There have been several changes in recent weeks to the guidelines to keep guests safe at Walt Disney World. Temperature checks were the first to go followed by relaxation on guidelines on face coverings. In this post, we update you with all the latest Walt Disney World safety information.
Face coverings
If you are fully vaccinated you no longer have to wear a face mask in most areas of Walt Disney World. However, you are expected to wear them on all forms of transportation including transportation entrances. We have heard reports that this rule isn’t being enforced on ferries, but assume this must be at cast member discretion.
Guests who are not vaccinated are not expected to wear masks in either outdoor areas or pool decks but expect them to be worn elsewhere. Due to Floridian regulations Disney will not be asking guests to provide evidence of vaccination but expect unvaccinated guests to follow this requirement.
Disney has created this handy table to explain where face coverings are still expected to be worn:
In areas where face coverings are required they should:
- Be made with at least 2 layers of breathable material
- Fully cover the nose and mouth and secure under the chin
- Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
- Be secured with ties or ear loops and allow the Guest to remain hands-free
- Neck gaiters and open-chin triangle bandanas are not acceptable face coverings. Costume masks are also not considered appropriate and are prohibited from being worn
Disney Park Pass Reservations
Disney Park Pass appears to be here to stay. All guests must reserve a spot for admission to their first park each day. The Park Pass system allows Disney to better manage guest capacity each day. There has been a much greater capacity of Park Passes available in recent weeks as attendance gradually increases. Park Hopping remains available each day after 2 pm.
Cleanliness & Sanitation
Sanitation procedures continue to be increased across the resort. However, Disney Resorts still only have light housekeeping available every other day.
Making use of technology
Many social distancing requirements have been reduced, but Disney continues to use technology, including cashless transactions, to avoid contacts where possible. Disney continues to recommend that you have the latest version of the My Disney Experience app on your mobile device, with location services and notifications enabled.
Features available on My Disney Experience include:
- Mobile Order Service for Dining
- Restaurant Walk-Up List instead of visiting the podium
- Mobile Check-In for Reservations instead of visiting restaurant podiums
- Scannable Codes for Select Restaurant Menus
- Online Check-In at Disney Resort Hotels and other resort reception facilities
- Disney MagicMobile or a MagicBand for park access
Removal of social distancing
Disney still advises guests to maintain distancing, but the majority of restrictions are now removed. Dividers and markers have been removed from most locations. Plus, rides are now starting to load at total or near-maximum capacity.
Not all attractions and experiences have returned, but there has been a significant increase in recent weeks. Expect as we hit the 50th Birthday Celebrations for the resort to be operating as normal.
Finally a safety warning
Despite things moving closer to normal; Walt Disney World’s website continues to highlight the following COVID-19 warning on its website:
An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, senior citizens and Guests with underlying medical conditions are especially vulnerable.
By visiting Walt Disney World Resort you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19.
Walt Disney World
More Disney World
Most of these changes have been made in the last few days. With rumors of more cast members being called back, we expect more attractions will reopen soon. Keep checking Modern Life is Good for the latest information.
To learn more about Walt Disney World visit our 2021 Guide to Walt Disney World.
This Guide is part of our “Road to 2021 at Walt Disney World” series. Check out the rest of the guides for the latest information.
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