Orange County Task Force Establishes Initial Guidelines for Walt Disney World Reopening (Guest Spacing, Wiping Vehicles, etc.), Mayor Believes June Reopening Realistic

The Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force met early today to discuss the initial guidelines for reopening Orlando’s theme parks, including Walt Disney World Resort. Other industries covered include hotels, bars, and restaurants, with a distinction set up between smaller theme parks (like Gatorland, for example) and larger theme parks like Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando. Mayor Demings has also noted that a June reopening would be “more realistic” than a May reopening due to ongoing supply chain issues. You can browse through guidelines for each segment below:

Guidelines for Hotels establish that during Phase 1, housekeeping services should be limited and allow for minimal guest and employee exposure. Hotels and resorts should also encourage mobile check-in, something we’ve already seen being slowly implemented into the My Disney Experience app for upcoming Walt Disney World Resort hotel reservations. Room service will follow new “contactless delivery” protocols, leaving items at each guest’s door. Service items in guest rooms, like glassware, coffee cups, mini bars, and coffee makers should be removed. Self-parking should also be provided. In addition to touchless hand sanitizer at all entry points, all sanitation and cleaning should be increased throughout the property.

All employees will be required to wear face masks, with temperature checks prior to their shifts. Front desks should utilize sneeze guards.

Restaurants will only offer paper or disposeable menus, and encourage takeout and/or online orders as much possible. As always, touchless hand sanitizer should be available at all entry points and at every table. All employees will be required to wear face masks, with temperature checks prior to their shifts. All doors must be wiped down regularly, and bartenders must sanitize their hands after each drink order. Seated tables are to be set up six feet apart. During Phase 1, restaurant and bar capacity will be limited to 50%. During Phase 2, restaurant and bar capacity will be limited to 75%.

Movie Theaters will follow similar guidelines, with touchless hand sanitizer available at all entry points and all employees required to wear face masks, with temperature checks prior to their shifts. Railings, cupholders, and seats must be wiped down prior to each movie, and staff must leave doors open until the movie begins and open the doors 2 minutes prior to the movie ending. During Phase 1, parties of up to 4 people will be allowed, with 2 seats between each party. During Phase 2, parties of up to 6 people will be allowed, with 1 seat between each party.

Malls and retail will follow similar guidelines, with touchless hand sanitizer available at all entry points and all employees required to wear face masks. Employee temperature checks prior to shifts will be required for Interior Retail. Within checkout lines, there should be markers to ensure people are 6 feet apart. All countertops, railings, and door surfaces must be regularly wiped down.

For larger theme parks, guidelines establish that there should be tape markings of 6 feet in ride queues, with staff wiping down surfaces regularly. All employees will be required to wear face masks and undergo temperature checks prior to their shifts. During Phase 1, parks may reopen at 50% capacity. Phase 2 will expand capacity to 75%. Seniors 65 or older are still encouraged to stay home through Phase 2 reopenings.

Do note that these are just initial guidelines that will be continuously revised over the week during future task force meetings. All of these guidelines follow the “Opening Up America Again” three-part phased reopening plan issued by the White House, where Phase 1 is considered the earliest possible reopening time, Phase 2 marks a continued decrease in COVID-19 cases, and Phase 3 would be generally considered a “return to normal.” You can read our full analysis of the new guidelines here. To view today’s full Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force meeting, click here.

Walt Disney World Resort remains closed indefinitely, and no official reopening date has been identified.