Though Walt Disney World has announced some broad procedures that will be in place when Walt Disney World begins reopening in mid-July, over the weekend they have clarified some important details about what guests can expect when they visit the theme parks in the months ahead. Though we already know there will be no parades, fireworks shows, character experiences, and all FastPass+ service has been discontinued, here are some of the other changes guests can expect when they visit Walt Disney World.
1. Theme park reservations are required for all guests, and hotel guests will NOT be guaranteed theme park entry
In order to gain entrance to a Walt Disney World theme park, all guests, no matter whether they are staying on-site or somewhere else, will need valid admission tickets as well as an arrival reservation time. And interestingly, Disney has said that they will not be granting special access to resort guests. If a guest does not have a reservation window to go with their tickets, they simply won’t be able to visit the theme parks, even if they have a dining reservation.
2. There will be one single character dining experience
Disney has said previously that all character interactions have been suspended until further notice, which unfortunately includes character dining experiences like those at Cinderella’s Royal Table and Crystal Palace. However Disney has clarified this point somewhat 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, and more information will be released soon.
3. The Electric Water Pageant will not be performed
Though the Electric Water Pageant technically counts as a parade, many wondered if this nightly traditon could continue at Walt Disney World this summer as it has a very wide viewing area around Bay Lake. However, it looks like Disney has confirmed that all performances of the Electric Water Pageant have been suspended until further notice.
4. Minnie Vans will not be available when the resort reopens, and bus travel will be limited
It has been confirmed that the popular Minnie Van service will not be available once the parks reopen, along with valet service at resorts. And while bus transportation will be available between resorts and theme parks (as well as Disney Springs), guests may find wait times a little bit longer than usual, as buses will have strict capacity limits and distancing rules inside the vehicles will apply.
5. Resort housekeeping procedures will be different
As you might expect, housekeeping at Walt Disney World resort will be a lot different when the resort reopens in July. Rooms will be deep cleaned in between guests, with housekeepers focusing on sanitizing high-touch areas. In addition, daily housekeeping will be discontinued, with rooms only available for cleaning every other day.
6. Guests who want to change their reservations need to do so soon
Guests with a reservation at a Walt Disney World hotel between June 22, 2020 and July 4, 2020, before are now being asked to modify, or cancel their reservations by June 12th. In addition Disney has announced that it has extended the amount of time that guests can modify or cancel their vacation without fees for arrivals from now through October 3, 2020.
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.
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