Parts of Disney World are reopening this week

After closing the doors to both Disneyland in California and Disney World in Florida on March 12, Disney has announced they will be partially reopening the Disney Springs complex at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida on May 20.

Disney Springs has a total of 104 shops, 64 restaurants and 23 attractions and shows, but not everything will be open right away. Entertainment venues and bars, as well as some shops and restaurants, will remain closed during the initial reopening. Disney says they will also be following government requirements and guidance from health authorities, so you can expect things to look a bit different than they used to.

During this initial reopening phase, entrances will be reduced and all surface parking lots will be closed, so guests must park in garages. Guests age 3 or older, cast members and other employees will also be required to wear a mask, and everyone will have their temperature screened before entering. You must bring your own mask, as one will not be provided, and anyone who has a temperature of 100.4 or higher will be rescreened and possibly not allowed to enter.

There will also be a limit on the number of guests at Disney Springs, and ground markings will promote proper physical distancing. Disney says they’ve also increased cleaning and disinfection procedures in high-traffic areas, and there will be hand-washing stations and hand sanitizer available.

Guests are also encouraged to use cashless payment options whenever possible, which includes debit cards, credit cards, Disney gift cards, Apple Pay and other methods. Cast members are also going through extensive new training, and some members will also be walking around Disney Springs to explain new procedures and answer questions.  You can see more information on what you should know before heading to Disney Springs in the video below:

https://youtu.be/fMk63rpvAuU

“Everything we’re doing during this unprecedented time is in service of our guests, our cast members and our third-party operating participants, who will also be following these new guidelines in their locations,” Matt Simon, vice president of Disney Springs, said in a statement. “We are constantly monitoring conditions and best practices, and we continue to learn every day from health and government authorities. As a result, our operational changes and safety measures may change from time to time as circumstances evolve.”

While the theme parks and resort hotels will remain closed for now, three additional Disney-owned-and-operated stores and venues will reopen after Disney Spring, on May 27: World of Disney, D-Luxe Burger (for mobile orders) and the Marketplace Co-Op.

“I understand this is a great deal of change to absorb, and I speak for all of us at Walt Disney World in thanking you for your cooperation and patience during this initial phase,” Simon said. “Today’s world is different, and it’s going to require a shared responsibility, with everyone doing their part.”

Select venues are also now open at Universal Orlando’s CityWalk. Face coverings are also required there, as is a temperature check. Parking is free for the time being and each restaurant will have a limited menu and limited seating available.