Disney’s Riviera Resort will reopen on June 22 This is definitely a case of don’t shoot the messenger. Disney has released some new guidelines for reopening as far as the resorts are concerned. This is found under the Resorts section of Know Before You Go. Read it from the source here. Select DVC resorts will welcome guests again, beginning on June 22.
The main thing that is already ruffling some feathers is that Disney has stated that staying at a resort will not guarantee you a theme park reservation. Those staying on property will still need to make reservations, and with limited capacity all might not get in. This is the opposite of nearby Universal Orlando Resort, where those who are staying on property have priority. While I can understand why people are upset about this, we have no idea what capacity is going to be in the theme parks or at the hotels. Disney refuses to give those numbers to the public. I am hoping that this is something that will end up not being a big deal.
The second thing that you need to be aware of is that anyone who is under a self-quarantine order may not quarantine at a Walt Disney World resort. This includes travel self-quarantines. You can see the latest travel restrictions from the state of Florida here. Currently those who are traveling from the states of New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut are legally required to self-quarantine for 14 days or length of stay, whichever is shorter. The order is scheduled to expire on July 7, but Florida Governor Ron DeSantis does have the power to extend it if he deems necessary. The self-quarantine is not being monitored, but that’s beside the point. If the order is still in effect, people traveling from those states will not be allowed to stay on property. I’ll be surprised if DeSantis extends the order, but it is possible.
If you plan to visit a Walt Disney World resort, you will need a reservation. Walkups will not be allowed for overnight stays, and guests visiting a resort during the day will need a dining reservation.
A few resort odd and ends. Disney Magical Express will be available for resort guests traveling to and from Orlando International Airport. There will be transportation from the resorts to the theme parks and Disney Springs. Minnie Vans will not be running when things initially open. There will be no valet parking. As already announced, Extra Magic Hours will be temporarily suspended.
Disney has also outlined the enhanced cleaning procedures for the resort rooms. In addition to normal cleanings before your arrival, high touch areas such as television remotes will receive extra attention. Guests will receive extra towels, wrapped glassware, and other items. During your stay rooms will be cleaned every other day. You can decline the every other day cleaning if you want.
We also have an update on dining. You can read it from the source here. Some of these things we already knew or assumed. The menu board will serve as the only menu in counter service locations. At full service, you’ll be encouraged to read the menu from your phone. Scannable codes will be made available. Menus could and most likely will change. Cashless payments are encouraged. Dinner shows are suspended for the time being. The only character dining offered will be at Topolino’s Terrace. This will be a modified experience. There will be no private-dining or in-room delivery.
Another change was made quietly a few days ago. When Disney Springs reopened, it was announced that all guests three years old and older needed to wear a face covering. That has been changed to guests two years old and older. This is following CDC Guidelines, and it is not up for discussions. Anti-mask comments on the Disney Over 50 Facebook or Instagram accounts will be removed. (Thank you that this hasn’t been a problem.) You have to wear them, end of story. Your nose and mouth need to be covered, so a face shield will not be acceptable. Once things reopen face coverings will be required for all public areas in the hotels, as well as at the theme parks and Disney Springs. They can be removed while dining.