Disney World sets July 11 reopening
Walt Disney World plans to reopen July 11, according to a presentation the company made to an economic recovery task force Wednesday.
Disney’s Florida theme parks have been closed since March 15 because of the coronavirus pandemic, and their reopening will follow its Florida rival, Universal Orlando, which is set to reopen June 5.
SeaWorld Orlando also presented its plan to Orange County’s Economic Recovery Task Force and plans to reopen for employees as soon as June 10, and the public on June 11.
Jim McPhee, senior vice president of operations for Walt Disney World, said the company plans a phased reopening of the park, with the Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom opening July 11. Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios are set to reopen July 15.
Existing ticket holders, annual passholders and those with Disney Resort hotel reservations will be able to make reservation requests before new tickets are sold.
As with other theme parks that have announced their reopening plans, Disney World visitors will undergo a temperature check and be required to wear face masks. The parks will provide masks to people who do not bring their own.
Social distancing markers will be visible throughout the theme parks. Disney’s cast members will enforce the rules, including the mask requirement, as part of a “social distancing squad.” Capacity will be limited, and not all attractions will reopen right away.
McPhee said the “squad” made its debut when the nearby Disney Springs retail complex reopened May 20. He described the squad as a “huge hit with guests and effective.”
Officials in Orange County, Florida, unanimously approved Disney’s and SeaWorld’s plans Wednesday. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis must also approve.
Disney Vacation Club resorts at Disney World are expected to reopen June 22 with resorts in Vero Beach, Florida, and Hilton Head, South Carolina, opening June 15.
“We’re excited to bring back our guests,” said Marc Swanson, interim CEO of SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment as he discussed SeaWorld Orlando’s proposed public opening date of June 11.
Like Disney World and Universal Orlando, SeaWorld will check visitor temperatures and require face masks and social distancing.
“People can still have a great experience, but spaced appropriately,” Swanson said.
Like its peers, SeaWorld will limit capacity, offer contactless payment options and will increase cleaning and sanitation of high-contact surfaces. Plexiglass barriers will go up between visitors and employees.