sanitation, especially in high-contact areas.

Covid 19 procedures animal kingdom

8. The parks will be different than we are used to.

There will be many changes and protocols in place at the parks for an indefinite amount of time. Disney will have no fireworks and parades when the parks initially reopen. There will be limitations on some attractions, restaurants, and resorts. When you go to the parks, make sure you are taking all the precautions that you can to protect your family and other guests. Below is a screenshot from the official Walt Disney World statement. You can read the full statement here.

Park Reopening Disney Guidelines