How Disney World and Universal are Relaxing Restrictions
Disney World and Universal are beginning to make adjustments to COVID-19 restrictions as conditions improve in Central Florida.
If you have been following along with me you might have gotten the sense that some of the COVID restrictions would be changing at Walt Disney World. I also hinted that we might be getting some updates in May and June and so far that has happened at least once. Last night Disney World and Universal Orlando announced that temperature screenings would halt starting May 16, 2021.
Yours truly having my temperature checked at Disney Springs - Walt Disney World. Temperature screenings will end on May 16, 2021.
Orlando officials say that temperature screenings in Central Florida are now a waste of resources when considering the current COVID data.
This is terrific news especially for Disney Springs where the lines for temperature screenings were incredibly long.
I’ve been in the parks every week since July, and I saw only one person get flagged at the temperature check. It was me!
I ran a few miles just prior to going to Epcot and then parked far away on an extremely hot August day. The heat from the parking lot got me. But I was escorted to a cooling tent and I was good to go after a few minutes. So embarrassing!
Universal Orlando Reduces Physical Distancing
Universal Orlando shared that it will reduce physical distancing to 3 feet, essentially going back to the way things were. Most people naturally provide a little space when standing in line anyway. So I’d say physical distancing is pretty much over.
But this is very significant because when the parks cut the distance in half, they can double park capacity.
The state of Florida has already granted permission for both, Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World to open at 100% capacity but neither resort has been able to do so yet. Not with a 6ft distancing mandate.
Some of the lines stretch way out into the parks in a confusing maze of switchbacks. There would be no way to manage lines at 6ft. distancing with increased capacity. The lines would snake around the theme parks.
I think Disney will go to 3ft distancing soon and that both resorts will increase capacity by summer.
Do you really think Disney World is going to kick off it’s 50th anniversary in October at 35% capacity? I highly doubt it.
Masks at Walt Disney World:
Disney has been a little more relaxed in general. Just a few months ago, if you were even just thinking about adjusting your mask, a Cast Member would instantly materialize from the bushes and tell you to wear it correctly. I don’t see that happening as much these days.
The Cast Members who were once tasked with patrolling the parks for mask compliance, while dressed as cheerleaders of course, are a rare sight now.
Masks are still very much required and 99% of the people follow the rules on their own anyway.
Disney World is now allowing guests to remove masks for photos as long as they are outside and standing still. This was a game changer and it really makes people happy.
Fireworks at the Walt Disney World?
While we have no official date on when fireworks will return, Disney World is now selling Fireworks View rooms at Wilderness Lodge beginning in early July.
I wouldn’t be surprised if Disney brings back fireworks for July 4th.
I have a lot of clients who are fireworks or die people and will not come to Disney World until they return. I’m sure Disney is aware of this and wants to get these going again soon. But it likely doesn’t make financial sense when parks are at 35% capacity.
But if Disney goes to 3ft. distancing, which is very likely, and then increases capacity as a result, we might have a pretty good chance of watching fireworks over Cinderella Castle once again.
For over 12 years Darren Wittko has been helping people save money at Walt Disney World as both, a travel writer and a travel advisor with Magical Vacations Travel. He’s featured in the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren resides in Celebration, FL.
Recent Updates
Orlando Changes Social Distancing + Updates Mask Policy
Orlando
Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings provided updates to Orlando’s mask and social distancing mandates and outlined a 3-phase plan as to when masks may no longer be needed.
The first phase, which starts today, calls for a change in social distancing from 6 feet to 3 feet in all settings.
Phase 2 will go into effect when 50% of Orlando’s population, age 16 and older, has received the first dose of the vaccine. Face covering mandates for outdoors will be lifted for everyone at that time.
Orlando is on track to reach Phase 2 in about 3 weeks.
Phase 3 begins when 70% of the population age 16 and older has received their first dose of the vaccine or Orlando’s 14-day rolling positivity rate is 5% or below.
In Phase 3, all mandates will be lifted. Mask buring party at my house!
Currently the positivity rate in Orlando is trending downward and is at 8%, according to Orange County officials.
I know, we’re all wondering about Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando. I wouldn’t expect any big changes right away at the theme parks.
Keep in mind that Florida has given Disney World and Universal Orlando the green light to open at at 100% capacity but neither resort has done so. Disney says its parks will be at about 35% capacity through at least September. I think it will be much sooner.
It’s more likely that the parks will go to 3ft. physical distancing before dropping any mask requirements.
With 3ft physical distancing, the lines in the parks won't stretch out as far and that means they can safely increase capacity.
Of course we will have to see what happens, especially over the next few weeks. My guess is that we will have an update from at least one of the theme parks.
For over 12 years Darren Wittko has been helping people save money at Walt Disney World as both, a travel writer and a travel advisor with Magical Vacations Travel. He’s featured in the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren resides in Celebration, FL.
Recent Updates
Disney is preparing for major refurbishments and new ideas, but some attractions will need to close.