updates

Updates on Changes Coming to Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

As we get closer to Walt Disney World Resort hotels opening, many guests have wondered what changes could be coming to their stay. This week, Walt Disney World Resort has released updates on their “Know Before You Go” page on what guests will experience when stays begin on June 22.

On June 22, these are the Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts that will begin accepting guests again:

  • Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
  • Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
  • Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
  • Disney’s Beach Club Villas
  • Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
  • Disney’s Old Key West Resort
  • Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
  • Disney’s Riviera Resort
  • Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort
  • The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort

Wellness Screening

If you plan to visit Walt Disney World Resort, you must not be under quarantine or stay-at-home orders to help protect other guests. A facial covering will also be required for any guest over the age of two that will be on property.

Disney has said that there may be extra screenings upon your entrance but they suggest that all guests check the temperatures of everyone in their party before leaving their homes for the day.

Cleaning

Inside the hotels, Disney has increased cleaning of the high traffic common areas to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Before you arrive at your room, it will receive a thorough deep clean to ensure your stay is safe. During your stay, your room will receive a light cleaning every other day, or you can decline the cleaning. You will also find items like glassware will be cleaned and wrapped in a single-use plastic so you have peace of mind about these extra items in your room.

Transportation

In the weeks before the theme parks open, the complimentary bus service between hotels and Disney Springs will continue as normal. When the parks do reopen, the bus lines will continue their route to the theme parks. These buses will be operating with social distancing inside, so guests may experience delays.

When guests return to the resort, The Minnie Van service will be unavailable. Valet will also be unavailable at Walt Disney World Resort hotels and it will only be self-parking at this time.

Resort Recreation

This update included some news on what the recreation will look like inside hotels when guests return. Pools will open with modified capacity as a method to keep social distancing. Fitness Centers will open with modified hours and will have limited capacity so guests can remain safe.

The following experiences will not be available when the hotels welcome guests in:

  • Arcades
  • Campfires
  • Character experiences
  • Dog parks
  • Electrical Water Pageant
  • Marina rentals
  • Pin trading
  • Playgrounds
  • Spas, salons and Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
  • Fireworks voyages and tasting cruises, including the Pirates and Pals Fireworks Voyage
  • Fun runs
  • Wonderland Tea Party at Park Fare
  • Hula lessons
  • In-room childcare services
  • Mermaid school
  • Special classes and programs—including culinary, cultural and animal programs

Check-In and Checkout

While front desk services will be available, Disney is highly recommending that guests use the online check-in feature on the My Disney Experience app. When you use the app, you will simply get a notification when your room is ready and you can enter using your MagicBand!

On the day you’re scheduled to leave, Disney will automatically check you out of your hotel room so you don’t have to visit the front desk

What do you think of this update from Walt Disney World Resort? Be sure to connect with us on Twitter and Facebook to let us know!