What to Expect when Disney's Magic Kingdom Reopens

The Magic Returns: What to expect when Disney's Magic Kingdom reopens.

Greg Nelson Disney World, Orlando, Theme Parks

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Important Info
Magic Kingdom - Reopening Date: July 11, 2020

It’s almost time for the magic to return to Walt Disney World Resort in central Florida! Here’s a look at what you can expect when the parks reopen. Yes, there will be some changes after the lengthy shutdown. Things will likely look and feel a little different as new safety measures are in place.

Disney World theme parks will be opening, but capacity and operating hours will be limited. As a result, Disney World ticket sales are currently on hold, allowing for existing ticket holders and annual pass holders to sort out their reservation requests in phases before new tickets will be sold beginning July 11 for Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom and July 15 for Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Reservations Needed

One big change to note is that Disney World will manage park attendance by using the Disney Park Pass reservation system. Guests will need both a park reservation and a valid admission ticket for the same park on the same day as the reservation.

No PARK HOPPING will be allowed. Guests can only visit one park per day.

New Protocols

Disney World has updated its policies and procedures based on guidance from health authorities including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other government agencies. New policies include enhanced cleaning throughout Walt DIsney World Resort, adjustments made to promote physical distancing and modified experiences to reduce contact.

To help ensure the health and safety of guests and cast members, new rules and protocols will be utilized at all Disney parks.

All cast members and guests aged 2-years and older will be required to wear face masks.

Guests and cast members will have to undergo temperature checks before being allowed to enter the parks. Temperatures will also be checked before people head home.

Cast members will be part of a Social Distancing Squad - to remind guests to practice safe social distancing requirements. Some attractions and experiences do not allow for appropriate social distancing. As a result, those experiences may be modified or temporarily unavailable.

Parks will have reduced capacity, and capacity will be managed at park retail stores and restaurants.

There will be contactless food purchases, plexiglass barriers, and a cashless pay system in place.

Magic Kingdom - Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Attraction

The following Attractions are expected to be OPEN:

Fantasyland
  • “it’s a small world”
  • Dumbo the Flying Elephant (Storybook Circus)
  • The Barnstormer (Storybook Circus)
  • Mad Tea Party
  • Mickey’s PhilharMagic
  • Peter Pan’s Flight
  • Prince Charming Regal Carousel
  • Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
  • The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
  • Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid

Tomorrowland
  • Astro Orbiter
  • Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
  • Tomorrowland Speedway
  • Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover
  • Space Mountain
  • Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress

Frontierland
  • Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
  • Splash Mountain
  • Country Bear Jamboree
  • Tom Sawyer Island

Adventureland
  • Jungle Cruise
  • Pirates of the Caribbean
  • Swiss Family Treehouse
  • The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
  • Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room

Liberty Square
  • Liberty Square Riverboat
  • The Hall of Presidents
  • The Haunted Mansion

Main Street U.S.A.
  • Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom - Entertainment - Cinderella Castle Stage

Entertainment & Characters

Magic Kingdom’s live shows, character meet and greets, parades and fireworks displays will be temporarily unavailable. Water effects will be limited and interactive play areas will be closed.

However, many of your favorite Disney characters will be visible throughout the park as Character Cavalcades will make their way along the normal parade route throughout the day. These include:

  • Main Street Philharmonic
  • The Royal Princess Processional
  • Mickey & Friends Cavalcade
  • Fantasyland Friends Cavalcade
  • A Goofy Cavalcade
  • Tinker Bell & the Lost Treasure
Magic Kingdom - Dining
Dining Options

Many popular Magic Kingdom restaurants and dining spots will be open, including:

Adventureland
  • Aloha Isle
  • Sunshine Tree Terrace
  • Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen
Tomorrowland
  • Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies
  • Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe
Liberty Square
  • Liberty Square Market
  • Liberty Tree Tavern
  • Sleepy Hollow
Frontierland
  • Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe
Fantasyland
  • Storybook Treats
  • Be Our Guest Restaurant
  • Pinocchio Village Haus
Main Street U.S.A.
  • Tony’s Town Square Restaurant
  • The Plaza Restaurant
  • Main Street Bakery
  • Multiple Locations
  • Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company

Attractions & Experiences temporarily Unavailable

In addition to parades, shows and fireworks, the following special events and experiences have been canceled until further notice:

Special Park Tours
  • Disney Private VIP Tours
  • Disney’s Family Magic Tour
  • Disney’s Keys to the Kingdom Tour
  • Disney’s The Magic Behind Our Steam Trains Tour
  • Taste of Magic Kingdom Park VIP Tour
  • Ultimate Day of Thrills VIP Tour
  • Ultimate Disney Classics VIP Tour
  • Walt Disney: Marceline to Magic Kingdom Tour

Dining & Dessert Experiences
  • Disney Early Morning Magic – Fantasyland
  • Signature Celebration at Cinderella’s Royal Table
  • Fireworks Dessert Party at Tomorrowland Terrace
  • Fireworks Dessert Party with Plaza Garden Viewing

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