Walt Disney World has just released more information regarding the changes it is implementing at Dining locations across the property, specifically regarding new safety measures and new technologies that will be introduced.
While much of this information may come as no surprise, it sets clear expectations of what Guests should expect from enhanced cleaning to the adoption of contactless menus and the mobile dine check-in, as well as modified character dining.
Below, along with the information, you will see Guests and Cast Members participating in these new changes, wearing face masks and abiding by proper social distancing. We at Inside the Magic received access to these photos and this press release thanks to Disney.
According to the press release:
New health and safety measures will be in place at restaurants across Walt Disney World Resort theme parks during their phased reopening. These new procedures include:
- Enhanced Cleaning – Seating and dining areas are cleaned between guest seatings, along with increased cleaning procedures in other high-traffic common areas.
- Self-Serve Changes – Beverages and other items previously available as self-service options will now be served directly to guests.
- In addition, many Walt Disney World restaurants are using convenient technologies to minimize contact at dining locations, including:
- Reduced-Contact Menus – Most quick-service theme park restaurant menus are available in the Mobile Order section of the My Disney Experience app* and/or displayed on signage at the restaurant. At select table-service locations, guests may scan a QR code with their mobile devices to access a digital menu.
- Mobile Order – Using the My Disney Experience app, guests can browse menus for most quick-service theme park restaurants, order ahead from wherever they are in the park and pick an arrival time that fits their schedule. Upon their arrival at the restaurant, they tap “I’m here” in the app and head to a designated pick-up area. The service fully supports cashless payments, including debit cards, credit cards, Disney gift cards and more.
- Mobile Dine Check-in – The My Disney Experience app now offers this service via mobile device for select table-service theme park restaurants. As their check-in window for a dining reservation arrives, guests will receive a push notification on their mobile device prompting them to check in via the app; guests can also begin the check-in process by scanning a QR code located in the restaurant’s lobby. A series of prompts will walk guests through the check-in process, confirming their arrival time and party details. Guests will then be notified when their table is ready. While guests will be encouraged to use this new mobile check-in option, they will still be able to check in at the restaurant’s podium, as well.For more information about dining at Walt Disney World Resort, visit Disneyworld.com/dining.
Walt Disney World also shared pictures of the character breakfast experience at Topolino’s Terrace explaining:
“Guests at Disney’s Riviera Resort at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., can see Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Daisy Duck during breakfast at Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera, the resort’s rooftop restaurant. During the resort’s phased reopening, characters maintain proper physical distancing while parading through the restaurant during mealtimes.”
These pictures show Mickey and Minnie greeting Guests but maintaining proper social distancing.
Read More: WDW Theme Park Restaurants Reopening
It really helps to have an expert to guide you through these changes as you navigate the Disney Parks on your next trip, and that is why we continue to recommend our friends at Academy Travel. Academy Travel’s agents understand these changes and will make sure your trip is magical. Reach out to them here!
What do you think of Disney World’s new dining policies? Do you find them satisfactory? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments!