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Everything You NEED To Know About Wearing Masks in Disney World

Face masks are becoming a regular part of our everyday lives as businesses reopen and resume operation. And with more private businesses requiring the use of face coverings and masks by their employees and customers, we have all needed to become overnight experts on the do’s and don’ts of masks!

Disney World

As Disney World prepares to reopen their theme parks on July 11 and 15, this is a great opportunity to review exactly what the face mask requirements are at the resort as well as some useful tips that you should be aware of if you’re heading to Disney World this summer!

Protocol & Regulations in the Resort

To start off, it’s important to know the exact protocols and regulations at Disney World when it comes to face coverings! In general, if you’re outside of your hotel room, you should plan on having a face mask on at all times, unless you are seated at a restaurant, eating or sipping on a drink on-the-go, or you are swimming.

In Disney Springs

All guests must wear face coverings when entering Disney Springs, meaning if you don’t have one on you when you arrive, you will NOT be allowed in. We were told by a Cast Member that a small number of disposable masks will possibly be available at the checkpoint for guests without one, but we recommend not counting on that and bringing your own.

Required Measures Sign

Once you have entered Disney Springs, you are still required to keep your mask on at all times. The exceptions to this rule are when you are seated at a restaurant or if you take a bite to eat or sip on your drink while walking around Disney Springs.

Read more about the health and safety precautions currently in place at Disney Springs here!

In the Theme Parks

Disney World notes that face coverings will be required for Cast Members and for guests.

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train in Magic Kingdom

Disney has floated the idea of “relaxation zoneswhere guests may be able to briefly remove their masks while in the parks. We’ve seen this same concept in effect at reopened Universal Orlando, where they offer URest Areas to guests. 

See all of the details from Disney World’s May 27th presentation, including the health and safety measures they will be implementing.

In the Resorts

When Disney Vacation Club Resorts & Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campgrounds reopen on June 22, face coverings will be required for Cast Members and guests when they are in public resort areas, including lobbies, pool areas, gyms, etc.

Beach Club Resort

Face masks will NOT be required when guests are swimming in the pools.

Read more about Disney World’s face mask policies when you are at the resort hotels here!

Other Policies

Originally, Disney was requiring all guests above the age of three to wear a face mask. As of May 28, per CDC guidelines, that was updated to all guests aged two and up.

Update Mask Requirements ©Disney

In case there was any doubt pertaining to Disney’s authority to enforce these policies, remember that Disney World is private property. And as private property, they can deny any Guest service if that Guest does not comply with their policies.

Learn more about Disney World’s updated age policy when it comes to wearing masks here!

Where can I buy masks in Disney World?

As of this writing, Disney Springs is the only retail location open in Disney World. Within Disney Springs, only a select number of third-party retailers have been seen selling face masks including Vera Bradley, American Threads, Sephora, and The Polite Pig.

Vera Bradley Face Masks

With shopDisney selling Disney-themed face masks, we thought we might spot them being sold in World of Disney, but so far that has NOT been the case. Only time will tell if Disney will sell any masks within the theme parks once they reopen in July.

Check out the adorable character masks shopDisney is selling here!

Best practices & tips for staying comfortable

For optimal comfort, you are going to want to shop for masks made with lightweight, breathable material. For maximum effectiveness, you are going to want a face mask made with a tightly-woven cloth. The material that checks both of those boxes seems to be regular old cotton.

American Threads Face Masks

Not all masks are created equal. Some masks are going to be comfier than others. Do your research and shop around. Try different fabrics as well as different elastics (also try masks that tie around your head!). If you don’t want to spend money on face masks, consider making them yourself!

Click Here to Read What It’s Like To Wear a Mask in a Theme Park All Day!

©BitOfMagicCo on Etsy

When it comes to staying comfortable once you have your mask on, we recommend you take your masks on an all-day test run BEFORE you leave on vacation. Wear them around the house, go for a long walk outside, and get used to the feeling of wearing a mask for a prolonged period of time.

Cast Member with required face mask

You’re going to want to be prepared by packing extra masks for you and everyone in your family, or be ready to wash those masks nightly! The CDC recommends that you wash your face mask after every use. You will need to hand wash your mask (or machine wash…but hand washing works fine), or you will need at least one face mask per person per day. 

Read the CDC guidelines for washing your face mask here!

We also recommend you bring a couple of masks in your park bag per day in case it rains. A wet mask is considered no longer useful, and who wants to wear a wet face mask around all day?

Guests with Face Coverings in Disney Springs

You may also want to consider taking a longer midday break if you find it difficult to wear your mask for prolonged periods of time. Leave the parks and go back to your hotel room where you can take your mask off, or go swimming! We recommend working at a slower pace than you may be accustomed to in the theme parks. Try not to run around & get yourself worked up, especially in the summer. It was hot in Disney World BEFORE all these masks, just imagine it now!

Click here for some of our best recommendations for masks!

Masks are new for most of us, but with a bit of research, we can make the best choices to ensure we’re all comfortable. If you’re planning a trip to Disney World soon, you’ll need to do the extra work to be READY with your masks and the new challenges that they will bring. We’ll keep you posted as Disney announces more regarding their reopening. In the meantime, start picking out those masks!

What are YOUR top tips for staying comfortable in a face mask for a prolonged period of time? Share your expertise in the comments!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Disney Springs, Featured, Walt Disney World, disney springs, Disney World, disney world face mask policy, Disney World reopening, face covering, face mask

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There’s Still a Way to Book a Room on Disney World Property Right Now!

Disney World has just dropped SO much resort news, our heads are still spinning a bit.

Beach Club Resort

On top of new dining stipulations at the resorts and the virtual chat option on My Disney Experience for guests, stays at the hotels are about to see some huge changes when they re-open. But if you don’t currently have a hotel reservation, Disney World Resort currently isn’t accepting new ones.

At this time, Disney World is focusing on guests who already have reservations and has temporarily halted new bookings. These guests will be given priority access to the new theme park reservation system, and we filled you in on the fact that Disney’s Swan and Dolphin and Shades of Green Resorts would be included in that set group.

Disney’s Swan and Dolphin Resort

Even though Disney will not be allowing guests to make new reservations at its hotels during this time, we did find a way you can still stay on property! Since the Swan and Dolphin Resorts are Sheraton hotels and partners with Disney, you can still book those resorts through Marriott’s website!

©Marriott

The Swan and Dolphin’s website currently list their closure as lasting through July 5th, but it IS possible to book a stay starting on July 1st. And both the Swan and Dolphin Resorts show booking windows throughout Disney World’s theme parks re-opening on July 11th and July 15th.

©Marriott

Availability may change depending on which room you choose to stay in at the resorts. Right now, there are multiple levels of rooms listed for booking.

©Marriott

If you book a room at either the Swan or Dolphin Resort, you can copy the confirmation number and link into the hotel reservation section on My Disney Experience.

©Marriott

For those that don’t have an existing hotel reservation, and want to book at Disney World for when the parks re-open, booking through the Marriott directly will still give you access to the perks of on-site guests, including first access to the new theme park reservation system. However, keep in mind that availability could always change and staying on property does NOT guarantee theme park admission. As Disney starts to roll out more information about resort reservations and the parks, we’ll continue to keep you updated!

Here’s all the information you need to know about Disney World’s re-opening procedures!

Do you have plans to visit Disney World when the parks re-open? Let us know in the comments below!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Disney News, disney parks, disney resorts, Featured, Swan and Dolphin Resorts, Walt Disney World, Disney, disney hotels, disney news, Disney World, Disney World reopening, Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort, disney’s dolphin resort, disney’s swan resort, marriott, Swan and Dolphin Resort

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Everything You Need to Know About the Discovery Island Trails

You’re going on vacation to Walt Disney World! The only problem? You’re not sure which attractions are right for you and your kiddos and you have questions. Which attractions are too intense for little ones? What rides do I really need a FastPass+ reservation for? What’s the disability access like for certain attractions? We’re answering all those questions and more in our Everything You Need to Know attraction series with today’s focus on the Discovery Island Trails at Disney’s Animal Kingdom!

What are the Discovery Island Trails?

The Discovery Island Trails are self-guided walking trails below the Tree of Life and around a variety of animal-viewing locations.

Where are the Discovery Island Trails?

The Discovery Island Trails are located near the base of the Tree of Life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. There are two entrances/exits to the trails. One can be found to the right of the walkway when approaching Africa from Discovery Island. If you’re like me and use Starbucks locations as a point of reference for directions, the path is right across the way from the park’s Starbucks, which is known as Creature Comforts.

Another entrance/exit sits to the right of the entrance to the Tree of Life itself.

What is the History of the Discovery Island Trails?

The Discovery Island Trails were originally called the Tree of Life Gardens and opened to guests on May 24, 1998, just a few weeks after Animal Kingdom’s opening day. The trail was later renamed the Discovery Island Gardens before it was changed again to its current name of Discovery Island Trails.

What You Need to Know About the Queue

There is no queue for the Discovery Island Trails since its a self-guided walking path. However, guests might encounter crowds around certain animal viewing areas and may need to wait their turn for a good view.

What You Need to Know About the Experience

The Discovery Island Trails are lush pathways winding around the base of the Tree of Life. This quiet area is removed from the crowds and park activity while offering spectacular, close-up views of the carvings of the Tree of Life. Guests can even explore tunnels formed by the tree’s roots!

In addition to the tree, the trails’ lush landscaping, and even waterfalls, guests will also encounter small animal viewing areas. Be on the lookout for flamingos, otters, storks, vultures, porcupines, red kangaroos, and more!

Also, at times, Pocahontas can be found on the Discovery Island Trails meeting with guests. Be sure to check a times guide upon entering the park for where she will be and when.

What You Need to Know About Accessibility

Guests may remain in a wheelchair/ECV to experience the Discovery Island Trails.

What You Need to Know About Health and Safety Advisories

There are no health or safety advisories for this attraction! It’s an experience everyone in the family can enjoy together and at their own pace.

What are the Height Requirements?

There is no height requirement for the Discovery Island Trails!

Do the Discovery Island Trails Offer FastPass+?

No. The the Discovery Island Trails do not offer FastPass+. Since this is a self-guided path, there is no posted wait to experience it.

Does Weather Affect the Discovery Island Trails?

A June storm pops over World Drive as a rainy afternoon gets started.

The Discovery Island Trails are located outdoors and guests will be exposed to inclement weather.

What’s the Best Time of Day to Experience the Discovery Island Trails?

There really isn’t a bad time to check out the Discovery Island Trails. Very few guests know about these trails or take the time to explore them. While you never know when the animals might make their appearance, the coolest part of the day is often your best bet. The trek also serves as a great retreat from the crowds and long lines during the busiest parts of the day.

Did I answer all of your questions about the Discovery Island Trails? Is this attraction at the top of your family’s vacation to-do list? Let us know in the comments.

The post Everything You Need to Know About the Discovery Island Trails appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: Attractions, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Walt Disney World (FL), Character Meets, Discovery Island Trails, Disney Attractions, disney world, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, FastPass+, Pocahontas, Tree of Life, walt disney world

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Here’s What It’s Like To Wear a Mask in a Theme Park All Day!

Disney Springs and Universal Orlando’s CityWalk reopened last month and brought about several big changes — some of which are taking a little more getting used to than others! ?

Universal Orlando

Both shopping and dining districts mandated the use of masks for both guests and employees. Making the change to wearing masks in daily life has been a bit of a transition — but add a little Florida heat and walking around all day to the mix and things start to get a little swampy pretty FAST. 

Our Disney Springs days while wearing face masks were good practice (and gave us some idea of what to expect!) but now that Universal Orlando theme parks have reopened, we can finally give you the official scoop on what it’s like to wear a face mask at a theme park ALL. DAY. LONG!

Masks vs. the Heat

We’d be kidding ourselves if we said wearing a face mask wasn’t really, REALLY hot at times. It definitely the hardest part of the whole face mask-wearing lifestyle we’ve recently procured for ourselves (along with everyone else)! Mid-day when the sun is beating down (not to mention Florida is VERY humid) we’ve been noticeably sweating uncontrollably!

Universal Lines

But here’s the thing — if you’re like us, you’re already used to shvitzing half of your body mass in sweat and having your clothes cling to your body! Being outside this time of year can be hot, sticky, and uncomfortable even without a mask.

Universal

Luckily, we did a little pre-theme park conditioning before we hit Universal Orlando — and we highly recommend taking some long walks outdoors with your face masks and see how well you handle the heat. Chances are you’ll find it tolerable — but you’ll probably have to work up to it!

Click Here For Suggestions To Find The Most Comfortable Masks

Masks vs. Thrill Rides

We weren’t exactly sure what would happen to our face masks once we went on a rollercoaster for the first time since we know what usually happens to loose articles! Bye-bye favorite sunglasses!

The Incredible Hulk Coaster

Check out 6 things that really surprised us about Universal’s reopening here!

But with face coverings that fit snugly against your nose and mouth, this isn’t an issue! The only time we felt our mask start to slide was on Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit — one of Universal’s more-intense rides. And even then, our face mask stayed in place. We recommend giving your mask a quick tug to make sure it’s secure before take-off!

Mask vs. Excitement

Does wearing a face mask take away from rides? This was something we were the MOST curious to find out!

Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit

So what did we think? We still had a great time on the rides, despite wearing face coverings. In fact, on Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure and The Incredible Hulk Coaster, there were moments we totally forgot we were wearing them!

Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure

Check out 6 things we learned at Universal this week that you’ll need to know for Disney World’s reopening!

But here’s the thing — if this is your first time visiting Universal Studios or experiencing these rides, you might not get the full experience! We’ve been on the rides before, so for us, it’s just exciting to get to enjoy them again. If you’re only planning on visiting Universal (or Disney World) once, you might want to wait until face masks aren’t mandatory.

Masks vs. Eating

We weren’t about to let a face mask stop us from consuming as much Butterbeer (and Butterbeer Ice Cream!) as Muggle-ly possible! And like our experience at CityWalk and Disney Springs, eating and drinking with a face mask isn’t much of an issue.

Universal

Guests are allowed to lower their masks while eating or drinking and since tables at restaurants have been spaced apart, you’re free to remove your face covering while you enjoy your meal. Universal employees were keeping a watchful eye on everybody and any time a guest had their mask lowered but wasn’t holding a snack or drink, they were asked to re-cover.

Masks vs. Breathing

Getting in some practice with wearing a mask definitely helped us get more acclimated to breathing through a mask while outside. We also noticed the material of your face mask will make it easier or harder to breathe. Click here for some suggestions as to the most comfortable face masks you can choose.

U-Rest Area

Universal has set up several U-Rest Areas (two inside each theme park and one at CityWalk) where guests can remove their masks temporarily while social distancing. You can stay in these areas for however long you need to get a break.

Click here to learn more about Universal’s U-Rest Areas!

Masks vs. Children

We didn’t have any children with us on our trips to the theme parks this week, but we understand many of our readers are concerned about being able to get their young children to wear face masks for the duration of their visit. The kids we’ve seen so far have been doing a really good job keeping their face masks on, and waiting until they got to a restaurant or U-Rest Area before taking them off!

Line for Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure

While we think this will be a matter each parent will need to address with their children individually, we think having the flexibility to remove face coverings when sitting down for a meal or in a designated U-Rest Area will provide some extra relief for families with younger kids. It’s also possible you might need to plan shorter park days than you’re used to — at least for the time being!

Honeydukes

Overall, face masks do take some getting used to. But that being said, wearing a mask in a theme park didn’t feel TOO much different from a mask all day at Disney Springs. We found out some lessons the hard way, so we have some top tips for wearing a face covering here!

Our most important tip is probably to have back-up. Bring at least two masks (and maybe three) for each person in your party, just in case one does fly off on a ride, or you’re stuck in a rainstorm and the mask you’re wearing is no longer effective.

Thunder Falls

And remember — YOU get to decide when you’re ready to go back out in public and if you’re ready to go to a theme park right now. But we were pleasantly surprised that face coverings didn’t actually put too much of a damper on our day!

Check out all of our live coverage from Universal’s reopening here!

Do you have any questions about wearing a mask in a theme park? Please let us know in the comments below!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Disney News, Disney Springs, Featured, News, Disney, Disney reopening, disney springs, face covering, hulk, Islands of Adventure, Mask, reopen, reopening, theme park, Universal, Universal Orlando, Universal Orlando Resort

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What changes are coming to Walt Disney World before they reopen in July?

disney world

Last night Disney World released a bunch of changes coming to Reservations, Resort Stays, Transportation, and much more. We wanted to break down all of the changes coming for those thinking about going to Walt Disney World during this time.

Take a look…

HEALTH AND SAFETY MEASURES

While visiting Walt Disney World Resort, all Guests ages 2 and older—along with all Cast Members—will be required to wear face coverings.

We have taken enhanced health and safety measures—for you, our other Guests, and Cast Members. You must follow all posted instructions while visiting Walt Disney World Resort.

An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, senior citizens and Guests with underlying medical conditions are especially vulnerable.

By visiting Walt Disney World Resort you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19.

Help keep each other healthy.

RESORTS

As part of our plans for a phased reopening of Walt Disney World® Resort, select Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground will begin to reopen to Guests on June 22, 2020 – ahead of our Theme Parks.

Many Disney Resort benefits and amenities may be temporarily unavailable. Select Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground will be open during your travel dates but other Disney Resort hotels will remain closed.

If you have a reservation at a Disney Resort hotel that won’t be open during your travel dates or if you have a room and theme park ticket package, you can choose to modify your plans by contacting your Travel Professional.

On June 22, select Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground will reopen.

These select Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts include:

Additionally, Magic Kingdom park and Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park will begin a phased reopening on July 11—with Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios reopening on July 15. Learn more about the reopening of Walt Disney World Resort.

Additionally, Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort and Disney’s Vero Beach Resort will reopen to Members and Guests on June 15.

Note: Some of the details below may not apply to Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort and Disney’s Vero Beach Resort.

We made some important updates at our Disney Resort hotels and implemented a number of new health and safety measures.

What You’ll Need

Before traveling to Florida, please make sure that you have reviewed any advisories or restrictions that may be in place for travel to Florida. Visit https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/travelers/ for information. Guests who are under isolation or quarantine orders must not enter Walt Disney World Resort.

Please be aware that you’ll also need:

  • A confirmed room reservation for your stay. Be sure to link your reservation to your Disney account to receive important information prior to your arrival—visit My Plans to get started
  • A confirmed dining reservation if you’re a day Guest (not staying overnight)
  • Face coverings for each Guest age 2 and up—which must be worn in all public areas, except while swimming or seated for dining
  • Planning to visit a theme park during your stay? Select Walt Disney World theme parks will begin to reopen on July 11. To enter a park, both a park reservation and valid admission for the same park on the same date is required (a Disney Resort hotel reservation does not guarantee theme park access)

Also, it’s highly recommended to have:

  • The latest version of the My Disney Experience app on your mobile device, with location services and notifications enabled
  • Cashless or contactless forms of payment, including MagicBands, which Disney Resort hotel Guests can use to charge purchases to their Disney Resort hotel folio.

Wellness Screening

Persons who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, have been in contact with someone with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 symptoms without completing a 14-day quarantine, or are under quarantine orders must not enter Walt Disney World Resort.

Walt Disney World Resort Guests may be subject to additional screenings. Before you leave home, please check the temperatures of everyone in your party—including yourself—as an extra layer of precaution.

If you need to reschedule your reservation, please call the Disney Reservation Center at (407) W-DISNEY or (407) 934-7639. If you’re a Disney Vacation Club Member, please call Member Services at (800) 800-9800.

Disney Resort Hotel Guest Benefits

During the initial reopening period, some benefits may be modified or unavailable.

Disney’s Magical Express® Service
Complimentary airport transportation via Disney’s Magical Express service will be available for Guests arriving and departing from Orlando International Airport.

Many airlines have modified their flight schedules, so please confirm your flight information. If you plan to use Disney’s Magical Express service, contact your room reservation booking agent, or call (407) 939-1936 to make any updates to your flight information on file.

FastPass+ Service
As a result of the COVID-19 impact, FastPass+ service will be suspended for the time being as we plan to use additional queue space to manage capacity for attractions and maintain physical distancing. With that in mind, access to FastPass+ planning is temporarily unavailable. We will share updates at a later date.

Extra Magic Hours
The Extra Magic Hours benefit is unavailable until further notice.

Cleaning

When you stay at a Disney Resort hotel, enjoy peace of mind knowing that your room will be thoroughly cleaned prior to your arrival and serviced during your stay. Plus, common areas will receive enhanced cleaning.

Common Areas
We’ve increased cleaning in high-traffic areas such as public elevators and escalators, handrails, benches, tables, handles, restrooms and more.

Housekeeping
Prior to your arrival, your room will undergo thorough cleaning—with attention to:

  • High-touch areas, like TV remotes and door handles
  • Housekeeping tools will be cleaned between rooms
  • Floors, which will be steam cleaned and vacuumed between Guests

Inside your room, you’ll find:

  • Extra linens and towels wrapped in single-use packaging
  • Individually wrapped glassware
  • Double-cased pillows
  • Additional items that have been cleaned and wrapped in single-use packaging

And during your stay, your room will receive a light cleaning service every other day, which will include:

  • Removal of trash and used towels
  • Replenishment of towels and amenities throughout the room and bathroom
  • Wiping and cleaning of the vanity and counter surfaces
  • Vacuuming if needed

You can also decline the every-other-day service.

Please note that:

  • If you’re a Disney Vacation Club Member using your Membership to stay, you’ll receive service on the 4th and 8th days, unless you decline that service.
  • If there is more than one room on your reservation and you choose to decline service, your selection will apply to all rooms on the reservation.
  • We reserve the right to enter any room at a Disney Resort hotel for maintenance, safety, security or any other purpose, even if the Room Occupied sign is displayed on the room door. View Walt Disney World Resort Property Rules.

Learn more about housekeeping service.

Transportation & Parking

Resort transportation around the property will be available in a limited capacity to allow for physical distancing. Also, if you are arriving via Orlando International Airport, you may still take advantage of Disney’s Magical Express Service.

Complimentary Resort Transportation
Before the theme parks reopen, bus transportation will be available between your Disney Resort hotel and Disney Springs area.

When the theme parks reopen, complimentary transportation will also be provided between your Disney Resort hotel and Disney theme parks.

Transportation will operate with physical distancing measures in place, reducing capacity. As a result, you may experience delays.

Minnie Van Service
Minnie Van Service will not be available during the initial reopening period.

Parking

Self-parking will be available. Valet service is temporarily unavailable, with the exception of Guests with disabilities who may require parking assistance. A valid disability parking permit is required. Parking fees apply for Disney Resort hotel Guests.

Resort Service

Some Disney Resort hotel services will be modified or unavailable during the initial reopening period, based on physical distancing and health guidelines.

Changes include:

  • Bell Services will deliver luggage to rooms, but will not escort Guests
  • Club-level service will be temporarily unavailable
  • Deliveries will only be made to occupied rooms
  • In-room celebrations will not be available
  • Dry-cleaning and valet laundry services will be temporarily unavailable; self-service laundry will remain available
  • Shipping services will be temporarily unavailable
  • Resort airline check-in service may be temporarily unavailable

Resort Amenities & Recreation

Amenities and recreation will be modified based on physical distancing and health guidelines.

Pools

  • Feature pools may operate with reduced hours; leisure pools will be open 24 hours a day
  • Pools will operate with reduced capacity to allow for physical distancing
  • Select poolside activities may be available at select Resort hotels
  • Stormalong Bay at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts will not be available during the initial reopening period; Guests of this Disney Resort hotel may enjoy the leisure pool at Disney’s Beach Club Villas

Fitness Centers & Sports Courts

  • Fitness centers will open in alignment with state and county regulations, and may have reduced hours
  • Fitness centers may have reduced hours and capacity
  • Instructor-led fitness classes will not be available
  • Fitness and sports courts will be open, and Guests must maintain physical distancing

Available Recreation
Activities and schedules will vary. The schedule of activities for your Disney Resort hotel will be shared during your stay.

Merchandise Locations
In merchandise locations throughout Walt Disney World Resort, Guests will continue to discover favorite Disney items, with some modifications to the shopping experience that will help us manage capacity and foster physical distancing.

  • New Product Launches: New collection product launches and limited-edition merchandise will not be available for in-person purchases at Walt Disney World Resort until further notice. As always, Guests can find these items on shopDisney, subject to availability.
  • Pin Trading: We will continue to offer Guests the opportunity to pin trade with Cast Members through the use of pin boards in select locations. Cast pin trading with lanyards will not be available at this time to maintain physical distancing.
  • Delivery Option: Package delivery to the front of our theme parks or to Disney Resort hotels will be suspended. However, shipping merchandise to Guests’ homes continues to be available.
  • Dressing Rooms: For the time being, dressing rooms will not be available.
  • Returns: In-person returns will be available upon the reopening of our merchandise locations.

Temporarily Unavailable 
The following amenities and experiences will not be available during the initial reopening period:

  • Arcades
  • Campfires
  • Character experiences
  • Dog parks
  • Electrical Water Pageant
  • Marina rentals
  • Pin trading
  • Playgrounds
  • Spas, salons and Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

Additionally, the following special offerings and childcare services will not be available during the initial reopening:

  • Fireworks voyages and tasting cruises, including the Pirates and Pals Fireworks Voyage
  • Fun runs
  • Wonderland Tea Party at Park Fare
  • Hula lessons
  • In-room childcare services
  • Mermaid school
  • Special classes and programs—including culinary, cultural and animal programs

Check In Online

To aid in physical distancing efforts, we strongly recommend that you use Online Check-In Service in advance—online or with the My Disney Experience app.

When your room is ready, you’ll get a room-ready notification. Then, you can use either a MagicBand or the My Disney Experience app digital key feature to enter your room!

If you don’t receive your MagicBand(s) prior to your vacation, simply use the My Disney Experience app as a digital key to enter your room. At your convenience, you can visit the Front Desk to pick up your MagicBand(s).

Automatic Checkout

On your scheduled checkout day, you’ll be automatically checked out of your room—so you don’t have to visit the Front Desk (unless you have unresolved charges to your Disney Resort hotel folio).

Virtual Chat With a Resort Cast Member

Beginning June 22, you can chat with a Resort Cast Member via the My Disney Experience app for assistance during your stay. This new feature will offer convenient support nearly anytime—so there’s no need to visit the Lobby or stand in line.

DINING

During your stay, dining locations and experiences may be limited to manage capacity and foster physical distancing.

Changes and Enhancements to Dining

We’re committed to a responsible reopening of Walt Disney World Resort—and we’ve made some important updates and enhancements to our dining experiences based on guidance from health authorities, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and appropriate government agencies.

During the reopening period, many dining experiences may be modified or unavailable in order to promote cleanliness and physical distancing.

What You’ll Need

Before you dine at Walt Disney World Resort, please be aware that you’ll need:

  • Face coverings for each Guest age 2 and up, which must be worn in all public areas—including while entering and exiting dining locations—and can be removed while eating or drinking
  • Planning to dine at a table-service restaurant in a Disney Resort hotel? A confirmed dining reservation is required for day Guests (those not staying overnight) and is highly recommended for Guests staying overnight at a Disney Resort hotel

Also, it’s highly recommended to have:

  • The latest version of the My Disney Experience app on your mobile device, with location services enabled
  • Cashless or contactless forms of payment

In-Park Dining Reservations

At this time, dining reservations are not available. Reservations will resume at a later date.

When in-park dining initially becomes available, you’ll need valid park admission, a reservation for park entry and a dining reservation to dine at an in-park, table-service restaurant. Dining reservations do not guarantee admission to the park.

Disney Springs Dining Reservations

Select dining locations at Disney Springs are currently accepting reservations.

Dining Plans

At this time, Disney dining plans cannot be added to reservations. Check back soon for more information.

Learn about cancellations and refunds for dining plans.

Booking Windows

Learn about updates to booking windows for dining reservations.

Health and Hygiene

New measures have been implemented across Walt Disney World dining locations to promote health and hygiene, including:

  • Enhanced Cleaning: We’ve increased cleaning in high-traffic areas such as public elevators and escalators, handrails, benches, tables, handles, restrooms and more. Additionally, seating areas, dining areas and pagers will be cleaned between Guests.
  • Reduced-Contact Menus: Menus will be shared in ways to minimize contact. At quick-service restaurants, menus will be displayed on signage. And at table-service restaurants, you can scan a code with your mobile device to access the digital menu.
  • Self-Serve Changes: Beverages and other items that were previously self-serve will instead be served by Cast Members.

Enhanced Technology

Use convenient technologies to minimize your contact with others:

  • Mobile Order Service: A time-saving feature of the My Disney Experience app, mobile order service enables you to order ahead at select dining locations and pick up food during a designated arrival window.
  • Scannable Codes for Select Restaurant Menus: While at a table-service restaurant, you can use your own mobile device to scan a code for access to the digital menu.
  • Cashless Payments: At this time, it is recommended all Guests use cashless payment options, including debit cards, credit cards and Disney Gift Cards. Guests can also opt for contactless payment options—such as mobile wallets—or use cash to purchase a Disney Gift Card at Guest Relations and select merchandise locations. Disney Resort hotel Guests can also use MagicBands to charge their purchase to their Disney Resort hotel folio.

Dining Experiences

Additional changes to Walt Disney World dining experiences include:

  • Menu items may vary. For specific menu information, check the restaurant’s online menu when the restaurant reopens.
  • Character Dining will not be offered during the initial reopening, with the exception of a modified Character Dining experience at Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera.
  • Dinner shows will not be offered during the initial reopening.
  • Dining locations will be limited in capacity. Some locations will remain temporarily closed.
  • Private dining and in-room delivery will not be offered during the initial reopening window.
  • Mobile order service will be offered at select quick-service dining locations throughout the Walt Disney World theme parks (when open), Disney Springs and select Disney Resort hotels.

Modifications, Cancellations and Refunds

We understand how much excitement, thought and time goes into planning your visits to Walt Disney World Resort and realize some of these changes may be disappointing. Please know we will be here to help you, as our Cast remains focused on delivering magical experiences and incredible storytelling for everyone who visits.

During this unprecedented period, some of our policies and offerings have been modified:

  • All pre-paid dining and experience reservations impacted by the closure will be automatically refunded.
  • Reservations made at locations impacted by the closure will not be charged a cancellation or no-show fee.
  • We have made the difficult decision to cancel and temporarily no longer offer Disney dining plans. If you have an existing Resort package with a Disney dining plan, we will update your reservation to reflect the removal of the dining plan from your package. The package price will be adjusted accordingly. You will receive a refund if you have already paid in full or a reduction in amount due if you have not yet made final payment.

Tables in Wonderland
Learn about updates to Tables in Wonderland.

For other changes coming to Disney World next month click the links below.

Source Walt Disney World website

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Filed Under: Parks & Resorts, Walt Disney World, Disney Dining, disney transportation, Disney World, Disney World Changes, disney world dining, Disney World Resort