Mouse Ears and Masks: Disney World and SeaWorld Reopen

We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things because we’re curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.

Walt Disney

Disney presented their plan to reopen the parks this morning at 10am est! (We have our mouse ears and masks 😷 ready to go!!!)

Here is everything you need to know if you plan to visit Disney World. 💕

Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom are set to open July 11, 2020

Epcot and Hollywood Studios are set to open on July 15, 2020

Key points:

1. Disney has assessed and revamped their guest and cast member experiences.

2. Disney will be holding cast days and “soft previews” before opening in July.

3. There will be strict limits on attendance and guests MUST obtain reservations for the theme parks in ADVANCE.

4. Enhanced protective measures: Face coverings will be required, hand washing and hand sanitizing stations will be more prevalent, and additional barriers will be installed.

5. Disney will increase physical distancing throughout the parks, restaurants, and rides.

6. There will be increased cleaning protocols of high touch areas and surfaces.

7. Temperature screenings will be required for guests and cast members.

8. Assessment and reduction of high touch contact points.

9. Character meet and greets as well as play areas will be temporarily paused.

10. Cashless payments at stores and restaurants will be encouraged.

11. Plexiglass barriers will be present in stores and food servicing areas.

12. Vastly reduced capacity in parks, restaurants, attractions, and transportation throughout the property.

13. Parades and fireworks will be paused temporarily.

14. Cast members will be required to complete at home temperature checks as well as onsite temperature checks.

15. Disney will focus on education, communication, and engagement for their cast members and guests.

16. They will implement “Know before you go” education materials on the app and website.

17. There will be signs and communication about the new protocols throughout the parks and property.

18. CMs will be focused on their own well being and their guests well being. (Remember, be nice to them!)

19. There will be a social distancing squad, which will be inspiring guests to follow the guidelines. (Be nice to them too 😃)

Slides from the Disney Presentation (Slides created by and presented by Jim MacPhee, Sr. VP of Operations, Disney World):

Seaworld also presented their plan. They are set to open June 10, 2020 for an employee appreciation event and June 11, 2020 to the public. Here are their key points:

1. Face coverings will be required for employees and guests.

2. Physical distancing will be encouraged.

3. Seaworld will be increasing contactless payments and use of plexiglass.

4. Increased hand sanitation and cleaning stations.

5. Temperature checks for guests will be required.

6. Improved sick policy for employees, encouraging employees to stay home if sick.

7. Enhanced training for Sea World ambassadors around Covid 19 procedures.

8. Guest arrivals and ticketing: Attendants will be behind plexiglass, no finger scanning needed.

9. Restaurants will have physical distancing and will create more prepackaged items. As well as provide Google pay and Apple pay for contactless payments.

10. Stores will have dedicated entrances and exits. Employees will be behind plexiglass and provide contactless scanning. Guests can bring their own bag for souvenirs.

11. Animal exhibits will encourage social distancing and will have increased attention to cleaning and sanitizing handrails and other high touch areas.

12. Public spaces will have enhanced general cleaning, staggered seating for shows will be implemented, and enhanced cleaning processes after the shows will take place.

13. Rides will encourage socially distancing in the cue and hand sanitizer will be provided when you get on the ride and off the ride.

14. Meet and greets will still take place but will practice social distancing.

15. Employee areas in the park will follow same practices and procedures as guests areas.

Sea World Water parks – Discovery cove

1. Increase cleaning and sanitation.

2. Practice social distancing.

Here are the slides from the Seaworld presentation. (Slides presented by and created by Mark Swanson, Interim CEO, Seaworld):

Hey you! We know you love travel, Disney, and a little imagination. So do we! Subscribe to our blog and you’ll never miss a single tip, story, or recommendation!