After the longest shutdown in its history (a total of 116 days!), Walt Disney World theme parks will open beginning July 11 starting with Magic Kingdom Park and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park in Orlando.  The openings come as COVID-19 cases spike in Florida

Disney World
©istockphoto.com / Manakin

COVID-19 is spreading across Florida faster than anywhere except Arizona, according to the Orlando Sentinel. While South Florida is the epicenter of the pandemic in the state, Central Florida now has a total of 39,829 cases.

Tomorrow marks the first two US Disney parks to reopen since the start of the pandemic. Three parks in Asia opened at the beginning of the month. EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, also in Orlando, are scheduled to open July 15 while Disneyland in California remains closed. Disney Vacation Club properties at Walt Disney World and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground have also begun reopening to guests as has Disney Springs.

The pandemic era Disney experience will be completely new, starting with guiding principles that include enhanced cleaning and adjustments in place to promote physical distancing. Disney will manage capacity by requiring guests to make a theme park reservation via the Disney Park Pass system. Before going, you’ll have to check if your target dates are open before buying a ticket. This is a hit or miss process that may take time after the park first opens.

Visitors are strongly encouraged to use My Disney Experience App which facilitates mobile order service for dining, online check-in for resort hotels and more. To watch a video that shows all the precautions taken, go to the Disney site. Plexiglass has been installed throughout to protect guests and cast members.

Park reservations will be managed via the Disney Park reservation system. Face coverings are required for guests over age 2 and all cast members. Masks are expected to be worn at all times, except when dining and swimming. Temperature screenings will be required before entering the park. Anyone with a temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher will not be allowed entry and the same applies to anyone in their party.

Character meet and greets, parades and fireworks will no longer take place to limit contact and prevent crowds from congregating in the parks. Reporters visited the park on a preview day and shared how often attractions are cleaned and how experiences and rides will look different. See the sneak peek on Inside the Magic here.

Are you a Disney fan? Would you consider going to the parks given the new safety measures in place?