Select Disney resorts and hotels reopen to welcome back guests, employees

ORLANDO, Fla. — Guests can now enjoy a stay at a dozen of Disney’s resorts and hotels for the first time in months, and thousands of Central Florida workers are back on the job.

It’s another step toward a sense of normalcy at Walt Disney World before its parks open next month.

Read: Disney announces annual passholder preview dates, new reservation system ahead of reopening

According to the Walt Disney World website, Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground reopened Monday, along with Disney Vacation Club properties.

Both accept memberships, and the campground and clubs are best suited for social distancing.

Disney cancels Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, modifies and extends Food & Wine Festival

The reopening means some of the 17,000 furloughed workers will be closer to paychecks as they are phased back to help prepare for reopening.

The announcement includes a warning that “an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present.”

Disney also said restaurants and other amenities might remain closed, and if they do reopen will have limited capacities.

Read: Universal Orlando reopening: A look at passholders’ first day back at the parks

Disney Springs reopened last month. Disney is still preparing for the July 11 reopening of Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom followed by Epcot and Hollywood Studios on July 15. Disney said most attractions will be available.

Instead of parades, Disney promises “cavalcades” of characters.

The openings come on the heels of a string of record-breaking coronavirus numbers in Florida.

Some cast members are petitioning to postpone reopening the parks. See the full story below:

VIDEO: Disney cast members push to postpone reopening parks Some are worried about the spread of COVID-19 despite the parks' new safety procedures.

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