The year 2020 has been a difficult one, to say the least. While there are many different points of view and opinions on the subject of COVID-19, what I believe we can all agree on is that this pandemic has been life-changing in many ways for all of us.
Many have experienced the tragic loss of loved ones due to this virus, many have experienced the virus themselves, many have experienced hardship and financial loss, many have been significantly impacted by schools being closed, many have had to close their businesses and lost everything, many feel angry and that we need to open back up for the sake of our economy, and so much more.
I personally feel as though the Disney company has done an outstanding job of adjusting on the fly and persevering through these hard times. While everything about Disney is magical, unfortunately, there is no one magical answer to creating a situation that works for every single Guest, Cast Member, etc. Although out of their control, once in a lifetime trips have had to be canceled that may never get the chance to happen again, Disney College Program students received opportunities of a lifetime that had to be cut short and may not ever happen again, travel agents who worked tirelessly curating custom trips for their clients watched as they had to be canceled one by one, and again, so much more.
What is important is that Disney has put the health and safety of Guests and Cast Members at the forefront of their changes, so that we can all hopefully get back to enjoying the full Disney experience as soon as possible.
While some are unable or prefer not to travel right now due to the current events, for those that are curious about what a Disney vacation might be like at the moment, I wanted to share what precautionary steps are being taken and what you can expect right now.
ENHANCED CLEANING
Extra attention is given to high-traffic areas, including public elevators and escalators, handrails, benches, tables, handles, restrooms, transportation vehicles, and more. Additionally, housekeeping services have been modified at Disney Resort hotels to include enhanced cleaning and reduced contact.
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| Photo from Walt Disney World (Kent Phillips, photographer) |
PHYSICAL DISTANCING
Temporary adjustments are in place to promote physical distancing. Directional signage and ground markings have been installed to help Guests navigate common areas and assist with distancing in queue lines. Physical barriers have been added in select places where it is difficult to maintain distancing guidelines. Parking is designated to every other space and cashless payment is recommended. Cast Members have been trained to engage with Guests promoting and reminding to physical distance in common areas and queues.
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| Photo from Walt Disney World |
REDUCED CONTACT
Experiences may be modified to reduce contact, including Mobile Order service for dining, mobile dining check-in, scannable codes for select restaurant menus, cashless payment options, mobile check-in at Disney Resort hotels, and more!
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| Photo from Walt Disney World (Matt Stroshane, photographer) |
PARK ATTENDANCE & CAPACITY
Park attendance is being managed with the all-new Disney Park Pass reservation system - now available to Guests with valid admission. To enter a park, both a park reservation and valid admission for the same park on the same date are required for Guests ages 3 and up.
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| Photo from Walt Disney World (Olga Thompson, photographer) |
FACE COVERINGS
Face coverings are required for all Guests (ages 2 and up) and Cast Members. You will need to bring your own face coverings and wear them at all times, except when dining or swimming. You may remove your face covering while actively eating or drinking, but you must be stationary and maintain appropriate physical distancing. All face coverings (whether reusable or disposable) must be made with at least two 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. At this time, based on guidance from health authorities, neck gaiters, open-chin triangle bandanas and face coverings containing valves, mesh material or holes of any kind are not acceptable face coverings. Costume masks are also not considered appropriate and are prohibited from being worn, in alignment with existing rules. The use of face coverings is not a substitute for physical distancing.
TEMPERATURE SCREENINGS
Face coverings are required for all Guests (ages 2 and up) and Cast Members. You will need to bring your own face coverings and wear them at all times, except when dining or swimming. You may remove your face covering while actively eating or drinking, but you must be stationary and maintain appropriate physical distancing. All face coverings (whether reusable or disposable) must be made with at least two 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. At this time, based on guidance from health authorities, neck gaiters, open-chin triangle bandanas and face coverings containing valves, mesh material or holes of any kind are not acceptable face coverings. Costume masks are also not considered appropriate and are prohibited from being worn, in alignment with existing rules. The use of face coverings is not a substitute for physical distancing.
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| Photo from Walt Disney World |
Temperature screenings are required for entry to some locations. You will be required to undergo a temperature screening with no-touch thermometers before entry to some Walt Disney Resort locations including the Walt Disney World theme parks, the Disney Springs area, and table-service restaurants at Disney Resort hotels. Based on guidance from health authorities, anyone displaying a temperature of 100.4 F or above will be directed to an additional location for rescreening and assistance. Those with temperatures 100.4 F and above will not be allowed entry, those in their party will not be allowed entry either. Before you leave home, be sure to check the temperatures of everyone in your party including yourself as an extra layer of precaution.
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| Photo from Walt Disney World |
If you have never been to Walt Disney World Resort before and are looking for that coveted experience that includes intimate character meet and greets, big parades, live shows, and fireworks, this may not be the best time for you to go as many of these experiences have had to be paused for the safety of everyone visiting and working.
However, this can be a truly unique time to go, a time when crowds are lower and wait times are shorter, and together we can find new and safer ways to create special moments and memories to treasure. Disney has come up with incredibly creative ways for Guests to interact with favorite characters and is making sure the magic is still alive and well.
If you would like to learn more about visiting Walt Disney World, I would love to help you plan your trip! Contact me for more details at shannon@101-vacations.com.
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