Today marked the grand reopening of select Disney Vacation Club Resort hotels, along with Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campgrounds at Walt Disney World.
We’re taking you with us as we take a look around the reopened hotels!
We will continue to update this post throughout the day, so make sure to check back for updates!
Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Upon arriving at Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, you’ll notice a variety of new health and safety signs throughout.
Similar to what we’ve seen at theme parks like Universal Orlando, the signs let guests know that new enhanced health and safety measures are in place.
At this time, they were not taking temperature checks for guests. We were told by a Cast Member that temperature checks will continue at Disney Springs, and will take place when the parks reopen, but are not happening at the Resort hotels for now.
Similar to what we’ve seen prior to our check-in, when you head to the front desk, you will see a sign encouraging the use of mobile check-in for your room reservation.
If you do need to use the Front Desk, however, there was a Cast Member ready to assist!
At the Front Desk, there was a plexiglass barrier to create separation between yourself and the Cast Member.
There was also a health and safety notification to make sure that everyone maintained distancing measures.
There were signs throughout the resort stating to follow health and safety guidelines (isn’t that mural a beauty?)…
…but seating areas were still available for guests to relax.
Merchandise Shops
Stores like Bayview Gifts were open with specific entrance and exist signs…
…as well as markers to wait behind, if the store was busy and hit guest capacity.
Bayview Gifts also had a hand-sanitizer station outside for guests to use before and after they visited the store.
There was an area to wait before checking out at the store…
…with snacks and treats available in the bakery case.
The Contemporary was also selling the Character Face Masks we’ve seen in Disney Springs.
You can purchase one mask for $6 and 4 for $20 in case you want to stock up on some new designs during your stay!
You can also pick up new ears while you’re there (we will happily buy another pair of Minnie Ears).
Transportation
Although many of the transportation options aren’t available right now, you can still make your way outside to go to the bus stop (which is open for transportation to Disney Springs).
The bus stop has different distancing stickers to keep guests apart from one another.
The bus schedule screen was turned off during our visit, but it usually showcases when the next arrival and departure will be!
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
We were able to drop off our bags at the Front Desk since our room was not available to go into just yet. Right now, bus transportation is only available from your resort to Disney Springs and back, so if you have a dining reservation at another hotel you will need to use your own mode of transportation.
We had a dining reservation at Grand Floridian Cafe, so were able to visit Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa.
Once there, we used Mobile Check-In to check in to the Grand Floridian Cafe.
To do this, you scan the QR code at the front desk, and will be led to this page. From there, you can check in your party, noting the number of guests, dietary requests, mobility access, and if you are celebrating anything.
Once that has been completed, you can review your choices, enter your phone number, and confirm.
From there, you are all checked in! The phone number you entered will receive a text message letting you know when your table is ready.
Read more about Mobile Check-In at Disney World here!
Grand Floridian Cafe
Once seated, you are given a QR code to scan to see the menu.
On the back, there are additional QR codes if you would like to see the menu in another language.
Additionally, paper menus are available if requested.
We ordered and got our delicious food quickly!
While there, we also noticed Cast Members keeping everything cleaned and wiped down. There were very few other diners, so we were easily spaced out amongst any other parties.
Read more about dining at Disney World Resort hotels here!
Although the resorts were pretty empty, we saw a few people chilling by the pools when they were at the resorts.
Take a look at all the details on how pools will be working at the Disney Resorts here!
However, other than that, we have to say that the resorts were very quiet for the first day back (we were even the only guest in the Grand Floridian’s lobby at one point).
Learn more about the suspension of the Monorails and Skyliners at the Disney Resorts here!
Bus Transportation
Currently, buses are the only Disney-provided form of transportation available. While you can drive yourself, or use ride-share, to get around Disney World Resort, the Skyliner and Monorail are currently not operating. If you would like to get to Disney Springs, you are able to take a Disney Bus!
There’s an entirely new seating system onboard the buses, where guests are assigned a “zone” to sit it.
Each group is assigned a zone (if you’re alone, you’ll get an entire section to yourself). However, if you are traveling with a large group, you’ll get two zones if you need enough seats to accommodate your party size.
Certain seats on the bus were designated as unavailable to add more places where guests could distance themselves. The bus drivers wiped down seats, handrails, and other high-touch surfaces when needed.
Read all about the Disney Bus transportation here!
We will continue to update this post throughout the day, so stay tuned as we take you through the first days back at Disney World’s reopened hotels!
Do you have a 2020 Disney World trip planned? Let us know in the comments below!
Want to learn more about the Reopened Disney World?
- We’re Answering Your BIGGEST Questions About the Reopened Disney World!
- We Went to Magic Kingdom for Disney World’s Reopening — Here’s What You Need to Know!
- Everything You Need To Know About the Reopening of EPCOT!
- We Went to the Reopening of Disney's Animal Kingdom -- Here's What It Was Like!
- We Went to Disney’s Hollywood Studios for Its Reopening Day -- Here's What You Need to Know
- Here Are ALL the Changes and Cancellations That Disney World Just Implemented for Their Reopening!
- Everything You Need to Know About Disney World's Face Mask Policy
- Everything You Need to Know from Disney World's Reopening!
- We’re Answering Your BIGGEST Questions About Disney World’s New Disney Park Pass Reservation System!
- The Ultimate Guide to Disney World’s Relaxation Stations
- 6 Tips You Aren’t Thinking of for Your 2020 Disney World Trip
- Tips to Remember When Wearing a Face Mask in Disney World
- Here’s What It’s Like to Wear a Disney Face Mask All Day Long in Disney World!
- What You Need to Know About the Transportation Options at a Reopened Disney World
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If you have a dining reservation at a different resort than the one where you are staying, can you take a bus to Disney Springs and then catch a different bus to the other resort? We won’t have a vehicle with us.
Hi Betty! Yes, you can use ride share, or have the option to take a bus to Disney Springs and take another bus to the resort you have a reservation at. Just note that the buses are running in limited capacity, so at least today were taking longer than usual!
I am a vacation club member and annual pass holder and have trip anned right after thanksgiving and I can’t wait to get there
Are the main pools open (specifically the Poly) or only leisure pools?
We are still coming for our sister B-Day trip Aug 8-16!
Are buses running between resorts to make it easier to have dining options?
Hi Rebecca! At this time, they are not running between resorts — just from your hotel to Disney Springs.