For Disney fans, the closure of Walt Disney World’s theme and water parks may seem crushing. The parks ceased operation on March 16 as a preemptive measure for the current world-wide health situation, and will remain closed until at least the end of the month. Although, it looks the closure could last much longer (read about it HERE). With everything closing, for the time being, we were wondering if there’s anything still open at WDW. Let’s take a look.
Closures at Walt Disney World
Originally, Disney Springs and the resort hotels were supposed to remain open despite the parks closing. But the rapidly changing health crisis finally forced Disney to announced that Disney Springs would close on March 17th, along with all of the Resort Hotels closing on March 20th. Hopefully, those additional few days provide guests with extra time to arrange their travel plans.
“In line with state and federal guidance, in an abundance of caution and in the best interest of our guests and cast members, we are proceeding with the closure of all Disney stores in North America, beginning March 17. Guests can continue to visit shopDisney.com
Disney will also be closing all of its owned and operated locations at Downtown Disney in Anaheim and Disney Springs in Orlando, beginning March 17. Individual tenants will make decisions on whether to continue or adjust operations.
Additionally, Disney owned and operated hotels at Walt Disney World Resort and Disney’s Vero Beach Resort will close at 5 p.m. on Friday, March 20. This will give Guests the ability to make other arrangements.
We will continue to monitor the situation and maintain regular contact with appropriate officials and health experts.”
Surprisingly, this statement does not include a projected re-opening date as past announcements have. According to Disney’s coronavirus update page, all of WDW’s theme and water parks, Resort Hotels, and Disney-operated establishments within Disney Springs will be “closed through the end of the month”, or March 31st. At this time, there are no further hints from Disney as to how long the closures could possibly last.
So, what is left open at Walt Disney World? Is anything open? The answers may surprise you. Let’s take a gander… or perhaps a virtual Sassagoula Riverboat from Port Orleans into Disney Springs. . .
Disney Springs
At the time of publishing this article, Disney’s shopping and dining complex, Disney Springs, will remain open with limited offerings. All Disney-owned and operated locations (which includes World of Disney, Candy Cauldron, Pin Traders and the NBA Experience, among others) are closed until the end of this month, at the very least. With that said, there’s still something open at Disney Springs.
Basin is the only open store that we know of. Working off of a limited schedule on a day-to-day basis, they are currently open today from 10AM to 9PM. Coincidentally, they sell soaps and offer convenient hand-washing & exfoliating stations…
Select restaurants and retail locations at Disney Springs may remain open. Disney recommends guests should call the location they wish to visit for operating hours. However, we think it’s safe to say most of the complex’s locations have already closed, or will soon.
The AMC Theater at Disney Springs will suspend operations at the end of their showtimes today and remain closed until further notice.
As for individual location re-opening dates, stores like Anthropologie, The Art of Shaving, Stance and Free People plan on being closed at least until March 28th. Curiously, this is just three days before the rest of the resort is currently projected to open.
With more and more Disney Springs locations closing, we can’t imagine the remaining few will last. There simply won’t be enough customers to sustain the complex.
Disney’s Golf Courses
Oddly enough, Disney’s Palm, Magnolia, Oak Trail and Lake Buena Vista Golf Courses are remaining open. This will soon be the only facility open on property… Why? Could that many guests be visiting the golf courses to make it worth their while?
This message can be found on golfwdw.com:
“Golf and FootGolf operations remain available on our regular schedule. We continue to closely monitor recommendations by health officials and have implemented measures to help ensure the well-being of all who visit and work at Walt Disney World Golf. We recommend continuing to visit our website for further updates to our schedule.”
However, Disney’s Fantasia and Winter Summerland Mini Golf courses will remain closed until the end of the month.
We’ve Got This!
Our travel partners at Get Away Today are here to help you with your theme park shutdown concerns and rescheduling plans. We’ll get through this difficult time together. And when the pandemic ends, you’ll have earned a nice vacation! Get Away Today- HERE
Let’s Hear From You
Of course, our beloved Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom remain closed. As the world deals with the current affairs and aftermath, we can’t wait to welcome Disney’s magical parks and relaxing resorts back into our lives. Goodness knows we all already need it!
Did you have an upcoming WDW trip scheduled? When do you think the Disney gates will reopen? And, most importantly, what are you doing to keep the Disney magic alive at home? Let us know in the comments below!
Pardon me, I must watch The Parent Trap (1998) for the 74th time on Disney+…
We’ll be back with you soon with final photos from the park along with some magical surprises.
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