Disney World has announced its reopening dates! Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom will reopen July 11, with Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot reopening a few days later on July 15. The parks won’t be the same as they were before the closure. There will be new health and safety measures in place.
With these changes, some experiences won’t be available to guests when the parks first open. Here are some things you won’t be able to do or experience for a while.
Parades
Parades are part of the magic at Magic Kingdom park. People save their viewing spot hours in advance! But there’s just no way for guests and cast members to maintain social distancing right now. The most popular parades tend to be seasonal events surrounding holidays like Halloween and Christmas, so there’s time for parades to be reintroduced into the schedule.
When the parks reopen, there won’t be any parades rolling down Main Street for a while. It’s sad because Disney parades have beautiful floats and fun music! On the bright side, there won’t be a need to save a seat way in advance.
Nighttime Spectaculars
Disney World puts on some amazing nighttime spectaculars! From fireworks behind Cinderella Castle to Fantasmic at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, there are some magical shows to see at night. Because these shows draw large crowds, they won’t be happening when the parks reopen. There’s just no way to ensure guests follow social distancing protocols.
Character Meet & Greets
Some of our best Disney World memories involve interactions with characters. Unfortunately, getting a photo with a character means standing really close to another person. Because of this, character meet and greets are off-limits for now.
While you won’t be able to get an up-close photo with your favorite character, the characters will still be in the park. Instead of standing in one place, they’ll be walking around the parks and saying hi to guests. You might be able to get a selfie with your favorite character in the background!
Playgrounds
Many of the Walt Disney World Resort hotels have playgrounds that are perfect for kids to get their energy out on a non-park day. If you have a resort day planned, you’ll have to find something else for your little ones to do. The playgrounds will be closed for the foreseeable future.
Makeovers
Disney has offered makeovers for kids at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique for quite a while and just recently started offering adult makeovers. Such makeovers require a prolonged period of close contact with another person. Because of that, all makeovers are unavailable until further notice.
Are you ready to visit Disney World even without these experiences? My name is Sara Solberg and I am a travel agent with Amazing Magical Adventures, a Disney Earmarked agency. I can help you plan a wonderful vacation at no extra cost to you! Email me today at SaraSolberg@AmazingMagicalAdventures.com.
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I had reservations in April, changed to June then to July. Have to cancel because my Granddaughter has moved in with me and I cannot get her expired pass renewed or buy tickets for the dates reserved. My pass will expire after the extended dates and am not sure about renewing.
I heard Disney transportation won’t be running either. If that’s true, it’s a huge one for people who like/want to stay at a Disney resort.
What’s the point of going if you can’t do half the things people go there to do? What’s the difference in standing in line for a meet and greet than it is to ride Splash Mountain?? This is stupid…