Walt Disney World theme parks are beginning to reopen this week, and Walt Disney World has been making some changes to dining both at Disney Springs (which is now fully open) as well as their in-park dining, when it returns in just a few days. If you are planning to grab a bite at Walt Disney World in the near future, here’s what you need to know.
1. Standalone Bars will not be operating
Florida’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation has banned all on-site alcohol consumption at bars as of June 26, 2020, which has already forced several Disney Springs watering holes to close indefinitely, including Jock Lindsey’s Hanger Bar and Dockside Margaritas, and will certainly affect in-park drinking locations like the Dawa Bar, and La Cava Del Tequilla. Though sit down establishments that include a restaurant, like the Rose and Crown Pub, are able to continue operating for now.
One big question we have is Oga’s Cantina, which was originally not going to operate during reopening, but is now taking reservations for opening week. Though it doesn’t seem like the type of establishment that would be able to operate under Florida’s rules, perhaps Disney has found a way to use the restaurant loophole to keep this location running.
2. Character dining suspended indefinitely, except at two locations
Though many Disney restaurants will be reopening with the theme parks next month, Disney has been reaching out to guests who have previously booked Walt Disney World dining plans to notify them that character dining will NOT be available when Disney World reopens.
However Disney has clarified this point somewhat in recent days saying that while Character Dining will still not be offered during the initial reopening there will be a “modified Character Dining experience” available at Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera, as well as Garden Grill Restaurant inside Epcot. We don’t know exactly what constitutes a “modified” experience at these locations, but hopefully we’ll learn more when the parks reopen!
3. Dining reservations can now be rebooked
Guests with previously-cancelled dining experiences are now able to rebook for rescheduled vacations. Guests must call ahead up to 60 days in advance of their arrival to secure replacement reservations and can also go online for dining rebooking.
4. Dining experiences will be as contactless as possible
A key component of Walt Disney World’s reopening procedures is the increase in contactless experiences for guests, which will extend to dining, with Mobile Ordering becoming the preferred way to get quick service meals and contactless payments such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, or the use of Magic Bands used in all locations, including table service locations.
And speaking of table service restaurants,Walt Disney World has said that they will be offering contactless menus via QR codes that guests can access via their smartphones. Guests who don’t want to take advantage of this option will be given paper menus as a courtesy. These menus will then be thrown away after each use.
As always, while this situation is evolving, all travelers 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: Disney Kicks Out The VOID for Undisclosed Reasons I No Parking Trams or Minnie Vans at Walt Disney World Reopening I Cirque du Soleil: Drawn to Life Still Hoping to Debut This Year at Disney Springs I Walt Disney World is Making HUGE Changes Right Now in Preparation for Reopening I 5 Things You Need to Know Happening at Disney Springs Right Now I Disney Parks Hit Capacity Limits for Opening Week as Orange County Confirms Reopening I The 16 Major Theme Park Projects Now Officially Cancelled, Delayed or Slimmed Down (June 27, 2020) I Disneyland Theme Parks Will NOT Open Next Month
