Disney World is reopening -- Here's what we know
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information. At TPG, we paused traveling to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Local and national governments around the globe are now debating the appropriate levels of isolation and distancing. Before booking that next trip, we recommend you talk to your doctor, follow health officials’ guidance and research local travel restrictions. TPG is continuing to publish deals, reviews and general travel news to inform and prepare you for that trip, whether it is next month or next year.
In mid-March, both Disney World and Disneyland closed their gates to guests because of growing coronavirus concerns. From the U.S. to Europe to Asia, all Disney parks around the world were indefinitely shuttered.
But now, on the heels of Shanghai Disneyland reopening on May 11, and after 118 days of closure, the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida has announced a planned, phased reopening date of July 11.
Disney World has presented a detailed reopening plan to the Orange County Reopening Task Force that outlines not only when it plans to reopen, pending necessary state and local approvals, but also how things will operate when it does again unlock the gates.
Disney, and likely all the major theme parks, will look very different in a socially distanced world when they reopen.
Here's a look at when guests may again walk down Main Street U.S.A.
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Disney World targeting phased July 11 reopening
Walt Disney World has submitted a plan to reopen the Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom on Saturday, July 11, with Epcot and Hollywood Studios to follow with a Wednesday, July 15 reopening.
In the task force meeting, Senior Vice President of Walt Disney World, Jim McPhee, elaborated that there would also be some soft-opening tactics utilized in the days leading up to the official openings for cast member previews and other select audiences.
Related: Ultimate guide to visiting Walt Disney World
Advance reservations required
Just like at the reopened Disney park in Shanghai, guests wishing to visit Walt Disney World will need to make a reservation before heading to the park. There will be capped attendance at the parks and within the individual restaurants and attractions, though exact numbers and details on the reservation system were not yet available. For reference, Disneyland Shanghai reopened with less than 30% of regular capacity.
Related: Guide to the best restaurants at Disney World
No shows, no parades, no character meet-and-greets
Certain types of traditional Disney offerings that generally draw large crowds, or are considered high touchpoints, won't be available when the magic restarts in mid-July. For example, Disney has said not to expect parades or the traditional fireworks displays to happen anytime soon, as those are intrinsically tied to theme park visitors congregating in a small portion of the theme park.
Character meet-and-greets will also be suspended when the park reopens, so prepare your kiddos that they won't be getting a close-up with Mickey and friends anytime soon.
Temp checks and masks are required
Not only will there be a touchless temperature check required to enter the park, but face masks will be required for guests (and cast members) ages three and up. This isn't just a suggestion, this is a rule. And yes, July in Orlando is hot even without a mask. Disney will have what they call "relaxation zones" where you will be able to temporarily remove your face mask, but start shopping for a mask you think could stand up to the Orlando heat if Disney is back on your summer travel agenda. (I expect a surge in the sale of neck fans.)
In terms of temperature requirements, anyone displaying a temperature of 100.4 or higher will not be allowed to enter.
Disney will also have a social distance squad that will work to help encourage and implement the new safety and distancing regulations for the parks, just as they are already doing in Disney Springs.
Related: How to save money on a Disney vacation
Contactless payments
When it reopens, not only will Disney reopen with an increased reliance on its touchless Magic Bands and online resort check-in, but it will further lean into other forms of contactless payments to encourage as much of a cash-free environment as possible.
Mobile food ordering was already in place at counter-service restaurants at Walt Disney World, but expect to see an expansion in reliance on this way of ordering and paying for food with minimal contact and human interaction.
It won't all reopen at once
It's now clear that Disney parks around the world won't all reopen at once -- just as they didn't all close at once. Even within the U.S., California and Florida are just ... different. Although the closure dates for Disneyland and Disney World were just a couple of days apart, the states' governors are now approaching the pandemic in their own ways.
While we now have a planned reopening date for Disney World, Disneyland may well have its own unique reopening timeline. In fact, to date, while the park in Shanghai has reopened, we don't yet have reopening dates for the other parks in Asia, such as those in Hong Kong and Tokyo. There is no announced reopening date for Disneyland Paris.
Related: How coronavirus could forever change the way we travel
In terms of hotels, the official Disney Parks Blog reports that the Disney Vacation Club resorts and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground will reopen at Walt Disney World to members and guests beginning June 22.
Bottom line
There's no denying that theme parks are going to present many challenges for safe operation in a socially distanced world. It doesn't matter if gatherings are slowly reopened to 10 people, 50 people, 200 people or more, theme parks bring together thousands and thousands of people with multiple shared touchpoints. From restaurants to shows, hotels, lines, rides, transportation needs and more, modifying a place like Disney World in a way that it can safely reopen will be an unparalleled challenge. But, it's an unparalleled challenge that Disney is ready to tackle beginning on July 11.
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
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- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
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Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.