Update: Starting September 8, Disney park hours will change. Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios will close an hour earlier than usual. Epcot will close two hours early. Animal Kingdom will open an hour later than usual and close an hour early. You can check the latest hours for each park here.
With CDC recommendations in mind, Disney World reopened on July 11. In the two weeks the park has been open, guidelines have already changed several times, offering new rules and requirements with each update.
All four theme parks plus Disney Springs are currently open, but guidelines are changing fast. Below we outline the latest updates regarding Disney’s face mask policy as well as information on which resorts remain closed to the public.
Face Mask Requirements Are Getting More Strict
Per Disney’s current policy, wearing a face mask is a must.
Masks are required for all visitors ages two and up. You can wear a reusable or disposable mask as long as it’s made with at least two layers of breathable material. It must cover your nose and mouth and fit securely under your chin.
Masks must be hands-free, meaning they either tie around the back of your head or loop around your ears. No costume masks are allowed in the park.
Makeshift masks such as neck gaiters and triangle bandanas are prohibited, as are all masks with valves, mesh material, or holes.
Your mask must be worn at all times unless you’re swimming or eating. If you take off your mask to eat or drink, you must be stationary and standing at least six feet away from staff members and fellow guests.
The policy stresses that “the use of face coverings is not a substitute for physical distancing.” To facilitate effective distancing, the parks have directional signage, ground markings, and some physical barriers to enforce space between guests.
Some Of Your Favorite Resorts May Not Be Open
Plenty of Disney’s resorts, hotels, villas, and accommodation options in between are open right now, but quite a few resorts you might know and love — or really want to visit — remain closed. While some resorts have no plan in place for reopening, others have a phased approach.
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is set to open July 29. In a little less than a month, Disney’s Yacht Club resort is set to open on August 24. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is set to open on September 21.
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Coronado Springs Resort are set to open in early- and mid-October, respectively. Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is set to open on November 1. Fan favorites such as Disney’s Beach Club Resort and BoardWalk Inn remain closed with no reopening schedule currently in the works.
Disney’s website has a message for hopeful guests: “We will be monitoring the constantly changing health environment and its impact on the state of Florida as we find the right time to welcome back even more of our guests.”
Before your trip, make sure to keep an eye on the latest official travel updates from the state of Florida.
