A common question we are going to explore right now is if a trip to Disney World is worth it during times of social distancing? Since reopening in July of 2020, Disney World has had new health and safety measures in place. Due to this some experiences are not open, while others are modified versions. If you are ready to get back to the magic with the new rules and see Cinderella’s Castle newly painted, here is what you need to know.
No Luggage Delivery Service
Disney’s Magical Express is a wonderful part of staying at a Disney World Resort. It allows guests complementary rides to and from Orlando’s airport from their Disney Resort on a coach bus. However, as with current times, things are being modified. Be aware, luggage delivery service will not be provided for guests. This means guests will have to grab their luggage from Orlando International Airport and take it with them on Disney’s Magical Express.
Enhanced Cleaning At Your Disney World Resort
There is increased cleaning, especially for high traffic areas such as elevators and handrails. Hand sanitizer locations will be available throughout. Each Disney Resort room will undergo enhanced cleaning. During your stay, a light cleaning service will be offered every other day.
Disney World Resorts are also asking guests to utilize the Online check-in process, allowing you to skip the front desk at arrival.
Disney Park Pass System
Disney World has implemented an all-new Disney Park Pass system. All guests are required to use it to make a reservation for park entry in advance, for guests and Annual Passholders. Find the new tool on DisneyWorld.com.
- You’ll need a My Disney Experience account, as this is where your Walt Disney World Resort plans are stored and managed.
- You’ll also need a valid theme park ticket or Annual Pass that’s linked to your My Disney Experience account.
- If you have a Disney Resort hotel reservation, be sure to link it to your My Disney Experience account beforehand, as well.
- Once you’ve logged into your My Disney Experience account and linked your ticket, you’ll have access to a calendar of available reservation dates for each theme park.
- If you have a multi-day ticket, you will be required to make a park reservation for each date of your visit.
- Families and friends can link their tickets together and look to arrange theme park entries at the same time.
Park reservations are limited and subject to availability.
Also Read: 10 New Safety Features at Disney World
Entering the Parks
There is lots of new signage explaining new health & safety measures throughout the parks and Resorts. Temperature screenings and appropriate face coverings are required to enter. Also read, the recently shared Health Acknowledgement for Disney Guests.
Social distancing is encouraged at the turnstiles to get in. Cast members are not scanning guests fingerprints at this time, no fingerprint taken at entry.
For the first time ever, Disney is Allowing Guests Of All Ages In Costume This Fall at Magic Kingdom! This is one example of modified magic you can enjoy.
Park Hopping
Unfortunately for now, visiting more than one park per day will be unavailable. Only one park per day is allowed with the new reservation system upon Disney World’s reopening.
Busses
Disney World offers continuous transportation from Disney Resorts to all 4 parks. At the busses, there are markers (with numbers) on the ground where to stand while waiting. Once on the bus, each guest will be boarded on the bus with a section to sit. The bus was separated by petitions. Once arrived, guests are asked to leave the bus the same way they boarded (either front of bus or back of bus).
Social Distancing In Lines
To keep with social distancing guidelines, guests will find social distance markers in queues for attractions and more. See a walk-through of the queue at Peter Pan’s Flight in Magic Kingdom to get a feel of what to expect.
Mask Relaxation Zones
Currently at Pete’s Silly Slideshow in Magic Kingdom and more locations is a mask relaxation zone for guests. Here, you can sit and remove masks for a break. The location shown above is air conditioned. Guests may pick any empty table or circle and then remove their masks.
At Magic Kingdom, there are also mask relaxation zones at Tomorrowland Terrace and between Pirates of the Caribbean and Splash Mountain attractions.
You may remove your face covering while actively eating or drinking (in the parks), but you should be stationary and maintain appropriate physical distancing.
Characters
While Autographs are a no right now, many characters can still be seen! See the Character & Entertainment Update to learn more. These include motorcades and cavalcades throughout the day, allowing guests to see their beloved Disney Characters.
We have seen Disney Character waiving from the Train Station at Magic Kingdom as well!
Holidays 2020
Holidays are around the corner for Disney World! Get in the holiday spirit starting November 6th through December 30th with décor, seasonal food & drink, entertainment and themed merchandise. Current health & safety measures remain in place, however read on to learn all the magical happenings.
Starting November 6th guests at Hollywood Studios can enjoy a meal at Hollywood & Vine with Santa Goofy and friends.
Starting November 27th guests at EPCOT can enjoy the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays. Enjoy Holiday kitchens around the World Showcase. JOYFUL! will also return to the World ShowPlace with Christmas and holiday music. Voices of Liberty will be bringing back their 8-part harmonies at the America Gardens Theatre for guests as well.
At Disney Springs, guests can enjoy decorated Christmas trees throughout. Plus, it may just snow! Look for snowfall at Town Center, West Side & The Landing. Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar will also return for 2020.
Santa Claus will also be making appearances at all 4 parks and Disney Springs to wave to guests!
Unfortunately, for 2020 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom & Candlelight Processional at EPCOT are cancelled.
Conclusion:
If you plan on going to Disney Parks again in the near future, I would 100% go now and experience reimagined Disney magic and lower crowds. If this is a once-in-a-lifetime trip, I would personally wait to go.
Learn more about planning your Walt Disney World vacation. Plus overwhelmed with all the planning? Destinations in Florida can help you plan your perfect trip.