Disney World, the most magical place on Earth, has been a dream destination for people of all ages. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has greatly impacted the Disney World experience. From capacity controls and park reservations to enhanced cleaning measures, visiting Disney World now offers a slightly different experience. Let’s dive deep into what it’s like to visit Disney World now.
Visiting Disney World now offers a different experience due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The park has implemented safety measures like capacity controls, park reservations, enhanced cleaning, and improved air systems. Operational hours have changed, and the ticketing and reservation system has adapted to new customer preferences and safety requirements. Prices have varied, and some discounts are available. Changes have been made to rides, attractions, and dining experiences to ensure safety. Despite potential challenges, visitors can still enjoy a magical experience at Disney World.
Safety Measures and Precautions
Disney World has implemented several measures to ensure visitor safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. The resort has limited its capacity to maintain physical distancing, introduced a Park Pass Reservation system, increased the frequency of cleaning high-touch surfaces, and implemented improved HVAC air systems.
The resort has also expanded systems like Mobile Ordering to reduce contact between guests and cast members. These measures, while providing a safer environment, have slightly altered the overall Disney World experience.
Changes in Operational Hours
The operational hours of Disney World vary for each park. For instance, Disney’s Animal Kingdom operates from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Disney’s Hollywood Studios from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and Magic Kingdom Park from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM on most days.
These hours are less than the pre-pandemic times when Magic Kingdom Park used to have many days throughout the year when it was open until midnight. Do remember that park hours can change depending on the time of year and demand, so it’s recommended to check the park website or the My Disney Experience app for the most up-to-date hours.
Ticketing and Reservation System
The ticketing and reservation system has adapted to the current circumstances by implementing various changes to cater to new customer preferences and safety requirements. Some of the key adaptations include frictionless online booking flow, increased automation, transparency about personal data, social-friendly booking sites, cloud-based systems, adjusting to new travel patterns, enhanced health and safety measures, adapting to changing customer behavior, leveraging data to adapt to new trends, and embracing digital transformation.
Pricing and Discounts
There have been changes to the price of admissions and other activities in Disney World. The price of a ticket now depends on the park you select and the time of year. Multi-Day Disney World tickets have also increased in price, ranging from $11 to $40 per day depending on the number of days chosen.
Disney World has also offered some discounts and deals. For example, they announced ticket and hotel discounts for Florida residents and a deal for Southern California residents that can reduce weekday ticket prices to $73 until June.
Changes in Rides and Attractions
Several changes have been made to park rides and attractions in recent years. Some of the specific changes include new rides and attractions, such as TRON Lightcycle Run in Magic Kingdom, Zootopia experience, and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, which is set to open in late 2024.
Dining Experiences
Dining experiences have been altered to ensure safety and health regulations in various ways. Some of the key measures implemented by restaurants include monitoring employee health, implementing proper hygiene practices, limiting food handling, enhancing sanitization efforts, implementing social distancing measures, focusing on outdoor dining, adapting to contactless services, requiring personal protective equipment (PPE), implementing temperature screening, and following local, state, and federal guidelines.
Overcoming Challenges
Visitors to Disney World may face several significant challenges, including intense weather, unpredictable crowds, potential staffing shortages, and transportation issues. However, by being prepared and flexible, visitors can overcome these challenges and enjoy a magical experience at Disney World.
In conclusion, visiting Disney World now offers a slightly different experience due to the ongoing pandemic. However, the resort has taken measures to ensure the safety and enjoyment of its guests. By being informed and prepared, you can still enjoy all the magic that Disney World has to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Park Pass Reservation system?
The Park Pass Reservation system is a new system introduced by Disney World to manage the capacity of the parks during the pandemic. Visitors need to make a reservation for the park they wish to visit on a specific day in addition to having a valid park ticket.
How does the Mobile Ordering system work?
The Mobile Ordering system allows guests to order food and drinks from select dining locations through the My Disney Experience app. You can select your arrival time window, choose your food, and pay for the order all within the app. When you arrive at the restaurant, you can tap “I’m Here” in the app and the kitchen will prepare your order.
Where can I find the latest deals and discounts for Disney World?
The latest deals and discounts can be found on the Disney World official website under the ‘Special Offers’ section. You can also check out various travel agencies and platforms that offer Disney World packages.
What are some new safety measures for rides and attractions?
Safety measures for rides and attractions include reduced capacity to ensure physical distancing, increased cleaning and sanitization, and some experiences may have modified seating to promote physical distancing. Additionally, some high-touch interactive elements may be temporarily unavailable.
How have transportation services been impacted?
Disney World transportation services have also undergone changes due to the pandemic. Buses, monorails, and the Disney Skyliner are operating with physical distancing measures in place which may result in reduced capacity and longer wait times. The Minnie Van service is currently unavailable.
Can I still meet Disney Characters at the park?
Traditional character meet-and-greets are currently suspended. However, Disney World has introduced new ways to see characters such as spontaneous cavalcades, motorcades, and flotillas across the parks. These are unscheduled to avoid large gatherings.
