Let me start by saying a reopening date for Disney World and Disneyland is not known at this time. I’m also not going to speculate as to when I think the park will be opening, because it honestly doesn’t matter what I think. Only Disney knows when they will reopen and I’ll definitely post an update when a date is officially announced by Disney.
Disney has, however, announced procedures they are looking at for a safe reopening. Dr. Pam Hymel outlined the guidelines they are looking at for the parks. She also noted that she is working with the US Travel Association on guidelines for the travel industry to use and tailor to their business.
Dr. Hymel’s Guidelines from Disney Parks Blog
- Phased reopening: We’re looking at all of our locations and how best to begin the reopening process, including a gradual reopening and/or partial reopening of certain locations. For example, the opening of retail and dining locations prior to the opening of our theme parks.
- Physical distancing and capacity measures: As you can imagine, managing guest density in queues, restaurants, hotels, ride vehicles and other facilities throughout the park and across the resort is a major focus, as we implement physical distancing guidelines based on guidance from health authorities, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and appropriate government agencies. This will likely include implementation of guest capacity measures to comply with state and federal guidelines. We’re also exploring ways to use technology to aid us in these efforts, like with our Play Disney Parks App and through virtual queues at Disneyland and Walt Disney World.
- Cleanliness and sanitization: We’re planning increased cleaning and disinfection, determining where that should take place (for example, in high-traffic areas), and the cleaning products and processes we’ll use.
- Screening and prevention support: We’ll follow guidance from the government and the medical community regarding enhanced screening procedures and prevention measures, including those related to personal protective equipment (PPE), such as face coverings. Some measures, like adding hand sanitizers and hand washing stations across our resorts, have already been implemented.
- Cast training: We’re further emphasizing our strong culture of health and safety amongst our cast members, and will continue to provide new training and reinforcement as we get closer to reopening.
She also noted that since things are constantly changing right now, these guidelines might also change.
Disney has recently cancelled reservations that are for late May, so we’ll have to wait and see if the cancellations are going to continue into June. I know we all want to get back to our favorite place, but I appreciate Disney taking measures to ensure the safety of guests. As Disney makes announcements regarding reopening guidelines and reopening dates I’ll keep you updated.
Hope everyone is staying safe and healthy! Thanks for reading!
Liz
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Liz
I love all things Disney, but my main love is for Disney World and I'm always planning for the next trip. Before becoming a Disney blogger, I was a radio DJ, so I guess I'm just continuing in the communication industry, just in a different form. I love talking Disney and I could talk about Disney all day. That's why I started blogging and created the Facebook group. The Disney community is full of friendly, helpful, and happy people...and I love being a part of it! If there is any Disney subject you would like to see covered just let me know! Need help planning your Disney vacation. Feel free to contact myself or Melissa at Never Stop Dreaming Travel Co. We love helping people plan their trips! Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy! Don't forget to check out our Countdown to Disney app! Feel free to email me with suggestions of things you would like to see in the app :-)
Your app is one of the few on my phone & I always look forward to opening it up to see what picture and information you’ve added. I appreciate your honest updates during this pandemic. You have a wonderful way of keeping it real, but in a positive way. So many people need that! We have a fantastic vacation planned & reserved for the end of August; our fingers are crossed, but we want to be healthy too, so we just have to wait and see how things play out. Thank you for your blog!
Hi Cindy! Thank you so much for your very kind words! I appreciate it. 🙂
The way I see it is there’s no point in speculating, none of us have any control over it. Plus, I don’t want to get people’s hopes up by speculating, that just creates unnecessary disappointment.
I’m keeping my fingers crossed for you that your August trip still happens! It will be nice when we can all get back to our happy place. 🙂
Thank you for reading my blog, that’s appreciated too. 🙂 I hope you and your family are staying safe and healthy during this time!
I too enjoy your blog and look at it almost daily. I have been planning my first ever Disney trip with my grandsons 7 and 3 for mid September. It has been in the planning stages for a year now and have 8 days planned with something new each day. Fingers crossed that everything will be worked out by then!
Hi Beth! You are too kind, thank you. 🙂
I’m keeping my fingers crossed for you too that your trip is safe! First trips are so special and I really hope you get to keep those dates.
Hello Liz and of course I love your blog and enjoy all your pictures and updates.I have a trip planned with my wife for July 2 through the 7 celebrating our 43 wedding anniversary and my 65 birthday but I don’t think that’s happening.Just in case my daughter and wife are planning another trip for November 30 and I think that trip will happen.I trust Disney when it comes to safety!! Thanks again for keeping the Disney discussions and hype alive and well.Disney Dennis.
Hi Dennis! Thank you for your kind words and for commenting on the articles. It’s always appreciated. 🙂
I’m sorry about your July trip. If it doesn’t end up happening, maybe you can plan a big trip during Disney World’s anniversary year next year and include your birthday and wedding anniversary in it too. Make it a big trip! I’ll keep my fingers crossed that both the July trip and the November trip can happen for you guys! Safety first, but we’re all missing our happy place, that’s for sure.
My family always goes to Disney World around Christmas but not this year! There is no way Disney can keep people safe. Too dangerous for my family
Totally understand, Olivia. Hopefully next year will be better and everyone will feel safe going to big places like Disney World again. Fingers crossed!