Walt Disney World aims to reopen its four theme parks in two phases in July, the company said during a presentation Wednesday at the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force. Disney
DIS
He currently plans to reopen Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom parks on Saturday July 11. Epcot and Hollywood Studios theme parks will reopen later on Wednesday July 15. The parks closed in March in response to the coronavirus pandemic. In early May, the Walt Disney World Resort partially reopened its Disney Springs shopping complex.
“
Fewer people will be allowed to board buses, boats and monorails that provide free transportation in the complex. The rides and attractions will also operate at reduced capacity.
“
When the parks reopen in July, capacities will be reduced to promote social isolation. In addition, fewer people will be allowed to board buses, boats and monorails that provide free transportation within the complex. The rides and attractions will also operate at reduced capacity.
Related Downloads:
Before reopening to the public, Disney plans to hold openings for employees and “affinity” groups in early July, Jim McPhee, executive vice president of operations at Walt Disney World, told team.
The plans, which have been approved by the task force and await approval from Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican, would mean that Walt Disney World would reopen more than a month after its Orlando competitors, including Universal Orlando.
CMCSA,
,
Legoland and SeaWorld
MARES
All of these theme parks will reopen in June.
Do not get lost: Half of Americans Cancel Summer Vacations: What to Expect from Cruise, Hotel and Airline Discounts
The subsequent reopening date did not surprise industry experts. “Disney sets the standard for our industry on many issues, elements and planning,” said Dennis Spiegel, founder and CEO of the international consulting company Ohio Theme Park Services.
“This is a little bit different,” said Spiegel. “They want to take the time to make the right decisions.”
When Walt Disney World reopens to the public, the company will implement a wide range of security measures to prevent customers and employees from contracting or spreading the coronavirus responsible for COVID-19. Many of these measures have already been implemented at Shanghai Disneyland, which reopened this month.
“
Customers must book in advance the theme park they wish to visit. On arrival, the temperature will be taken for customers and employees.
“
For the foreseeable future, customers will need to book in advance the theme park they wish to visit. Upon arrival, the temperature will be taken for guests and employees. On company grounds, employees and visitors will be required to wear face masks, and some theme park employees will scan the parks to ensure compliance. Signs in all parks will remind visitors to wash their hands, practice social distance and wear their face masks.
Walt Disney World is also considering creating “relaxation areas” where guests can temporarily remove their masks, said McPhee. Hand washing stations and dispensers for additional hand sanitizers will be installed in all parks.
See also: This mother took her family for $ 2,200 to Disney World – free
The company will encourage cashless transactions in its restaurants and stores to avoid contact between visitors and workers. To this end, customers will be asked to pack their own purchases in gift shops. Parks will also encourage the use of the My Disney Experience mobile apps: paper cards will not be distributed and disposable paper menus will be provided in restaurants rather than reusable.
To further minimize contact and encourage social distancing, some attractions and experiences will not be available when the parks reopen. These include night fireworks, parades and meetings with characters.