Disney World is currently preparing for a phased reopening, with Magic Kingdom Park and Disney’s Animal Kingdom opening July 11, while EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios are opening July 15. These parks will be opening with a significant reduction in capacity.
“Our deliberate and phased approach at Walt Disney World Resort emphasizes multiple layers of health and safety measures,” said Dr. Pamela Hymel, chief medical officer, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, in a Disney World press release. “We’re taking a multi-pronged approach to our reopening, after considering the guidance of various governmental authorities and health agencies, and recommendations from our team of health and safety experts. We’re also actively working with industry groups and research universities to discuss best practices.”
Disney has announced the changes it has made to the park, which include:
- Face coverings – Guests 2 years of age or older must wear an appropriate face covering while visiting the park. It has to be worn over the nose and mouth at all times, except while eating or drinking while dining.
- Transportation – Capacity and guest density have been limited for complimentary Walt Disney World guest transportation. Buses and monorails will have a combination of social distancing and physical barriers to encourage separation between guest parties. Party groups will be required to maintain social distancing while riding Disney watercraft. Also, Disney Skyliner will load one party per gondola when it returns on July 15, 2020. For those in their own vehicles, auto plazas will offer cashless payments.
- Temperature screenings – All guests will need to undergo temperature screenings before entering a theme park. Anybody with a temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher will be shown to an additional location for rescreening and assistance. Those that again measure at or above that temperature will not be allowed to enter nor those in their party.
- Physical Distancing and Capacity Measures – A limited number of guests can visit each park per day, which will also be in place for indoor locations like retail shops and dining locations. There will also ground markings and physical barriers to help maintain proper social distancing.
- Cleanliness – High-traffic areas will be cleaned more than normal, and guests will be encouraged to frequently use hand-washing stations and hand sanitizer available in the park.
- Cashless Transactions – Guests have been encouraged to use cashless options whenever possible, like MagicBands, debit cards, credit cards, Disney gift cards, and mobile payment options.