Tomorrow, Disney Springs will officially reopen in a very limited capacity, as a number of third-party shopping and dining locations like Chicken Guy!, Blaze Pizza, Planet Hollywood, Earl of Sandwich, The Polite Pig, Wolfgang Puck Bar and Grill, STK Orlando, Wine Bar George, and other favorites will begin welcoming guests once again for the first time since March. And in an effort to make the opening as smooth as possible, Disney has updated their website in a few key ways, updating official policies
1. Guests now agree to risk of “Illness and Death” from COVID-19 by visiting Disney Springs
Liability statements are nothing new. By visiting a theme park, you assume certain risks, which are often spelled out in the fine print that no one reads on their theme park tickets. However, while most language in liability statements are designed in such a way to prevent frivolous lawsuits, there are instances where serious incidents have happened inside Disney parks. And now it looks like, thanks to the COVID-19 Pandemic, Disney has updated their liability statement to include MUCH stronger language:
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.
This is some pretty strong wording, but is unfortunately necessary as it doesn’t seem to be a matter of if, but when, we see COVID-19 transmissions at Walt Disney World (either at Disney Springs or at the theme parks once they open), and Disney definitely needs to protect themselves from any kind of legal action.
2. Crowds will be controlled through limited parking access, and dining reservations will not guarantee you entry
Though we’ve been wondering about capacity caps since Disney first announced the reopening of Disney Springs, it looks like the shopping and dining destination will be controlling crowds by offering parking on a first come, first serve basis. Once the Lime and Orange parking garages are full (which have a combined capacity of about 12,000), no overflow parking will be permitted and guests will not be able to get in to Disney Springs at all. Interestingly, Disney has specified that guests with dining reservations will NOT be automatically let in to Disney Springs, so it might be a good idea to try and arrive early to ensure you make your reservation.
3. Masks and temperature checks will be required
Like next-door neighbor Universal CityWalk, all guests visiting Disney Springs must wear a mask during their entire visit to the shopping and dining district (except when eating). And according to Disney’s recent FAQ, it was revealed that if a guest does not have a face covering, Disney has said that they may be able to provide a temporary mask, but such a measure is not guaranteed and guests could be turned away if no temporary masks are available, as all guests above the age of three will be required to wear a mask with no exceptions.
As always, while this situation is evolving, all theme park fans should check out the CDC’s official site here, which has information on the virus and how to prevent its spread.
Theme Park Tourist COVID-19 Complete Coverage: Vice President Pence to Help Disney and Universal Theme Parks With Reopening Plans I Disney Springs Announces Mask and Temperature Requirements, Plus Phase 2 Opening May 27 I Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort and More Get OK for Reopening With Stipulations I Universal’s Epic Universe Delayed Indefinitely I A Summer Without US Disney Parks is Looking More and More Likely I Universal CityWalk Opening This Week With Limited Hours, Required Masks, and Temperature Checks I The 13 Major Theme Park Project Now Officially Cancelled, Delayed or Slimmed Down (May 12, 2020)
