Here’s What Visiting Disney World Is Like During The Coronavirus Pandemic
After being closed for four months, the most magical place on Earth re-opened its doors on July 11, welcoming guests at 25% capacity.
The park implemented new safety measures to keep guests safe and I had the opportunity to visit this month and get an in-person look.
To make a park reservation you have to buy tickets online and link them to your account through the Park Pass option. Once there, you are prompted to pick the days and parks you want to visit. Due to guest limit rules, some parks might not be available to reserve a spot for you, so check the calendar on the website beforehand.
All vehicles in the parking lot must leave two empty spaces in-between cars to comply with the six-foot distancing requirement.
At the main entrance you’ll wait in line for a temperature check, but in typical Florida style the weather was extremely hot the day I visited. When they took my temperature I had a fever but don’t worry, they took me to a separate tent where I drank water and cooled down. When they retook my temperature I was fine and granted permission to enter.
Inside the park, social distancing and masks are heavily enforced. There are social distancing markers placed six feet apart in every line, store, and restaurant. Masks can only be taken off when you are eating or drinking or at a specified Relaxation Station.
For food and drinks, you will need the My Disney Experience app to place all orders. Disney has gone full cashless, you are only allowed to pay with a card or your phone. Dining was allowed inside and outside, but most indoor dining and food carts at Magic Kingdom were closed when I visited.
Throughout the day at Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom, cast members disinfected every high touch surface, and some rides had higher wait times due to scheduled cleanings. Sanitation stations were found at the exit and entrance of rides, restaurants, and stores.
Hollywood Studios, the smallest of the parks, felt a bit crowded but not overbearing. I had enough space to do a cartwheel, which is not something you can do on an ordinary day at Disney.
The rides at the parks also followed strict social distancing rules. All members of a party can ride together but ride carts had empty seats in between each other. Plexiglass was used as a shield for most rides.
Ride wait times were astronomically low—a typical three hour wait for the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run was a mere 30 minutes.
Unfortunately, character meet-and-greets are not available. You will only be able to see characters either through parades or at stages where they interact with you from afar.
All in all, Disney is doing an incredible job. I felt safe and was able to ride new popular rides without waiting three hours. Although these are unprecedented times, Disney is making sure to give guests an amazing welcome-back filled with magic.
