As Walt Disney World Resort remains closed until further notice in light of the current global health situation, discussions are already in progress with regards to reopening the economy for the state of Florida. We have been following the discussions of the Re-Open Florida Task Force, which is focusing on businesses all over the state.
Florida-themed Orange Bird Mural in Disney Springs
Walt Disney World is specifically located in Florida’s Orange and Osceola counties, and this week the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force is sharing their discussions via live streams on Orange TV. Today’s discussion explored the reopening of the county’s businesses, which include, of course, theme parks and restaurants.
Unicorp National Development president Chuck Whittall spent a moment sharing a “working draft to build upon” which shared potential guidelines and mandates that may come into play upon the reopening of businesses.
Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom
Theme Parks
Regarding theme parks, a recognition was shared that there are size differences in the Orange County theme parks (for instance, locations like Gatorland and Fun Spot are considered “Small Theme Parks” while Walt Disney World and Universal are designated as “Large”).
Epcot Entrance in Walt Disney World
Proposed guidelines for the large theme parks include tape markings designating guests to stand 6 feet apart in queues, and workers to regularly wipe surfaces “at random.” It is also suggested that vulnerable populations (guests 65 and older, for instance) would remain home in Phases 1 and 2 (as defined under recently presented federal guidelines).
Proposed mandates for large parks might require all park employees to wear face masks, and have their temperature taken before each shift (all employees with flu-like symptoms would be advised to stay home). Touchless hand sanitizer is suggested to be available at each ticket entry and turnstile as well as every ride entrance and exit.
Hand sanitizer station in Disney World
A wipe down of railings and surfaces would take place after each use. And large theme parks, under these potential mandates, would operate at 50% capacity during Phase 1, and 75% during Phase 2.
Restaurants
Restaurant mandates may include hand sanitizer at every table, and the possibility of disposable menus would be encouraged (though not required). Sanitizer might be at the restaurant entry “in plain sight,” with doors wiped down regularly.
The Edison Complex in Disney Springs
As with the theme park suggestions, all employees could have temperatures taken before their shift, with staff behind the counter potentially required to wear gloves (except for bartenders, who would sanitize hands between every drink order). Capacity suggestions are similar to theme parks (50% during Phase 1 and 75% during Phase 2), with a suggestion of tables placed 6 feet apart specific to restaurants.
We’ll be following further discussions by the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force, so stay tuned. Remember, these are suggested guidelines — not confirmed.
Source: Today’s discussion was shared on the Orange TV YouTube channel and Orange TV on ocfl.net
To find out more about how the global situation is currently impacting Disney Parks around the globe, you may visit any of the links below.
More Disney Park Closure Details and Info
Click HERE for the All Latest Updates
Disney Parks Closure Extended “Until Further Notice.”
Should I Cancel My Disney World Vacation?
Disney’s Closure Timeline and What It Could Mean For Disney’s Reopening
Your Disney Trip Was Canceled -- Now What? DO'S and DON'TS to Cancel, Get Refunds, and Reschedule
Disney World and Disneyland Closure Questions Answered!
Are Disney World Restaurants Really Just Firing Everybody?! It’s Much More Complicated Than You Think
Join the DFB Newsletter To get all the latest Disney Park Closure News Delivered Right to Your Inbox Click here to Subscribe
What do you think of the proposed guidelines for theme parks and restaurants? Please let us know with a comment.
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
Subscribe via RSS
Subscribe via email
These are great actually more realistic and without taking away the magic.
Assuming that’s pools are mentioned in hotels I’d like to think water parks will also open and I hope parades will go ahead so hopefully this info will come out in the next week or so.
As an “older” person, here’s a thought. And let me preface this with I’m probably not going back until a vaccine is available. But, they’re saying older adults (over 65) would not be allowed in under Phase 1 & 2. When the parks are at 50% and 75% capacity respectively. So, older adults would not be allowed in until the parks are back to full capacity? How is that even logical? Wouldn’t an older person (who is deemed to be at higher risk) be better off with a smaller crowd to have to worry about? Am I not understanding something here?
It’s exciting they are thinking about how we can look forward to a visit to Disney World. I’m curious why they are not considering putting menu access on the Disney World App for each restaurant? We are using apps all the time and with easy access to our phones, it makes sense. Our phone becomes our menu! How easy….
Cursious what others might think of this idea versus wiping down menus or disposable ones.
I think they will be discriminating against seniors 65 and older. My husband and I are in that category and we are in good health. We both wear a mask and gloves when we go out. We have a trip end of September and we’re Annual Pass holders. Hope they don’t stop us from going if the Park opens. That would be illogical.
I am in that older category and deeply resent possibly being denied entrance. I am perfectly capable of making that decision for myself.
Guidelines suggest social distancing when in ques, six feet apart.
What about the Rides Themselves ??? If social distancing is to be maintained On Rides……How is that going to work??? The actual number of people allowed to ride at one time will be reduced to a small number!
We are in the older category. This will be the first time since 1973 just the two of us (47 years) that we will not be in WDW in the month of May. Since then we have had our family, and our family has grown to be a total of 17 people. We all still go to WDW every year. Some have become DVC members. I have a hard time with the decision on keeping 65 and older out and waiting until the parks have more people. I’m not sure how this would we safer for the seniors.
How about we all recognize that there is risk in going out and stop trying to centrally manage it. We should all take good precautions just we did with flu. Flu kills a lot of people every year. People need to be smart about evaluating their own existing health conditions. We don’t need to hold Disney accountable for our practices.
Starting with a lower park population makes sense. This will give Disney a chance to work out their procedures. Also, many people will not be ready to go. Being separated more makes sense (does this mean no fireworks?). Wearing protective gear makes sense. Having consistent cleaning and serving processes makes sense. Having more sanitizer available in attractions, restaurants, and hotel rooms make sense. Taking responsibility for our own health makes the most sense. Disney should publish their processes and follow them. People will likely be forced to acknowledge the procedures and proceed at their own risk. If your sick don’t go! If you are concerned about the environment don’t go. At some point, we will all have to make our own choice even when things open back up.
I am 64 my husband is 67 dose that mean we won’t be able to go to Disney again if they are not letting older people in