Disney, SeaWorld announce proposed reopen dates, guidelines

by
https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/c6/7d/ba30879f43e69912b96760837de3/ap-20102550403499.jpg
FILE - In this Monday, March 16, 2020, file photo, the road to the entrance of Walt Disney World has few cars, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Two more unions have reached agreements with Walt Disney World over furloughs caused by the theme park resort's closure during the new coronavirus outbreak. The agreements reached late Friday, April 10, apply to security guards and workers involved in facilities and operations. (AP Photo/John Raoux, File)John Raoux/AP

After months of being closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, Walt Disney World and SeaWorld are ready to reopen.

Both parks presented their plans at the Orange County Economic Task Force Recovery meeting Wednesday.

Universal Studios presented its plan last week and is targeting a June 5 reopen date.

Walt Disney World Resort plans for a phased reopening with Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom on July 11 and EPCOT and Hollywood Studios July 15.

A new reservation system will require guests to get reservations in advance.

Enhanced safety protocols will include physical distancing, enhanced cleaning, face coverings, temperature screenings and limited contact.

Disney also says its parades and firework shows will be suspended to start.

SeaWorld says it hopes to open on June 10 for an employee appreciation night, and June 11 to the public.

They included face coverings, physical distancing, cleaning, temperature screenings and extended training as part of the reopening procedure.

SeaWorld also owns Busch Gardens in Tampa, but only spoke about the Orlando parks at the meeting.

Theme parks have been among the hardest hit industries over the past few months, shuttering their doors completely during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Disney has already reopened its doors in Shanghai with limited capacity, social distancing guidelines and other safety precautions in place.

Both plans were unanimously approved by the county, but must be approved by the state before they become official.