Staying At A Disney Resort May Look Different For Awhile. Here Is Everything We Know.
If you are planning on staying at an on-property Disney Resort when Disney World opens back up, July 11th, there are probably some things you need to know. It won’t be business as usual for awhile, and you need to be aware of what you’re getting into.
There’s a lot of information to chew on here, so hold on tight, keep your arms and legs inside the boat at all times, and here we go — full steam ahead.
There are a lot of amenities we are used to, that we simply can’t enjoy at this time.
I LOVED to casually hop from resort to resort, just checking them all out — have you SEEN the outdoor mini zoo in the back of the Animal Kingdom Lodge? There will be no hopping from resort to resort at this time. You will have to prove you are either staying at that resort, or that you have a dining reservation at that resort to be on the grounds.
You WILL be required to wear face coverings in all public areas, unless you’re swimming or sitting down to eat. This is for everyone over the age of 2.
On June 22, select Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground will reopen. These select Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts include:
Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
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Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
Disney’s Beach Club Villas
Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
Disney’s Old Key West Resort
Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
Disney’s Riviera Resort
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort
The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
One of the big perks of staying on property is getting to take part in the Extra Magic Hours that happen, either before the parks open, or after they close. Unfortunately, Extra Magic Hours have been suspended until further notice.
This isn’t really resort related, but they are not handing out Fast Passes during this time. I have no idea what that means for stand-by lines.
My favorite way to get to the Magic Kingdom — The Minnie Vans — will not be running until further notice.
If you usually take advantage of valet parking, be prepared to park yourself. They will not have valet parking available during the reopening process.
Some Disney Resort hotel services will be modified or unavailable during the initial reopening period, based on physical distancing and health guidelines.
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Changes include:
Bell Services will deliver luggage to rooms, but will not escort Guests
Club-level service will be temporarily unavailable
Deliveries will only be made to occupied rooms
In-room celebrations will not be available
Dry-cleaning and valet laundry services will be temporarily unavailable; self-service laundry will remain available
Shipping services will be temporarily unavailable
Resort airline check-in service may be temporarily unavailable
If you like to eat at the resort hotels, you may want to call ahead and make sure your favorite restaurant is open — I’m looking at YOU, Boma. They will only open a select few restaurants at this time.
Resort Pools: They will operate with limited capacity restrictions. Feature pool hours may be limited. Check with your hotel on that.
“Stormalong Bay at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts will not be available during the initial reopening period; Guests of this Disney Resort hotel may enjoy the leisure pool at Disney’s Beach Club Villas.”
We just got into the pin trading craze on our last visit to Disney World. At this time, they have suspended trading as we are used to it.
In select locations, you can trade with cast members via a pin trading board. I mean, it’s better than nothing. At least they are allowing SOME trading!
Temporarily Unavailable
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The following amenities and experiences will not be available during the initial reopening period:
Arcades
Campfires
Character experiences
Dog parks
Electrical Water Pageant
Marina rentals
Pin trading
Playgrounds
Spas, salons and Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
Additionally, the following special offerings and childcare services will not be available during the initial reopening:
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Fireworks voyages and tasting cruises, including the Pirates and Pals Fireworks Voyage
Fun runs
Wonderland Tea Party at Park Fare
Hula lessons
In-room childcare services
Mermaid school
Special classes and programs—including culinary, cultural and animal programs
Basically, if you are staying at a certain resort for a certain amenity that you just LOVE, check here or with your hotel before your vacation to make sure it is available.
Now the GOOD news. Here is what will be available to all resort guests.
First of all, download the My Disney Experience app onto your phone. They will be utilizing this app a LOT to aid with contactless communication.
Disney’s Magical Express WILL be operating between the airport and the resorts, so that’s a big plus!
Buses WILL be running between the resorts and the parks. They will operate on reduced capacity — which can be a really good thing. Those buses get hecka crowded!
Self parking will be available at the resorts and at the parks. Parking fees may apply.
If you like to participate in the recreation at your resort, SELECT recreational activities will be available. They will share the activity schedule with you upon check in.
You may not be able to use package delivery to your hotel room, but you can still have your package mailed to your house.
They recommend that you use virtual check in. That app I mentioned, the My Disney Experience app, will be used to tell you when your room is available. They will still have in person check in, but they HIGHLY recommend you do everything virtually.
The last day is always the saddest, AMIRITE? When you go back to your resort at the end of the day, and they have that dreaded check out information waiting for you at your door, it is the WORST!! Now, they will automatically check you out on the last day, so you don’t have to visit the main building.
On June 22, they are trying something new. They will be offering virtual chats with a Cast Member via the My Disney Experience app. That way, you don’t have to come in contact with an actual person. Not QUITE as magical, but I appreciate them taking the precautions.
Now, you may be wondering what they are going to be doing about the cleanliness of your hotel room. Don’t worry, measures are being taken to keep you safe.
Here is what you need to know about cleaning of your resort room.
There will be enhanced cleaning of all common areas, with special attention paid to high-touch areas.
Inside the room, extra cleaning will be occurring, especially to high-touch areas, like remotes and door handles.
The floors will be steamed cleaned and vacuumed in between each guest stay.
Cleaning aids (think vacuums) will be cleaned in between use in each guest’s hotel room.
Inside your room, you’ll find:
Extra linens and towels wrapped in single-use packaging
Individually wrapped glassware
Double-cased pillows
Additional items that have been cleaned and wrapped in single-use packagingDisney World
And during your stay, your room will receive a light cleaning service every other day, which will include:
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Removal of trash and used towels
Replenishment of towels and amenities throughout the room and bathroom
Wiping and cleaning of the vanity and counter surfaces
Vacuuming if needed
You can also decline every-other-day service.
Also, be prepared for wellness screenings, like questionnaires, and temperature checks. If you are sick AT ALL, you may be denied access to your resort or the parks. This is not to inconvenience you; it is for the safety of everyone involved.
I think that is everything. Have I missed anything? If you have any questions, or to see about a certain resort, check out the Disney World website.
