Walt Disney World Wants to Reopen July 11

In a recent blog post, Walt Disney World said it submitted plans to reopen its parks this summer via a multi-stage approach. Beginning July 11, (subject to approval from Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force in Florida) the magic returns to Magic Kingdom Park and Disney's Animal Kingdom, then on July 15 EPCOT and Disney's Hollywood Studios will reopen.

Disney Vacation Club resorts at Walt Disney World will reopen to members and guests and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground will begin to reopen on June 22. Disney Vacation Club resorts in Vero Beach, Florida, and Hilton Head, South Carolina, will also open to members and guests starting on June 15. 

"In preparing to reopen during this unusual time, we have to manage our theme parks in a very different way from what we’ve known before," says  Thomas Smith, Editorial Content Director, Disney Parks. "As we begin to reach out to our cast members and call them back to work, they will be focused on operating our parks in a responsible way that continues to give our guests opportunities to create magical Disney memories."

What does that mean?

There will be limits on attendance and controlled "guest density" that aligns with guidance on physical distancing. Parades and nighttime spectaculars will remain on hold for the foreseeable future. High-touch experiences such as makeovers, playgrounds and character meet-and-greets will also be unavailable. However characters will still be in the parks to entertain and delight guests.

Disney will be managing theme park attendance through a new reservation system that requires all guests to obtain a reservation for park entry in advance. 

Limited theme park attendance also means a pause on new ticket sales and Disney Resort hotel reservations. This is primarily so that Disney can focus on guests with existing tickets and reservations. 

"Plans to support required physical distancing as well as enhanced cleaning measures, along with a number of other safety and cleanliness protocols, will be implemented as part of this planned phased reopening," Smith said. "Additional information on enhanced health and safety measures and operational changes for reopening locations will be shared soon. These policies are under continuous review and are subject to change as we monitor conditions and receive guidance from health and government authorities."