Walt Disney World Resort Reopening
Information and Updates
All of the up-to-date information we have on the reopening of Walt Disney World is located below in the following sections:
- Disney Springs
- Disney Resort Hotels
- Disney Transportation
- Disney Restaurants
- Magic Kingdom
- EPCOT
- Disney's Hollywood Studios
- Disney's Animal Kingdom
- Disney Water Parks
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- Managing Expectations With New COVID Guidelines at Disney Theme Parks
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This page is your one-stop shop for all the details you need to know regarding the phased reopening of the Walt Disney World Resort.
This top section is for historical purposes.
All the Disney World theme parks closed to guests March 16, 2020. Disney Springs closed all of the Disney-owned shops and restaurants on March 17, 2020, and the Disney Resort hotels quickly followed suit by closing on March 20, 2020.
Disney Springs began a phased reopening on Wednesday, May 20, 2020.
Walt Disney World's plan for a phased reopening of its theme parks and select Resort hotels was presented May 27th during the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force meeting and was signed off by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on May 29th.
Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom reopened to guests on July 11, 2020.
EPCOT and Disney's Hollywood Studios reopened to guests on July 15, 2020.
Guests with partially used multi-day tickets or date-specific tickets purchased prior to June 6, 2020 (with a use period starting March 12, 2020 or later), will have the expiration date on those tickets extended to September 26, 2021. If guests are unable to use a ticket by September 26, 2021, the value of a wholly unused ticket can be applied toward the purchase of a ticket for a future date.
At this time, theme park reservations are required in order to enter any of the Walt Disney World theme parks. Attendance is limited due to capacity restrictions, and will be subject to availability. Theme park attendance is now managed through a park reservation system entitled Disney Park Pass System. In order to enter a theme park, both a park reservation and valid admission for the same park on the same date will be required to make and to keep your park reservations. It's also important to note that simply having an Advance Dining Reservation within a theme park does not guarantee admittance. Park Hopping is permitted after 2:00 p.m. but you have to have visited the theme park you reserved a park pass for prior to being able to hop to another park.
All guests including existing ticket holders and Annual Passholders can make reservation requests using Disney's online reservation calendar. It may be difficult for Annual Passholders to get park reservations to visit on certain dates during the period of time where capacity is limited. The total reservation days that can be held by an Annual Passholder at one time depends on the type of Annual Pass you have. If an Annual Passholder has a Resort reservation, they will be able to secure theme park reservations for their entire length of stay in addition to their rolling days.
The Advance Dining Reservation system has switched from a 180-day booking window to a 60-day booking window in order to allow guests to make plans closer to their visits.
ARTICLE: Rediscovering the Magic of Disney in Your Return to the Theme Parks
Linking your upcoming resort reservations and/or theme park tickets in your My Disney Experience accounts as soon as possible is a must. Making sure to complete this step will enable you to receive important communication and information regarding your vacations including key planning dates and details about the new Disney Park Pass reservation system. Follow the link above for more detailed information on how to use My Disney Experience.
Visit this page to learn more about the Disney Park Pass Reservation System
Those who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, have been in contact with someone with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 symptoms without completing a quarantine, or are under quarantine orders MUST NOT enter Walt Disney World Resort.
Related: How to Add a Nose Wire to a Cloth Disney Face Mask
Face coverings are required in all indoor locations regardless of vaccination status. Face masks are optional for fully vaccinated guests in most outdoor areas. Face coverings are required of all guests on Disney transportation, including Disney buses, monorails and Disney Skyliner. Disney will not require proof of vaccination, but they do expect guests who are not fully vaccinated to continue wearing face coverings in all indoor locations, and upon entering and throughout all attractions and transportation – including children ages 2 and older.
Related: Five Ways to Ease into Masked Life at Disney
Below is the additional Coronavirus-related statement that appears on the official Walt Disney World website as well as in the My Disney Experience app:
As we have done since reopening, we’ve been very intentional and gradual in our approach to our COVID-19 health and safety protocols. Based on recent trends and regulatory guidance, Walt Disney World Resort will be making adjustments to these measures, which may continue to change at any time without notice.
We encourage people to get vaccinated.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.
The following tour experiences remain unavailable:
- Backstage Magic
- Behind the Seeds
- Disney’s Family Magic Tour
- Disney’s The Magic Behind Our Steam Trains Tour
- The UnDISCOVERed Future World
- Up Close with Rhinos
- Walt Disney: Marceline to Magic Kingdom Tour
- World Showcase: DestiNations Discovered
- Wild Africa Trek
- Wild Africa Trek (Morning)
- A Path Less Traveled Tour
- Behind the Seeds
- Epcot Seas Adventures – Aqua Tour
- Epcot Seas Adventures – DiveQuest
- Epcot Seas Adventures – Dolphins in Depth
- Wanyama Safari
- Wild Africa Trek (Morning)
- Disney’s Keys to the Kingdom Tour
- Caring for Giants
- Wild Africa Trek
- Up Close with Rhinos
- Savor the Savanna: Evening Safari Experience
All of the up-to-date information we have on the reopening of Walt Disney World is located below in the following sections:
- Disney Springs
- Disney Resort Hotels
- Disney Transportation
- Disney Restaurants
- Magic Kingdom
- EPCOT
- Disney's Hollywood Studios
- Disney's Animal Kingdom
- Disney Water Parks
The hours of operation for Disney Springs are typically 10am to 11pm but do vary depending on the location (and are also subject to change at any time without notice).
When parking at Disney Springs, it is recommended that you arrive at least 60 minutes before any scheduled event, show or reservation. Digital message boards along Buena Vista Drive will indicate when parking garages and surface lots are full. Due to limited capacity, Disney may occasionally pause parking and pedestrian entry.
Parking may be more available earlier in the day Monday through Thursday – parking lots often reach capacity on weekends, evenings and holidays.
Due to capacity restrictions at Disney Springs, once the parking garages are full, guests will no longer be able to park and visit Disney Springs; this includes guests who have a booked Advance Dining Reservations. If a guest is not able to make their reservation because Disney Springs is closed due to capacity, the dining guarantee charge will be waived.
Face coverings are required in all indoor locations regardless of vaccination status. Face masks are optional for fully vaccinated guests in most outdoor areas. Face coverings are required of all guests when riding Disney transportation, including Disney buses, monorails, boats, and Disney Skyliner. Disney will not require proof of vaccination, but they do expect guests who are not fully vaccinated to continue wearing face coverings in all indoor locations, and upon entering and throughout all attractions and transportation – including children ages 2 and older.
Physical barriers could still be located in certain places to allow for physical distancing. Disney recommends that all guests use cashless or contactless payment options at this time.
ALL Walt Disney World owned and operated resort hotels are now open!
We'd also like to share that while Shades of Green is not a Walt Disney World owned/operated esort, it is on Disney property and now open. If you'd like more information on the Shades of Green Military resort, click HERE.
Remember, only guests with a valid theme park ticket or Annual Pass will be able to access the Disney Park Pass reservation system.
Given the current situation, there are some Resort hotels and other areas that have not been scheduled for reopening just yet. Disney will continue to evaluate the current situation and reopen more locations when they are ready and feel that the environment is right to do so.
Resort guests are strongly encouraged to utilize the Online Check-In Service via My Disney Experience in order to avoid having to visit to the front desk. On the scheduled checkout day, guests will be automatically checked out of their rooms; no need to visit the front desk unless you have unresolved charges to your Disney Resort hotel folio. Guests can now virtually chat with a Resort cast member via the My Disney Experience app for assistance during their stay. This feature offers support nearly anytime of the day so there’s no need to visit the lobby or stand in line.
It's also important that you review advisories and/or restrictions that may be in place prior to traveling to Florida. We recommend checking often as things are changing constantly. Visit https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/travelers/ for more information.
New health and safety measures have been put into effect at Walt Disney World as well as some updates:
The following amenities and experiences ARE NOT available currently:
- Surfing activities – including group lessons and private sessions
- Harmony Barbershop
- Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
- Captain Hook's Pirate Crew
- Pirate Adventure Cruises
- Pirates & Pals Fireworks Voyage
- Sense of Africa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
- Starlight Safari at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
Some Disney Resort hotel services will be modified or unavailable during the initial reopening period, based on physical distancing and health guidelines.
Changes include:
- Club-level service is beginning to reopen
- Deliveries will only be made to occupied rooms
- In-room celebrations are not 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 is no longer unavailable
Face coverings are required in some indoor locations regardless of vaccination status. Face masks are optional for fully vaccinated guests in most outdoor areas. Face coverings are required of all guests on some Disney transportation, including Disney buses and monorails. Disney will not require proof of vaccination, but they do expect guests who are not fully vaccinated to continue wearing face coverings in all indoor locations, and upon entering and throughout all attractions and transportation – including children ages 2 and older.
Trams are not currently running from the parking lots to the front entrances of the theme parks with the exception of the Transportation and Ticket Center – the Magic Kingdom parking lot. If you are driving and plan on parking in the theme park parking lots or the TTC, be aware that you could be in for a bit of a walk in the hot sun.
Related: The Return of Entertainment Is GREAT, but Where Are the Parking Lot Trams?
Disney Skyliner
The Disney Skyliner is open and currently loads MORE THAN ONE PARTY per gondola.
Monorail
The Magic Kingdom and EPCOT monorails are both running.
Disney Boat Transportation
Water transportation via ferry boats is running now as well. Physical distancing methods have been put into place on the ferry boats. For example, there is no sitting allowed on the benches to allow them to somewhat separate standing guests. Reopening dates for other watercraft has not yet been announced.
Disney Airport Shuttle Service
Disney's Magical Express was discontinued with arrivals beginning January 1, 2022. Mears Connect is now available for booking with dates beginning January 1, 2022. As another option, The Sunshine Flyer is available for booking now with arrival dates beginning February 1, 2022.
Complimentary Resort Transportation
Bus transportation has resumed between theme parks, Disney Springs, and the open Disney Resort hotels.
Minnie Van Service
Minnie Van Service will return in the Summer of 2022.
Parking
Self-parking is available at all Disney Resort hotels that have reopened. Valet service is available once again at the Deluxe and Disney Vacation Club Resorts.
Walt Disney World has made updates and enhancements to their 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.
The Advance Dining Reservation system has switched from a 180-day booking window to a 60-day booking window in order to allow guests to make plans closer to their visits.
All Character Dining that has reopened so far at Walt Disney World is a modified experience with the Disney characters posing for distanced photos rather than stopping at each table for meet and greets.
At this time, the Disney Dining Plan is unavailable.
In addition to increasing cleaning in high-traffic areas such as public elevators and escalators, handrails, benches, tables, handles, restrooms and more, new health and safety measures have been put into place across Walt Disney World dining locations to promote health and hygiene, including:
- Enhanced Cleaning: Seating areas, dining areas, and pagers will be cleaned between guests.
- Reduced-Contact Menus: Menus will be shared in different ways to minimize contact; at Quick Service restaurants, menus will be displayed on signage and at Table Service restaurants, guests can scan a code with their mobile device to access digital menus.
- Self-Serve Changes: Beverages and other items that were previously self-serve will now be served by cast members.
Guests can check-in for their dining reservations via the My Disney Experience app on their smartphones. The mobile check-in feature is available at select Table Service restaurants and saves guests from having to visit the host stand to check in.
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. Guests can use cash to purchase a Disney Gift Card at Guest Relations or at select merchandise locations. Disney Resort hotel guests can also use MagicBands to charge their purchase to their Disney Resort hotel folio.
The following Disney Resort restaurants and bars HAVE NOT REOPENED since their original closure back in March of 2020 (reopening dates officially announced as noted below):
|
1900 Park Fare (Grand Floridian) |
Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Review (Fort Wilderness) (Reopening June 23, 2022) Spirit Of Aloha Dinner Show (Polynesian Village) (PERMANENTLY CLOSED) Victoria and Albert's (Grand Floridian) |
The following Disney theme park restaurants and bars HAVE NOT REOPENED since their original closure back in March of 2020 (reopening dates officially announced as noted below):
| MAGIC KINGDOM | DISNEY'S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS |
|---|---|
| All dining locations are open! | Neighborhood Bakery |
| EPCOT | DISNEY'S ANIMAL KINGDOM |
| Akershus Royal Banquet Hall | Caravan Road |
| Monsieur Paul | |
| Takumi-Tei |
The following dining experiences ARE NOT available currently:
- Afternoon Tea at the Garden View Tea Room
- Cake Decorating Experience at Amorette's Patisserie
- Circle of Flavors: Harambe at Night
- Dine with an Animal Specialist
- Dining with an Imagineer – Cítricos
- Dining with an Imagineer – The Hollywood Brown Derby
- Disney Early Morning Magic – Fantasyland
- Epcot Forever Dining Package
- Fantasmic! Dining Package
- Festival of the Lion King Signature Dining Package
- Highway in the Sky Dine Around
- Jiko Wine Tasting
- Perfectly Princess Tea Party
- Savor the Savanna: Evening Safari Experience
- Sense of Africa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
- Signature Celebration at Cinderella’s Royal Table
- Tiffins Talks
- Victoria & Albert's Chef's Table Dinner
- Wanyama Safari
- Wonderland Tea Party at 1900 Park Fare
- Fantasmic! Dessert & VIP Viewing Experience
- Frozen Ever After Dessert Party
- Pirates & Pals Fireworks Voyage
- Rivers of Light Dessert Party
- Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party at Disney's Hollywood Studios
The Magic Kingdom is NOW OPEN!
It's important to know that guests must not only have valid theme park admission, but also a theme park reservation in the Disney Park Pass reservation system in order to enter a theme park.
Sanitizing stations are located throughout the park. Plexiglass has been installed at points of sale in retail shops and in food and beverage locations as well as on the ride vehicles of some attractions.
Below is a list of the attractions, shops, and entertainment offerings are available at Magic Kingdom (subject to change at any time, for any reason, without notice – for up-to-the-minute details, check the My Disney Experience app):
Disney characters are slowly returning to standard meet and greets throughout the park. Check the My Disney Experience app for times and locations.
The theme parks are being operated with "controlled guest density" and at reduced capacity – as will restaurants, stores, attractions, buses, monorails, and other Disney transportation.
Related articles:
- Let’s Take a Peek at the Current Safety Measures in Place in the Disney World Shops
- My Annual Passholder Preview Visit to Magic Kingdom – A Personal Look
EPCOT is NOW OPEN!
Learn more about the Festivals that take place throughout the year at EPCOT by visiting our EPCOT Shows and Events page.
It's important to know that guests must not only have valid theme park admission, but also a theme park reservation in the Disney Park Pass reservation system in order to enter a theme park.
Sanitizing stations are located throughout the park. Plexiglass has been installed at points of sale in retail shops and in food and beverage locations as well as on some attraction vehicles.
Below is a list of the attractions, shops, and entertainment offerings that are now open at EPCOT (subject to change at any time, for any reason, without notice – for up-to-the-minute details, check the My Disney Experience app):
Attractions
|
Shops
|
Disney characters are slowly returning to standard meet and greets throughout the park. Check the My Disney Experience app for times and locations.
The theme parks are being operated with "controlled guest density" and at reduced capacity – as are restaurants, stores, attractions, buses, monorails, and other Disney transportation.
Disney's Hollywood Studios is NOW OPEN!
It's important to know that guests must not only have valid theme park admission, but also a theme park reservation in the new Disney Park Pass reservation system in order to enter the theme park.
Sanitizing stations are located throughout the park. Plexiglass has been installed at points of sale in retail shops and in food and beverage locations as well as on the ride vehicles of some attractions.
Below is a list of the attractions, shops, and entertainment offerings that are open at Disney's Hollywood Studios (subject to change at any time, for any reason, without notice – for up-to-the-minute details, check the My Disney Experience app):
Attractions
|
Shops
|
Disney has temporarily paused character meet and greets, but characters are still visible in motorcades that take place on Hollywood Boulevard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and you may see them pop up in unexpected locations throughout the park.
The theme parks are being operated with "controlled guest density" and at reduced capacity – as are restaurants, stores, attractions, buses, monorails, and other Disney transportation.
Disney's Animal Kingdom is NOW OPEN!
It's important to know that guests must not only have valid theme park admission, but also a theme park reservation in the new Disney Park Pass reservation system in order to enter the theme park.
Sanitizing stations are located throughout the parks as well. Plexiglass has been installed at points of sale in retail shops and in food and beverage locations as well as on some attraction vehicles throughout the park.
Below is a list of the attractions, shops, and entertainment offerings that is now available at Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park (subject to change at any time, for any reason, without notice – for up-to-the-minute details, check the My Disney Experience app):
Attractions
|
Entertainment
Shops
|
Disney characters are slowly returning to standard meet and greets throughout the park. Check the My Disney Experience app for times and locations.
The theme parks are being operated with "controlled guest density" and at reduced capacity – as are restaurants, stores, attractions, buses, monorails, and other Disney transportation.
Disney's Blizzard Beach is currently closed while Typhoon Lagoon has finally reopened!
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