Here's what will change when Disney reopens
The magic returns

Dates for the diary

Dates for the diary

The resort’s Disney Vacation Club properties, including those in Vero Beach, Florida, have already reopened with special measures in place for the protection of guests (outlined further on). A full list of resorts reopening between now and 14 October can be found here.
Disney Springs leads the charge

Leading the way, Disney Springs – Walt Disney World’s sprawling dining, retail and entertainment complex – began a phased reopening back in May. Measures including temperature screenings and barriers to aid with physical distancing are in place, as they will be throughout the resort. You can check the Disney Springs website for the full list of shops and restaurants now open.
Check before you travel

First and foremost, Disney is reminding guests to check Florida travel advisories and restrictions before their trip. Advice for travellers to the state can be found at floridahealthcovid19.gov. Needless to say, the park confirms that those people “under isolation or quarantine orders” should not travel to Walt Disney World Resort.
A new reservation system

A new reservation system

All existing ticket holders will be able to make a Disney park reservation from the end of June, and guests are being prioritised depending on their plans. Those who hold both a hotel package and a theme park admission will be able to make a reservation from as early as 22 June, whilst those with a park ticket only can make bookings from 28 June. You can check the website for further details.
How does it work?

You can make your bookings online from the date that applies to you. This involves creating a Walt Disney Account and “linking” your existing admission (and that of each member of your party) to that account. From here, you can book entrance to a park on a date that suits you. Step-by-step instructions are given on Disney’s website. Note that you'll not be able to "park hop": if you want to visit more than one park, you'll need to make a separate reservation for a different day. Equally, if you have a multi-day ticket, you'll need a park reservation for each of your planned days.
What if I’m an Annual Passholder?

Dedicated Disney fans with a Walt Disney World Annual Pass will not automatically be guaranteed entry to the parks – they’ll still need to make a reservation. Some pass types will also be subject to block-out dates and the total reservation days held at any one time will be capped. However, on the plus side, Annual Passholders will be treated to a sneak preview of the parks as they reopen (details will be shared soon). Full details on the terms for Annual Passholders can be found here.
New bookings

Wear a face covering

All park-goers aged two years or older will be required to wear a face covering at all times (the only exceptions are swimming and eating). Staff will be masked too. The resort requires that masks fully cover your nose and mouth, fit snugly around the face and allow you to remain 'hands-free'. You can check the full requirements here.
Be prepared for a temperature check

Keep your distance

Go cash-free if you can

To aid with physical distancing measures, guests are being asked to go cashless where possible. As well as using debit and credit cards, guests can buy a Disney Gift Card (pictured) and use this for future transactions. MagicBands mean those staying at Disney Resort hotels can charge purchases directly to their room too. Now take a look at these historic photos of Disney parks around the world.
Extra Magic Hours are on hold

You’ll see your favourite characters from a distance

There will be no firework displays

Any events that encourage large gatherings won’t be going ahead at present – that means Disney’s famed firework shows and colourful parades are off the cards for now. The resort has said that experiences such as behind-the-scenes tours will be cancelled too.
Disney's Halloween party is cancelled this year

ESPN Wide World of Sport remains closed

EPCOT's foodie festival will go ahead

There's "plenty of magic for everyone"

Download the My Disney Experience App

According to Disney, the best way to organise your trip and keep up-to-date with openings and changes is with the My Disney Experience App. The app also offers remote services in order to aid park-goers with physical distancing (more details are outlined further on).
Organising your home from home

A virtual stay

To minimise time spent at the front desk, guests are encouraged to use the My Disney Experience app to check-in to their room. The app doubles as a digital room key too. When your stay comes to an end, you’ll be automatically checked-out, so you can skip the lobby queues once again. You can also use the app to virtually chat with a “Cast Member” if you encounter any problems during your stay.
A magic touch

Altered services at resorts

Some services will be unavailable at Disney’s resorts during their first phase of opening. These include things such as dry-cleaning, shipping services and in-room celebrations. Bell-hop services will be altered too. Porters will be able to deliver luggage as required but will not be able to accompany guests to their rooms. Remember you can use the My Disney Experience app if you require extra assistance. Discover what the future of travel could look like here.
What’s available at Disney’s resorts?

Making a splash

Getting around

Guests will still be able to take advantage of free bus travel between Disney’s hotels and its parks. However, distancing measures will mean reduced capacity so plan accordingly and be prepared for a wait. At this time, Minnie Vans (pictured) will not be in operation. You’re welcome to self-park at Disney’s resorts, but the valet service will be on hold too.
Dining at Disney

Distance while dining

Scannable codes will give diners access to digital menus on their devices (note that some restaurant menus might be altered or reduced) and self-serve areas will be out of bounds for now. At some venues, you’ll be able to order ahead on the My Disney Experience app to save on waiting time. Physical distancing measures mean that attractions including dinner shows and character dining experiences will also be on hold and restaurants will operate with reduced capacity. Pictured is The Boathouse restaurant at Walt Disney World's Disney Springs.
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