The biggest news out of Walt Disney World this month has undoubtedly been the end of mandatory masks and the announcement of the return of fireworks to both Epcot and the Magic Kingdom. However, even though both of these big announcements have been met with great fanfare by guests, Disney has been making some other changes at their parks this week as the COVID-19 Pandemic continues to wane that you might want to know about:
1. No more plexiglass
One of the most immediate safety measures that was installed last year during reopening was the addition of plexiglass dividers on attractions like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, the Jungle Cruise, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, and more where parties were grouped together. However, over the past few days almost all of the plexiglass dividers were removed from attractions across the resort.
2. Single rider lines have returned
Because party mixing was minimized when Disney parks reopened, the single rider line was not used for any attractions at the resort. However, now that this policy has been relaxed, single rider lines are now available for popular attractions like Millennium Falcon – Smuggler’s Run and more.
3. No more social distancing
Disney officially relaxed social distancing policies a few weeks ago, as of last week markers have started disappearing from queues, shops, restaurants, and theaters. In addition, extended queues have been removed from many attractions, with guests now packing closer together in lines.
4. Capacity is way up
Disney confirmed several months ago that they would be increasing capacity at their theme parks beyond their 35% cap from last year, and while we don’t know exact numbers, many have wondered if the theme parks are close to their max capacity, based on guest levels and Disney Parks Pass availability.
5. Preshows have been reinstated
Though Walt Disney World has been running the vast majority of its rides, many pre-shows on attractions like Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance had to be skipped because of the policy on mixing parties. However, now that this policy has been relaxed, these pre-shows have resumed, and guests can look forward to experiencing the full versions of these attractions.
6. Vaccinated Cast Members can now remove masks
Disney has announced that face coverings are now optional for fully vaccinated Cast Members working outdoors at Walt Disney World, marking the first time since the parks reopened that Cast Members in some roles can go mask-free.
