Visiting Disney Springs on Reopening Day

The Disney Springs Reopening on May 20th, 2020 was subdued, safe, and fun. It was a great way to spend the day enjoy some Disney after the shut down began.

I brought my kids to the Disney Springs Reopening so we could have a fun day doing something that we used to do all the time before the Covid 19 shut down. This was a great way to enjoy a day and support businesses we really enjoy,

When my friend and I heard that Disney Springs was going to open on May 20th, we decided that we had to go to check it out with our kids.

We wanted to see what measures were in place throughout Disney Springs, get some pictures, and just do something fun with our kids, who have been cooped up for weeks.

I was so looking forward to getting out and getting some fresh air in a place that I love going to.

The Rules for Visiting

Prior to going, we checked out the reopening rules. We wanted to be prepared to enter without any issues.

The website clearly states that face coverings for those 3 years old and above are required. Everyone we saw complied with this, without issue. The majority of people wore face masks, but some wore balacavas and bandannas.

As well, there were rules about social distancing. There were signs reminding you to comply with this. As well, there were markers on the ground to visually show you the spacing that is required to maintain social distancing.

Maintaining good hygiene is key so there are reminders about hand washing and using hand sanitizer. There are even hand washing stations throughout Disney Springs too.

Wearing a Mask

A face covering is required for everyone, 3 years old and up, for admittance into Disney Springs.

I already always wear a mask whenever I am out shopping. Therefore, wearing a mask while visiting Disney Springs was a simple requirement to fulfill. As well, I have grown accustom to wearing it while out so while the Florida heat is too big of deal for me either.

I had no problem wearing a mask the entire time I was there, with the exception having lunch. The mask I was wearing has 2 layers of cotton fabric, with a filter in the middle. Yes, I was hot, but not so uncomfortable that I felt that I couldn’t breathe.

Note: My daughter wore a paper mask and had no issues. This might keep you cooler as it was lighter weight than mine.

The Disney Springs Check Points

We usually park in lime garage but that was blocked off when we arrived. Disney Springs said that parking would be restricted, so this was not startling. Instead, we parked on the 2nd floor in the Orange Garage.

In every garage, there are check points for visitors to go through, prior to reaching the elevators and escalators that take you down to the shopping center. Cast members and Advent Health staff were there to make sure everyone as meeting the requirements to go in.

Before reaching the check point, there were signs warning about the virus and how all visitors take on the risks themselves. This seems to be a pretty standard thing as our splash pad and community pools have similar signs. I’ve even signs signs like this at the local grocery stores.

Temperature Checks

We arrived at 9.35 am, assuming that there would be a long line of people queuing to get screened at 10am. Instead, they were already screening people and letting them in.

The process was really simple! We maintained safe distancing from other groups and walked right up to get our temperatures checked. She used a touch free thermometer. We were all clear, so we were good to go!

Social Distancing in Disney Springs

There were so many helicopters overhead when we were there. At one point I counted 4 helicopters. I’m sure that local and national news have coverage of the opening. I was just to busy enjoying Disney Springs to watch it!

Disney Springs requests that the visitors follow social distancing guidelines. There are signs posted throughout to remind you of this. As well, cast members will be there to help you do this and to enforce the overall requirements of the visitors.

There are signs throughout Disney Springs reminding you to stay apart from others. Some areas even had markings to remind you of the rules of the road- stay to the right!

Crowds were so low that we never had a problems keeping a safe social distance from others. In fact this was a great perk to get some photos without having others in the pictures. Ha!

Perhaps this will be more difficult to maintain and control when crowds are busier, but we saw no issues on reopening day.

Shopping on Reopening Day

It was great to be able to get in some retail therapy on reopening day. And with some of the lines to get into stores, it seems like others had that same thought.

The majority of the stores were still closed. And most had limited hours- opening an hour after Disney Springs opened. Hunter was really sad that Lego was closed. But it was great we were still able to visit favorites like Zara and Free People.

Stores had plenty of signage welcoming people back while reminding them to maintain social distancing. There were lines and graphics on the floors at point of sale stations so shoppers could stand apart safely.

Having Lunch

T-Rex is one of the kids favorite places at Disney Springs.

We went there last year for the boys birthdays during spring break so we wanted to go and celebrate them among their favorite dinos. Even through they didn’t have cupcakes (really understandable, considering everything going on!), we had a great lunch.

I was really impressed in the spacing they did to space everyone out and keep capacity low. We sat in the ice room and there were only a few other groups in there.

There even was a pathway to exit so we didn’t get in the way of the others who were waiting to get in for their meals.

Another favorite of mine, The Polite Pig has an extended outdoor seating area now. They have more seating that extends beyond their normal seating area across the way to have tables against Uniqlo.

Our Great Day!

I really enjoyed going to Reopening Day at Disney Spring.

This is such a strange time that I’m sure will forever be burned into my memory. Taking a day to get out of the house was really needed for me to recharge. It felt like life was a bit normal, even if it meant I had a wear a mask and stay apart from others. Being in a familiar place was reassuring and made me really happy.

I know that things will be different from what life was like for a long time. At least there will be moments when things normal and I am thankful for getting to safely enjoy them.

After lunch we strolled back to the garage so we could head home after a few great hours enjoying Disney Springs on Reopening Day.

The crowds were still small when we left at 1.45pm. I still felt comfortable walking around as we would easily maintain social distancing with others as they strolled around.

Tips so you can Enjoy Disney Springs

Check the current rules prior to going
Wear a mask! They are required for everyone 3 years and up.
Maintain Social Distancing while walking around, shopping, and waiting in queues
Use the hand sanitizer stations
Listen to cast members and store staff
Check the time the stores open compared to when Disney Springs opens. Stores might open later than the shopping complex, then you might just be wandering around until things open up.
Tip your servers well!