8 Things That'll Look Different When Disney World Reopens This July

Disney World parks will have a few different rules in place if and when it reopens this summer.

As the coronavirus pandemic continues, many businesses are tackling reopening plans that work within local guidelines. Theme parks — known for big crowds and lots of shared spaces — present a particular challenge.

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But recently, Disneyland Shanghai opened back up to guests with new safety measures in place...and now Disney has revealed their plans to reopen Disney World in Florida as well.

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Among the new health and safety measures at Shanghai Disneyland were these social-distancing markers for lines, helping guests to spread out while queuing.

In an official statement, Disney Parks revealed what the reopening of Disney World in Orlando will most likely look like. Here's everything you need to know:

1. Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom parks plan to reopen on July 11, with EPCOT and Disney's Hollywood Studios following on July 15. That's less than two months away!

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2. There will be "limits on attendance and controlled guest density," enforced through a new reservation system.

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Previously, guests could buy tickets and enter the park as long as it wasn't at capacity, but it sounds like this new system will require guests to make a reservation for a particular day. Annual passholders will be able to make reservations as well. There will be fewer guests allowed in the park per day, but Disney Parks didn't name a specific number as of yet.

3. Events that draw big crowds — such as parades and nighttime spectaculars/fireworks — will not return until later.

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Disney Parks said these events would return "at a later date," so they won't be happening right when the parks reopen in mid-July. When they do return, it's likely there will be extra measures in place to facilitate social distancing.

4. "High-touch" experiences like makeovers and playgrounds will be unavailable at the start.

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They may reopen at a later date, though.

5. Character meet-and-greets will be unavailable upon reopening as well, but characters will still be out in the park.

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So you probably won't be able to wait in a line to meet your favorite Disney Princess, but the princesses will still make appearances.

6. Guests ages 3 and up will be required to wear face coverings.

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Cast members will also wear face masks. And by the way, you can pre-order Disney-themed face masks now if you want!

7. Guests and cast members will be screened for temperature before entering the park.

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This, like many of these new policies, is in line with what Disneyland Shanghai is currently doing during their reopening.

8. The parks are encouraging cashless transactions.

My Disney Experience

In the case of food, you can often place a mobile order through the My Disney Experience app, allowing you to pre-pay with a credit card.

You can find more info on the Disney Parks blog.