Disney Reopening Updates July 10

Here’s the latest on the Disney parks reopening!

Previous Update + Related Posts

In case you’re behind (it’s easy to fall behind these days…even for us), our last update was on July 7. If you’re brand new and would just like a thorough look at the Disney World reopening, we have a Disney World Reopening Masterpost that covers the basics and links to our deeper content.

We also have an ongoing post—When Will Disneyland Reopen?—for those most interested in that question.

Update On Virtual Queue

Contrary to previous updates given by Disney (discussed below), Rise of the Resistance will use a virtual queue when Hollywood Studios reopens July 15. Details can be found here.

Downtown Disney (Disneyland) Reopens

The only news we have out of the west coast this week is Downtown Disney reopening. I followed this a bit on social media and besides a gigantic line to get into parking and then to get into World of Disney (the Disney store), there wasn’t much notable. Here’s a story from ABC7.

Disney World Updates

Much more from Walt Disney World this week. Today is the second day of annual passholder previews (discussed below). With Disney reopening bookings, tweaking some systems, and finally giving us a look inside the parks, we’re finally getting a “complete” picture of what to expect.

2020 Disney World Bookings Reopen

2020 Walt Disney World bookings reopened yesterday, which means 2020 and 2021 are now open for booking. Step 1 is still to check the Parks Pass Availability calendar. If you’re interesting in booking a trip, we recommend getting a quote from Lauren Quirk of Travel With Character LLC. Passholders in particular may like to know there are discounts of up to 40% available for bookings through September 30.

Annual Passholders Reservation Changes

Disney has updated the rules for annual passholders making Park Pass reservations. They now are entitled to booking for the length of their hotel stays plus an additional three “floater” days. Read more about the Disney World Park Pass Reservation System.

The reopening of 2020 bookings plus the change in this policy should put passholders in a pretty good position to decide whether or not to keep their annual passes. My chief concern about cancelling and getting a refund was that I might not be able to visit again in 2020. That fear has now been alleviated.

We’re still waiting on details as to how to cancel and get a refund, and Disney has said details will be sent out in early July.

Cast Member Previews

We have a separate post covering the major takeaways from Cast Member previews. If you’re looking for “what are things really like in the parks?” that post covers some of the smaller changes. Eventually, those will get worked into our Disney World Reopening Details — Parks post, but we’re going to wait a few days to make sure everything stays.

Annual Passholder Previews

So far, most of what we’re seeing on social media from annual passholder previews is similar to what we saw from Cast Member previews, so we’re not going to do a separate post on that. Instead, we’ll have an update early next week (after regular guests have visited) that covers anything new. On that note…

We’re Not Going + Whom To Follow

Well, in case you didn’t notice—I’m not in Florida right now. I also have no plans to be there anytime soon, primarily because I have a high-risk family member I cannot effectively isolate from (nuff said).

I’m a huge fan of straightforward “boots on the ground” content that explains exactly what a visit to the parks might look like. For the next few months, I expect to be relegated to the sidelines, where I’m left with less-helpful-but-still-a-little-helpful “analysis.”

In any case, you need to have your eyes on people who are actually in the parks (many of whom do great analysis as well). To that end, we’re compiling a list of people we expect to have great content based on their own in-park experiences.

In addition, we also often mention people on our own instagram stories to let you know who to follow today. Here’s a list of accounts to follow:

Gaiters and Bandanas Don’t Count as Face Coverings

I’ve seen a lot of people asking about what counts as face covering, particularly whether neck gaiters can be used. Well, Disney has updated their policy to clarify neck gaiters and open chin triangle bandanas don’t count as face coverings.

Resort Friendship Boats Return July 29

The Friendship Boats, that provide transportation between Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and the Boardwalk area hotels (Yacht Club, Beach Club, Swan & Dolphin, BoardWalk Inn), will return July 29. (HT Disney Food Blog)

Virtual Queue Feature Added to App?

Our expectation continues to be that Walt Disney World will follow Shanghai Disneyland’s lead—it will open without any virtual queues, and then add them as necessary.

Disney has confirmed no virtual queues will be used when the parks reopen. And now we’ve see a virtual queue feature pop up in some versions of the app. This just reinforces our position that as crowds grow, virtual queues are likely to be added.