Visiting Walt Disney World after the shutdown

As I'm sure you've heard things are a little different around Walt Disney World during this new time of transition from the full Covid 19 closures to now, as parts of the country are opening back up.  Disneyland remains closed, and we don't have a reopening date as of yet.  For now, if you want to get your Disney fix, Walt Disney World is open with new guidelines and safety measures in place.  Keep reading to learn about what visiting the parks is like right now.

Masks.

2 layer masks are required for visiting the Walt Disney World parks.  Neck Gaiters are not currently allowed - the masks must have ear loops or ties to the back of the head to be properly secured on your face.  You do not have to wear a mask while you are eating, but that does not mean you are able to walk about the park munching on popcorn or a churro.  You will be asked to sit down and finish eating your snack.  Cast members are doing their best to make sure people are in compliance with that.  There are designated resting areas where you can spend some time not wearing a mask, and remain socially distant from people other than your travel party.  Each park has designated areas for this, and some are located in air conditioned rooms so you can definitely take a rest and beat the heat for a bit. 

Social Distancing.

Markers on the ground for social distancing are seen throughout the parks, and queues that make social distancing difficult have plexi-glass up to maintain separation.  Rides and placement in the rides are being carefully thought out so you are not in close proximity to people other than you are traveling with.  Ride capacities are much lower to allow for more space. 

Park entrance procedures.

All guests have their temperature checked prior to entering the Walt Disney World parks.  If your temp exceeds the maximum temp, you and your travel party will not be allowed inside the parks.  The security screening process has also changed, to minimize the need for security to touch your belongings prior to entering the parks.  

Cleaning.

Rides are being cleaned during regular intervals throughout the day to ensure proper sanitization.  Hand Sanitizer is available before and after ever ride to further minimize germs being spread.  Cast Members are consistently cleaning 

Ride Process.

With the reduced capacity in the parks, they do not have the FastPass+ system running.  Disney is utilizing the FastPass Queue lines to maintain social distancing.  Even without the FastPass system running, ride wait times have been minimal  Many people are reporting that they are practically walking onto most rides.  Rides that would normally have 120+minute standby lines have less than 30 minute wait times typically. Something to keep in mind - when they have to shut the ride down for cleaning, if you are standing in line for the ride you will experience that lengthy wait time.  They are working to keep your waiting to a minimum, but they want to be thorough.

Dining options.

With reduced park capacities and lower attendance, Disney is consolidating many of its dining options to just a few in the areas of the parks.  There are many food outlets that are currently closed and we don't know when they will be opening back up.  As with many restaurants in your hometown, menus at the Disney dining locations have been reduced as well.  So it's possible your favorite menu item may not be available if you are visiting in the near future.  Dining plans have also been eliminated for Walt Disney World packages for 2020 and are not currently available for 2021 packages. 

Entertainment.

The entertainment options in the parks are definitely different.  They do not have the fireworks shows and daily parades that was a Disney Parks staple.  Character Meet and Greets are also not happening in the same manner they used to.  Currently they have mini Character parades that happen sporadically in the parks - they are not on a posted schedule because they do not want crowds to congregate waiting for the parade to happen.  In Animal Kingdom park characters can be seen on a boat floating down the river through the park.   

Crowds.

Something we come to expect from Disney is that because it's such a popular destination, crowds happen frequently.  With the new social distancing standards and precautions in place, it's happening less frequently, but it can still happen.  If you are feeling like you are too close to others, step away from where you are and move to a more open space.  With the reduced park capacities it should not be hard to find space.  I am hearing that as time goes on, the parks are getting a bit more busy - especially as they have opened up new ticket sales and Annual Passholders have been able to get back to the parks.  It's not the same crowd levels as pre-covid, but it will probably be more people than you are used to being around.  

Real talk: is now the best time to visit Disney?

This has been a big question for many people.  Is now the right time to visit?  Should you wait to visit?  It really depends on you, and the experience you want to have.  People that are all about the rides and the Disney ambiance will probably really enjoy the current operating procedures.  First time visitors or people that really crave those Character interactions, Parades and Entertainment like Fireworks may want to wait a bit.  Disney is doing their best to maintain the magic and still offer those magic moments, but the magic is a bit different that it was before.  Even with all of the new safety procedures in place, they cannot eliminate the possibility that you will come in to contact with the Covid-19 germs.  Whether you opt to visit now and take advantage of the lower wait times and less crowds, or wait for some of your favorites to return, I am here to help you!  If you still have questions, please don't hesitate to email me or send me a message through my Facebook page.  I'm happy to help you further.