Disney World is steadily continuing with its phased reopening!
Things are slowly going back to normal!
We’ve seen restaurants and hotels reopening as the parks fill up to their limited capacity. And as COVID-19 vaccines continue to be distributed across the country, some things are returning to normal. In fact, we’ve been seeing more and more signs of this in Disney World lately. Let’s break it all down and take a look.
Disney World Is Hiring
Recently, Disney World posted job applications for Attractions, Custodial, Merchandise, and Quick-Service Cast Members. While third-party companies like Patina Restaurant Group have been hiring in the past year, this is the first time since the closure we’ve seen Disney itself hiring for positions inside the parks and resorts.
Cast Members!
Disney laid off thousands of Cast Members in the wake of the pandemic but furloughed Cast Members are also being called back to work. These job listings are a huge sign that the parks are getting back to business.
Learn More About These Job Postings!
Shows Are Reopening
When the parks reopened in July 2020, entertainment was temporarily suspended. That included nighttime spectaculars like Happily Ever After as well as shows like Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular and Finding Nemo: The Musical.
Fantasmic! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
While Disney hasn’t said when fireworks will make their return — even though a brand-new show is in the works — they did bring back one very popular show, Festival of the Lion King! The show was modified to fit current health and safety procedures, including altering parts of the choreography.
It’s still a great show!
No other shows have received an opening date yet, but Festival of the Lion King’s comeback is a BIG sign that entertainment may be slowly be returning to the parks.
Click Here to See What Festival of the Lion King is Like Now!
The Parks Are Full
Disney World reopened at limited capacity and has slowly been increasing that number — for a while, capacity was capped at 35%, but now Disney CEO Bob Chapek has shared that capacity is increasing again. Park Pass reservations are also now required to visit, in addition to a valid ticket for the same day. But there has been a HUGE demand for these Park Passes, and capacity calendars are filling up fast.
©Disney
Even though Disney tends to refill Park Passes at random, availability is pretty slim. All 4 Disney World parks have been almost completely booked since spring break season — and it doesn’t look like the trend will slow anytime soon.
Click Here for a List of Travel Dates Where You Need to Book Your Park Passes NOW!
Hotels Are Full
A big tip-off that travel is resuming is the status of Disney World hotel reservations! While not all the resorts have reopened just yet, those that are open are booking up FAST. Many resorts are already completely full from now…
©Disney
…all the way to August! And hotels that do have openings have pretty slim pickings with regard to what type of room you want.
Now, Disney hasn’t disclosed if they are filling all their rooms at all times, or if they’re leaving some empty at times to accommodate safety measures. But regardless of whether or not the hotel is totally full, we’re seeing a much higher demand for rooms than we were right after the parks reopened.
Learn Why Some Disney World Hotels Are Reopening Twice!
Mask Rules Are Changing
Since the parks’ reopening, Disney World has required guests to wear approved face coverings at all times, except when actively eating or drinking while stationary. These policies — which applied to guests both indoors and outdoors — had remained in place until very recently.
Orange Bird Mask
At the beginning of April, Disney World implemented a new mask policy, which allowed guests to remove masks when taking photos outdoors and distanced from others. Then, in a massive shake-up, the policy changed again in May. Now, face coverings are optional in outdoor common areas.
New Mask Policy in Action
Face coverings must still be worn in all indoor environments unless actively eating or drinking while stationary. They must also be worn on attractions, during shows, and in the queues for attractions and shows.
Click Here to Learn About the New Policy!
While Disney is still functioning under limited operations, with certain attractions closed and crowds capped, we are seeing a slow return to normal. These signs could be indicators that the Disney we know is on its way back. We’ll keep an eye out for any and all other changes, so stay tuned to DFB!
Check Out 3 Things That Are Back to Normal in Disney World!
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It was elbow to elbow people in Disney Springs tonight. I cannot recall it ever being that crowded in almost 80 trips.
We will be arriving on Halloween. We tried too late to book a MK reservation but last night (05MAY21) there was openings, along with those for early in Thanksgiving week.
Looks like Disney has recently increased park capacity.
Of the resorts you show above, only one is listed on WDW’s own site as being open. All Star Sports is not open yet, and only Kidani Village is open at AKL. Unfortunately, as much as I hate to say it, this means your reasoning about hotels being full is suspect. How are the hotels that are fully open doing?
I love you guys, but please make sure your reasoning matches your research. I have no idea which dates, size of party, length of stay, etc. you used, but Riviera and Bay Lake Tower are both open the 15th. AoA is open for the 18th and 19th. Caribbean Beach, AoA, and Riviera are open the 21st through 24th. Admittedly, such a small number of available rooms DOES show how crowded it’s getting, and I know from my experience in Disney Springs and the parks over the past few months that it’s been getting more and more crowded, but I wanted to draw your attention to the fact that the hotels you chose are only partially open at best.
This is all great news! I’m ready for the mask to come off completely! This way I can purchase the memory maker again.
People can not get park tickets so Disney Spring looks good for people to eat , drink have a time no parking cost . I would do the same to get out of the house . People need to do things after13 months howcan blame anyone .
So does this mean that Disney is taking a good hard look at the Disney Dining Plan and thinking about offering this program to those of use willing to purchase it!!! On my knees in prayers that you are Disney. This is a fabulous program for our family and we are coming “HOME” for a 3 week stay in October. This would sure help us out financially. Let’s see you get r done Disney!!!
Any word yet on the Disney Dinning Plan? When is Ohana going to reopen?
Increase park capacity and bring back fast passes, please. Vaccines are available to all.
Erica, no word yet on DDP or ‘Ohana, but we will update as soon as Disney releases any information.
Thanks for reaching out, Our Life on the Go. I’ve shared your feedback with our editors.
So even if you make a park reservation there is still no guarantee that you will get in?? I truly hope that’s not the case. We have reservations for end of July and will pretty upset if we can’t even get into the parks!
Lindsay, if you have a DPP, you’ll be able to get in.