Disney World Reopening: Phased Plans To Be Submitted As Universal Orlando Opens June 5

Walt Disney World Resort will be presenting its phased plans for reopening its theme parks to the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force in Florida on Wednesday as competing recreational site, Universal Orlando, is set to restart June 5.

Disney World's Senior Vice President of Operations Jim MacPhee said they will be making a virtual presentation of their reopening plans to Mayor Jerry Demings. If Demings agrees, the plan will then be endorsed to Gov. Ron DeSantis, who has to sign off on the reopening of theme parks.

Once approved, Disney World will be testing its workers on June 1 and 2, while there will be a selected group of invited guests and passholders who may enter the theme parks on June 2 to 3. By June 5, Disney World plans to open to the general public after more than two months of being shut due to the coronavirus.

Known as the biggest employer in Florida, Disney World has 77,000 workers. The park administrators said their employees will be required to follow safety protocols, such as wearing masks, regular temperature checks, and increased frequency of disinfecting the premises. Visitors to Disney World will also be required to wear a mask and submit to a temperature check at the entrance.

Walt Disney World's Disney Springs, the high-end dining and shopping complex, has been opened since May 20 to limited capacity. Guests have been wearing masks and practicing social distancing, while temperature checks allow the workers to detect and bar those with over 100.4°F or 38°C temperature from entering the complex.

Meanwhile, Universal Orlando sent its reopening proposal to the task force one week ago and received approval May 21 after it shuttered March 15. Similar to Disney's plans, the theme parks staff will be asked to report to work June 1 and open to the public June 5.

Apart from the usual safety protocols, Universal Orlando is also encouraging the use of cashless payment while staggered parking will be implemented. Play areas and attractions with water or mist will remain closed.