What You Need to Know About the Walt Disney World Changes

Here is what you need to know about the Walt Disney World changes for visiting after its reopening.

Walt Disney World Resort Reopening 

The first bits of magic to reopen were the Disney Vacation Club Resorts on June 22nd to both members and guests.  Other resorts followed and this phased reopening demonstrated a deliberate approach, with limits on attendance and controlled guest density that aligns with guidance on physical distancing. That means certain experiences that draw large group gatherings – such as parades and nighttime spectaculars – will return at a later date. In addition, “high-touch” experiences such as makeover opportunities, playgrounds, and character meet and greets will remain temporarily unavailable, but characters will still be in the parks to entertain and delight guests.

Dining and Experiences

In order to foster physical distancing during this time, upon reopening, Disney’s offerings, restaurants and other experiences such as behind-the-scenes tours will be limited in capacity, and other experiences may remain closed.

• As a result of limited capacity, Disney has made the difficult decision to keep Disney dining plans unavailable at this time.
• Disney has also shifted from a 180-day booking window to a 60-day booking window for dining and experience bookings going forward.  This allows Guests to make their plans closer to their visits.
• Character meals are available at some locations in a new, physically-distanced experience.

FastPass+ and Extra Magic Hours

• FastPass+ service will be suspended for the time being. Disney plans to use additional queue space to manage capacity at attractions and maintain physical distancing.
• Valid park admission and theme park reservations are required for admittance to theme parks for all dates.
• Also, please note that upon reopening, Extra Magic Hours will be temporarily suspended.

• Signage and Ground Markings: Please follow all directional signage and ground markings.  These have been installed throughout Walt Disney World Resort to help guests better navigate common areas while practicing physical distancing.
• Physical Barriers: Physical barriers have been added in select places where it is difficult to maintain strict physical distancing guidelines. These may be visible in areas around cash registers or at Guest Relations, for example, to help ensure proper distances between people.
• Cashless Transactions: At this time, it is recommended all Guests use cashless payment options.  These include debit cards, credit cards and Disney Gift Cards. Guests can also opt for contactless payment options—such as mobile wallets—or use cash to purchase a Disney Gift Card at Guest Relations and select merchandise locations. Disney Resort hotel Guests can also use MagicBands to charge their purchase to their Disney Resort hotel folio.

My Disney Experience App

We strongly recommend that you have the latest version of the My Disney Experience app on your mobile device, with location services and notifications enabled. And additional technology can help you make the most of the magic during your visit! Highlights include:

• Mobile Order Service for Dining: Please order ahead and save time at select dining locations using mobile order service.  This feature is available the My Disney Experience app.  Disney highly recommends that you use this service during your visit.
• Scannable Codes for Select Restaurant Menus: While at a table-service restaurant, you can scan a code to access the digital menu.
• Online Check-In at Disney Resort Hotels: Please begin the check-in process in advance online or with the My Disney Experience app. You’ll get a room-ready notification so you can bypass the Front Desk. When your room is ready, you can use the My Disney Experience app as a digital key to enter your room!

Where to Find More Info

This is a very fluid situation and for the most up-to-date information, check here  or contact your TMFLT Travel Counselor.

If you would like to request a no-obligation quote to visit Walt Disney World and other destinations, request pricing here.

Walt Disney World Reservations Update

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