To ensure we are equipping our readers with all the information they need, we will continue to report on all travel, safety, and COVID-related news that could impact a Disney Parks visit.
We’ve seen safety policies change many times since Disney World reopened last year after being closed due to the pandemic.
COVID-19 Health and Safety Sign
When the parks first reopened, there were strict safety precautions put into place like temperature checks, required masks, and social distancing. As the pandemic continued, some of those policies were relaxed or done away with altogether. However, some things, like required masks indoors, actually came back shortly after Disney removed the requirement due to an increase of COVID-19 cases and new recommendations from the CDC. One thing you may be wondering about is the current status of social distancing in the parks. So, is there still social distancing in Disney World?
The short answer is: no.
Hollywood Studios Entrance
Most social distancing markers have been completely removed around Disney World, like the stickers on the ground.
Markers removed from entrance
The same goes for the plexiglass dividers on rides and in lines.
Every row and seat is being used on rides…
Splash Mountain
…and single rider lines are also open.
Single Rider at Expedition Everest
Pre-shows are also back, and there isn’t any social distancing during the shows among guests.
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster ft. Aerosmith Pre-Show
And while waiting in lines at the parks, we haven’t really experienced any social distancing by other guests.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Disney World doesn’t currently have any language online about social distancing — the last time we saw any information on the website was back in the spring.
©Disney || Former Distancing Message
There also isn’t any social distancing signage in the parks anymore. We only see signs about wearing masks indoors now.
Don’t forget your mask!
Disney World is still making an announcement about social distancing, though, but it is not being enforced as a requirement.
Crowds in Animal Kingdom
The crowds we’ve seen have definitely indicated that social distancing is a thing of the past in Disney World.
Main Street, U.S.A.
So, keep this in mind if you’re planning on being in Disney World soon. Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney safety updates.
Click here to read about Disney Cruise Line’s COVID-19 vaccination and testing policies
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We were in line for the Contemporary monorail on Friday and it was back to ‘fill in all available spaces’. The cast members kept telling us that which was frustrating. We still keep space between us and the next people in line but we didn’t see many others doing that.
We were at Disney last week and they absolutely PACKED us into the stretching room on Haunted Mansion. Like, more packed than I’d ever been before, even pre-covid. It seemed really unnecessary considering there was really no line.
No social distancing and hardly any masking can be seen in the pictures.
I was just in Epcot on Saturday, and most people will be right on your heels. I tried to keep even just a “polite” space (you know, like maybe 24 inches) from the person/group in front of me, but every time they moved, the person behind me would step up practically into me. No attention whatsoever, even if I kept hanging back. It’s not like they’re going to get to the front of the line any faster! I think it’s worse than before in many instances. I had people barely a foot behind me, and I was wearing a backpack. I have no idea how they didn’t bang their faces on my pack, they were so close. It’s EXTREMELY uncomfortable right now, especially since Florida has so many ICUs full with COVID patients right now, and the delta variant is so much more contagious. I really miss social distancing.
I’m not a fan of mask wearing but I will if requested to do so after all I am fully vaccinated. Social distancing is another thing though. I prefer people keep a bit of distance between me and other people say about 3 feet would be comfortable. Like someone else mentioned you will not get to the front of the line any faster by cramming your body into the person in front of you.
By the way has WDW started using the parking lot trams again? I already walk more than enough in the parks.
At age 74 and a veteran of the worst jungles and disease ridden spots in South East Asia in 1968 and 69 I’ve seen most everything dealing with diseases and vaccinations . (SO many vaccinations…) I am surprised that people deny the effectiveness of the COVID vaccine. The VA hooked me up right away. And I took it as soon as I could. That said:
HOWEVER, I don’t like using utensils handled by a hundred strange people before me in a buffet. NOR do I like someone 6 inches in front and in back of me in a ride waiting line.
In the orient, wearing a mask is a recognition of respect when there is a chance to spread a disease. I like that.
Until everybody is vaxxed up, wearing a mask and staying a few feet apart in line is just a respect issue.
Some days, I don’t get no respect. I get mad …. and you wouldn’t like to see me mad.
(my apologies to Rodney and The Hulk)
John, I appreciate you reaching out to share your perspective. And thank you for your service.
Richard, still no parking lot trams, unfortunately.
If you are uncomfortable with the current situation in WDW. Just do not go now. Go when you feel it is best for you. There are a lot of things I do not like, at WDW now or in the past. Way too many to list. Do I still go? Yes. I guess I could choose not to go. But I do go. And I still have fun. It is our family trip to our favorite Laughing Place, for the past 30 years. If you all, would like to stay home for a bit, and allow me some extra elbow room. I can assure you, I would kindly accept that. Thank you.