Does Disney World Reopen Soon? Dates And Guidelines Announced

While there remains no set date for California's Disneyland to open after being closed since March due to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, Florida's Disney World has proposed a schedule for relaunch. Disney presented its plan during a meeting with the Orange County Economic Task Force, much like Universal Studios Orlando did last week. It was unanimously approved.

The plan calls for two of Disney World's parks, Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom, to open on July 11, with Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios following on July 15. Along with the dates came a slew of new guidelines from the parks, plus information about what will be missing when visitors return.

First and foremost, capacity will be reduced across all parks for an undetermined amount of time. With that, Disney will require advanced reservations for guests to gain entry to parks. If you can't get a reservation slot, don't bother going to the parks because you will not be admitted.

As with Universal Studios, face masks and temperature checks will be required of all visitors and employees, while hand washing and sanitizing stations will be positioned throughout the parks. Additionally, plexiglass barriers will be implemented throughout the parks to limit contact between guests and employees.

As for what will be missing when Disney World reopens, all parades, fireworks shows, and character meet and greets have been temporarily suspended. There is no announced date for when those experiences would return.

Chances are these procedures are similar to what will be implemented at Disneyland once it opens again. A date for that park has not been announced but the state of California has hinted that it could come in June.

Image credit: Getty/Roberto Machado Noa