Walt Disney World targets July reopening for Orlando theme parks, resorts

Walt Disney World and Sea World presented reopening proposals to the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force on Tuesday, with SeaWorld proposing a June 11 opening to the public. Disney has proposed Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom reopen on July 11, and a July 15 reopening for Epcot and Hollywood Studios.

SeaWorld interim CEO Marc Swanson, SeaWorld Orlando president Kyle Miller, and Discovery Cove vice president of operations Brad Gilmour presented to the committee, outlining new rules such as face coverings, temp checks, more rigorous cleaning, contactless payments and enforced social distancing.

A phased reopening of Disney Springs is already underway, and on Tuesday has begun to reopen more of its shops and restaurants.

There have been 52,255 total coronavirus cases in Florida, and 2,259 deaths, according to the latest update from the Florida Department of Health in Orange County on Tuesday.

Legoland Florida is reopening on June 1, while Universal Orlando is preparing to reopen on June 5.

Legoland is introducing “enhanced cleaning measures,” including disinfection of door handles, tables, chairs and service counters, more hand sanitizer dispensers around the resort, increased spacing in parking lots and non-invasive temperature checks; it is also recommending masks. Universal Orlando is requiring face coverings, and will also conduct temperature checks at the door, as well as floor markings that will enforce social distancing. The theme park and resort also notes that it “cannot guarantee that you will not be exposed during your visit.”

Disney opened Shanghai Disneyland on May 11 at 20% attendance capacity

Subscribe to Variety Newsletters and Email Alerts!