Pending approval of Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Walt Disney World will begin to reopen in mid July.
At a presentation before the Orange County Recovery Task Force on Wednesday, May 27, Jim MacPhee, Senior Vice President of Walt Disney World. requested a reopening date of July11 for the Magic Kingdom and Disney's Animal Kingdom. Disney's Hollywood Studios and Epcot will follow on July 15.
The reopening plan includes a variety of safety and sanitation measures including personal protective equipment, physical barriers and touch less payments. Health and safety reminders will be posted across property to remind guests of distancing, recommended hand washing procedures, closed tables in restaurants, etc.
Capacity restrictions will be implemented for theme parks, attractions and transportation across property. Parades, fireworks and similar events will be discontinued until future notice. Character meet-and-greets and playgrounds will also be closed indefinitely.
Facial coverings will be required as part of the reopening plan. Disney is looking into creating "relaxation zones" around property where guests could remove their masks for a time.
A group of Cast Members dubbed the "social distance squad" will be utilized to encourage guests to follow proper guidelines throughout their visit.
During the same meeting, Sea World requested permission to host an employee appreciation night on June 10 with public reopening to follow on June 11. Universal Studios Florida will begin a soft opening of its theme parks on June 1 with availability to the general public on June 5.
