Yesterday we listened in to Walt Disney World's presentation for their proposed re-opening that was given to the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force.  This might be the most excited we have been in months!  After the presentation was given, the Task Force voted to have the plan proceed to the Orange County Mayor and ultimately on to the Governor of Florida for final approval.  Once final approval is received, they are proposing to open beginning on July 11th.  Now, let's dive into the details as we know there are a lot of excited people that have been anxiously awaiting this news, including your favorite Travel Professionals!

The plan presented to Task Force focuses on a phased approach to park opening by first opening Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom on July 11th, followed by Hollywood Studios and Epcot on July 15th.  There are a lot of other notable items in the proposal  including:

• Touchless temperature checks at all Main Entrances to the Theme Parks
• Required face coverings while on property for all guests over 2 years of age
• Hand Washing and Sanitizing Stations at appropriate locations throughout the parks
• Plexiglass at points of sale in retail and F&B where distancing can't be maintained
• Reduced capacity of theme parks, restaurants, retail attractions, buses, monorails, and other transportation that enables appropriate physical distancing
• Temporarily suspends parades, fireworks, and other events that creates crowds
• Temporarily suspends character meet and greets
• Contactless payments with Magic Bands, Apple Pay, and Google Pay
• Further enable mobile ordering
• Suspension of high touch interactions

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The biggest item that was announced was in order to aid in the reduction of capacity at the Theme Parks, they will be implementing a Theme Park Reservation System.  I’m sure you have questions and what we can tell you now is there will be more to come on how this system will work.  Your Travel Professional will be on top of the changes so that they can help navigate these new waters.

There are items coming out daily on changes that will affect how you experience Walt Disney World in the future.  Our recommendation is to take it all in stride and as your trusted advisor, your Travel Professional will be there the entire way. 
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If you have ever been on the fence about utilizing our services, we can say now more than ever this, no cost to you, service will be priceless!  Some people are so excited to head to Disney even with all the restrictions (that would be us!), however this might not be the best time for a Walt Disney World vacation for all of our clients.   We understand that completely and are still able to help you with many other destinations.  We are excited that Walt Disney World is coming back online and look forward to helping you in the future wherever you may decide to travel! 

Source:  Walt Disney World Theme Parks Re-Opening,  5/27/2020

Today we sat in on the live broadcast of the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force, and were able to listen to the presentation given by Universal Orlando on their proposed reopening of their theme parks.  The Task Force approved the measures presented and it now goes to the Governor of Florida for his approval.  If approved, then Universal Orlando can begin implementing their plan. 

The plan that was presented by Universal Orlando to the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force builds off the successful opening of City Walk to begin the transition for the parks. Currently the proposal is to open the parks to the general public on June 5th.  In the period from June 1st to June 4th they have trial runs that will occur to test the measures that have been implemented.  We obtained a copy of the "COVID-19 RE-OPENING PLAN, Phase 2" and have noted a few highlights below:

• Staggered parking will be implemented
• Valet parking will be suspended
• Guest temperature checks at parking or main entrance (forehead non-contact) 
• Guests found with 100.4 degree temperature or more will be requested to see a doctor and not visit the theme park that day 
• All guests will be required to wear masks
• Capacity will be reduced in the park and at attractions to ensure safe social distancing
• Close interactive play areas
• Increased utilization of the Mobile App
• Hand out 3D glass individually
• Reduce or eliminate water/mist elements
• Implement Virtual Line at highly attended attractions  
• Eliminate Single Rider Line
• Eliminate post show meet & greets; performer remain stage for pictures  
• No parades to run; individual float interactions to have performers remain on floats  
• Menus to be converted to single use  
• No buffet or self serve options in restaurants
• Utilize Mobile Food Ordering to enable direct to table seating and food delivery 
• Contactless payments offered with Apple Pay and Google Wallet and mobile wallet in APP  
• Team Members will perform a self-temperature checks at home and upon arrival to work; TMs with 100.4 degree temperature or more/flu-like symptoms will be sent home  

We are extremely excited that the first step has been taken.  Our Travel Professionals are well versed in all things Universal Orlando and are here to help you plan your next big adventure!

Source:  COVID-19 RE-OPENING PLAN, Phase 2, 5/21/2020