Reservations will be required when guests return to Walt Disney World this summer.
Disney VP Jim MacPhee says the reservation system is an attempt to control the crowds at one of the world's top tourist destinations. He says there will be no parades and no fireworks shows to prevent large gatherings. He says park capacity will be sharply reduced for the foreseeable future.
Before arriving, guests will need reservations and will have to pass a temperature check outside the parks. Once inside, guests and casts members will all be required to wear face masks.
MacPhee says disposable menus and increased sanitation stations are just some of the CDC recommendations being put in place. He says back stage areas are also getting upgrades in an attempt to protect employees.
The new rules are similar to ones implemented with the reopening of the Disney Springs dining and entertainment complex.
MacPhee says they will encourage cash-less transactions and the use of Magic Bands to limit points of contact.
He says they will open the Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom theme parks on July 11th. Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios will open to guests on July 15th.
SeaWorld's CEO also presented their plans to reopen the park. Marc Swanson told the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force that they will open to guests on June 11th. An employee appreciation party will be held inside the park the day before.
Both reopening plans need approval by Governor DeSantis.
Meanwhile, at Universal Orlando, theme parks will start to reopen next week. Employees will put the parks through their paces starting June 1st. Annual pass holders will be invited to attend several days next week. The parks will reopen on a limited schedule and at 50% capacity starting June 5th.
Image courtesy Disney