It was announced yesterday that all four Walt Disney World Resort theme parks will be closed from March 16, 2020 through March 31, 2020 in light of concerns over the Coronavirus.
Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom
While closures and cancellations will be (and in some cases already are) in effect for Disney Cruise Line sailings, Disneyland Resort, and other Disney destinations around the world, right now we are sharing a look at the current crowd levels today in Walt Disney World Resort as the March 16th park closure approaches.
Before we begin, a reminder that — at this time — Disney Springs and Walt Disney World Resort hotels will remain open to guests. However, as guests are understandably making major changes to travel plans, crowd levels are affected at the parks starting now.
Transportation and Ticket Center
The Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC) is a location from which to buy park tickets and also provides transportation to Epcot (via Monorail) and Magic Kingdom (via Monorail or Ferryboat). Obviously, two major Disney World destinations, and yet…
Monorail to Magic Kingdom at Transportation and Ticket Center
… paths were well open upon our arrival today. Taking the Monorail to Magic Kingdom, we’ll share first what we are encountering there.
Magic Kingdom
Bearing in mind that mid-March is a very common time for Spring Break in the United States, the scene entering Magic Kingdom is not what you would typically expect.
Entering Magic Kingdom
You may notice the poster board in the photo below; it advises guests on recommendations and precautions by public health experts.
Entering Magic Kingdom
The picture below, taken from our first steps onto Main Street, U.S.A. are a bit more telling of lighter crowds in the park.
Main Street, U.S.A.
Main Street, U.S.A.
Main Street, U.S.A.
Things do pick up around the park, though. In fact, while it’s not what you would call a busy day, Magic Kingdom is still not entirely empty, by any stretch. We’re heading into Adventureland next…
Adventureland
Adventureland
… where you’ll still have to wait for your Dole Whip at Aloha Isle!
Dole Whip Line
Wait times that we’re spotting for attractions include 25 minutes for The Magic Carpets of Aladdin and 60 for Jungle Cruise.
Jungle Cruise
This screenshot of My Disney Experience shows the usual higher wait times for Seven Dwarfs Mins Train and our beloved Mountains: Space, Splash, and Big Thunder.
My Disney Experience screenshot
And guests are also gathering in place to watch the Festival of Fantasy Parade at 3:00 PM.
Waiting for Festival of Fantasy Parade
Waiting for Festival of Fantasy Parade
While we’re on property, let’s take a brief look at Epcot, as well.
Epcot
This picture was taken in World Showcase after entering through International Gateway, and approaching the France pavilion, with Morocco and The American Adventure in the distance.
Walking in World Showcase
Hollywood Studios
And here is a look at Disney’s Hollywood Studios from Hollywood Boulevard.
Hollywood Studios
While it is a bit less crowded (especially considering levels lately with the opening of Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and the brand new Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway), there are still guests enjoying the park today.
Hollywood Studios
As a gauge, the wait for the new Runaway Railway is the shortest we’ve seen at 75 minutes… but by no means a short wait.
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
We will continue to update you as the day continues and share information as it is revealed.
We here at DFB have been tracking the steps that Disney has taken around the parks to prevent the spread of Coronavirus. You can learn more about that here.
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Those waits in MK are about half of what they were when I was there on Tuesday
The folks who are having to work after others are on paid leave, should get at least ‘Time & a 1/2″ for staying to do their job/
Crowd levels at MK are nice. It’s not dead, but it is a good amount of people. Most rides are less than n an hour coming up on noon. Most say 60 min but the wait is much shorter. Cast Members are doing a great job, as usual.
We are at Magic Kingdom today. It is a surreal. Having lunch at Columbia Harbour House and the upstairs dining room is nearly empty at 12:15.
Take full advantage. We arrived day park opened in ’17 after Hurricane Irma and were told park resorts were at 27% capacity. This should sum up the park situations: We entered Frozen ride and were only people in bldg!!! Literally had to ask if it was open, they said yes and you can stay on the boat and ride as much as you want lol. While it was amazing having no waits/crowds, it almost felt boring not having people around. Eating at Geyser Point with like one other table taken, just seemed un-Disney like. While some were jealous we basically had carte blanche in all the parks/restaurants, it did seem a little down.
I read that Cirque du Soleil “Drawn to Life” production is scheduled to open on 3/20/20 at Disney Springs. I assume that since the venue has less than 250 seats, the show is scheduled to go on as planned. If anyone hears news to the contrary, please post. I have two tickets for the 26th. Thanks!
Mary, we’re checking on this today.