Disney World is set to reopen -- Here's what you need to know

Editor's note: This post is updated regularly with the latest information. At TPG, we temporarily halted travel to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Local and national governments worldwide are currently discussing appropriate levels of isolation and social distancing. Before planning your next trip, we advise consulting your doctor, adhering to health guidelines, and checking local travel restrictions. TPG continues to share deals, reviews, and general travel news to keep you informed and ready for your journey, whether it’s next month or next year.

In mid-March, both Disney World and Disneyland closed their doors to visitors due to escalating coronavirus concerns. Disney parks across the globe, from the U.S. to Europe and Asia, were shuttered indefinitely.

However, following the reopening of Shanghai Disneyland on May 11, after a closure of 118 days, the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida has announced a phased reopening plan set for July 11.

Disney World has submitted a comprehensive reopening strategy to the Orange County Reopening Task Force, detailing not only the anticipated reopening date, contingent on necessary state and local approvals, but also how operations will resume once the gates are unlocked again.

Disney, along with other major theme parks, will undergo significant changes in a socially distanced environment upon reopening.

Here's when guests might once again stroll down Main Street U.S.A.

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Disney World aims for a phased reopening on July 11

Walt Disney World has proposed a plan to reopen Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom on Saturday, July 11, with Epcot and Hollywood Studios set to reopen on Wednesday, July 15.

During the task force meeting, Jim McPhee, Senior Vice President of Walt Disney World, detailed that soft-opening strategies would be implemented in the days leading up to the official openings for cast member previews and select guests.

Advance reservations necessary

Similar to the reopened park in Shanghai, guests planning to visit Walt Disney World must secure a reservation prior to arrival. Attendance will be limited at the parks and within individual restaurants and attractions, although specific numbers and details about the reservation system have not yet been provided. For context, Disneyland Shanghai reopened at less than 30% of its usual capacity.

No shows, no parades, no character meet-and-greets

Certain traditional Disney attractions that typically attract large crowds or involve high-touch interactions will not be available when the magic resumes in mid-July. For instance, Disney has indicated that parades and the usual fireworks shows won't return soon, as these events naturally encourage visitors to gather in close proximity.

Character meet-and-greets will also be put on hold during the park's reopening, so prepare your little ones for the fact that they won't be able to meet Mickey and friends up close for a while.

Temperature checks and masks will be mandatory

Guests will need to undergo a touchless temperature screening before entering the park, and face masks are mandatory for everyone aged three and older. This is not optional—it’s a requirement. Keep in mind that July in Orlando can be sweltering, even without a mask. Disney plans to set up "relaxation zones" where visitors can briefly take off their masks, so consider purchasing a mask that can handle the Orlando heat if you’re planning a summer visit. Expect a rise in neck fan sales, too.

For entry, anyone with a temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or above will be denied access.

Disney will employ a social distance team dedicated to promoting and enforcing the new safety and distancing measures within the parks, similar to the efforts already seen in Disney Springs.

Contactless transactions

Upon reopening, Disney will not only increase its use of touchless Magic Bands and online check-in for resorts, but will also further promote various forms of contactless payment to foster a nearly cashless environment.

Mobile food ordering was already available at counter-service locations in Walt Disney World, but anticipate a significant increase in this method of ordering and payment, minimizing contact and human interaction.

Not everything will reopen simultaneously

It's evident that Disney parks worldwide will not reopen simultaneously—just as they didn’t close at the same time. Within the U.S., California and Florida are handling the situation quite differently. Although Disneyland and Disney World had similar closure dates, the governors of the two states are now adopting distinct approaches to the pandemic.

While we have a reopening date set for Disney World, Disneyland may follow a separate timeline. Currently, the Shanghai park has reopened, but we still await reopening dates for other Asian parks, including those in Hong Kong and Tokyo. No reopening date has been announced for Disneyland Paris yet.

Regarding hotels, the official Disney Parks Blog has confirmed that Disney Vacation Club resorts and Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground will welcome members and guests at Walt Disney World starting June 22.

In summary

It’s undeniable that theme parks will face numerous challenges in ensuring safe operations in a world that prioritizes social distancing. Regardless of whether gatherings gradually increase to 10, 50, or 200 people, theme parks attract vast crowds with countless shared touchpoints. From dining and entertainment to hotels, queues, rides, and transportation, adjusting a venue like Disney World for a safe reopening poses a unique challenge. However, Disney is prepared to take on this challenge starting July 11.