ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

Disney World plans to begin phased reopening in July

May 27, 2020, 9:38 AM

Disney requiring masks, DISNEY ISLAND...

FILE: Walt Disney World Resort plans to begin its phased reopening in early July, implementing modifications and limitations to avoid another COVID-19 outbreak. (Photo by David Roark/Disneyland Resort via Getty Images)

(Photo by David Roark/Disneyland Resort via Getty Images)

ORLANDO, Florida — Officials at Walt Disney World in Florida announced Wednesday they will begin their phased reopening plan for the theme park, aiming to bring guests back the beginning of July. This will end the park’s multi-month closure in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The theme park plans to begin its phased reopening of the Magic Kingdom parks July 11, with EPCOT and Hollywood Studios following close behind July 15. 

“As we navigate through this unprecedented time as responsibly as we can, we have implemented a number of new safety measures based on guidance from health authorities, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and appropriate government agencies,” the park said in a statement

Walt Disney World, as well as its counterpart Disneyland in Anaheim, California, had previously closed in mid-March as part of the widespread efforts to avoid a larger outbreak of the virus. Several other Disney-themed parks around the world also closed in response. 

This left the company to furlough roughly 43,000 workers in its absence, only leaving essential workers on the clock for the time being. As of right now, it’s unclear how many of these employees will be brought back right away. 

The park reported it would be welcoming back “some cast members” with safety concerns at the forefront. 

As part of its reopening phase, the park will implement several health and safety protocols including: 

  • Limited parking and reduced entrances.
  • Temperature screenings before entering the gates. Anyone with a temperature above 100.4 will not be admitted. 
  • Face coverings required for all guests three-years-old and older. These must be worn at all times, even when dining. 
  • Physical distancing practices through queues and barriers.
  • Cashless transactions will be recommended whenever possible.
  • Reduced hours at select locations and rides, as well as no scheduled entertainment offerings or high-touch interactive areas.
  • An increased focus on disinfecting and sanitation, including the addition of hand-washing stations and hand sanitizers in key areas.

Several shops and restaurants will be open within the park, but hours and availability will vary. The park is recommending to call ahead before planning to stop by. 

However, some theme parks and resort hotels will remain closed until further notice. Upon the reopening of these, modifications and limitations are expected.  

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Arts + Entertainment

Killer Mike poses in the press room with three trophies he won at the 66th annual Grammy Awards on ...

Carter Williams, KSL.com

Recent Grammy winners highlight Ogden Twilight Concert Series lineup

Hip hop star Michael Render, known by his stage name Killer Mike, fresh off of three Grammy Award wins last month, is one of several musical artists set to headline this year's Ogden Twilight Concert Series.

6 hours ago

Indie folk/pop band The National Parks. (The National Parks)...

Mariah Maynes

Provo-based band The National Parks to perform at St. George Art Festival

The National Parks, a Provo-based indie folk-pop band, will perform a free concert at the St. George Art Festival.

3 days ago

Music mogul and entrepreneur Sean "Diddy" Combs arrives at the Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas ...

MICHAEL BALSAMO and COLLEEN LONG, Associated Press

Feds search properties of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs as part of sex trafficking probe, AP sources say

It's not clear whether Combs was the target of the investigation. The officials were not authorized to publicly discuss details.

3 days ago

Lovebound library storefront. one of many women-owned businesses thriving in SLC....

Eric Cabrera

Salt Lake City sees a spike in women-owned businesses

women-owned business startups in Salt Lake City soared by 26 percent in 2023, while the national average stands at 17%.

7 days ago

immaculate movie poster next to ksl movie show host steve salles...

Steve Salles

KSL Movie Show review: ‘Immaculate’ walks a fine line between camp and criminal

In this KSL Movie Show review, "Immaculate" opens the door to a convent that isn't what it seems.

7 days ago

ghostbusters: frozen empire movie poster next to ksl movie show host steve salles...

Steve Salles

KSL Movie Show review: ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire’ didn’t quite come together

'Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire' tried to recapture the magic of the original 1984 film. KSL Movie Show host Steve Salles says he expected better from this latest installment.

7 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Mother and cute toddler child in a little fancy wooden cottage, reading a book, drinking tea and en...

Visit Bear Lake

How to find the best winter lodging in Bear Lake, Utah

Winter lodging in Bear Lake can be more limited than in the summer, but with some careful planning you can easily book your next winter trip.

Happy family in winter clothing at the ski resort, winter time, watching at mountains in front of t...

Visit Bear Lake

Ski more for less: Affordable ski resorts near Bear Lake, Utah

Plan your perfect ski getaway in Bear Lake this winter, with pristine slopes, affordable tickets, and breathtaking scenery.

front of the Butch Cassidy museum with a man in a cowboy hat standing in the doorway...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking Back: The History of Bear Lake

The history of Bear Lake is full of fascinating stories. At over 250,000 years old, the lake has seen generations of people visit its shores.

silhouette of a family looking over a lake with a bird in the top corner flying...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

8 Fun Activities To Do in Bear Lake Without Getting in the Water

Bear Lake offers plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy without having to get in the water. Catch 8 of our favorite activities.

Wellsville Mountains in the spring with a pond in the foreground...

Wasatch Property Management

Advantages of Renting Over Owning a Home

Renting allows you to enjoy luxury amenities and low maintenance without the long-term commitment and responsibilities of owning a home.

Clouds over a red rock vista in Hurricane, Utah...

Wasatch Property Management

Why Southern Utah is a Retirement Paradise

Retirement in southern Utah offers plenty of cultural and recreational opportunities. Find out all that this region has to offer.

Disney World plans to begin phased reopening in July