Disney World announces dining experience changes based on health guidelines

Walt Disney World is making updates and enhancements to its dining experiences during its reopening period based on guidance from health authorities and appropriate government agencies, according to the Disney World website.

Disney World is first opening its Disney Vacation Club rooms on June 22 and during this time three will be many dining experiences modified or unavailable.

Here’s what you need to know if you plan on dining at Disney World when it reopens.

• Face coverings. Face coverings are needed for each Guest age 2 and up, which must be worn in all public areas—including while entering and exiting dining locations—and can be removed while eating or drinking.
• Reservations needed. Planning to dine at a table-service restaurant in a Disney Resort hotel? A confirmed dining reservation is required for day Guests (those not staying overnight) and is highly recommended for Guests staying overnight at a Disney Resort hotel.
• Have your mobile app ready: Download and activate the latest version of the My Disney Experience app on your mobile device, with location services enabled.
• Payment: Be prepared for cashless or contactless forms of payment.

In-Park Dining Reservations

• At this time, dining reservations are not available. Reservations will resume at a later date.
• When in-park dining initially becomes available, you’ll need valid park admission, a reservation for park entry and a dining reservation to dine at an in-park, table-service restaurant. Dining reservations do not guarantee admission to the park.
• At this time, Disney dining plans cannot be added to reservations. More information will be made available later.

Health and Hygiene

New measures have been implemented across Walt Disney World dining locations to promote health and hygiene, including:

• Enhanced Cleaning: Increased cleaning in high-traffic areas such as public elevators and escalators, handrails, benches, tables, handles, restrooms and more. Additionally, seating areas, dining areas and pagers will be cleaned between Guests.
• Reduced-Contact Menus: Menus will be shared in ways to minimize contact. At quick-service restaurants, menus will be displayed on signage. And at table-service restaurants, you can scan a code with your mobile device to access the digital menu.
• Self-Serve Changes: Beverages and other items that were previously self-serve will instead be served by Cast Members.

Enhanced Technology

Use convenient technologies to minimize your contact with others:

• Mobile Order Service: A time-saving feature of the My Disney Experience app, mobile order service enables you to order ahead at select dining locations and pick up food during a designated arrival window.
• Scannable Codes for Select Restaurant Menus: While at a table-service restaurant, you can use your own mobile device to scan a code for access to the digital menu.
• Cashless Payments: At this time, it is recommended all Guests use cashless payment options, including debit cards, credit cards and Disney Gift Cards. Guests can also opt for contactless payment options—such as mobile wallets—or use cash to purchase a Disney Gift Card at Guest Relations and select merchandise locations. Disney Resort hotel Guests can also use MagicBands to charge their purchase to their Disney Resort hotel folio.

Dining Experiences

Additional changes to Walt Disney World dining experiences include:

• Menu items may vary. For specific menu information, check the restaurant’s online menu when the restaurant reopens.
• Character Dining will not be offered during the initial reopening, with the exception of a modified Character Dining experience at Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera.
• Dinner shows will not be offered during the initial reopening.
• Dining locations will be limited in capacity. Some locations will remain temporarily closed.
• Private dining and in-room delivery will not be offered during the initial reopening window.
• Mobile order service will be offered at select quick-service dining locations throughout the Walt Disney World theme parks (when open), Disney Springs and select Disney Resort hotels.

Modifications, Cancellations and Refunds

During this unprecedented period, some of our policies and offerings have been modified:

• All pre-paid dining and experience reservations impacted by the closure will be automatically refunded.
• Reservations made at locations impacted by the closure will not be charged a cancellation or no-show fee.
• If you have an existing Resort package with a Disney dining plan, Disney will update your reservation to reflect the removal of the dining plan from your package. The package price will be adjusted accordingly. You will receive a refund if you have already paid in full or a reduction in amount due if you have not yet made final payment.