This past July, the Walt Disney World Resort began a phased reopening to guests. The Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme parks opened first and a few days later EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios opened. Based on demand, certain parts of each theme park were open to guest while others remained closed. Disney took the same approach to their resort hotel.

For the most part travel was restricted for most of the year. Even now, although some people have felt more comfortable traveling – against CDC guidance – visitors to Walt Disney World are no where near pre-pandemic levels. In an interview earlier this year, Christine McCarthy, Chief Financial Officer, The Walt Disney Company said they were going to take a measured approach to reopening hotel and base their decision on demand.

Now Disney has announced the opening of four other Disney Resorts, however they will not reopen until 2021.

Although Disney’s All-Star value resorts will remain closed for the remainder of the year, Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort will reopen next year. Originally scheduled to reopen on February 9, now the resort will welcome its first guests on March 22, after being closed for a full year.

Technically, Disney’s Beach Club Resort has been open, but only to Disney Vacation Club guests. This EPCOT-area resort was originally to reopen to all guests on August 29, however that date was pushed back. The only part of the resort that opened to guest this past summer was the Beach Club Marketplace and Crescent Solarium. Reservations are currently now being accepted for stays beginning May 30.

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge has also been open, but only the Boulder Ridge Villas and Copper Creek Villas for DVC guests. Although select areas of the resort are open, the remainder of the resort will be open to all guests starting 6 June 2021. Although the resort has been closed since March, the wait will have been worth it because when guests return they will be staying in newly refurbished guest rooms.

With an initial reopening date of August 21, then October 4, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort failed to open this year. The reason was Disney announced a major refurbishment of the resort in anticipation of Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary. Currently only the DVC portion – Villas and Bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and select dining facilities are open to guests.

The Great Ceremonial House will see a major refresh, as well as the guest rooms. The new room design will be influenced by Disney film “Moana,” with a color palette inspired by the Pacific Ocean and islands and details, patterns, and textures inspired by “Moana.” Other changes will include a new porte cochere, changes to the monorail station, a bolder, more colorful facade on each of the Longhouses. enhanced gardens and fountains, and new chandeliers in the resort lobby.

“The colors, patterns and textures found throughout the resort are reflected in the design of the new porte cochere with a high-pitched open-truss roof covered in a thatch style and a bold façade that complements the Longhouses,” said Disney Imagineer, Zack Riddley. “The monorail station will be transformed with bold new wooden screens covered with geometric patterns in bright, tropical colors. The Polynesian is a fan favorite and our Imagineering and Walt Disney World teams are excited to bring these new changes to life in this iconic resort.”

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is not scheduled to reopen to guest until summer 2021.

At this time the only Disney resort hotels without an reopening date are Disney’s All-Star Music and Sports Resorts, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort (French Quarter and Riverside), and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge (non-DVC accommodations).

Disney states on their website, “While a reopening date was previously shared for Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, it will remain closed until further notice, as the reopening timeline continues to be reevaluated.

Future reopening dates are subject to change and Guests’ reservations could still be modified to other Disney Resort hotels if needed.

Given the current situation, there are some Disney Resort hotels and other areas that are not, as of this time, being scheduled for reopening yet. We will continue to evaluate the situation and reopen more locations when the environment is right to do so.

We will continue to monitor the constantly changing environment and its impact on the state of Florida as we find the right time to welcome back even more of our Guests and Cast Members.

We continue to assist Guests with current hotel reservations for 2020, modifying travel plans as needed.”

Feature Image: Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort/AllEars.net; Disney’s Beach Club Resort/TouringPlans.com; Disney’s Wilderness Lodge/DisneyFoodBlog.com; Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort/Disney