Walt Disney World theme parks feel a lot more normal today, as new mask guidelines mean that guests no longer need to wear face coverings anywhere inside the Disney theme parks.
As the parks reopened from the COVID-19 shutdown, Disney has been slow and cautious, choosing to use a phased approach to reopening, and this latest milestone is no different.
So what has changed, and what do you need to know ahead of your visit in the coming days and weeks?
Crowds and Physical Distancing at Walt Disney World
There is no question that the crowds are back at Disney's theme parks. The end of mask requirements gives those guests who were holding back a reason to return to an experience that is far more normal than it was last year.
Most guests are choosing not to wear masks either indoors or outdoors. Masks are however still present on some guests, and on all Cast Members. Shields are now optional for Cast Members, and there are a lot less of those on show.
Nearly all physical distancing markers on the ground have been removed, and physical distancing is really no more.
Signs are still in place advising guests to maintain spacing, but there is nothing in place to enforce any kind of distancing. In fact, it is interesting to see that guests appear to have already reverted back to pre-COVID days, and are happy to be shoulder to shoulder in tight groups.
Disney World Transportation
On the busses, Disney has removed all of the plexiglass dividers, and is loading more guests onto each bus. Masks are still required, but the boost in capacity should greatly help to improve the bogged down transportation system.
Like the busses, the Disney World monorails are also now clear of plexiglass dividers. Guests are still loaded to a specific row by a Cast Members, and capacity appears to be around 16 guests per cabin. Small parties may be seated with other parties on the same bench. Masks are still required.
The watercraft have all social distancing removed, and as of today are not enforcing mask use when onboard.
On Disney World Rides
Capacity has been increased slowly over the last few months and weeks, but today we are seeing some rides operate at, or very close to maximum capacity.
The Jungle Cruise is now loading in a mostly pre-COVID manner, filling every available space, including the center bench.
All plexiglass has been removed, with the exception of the barrier between the guest area and the Cast Member skipper.
Other attractions still have plexiglass dividers in the queue area, typically those that were semi-permanently installed.
Dividers are still in place at Peter Pan's Flight, it's a small world, and Haunted Mansion.
While we are seeing pre-shows return, including yesterday at Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway, there are still some exceptions. At the Haunted Mansion, guestsare still bypassing the stretch room scene.
Walt Disney World Dining
Mobile Order is still required for quick service, but once inside, more tables are open, with dining rooms being at or near 100% capacity.
Table Service dining, where open, is operating mostly as normal. Modified menus are still in place, and availability is limited with not all locations yet open.
What's Next?
The changes are ongoing and will continue on a daily basis in the weeks ahead. Expect to see more of the plexiglass removed from queues, more rides operating at full capacity, the return of more missing pre-shows, and perhaps as soon as July, the return of much more entertainment, including fireworks.
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