It feels like it’s been AGES since Disney World was anything close to “normal.”
Distancing Arrows at Magic Kingdom
Throughout the pandemic, the parks have either been closed entirely or operating with significant health and safety restrictions. But now that Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced that the state is moving into a new phase of reopening, will things at Disney World look different?
On September 25, DeSantis gave the green light for Florida to advance into Phase 3, which means:
- businesses like restaurants and bars can operate at 100% capacity, with limited social distancing protocols, for the first time since mid-March,
- Theme Parks are allowed to operate as normal, with limited social distancing protocols in place and no mandatory capacity caps, and
- fines and penalties for not wearing masks are lifted.
Considering Florida is basically the theme park epicenter of the planet, this could mean EPIC changes for the state.
Updated face mask policy at Disney World
Will Disney World Change Capacity Levels?
Naturally, all eyes are on Disney World to see what the Most Magical Place on Earth may or may not change, and if they’re willing to raise capacity restrictions with new allowances in place.
Peep our 5 top tips for traveling to Disney World in the age of COVID-19
Disney, of course, was quick to respond. In an Email to Fox35, they said they are evaluating the executive order, but are not currently making any changes regarding capacity limits, social distancing, or mask mandates.
Boat with Plexiglass, Living With the Land
The parks are still requiring guests to wear masks at all times, and have their temperatures checked before entry.
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer echoed Disney’s sentiments, expressing his understanding that the parks will move slowly with removing limitations in order to remain above-and-beyond with safety.
Throughout the pandemic, and especially since reopening in July, Disney World has been proactive with early action, adherence to protocols, and adaptation to guest behavior by implementing safety updates on a regular basis — such as altering overhead announcements at the parks and taking face mask requirements a step further.
Mobile Order Sign
What Will Happen As Crowds Continue To Rise?
In Florida and around the world, so many of us are approaching reopening with a mix of excitement and careful hesitation, and we know so many of you are feeling that mix of emotions as well. We CAN’T WAIT until the day when we can freely gallivant around Magic Kingdom with spring rolls without fear.
And we’re regularly hearing from you about your concern regarding the recent crowds in Disney World as well as wait times quickly rising for rides and attractions. (Just last night, one of our team members was nearly shut out of Disney Springs because it was so busy, with a line of cars that stretched down to the Hilton Hotel.) Disney World is obviously getting busier, and as we head into the holiday season we’re expecting crowd levels to continue to rise dramatically.
So what will Disney World decide? Will they reinstate FastPass+? Will they raise capacity in the parks or at the restaurants? Will we see mask mandate changes?
We’ll be following the developments and announcements from Disney World very closely, so please join our newsletter for immediate updates and keep following along here at DFB. We’re on the lookout for answers to all of your questions — we’re asking them, too!
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Do you think Florida theme parks are ready for Phase 3? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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Disney had better figure out how to maneuver during this covid mess, after this past week at the parks experiencing extremely long wait times and lack of opened food & beverage locations (including in the resorts) I don’t think we’ll be going back anytime soon. Also the crowds are horrible, seems like Disney silently opened up much more capacity without bringing back enough workers and giving back the perks for staying on property.
Yes yes yes!! It’s time the world stopped freaking out, and use our immune system God have us!
Gave*
Covid has not gone away so I don’t think the safety precautions should be lifted. I wouldn’t go to Disney if they lifted the safety measures. I’d rather be slightly inconvenienced but stay safe.
We have been here since Wednesday September 23rd,2020 visiting four Disney theme parks(magic kingdom,Epcot,animal kingdom, Hollywood studios)with two three and a half year olds. I have never been so.miserable in my life!!! They having to park in the huge parking lot every other space is the most stupidest thing I’ve ever heard!! There is no tram running from the parking lot to the buildings to check in they have been suspended so try doing that and walking an extra 30 minutes to get to your check in or to car with kids and we also have someone disabled in a wheelchair. the temperature tent check doesn’t bother me that goes by pretty quick and the actual ticket line is pretty quick but just because it is still covid-19 doesn’t mean that the lines are shorter it’s actually about the same because now every ride is seated every other seat on the ride which makes for less people to get on the ride so you’re waiting longer!! there is no fast pass which I do not understand what that has to do with covid-19 but that really sucks when you have young kids standing outside in 100° weather waiting in line!! The lines are long and hot!! But the number one thing that is the most aggravating and irritating is the mask mandate outside and for children 2 years and older!! 2 years are you kidding me!!!! that has been the biggest nightmare we have ever been through trying to keep two three and a half year olds to keep a mask on and above their nose all day while we’re at the park and what makes it more irritating and frustrating and believe me I do understand that it is the employee’s job but it’s continuous continuous harassment of employees telling you to pull your mask up and telling you with these little kids they need their mask on!! they need their mask on!! pull their mask up!! Etc… It is my understanding that Disney had gotten sued because of covid-19 but this mask crap over and over and over for the past 3 days has made me never want to come back here again!!!! I can kind of handle it for myself even though that makes me mad and pisses me off also but all these little kids in the park crying and hot because of this mask mandate starting at 2 years old is the most ridiculous crap I’ve ever heard. Especially if you’re standing to the side with your group and no one around you what is the point of coming up because someone has pulled their Mask down and specifically tell them you have to put your mask up??? And I’m telling you they zoom in on you like crazy it’s unreal!!! I was just so done to the point I’m about ready to demand my money back because you could not even enjoy anything for having to continuously go through the mask crap with them!! I don’t disrespect anyone I don’t get close to anyone but if I’m in my space and not bothering anyone or close to anyone and I want to put my mass down then I should be able to do that it is my understanding today that even though the governor has lifted a lot of the crap that was mandated that Walt Disney has decided they going to keep everything in place well you go ahead and do that Walt Disney and you keep your mask mandate and all your mask police in your parks and have a good time because I will never be back again!!!
What is the capacity at Disney now bc the crowds were really bad this weekend. Frozen alone was 120 mins today
Yeni, Disney doesn’t release capacity information, so we can’t be sure.
Would DFB consider doing a survey that asks whether you would cancel your vacation if Disney World decided to lift safety restrictions? We have a DVC trip planned in November and the only reason we are considering still to go is because of the mask mandate, social distancing, limited capacity and other cleaning procedures. I’ve seen lots of posts about how safe everyone is feeling, especially compared to their local grocery stores, malls, restaurants, etc. We’ve cancelled 2 trips because of a quarantine restriction in our State, but that has lifted so we hope we can go in November. We’ll lose all our points if we don’t, they expire December 1st, but we’d take the loss if we thought we’d have to be crammed in a park, on a ride around maskless people. I really hope WDW keeps their restrictions, i can’t imagine the International Disney parks changing anything. I would be interested to know if more people would go or cancel.
Really hoping Disney pulls down (see what I did there 🙂 ) the mask mandate as soon as possible, at least for the outside areas. Also hoping they open everything–all the restaurants, all the food carts, all the shops, all the counter service locations. I realize they might have to hold off on conventional buffets, but they could modify those as well. They could have servers behind plexiglass serving the food or they could serve the food to the tables family style like they do at Hollywood and Vine. Also, get all of the transportation modes back up and running, even if it is at a reduced capacity. Get everyone back to work and let everyone have access to as much access as possible. And one more thing, let AP’s have more than three park reservations at a time–at least four. Four just makes sense given that there are four theme parks.
Does anyone know what percentage of capacity the parks are allowing now? Looks, to me, like it’s well below 25%. Mostly annual pass holders and vloggers there.
We decided about 2 weeks ago to go to WDW from 9/24-9/27. We went to MK and AK. Lines were longer than they have been watching your video and others on You Tube. Very hot especially at AK we left at 3:30. Lines were too long and too hot. MK we enjoyed much more . We rode every thing we wanted except Splash Mountain. Had a DAS pass but the ride broke down for quite a while. We already have a trip booked for May 2021. I would feel stay going back without masks.
Really happy to hear WDW is enforcing the proper positioning of the face masks. Might as well not wear a mask if it’s below your nose and can spread covid if you are unaware you have it because it’s in Early stages or asymptomatic. We had a family member who contracted it from his young son, the sons covid19 case wasn’t too bad, the father died. You can spread it to someone in just a moment by them passing by you when your mask is off, why would anyone want to risk that. You can buy mask with top of nose wire to hold it comfortably on or even buy stick on thin metal strip to create a comfortable molding to nose. They sell them online (very cheap & work great) plus it help eliminate the fogging of eyeglasses. This is a horrible pandemic and will not go away unless everyone cares enough to wear a mask AND social distance. It’s not an either or situation, you need to do both simultaneously. We have had 2 family members die from this horrid virus, I don’t wish that on anyone. If we could all try Ring a little more caring not just in proper pandemic precautions but to each other in public and online. Wouldn’t that be a more enjoyable experience. Wishing everyone a safe journey though this pandemic.
We went in September. HORRIBLE! lines for popular rides were around 90 minutes and then there is literally NOTHING else to do in the park. Eat and stand in lines. We definitely won’t be spending any more money at Disney until FP+ is at least reinstated.
I will not go back if they open up as usual. Way too many people in a concentrated area. Florida can do whatever. . They are crazy.
Disney needs to keep masks and limited capacity.
Yikes. This makes me nervous… we rescheduled our canceled spring break trip to Dec 26th – Jan 2nd.
With capacity increasing without FastPass, I’m wondering if rescheduling to the holidays was a big mistake.😅
I have a trip planned in November. I’m really hoping Disney doesn’t make any changes before the end of the year as far as safety measures and crowd capacity. If they increase capacity and/or remove mask requirements and social distancing, we will likely cancel. On the other hand, as the parks get nearer maximum capacity on a regular basis, I would like to see the return of FP+ and possibly more restaurant openings.
I agree with Christine.
Being in the travel/hospitality industry myself, my best understanding from what I’ve been reading is that the open air of the parks is helping to keep infection rates low. It’s the enclosed, indoor spaces where you’re the most likely to catch COVID, even with masks. Hopefully restaurants are investing in outdoor heaters and other creative ideas for the colder months.
That said, while this is a political move by the governor, I highly doubt it’ll be one Disney will want to make, at least in its entirety. All they need is the headache of being pinpointed as the cause of an outbreak. I can see them raising park capacities, but some rides/attractions I personally think should remain closed. (And, of course, all masks and social distancing rules should still stand.) It’ll be most interesting to see how they handle Disney Springs.
Dr. Fauci and other leading specialists say that all signs point to America on the brink of another dangerous spike in cases. I do hope all theme parks heed that warning. I love Disney and can’t wait to go back, but packing people into sardine lines and sitting shoulder to shoulder on rides again due to a political decision just isn’t worth it at this moment.
I am hoping that Disney will change it’s ridiculous policy regarding mask wearing outdoors. Social distancing while outside is enough. Let visitors take masks off as they walk from place to place but put them on when ordering at quick service windows and while inside.
No no no!!! We’re not ready for full capacity!!! No masks is the Governor crazy??? How could you just say it’s okay??? It’s not okay!!! It hasn’t stopped. I’d rather wear a mask and be safer!!! Please Disney keep your current rules in place keep all our Disney lovers safe!!! It will get better but not yet!!! Stay safe everyone be kind and have courage!!! Have a Magical Day!!!
I am disappointed that the capacity appears to have been raised. We are supposed to go this weekend and will be working hard to get a refund on my tickets since when we purchased our tickets they had indicated that there would be a reduced capacity at least through the end of the year. We hang out at Saratoga Springs and enjoy our room, but we will not be spending money anywhere on property if what I saw this past weekend continues. It’s not safe! We lost three family members to Covid in completely different cases. Only one was considered “at risk.” I take this seriously and hope no one else has to go through what we have.
No matter what – people are upset. Whichever side of the debate you’re on, it’s not great.
Sadly, we can’t get people on board with trying everything possible for 2 months as a UNITED country to try to get this evil disease under control. Go/Don’t go based on your personal perspective and just deal with it. Again – no one is really happy with this because it stinks. “It is what it is.” Just gotta deal. And pray (or whatever you do) that somehow, soon, we get a vaccine that most Americans will take and we can finally shut it down and return to something as close to the “before times” as we can. In the meantime, I hope ALL of you, even the ones I deeply disagree with, stay safe and well. Maybe find a different “happiest place” for yourself right now. Somewhere everyone agrees with you….. and you can do what you want without consequences… Good luck and good health! Can’t wait to see you at the parks when we all just complain about the crowds, the heat and the rain, and our wet tennis shoes!
The people that constantly complain about wearing a masks and being inconvenienced should NOT come to DisneyWorld. For those of us that believe in science and the number of cases and deaths in the world we do what is right and safe for not only ourselves but everyone. If everyone played by the rules cases wouldn’t be on the rise and we wouldn’t be in the situation we’re in and we could be moving forward safely. Instead we’re looking toward a second wave this winter with lockdowns and more restrictions. I wish I had the foresight to have gone in July or August instead of this winter.
Was at disney world from September 5 to the 13 lines were not that bad the only bad day we had was on Saturday the 12 at Epcot for the food booth they were crazy but the ride’s were not that bad, just wish the park’s were open longer. Not used to being back at the hotel so early.
Jamie,
I don’t know why you are so upset about the mask mandate you knew that was in place before you went, there is no way you didn’t know about it. If you thought it is so stupid then you should have never gone in the first place. If your kids could not keep it on their face correctly then once again you should have never gone. So there is no reason why you should be so upset over being inconvenienced over the safety measures put in place to keep you, your kids and those that are around you healthy and safe. I was there in late August and it was one of the BEST Disney vacations we have ever had and we have gone every year for the past 22 years.
COVID is not nearly as bad as the response to COVID. MASK, 6 foot rule and all the hazing from the mask police make Disney a miserable place.
We are supposed to be going the last week of Oct. But I’m still considering cancelling. I’m tired of paying $100 and getting to ride to 2 rides. We were there last Oct and the Slinky dog ride was a 2 hour wait, no fast passes and ROR has become the new Test Track. If the capacity has increased we don’t have a chance.
Andrea, we’re so sorry for your losses.
I currently have a stay planned 12/16 – 12/21 and I was told it will be hard to reschedule it because of the 50th anniversary next year. If they don’t bring back FP+ – we will reschedule even if we lose the discount.
My family went to Disney Sept. 18th -23rd. We went on the low wait rides and watched for times on the other higher wait rides, so we could get on most of them at under a 45 minute wait. I didn’t mind wearing a mask in the cue or inside. I don’t think you need to wear a mask outside. That is following the science. If you are afriad of getting Covid don’t travel to Disney. We will be flying back to Disney in January to enjoy the parks and the
sun and fun in the beautiful state of Florida
Kasey if I was you I’d cancel, it was miserable on our visit.
We were there from September 21st to the 27th and the lines not only for the rides but even to get a drink or food were outrageous. I believe they upped the capacity the week before we went because it was nothing like all bloggers had been posting.
We were at Universal for the week before Disney and it was very enjoyable, probably the only thing that made going on vacation worth it.
I for one will not continue our yearly trips to Disney until they go back to normal and take care of those that spend thousands to visit them.