Hey everyone! Boy oh boy, has it been an interesting and long couple of months for the US! And just a tragedy throughout most of the world. With that being said, I’m sure most of you like myself have been looking forward to a light at the end of the tunnel.
I am here to say, its starting to happen right now! Some states are now starting to opening back up in phases and are starting to ease up on guidelines/restrictions for now.
For some this is scary and for others exciting!
Along with the states, we are now starting to see restaurants and now even theme parks starting to open their doors. Most of these operations do have some pretty heavy restrictions, there have been quite a few complaints about right now.
But just remember these are independently owned and operated businesses. And just like they require shirts and shoes to enter, they now may require you to wear a mask as well. If you do not like their new guidelines/rules, you are not losing your freedom, you are just losing your right to enter one particular location.
You may enter at your own will or stay home if you do not like the restrictions in place.
I recently watched a news report on a big airline service, not saying who at this point. But they were asked “Are you afraid people will not fly with your airlines if you require them to wear masks?” and “How will you implement this new rule, how are you going to make people wear their masks during flight?” Their answers were very simple and made complete sense to me. “No, we are not afraid of patrons not using our airlines. We are working together and following CDC guidelines at this time. We are here to keep people safe and to make people feel safe. We require patrons to put their seats and trays in an upright position to take off and land. These may seem like silly rules, but they are enforced and now we are adding wearing a face mask as a rule to this list. They will be enforced as well.”
Okay, now that we’ve gone over that we can continue with what you need to know before you go.
Disneysprings.com/reopening has indicated the following information:
Know Before You Go
As we have begun a phased reopening of Disney Springs with a number of shopping and dining locations, we are looking ahead to May 27 when we will begin to reopen more of our Disney owned shops and restaurants, including World of Disney, D-Luxe Burger (mobile order) and the Marketplace Co-Op.
With that as our next milestone, we are eager to welcome back our Guests, some Cast Members and third-party Operating Participants with safety and well-being of all at the forefront of all our planning efforts.
As we navigate through this unprecedented time as responsibly as we can, we have implemented a number of new safety measures based on guidance from health authorities, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and appropriate government agencies.
We, along with third-party Operating Participants, are all committed to a responsible reopening of Disney Springs.
For Cast Members, Operating Participant employees and Guests, there are 6 key things to know before arriving at Disney Springs, and they include:
-Limited parking and reduced entrances.
-Temperature screenings prior to entry.
-Face coverings required for Guests ages 3 and up.
-Physical distancing practices including physically-distanced queues and physical barriers.
-Temporary operation modifications, including reduced hours at select locations and no scheduled entertainment offerings or high-touch interactive areas.
-An increased focus on disinfecting and sanitation, including the addition of hand-washing stations and hand sanitizers in key areas.
Since many of these measures will be new, and may evolve, we want to be sure Guests, Cast Members and Operating Participant employees are aware of all these changes.
COVID-19 Warning
We have taken enhanced health and safety measures—for you, our other Guests, and Cast Members. You must follow all posted instructions while visiting Disney Springs.
An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, senior citizens and Guests with underlying medical conditions are especially vulnerable.
By visiting Disney Springs you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19.
Help keep each other healthy.
Guest Parking and Entrances
During this initial phase, Guests will be directed to self-park in the Orange and Lime garages; all surface parking lots will be closed.
At opening, we have also reduced Guest entryways to 4 locations: Orange and Lime garages, along with the Hotel Plaza Boulevard Pedestrian Bridge and the rideshare location.
Guest access to Disney Springs from the Grapefruit garage will be restricted.
Temperature Screening
All Guests are required to undergo temperature screenings upon arrival at Disney Springs.
-Guest Screening: During this initial period, Guests will undergo temperature screening in these locations: the second-floor exits of Orange and Lime parking garages and the Marketplace Entrance (to serve Guests from the Hotel Plaza Boulevard Pedestrian Bridge and the rideshare drop-off lot).
Based on guidance from health authorities, anyone displaying a temperature of 100.4 F or above will be directed to an additional location for rescreening and assistance.
Those with temperatures 100.4 F or above will not be allowed entry; those in their party will not be allowed entry either.
–Employee Screening: Cast Members and Operating Participant employees will be required to complete a health screening and temperature check at home, prior to coming to work.
Limited Contact
Following guidance from the government and the medical community regarding enhanced screening procedures and prevention measures, we have made some temporary adjustments that include limited-contact Guest Services to ensure a responsible and enjoyable environment for everyone.
Face Coverings: All Guests ages 3 and older are required to wear face coverings when visiting Walt Disney World Resort.
All face coverings should:
-Fully cover an individual’s nose and mouth and allow the Guest to remain hands-free.
-Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face.
-Be secured with ties or ear loops.
-Be made of breathable material, either disposable or reusable
Costume masks are not considered appropriate and are prohibited from being worn, in alignment with our existing rules.
-Guests are required to wear face coverings at all times, except while dining. The use of face coverings should not be seen as a substitute for physical distancing.
-Guests must provide their own disposable or reusable face covering.
Physical Barriers: Physical barriers have been added in select places where it is difficult to maintain strict physical distancing guidelines.
These may be visible in areas around cash registers or at Guest Relations, for example, to help ensure proper distances between people.
Cashless Transactions: At this time, it is recommended all Guests use cashless or contactless payment options, such as credit cards, debit cards, Disney Gift Cards, Disney Rewards Redemption Cards and mobile wallets—including Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay.
Guests may purchase a Disney Gift Card at select Merchandise locations and Welcome Center (Guest Relations) to pay without cash.
Physical Distancing and Capacity Measures
Managing the number of Guests visiting Disney Springs has been a major consideration as we implement physical distancing guidelines based on recommendations from health authorities and government officials.
One of the ways to do that is to limit the number of Guests and Cast Members at any given time for each location. Additional measures include:
Signage: Directional signage has been installed to assist Guests to responsibly move throughout the property. Additionally, ground markings will help promote proper physical distancing when queuing is needed at a location.
Training: We are also training Cast Members to engage with Guests and promote physical distancing guidelines in common areas and queues.
Cleanliness and Sanitization
We’ve increased cleaning and disinfection in high-traffic areas such as public elevators and escalators, handrails, benches, tables, handles, restrooms and more.
Additionally, Disney Springs will open with hand sanitizer and hand-washing locations, and Guests are highly encouraged to use these while visiting.
Cast Training
We’re further emphasizing our strong culture of health and safety among Cast Members and Operating Participant employees, and will continue to provide new training and reinforcement as we navigate through the reopening phases.
About These Measures
As part of these efforts, Guests may see other changes to our retail and dining offerings, as well as other experiences. Though it may be different from the last time you visited, these new measures are designed to offer a magical Disney experience in a responsible way.
We understand that these times are challenging, and we appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as we navigate as responsibly as we can.
Together, we can find new ways to have fun while being diligent to maintain proper physical distancing.
Examples of What’s Open
Here are just a few of the shops and restaurants that are now open. Additional locations may also be open, but are not currently listed. Please contact the shop or restaurant you’d like to visit for more information—including hours of operation.
4 Rivers Cantina Barbacoa Food Truck
Anthropologie
The Art Corner by Artistic Talent Group
Basin
Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza
The BOATHOUSE
Chapel Hats
Chicken Guy!
Columbia Sportswear
Crystal Arts by Arribas Brothers
Earl of Sandwich
Edward Beiner Purveyor of Fine Eyewear
Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC
Free People
Frontera Cocina
Happy Hound
Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company
Lucky Brand
Luxury of Time by Diamonds International
Pandora Jewelry
Paradiso 37 Entertainment
Pelé Soccer
Planet Hollywood
The Polite Pig
Pop Gallery
Ron Jon Surf Shop
Royally Yours by Arribas Brothers
Sanuk
Savannah Bee Company
Sosa Family Cigars
STK Orlando
Sugarboo & Co.
Sunshine Churros at Disney Springs Marketplace
Sunshine Churros at Disney Springs West Side
T-REX
UGG
UNIQLO
UNOde50
Volcom
Vera Bradley
Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill
Wine Bar George – A Restaurant & Bar
YeSake Kiosk
ZARA
To sum it up
I am so excited about Disney starting to reopen and it seems right now they are being over cautious when it comes to Disney goers. I have no doubt in my mind that Disneys best interest is our safety.
Disney employs thousands of Floridians that will be very happy to get back to work and continue to make millions of people smile.
I cant wait for PHASE TWO! Its time for some Disney magic in our lives!
