Disney Springs will begin phased reopening on May 20 - the first step in Walt Disney World's recovery from COVID-19

May 07, 2020 in "The Walt Disney Company"

Posted: Thursday May 7, 2020 5:30pm ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Disney has just announced that it will begin a phased reopening of Disney Springs on May 20 2020 - the first part of Walt Disney World to reopen following the COVID-19 shutdown.

Here is the full release from Matt Simon, VP Disney Springs.

A phased reopening of Disney Springs will begin on May 20. Following the guidance of government and health officials, a limited number of shopping and dining experiences that are owned by third-party operating participants will begin to open during this initial phase. The rest of Walt Disney World Resort will remain closed, including theme parks and resort hotels.

As we continue to monitor conditions, and with the health of guests and Disney cast members at the forefront of our planning, we are making several operational changes. Disney Springs will begin to reopen in a way that incorporates enhanced safety measures, including increased cleaning procedures, the use of appropriate face coverings by both cast members and guests, limited-contact guest services and additional safety training for cast members.

We will apply learnings and ideas from leaders in the health and travel industries, and we’re also talking to our unions as we prepare for some cast members to return to work.

During the initial opening phase, Disney Springs will have limitations on capacity, parking and operating hours. Given this unprecedented situation, we appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as we navigate through this process as responsibly as we can. Additional protocols and procedures may be announced closer to the opening date. Please check DisneySprings.com as we get closer to May 20 for the most current information on operating hours, locations and safety procedures.

Discuss on the Forums

Get Walt Disney World News Delivered to Your Inbox

View all comments →

zann285Jun 14, 2021

Are there certain times when they do security at Disney Springs or something? We were dropped off via bus there from our resort a few weeks back and did not have to go through any security other than a guy with a dog (they were off to the side of the entrance, not explicitly stopping guests). I remember going through the security there when arriving via bus before on past trips, but that was later in the day I suppose.

techgeekJun 14, 2021

The footprint has shrunk a little and there’s much less extended queue space, but it still knocks out a few rows of parking. Not sure what they can do about that really, especially in Lime there’s just no space for a checkpoint otherwise.

MisterPenguinJun 14, 2021

FTFY!

WDWTrojanJun 14, 2021

With temp checks gone, have they found a better way to streamline the security in the garages yet? It was taking up far too many spaces with the layout before.

Bullseye1967Jun 14, 2021

The "front porch" live music is back, but not inside yet.

Zummi GummiJun 14, 2021

Has live entertainment returned to the performance space inside of House of Blues yet? That and Cirque dumping large groups of people outside who were likely hungry and thirsty was a big driver of places staying open later.

TikibirdLandJun 14, 2021

Guessing so... No one standing outside of Enzo's saying, "I demand to be served" at 2am... :)

Little Green MenJun 13, 2021

More like demand is down at this time

UNCgolfJun 13, 2021

I'm usually only there at night. I've eaten QS dinner and then had gelato or something for dessert sometime between 9-10 several times. It's better food than eating anywhere in the parks.

ToTBellHopJun 13, 2021

Still coming.

GimpYancIentJun 13, 2021

What's up with Cirque Du Soleil? It was an item now the silence is defining.

ToTBellHopJun 13, 2021

Covid only spreads between 11:30 pm and dawn? Interesting.

Disstevefan1Jun 13, 2021

Whatever time DS closes is purely a business decision made by Disney. Closing DS early reduces costs for Disney, like so many other cost cutting decisions Disney made in the name of COVID. You do have to wonder, DS is a glorified mall with tenants. I have to imagine in the lease DS must agree to be open some minimum hours, but who knows, perhaps the lease contracts are heavily one sided to Disney because location, location, location..