The first phase of Disney Springs’ reopening after being shuttered for two months during the coronavirus pandemic will include plenty of restrictions and new health measures aimed at limiting the spread of COVID-19.
Disney also confirmed that following the May 20 reopening of some third-party restaurants and shops in the complex, some Disney-owned locations will reopen on May 20. These include the World of Disney store, D-Luxe Burger (for mobile order) and the Marketplace Co-Op.
“Rest assured, there is plenty of magic awaiting you at Disney Springs – it just may feel a bit different than before,” Disney Springs vice president Matt Simon said in a Disney Parks Blog post.
The changes begin with parking. Only the Orange and Lime garages will be open to guests, with the surface lots and Grapefruit garages closed. The number of entrances to the complex will also be limited: the two garages, the pedestrian bridge over Hotel Plaza Boulevard and the rideshare drop-off location.
From there, Disney Springs guests will have to follow similar rules as those implemented at Universal Orlando’s CityWalk. A temperature screening will be required, and anyone with a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher will not be allowed to enter, nor will anyone in their party.
Capacity and physical distancing restrictions, along with more frequent disinfection procedures, will also be put in place.
Additionally, all employees and all guests above the age of 3 will have to wear a face mask or covering.
“This is an important part of protecting both our guests and our cast,” Smith wrote. “Please be sure you have an ample amount of face coverings for yourself and your party before you arrive, as you’ll need to wear them over your nose and mouth at all times (except when sitting at a dining table).”
A few commenters on the Parks Blog post said they would not return to Disney Spring as long as face masks are required. This is despite evidence showing how greater adoption of face masks help limit the spread of COVID-19 and facilitate a safe reopening of the economy — not to mention there are high levels of public support for mask requirements in Florida.
One commenter, identified as Matthew, made it a political issue: “Stop the fear mongering My body, my decision, isn’t that the liberal way?!?”
Similar requirements will be implemented whenever Disney World theme parks reopen. Mandatory face masks for guests and employees are part of an agreement on reopening safety measures between Disney World and unions representing more than 43,000 workers.
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