Today was an historic day in Disney World history. After an unprecedented four month closure, Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom re-opened for their very first previews — welcoming Disney World Cast Members to test and explore the theme parks’ new health and safety procedures and protocol while enjoying their favorite rides and attractions for what felt like the “first time in forever.”
Magic Kingdom on cast member preview day, July 2020
Cast Member previews are common for big deal experiences — like the opening of a new land in a theme park, or the opening of a new ride or attraction. They’re Disney’s way of offering Cast Members a fun job perk (“Be the FIRST to ride this new attraction!”), but also of testing out the new experience on a small audience. It’s the perfect way to work out any remaining bugs in the system.
So how did today’s Cast Member preview go? Let’s take a look at the good and the…could be better…experiences from today!
New Health and Safety Procedures and Enforcement
The parks debuted several new policies and procedures to protect the health and safety of both guests and Cast Members. These include social distancing markers, required face coverings, required temperature checks, and a focus on limiting contact between guests and Cast Members when possible.
Magic Kingdom Temperature Check tents
The security bag check prior to entering the parks has gotten a new, low-contact makeover. Now, guests place all electronics into plastic carriers, then walk through the new security system WITH their personal bag instead of having it searched by a security guard.
If your bag still sets off the alarm, it’s time to dump it all out into a security bin in hopes of finding the offending article (for our reporter, it was a fuel rod that set off the alarm).
Bags for Security
Was this faster than the traditional bag check? Possibly. Pulling out your electronics and putting them into plastic bags can take a lot of time, but that time could be won back if you walk safely through the new automated detectors without having to have a Cast Member go through your things. Either way, however, the process does minimize contact significantly between guests and Cast Members.
This, along with mandatory temperature checks, were the main additions to the park entry system, and seemed to go relatively well today. If you experienced a big back-up or time sink here, please let us know in the comments.
But a major concern from our readers has been Disney’s ability to enforce and maintain social distancing and required face coverings with the new game plan. In our experience, the Cast Member “guests” at the preview were doing a decent job of rule-following. We didn’t see too many maskless folks, or even guests who had pulled their masks down below their nose.
Peter Pan’s Flight
Social distancing was being adhered to in nearly all situations we encountered. And for most of our visit, the parks were sparsely populated, so it was easy to keep that 6-ft invisible bubble around oneself.
But some things did break down a bit a few times during the day. In addition to reportedly having a couple of rides malfunction and/or break down, there might be some implications from the lack of a virtual queue system on some attractions as well. While most ride wait times were 5-10 minutes most of the day, more popular rides like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Splash Mountain saw some longer waits and/or social distancing hiccups.
Splash Mountain Attraction Line
But, like we said, this is why Cast Member previews exist. Disney’s job is to measure twice, cut once, and test, test, test. And it’s much easier to test out big change roll-outs with a small, dedicated group of guests — like Cast Members — than with a much larger crowd on re-opening day. You can expect some wrinkles to be ironed out by Thursday’s Annual Passholder preview, and again by Saturday’s grand re-opening. Stay tuned.
Ride And Attraction Wait Times
As predicted by Disney CEO Bob Chapek, due to very limited guest capacity in the parks, FastPass in today’s experiment wouldn’t have been necessary for most attractions. And our reporters were pretty much able to ride anything they wanted to ride today with just a 5-15 minute wait per attraction.
Sanitizer for Splash Mountain
But note that when a ride breaks down or experiences technical difficulties, or needs an enhanced cleaning, the socially distanced line can get a little bit longer than what’s comfortable; and when guests run out of social distancing markers on the ground, it can be difficult to figure out where the 6ft mark is. This could lead to some crowding if Cast Members aren’t there quickly to manage the process.
Shopping
Speaking of virtual queues, the rides and attractions may not have ’em, but those popular stores definitely can if needed!
Emporium
Locations like The Emporium and Uptown Jewelers in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom have the ability to turn on and off their virtual queue line systems depending on crowd-levels. These shops are allowing only a fraction of their capacity inside at a time, so on busy days, there may be waits.
While it’s weird to have to get into a virtual line to just pop in and check out the newest necklaces, it does seem to be a procedure that’s working for Disney right now when days get busy at Disney Springs. And we like that it allows guests to continue to enjoy the park while technically “waiting in line” to get into a shop.
Read More About What Shopping Is Like In A Disney Theme Park Now HERE!
Characters
Characters no longer meet face to face, give hugs, or take photos with guests (unless they’re selfie photos from afar), but you can still see them every day!
Animal Kingdom Character Boat
Character Cavalcades and boat float-bys are a new, fun way to see characters at sporadic, super random times. Why sporadic and super random? To make sure guests don’t congregate together in anticipation of catching the show.
Merida in Magic Kingdom
While it’s a bummer to not be able to meet Mickey for a hug, the Cavalcades we saw were SO much fun! Merida and Gaston on horses? A Trolley full of Hundred Acre Wood pals? Aladdin and Mary Poppins on the same float? The crystal PRINCESS FLOAT back in action?
Crystal Princess Float is Back
We saw a LOT of characters and it was a LOT of fun. So while it’s different from what we’re used to, the random “you never know when you’ll next see a character” factor is a rad throwback for many of us to our childhood where Disney characters were always out and about and you never knew who you’d see!
Read More About Character Cavalcades HERE!
What’s Next?
So, overall, the Disney Cast Member preview we attended went well. The park seemed deserted, guests were generally following the rules, and wait times were minimal except at the most popular rides and attractions. Of course, we didn’t see everything that went on in the park. If you had different experiences you’d like to share, please let us know in the comments.
Were there hiccups? Yes. Are they debilitating for Disney? No. The hiccups we saw and experienced are mostly fixable, which is why Disney prioritizes running events like Cast Member and Annual Passholder previews. Run the show, find the bugs, fix ’em, run the show again. That’s why shows rehearse.
Disney Characters wave to guests from a distance
We’ll be experiencing the (likely more populated) Annual Passholder Preview later this week, and the official Re-Opening Day this weekend, to see any implemented updates to current policies and procedures.
Disney stated in a health and safety media panel today that they weren’t “complacent” about the protocol they were implementing, and that they were eager to continue to learn and update their policies based on data and experience gathered both here in Orlando and at Disney parks around the world. So it will be interesting to see what evolves.
As always, we’ll be sharing with you any changes to Disney’s plans as well as our own experiences and those of our readers in the parks as the re-opening continues.
Disney Park Reopening Details and Info
Click HERE for the All Latest Updates
Click HERE To See FULL LISTS of the Rides, Attractions, Shopping, Entertainment, and Restaurants Opening in Disney World!
TUTORIAL: How To Use Disney World's NEW Park Pass Reservation System
ALL Disney World Reopening Procedures
Disney World Hotel and Ticket Booking Information
We’re Visiting ALL the Reopened Disney World Hotels and Have All the Need-to-Know Details
We’re LIVE in Disney World's Magic Kingdom For the FIRST Time Since the Closures
We’re LIVE in Disney’s Animal Kingdom For the FIRST Time Since the Closures
We Got a FIRST LOOK at Disney World’s New Character Cavalcades and Entertainment!
Everything You NEED To Know About Wearing Masks in Disney World
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Are you headed to Disney World soon? Are there more measures you think Disney should implement to keep guests and Cast Members safe? Let us know in the comments.
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Any word on the amount of people in the parks for the preview?
LEAVE ME KNOW WHEN PORT ORLEANS RIVERSIDE IS GOING TO OPEN
Linda, we won’t know until Disney releases that information.
Glynn, as far as I know, Disney has not released that information.
Your photo shows a cast member using a sanitizing wand on splash mountain seats. I use a similar wand in my profession and the sanitizer is meant to dry on the surface, after surface is thoroughly washed and cleaned. Not meant for use INSTEAD of washing and cleaning.
With only being able to visit one park a day, will you be able to visit the Animal Kingdom and eat at a World Showcase restaurant (when the World Showcase opens) on the same day.
Did Disney do a good job enforcing social distancing? I noticed a picture with a large congestion of people at the entrance to Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, it was concerning.
@Roz And I use a similar wand to spray pesticides around my home. It’s a piece of equipment. You have no idea what is being sprayed on the surface. Just because your protocol is one thing doesn’t mean every single spray that exists is used the same way. Disney is a very large, very experienced company. I’m sure they have a grasp on how to read instruction labels and utilize cleaning properly. Especially considering all their strategies were reviewed and approved by several government agencies.
Just a few things I noticed yesterday were:
-If you left the park during a very quiet time at the Monorail station, they sent us up the ramp that new guests were entering so we could leave the park. It was just confusing and it led to being in a congested area and not follow social distancing. This might not be normal as it was back to normal upon leaving, but it was odd.
– They would let you past the parking gates like normal, but then they would stop you at the beginning of the parking, send in a group of about 20 cars and let them completely down the road and parked. Then they would send in another group of about 20 cars and continue. It might’ve been just because we got there right at open and they were trying to limit the crowds, but just be wary of it if you get to the park at opening.
– Starbucks has a new line to pick up your snacks with social distancing, but if there wasn’t a space for you to move onto in that line, you were told to wait at the register until one becomes available. Just a warning on the crazy busy line out the door Starbucks days!
Overall, the cast preview had a few hiccups but I felt so safe and loved getting back to the magic!
Hi AJ and the amazing DFB team,
Thank you for yet another fantastic and informative report. It was as if I was there with you! (Which I would be if us international guests were allowed into the USA) It’s feels so good to’ almost’ be there even if it has to be virtually for the time being…
I do have one question. Did you feel that the magic was still there? I always get a buzz of excitement when I first see the parks icons – castle, golf ball etc . I was wondering if you felt the excitement and the magic remains after sooo sooo much has changed?
Keep up the good work you are all amazing people.
Love the Character Pop Ups, Definitiely a throw back to “whose out today” who did you see” …I hope that continues for EVER….
How can I go to one of these events?
I’ve been an AP for years and never got the email that it was open to book, only that it was coming soon. Was this one only press and cast members?
You let only a select few get in for the preview. I signed up on one day then a NEW time was posted for sign up. So the cast members who “Thought” they signed up were deleted. Instead Disney opened the registration at 12:00 am and closed it at 12:15 am. Very unfair.
The queue line for FoP was all the way back to Tusker House because of the social distancing markers. My wife and I rode it twice and walked right on both times, which tells me Disney is gonna let a whole lot more guests in the parks than they did CMs.
At cast member preview, they made me take all…and i mean all my camera equipment out of my camera bag and stick it in the tote. Included was 3 to 400.00 dollar lenses 3000.00 dollar camera. I even opened the bag and so they could visibly see what was in there! After that i had to walk through the metal detector with the bag held out in front of me…then load it all back in on the side of bag check as they did not want to wait for me to do it on the counter. i had to hold everything in my arms walk over to the side sit on the ground and put it all back in my beg. So my suggestion is if you don’t want to take the chance of dropping something expensive …don’t bring it.
Lynne, this preview was just cast members. As for the AP issue, we’ve heard from a lot of Annual Passholders who had that issue, unfortunately.
Karen, hi. Thanks for reading! We definitely had a rush of excitement (along with some apprehension with regard to all the newness) and felt like there was lots of magic. Seeing the characters out in new ways was really a highlight.
Thanks for sharing, Mary!
Ryan, that’s one thing we also noticed (a reader shared a photo), but generally speaking, we didn’t see congestion like that. We will update today when we’re back.
Jerry, no. Since World Showcase is in a second Park, you would not be able to go to EPCOT if it’s your Animal Kingdom day.
@DFB Sarah, thanks for letting us know. We’re super excited about our trip but also nervous. We were surprised to see that Disney allowed the group to form. I guess that is the reason for the trial run.
Ryan, we will be on the lookout for any other concerns today, too, so we can give people a heads up. And like you said, hopefully these previews will give them insight into what needs work.
I was there on Tues. and the rides we were at all had the 6 foot markers on the sidewalk. no reason to take a guess. Everything I saw went really well. long line at Splash Mountain (it was hot out) – but everything went really well from what we experienced. We went in to do some shopping – everyone seemed to have their masked on (remember this was cast member day – not the public) Honestly – I didn’t see anyone without a mask all day and I was checking. I did move mine around because my glasses would steam up – but never took it off . Everyone please follow the rules – they are there for your own good….. And have fun. Drink lots of water because it’s hot out there!
@roz The reports I received yesterday about Splash Mountain were that the procedure is they spray it and then run it empty to allow for drying. So no worries.
Rain is an issue when people start to run for cover and places for cover are roped off or too small to maintain your 6 ft social distancing. Carry ponchos or umbrellas with you so you are prepared or not afraid to get drenched!
It was like Christmas Cast Member Day on the 70s when Disney closed the parks for just CMs and their families. There was no crowding, no reall lines, everyone did as they were told, and their face mask free zone to rest for a moment away from these away from public view. Shopping was so nice bc you had room and space to breathe. We were THE ONLY ONES on the ferry boat ride in when we got there later in the afternoon. We couldnt figure out the meal thing so we are snacks we brought. It was very stress free. I felt safe. So much space and guidance. With “plenty of sunshine” my little girl skipped through frontierkand and twirled in the vastness inside Cinderellas Castle pass through with out a soul around her. We say the carousel being sprayed down – horse by beautiful horse. The whole experience was incredible. It really was. It made me cry. Just walking down Main Street where I grew up as a child with my Dad having built the parks, it was very emotional. I remember him to the test runs before opening day for attraction safety… I felt like that now. It was emotionally overwhelming. And if Walt Disney Wirld keeps it small like this, theyve got it right it is safer than your own neighbor. It was pure Disney Magic!!!!