News Disney World aims for July reopening after coronavirus closures The happiest place on earth still won't be back to business as usual. By Nick Romano Nick Romano Nick is an entertainment journalist based in New York, NY. If you like pugs and the occasional blurry photo of an action figure, follow him on Twitter @NickARomano. EW's editorial guidelines Published on May 27, 2020 12:08PM EDT Walt Disney World. Photo: Michael Orso/Getty Images After months of closures due to the spread of COVID-19 in the U.S., Walt Disney World in Orlando set plans to begin reopening by July 2020. It will start with Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom, which will open on July 11. Epcot and Hollywood Studios will follow on July 15. Of course, it still won't be 100 percent back to normal. A proposal presentation made by Walt Disney World Resort's Jim MacPhee to the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force on Wednesday noted more specific plans, which include facial mask and temperature check requirements for guests upon entry, hand washing and sanitizing stations, physical barriers "where appropriate," a reduction in theme park capacity, more frequent cleanings of the parks, contact-less payment options, and temporary suspensions of high-touch experiences. Guests will also be required to make reservations in advance and abide by social distancing measures, which will be enforced by a "social distance squad." According to ABC's Good Morning America, which is owned by Disney, this squad will be comprised of a "dedicated team of highly energetic and informative cast members who are committed to engaging and inspiring our guests to follow the appropriate guidelines. These social distancing squad cast members were introduced with the opening of Disney Springs have been a huge hit for our guests and very effective in emphasizing the importance of these elements." Disney World Resort parks have been closed in light of the coronavirus spread since mid-March. A small portion of Disney Springs was reopened in May with many of the same restrictions and precautions laid out in the latest reopening proposal in place. The task force approved the new plans for Disney World, but they now have to be green-lit by Gov. Ron DeSantis and Mayor Jerry Demings. Universal also submitted plans to reopen Universal Orlando on June 5 and SeaWorld on June 11. Related content: Disneyland, Disney World extend closures indefinitely due to coronavirus Universal Studios Hollywood and Orlando, Knott's Berry Farm extend park closures due to coronavirus