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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

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Disney Parks Other

First look: Disney Springs social distancing measures and video of the screening areas

Disney Springs social distancing measuresPrior to May 20th reopening of Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort, Disney cast members to demonstrate appropriate physical distancing outside the World of Disney store. New ground signage will help guests maintain physical distancing while queueing to enter the store.

Ground signage at Disney Springs delineates appropriate physical distancing outside the World of Disney store. When Disney Springs reopens May 20, 2020, new health and safety protocols will be in place for guests visiting the shopping, dining and entertainment district – among them, maintaining proper physical distancing.

New directional signage helps direct guest flow throughout the shopping, dining, and entertainment district to better facilitate physical distancing.

A Disney cast member cleans his hands using a new hand-washing station installed at the shopping, dining, and entertainment district. Guests are encouraged to wash their hands frequently while visiting Disney Springs.

Signage at Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., reminds guests of new health and safety protocols in place when the shopping, dining and entertainment district reopens May 20, 2020. While visiting Disney Springs, guests must maintain physical distancing and those 3 years of age and older must wear a face covering at all times, among other new guidelines.

Disney cast members in easily identifiable, brightly colored shirts will be walking throughout Disney Springs to answer guest questions about new health and safety protocols for the shopping, dining, and entertainment district.

Here is a video from Disney Springs showing you more of the social distancing measures and screening areas.

(Olga Thompson, photographer)

From our friends at chipandco.com
Filed Under: Parks & Resorts, Disney Springs, Disney Springs Reopening, Disney Springs social distancing measures, Disney World, Social Distancing

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Disney Parks

Disney Springs announces new Cast Members to promote physical distancing guidelines

disney-springs-reopening

When Disney Springs reopens on May 20th there will be some new Cast Members on hand to promote physical distancing guidelines.

Guidelines such as all guests and cast members wearing facemasks, social distancing, and even temperature screenings.

Here are the guidelines outlined on the Disney Springs website.

As we begin to reopen Disney Springs with a number of shopping and dining locations beginning May 20, we are looking ahead to May 27 when we will begin to reopen more of our Disney owned shops and restaurants, including World of Disney, D-Luxe Burger (mobile order) and the Marketplace Co-Op. With that as our next milestone, we are eager to welcome back our Guests, some Cast Members and third-party Operating Participants with the safety and well-being of all at the forefront of all our planning efforts.

As we navigate through this unprecedented time as responsibly as we can, we have implemented a number of new safety measures based on guidance from health authorities, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and appropriate government agencies. We, along with third-party Operating Participants, are all committed to a responsible reopening of Disney Springs.

For Cast Members, Operating Participant employees and Guests, there are 6 key things to know before arriving at Disney Springs, and they include:

  • Limited parking and reduced entrances
  • Temperature screenings prior to entry
  • Face coverings required for Guests ages 3 and up
  • Physical distancing practices including physically-distanced queues and physical barriers
  • Temporary operation modifications, including reduced hours at select locations and no scheduled entertainment offerings or high-touch interactive areas
  • An increased focus on disinfecting and sanitation, including the addition of hand-washing stations and hand sanitizers in key areas

Since many of these measures will be new and may evolve, we want to be sure Guests, Cast Members and Operating Participant employees are aware of all these changes.

 COVID-19 Warning

We have taken enhanced health and safety measures—for you, our other Guests, and Cast Members. You must follow all posted instructions while visiting Disney Springs.

An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, senior citizens and guests with underlying medical conditions are especially vulnerable.

By visiting Disney Springs you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19.

Let’s keep each other healthy and safe.

Guest Parking and Entrances

During this initial phase, Guests will be directed to self-park in the Orange and Lime garages; all surface parking lots will be closed. At opening, we have also reduced Guest entryways to 4 locations: Orange and Lime garages, along with the Hotel Plaza Boulevard Pedestrian Bridge and the rideshare location. Guest access to Disney Springs from the Grapefruit garage will be restricted.

Temperature Screening

All Guests are required to undergo temperature screenings upon arrival at Disney Springs.

  • Guest Screening: During this initial period, Guests will undergo temperature screening in these locations: the second-floor exits of Orange and Lime parking garages and the Marketplace Entrance (to serve Guests from the Hotel Plaza Boulevard Pedestrian Bridge and the rideshare drop-off lot). Based on guidance from health authorities, anyone displaying a temperature of 100.4 F or above will be directed to an additional location for rescreening and assistance. Those with temperatures above 100.4 will not be allowed entry; those in their party will not be allowed entry either.
  • Employee Screening: Cast Members and Operating Participant employees will be required to complete a health screening and temperature check at home, prior to coming to work.

Limited Contact

Following guidance from the government and the medical community regarding enhanced screening procedures and prevention measures, we have made some temporary adjustments that include limited-contact Guest Services to ensure a responsible and enjoyable environment for everyone.

  • Face Coverings: All Guests ages 3 and up, Cast Members and Operating Participant employees are required to wear an appropriate face covering. Guests must bring their own face coverings and wear them at all times, except when dining.
  • Physical Barriers: Physical barriers have been added in select places where it is difficult to maintain strict physical distancing guidelines. These may be visible in areas around cash registers or at Guest Relations, for example, to help ensure proper distances between people.
  • Cashless Transactions: At this time, it is recommended all Guests use cashless or contactless payment options, 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.

Physical Distancing and Capacity Measures

Managing the number of Guests visiting Disney Springs has been a major consideration as we implement physical distancing guidelines based on recommendations from health authorities and government officials. One of the ways to do that is to limit the number of Guests and Cast Members at any given time for each location. Additional measures include:

  • Signage: Directional signage has been installed to assist Guests to responsibly move throughout the property. Additionally, ground markings will help promote proper physical distancing when queuing is needed at a location.
  • Training: We are also training Cast Members to engage with Guests and promote physical distancing guidelines in common areas and queues.

Cleanliness and Sanitization

We’ve increased cleaning and disinfection in high-traffic areas such as public elevators and escalators, handrails, benches, tables, handles, restrooms and more. Additionally, Disney Springs will open with hand sanitizer and hand-washing locations, and Guests are highly encouraged to use these while visiting.

Cast Training

We’re further emphasizing our strong culture of health and safety among Cast Members and Operating Participant employees, and will continue to provide new training and reinforcement as we navigate through the reopening phases.

About These Measures

As part of these efforts, Guests may see other changes to our retail and dining offerings, as well as other experiences. Though it may be different from the last time you visited, these new measures are designed to offer a magical Disney experience in a responsible way.

We understand that these times are challenging, and we appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as we navigate as responsibly as we can. Together, we can find new ways to have fun while being diligent to maintain proper physical distancing.

Frequently Asked Questions

View frequently asked questions about the phased reopening of Disney Springs—as well as related updates.

More Information

In addition to the information shared here, please see the Walt Disney World Resort Property Rules for more details.

There are no other details about the new Cast Members at this time.

To see a full list of Restaurants and Retail locations opening at Disney Springs click the links below.

From our friends at chipandco.com

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Disney Parks Other

You NEED to See Gatorland’s New Social Distancing Mascot! We’re…Speechless.

While many Florida theme parks are currently looking for the best way to open, Gatorland Orlando will be re-opening during Phase Two of Florida’s re-opening plan.

Disney World Monorail

The attraction submitted its health and safety proposal to the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force for consideration. Now, as the theme park moves forward in getting its park ready for guests, Gatorland released some very…interesting…videos explaining their new guidelines (and you just have to see them for yourself). They are…a lot to take in.

In the first video, Gatorland CEO, Mark McHugh, shows how they’ve been taking care of the park since the temporary closure. He details what Gatorland will be doing from now on to keep guests and employees safe. The video also showcases park employees (in gator face masks, of course) putting up informational signs, washing their hands, and placing social distancing markers on the ground.

He makes sure to let guests know that they have a very detailed 32-page safety guidebook they will follow to re-open. Pretty normal, right?? But then he mentions that the “Gatorland Social Distancing Skunk Ape” will be helping them to comply with the new health and safety protocols. (Um, why does this sound slightly terrifying? What will the Skunk Ape do if you don’t comply???).

©Gatorland

Well, our questions were answered… and we can never unsee whatever the Social Distancing Skunk Ape is supposed to be. Apparently, he’s such a big deal to Gatorland that he has his own page on the site. Oh, but don’t worry — it gets BETTER (or weirder).

©Gatorland

The Skunk Ape has his own video to promote social distancing while also highlighting the importance of hand sanitizer and face masks. And, if anybody doesn’t comply — he will attack! We’re not kidding. In the video, he shoves people apart, throws hand sanitizer canisters at them, and more. Even we can’t make this stuff up… .

The Crazed Look in His Eyes… ©Gatorland

A woman VERY similar to a uh…certain tiger-loving big cat sanctuary owner…brushes it off by saying (er, yelling) “he’s insistent that you stay distant” or “it’s always wise to sanitize!”

©Gatorland

Skunk Ape is what we imagine if Disco Yeti were to take a vacation from Expedition Everest and “rebrand” himself. Honestly, we’ve never seen anything like this before. But it’s everything we didn’t know we needed.

©Gatorland

You can watch Skunk Ape in all his glorious action in the Gatorland video below. And, if you can’t get enough of the newest mascot, you can wear his face on a shirt for $19.99.

We haven’t stopped thinking about this video. But we have to know: what was your first impression of these videos! Were you shook? Inspired? Confused? Comforted? Let us know in the comments!

Have you been to Gatorland? Will you be going just to see Skunk Ape? Let us know in the comments below!