Every month we bring you the latest news and rumors from Walt Disney World. Things have been a little quiet in recent weeks due to the ongoing closure of Walt Disney World. However, we now have some important news updates, including the phased reopening of Disney Springs. Our Walt Disney World News and Rumors Special May 2020 will bring you up to date with all the latest information.
Disney Springs Reopening
Disney Springs will start a phased reopening beginning on May 20. A limited number of shopping and dining experiences that are owned by third-party operating participants will begin to open during this initial phase.
During this initial phase, there will be enhanced safety measures, including increased cleaning procedures, the use of appropriate face coverings by both cast members and guests, limited-contact guest services, and additional safety training for cast members.
As expected during this initial phase, there will be limits to capacity, operating hours, and parking. Offerings may also be subject to change based on expert and government advice. You can find out the latest information by visiting the Disney Springs website.
The phased reopening of Disney Springs is fantastic news but is a long distance from a return to regular resort operating. All Resorts and parks continue to be closed.
When will the rest of Walt Disney World reopen?
Nobody knows! However, you can now book Disney Resort Reservations from July 1, 2020. Previously resort reservations were accepted from June 1, but this booking window has now been altered.
At this stage, it is unclear whether Disney no longer anticipates opening resorts and parks in June or whether a safe initial capacity for June has already been reached. Currently, resort reservations are being canceled for late May.
May 4 was an interesting date in Modern Life is Good Household. Our FastPass window opened for a vacation is seems very unlikely we will be going on. Even if Walt Disney World reopens in June, there are still restrictions on both international and interstate travel. It seems unlikely that both travel restrictions and resort opening will all resolve in the next eight weeks.
What will Walt Disney World be like on reopening?
Walt Disney World is going to be very different and is likely to be for the foreseeable future. We recently anticipated what changes Walt Disney World would introduce for the reopening. There will likely be several additional changes that we did not predict.
Disney has started to survey guests with reservations in June on what changes would be acceptable if they visit. Perhaps a June reopening is still on the cards?
Shanghai Disney Resort has announced that the resort will reopen on May 11. However, the experience will be very different but perhaps give an early indication of potential changes at Walt Disney World. The video is a guest information video showing the changes being introduced in Shanghai.
Any news on other resorts?
It is likely Universal and Seaworld will following a similar reopening pattern to Walt Disney World. Universal has recently been surveying guests on what changes they would find acceptable. Guests have been presented several different scenarios to assess their views. However, the scenarios seem to differ between guests.
Currently, there is no news on the reopening of Disneyland California, Hong Kong Disneyland, or Tokyo Disney. Disneyland Paris, however, is not anticipating an early opening, with all vacations now being canceled until July 14.
Some happy news!
We will finish this update with some happy news. Grace, the baby Gorilla at the Animal Kingdom, has celebrated her first birthday and had a special princess-themed birthday party. You can watch highlights on this video from the Disney Parks Blog.
We will bring you more updates from Walt Disney World in the coming weeks. In the meantime, keep safe!
You can visit all our other Walt Disney World News updates by clicking here.
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