In an interview with CNBC in late April, the CEO of Southwest Airlines, Gary Kelly, was quoted to say that the future of the travel industry is basically in the hands of Walt Disney World. “Speculating on Americans’ impending return to air travel, and travel in general, Kelly referred back to the broader picture. In order for people to plan a trip, “They need to have something to be able to do when they get there,” he said. “So, Disney World needs to open back up. Restaurants need to open back up,” for example.”
While, I’m not sure that everyone is like me and already coordinating my masks with my park attire, the announcement of the reopening of Walt Disney World in July gave me a lot of hope! Here are the details about the safety and protocols the parks will be following.
- July 11th, 2020- Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom parks will reopen with limited capacity.
- July 15th, 2020- Epcot and Hollywood Studios will reopen with limited capacity.
- Reservations to the parks will be required
- Masks or Face Coverings will be required. “Relaxation areas” may be available for guests to use to temporarily remove their masks during their visit.
- Upon the initial reopening, there will not be any parades, fireworks, or character meet and greets.
- Characters may be visible from a distance and interact with guests.
- Mobile ordering of food will be encouraged as well as digital menus for table service restaurants
- Online Check In to the Resorts will be required (by passing the front desk).
- Temperature screening will be required upon entrance of the parks.
- Cashless payment is encouraged (Credit Cards or Magic Band Payment)
- Park Hours may be shorter than usual.
While all the new guidelines are not quite “normal”, I’m excited for low crowds and to return to one of my favorite places on earth!
We will, of course, keep our clients updated as we know more!
