It’s been a hot minute since we’ve last posted an update on Orlando theme parks! However, hints of future plans have surfaced, including potential theme park re-opening guidelines. So it’s time for a quick journey back to the parks. But first Disney and Universal have been serving up lots of fresh and fun parks content to enjoy at home. . .
Safer at Home with Disney
Before checking on the Orlando parks, when visiting disneyworld.go.com, the site features some ideas for keeping your love of Disney magic alive from home. Binge your favorite classics on Disney+, play theme park trivia via their Play Disney app, shop authentic theme park merch and download memories from your PhotoPass library.
Speaking of PhotoPass, did you know that it’s turning 15 this year?! Disney’s photography service started out at EPCOT and has left a lasting impact on all the Disney Parks. For more about the history and changes the program has seen over its lifetime, check out the article below.
Magic Kingdom Updates
Get your fireworks fix! Just a few nights ago, Disney posted a “Virtual Viewing” of their Happily Ever After fireworks show, the usual nightly spectacular displayed above Cinderella Castle. In case you missed it, you can watch Happily Ever After here:
(By far, this is what I’m missing most from Magic Kingdom… plus Citrus Swirl.)
EPCOT Updates
The longer EPCOT’s massive overhaul project is paused, the more I wonder what will actually be built or renovated after the shutdown is over.
Recent building permits have surfaced for the PLAY! pavilion (former Wonders of Life)… so we know that’s still on the drawing board! From what we’ve seen so far, PLAY! will be reminiscent of the virtual metro-wonderland featured in Wreck-It Ralph 2: Ralph Breaks the Internet, and will host numerous interactive play areas for families, character meet & greets and more.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Updates
Disney’s Animal Kingdom celebrated its 22nd anniversary on April 22nd. An extended celebratory lineup was originally planned for Earth Day, along with the anniversaries of the park and Disney’s Conservation Fund… We’ll just have to make up for it with plenty of wild adventures and expeditions to Everest one day soon!
And fitting for springtime, more baby animals have arrived in Animal Kingdom. An ADORABLE baby porcupine (known to zoologists as a porcupette), Shelley, was born just a few days ago!
She’s named after the cast member who played a large role in her birth. Catch the sweet moment here:
What’s in a name? For this little porcupette, a whole lot of heart! Shelley was named in honor of the veterinary hospital manager who played a big role in her birth. Learn more: https://t.co/zhwVpCy9hv #DisneyCastLife #DisneyMagicMoments ✨ pic.twitter.com/NjO5mZpnw3
— Walt Disney World (@WaltDisneyWorld) April 24, 2020
Disney Springs Updates
Disney Springs may be closed – but a recent building permit hints to further development once the complex re-opens. Lovepop, a small whimsical stationary kiosk found outside Paddlefish, is set for a “retail buildout” upgrade. The new store location will be within the Town Center area, near Sephora and SuperDry.
AMC Theaters recently announced none of their theater locations will re-open until movie studios start releasing new films. This could be as soon as July, with the currently scheduled releases being Christopher Nolan’s Tenet on July 17th, and Disney’s Mulan on July 24th.
So… is There Anything Open at Disney World?
With virtually everything closed at Disney World, is there anything still open? Well, interestingly enough, Golf & Footgolf locations are the only facilities on Walt Disney World property that have remained open. All the other shops, restaurants, hotels, and everything in between has been closed for over a month now.
Universal Orlando Updates
Yes, I know this is a WDW article, but I felt that including Universal Orlando was important. You’ll see why in a second…
In a recent update, Universal Orlando’s closure has been extended until “at least” May 31. Regarding their Team Members, Universal is going to auto-enroll furloughed workers into Florida’s unemployment system.
Last week, Walt Disney World announced they would be enrolling thousands of furloughed cast members into Florida’s unemployment system as well. Both Disney and Universal workers will need to provide any additional information for filing.
In the meantime, Universal has released a series of playlists on Spotify. You’ll find individual resort pool music loops, park background music and the infamous Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit setlist. Check out the full lineup HERE.
This week’s Disneyland Update had me thinking about theme park snacks. I don’t know about you, but I’m craving another Lavender & Clotted Cream ice cream from Diagon Alley! What’s your Wizarding World must-have?
The Question on Everyone’s Mind…
When will these parks we love so much re-open? We may have a better idea since Florida’s Orange County Task Force has established preliminary initial guidelines for facilities such as malls, movie theaters and theme parks to re-open. OC Mayor, Jerry Demings, and Orlando Mayor, Buddy Dyer, believe this could be as soon as late May or early June.
Keep in mind these guidelines could change, this is just the beginning. Concerning the “large theme parks”, which includes Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando, the following guidelines and mandates may apply:
REOPENING GUIDELINES
- Tape marking of 6 feet apart in ride/attraction queues
- Staff to regularly wipe down surfaces at random
- PHASE 1 & 2, staff who are 65+ are encouraged to stay home
REOPENING MANDATES
- All employees required to wear facemasks
- Touchless hand sanitizer at each ticketing entry, turnstiles, ride/attraction entry and exit
- Temperature checks for staff prior to shift (temp above 100.4 must not enter premises)
- All employees with flu-like symptoms advised to stay home
- Wipe down of all railings and surfaces after every use
- PHASE 1: 50% capacity
- PHASE 2: 75% capacity
Theme parks could very well apply these guidelines to re-open as soon as June. Tourism is a large part of Florida’s economy. These regulations should be seen as a foundation to which the parks can add additional safety measures for employees and guests; such as requiring all guests to wear face masks and maybe accepting Floridians only as part of the first phase. What else would you like to see implemented before the parks re-open?
MiceTube Live
We recorded this video just for you. The MiceChat team discusses theme park reopening procedures, Disneyland project updates, and our favorite theme park snacks. Just press play, you’ll be glad you did:
Opportunity Knocks!
Special comeback rates are now available at some of your favorite Anaheim hotels and are discounted up to $100 off their regular nightly rates.
Our travel partners at Get Away Today are here to help you with your theme park shutdown concerns and rescheduling plans. We know you’re as uncertain about the future as we are. That’s why Get Away Today is offering the most flexible Disney travel options available:
Price Protection – If a better special comes out after you have booked, you’ll get the better deal.
Peace of Mind – Make hotel changes, reschedule dates, drop nights, change ticket vouchers and more, as many times as you’d like for a small, one-time fee.
Layaway Plan – Lock in your 2020 or 2021 Disneyland Resort vacation for just $175 down. By booking early, you secure your availability and have the flexibility to pay as you go. Make as many interest-free payments as you’d like, whenever you’d like, with final payment due just seven days prior to travel.
Give your family something to look forward to:
Visit Get Away Today HERE Or fill out a request form and they’ll call you back: Vacation Information Request Form HERE
Let’s Hear From You
Are you keeping tabs on when Florida theme parks could reopen? Do you think that the current guidlines for reopening the parks will be enough to keep guests and staff safe? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.