We are so excited for the reopening of Walt Disney World! After the reopening, we spent one magical day at Magic Kingdom and have everything you need to know to prepare for your visit. In this podcast episode, we discuss safety measures, changes to park policies, and tips for planning your vacation.
New Park Pass System
Since the reopening, Disney has introduced a new park pass system for reserving theme park visits. To manage attendance, guests need to purchase park tickets and then make reservations in advance for park passes to reserve the dates they want to go to each theme park. This process helps regulate the number of guests in each park at one time. Because park passes are limited in number and subject to availability, it’s important to select your park passes as soon as you purchase your park tickets to ensure you receive the dates you want.
Health & Safety Measures
Safety is prioritized at the Disney parks. There are a number of health and safety measures implemented in the parks. At the park entrances, there is a quick health screening with a temperature check. Face coverings are required in the parks for guests ages two and older.
Physical distancing markers are used in dining locations, attractions, queues, and other areas. Throughout the parks are handwashing stations and hand sanitizer locations.
Character Greetings
There are no direct character meet and greets, but Disney has done a great job with character moments that pop-up during the day such as a mini parade of princesses or a Mickey and Minnie cavalcade. It was fun to be surprised by these moments and have the opportunity to wave to the characters and take selfies from a distance. Photographers are still available to get your magic shots in the parks.
Attractions & Shows
Social markers in ride and show queues keep parties six feet apart from each other. On the attractions and in show theaters, the six feet social distancing rules also apply.
There are plenty of opportunities to wash your hands before and after the rides and shows.
Park Dining
At snack carts, contactless payments such as credit cards, Apple Pay, Disney gift cards, and MagicBands are required. For quick-service dining locations, you’ll place your order and pay through the Disney mobile app which is very convenient. Table service restaurants that are open have limited capacity so you will want to make reservations in advance. The menus are different than in the past so be sure to check ahead of time. Restaurants had the highlights from their regular menus with a good variety of options and something for everyone.
Plan Your Trip
You can find more information on the Walt Disney World phased reopening here.
The most important takeaway from the reopening is you will want to work with a travel agency that specializes in Disney vacations because things are changing daily and your travel agent will have the latest information. Disney may be different from the last time you visited, but be assured they have taken enhanced health and safety measures for you, other guests, and cast members. The magic is still there!
If you’re ready to book a quick, last-minute getaway or plan a trip for 2021, we are here to support and help you every step of the way!
