Walt Disney World plans to reopen July 11, according to a presentation the company made to an economic recovery task force Wednesday.
screenshot/disney.com
Of course, it still won’t be 100 percent back to normal. More specific plans, which include facial mask and temperature check requirements for guests upon entry, hand washing and sanitizing stations, physical barriers “where appropriate,” a reduction in theme park capacity, more frequent cleanings of the parks, contact-less payment options, and temporary suspensions of high-touch experiences.
Guests will also be required to make reservations in advance and abide by social distancing measures, which will be enforced by a “social distance squad.” According to Disney, this squad will be comprised of a “dedicated team of highly energetic and informative cast members who are committed to engaging and inspiring our guests to follow the appropriate guidelines. These social distancing squad cast members were introduced with the opening of Disney Springs have been a huge hit for our guests and very effective in emphasizing the importance of these elements.”
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 on June 5.
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 on July 11. Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios are set to reopen on July 15.
