ICYMI: Disney Springs Reopened Yesterday With New Rules

Yesterday was a banner day for the Walt Disney Company as Disney Springs reopened its gates to visitors. Yesterday marked the first phase in the reopening of Disney World’s downtown district with 44 businesses opening there door and more expected to follow into Memorial Day weekend. 

One of the biggest change coming to Disney Springs is the fact that all workers and visitors must comply with rules that require face coverings that go over the nose and mouth. 

For the most part, visitors seemed to embrace the requirement with many guests wearing Disney-inspired face coverings with everything from Mickey and Minnie to Frozen characters being spotted. 

Some even completed their look with accompanying headbands, t-shirts and more! Orlando Sentinel even shared an awesome picture of Walt Post who visited Disney Springs yesterday with a Cinderella Castle hat!

Orlando Sentinel

Though the crowds remained small yesterday, some establishments did have lines out the door (with social distancing spaces in between.)

Many stores enforced their own health regulations. As the Orlando Sentinel tells us, some had sanitizer available at the doors. Other retailers like Uniqlo offered mobile check-out and shoppers had a self-bagging option. 

As we previously reported here at MickeyBlog, Cast Members came out in full force yesterday. The custodial staff deserves a huge “Thank You!” as they were constantly making the rounds to wipe down surfaces.  Trash can lids were also deliberately propped open to make it easier for guests to dispose of items without touching surfaces. 

As part of the reopening process, new measures were put into place. Guests visiting must go through various checkpoints starting at the parking garage. Temperature checks are an essential part of the process. Those showing a fever will be turned away. 

Signage around the property check-in points reminds guests that Disney isn’t liable and that guests are visiting at their own risk. 

Here’s a look at the signage reminding guests to stay 6 feet apart. 

“I’m so excited to open,” Vice Presiden of Disney Springs Matt Simon told the Sentinel. “This moment is the time for our guests to come to the property and see all the new safety measures while enjoying Disney Springs for the special place that it is.”

According to Disney nearly 1/3 of Disney Springs business reopened yesterday and the current hours of operation are 10am – 10pm. However, stores are also allowed to adhere to their own business hours within that time frame. 

As you can see from the ABC news report above, all visitors must park in the Lime or Orange garages both of which are accessible from Buena Vista Drive. There are currently no parking fees. 

Guests are then funnelled into temperature check stations. This is a touchless process. With only two parking garages remained open, the Orlando Sentinel advised that once full, Disney will consider Disney Springs to be “at capacity” and no further guests will be allowed in so that social distancing rules can be maintained. 

Guests are also permitted to come through a ride-share area or the Hotel Plaza Boulevard pedestrian bridge where there are additional temperature checkpoints. 

Throughout the entrances and exits to stores and restaurants, guests will find markings on the floors to help space out the guests. These can be found at the check-in points as well as at restaurants, kiosks, and restaurants. 

As we mentioned earlier this morning, Cast Members stationed throughout the property are available to answer questions and go over the new rules with guests. 

What’s Not Ready To Open Just Yet

As we mentioned the reopening of Disney Springs is phased, that means that certain shops, restaurants and activities will not be open just yet. This includes: 

• Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
• Splitsville Luxury Lanes
• LEGO Store
• The VOID
• Cirque du Soleil “Drawn to Life.”
• Live entertainment at the Marketplace Stage

Opening Soon 

Disney is opening several of its own businesses on May 27th. This includes: 

• World of Disney
• Marketplace Co-Op
• D-Luxe Burger. 

What’s Already Open

Here’s a quick look at those business that have already opened their doors to guests. 

Retail Shops: 

• Anthropologie
• Art Corner
• Basin
• Chapel Hats
• Columbia Sportswear
• Crystal Arts by Arribas Brothers
• Edward Beiner eyewear
• Free People
• Happy Hound
• Luxury of Time by Diamonds International
• Pandora Jewelry
• Pele Soccer
• Pop Gallery
• Ron Jon Surf Shop
• Royally Yours
• Sanuk
• Savannah Bee Co.
• Sosa Family Cigars
• Sugarboo & Co.
• UGG
• Uniqlo
• UNOde50
• Volcom
• Vera Bradley 
• Zara.

Eateries: 

• Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza
• Boathouse
• Chicken Guy
• Earl of Sandwich
• Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC
• 4 Rivers Cantina Barbacoa Food Truck
• Frontera Cocina
• Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Co.
• Paradiso 37
• Planet Hollywood
• Polite Pig
• STK Orlando
• Sunshine Churros (Marketplace and West Side locations)
• T-Rex
• Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill
• Wine Bar George
• YeSake.