Walt Disney World theme parks will begin reopening on July 11. Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom first, followed by Epcot and Hollywood studios on July 15. WDW Disney Vacation Club properties and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground will begin opening to Members and Guests on June 22. I haven’t seen anything yet about the water parks or mini golf locations.

Upon reopening, the parks, resort hotels, restaurants, and other offerings may be modified, limited in capacity, or subject to availability due to closure. You should also be aware that attractions, shows, parades, fireworks, services, and amenities may have limited availability or remain closed. Extra Magic Hours will be suspended.

Safety Precautions

The parks will reopen with important new updates to promote social distancing. Initially, entrance to the parks will require valid entry, ticket or pass, and a reservation for the same date with their new system. I’ve used the SeaWorld and Aquatica reservation systems with my annual pass. With those, I chose the date I wanted to come. If you have a ticket, the date of the visit will be on the ticket and the reservation. I’m assuming this will be the same for Disney. In other words, you can’t mismatch the date on your ticket and reservation. They haven’t unveiled their reservation system yet.

Face coverings will be required for Guests ages 2 and up. Face coverings should cover the mouth and nose and allow the guest to remain hands-free. They should fit snugly, but comfortably against the sides of the face. Be secured with ties or ear loops, and be made of breathable material, either disposable or reusable. When you’re choosing your face covering, please remember that it is typically very hot and humid in Central Florida. You’re probably also going to bring at least one for backup. It may get sweaty or rained on.

Temperature screenings are required at Disney Springs and the parks. Something to take note of, if a member of your party has a temperature of 100.4 and higher, they will be directed to an additional location for screening and assistance. Those with a temperature of 100.4 and higher will not be admitted, and neither will anyone in their party. It’s a good idea to take temperatures before you head to the parks or Disney Springs.

Disney suggests cashless transactions. You will see new signage and ground markings that will instruct you. Make sure to follow them. Physical barriers will be in place in areas where it is typically more difficult to distance, like Guest Relations and cash registers.

They also recommend that you have the latest version of the My Disney Experience App. You can use Mobile Ordering for select dining locations. While at select table service restaurants, you can use Scannable Code restaurant menus. Scan the code to access a digital menu. Use the app or go online to check in to your Disney Resort. You will bypass the front desk when you receive a Room Ready Notification, and you will use the app as a digital key to enter your room.

Even with all the precautions in place, Disney has posted this Covid-19 Warning:

We have taken enhanced health and safety measures—for you, our other Guests, and Cast Members. You must 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. COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, senior citizens and Guests with underlying medical conditions are especially vulnerable.
By visiting Walt Disney World Resort you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19.
Help keep each other healthy.

Tickets

New tickets purchases are temporarily paused. If you’ve already got a pass or tickets, the new reservation system will be opened to you in phases. Disney will be reaching out with further information so check your email regularly. New ticket sales will resume after that time.

For the people who have partially-used multi day tickets, or date specific tickets purchased through June 6 with a valid use period beginning March 12, 2020 or later, your tickets will be automatically extended to use any date through September 26, 2021. If you’re unable to visit by that date, you can apply the value of a wholly unused ticket toward the purchase of a ticket for a future date.

Florida Resident Discovery tickets can be used through September 30, 2020.

Resorts and DVC

New Disney Resort Hotel reservations are also on pause. This is so they can accommodate Guests with current reservations. Disney Vacation Club Members may still make new reservations.

Disney Vacation Club resorts in Vero Beach, FL and Hilton Head Island, SC will open to Members and Guests on June 15.

Reservations and Bookings

If you already have existing dining reservations, experience bookings, Disney Dining Plans, or FastPass+ selections, they will be cancelled if they haven’t already. Some third party dining reservations and bookings may not be cancelled.

The 180-day booking window will be moving to a 60-day booking window for dining and experience bookings.

Passholders

Passholders, your pass no longer guarantees you access to the parks and you will need a reservation. That right there is breaking my heart, especially because my pass costs an arm and a leg and now I can’t go whenever my little heart desires. No more last minute trips to the parks for a while, at least. To help them manage capacity, total reservation days held at one time will be limited. Some pass features and benefits will not be available. Annual passes are subject to blackout dates, so check your availability before making reservations. Disney is planning on a special reopening for Passholders, still no details on that.

Even though things are slowly reopening, some events have been cancelled. Check here before you look to make plans.

Walt Disney World is going to be a different experience for a while. Please remember that the Cast Members are there to do their best to keep you safe and help you enjoy the magic. Always treat them with the kindness and respect that they deserve and follow the instructions they give you. This is something new for everyone and we are all going through it together.