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.
The COVID-19 pandemic began in early 2020 and led to the Disney Parks closing down for a while. Later that same year, Disney World and Disneyland began phased reopenings, with limited capacity in the parks and some attractions, restaurants, and other offerings not available right away.
Magic Kingdom
We saw many changes at the reopened Disney World, including physical distancing markers, face mask mandates, hand washing stations, and plexiglass barriers in ride queues. Now, almost all of the changes have returned to the pre-pandemic “normal.” However, one subtle addition has only recently disappeared, and the change may have been initiated by President Joe Biden’s recent remarks.
There used to be a COVID-19 warning at the top of most Disney websites, which stated, “An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. View important details. Review health and safety measures, including face covering information, operational guidelines and park reservation requirements” with links to the Disney Parks requirements for face masks, park passes, etc. Now, those warnings have disappeared from most web pages.
©Disney
On the home pages for Disney World, Disneyland, and Disney’s Aulani Resort, there is no longer a COVID-19 warning at the top of the page.
No more COVID-19 warning ©Disney
You can, however, still find information about health and safety requirements (including a warning about COVID-19) on Disney World’s page about reopenings and recent changes that are related to the pandemic.
©Disney
The changes to Disney’s websites do not have much of a practical effect on the Disney parks — face masks are already optional almost everywhere, the physical distancing markers have been gone for a long time now, and most attractions, restaurants, and character meet-and-greets have returned (although we’re still waiting on a few offerings to come back!).
Hollywood Studios
It’s possible that this change was inspired by President Joe Biden’s recent remarks during a 60 Minute interview held on Sunday, September 18th. President Biden said, “The pandemic is over. We still have a problem with COVID. We’re still doing a lot of work on it. But the pandemic is over. If you notice, no one’s wearing masks. Everybody seems to be in pretty good shape, and so I think it’s changing” (NPR).
©AP
We’ll continue to watch for more updates on changes at Disney World, so stay tuned to DFB so that you don’t miss a thing.
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Just got back from Disney and came home with covid! Despite wearing a mask anytime I was inside or in a crowded queue.
We just got back on 9/21. Did not catch COVID-19 or any variant of it. Although, I did catch a mouse with white gloves that started looking like a RAT – with his hand deep in my pocket. I believe I am in need of my 56th boosted shot. To insure, that I do not become too ill from another costly trip to WDW. Perhaps we need another vaccine to overcome this infection.