Walt Disney World leaders reiterate that their reopening plans continue

Posted: Thursday June 25, 2020 12:00pm ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Despite Disneyland Resort in California delaying its reopening due to state approval delays, Disney says that Walt Disney World will press ahead with its planned reopening as originally scheduled.

Magic Kingdom remains on course to reopen on July 11 despite rising COVID-19 cases in Florida

In a memo to Cast Members, new President, Walt Disney World Resort Jeff Vahle said "We will bring our brand of Disney magic back to our theme parks in a responsible and measured way, as we have done with our reopenings at Disney Springs, Fort Wilderness and our Deluxe Villas Resorts."

Disney will be reopening the Magic Kingdom and Disney's Animal Kingdom on July 11, with EPCOT and Disney's Hollywood Studios following soon after on July 15.

Florida is currently recording record high levels of COVID-19, with more than 5000 new cases being reported in each of the last two days alone. The worsening conditions in Florida has prompted some to call for the reopening to be delayed, and a petition started by Cast Members has already passed 10000 signatures.

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JohnDOct 26, 2020

Yep. I was there all last week. Most of the time, the PA announcement is from the familiar announcer you hear on buses. However, from time to time, I would hear the recording of a British woman making the same announcement. And don't think you won't hear it in Galaxy's Edge or Pandora to preserve theming. Nope. Announcements are park-wide.

wdwmagicOct 26, 2020

Yep these have a bit out for a couple of weeks now. They have definitely had to make it clear that it isn't optional.

Sweet ThingOct 26, 2020

I visited Animal Kingdom yesterday and noticed new signage and announcements stating that guests who do not follow the mask rules will be asked to leave. I did notice more cast members firmly asking guests to stop while eating, make sure their masks were covering their noses, or put their masks back on while taking photos. I spoke to a few cast members and every single one said they just want things to return to normal as quickly as possible and these rules are the only way. I witnessed a couple of cast get ignored by guests when enforcing the rules. Those cast members contacted their supervisors to give descriptions of those guests not complying. I can't remember ever seeing the company take a firm stand like this before.

Giss NericOct 18, 2020

I'm just kidding. It's all lies. I just wanted to switch the topic for a while.

GimpYancIentOct 17, 2020

Ok, so a guy wore a mask with some wording on it. He Wore A Mask properly! No one care's what was written on it.

drizgirlOct 17, 2020

You were about to report someone wearing a mask correctly?

LilofanOct 17, 2020

Easier to fire third party for a poor job.

LilofanOct 17, 2020

If third party crews get hurt on the job, Disney doesn't have to pick up their medical / injury costs. That could run into hundreds of thousands of dollars or even more depending on the severity of the injury.

Giss NericOct 17, 2020

I saw a guy in Magic Kingdom recently with a custom made mask that says "WORN BY FORCE, NOT BY CHOICE." I kinda felt that he was trouble already. I'm was about to report it to a CM but decided to let it go since he's not doing anything wrong anyways. It's just a silent protest. I saw him two times after that while walking in Fantasyland and the other while in the queue at Big Thunder. In all fairness to him, he was wearing the mask and wearing it correctly at both times.