Walt Disney World Resort Submits Reopening Plans to Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force

Walt Disney World Resort has submitted plans for reopening to the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force. During the meeting, both Walt Disney World Resort and SeaWorld shared reopening plans. These plans will need approval by the Task Force, Orange County mayor, and Florida Governor before reopening can happen. Jim McPhee, the Senior Vice President of Operations, gave Walt Disney World Resort’s presentation. The meeting was done completely remotely.

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During the presentation, Jim McPhee, the Senior Vice President of Operations for Walt Disney World Resort shared the reopening dates for the resort. It will begin a phased reopening with a public opening for the Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom on July 11.  On July 15, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT will reopen. Guests wishing to visit the parks when they reopen will be required to make a reservation ahead of time. There will also be some soft openings leading up to the official openings.

Here are some of the highlights of the presentation:

  • Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom reopens to the public on July 11
  • EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios reopen to the public on July 15
  • Soft openings will be offered ahead of the official public reopening.
  • Once the parks do reopen at Walt Disney World Resort, there will be attendance caps. The reservations to visit the parks will help with this.
  • Face coverings will be required and enforced.
  • Physical distancing will be encouraged in multiple ways.
  • Relaxation zones will be available for guests to take off face masks.
  • Guests and cast members will also be receiving temperature checks on their arrival.
  • Walt Disney World Resort is working to reduce contact points between guests and Cast Members.
  • Character meet and greets will be temporarily suspended.
  • Parades and fireworks will be temporarily suspended to avoid the development of crowds.
  • Play areas will also be temporarily closed.
  • Plexiglass will be utilized at retail locations.
  • Cashless/contactless transactions will be encouraged.
  • Mobile ordering will be encouraged for food.
  • Great care will be taken to educate guests about new guidelines ahead of their arrival.
  • Guests will also be educated throughout Walt Disney World Resort.
  • Social Distance Squad will encourage a safe Disney experience for guests while there.
  • Cast Members will receive training on health and safety protocols.
  • Even greater care will be made for cleaning.

Walt Disney World Resort has been closed since March 16th. It is the largest employer in the area. Yesterday, an Orange County team visited Walt Disney World Resort to see if the plan being submitted by Walt Disney World Resort would be in compliance with recommendations from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and also the mandates outlined by Governor Ron DeSantis in an executive order for the safe reopening of Florida’s theme parks. The team was accompanied by representatives from the Florida Department of Health Office in Orange County.

The Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force approved the plan submitted by Walt Disney World Resort during its meeting.

These plans come a week after Universal Orlando Resort submitted plans to reopen on June 1st. Universal underwent a similar inspection last week as well to check out plans for both parks there as well. They also arrived a week after Disney Springs reopened with Shanghai Disneyland reopening earlier in the month.

At this time it isn’t known when other Disney theme parks around the globe will reopen. DAPS MAGIC will continue to follow this story and provide updates when they become available. What do you think about the reopening plan that Walt Disney World Resort submitted today? Share your thoughts in the comments below or with DAPS MAGIC on Twitter or Facebook!


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