It’s an encouraging first step for Disney fans who are counting the days for the resort to fully reopen after shutting down in mid-March because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Starting at 10 a.m. Wednesday, numerous third-party shops not directly connected with Disney will open their doors. The complex will be open until 10 p.m. Not all stores and restaurants in the complex will be open, and they might have adjusted their usual hours of operation.
Here’s a brief Q&A guide to what you need to know:
What kinds of places will be open?
A sign near one of the entrances to Disney Springs is seen May 18, 2020, in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.
John Raoux/AP
In the restaurant realm, Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza, Chicken Guy!, Planet Hollywood and Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill are some of the eateries set to open.
Have an itch to shop? Vera Bradley, Sugarboo & Co. and Happy Hound will be among the offerings.
There’s no plan to open standalone bars at this time. And entertainment venues such as the NBA Experience will not be reopened yet.
What can I expect when I arrive?
Guests will also have their temperatures checked. If you register above 100.4, you will not be allowed to enter nor will members of your party.
Employees will be screened as well.
What about masks and face coverings?
All guests 3 and older and as well workers will be required to wear an appropriate face covering.
Guests need to supply their own face coverings and wear them at all times, except when dining, Disney Springs said.
No mask or face covering? No entry.
What other protective measures are being taken?
Before the coronavirus pandemic, visitors walk past Coach and MAC stores at Disney Springs in October 2019.
Phelan M. Ebenhack/AP
You’ll see many of the protective measures being used in other places opening up:
— Cashless transactions: Guests will be highly encouraged to use credit cards, debit cards, Disney Gift Cards and mobile pay apps.
— Signs and ground markings: They’ll be visibly placed throughout Disney Springs to help visitors maintain social distancing.
— Hand sanitizing and cleanings: Watch for numerous hand-sanitizing stations throughout the complex. Disney says there will be frequent “cleaning and disinfection in high-traffic areas such as public elevators and escalators, handrails, benches, tables, handles [and] restrooms.”
What’s this about a Covid-19 warning?
On its website, Disney Springs is issuing a health warning to visitors that it’s not responsible if you get an infection during your visit:
“An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death.
“According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), senior citizens and Guests with underlying medical conditions are especially vulnerable.
“By visiting Disney Springs you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19.”
Have any similar complexes open?
Its theme parks and hotels are set to be closed through the end of May at least.
It has implemented a similar set of safety precautions that Disney Springs is putting into place.
When will the rest of the Walt Disney World Resort reopen?
Ah, that’s the question on everyone’s minds. And Disney isn’t saying at the moment.