We had Shanghai reopen its park almost two weeks ago. Hong Kong is currently doing soft openings with cast members. Today, Disney Springs in Orlando, FL, officially opened its doors at 10 AM on May 20, 2020. The parks in Disney World are not open just yet, but we know that date is coming soon as current information suggests that date could be July 1st, 2020. No current news for Disneyland in California or Disneyland Paris on when those could begin a reopening process. However, we will take what we can get and be happy that we finally have something back to a somewhat normal state.

Disney owned retail stores and restaurants are not open yet, but we will see those begin opening next week on May 27th. At the moment, there are only third-party retailers open and operating, such as Chicken Guy!, Zara, Planet Hollywood, and more. Almost every location is open, but they are operating with certain limitations.

Masks are required at all times on property because it is still classified as a Disney property. Every person enters after going through a bag check and temperature check. As long as your temperature reads less than 100.4, sources say, then you will be allowed through. If your temperature reads above 100.4, you will be asked to step away for a recheck. If one guest in a group runs a temperature, the entire group will not be allowed to enter.

There are social distancing orders in place, as well. Markers have been set on the ground of all stores and eateries. They show each group an easy way to stand six feet apart, whether you’re waiting to get into the store or waiting at the register inside. They have also made this easier on guests by limiting the number of guests allowed in a building at one time. Tables are even being spaced out farther than normal to accommodate the six-foot spacing.

We are excited to see how and when they will open Downtown Disney in California and Disney World and Disneyland parks. Stay tuned for more news on those events, hopefully coming soon!

When will Disney reopen? The question we are all waiting to have answered. As you may know, the entire Walt Disney Company has shut down all lines of business. The only parts that have remained open are ShopDisney (the online store), and essential park cast members (security, horticulture, custodial, etc.). We have watched all movie premiere dates get pushed back months and some even a year. All non-essential cast members have officially been furloughed, all music production is halted, all film production is halted, and American Idol is mid-season attempting to do all production and filming via phones and home computers. Desperate times call for desperate measures I guess.

A few weeks ago you may have seen an article from an untrusted source claiming “Disney Analysts” say that both Disneyland and Disney World will NOT reopen until January 2021. Now, I think we can all agree the date makes no sense. Not only is the company already struggling financially only having been closed for two months, but somehow they are going to remain closed for 10 months in total. That is so unrealistic. The Orange County, FL Disney Team has had many meetings the past two weeks and though there is no date set yet, they do seem to be leading towards the parks reopening in June at partial capacity. They have stated that the current tentative June 1st date may not be the actual reopening date and don’t want guests to be counting on that date until an official date is stated by the company.

We have heard many rumors but no exact words from The Walt Disney Company themselves, until today. No, unfortunately, it wasn’t news for the American parks, but a glimmer of hope came to light over in Asia at Shanghai Disneyland. Today on the Shanghai Disneyland App the company released an official statement stating -

“Shanghai Disneyland theme park will officially reopen to the public on May 11, 2020. The initial park reopening will demonstrate a deliberate approach, drawing on the experience from the successful reopening of Disneytown, Wishing Star Park and Shanghai Disneyland Hotel in early March, and implement enhanced health and safety measures.

During this initial reopening phase, the park will institute new measures and procedures, including opening with limited attendance and required advanced ticketing and reservations, accommodating social distancing in queues, restaurants, ride vehicles and other facilities throughout the park, and implementing increased frequency of sanitization and disinfection.”

The information continues into further detail about ticketing and reservations. This all means a lot is happening in the company, which is good. If things go well in Shanghai they could consider other parks reopening soon too.

As we see the numbers in America slow down and thousands of hospitals empty across the nation, the countries ability to start reopening things should not be an issue at this point in time. We are aware that cases can and will go up once everything reopens, but we will continue to focus on the hospitalization numbers and the death toll to ensure we as a country are moving forward safely. With Disney taking more precaution than any other company I believe it is easy to say that they should be a relatively safe space to visit until flu season rolls around again.

Something to note, once the parks reopen, we need to remember as guests that Disney does all it can to make sure its parks are clean. The rest is up to guests. You should always be making sure to wash your hands before eating, after riding rides, before shopping, and after shopping. I think we forget that we live on earth and that earth is full of germs, bacteria, and viruses. You subject your self to all of these enemies of humans just by being alive, but that doesn’t mean you need to live in fear. Instead, maintain proper hygiene and you’ll not only help yourself bu also others around you. If you are someone who has underlying health conditions you can not blame the company if you get sick from a virus. You have chosen to take the risk of subjecting yourself to other guests who could be carriers of things. You have to make sure you take the proper precautions at that point. Almost like a come at your own risk type deal. I am someone who has two undrlying health conditions and I knowingly take the risk not only working at the park but also attending the park for fun. If you don’t feel like you’ll be safe visiting the park, that’s fine, and you may never be safe. Safety is our first key as a cast member because there are many dangerous things in the park and in the world that are against us and we do our best to mitigate those dangers and make things relatively safe for all to enjoy. Just enjoy what fun you are allowed to have in a safe manor and all will be well. Take this time to educate yourself and your children on proper hygiene and we could even see less spreading of other viruses too. Wouldn’t that be absolutely beautiful.

Stay happy! Stay healthy! - And don’t forget to have a magical day y’all!