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Magic Kingdom, Castle

Over the last few weeks, we have all been waiting for Disney to announce the date Walt Disney World theme parks are going to reopen and it was Wednesday May 27, that the official announcement finally came. We were unsure if all four theme parks would reopen at the same time and it has now been confirmed that Disney's Magic Kingdom and Disney's Animal Kingdom will reopen on July 11, closely followed by Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios on July 15. 

Ever since Universal Orlando Resort announced that they would reopen on June 5, there had been a lot of speculation as to Disney's reopening date plans and for some July 11, is later than expected and for some it won't be late enough. Interestingly, 51% of our readers who voted in our poll, When Do YOU Think Walt Disney World Theme Parks Are Going To Reopen? voted for July as the opening date which we now know is spot on.

Magic Kingdom, entrance sign
Image: Theme Park Tourist

Not only were we waiting for the date but also to be given a finalized list of the safety measures we can expect to see and have to adhere to, in order to comply with government guidelines. It has come as no shock that mandatory mask wearing is on the list for all cast members and guests alongside temperature checks. 

It has also been announced that there will be no character meet and greets, parades or firework shows. Capacity at the parks when they reopen will be greatly reduced to aid social distancing measures and ride capacity will be reduced as well as capacity to travel around the resort on bus, monorail and SkyLiner. All play areas are also to remain closed.

Yesterday, we also learned that the following changes are being made at Walt Disney World as they prepare for reopening. There will be no more Fastpass+ or Extra Magic Hours for the foreseeable future and all current dining reservations have been cancelled. They are going to be implementing a new reservation system online soon for ticket sales. 

Although it currently seems like guests are losing a lot, in the eyes of many Disney fans who have been severely missing their theme park fix during the lock down, a July 11 reopening will come as welcome news, whatever the restrictions.

Animal Kingdom entrance
Image: Theme Park Tourist

Just before we get into our new poll, let's recap on the results so far to Poll 19 which covers the most contentious issue from the reopening plan, mandatory mask wearing...

Results Poll 19 - Do You Think Mask Wearing Should Be MANDATORY At Theme Parks?

As I discussed in Poll 19, our original poll on mask wearing asked, Would You Wear A Mask If You Had To, When Visiting Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld? and the results ended as a 40% yes to 60% no. Now we know mask wearing will be mandatory for all, including all children over 2 years old, I thought it would be interesting to ask the question, Do You Think Mask Wearing Should Be MANDATORY At Theme Parks? 

This has had a massive response and the current results are as follows:

  • Yes - 40%
  • No - 60%

The percentages are exactly the same, showing that with all the extra information there now is on the internet and media regarding mask wearing we still see 40% saying a clear yes, with the majority (60%) sticking to a definite no.

Don't worry if you haven't voted yet, there is still time, so CLICK HERE to cast your vote and don't forget to share this with your friends and family.

 
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Comments

The majority of those saying they have no problem wearing a mask, and will go no matter what the restrictions are... why does it seem the overwhelming majority saying those things don't live anywhere near Florida? 99% of you will not be going anytime soon living outside of Florida. Just like with Disney Springs and Citywalk... everyone was all for it, masks and all and guess what? They have been total ghost towns.

As a local AP who knows many, many die hard local AP's... everyone I have talked to said they will absolutely not go - mainly due to the restrictions of wearing a mask, as well as the other nonsense. Now you throw in all of the other restrictions like no fast passes, no dining reservations, no parades/fireworks, and having to make pre-planned reservations... there's no point to paying for an annual pass as a local.

To be perfectly honest, if everything else was completely back to normal and the only restrictions were masks, I might would consider seeing how it goes. But now? Not a chance in hell. And I truly hope everyone voices their frustrations non stop at Disney.

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