Author: Oogie Boogie Bot

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com

Disney Springs is set to have a phased re-opening of its third-party stores and restaurants on May 20th with Disney-owned locations following on May 27th.

Although we’ve been keeping you up-to-date on all the restaurants and stores that will be re-opening in Disney Springs, here are all the health and safety protocols you need to know.

In a statement released from Disney, Cast and Crew Members will be following guidelines set by the CDC and other health authorities during Disney Springs re-opening. The restaurant and retail locations will be following “new health and safety measures and operational changes” to comply with these precautions.

Like we’ve seen in Shanghai Disneyland recently, guests ages three years and older and employees will be required to wear masks. The statement states that visitors will need to wear masks that cover their mouths and noses at all times, except when they are seated at a dining table. Note: Disney asks that guests bring enough masks for guests in your party that are three and older.

Disney says that disposable masks “may be available” for guests who have forgotten their own, but you should 100% plan on bringing your mask…or else you won’t be getting into Disney Springs. Period.

When guests arrive at Disney Springs, they will undergo a temperature check at one of the four entrances. These will include the second-floor exits of the Orange and Lime parking garages, Marketplace entrance, the rideshare drop-off lot, and the Disney Resort bus loop near Town Center. These temperature checks will be required for anyone going to Disney Springs, including guests, Cast Members, vendors, and other employees.

While we were at Universal CityWalk, we experienced the touchless thermometer screening that Disney plans to use. If a guest has a temperature of 100.4 degrees or more, that person will be moved to another location for re-screening to double check the accuracy. Disney encourages everyone to check their temperature before leaving their homes.

In order to abide by CDC regulations for physical distancing, Disney Springs will be limiting the number of people visiting the property, stores, and restaurants during its phased re-opening. Since there are capacity restrictions, guests will not be allowed to park and enter Disney Springs once the parking garages are full.

Important note: this includes anyone with a dining reservation.

There will be ground markings to maintain distance in queues as well as physical barriers in other places as needed. One-way and other directional signage will be placed around Disney Springs to help the flow of traffic on-property.

Disney is recommending the use of cashless payments like debit cards, credit card, Disney gift cards. Contactless payment or cash can be used to purchase gift cards at the Welcome Center and other select retail places throughout Disney Springs.

It does sound like Disney Springs is going completely cashless, but they are encouraging cashless payments as much as possible.

The Cast and Crew Members have been undergoing new health and safety training before the re-opening. Some of these include the increased sanitization efforts on property. There will be enhanced “cleaning and disinfection procedures in high-traffic areas such as elevators and escalators, handrails, benches, tables, handles, restrooms and more.” Hand-washing and hand sanitizer stations will also be available throughout Disney Springs.

Cast Members will be located throughout Disney Springs to answer any questions or explain new protocols when you’re visiting. In the meantime, you can learn more about the health and safety protocols in this video.

We will continue to keep you updated with more news and information about the re-opening procedures at Disney Springs!

From our friends at touringplans.com

We are just a few days away from the official re-opening of Disney Springs at Walt Disney World. The shopping, dining, and entertainment district will reopen on May 20 with a phased reopening following the closure due to the coronavirus. In order to reopen, Disney will be taking many precautions to keep both Guests and Cast Members safe.

When Disney Springs reopens originally, many third party operators will be available to Guests. Then on May 27, three Disney-owned and -operated locations will open – World of Disney, D-Luxe Burger (for mobile order) and the Marketplace Co-Op.

Disney will be implementing a number of new health and safety measures and operational changes that are in line with applicable government requirements, as well as guidance from health authorities such as the CDC and other appropriate government agencies.

Here is what you need to know prior to your arrival:

• Parking and Entrances: During this initial phase, Guests will be directed to self-park in the Orange and Lime Garages. All surface lots will be closed. In addition, the number of entrances for Disney Springs will be limited to four locations: the Orange and Lime Garages, the Hotel Plaza Boulevard pedestrian bridge and the ride share pick up/drop off area.
• Face Coverings: All Guests ages 3 years and older, along with Cast Members will be required to wear an appropriate face covering while visiting Disney Springs. Guests must bring their own face coverings and they must have enough for their entire party. They will need to be worn over your nose and mouth at all times (with the exception of sitting at a table dining).
• Temperature Screenings: Once Guests arrive at Disney Springs, your entire party will be required to undergo temperature screenings courtesy of no-touch thermometers. Anyone with a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher will be directed to an additional location for rescreening and assistance. Those who once again have a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher will not be allowed entry, nor will those in their party.
• Physical Distancing and Capacity Measures: To maintain appropriate physical distancing throughout Disney Springs during this initial phase,the number of guests visiting will be limited. In addition, Guests will be limited within each location. Directional signage will be installed to assist Guests to responsibly move throughout the property. There will also be ground markings that will help promote proper distancing when queuing is necessary. Finally, Guests will find added physical barriers in select locations where it’s difficult to maintain physical distancing.
• Cleanliness: There will be increased cleaning and disinfection procedures in high-traffic areas such as elevators and escalators, handrails, benches, tables, handles, restrooms and more. Guests will also find hand-washing stations and hand sanitizer available, which will be encouraged to be used frequently.
• Cashless Transactions: It is recommended that Guests utilized cashless payment options whenever possible. These will include things like such as credit cards, debit cards, Disney Gift Cards, Disney Rewards Redemption Cards and mobile wallets—including Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay. Guests may purchase a Disney Gift Card at select Merchandise locations and Welcome Center (Guest Relations) to pay without cash.

As far as Cast Members are concerned, they will be going through extensive new training. There will also be Cast Members walking throughout Disney Springs to explain new procedures and answer any questions Guests may have, as well as encouraging everyone to follow the measures above. In addition, Cast Members and Operating Participant employees will be required to complete a health screening and temperature check at home, prior to coming to work.

Disney is going to constantly monitor conditions and best practices, and as a result, operational changes and safety measures may change from time to time.

Select locations at Disney Springs will see reduced hours. For addition information, visit DisneySprings.com/reopening for the most up-to-date information on available shopping and dining locations, operating hours, new safety procedures and more.

In addition, as a reminder, while Disney Springs may be open, the Walt Disney World theme parks and resort hotels will currently remain temporarily closed.

For more information about the theme parks and coronavirus, please click here.

The post What You Need to Know About Disney Springs and Its Reopening appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.