Ever since the parks reopened in July of 2020, Disney World has been operating at a limited capacity.
The parks have been working differently than usual.
To help manage these limits, Disney implemented a reservation system for the parks. Since then, we’ve seen capacity slowly increase as the threat of COVID-19 diminishes, and now, it looks like we can expect more increases very soon.
Recently, Disney CEO Bob Chapek shared that capacity had been quietly increasing at Disney World, but he didn’t share any details on specific numbers or details. Today, during the J.P. Morgan Global Technology, Media, and Communications Conference, Chapek shared more on what this capacity increase will specifically look like.
©Bloomberg
Chapek noted that the parks “will see low double-digit increases in attendance in the next several months.” This increase comes as we begin to see more relaxed health and safety guidelines from the CDC and local governments. He also shared that attendance can continue to increase as Disney is able to hire back more furloughed and laid off Cast Members to get the parks back to their working order pre-pandemic.
We’ll start to see more guests in the parks soon!
Chapek was also specifically asked when the parks would return to full capacity. He noted that it depends on the park, and while Disneyland Resort is “much further down the curve.” And he hinted that Walt Disney World would likely reach full capacity towards the end of the year. He shared that Disney has done everything they can to give consumers the confidence to return to the parks — they have a great track record of opening responsibly.
People want to be BACK at Disney World — we get it!
We’ll make sure to let you know if any specific numbers are shared on capacity percentage, and we’ll give you our honest crowd reports straight from the parks, so stay tuned to DFB. We’ve got all the details you need to know about Disney park operations during these unusual times!
Click Here to Read More About the Quiet Capacity Increase
Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
Have you been to Disney World since the reopening?
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
Is there any information on when parking lot Trams will run again?
March 2022 booked, I hope Everything is back to normal by then.
We visited Disney World May 15-22. A great way to judge capacity is by looking at the lines to the woman’s restrooms. No problems at Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, or Epcot… but Hollywood Studios pretty much always had a short line. Hollywood Studios felt really crowded. With so many attractions being down, ride lines were extra long. I had originally booked 2 days there, but with the help of Guest Services, I was able to switch my second day to Magic Kingdom.
We were there last week – didn’t seem like there was a lack of people. 🙂 Epcot felt pretty tight. Pandora in AK was it’s total body to body mosh pit. Where are going to put the even more people? I still say – they need stop building resorts and build more things to do.
James, to my knowledge, there’s been no update. But we’re in the Parks every day, so we will update as soon as we know.
SURELY Disney will have the forethought to add fast pass back in with the increased capacity or all people will be doing is standing around all day in stupid lines! That DOESN’T make for a “magical” trip!!! But, based on what I’ve seen so far Disney executives aren’t the brightest crayons in the box!!!
I am hoping with increased capacity that they will bring back fast passes ( i have a feeling we are going to have to pay for them ) and open up more attractions, restaurants, etc
EEK!…The covid cases in Florida are quite high. I know the CDC has its “reccomendations,” but the recent mask rules being relaxed (we all dislike them, but wearing has mitigated,)and added capacity, I just feel it’s a perfect storm. I will be delaying again, I think. I had THE PERFECT reservation for last August (that I made last January,) and delayed a year because cancelling was heart breaking. I know Disney does a wonderful job, but people go there sick all the time, so it just, in my opinion only, feels like caution is warranted.
DFB Sarah – I can’t imagine a better job than one where you can say “we’re in the Parks every day”…
When will they ease up on this lousy 3 day only at a time reservation system?????? Can we at least have 5 days?? Help us Disney want to return!!!
FASTPASSES, EPCOT monorail, fireworks, please.
Any news on the dining plan?
If they’re gonna increase capacity they need some flavor of FastPass. I’m guessing they will be virtual queues, since most FastPass signage is gone. Ramp em up! 🙂
Any idea when they are going to stop requiring reservations to get in to the parks?
With it being more crowded we need fast passes! Have you heard when they will add fast passes again?
Tonya, Disney hasn’t released a timeline or information about this, unfortunately.
Denise, sadly still no info about the Disney Dining Plan.
Beth, admittedly our reporters are lucky in that respect!
I’ll b very happy when park reservations are gone. That’s really asking too much of people. people like to have some freedom and spontaneity on their vacation.
I agree with Essie. I would be very happy too when the park reservations are gone.
With the increase in capacity, Fast Passes are desperately needed to enjoy and get the most out of your trip. If you are standing in line all day, in the heat and not getting on your favorite rides, it makes no sense to spend this much money for a trip. I happily spent the money in the past, but at least I knew I’d be on the 3 Mountains at MK or Everest and Pandora at AK, for example. With Virtual Cues, you aren’t even guaranteed to ride. I hope very soon we see a mix of VCs and FPs (even if I have to pay for the FPs). Us Disney Fanatics are ready for our Magical Vacations again and it’s up to Disney to make sure that will happen…..please bring back FPs.
I think paying for FP is closer than you think but at what price is the real question. Universal is about 100 per ticket per day. Disney knows it can keep gouging the fans because we keep showing up no matter how much they charge or take away from us. They will keep testing us, hardcore fanatics will continue to pay but its disappointing that those just starting off, with young kids or limited disposable income may never get to discover and enjoy a vacation at the happiest place on earth.