Categories
Disney Food Disney Guides Disney Merch Disney Parks Other

The ULTIMATE GUIDE to the Reopened Disney Springs in Disney World!

On May 20th, Disney Springs began a phased reopening. And we’ve been there every step of the way to see how each business has been adapting to the changes.

Disney Springs

In fact, we’ve been visiting every day so we can report back on all the dining, shopping, and safety info you need.

Since we’ve written A LOT on the subject, we wanted to provide you with the “ultimate guide” to navigating the newly reopened Disney Springs! We have the scoop on all of the health and safety measures taking place as well as where to eat, drink, and shop and how eating, drinking, and shopping will look! Here’s EVERYTHING you need to know!

Entering Disney Springs

In order to help enforce the new health and safety precautions in place, the process for entering Disney Springs is a bit different than we’ve seen in the past.

Temperature Screening

There are differences in parking, where you can enter, and what you need to know and do before you go.

Operating Hours

Disney Springs is officially operating with reduced hours (10AM to 10PM).

Disney Springs

However, those hours are subject to change. To align with Orange County’s temporarily enacted curfew, Disney Springs is operating only until 7PM until further notice.

Parking

Surface parking lots and valet are unavailable. Currently, parking is only available in the Lime and Orange Parking Garages to help reduce capacity, and once these garages are full, guests won’t be able to park there and visit Disney Springs.

Orange Parking Garage

We have seen that the Orange Parking Garage has been opening well before 9AM most days. Of course, this is always subject to change.

Entrances

At this time, there are only five entrances open to Disney Springs, all of which have temperature screening checkpoints.

This Way to Temperature Screening

The entrances are at the Orange and Lime garages, the Marketplace Entrance, the bus loop near Town Center, and the rideshare drop off area.

All your questions about the reopened Disney Springs, ANSWERED!

Health and Safety Initiatives

Guests will notice a number of health and safety precautions throughout Disney Springs, some of which they’ll experience before they even have the chance to enter.

AdventHealth Signage

From what face coverings to wear to what temperature you cannot exceed to what social distancing you’ll see, we’re going to cover all of the protocols Disney has implemented below.

Face Coverings

All guests aged 2 and older are required to wear a proper face covering while visiting Disney Springs — guests without masks will not be admitted.

Advent Health Cast Member at Temperature Screening

These face coverings should cover your nose and mouth, fit snugly, be secured with ties or ear loops, and be made of a breathable material. The face coverings can either be a reusable fabric mask or disposable.

Required Measures Sign

It’s important to keep in mind you must wear your face mask for the entire duration of your visit. The only times you’re allowed to take it off are when you’re seated in a restaurant or walking around with a food or drink in hand, in which case you’re allowed to lower your mask.

Click here to learn when you will and won’t have to wear a mask in Disney World

Temperature Screenings

In addition to mandatory face masks, all guests are required to have their temperature checked before entering Disney Springs. Health care workers from AdventHeath are providing temperature screenings for guests to help ensure accuracy.

Disney Springs

Anyone with a temperature of 100.4 degrees and above will not be allowed to enter.

Temperature Check

If a guest does test with an elevated temperature, they’re allowed to attempt a second screening a few minutes later after waiting in a tented “cool down” area. But if they still test above the maximum temperature, they will be asked to leave along with their entire party.

Rescreening Tent

Though there is a temperature check, there is no bag check to enter Disney Springs.

Click here to learn more about temperature checks in Disney World

Increased Sanitation

Guests will find hand sanitizer stations throughout Disney Springs.

Hand sanitizer station

Portable handwashing stations are also located throughout Disney Springs. They’re highly visible and easy to locate, but if you need to use one and can’t find it on your own, ask a friendly Cast Member, and they’ll be happy to direct you!

Click here to see the handwashing stations in Disney Springs

Social Distancing Squads

Speaking of wonderful Cast Members, we’ve had our first chance encounter with the Social Distancing Squad at Disney Springs!

Cast Member

These Cast Members are on hand to provide guests with additional support while ensuring nobody is breaking any rules.

Click here to learn more about these Cast Members

Social Distancing

In order to reduce contact between guests, there are social distancing markers placed throughout Disney Springs.

World of Disney Social Distancing Stickers

While Disney has its own standard set of social distancing markers, other third-party businesses are using their own signage. For instance, Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company is using coffee bean floor decals to show guests where to stand and keep them at a six-foot distance.

Joffrey’s Coffee Bean Distancing Markers

Click here to learn more about the social distancing markers in Disney Springs

Dining in Disney Springs

While not all dining locations have reopened in Disney Springs, guests will find a wide variety of options to choose from, with new locations continuing to open.

George Miliotes at Wine Bar George’s Reopening

From new utensil dispensers to contactless menus, and mobile order payment updates, we’ve seen a bunch of new procedures at some of our favorite places to dine in Disney World.

Table Service Dining

Since May 20th, we’ve eaten at STK, The Boathouse, Wine Bar George, Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill, T-Rex, Frontera Cocina, and more table service spots to see what changes they’ve implemented.

Sever at The Boathouse

Changes at table service locations include, but are not limited to: lower capacity, socially distanced tables, and single-use paper menus. We’ve also noticed some locations providing disposable bags to store our masks, and using contactless payment methods.

digital Checkout at STK

Note that at this time, reservations for Table-Service restaurants can NOT be made through the My Disney Experience app, but certain locations are currently bookable on Open Table or directly through the restaurants.

See what it’s like to dine at several Disney Springs restaurants that have just reopened here!

Quick Service Dining

We’ve also visited Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza, Chicken Guy!, D-Luxe Burger, B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co., Pizza Ponte, Morimoto Asia Street Food, The Polite Pig, Earl of Sandwich, Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC, The Basket, 4 Rivers Cantina Barbacoa Food Truck, and The Daily Poutine. Yep — we’ve been STUFFED lately!

Pork Rinds at The Polite Pig

In addition to single-use menus, quick service spots are also spacing out their tables, putting up plexiglass in front of cash registers, and limiting capacity in addition to other health and safety measures.

Check out our answers to ALL your questions about the reopening of Disney Springs here!

Snacking at Disney Springs

If you’re feeling thirsty or need a small snack, you’re in luck — plenty of outdoor pop-up bar and snack carts are now fully operational!

Disney Springs Pop-Up Bar Cart

Beyond alcoholic beverages, there are carts selling Mickey Pretzels and Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bars! And if you’re jonesing for some Pineapple Dole Whip — the snack you voted as your most-loved Disney foodyou can find it in Disney Springs right now too!

Dole Whip in Disney Springs

And for you folks at home with refillable popcorn buckets, you CAN still get ’em refilled at Disney Springs right now! If you forgot yours at home, Disney is selling some basic popcorn buckets so you can fill up on the good stuff!

Click here to see what it’s like snacking around reopened Disney Springs

Shopping in Disney Springs

World of Disney

As of May 27th, World of Disney is open daily from 10AM to close.

World of Disney

While the first day was CRAZY with over a three-hour wait and a new virtual queue system just to step foot in the store, the crowds have mostly calmed down since then.

Ears Section of World of Disney

Another thing we’ve noticed is the store has been opening earlier on certain days than its posted operating hours.

World of Disney

When we spoke with a Cast Member about why the store was already open (well before 10 AM) she told us they are trying to get a better handle on things and are taking it day-by-day. But your mileage may vary, so don’t count on getting in before the designated opening time!

Click here to learn more about the very busy reopening of World of Disney!

Store Capacity

Both Disney-owned stores and third party shops are limiting the number of guests allowed in a store at any given time. Shops such as Sephora, Under Armour, and World of Disney have reached capacity over the recent week, for example.

Virtual Queue

World of Disney has initiated a virtual queue for busy days, while other shops have guests wait outside in lines.

Click here to see our experience when Under Armour when hit capacity

Social Distancing at Stores

In addition to limiting the number of shoppers, plexiglass shields have been installed at most stores’ cash registers, and queues have been outfitted with social distancing markers.

Please Stand Here Markers at Checkout

Although contactless forms of payment are highly encouraged, most businesses are still accepting cash.

Contactless Payment Sign

We’ve seen signage asking guests to limit the handling of products and we’ve also seen that many larger stores have defined entrances and exits.

What About Samples?

Smelling spices at The Spice Tea & Exchange, playing with Legos at the Lego Store, or trying on a little makeup at Sephora is half the fun of shopping! But what about samples and trying out new products right now?

Sephora

Upon entering The Spice & Tea Exchange, we were offered hand sanitizer. However, we were still able to open jars to get a sense of the 140-plus spice blends! The jars and displays were being regularly wiped down by Cast Members.

The Spice & Tea Exchange

As for Sephora, it’s offering freshly sanitized shopping baskets and wiping down counters, but testers are for display only and all Beauty Bar services are temporarily suspended.

Safety Measures at Sephora

We also recently stopped by the newly reopened Lego Store to get ourselves equipped for Legoland Florida’s June 1st reopening.

LEGO Store employee shows a product to guests

In addition to having just one working entrance, the shop’s interactive touch screen computers have been turned off and bins with build-your-own parts were unavailable.

Computers are shut down in the LEGO Store

Store associates were also on hand to give guests products — we were NOT allowed to grab items ourselves — and guests stood to the side of cashiers when purchasing items instead of in front of them.

Click here to see more of our experience at the Lego Store!

Where to Buy Face Masks at Disney Springs

While we haven’t seen any face masks for sale yet at Disney-owned locations, we have spotted some at American Threads, Vera Bradley, and The Polite Pig.

Vera Bradley Face Masks

The stock at stores is always changing, so you never know what you’ll find at Disney Springs!

Read about our shopping experience at Disney Springs here!

Disney Springs Attractions

The new Cirque du Soliel show, Drawn to Life, has been postponed and other Disney Springs attractions such as the NBA Experience and The VOID are closed.

The Void ©Disney

But there is one attraction you can still enjoy at Disney Springs!

Soar in the Sky on the Aerophile

The Aerophile, also known as the hot air balloon at Disney Springs, IS operating right now!

Disney Springs

Aerophile flights are available for $20 per person. The attraction is enforcing social distancing both in the line and in the balloon. Whereas you could wander the balloon before, now you need to stay in a designated spot while in flight.

The queue area for Aerophile

Cast members also told us they are wiping down the carriage area between parties to keep guests as safe as possible.

Click here to learn more about riding the Aerophile in reopened Disney Springs

Atmosphere

Normally, when you walk around Disney Springs, there are bands playing music and street performers entertaining crowds. But right now, those performances are on pause.

Stormtroopers

But not ALL is lost. In fact, we spotted some particularly intimidating guys enforcing social distancing! That’s right…STORMTROOPERS were patrolling above Uno de 50 recently! They’ve since relocated to the balcony above AMC!

Yes, there are STORMTROOPERS in Disney Springs today!

While it’s a far cry from Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, we’ll still take it!

Click here to learn more about these unique security guards in Disney Springs!

As you can see, we’ve been pounding the pavement at Disney Springs to bring you all the details you need for your next visit as well as spotting as much new stuff as we can find!

Be sure to plan ahead for the dining and shopping experiences you want to visit, and you’ll set yourself up for a fantastic day at Disney Springs — even if it does look a little different than your last visit.

What Will It Take For You to Feel Safe at Disney World? Here’s What Our Readers Said!

Have you visited Disney Springs since it has reopened? Share your story with us in the comments!

Related posts:

  1. PHOTOS and TIPS: Our FULL Experience From Reopening Day at Disney Springs
  2. PHOTOS: Disney World’s NEW Health Measures — Face Coverings, Distancing Signs, and MORE
  3. Updated! We’re Answering ALL Your Questions About the Reopening of Disney Springs!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Counter-Service, Disney Springs, Featured, Snacks, Table-Service, Walt Disney World, AdventHealth, aerophile, dining in disney springs, Disney Springs Counter Service, Disney Springs entertainment, Disney Springs health measures, Disney Springs Parking, disney springs quick service, disney springs reopen, disney springs reopening, disney springs reopening faq, disney springs restaurants, disney springs shopping, disney springs table service, Disney Springs temperature checks, do I have to wear a face mask?, eating, entertainment, face coverings, face masks, hand sanititzer stations, hand sanitizer, Hand Sanitizer Station, health checkpoints, lego store, lime garage, mandatory face masks, orange garage, Parking, sanitation, shopping, social distancing, stormtroppers, Table Service Restaurants, temperature checks, temperature screenings, wearing face masks, where to buy face masks, World of Disney

Categories
Disney Parks

PHOTOS: Disney World’s NEW Health Measures — Face Coverings, Distancing Signs, and MORE

We’re back in Disney Springs today for the first time since the historic closure of Disney World began in March.

Disney Springs

Perhaps unsurprisingly, things look a little different in Disney’s dining, retail, and entertainment district. Prior to the reopening, Disney detailed that guests could expect to see some logistical changes with limited parking, temperature screenings, required face coverings, physical distancing, and more. Let’s take a look at what it’s like to be back in Disney Springs with all of these new protocols!

Arrival and Parking

Hours in Disney Springs, upon reopening, are currently set from 10AM to 10PM. To help limit capacity in the district, Disney has limited parking options at Disney Springs. Of the garages, only the Lime and Orange Parking Garages will be open in the initial phase, with no surface parking available.

Orange Parking Garage

We arrived early and found that only the Orange Parking lot was open at that time. Cast Members informed us that the Orange Garage was being filled first, and that Lime would be opened to guests later.

Parking Garage direction signs

As always, helpful signs direct guests as to which lots are open and closed upon arrival, so you won’t wonder about where you’re able to park.

Entering Orange Garage

Something unexpected was that we were allowed to self-park. Though we would find Cast Members in the area, none were dedicated to directing guests for parking.

Inside Orange Parking Garage

We’ll be taking a closer look throughout the day — and in the sections below — at all the individual new measures. But the presence of signage in the parking garage — reminding guests of safety warnings and new procedures — are noticed immediately upon arrival within the garage.

Warning Sign

6ft apart pole

This Way to Temperature Screening

Cast Members were available to help direct guests through the new procedures.

Cast Member

Again, we’ll be taking a closer look throughout the day at various measures, but we’d like to share an overview here of what the new look and procedures are like at Disney Springs.

Face Coverings

Face masks or appropriate coverings are required for all Cast Members and guests in Disney Springs.

Cast Member with required face mask

These masks, covering the nose and mouth, are mandatory at all times unless a guest is seated at a dining table or under 3 years of age. Guests of the complex must bring their own masks and be wearing them to be admitted.

Signage

Note that there is a VERY limited number of disposable masks at the temperature check areas. However, these are used as a last resort and because they are limited, there are no guarantees that any disposable face coverings will be available. Cast Members have been provided with three washable and reusable face masks. Cast members may also bring their own, with stipulations.

Temperature Screenings

As we’ve discussed for the recently reopened Disneyland Shanghai and experienced in CityWalk at Universal Orlando, temperature screenings are a new piece of preventative measures for many tourist destinations.

Advent Health Signage

Disney has partnered with AdventHealth to provide temperature screenings using touchless thermometers.

Advent Health Representative

Screening points are set up at four locations — Orange (pictured here) and Lime garages, along with the Hotel Plaza Boulevard Pedestrian Bridge and the rideshare location.

Temperature Screening

Temperature checks are required for all guests entering the complex. Anyone with a temperature above 100.4 degrees will be turned away.

Temperature Check

Additionally, Cast Members and Operating Participant employees are required to complete a temperature check and health screening at home before heading to work.

Physical Distancing

Disney Springs has also taken measures to encourage and increase physical distancing as health officials maintain that people should keep a 6-feet distance between themselves and others.

Ground markers outside of Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill

To accomplish this, we noticed that Disney has implemented markings on the ground, physical barriers, signage, and reminders from Cast Members.

Distancing signage

We are encountering distancing reminders all along the way, from the moment of arrival throughout all areas of the district.

Cleanliness and Sanitization

Disney has stated that there will be increased cleaning and disinfecting of high-traffic public areas.

Hand sanitizer station

Additionally, guests are encouraged to make use of hand sanitizer and hand-washing stations placed throughout Disney Springs.

Hand-washing station

Signs remind to clean hands often with soap and water or with an alcohol-based sanitizer.

Additional Health Measures

Finally, there are a few other health measures that we noticed in Disney Springs today. One interesting measure… well, we can’t show you a picture, because it’s SOUND-related! Guests will hear occasional announcements via the loudspeakers. “Thanks for being our guest today,” precedes audio reminders regarding distancing, hand-washing, and more.

Welcome Back to Disney Springs

“Thank you for your understanding and cooperation,” follows the message.

As you are out and about shopping and dining, cashless forms of payment are encouraged.

Free People reopening today

And, as a reminder, Disney Springs is currently operating under limited hours (10 AM – 10 PM, at press time).

Overall, there are some serious logistical changes to the way that Disney Springs works as of today. While our day has only begun (and we hope you’ll join us for the rest of it), so far we are finding clear information presented in a large variety of ways for implementation on behalf of Cast Members and guests in Disney Springs. Follow along with DFB as we continue our coverage of the first part of a reopened Disney World!

Were you at the reopening of Disney Springs? Have thoughts on the new safety measures? Let us know in the comments!

Related posts:

  1. 3 Things We Hope We DON’T See At The Disney Springs Reopening This Week
  2. Before You Go To Disney Springs, You Need To Know These 10 Things We Experienced At CityWalk Last Week
  3. We Asked Our Readers: “Should Disney World Give out Free Masks for Guests?” Here’s What They Said.

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com

Filed Under: Disney Springs, Featured, Walt Disney World, disney springs, Disney Springs health measures, Disney Springs Parking, disney springs reopening, disney world closure, Disney World reopening, face coverings, face masks, Global health crisis, health and safety measures, Operational Changes, Parking limitations, Physical Distancing, sanitation, social distancing, temperature checks, temperature screenings