Disney World is reopening soon—here’s everything you need to know

Things won’t go back to normal right away after the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. If you need some clear evidence of that, just look at Disney World‘s reopening plan. The beloved amusement park is hoping to open its doors once again this summer—but with some major changes in store.

On Wednesday, May 27th, Disney World submitted plans for Orange County and Florida state approval for Walt Disney World Resort theme parks, hotels, and stores to have a phased re-opening on July 11th. In this plan, Magic Kingdom Park and Disney’s Animal Kingdom would begin reopening on July 11th, and Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios on July 15th.

The official Disney Parks Blog details the plan, including the many precautions Disney World will put into place when it does start opening. Overall attendance will be limited, and reservations will need to be made in advance. To start, new tickets will not be sold, as priority will be given to those who already hold tickets and passes. On top of that, attractions that draw particularly large crowds within the parks will be closed. These include parades and “nighttime spectaculars,” like the fireworks shows.

Attractions that involve high contact will also be unavailable, such as meet-and-greets with characters.

Guests who visit the theme parks will be given a temperature screening before entering. Guests 3 years old and over will have to wear “appropriate face coverings” in the theme parks and in resort common areas. Cast members at the parks will also undergo screenings and wear face coverings. The parks will also increase cleaning and disinfecting in high-traffic areas.

The Disney Parks Blog makes note of other Disney openings that have already begun. Shanghai Disneyland started reopening on May 11th. Disney Springs, a shopping and restaurant complex at Disney World in Florida, started a phased reopening on May 20th.

Obviously, all of the changes will make for a very different Disney World experience than the one visitors are used to.

Anyone planning to visit once the parks are open should be sure to read all of the latest updates. As the Disney Parks Blog puts it, “We’re doing our part, and we need our guests to do their part, too, as we work together to focus on safety.”

As information about the coronavirus pandemic rapidly changes, HelloGiggles is committed to providing accurate and helpful coverage to our readers. As such, some of the information in this story may have changed after publication. For the latest on COVID-19, we encourage you to use online resources from CDC, WHO, and local public health departments, and visit our coronavirus hub.