A big part of the Walt Disney World vacation for many is dining. Disney has recently shared details of what Guests can expect to experience when looking to dine while visiting the resort following the closure due to the coronavirus. Enhancements made to the dining experiences are based on guidance from health authorities, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and appropriate government agencies.

During the reopening period, many dining experiences may be modified or unavailable in order to promote cleanliness and physical distancing. In addition, Guests ages 2 and up will need to wear face coverings in all public areas, including while entering and exiting dining establishments. These coverings can be removed while eating and drinking.

For those looking to dine in a Walt Disney World Resort hotel, you will need to have a confirmed reservation, particularly if you are a day Guest.

When the parks reopen, in order to dine at table service locations, you’ll need valid park admission, a reservation for park entry and a dining reservation. Keep in mind these reservations do not guarantee admission to the park.

When Guests visit restaurant moving forward, they will notice that Disney has 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. Menus will be shared in ways to minimize contact. For those eating at quick-service restaurants, menus will be displayed on signage. At table-service restaurants, you will have the ability to scan a QR code with your mobile device to access the digital menu.
Items like beverages that were previously self-serve will instead be served by Cast Members.

Additional changes to Walt Disney World dining experiences include:

• Character Dining will not be offered during the initial reopening, with the exception of a modified experience at Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera.
• Dinner shows will not be offered during the initial reopening.
•  Restaurants 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 locations throughout the Walt Disney World theme parks (when open), Disney Springs and select Disney Resort hotels.

At the end of your meal when it’s time to pay, you’ll strongly be suggested to use cashless payment options, including debit cards, credit cards and Disney Gift Cards. Guests can also opt for contactless payment options like mobile wallets. Disney Resort hotel Guests can also use MagicBands to charge their purchase to their room.

Disney did announce previously that Disney Dining Plans have officially been cancelled. If you had booked the Disney Dining Plan, you will be refunded your money and those who had Free Dining will have that part of their reservation cancelled. In addition, if you did have an Advance Dining Reservation made prior, they have also been cancelled.

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