food IS a theme park
Disney World crowd levels have certainly changed over the past few months.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios Entrance
With changes to capacity limitations and the continued use of the Disney Park Pass theme park reservation system, we’ve been keeping a close eye on the number of people in the Disney World parks. Well, today we noticed a SURPRISING crowd level in Disney’s Hollywood Studios!
For the last year and a half, the Walt Disney Company has had to contend with a surprising number of challenges.
Disney CEO Bob Chapek
Now, as health measures start to lift and health officials begin to okay something of a return to normal, Disney executives, Disney employees, and Disney guests alike are looking to the future of the Disney parks. We are checking out a few recent quotes from Disney CEO Bob Chapek as Disney continues to work through this time of change. So, what does Chapek have to say about the future of the Disney parks?
Walt Disney World reopened with limited capacities throughout every building on the property. All gift shops, restaurants, rides, and shows were reduced to accommodate physical distancing between travel groups.
Homecomin’
Upon reopening, Disney World had a reduced capacity of 25% and the theme parks attracted fewer crowds. It was recently announced that the theme parks were raised to 35% and we’ve seen an uptick in crowds over the holidays. Attractions are seeing increased wait times and Disney has been adjusting experiences to accommodate the lines. But what about restaurants? While Disney World hasn’t shared specifics, we have seen a quiet increase in capacity within the restaurants. So, what does dining at a Disney World restaurant look like now that the parks have been reopened for a few months?
Since reopening, Disney World has maintained limited capacity in restaurants across property.
Be Our Guest Restaurant Ballroom
During the initial stage of Disney World’s reopening, maximum restaurant capacity was limited based on the state government’s reopening plan. However, since Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced that the state is now in Phase 3 of reopening, restaurants are no longer subject to capacity restrictions.
Walt Disney World has officially been reopened for a little over two months now.
Main Street, USA
Despite reduced park capacity, it hasn’t necessarily been any easier to get reservations at some of Disney World’s most popular dining spots, like Be Our Guest Restaurant, California Grill, or Topolino’s Terrace.
Many sectors of the Walt Disney Company have had to contend with major business interruptions due to the global health crisis.
Disney Cruise Line
A very high profile impact was on the Disney Cruise Line in particular. Sailings have been canceled and moved since January of this year and Disney Cruises are currently suspended through the end of October. Now, through the Port of Galveston, we have some idea of what Disney is thinking about health protocols when it comes to the return of cruises.
Disney Springs is a little more crowded today, and you just have to look at the Under Armour store to see that.
Under Armour at Disney Springs
While strolling around Walt Disney World‘s shopping complex today (and munching some popcorn in our refillable bucket we picked up!), we noticed that the athletic apparel store was at capacity…and we think we know why!
Shanghai Disneyland will reopen on May 11th, and tickets are now on sale for reopening day through Tuesday, June 9th.
Shanghai Disneyland
The reopening of Shanghai Disneyland will, of course, usher in new safety measures for both guests and cast members in light of the global health situation. One of those measures is limiting guest capacity within the park. In order to manage that, Shanghai Disneyland is requiring that tickets be purchased in advance for guests to enter the park. [Read more…]
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