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We know a lot of Disney fans are excited for the Disney World reopening. The reopening process will be in several phases.
Phase one of the reopening started at Disney Springs on May 20. The phase two of the reopening starts today on May 27 with more stores opening in Disney Springs, including the World of Disney.
During phase one at Disney Springs, non-Disney owned stores and restaurants had the opportunity to open. Many stores and restaurants did open. However, quite a few still chose to stay closed.
As regulars to Disney Springs, we wanted to share some of the “what’s new” and different for visitors during the Disney World reopening.
Top 11 New Things for Disney World Reopening
#11 Masks
One of the big changes at Disney Springs is the use of face coverings. You must wear a mask, buff, or face covering during your visit to Disney World. Disney does not sell these, so you will need to bring your own.
I wore a paper mask and my son had a cloth mask. On this day, the temperature at 11 AM was 92 degrees. It was hot and humid.
With the Florida heat, the paper mask is much cooler. The cloth masks are thicker and are hot. This is certainly something to keep in mind for future visits to our Orlando Parks.
The masks must be worn throughout Disney Springs, except when you are eating.
Besides visitors, Cast Members are also required to wear face masks.
#10 Temperature Testing
The next big change at Disney World is the temperature testing. In the parking garage, Disney had a temperature testing area. They were prepared for a long line, but we actually walked right up (without a wait). I was impressed that Advent Health was performing the temperature testing vs a regular Disney Cast Member. Advent Health is one of our hospital systems in Orlando.
Everyone visiting Disney Springs will be tested. If your temperature is 100.4 or higher, you will be asked to leave.
The process of temperature testing was simple and quick. The thermometer was held close to our head to check our temperature. The thermometer never touched out skin.
#9 Social Distancing
Another change to Disney Springs is social distancing. Disney did recommend social distancing throughout Disney Springs. They even provided floor markings in areas that may cause clusters of people. This included security, temperature checks, restaurants, restrooms, and stores.
One of the best floor marketings is at the World of Disney Store. This huge store at Disney Springs is opening on May 27.
Not only did this store have 6 foot floor markers, but they had a huge floor marker in between (just reminding you not to step in the 6 foot area).
#8 Signs Everywhere
Just like Universal Orlando, Disney World had a lot of signage throughout Disney Springs. There were signs everywhere reminding us of social distancing and the safety guidelines.
We saw signs in the bathroom, in the stores, outside, by security, etc. They were everywhere. Just friendly reminders of the guidelines.
#7 Limited Capacity
Disney Springs did limit capacity into the shopping and dining complex. Visitors could only park in orange and lime garages.
In addition, stores and restaurants were also limiting capacity. There were floor markers outside and a store employee standing at the front entrance directing guests. Many of the employees were counting the number of guests in the store (as they entered and left).
#6 Cashless Transactions
Disney Springs did recommend cashless transactions. They recommend credit cards, debit cards, Disney Gift Cards and mobile wallets. You can use Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.
#5 One Way Directions
Besides limited capacity, almost every store had one way directions. You would enter one door and exit out another door. They even had directional arrows on the ground to remind you the direction you should go.
Some of the smaller bridges throughout Disney Springs also has one way directional signs on the ground.
#4 Cast Members Wiping Down Everything
Disney always does an excellent job of cleaning throughout Disney World. That is one reason why we love Disney!
We did see Disney Cast Members cleaning in every direction. It could be surfaces, handrails, doors, handles, etc. They were cleaning everything!
#3 Trash Cans Open
We loved that Disney propped open all of the trash cans throughout Disney Springs. I loved this simple idea! This eliminated the “touching” of the trash cans.
#2 Hand Washing Stations
We did see several hand washing stations throughout Disney Springs. We also saw a lot of hand sanitizer. You could find hand sanitizer at the host/hostess stands at every restaurant and by every cashier in the stores.
#1 Dining Differences
During our day at Disney Springs, we booked a reservation via Open Table for Wolfgang Puck Cafe. This restaurant did have marked tables (saying skip this table for social distancing). This restaurant had indoor and outdoor seating.
The menu was on a paper menu. We could keep the menu as a souvenir or they threw it away. Our server also wore a mask. She did not have gloves, but she did wear a mask. She did mention she washes her hands after each table. That is a lot of hand washing!
Live Stream from Disney Springs on Reopening Day
You can watch our live stream from reopening day on May 20 to see what it was like at Disney Springs.
We enjoyed our day at Disney Springs. It was amazing to be surrounded by Disney Magic again! We are excited about heading back today to see more of Disney Springs reopening for phase 2. Be sure you watch for our live stream on YouTube at 5:00 PM from Disney Springs.
