Walt Disney World to reopen, NBA arrives in Orlando: Here are 9 things happening this week

ORLANDO, Fla. — There are a lot of things happening in Central Florida this week.

Two Walt Disney World parks are reopening, NBA players are arriving in Orlando and Major League Soccer will restart its season.

Here are nine things happening this week:

1. Disney parks to reopen

Disney announced that Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom will reopen Saturday, and EPCOT and Hollywood Studios will reopen on July 15.

Guests must make reservations to attend the parks.

Reservations will be made using a My Disney Experience account with a valid theme park ticket or annual pass linked to the account. Hotel reservations should also be linked to it beforehand.

For now, guests will only be allowed to select one park per day. Disney said they hope to bring back the multi-park tickets in 2021.

In addition, the resort stated it will implement temperature checks at the gate. Anyone in a party who has a temperature of 100.4 or higher will not be admitted along with the rest of their party.

All guests over the age of 2 will be required to wear a face covering at all times except when dining or swimming. The resort is encouraging guests to bring their own masks.

Cast members will also have to wear a mask.

The parks will operate under reduced capacity, and social distancing will be enforced. There will also be enhanced cleaning procedures throughout, as well as hand sanitizing stations.

VIDEO: New Disney park reservation system opens to passholders Annual passholders can now book their reservations to visit Walt Disney World parks for when they reopen next month.

2. NBA players arrive in Orlando ahead of restart

The National Basketball Association will begin its plan to restart its season in Orlando this week.

According to the NBA, 21 of 22 teams will arrive on a staggered basis on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday as a part of Phase 4.A.

To read more about the NBA’s restart plan, click here.

VIDEO: Sports Brothers discuss bringing basketball to Disney Joe Kepner and Christian Bruey talk sports in Central Florida.

3. MLS restarts season in Orlando

Major League Soccer announced the league’s plan to restart the 2020 season at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

The season will resume with all 26 MLS clubs competing in the MLS is Back Tournament beginning Wednesday, according to a release.

The tournament will be played without fans in attendance.

Additional information can be found here.

4. Volusia County high school graduations

Volusia County released its backup graduation rehearsals and ceremonies for high schools beginning Monday and ending July 11.

Leaders said admission will be $3 per person and parking will be $5 for ceremonies at the Daytona Beach Ocean Center.

Officials said tickets will be pre-sold by each of the high schools.

Below is a list of the districts backup graduation rehearsals and ceremonies:

Monday rehearsals:

• Taylor High School - 7:30 a.m.
• DeLand High School - 10:00 a.m.
• Mainland High School - 12:30 p.m.
• Seabreeze High School - 3:00 p.m.

Tuesday rehearsals:

• Atlantic High School - 7:30 a.m.
• Spruce Creek High School - 10:00 a.m.
• New Smyrna High School - 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday rehearsals:

• Pine Ridge High School - 7:30 a.m.
• Deltona High School - 10:00 a.m.
• University High School - 12:30 p.m.

Thursday graduations:

• Taylor High School - 8:30 a.m.
• DeLand High School - 12:30 p.m.
• Mainland High School - 4:30 p.m.
• Seabreeze High School - 7:30 p.m.

Friday graduations:

• Taylor High School - 8:30 a.m.
• DeLand High School - 12:30 p.m.
• Mainland High School - 4:30 p.m.
• Seabreeze High School - 7:30 p.m.

Saturday graduations:

• Atlantic High School - 8:30 a.m.
• Spruce Creek - 12:30 p.m.
• New Smyrna - 4:30 p.m.

July 11 graduations:

• Pine Ridge High School - 8:30 a.m.
• Deltona High School - 12:30 p.m.
• University High School - 4:30 p.m.

5. Unincorporated Osceola County residents can apply for mortgage help

On Monday, residents in unincorporated Osceola County can apply for help to pay their mortgage or rent.

The application opens at 8 a.m and it will stay open until 8 a.m. Thursday.

The county plans to cover two months of rent or mortgage payments up to $2,500.

The county will offer the money again in August, which will allow anyone in the county to apply.

To learn more, click here.

6. Splitsville in Disney Springs to reopen

Splitsville in Disney Springs announced it will reopen at 4 p.m. Friday.

“We’ve taken great measures to engage and serve you safely. From social distancing to QR code an single-use menus to sanitized gaming, we’ve got your back,” the company posted of Facebook.

7. Volusia County to distribute PPE to local businesses

Volusia County is distributing person protection equipment kits to local businesses.

The county said the kits will be distributed through the Volusia County Chamber Alliance from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the following locations:

Monday: Port Orange South Daytona Chamber, 3431 S. Ridgewood Ave.

Tuesday: Daytona Regional Chamber, 126 E. Orange Ave.

Wednesday: 115 Canal St., New Smyrna Beach

Thursday: Ormond Performing Arts Center, 339 U.S. 1; The Center at Deltona, 1640 Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd.

Friday: Wayne G. Sanborn Activity & Events Center, 815 S. Alabama Ave., Deland

Officials said businesses may receive up to two kits and must prove eligibility with a business card indicating they represent a Volusia County business, as well as sign that they received the product. Businesses may visit any site.

For additional information, call 386-248-8048.

8. Orange City to hold meeting to discuss face mask mandate

Orange City leaders will be holding an emergency meeting Monday to address a proposed emergency ordinance that would mandate face masks.

9. World Chocolate Day

Tuesday is World Chocolate Day, which celebrates eating chocolate.

If you’re wanting to spend the day eating chocolate, consider taking a tour at the Chocolate Museum and Cafe in Orlando.

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