WATCH: Here's an inside look at Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom on reopening day
Disney parks welcome back guests
Many hit the Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World for the first time in months on Saturday. Iconic firework shows and parades are on hold and there is limited capacity with guests required to make reservations for entry. Epcot and Disney Hollywood Studios open on Wednesday.
ORLANDO, Fla. - Walt Disney World reopened its magical gates to two of its theme parks on Saturday. It comes after nearly four months of being closed due to the coronavirus pandemic with new rules in place to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Guests took to social media to post photos and videos during the first official day of reopening for Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom. Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios will follow on Wednesday.
With social distancing protocols and safety measures in place, things look a lot different at "The Most Magical Place on Earth."
Guests walk toward Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park, July 11, 2020, at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., on the first day of the theme park’s phased reopening. (Matt Stroshane, photographer)
Guests wave as the “Mickey and Friends Cavalcade” passes by on Main Street, U.S.A. at Magic Kingdom Park, July 11, 2020, at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., on the first day of the theme park’s phased reopening. (Kent Phillips, Pho
Guests stop to take a photo at Magic Kingdom Park, July 11, 2020, at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., on the first day of the theme park’s phased reopening. (Kent Phillips, Photographer)
Disney characters were still out and about during pop-up parades at Magic Kingdom. Meet-and-Greets are canceled for the time being.
Two young guests stop to take a photo at Magic Kingdom Park, July 11, 2020, at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., on the first day of the theme park’s phased reopening. (Olga Thompson, photographer)
Mickey Mouse pauses on Main Street, U.S.A. just before sunrise prior to the phased reopening of Magic Kingdom Park, July 11, 2020, at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Kent Phillips, photographer)
Several guests posted about the social distancing markers on the ground that are present at the attractions. Select cast members are a part of the "'Incredi-Crew" who will joyfully remind guests to practice social distancing. There are also physical barriers in shops, dining locations, and attraction queues.
Unfortunately, Saturday also brought some heavy rain to parkgoers.
All of Disney's Orlando parks closed in mid-March in an effort to stop the virus's spread. Universal Orlando and SeaWorld Orlando closed around the same time but reopened several weeks ago after instituting similar rules to protect employees and customers from the virus.
The reopening comes as a huge surge of Floridians have tested positive for the new coronavirus in recent weeks.