The 4 theme parks of Walt Disney World – Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom – along with most of the Disney resort hotels and the Disney Springs shopping/dining district, are all now officially opened and welcoming Guests. If you are planning a visit in the coming weeks or months, as we’ve shared recently, Disney has made a number of updates based on guidance from health authorities, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and appropriate government agencies, all designed to provide as much safety as possible for both Guests and Cast Members.
Let’s take a closer look at how these new protocols are affecting Guests visiting Walt Disney World.
Temporary Adjustments to Promote Physical Distancing – Physical distancing measures that Disney has put into place may include:
- Signage and Ground Markings: New directional signage and ground markings have been installed throughout Walt Disney World Resort to help Guests better navigate common areas while practicing physical distancing. Guests are asked to follow the signage.
- Physical Barriers: Physical barriers have been added in select places where it is difficult to maintain strict physical distancing guidelines. These may be visible in areas around cash registers or at Guest Relations, for example, to help ensure proper distances between people. Guests will also notice plexiglass barriers in places like some queues and between monorail seating sections.
- Training: Cast Members are trained to engage with Guests and promote physical distancing guidelines in common areas and queues.
One of the biggest changes – and one of the things that Guests are loving – is that attendance is currently limited and managed via the Disney Parks Pass reservation system. With this system, Disney is able to keep attendance low at each park, making physical distancing easier to achieve. It also means that lines are SHORT, with minimal wait times, even for the most popular rides. For anyone who is comfortable traveling now, and whose main focus is the rides, this is probably the perfect time to visit! Just remember to make your park reservations in advance as you will need those (along with a ticket of course) to enter a park.
Face Coverings are Required for all Guests (ages 2 and up) and Cast Members – This is one of the most evident changes, and all reports indicate that Disney is quite strict about adherence to their mask guidelines. All face coverings (whether disposable or reusable) must:
- Be made with at least two layers of breathable material
- Fully cover the nose and mouth and secure under the chin
- Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
- Be secured with ties or ear loops and allow the Guest to remain hands-free
- At this time, based on guidance from health authorities, neck gaiters and open-chin triangle bandanas are not acceptable face coverings.
You should bring your own face coverings and wear them at all times except when dining or swimming. You may remove your face covering while actively eating or drinking, but you should be stationary and maintain appropriate physical distancing. In other words, there is no “walking and eating” – you’ll need to sit to enjoy those dole whips, and then continue on to the next ride/attraction. Note also that costume masks are not allowed and are prohibited from being worn, in alignment with Disney’s existing rules. Also note that “the use of face coverings is not a substitute for physical distancing” – in other words, you need to do both, not one or the other.
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Temperature Screenings May be Required for Entry to Some Locations – Upon arrival at Disney Springs area or at the Walt Disney World theme parks, you may undergo a temperature screening with no-touch thermometers. Based on guidance from health authorities, anyone displaying a temperature of 100.4 F or above will be directed to an additional location for rescreening and assistance. Those with temperatures 100.4 F or above will not be allowed entry; those in their party will not be allowed entry either. Before you leave home, be sure to check the temperatures of everyone in your party—including yourself—as an extra layer of precaution.
Other Tips and Things to Know – There are some other things that will help you prepare for your Disney vacation in the coming months.
- Be prepared for things to take longer, both with transportation from resort to parks as well as through security. Social distancing means fewer people on each mode of transportation, so things will take a bit longer. Same with security – expect some delays so plan accordingly.
- Rides, attractions, and “touch points” are being cleaned constantly and hand sanitizer stations are located at each ride and many other places as well.
- Magical Express is not, at this time, handling bags from the airport and back. So when you arrive, collect your bags in baggage claim and then proceed to the Magical Express location. Likewise when you return home, the Resort Airline check in is not available and you’ll need to bring your bags with you on the bus back to the airport.
- While dining reservations are now available for many of the table service restaurants, most character meals are not yet happening, and in order to abide by social distancing and occupancy requirements, availability is limited. Quick Service locations are all mobile order only, so be sure to have the My Disney Experience app on your phone as you will use it!
So this is a brief overview of some of the temporary changes that anyone planning to visit Walt Disney World in the coming months should be prepared for. For the most up-to-date information (as things do change!) be sure to visit the Walt Disney World “Know Before You Go” guide here.
Things will certainly be different from the last time you visited, but there are still many ways to create magical moments—and memories to treasure!
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