With all the reopening news hitting, it’s definitely a whirlwind of information to sift through and find the important stuff. Here is a quick guide to what we know about the guest benefits that will be available as DVC Resorts reopen at The Walt Disney World Resort.
Visiting a Resort
Disney has stated that you will need either a resort reservation or a dining reservation, but the wording is unclear if this means you can not be on property without one of these or you can only go into a resort for which you hold a room reservation or a dining reservation.
DVC Fan Member Susana Wight recently received this clarification when talking to Member Services:
“As it reads right now, current DVC resort guests will have the ability to visit other open DVC properties. It’s guests that are not staying on property who cannot visit unless they have hotel or dining reservations.”
Disney’s Magic Express:
The good news is that the Magic Express will be operating to shuttle guests to and from the Orlando International Airport and resort hotels. It is important to note that resort airline check-in may be temporarily unavailable, meaning guests will have to place their luggage on the Magic Express with them at departure and check them at the airport themselves. No mention yet about luggage tags for arrivals.
Cleaning:
Before our rooms are ready, they will undergo a very thorough cleaning. In addition to this, you can expect extra linens wrapped in single-use packaging, individually wrapped glassware, double-cased pillows, and other items that will have been cleaned and wrapped in disposable packaging. As usual, using DVC points will give us service on the 4th and 8th days unless you decline this service. If you have a split stay and decline, that selection will apply to all your reservations. Note that Disney reserves the right to enter any room for maintenance, safety, etc. even if the occupied sign is on the door.
Transportation
Before the parks open, transportation is going to be running from the resorts to Disney Springs only. After the theme parks open, that bus service will be expanded from the resorts to the parks. No other transportation method has been listed as being available during the initial opening period. It’s safe to expect delays with social distancing in place. Minnie Vans are also not running during this period, and there will be self-parking only for those driving (no valet).
Bell Services & Deliveries:
Bell services will still deliver your luggage. They will not escort guests, and you must be in your room to receive luggage and receive any deliveries. No word yet on if luggage tags will be used and sent in advance with Magic Express information.
Fitness Centers:
Fitness Centers will be open with reduced hours and capacity. Fitness and sports courts will be open.
Recreational Activities:
The schedule for resort activities will vary, and you will be able to view what is offered during your stay.
Pools:
Feature pools may operate with reduced hours. However, leisure pools will be open 24 hours a day (I found this to be interesting). There may still be some poolside activities at select resorts. However, it is to be sadly noted that Stormalong Bay will not be opening during this initial period.
Merchandise:
While there will be modifications to the shopping experiences, you will still be able to shop at merchandise locations throughout the resort. Guests will still be able to ship packages to their homes, but will not be able to have packages delivered to the front of theme parks. No mention is made of guests sending packages over to their resort.
Online Check-In and Automatic Check-Out:
It is recommended that guests utilize online check-in instead of the resort’s front desk. On check-out day, guests will be emailed their hotel folio and be automatically checked out of their rooms.
Virtual Chat With Cast Member:
For assistance during your stay, you will be able to chat with a resort cast member via the My Disney Experience app to limit the need to visit the lobby and stand in line.
Other Services Not Available During Initial Reopening:
- Club-level services (which makes sense since Jambo House was the only DVC option for that)
- In-room celebrations
- Dry cleaning
- Shipping services
- Some dining experiences
- Room service and private dining
- Stormalong Bay at Beach Club
- Instructor-led fitness classes
- Arcades
- Campfires
- Character Experiences
- Dog Parks
- Electric Water Pagent
- Marina Rentals
- Playgrounds
- Spas, salons, and Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
- Fireworks
- Fun runs
- Hula Lessons
- Wonderland Tea Party
- In-room childcare
- Mermaid School
- Specialty classes
DVC Members have been encouraged to contact Member Services at (800) 800-9800 or via the online chat option if they have questions about their reservation.
This news is breaking, and updates will be posted as they are received. Stay tuned to DVC Fan, the DVC Fan Facebook Group, and The DIS for more information as it becomes available.
Source: Walt Disney World
Sounds like fun, pun intended. Understand reason though!
I sure hope they are planning a soft opening for dvc and ap because it sure doesnt sound like there will be much else to do. Confined to a single resort with limited food and no activities. Its basically a really expensive Holiday Inn Express at this point. I feel like wdw is blowing this.
There needs to be clarification if outside delivery service will be available (Amazon, Garden Grocer). With limited dining.. and DVC units, I hope they will allow outside food and beverage to be delivered.
Garden Grocer has yet to claim there will be any issues with delivery. I’d keep an eye on their website and Facebook!