Disney CEO Bob Chapek has confirmed today that Walt Disney World has already started to raise theme park capacity, and will continue to increase guest levels as the CDC continues to issue COVID-19 health and safety guidance. Chapek didn’t offer any specific capacity numbers, just saying that Disney has already raised the previously announced 35% capacity cap to a higher percentage and added that guests will “immediately” start seeing an increase in park pass reservation availability at Walt Disney World, as the theme park capacity will be raised even more.
These revelations follow announcements by the CDC earlier today that indicated vaccinated people no longer need to wear masks in indoor or outdoor spaces. Of course private businesses like Disney are allowed to set their own requirements, and we’re expecting the in-park mask mandates to stick around at least a little bit longer, but in the meantime it looks like we’re about to see a lot more guests able to experience the theme parks, and (hopefully) fewer “sold out” parks pass days.
Earlier this week Walt Disney World also announced that they were officially reducing physical distancing in outdoor areas as well as inside queues and rides. The only exceptions will be in dining locations, merchandise stores and in areas where Guests can temporarily remove masks, where six feet social distancing guidelines will still be enforced.
In addition, Disney is getting rid of its every-other-space parking policy, and guests will now be directed to fill in all spaces when parking at the theme parks. You can check out the official changes in policy on the official Disney website here.
