A LOT is different in Disney World and it can be hard to keep track of all of the changes.
Monorail
Now, MOST of the changes make sense. We totally get the mask mandate, temperature checks, and social distancing. But we’ll be honest, there are some things (or lack thereof) that are just downright confusing for us! Let’s take a look at some of the bigger head-scratchers we’ve experienced in a reopened Disney World!
There are temperature checks EVERYWHERE — but not when you check in to the resorts?
Perhaps our biggest surprise when we first got back to the resorts on their opening day was that there were NO temperature checks when you get to a resort hotel. This definitely strikes us as a little strange considering there are temperature checks EVERYWHERE else — in Disney Springs and in the parks, and even at the table-service restaurants IN the resorts. But there are no temperature checks when you first get to the resorts.
Temperature Screening at Disney Springs
Does this mean that theoretically, a guest could fail the temperature check at Magic Kingdom and head back to the resort to hang out in common areas? Yep, it kinda does! Still, Disney did add an extra precaution with the introduction of those mandatory temperature checks at resort table service restaurants. Still, not having the checks required to enter a hotel at all when they do everywhere else does have us a little bit confused.
Click here to learn more about temperature checks in Disney World!
Things seem laser-focused on health and safety, but some high touch points seem neglected.
Temperature checks aren’t the only measure that seems to have gray areas. For instance, Disney seems laser-focused on safety and sanitation, but there are some high touch points that seem to be treated just like they’ve always been pre-closure. If you’re nervous about germy surfaces, bring your own hand sanitizer and wipes!
Queue
We’ve noticed that there is no cleaning between each guest on interactive rides like Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin or Toy Story Midway Mania, and the Skyliner is only being cleaned ONCE A DAY. Plus, water fountains are still in use, which seems especially eye-raising to us since guests aren’t even allowed to use the self-serve soda stations in most dining locations.
Want to know more about how Disney World is cleaning their rides and attractions? Click here.
We love the Character Cavalcades, but sometimes they’re head-scratchers.
This one is kind of silly but has definitely left us confused. We absolutely ADORE the new Character Cavalcades, in fact, we love them way more than we thought we would! But there are some character cavalcades that don’t make a ton of sense. We just want to know the thought process behind some of these choices!
Daisy and Donald
For one, the Frozen Promenade in EPCOT features Anna and Elsa taking a spin around the World Showcase. Here’s the thing though, Anna is riding along in a glorious horse-drawn carriage while Elsa…walks? HOLDING her train bunched up in her arm…? Were there no extra white horses to stick her on? Elsa on horseback would be CRAZY cool. We’re not sure this is what she had in mind when she did the whole “Into the Unknown” thing.
Elsa in EPCOT
Then there’s the Fantasyland Friends Cavalcade. On the surface level, it sounds great. All our Fantasyland pals together at once? Awesome! But in practice it really is just random Disney characters all tossed together on a float. Mary Poppins, Alice, Peter Pan, Winnie the Pooh, and Aladdin? Not the combo we necessarily would have picked.
Magic Kingdom Character Cavalcade
And not even all Fantasyland characters! We’re pretty sure Aladdin sets up shop in Adventureland last we checked. Should there be an asterisk next to the name with tiny print at the bottom saying “Fantasyland Friends Cavalcade…oh yeah, and Aladdin. He didn’t have a lot going on today.”
To see more of the Character Cavalcades, click here!
Why won’t Disney show characters wearing face masks?
Speaking of characters, several guests think it’s strange that Disney won’t show their characters wearing face masks. We asked our readers about their thoughts on this, and the results were nearly 50-50 for and against.
Some guests think it makes absolutely no sense for face characters to wear masks. It could possibly ruin the story of that character to see them masked up. But for other guests, there is definitely a case to be made for some characters (princesses, for instance) wearing face masks in a way that won’t disrupt their story.
Rainy Day Princesses
The biggest benefit of doing this would be that it could give parents a way of showing little kids that face masks are a-ok. Right now, this is giving kids an excuse to say, “But MERIDA isn’t wearing one!”
Click here for ways to keep your littles wearing a mask all day long!
How can some park areas feel so well thought out, safety-wise, and others feel like a free-for-all?
Another thing that’s really got us at a loss is the way that some park areas feel perfectly planned out while others? Not so much. Think about lines for attractions and some quick-service venues with carefully-placed social distancing and directional stickers. Now, think about seeing NONE of that in super-popular (and super bottleneck-y) areas like Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Doesn’t make a ton of sense, does it?
Galaxy’s Edge Crowds
Frankly, Galaxy’s Edge has felt like a bit of a hot mess in general. When that area gets crowded, you won’t typically find us hanging out near the Millennium Falcon for a selfie! We definitely think the space could use more directional markers, better ways to promote spacing, or maybe even some sort of limited capacity.Â
Want to see more of the issues in Hollywood Studios? Click here.
Disney has been very hot and cold about resort hopping.
Listen, we’re REALLY confused about the deal with resort hopping. Disney’s official line is that to even get INTO a Disney World hotel right now, guests will need a confirmed room reservation, or a confirmed dining reservation if you’re a day guest not staying overnight. But in practice, we’ve found that resort hopping is a little less clear.Â
Chef Mickey’s
So far, we’ve had no issue heading into the monorail loop resorts — Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort — as long as we have that dining reservation OR we order something through Mobile Order from a quick-service spot on site. Basically, food has been our golden ticket in.
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
But we have been turned away from other resorts for arriving too early for a reservation. At Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, we were asked to sit in our car until it was time to go in and eat, and we were scolded at the Beach Club for arriving early as well. Next time we went back to the same hotel, we were allowed to enter with no issue! It really seems very dependent on the Cast Member you encounter when trying to enter. We’re glad you can still (sort of!) resort hop, but we do wish this policy was a little bit clearer.
Click here to learn more about resort hopping in a reopened Disney World!
There are gaps in the monorail dividers.
This is a little thing but it has us confused. We’ve definitely had our moments of discomfort on the monorail since it reopened. After all, it’s an enclosed space and, at busier times, we’ve been in a cabin with up to three other groups. But what really gets us are the barriers between the open cars with GAPS around the edges. Why the gaps?
Monorail Peach
Currently, monorail cabins are split into two separate spaces by a barrier in the middle of the car, but that barrier does not seal against the walls or seats. The result of this is pretty significant gaps where air can get through, including RIGHT near your head when you’re seated on the bench. If the gaps are there to make sure the cabin has airflow, doesn’t that defeat the whole point?Â
Click here to learn more about riding the monorail in a reopened Disney World!
What’s keeping menus so limited?
And finally, what’s keeping some of our favorite items off of the menu? We’ve been pretty devastated whenever we see a favorite is unavailable at a dining spot (We’re looking at you California Grill Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli!).
Aloha Isle
We’ve heard from chefs and Cast Members that some missing items will be returning soon, but why aren’t they back yet? We know a lot of this has to do with supply chain issues, available Cast Members, the ability to safely space Cast Members in prep areas, and costs vs. guest demand, but we DO wish that we knew with a bit more certainty when these missing items will return — or if some are gone for good.
Click here to see our experience at a reopened California Grill!
So Disney has got us a little bit confused about some aspects of the reopened parks and resorts, but we’re still working to understand! If you’ve got any questions about the new experience at Disney World, ask them in the comments and we’ll do our best to get you an answer!
Click here to learn more about the health measures in Disney World!
Disney Park Reopening Details and Info
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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
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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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What changes have confused you in Disney World? Tell us in the comments!Â
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Hi AJ…my confusion rests with how Disney is handling pin trading. I understand suspending trading with cast members, but they should increase the number of pin boards to make up for it. Pin trading is the highlight of past trips. MK and AK have multiple boards, but Hollywood and Epcot could do a much better job. Each park only has one board and they are only available for a few hours each day. I was at Epcot today and the crowds are non-existent, but there are lots of cast members just standing with smiles and waves. DW could place a pin board in each country at World Showcase and at least help keep the fun treasure hunt they created 20 years ago alive and well.
Airflow isn’t problem. It’s actual aerosol spray particles. The dividers are sufficient to block the droplets that spread Covid.
AJ – My MAJOR ISSUE is LIVING WITH THE LAND. Beginning last week they placed a canvas/plastic barrier between seats with huge gaps at the top and bottom. As two boats arrive, they clean one and completely fill the other. This started last week and has to be the dirtiest, most unsafe ride in any of the parks. Prior to the change, there were no barriers but people were separated by three or more rows. Given the short lines to ride Living with the Land, it makes no sense to put customers at risk.
When I rode it on Friday, Aug 14 there was a guest sitting 18″ in front of my with her skin exposed between the barrier gap and suffered a severe coughing fit, requiring her to remove her mask and drink water (completely not her fault). Behind me was a mother with 3 children, one that kept sticking his arms through the gap and pulling on the seat. I alerted the manager that I felt it was unsafe and got a Disney lecture on how Safety Teams evaluate every ride.
A few things…
I think the menus are limited because they don’t want to have a lot of spoilage. If all they have are hamburgers, they probably won’t go bad. If they have hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, chicken tenders, pb&j, ham, turkey, etc, etc, some of it is going to go bad.
Kids with masks isn’t a problem. I was there three weeks ago, not one child wasn’t wearing a mask and none of them were complaining about having to wear one.
Resort hopping is a lack of training. It’s very similar when riding an ECV and taking the busses. Some drivers don’t care if you leave the key in the on position. It really can’t move anyway they way they tie them down. Others want you to turn the ECV off. I once had a bus driver who wanted my ECV, which I own, turned off and she wanted the key. I refused. I said I own the ECV and no one gets the key except me and I’ll get off and take the next bus then. She went to a supervisor at Disney Springs and he said it was ok for ECV riders to keep their key.
What has me confused is the lack of social distancing as you exit an attraction. Disney is so careful to mark off 6 foot sections in entrance queues, bur leaves it up to guests to self distance when exiting. This always make me shake my head when I see it at attractions such as Philharmagic and Soarin when large numbers of people all try to keave at the same time.
I am curious as to when Disney will allow park hopping again. We have a reservation for food and wine again this year. I just can’t see us going if we have to only go to one park and cannot hit up Epcot in the afternoon or evening after enjoying another park.
I wanted to respond to the covid confusion aspects of this article. I am a nurse and am beyond frustrated with what appear to be alot of arbitrary and inconsistent guidelines. I would be more than comfortable in outdoor spaces, including DW with social distancing without a mask. I also understand that distancing isn’t always possible. I understand and respect the recommendations made by the CDC. This new virus is a learning process and they are making recommendations to help keep people safe as well as help them feel safe.
This virus is spread person to person, this is very important to understand. It does not wait outside your home waiting to attack when you walk out without your mask. The infected person needs to be in close contact (within 6 feet) with another person. When the infected person coughs, sneezes or speaks for a period of time this can allow for droplets that can land on the face or hands of an uninfected person and when they touch their face or eat etc… they can introduce this virus to their body. Some people who are asymptomatic may be able to spread the virus this way. So wearing masks as well as practicing social distancing when able are basically two very effective barriers for these droplets. This practice has been used in hospitals for seemingly forever.
The cleaning of surfaces is really a placating/aesthetic activity as it does not matter what’s on surfaces if you are practicing proper and frequent hand-washing. Let’s face it, we can clean our homes and work environments but how feasible is it to clean every surface in a theme park between each guest? It’s literally impossible. Frequent hand-washing should be happening now and always to avoid introducing viruses new or old and other organisms into your body. Hand wash after touching your mask, sneezing, coughing, touching your face, bathroom use, before and after eating, before and after preparing food, leaving a public place, after changing diapers, among many other activities. So when in doubt wash your hands. This is literally the number #1 way to prevent spread of infections.
As for the gaps in barriers, truly there are gaps in all barriers unless they extend to the heavens and beyond. These barriers are more than sufficient to stop droplets. Should someone remove their mask and cough, sneeze or speak/yell forcibly enough to send droplets in another’s direction these barriers are precisely that a barrier as is a mask. None of the barriers currently used (masks, distancing, plastic/plexiglass barriers) are 100% effective, only a PAPR or the like would provide this, hence the use of multiple barriers. Maybe it’s more helpful to consider them a shield. A shield does not protect you from every aspect or all aspects but is effective in stopping something coming directly at you.
As for the temp checks, I truly believe they are useless. As we all have heard, even perfectly well appearing asymptomatic people can shed this virus before they are symptomatic. So I may not have a fever today but still have the ability to shed this virus (thus the masking and social distancing). This leaves another type of person that believes since they paid for their trip they are entitled to go to the parks whether febrile or not.
Well this is easily foiled by tylenol or ibuprofen, each will temporarily resolve a fever for you and you will easily make it beyond these testing points into the park. Again this is a very placating exercise (in my professional opinion) that makes people feel better about being in parks with so many other people.
As for the choice of characters in cavalcades, I haven’t the slightest clue there. However they shouldn’t need to wear masks. They are beyond the 6 feet social distance guidelines and passing by without prolonged contact as well as being outside. This is very much the same principle as the rest areas where you can social distance and remove your mask to get a break from it. I think this is a great option for kids to get that “interaction” with beloved characters during a pandemic where hugs and signatures are not an option.
Bottom line is that all activities have a risk and theme parks are among the highest risk activities per CDC. If you truly feel uncomfortable with the risk then by all means do not participate. Everyone needs to do what they feel comfortable with. But I think it an unrealistic expectation that a theme park or any other place you frequent during this pandemic are going to be able to provide 100% protection from this virus. So much depends on the individual to protect themselves.
I hope this clears up some confusion. I know that throughout this whole ordeal there has been so much conflicting and confusing information. It’s caused alot of stress and fear. Bottom line, protect yourself by following simple guidelines and wash wash and wash your hands.
And thank you so much for the up to date and helpful information you have provided throughout this pandemic. We had to reschedule twice and will be traveling in under a month to DW and cannot wait. Your vlog and newletter have been our go to for updated info! Please don’t stop what you are doing, we love it!!!
Francine
I think it’s been pretty much shown that surface contact isn’t really an issue (this is coming from someone who *never* went to the parks, or anywhere else, without hand sanitizer, and wipes down my cart at stores). As long as you don’t touch your face before you wash/sanitize, you’re fine. And if I had small children, I might wipe down those surfaces myself since you can’t rely on them not touching their eye, etc. Still, the risk is very minimal.
Temperature checks are sort of theater anyway. We’ve all heard over and over about “asymptomatic spread.” If that’s really such a big thing, the temp checks wouldn’t help anyway. If I was sitting in a lobby with someone, I’d be making sure that they (and we) were properly masked and we were keeping distance, regardless of whether or not their temperature had been checked. And if they were eating (therefore unmasked), I’d be moving away regardless.
I’ve been unable to determine if mobile ordering is mandatory. Some articles say yes, some say no. Can’t find anything on the D’world site answering this question.
I agree with all of this. Galaxy’s edge is a nightmare. Princesses especially should be wearing masks. Calvalcades are getting old and repetitive. Take the opportunity to bring out some rare characters. Mix it up, give a few characters a megaphone. Wipe down the interactive rides or even easier give each patron hand sanitizer before ride ala universal.
The reduced menus are cost savings, and with the reduced number of guests…there you go! It simply costs more to have more items, and if they don’t get used they go to waste or are maybe donated. And the broader and more complex the menu the more staff you need; everything from prep to plating.
The Monorail dividers are confusing! Depending on the air flow it would be extremely easy for smaller exhaled droplets to pass through, and aerosol exhalations can circulate for several minutes.
As much as I love all things Disney – and boy do I ever – going to a theme park during a pandemic just doesn’t make sense.
Indeed, it is confusing: hypothetically, a guest has a high temperature @ a Park; s/he is staying on property: Disney Transport (trace); s/he as you wrote, no temp check at the Resort (trace) and let’s have a meal (ok, perhaps checked). . .
Why are some restaurants still closed? We love eating at lotus bloom at epcot but its not open. There are also rides like people movers that are still closed. Are they ever going to bring back the shows? Like lion king and frozen
If someone is super-paranoid about covid they really don’t belong in the parks at this time. Face characters without a mask – big deal. Queues are also ridiculous – some large gaps so people don’t pass too close to each other but eventually in the same line they do. It’s a lot of “make me feel safe” which I wish was not happening. If you’re so shallow that you want to be made to “feel safe” you shouldn’t be here.
Linda, Mobile Order is strongly encouraged, but it is not mandatory. If you need to go inside the restaurant to pay with cash, discuss an allergy, or otherwise because you want to order with a human, you can talk to the Cast Members outside the restaurant and let them know.
Thank you for sharing, Francine. Have a fun trip!
Sheri, no info on this yet, but we’ll report as soon as there are updates!
I do not understand how the princesses and other face characters can even get away with not wearing masks. This is a public venue and Orange as well as Osceola counties have mask mandates in effect that come with penalties at this time. If they are using the “Persons working in a profession where use of a face covering will not be compatible with the duties of the profession” provision, that’s a really loose way to get around it. Only, true answer to this is that Disney is the money of the area and gets away with whatever they choose.
Ok the park hours are half about half Restaurants are open no fireworks or parades then tickets should be half ok forget that open it up regular park hours park hopper Restaurants everything we need disney now more than ever
Disney needs to get the masks out and do temp checks and move on .
You should be able walk around an eat and have a beverage in the parks
What is the point in not having dining plans?!
This weekend, we were turned away from rising frozen 1.5 hours before Epcot closed. The cast members said the line was closed due to capacity. We (and a bunch of other parents) had some very upset kiddos. I thought it was a sneaky way to ensure they didn’t have to run the ride beyond closing. Really not a good move for Disney. The parks are already short on food and other experiences. If they start taking away rides too, what’s left? I thought it was a really poor choice when people are trying to decide if Disney is worth it with all the restrictions. I think they need to UP their game with other things that make the guest experiences top notch. Taking away ride times is a cost saving measure that will be very counterproductive!
We are here now. We a family of 16 come every year. Some years multiple times. We stay in Deluxe resorts, usually Yacht Club and for years have stayed on club level. This has been now our LAST trip. I understand all of the need for precaution. As the grandparents in this group we both experienced COVID in March and have totally recovered. So with that said we wouldn’t want anyone to experience the virus and we understand Disney’s desire to keep people safe but we do not understand or will accept the rudeness over and over in every park of Cast Members. They are the mask police even to small children if their mask slides down. They reluctantly talk to you when asking questions. For us it’s now just the Kingdom. No Magic about it. So sad
Jen, I’ll let our onsite reporters know so we can look into this.
Jen, the reporters tell me that they do close attraction lines when they run out of room for guests in the line due to physical distancing. But this can happen any time of day (Runaway Railway is, apparently, doing this often). In our observations, guests are still able to get into line. For example, yesterday evening, we saw an 80 minute wait at Test Track shortly before the Park closed, and they were still letting guests into that line. We’ll keep an eye on this in case something changes.
I don’t understand why they stopped Fast passes, it seems to me they should of ramped up the fast pass option if anything. Standing in line for an hour doesn’t seem like the best way to handle things.
My question is about resort hopping. Staying at Swan but they switched from Disney transport to Mears. Can we still walk to Yacht Club and get on actual Disney transport for Magic Kingdom? Mears transport is dropping guest at TTC. really don’t want to add more time to morning commute!
Renee, yes, you should still be able to walk over to the Yacht Club to catch a Disney bus. Double check at the front desk so you’ll know for sure. Have a fun trip!