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Traveling has changed so much because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many people had to cancel their vacations or move them to a later time. Walt Disney World has done all they can to make it as safe as possible for all guests and cast members while reopening their parks and resorts. Here are ten things to know about the reopening of the Walt Disney World Resort hotels.
10. Not All Resorts Have Reopened
Although many of the Walt Disney Resorts have reopened, some still have not. Make sure when planning your vacation that you do your research and make sure the resort of your choice is available. Many people who had reservations for a specific resort have been switched to another one, so keep an eye on your account information. Disney will notify you if they need you to change resorts.
9. Not All Restaurants Have Reopened
Also, many restaurants remain closed for the time being as well. When making your dining reservations and planning out your meals, make sure to go on the Walt Disney World website to see what is open and what is not. You don’t want to return hungry to your resort after a long day, only to discover that there is no place to get a late night snack.
8. Online Check-In
You are encouraged to check-in to your Walt Disney World resort from your phone. This is the method that Disney prefers right now. On the My Disney Experience App the check-in is completely contactless, and then you can go straight to your room. If you had your Magic Bands sent to your address before your vacation you are all set. If you didn’t and you ordered them, someone will get them for you. There are cast members all around to answer any questions you may have.
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7. The Disney Park Pass Reservation System
For the time being, you are required to have a reservation to go to any of the Walt Disney World theme parks. If you’re an Annual Passholder you are used to only being able to book three reservations at a time. If you are staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel you are able to book a theme park each day of your stay, as long as there is availability. If you are a Passholder you can mix and match if there aren’t days available, some days could be because you are a resort guest and others from your three Passholder spots.
6. Increased Cleaning
Right as you walk into your room at your resort you’ll notice how clean it is. Walt Disney World has always made sure the rooms are clean and sanitized, but you will notice that it has gone above and beyond. The TV remote will be in a bag marked “clean” and there will be a sign to explain to you the sanitation process. You can rest easy, knowing that you are safe in your room.
5. No Mousekeeping
Housekeeping (otherwise known as Mousekeeping) is at a minimum for the time being. They will change out your towels and take out the trash, but for the safety of all Mousekeepers they are keeping it as minimal as possible. The room was deep cleaned before your arrival, and will receive another deep cleaning after you leave. Even though there is no daily Mousekeeping, there are security checks. A cast member will stop by the room each day and do a quick visual inspection. This policy was put into place not long after the shooting in Las Vegas. Use the bolt lock on your door if you are in the room and wish to not be disturbed.
4. Transportation
Walt Disney World still has you covered when it comes to transportation around property. Buses are available from every resort to the parks. There are also boats, monorails, and the Disney Skyliner. Some resorts have walking paths to get you to where you need to be. If you fly in and out of Orlando International Airport you can also take advantage of Disney’s Magical Express. This service is available only if you’re staying at a Disney owned resort. They will pick you up from the airport and take you straight to your resort, and then back again once your vacation is over. It’s super easy, convenient, and free.
3. Face Coverings
One of the new requirements, for the foreseeable future, is that all guests are required to wear a face covering. This is a requirement at the theme parks, but it also includes the resorts. You need to wear it in any public area. If you are in your room you may remove your face covering, but if you are walking around the lobby, in the hallways, or walking to any restaurant or store you are required to wear your face covering at all times. You may remove it at the restaurant once you have been seated. This is for the safety of all guests and cast members.
2. No Face Covering While in the Water
While checking out the resort pools you are not allowed to wear a face covering while in the water. While going down slides or swimming in the pools it is not safe to have a face covering on. You can also have it off if you are walking near the water.
1. Safety at the Pools
The resort pools have reopened, but there are many safety protocols in place. Tables and chairs have been placed to make sure they are at least six feet apart. Disney asks you to not move them. They are doing intensive cleaning around the pools. If you are in line for a slide you are asked to keep distance between you and the party in front of you. Make sure to stay safe while you are in the water, and please stay apart from other guests.
