Walt Disney World Resort has always held itself to the highest standards of safety and cleanliness. In this new COVID-era, they’ve taken additional steps to ensure the well-being of guests at its theme parks and hotels.
Beyond Imagination Vacations travel planner Stephanie Orlowski attended an Annual Passholder Preview at Disney’s Animal Kingdom today. Her experience gives great insight into what guests can expect when the park and Magic Kingdom open to the public on July 11, and when Epcot and Hollywood Studios open four days later.
Entering the Park
Facial coverings are required; neck gaiters are prohibited.
Before entering the park, guests will encounter temperature check points. Anyone with a temperature of 100.4 F or above will be directed to an additional location for rescreening and assistance. Those with temperatures 100.4 F or above will not be allowed entry; those in their party will not be allowed entry either. Stephanie reports that the screenings are a quick and easy process.
Face coverings are a requirement for guests two years of age and older to enter the park. Neck gaiters are not allowed. Your face mask should properly cover your nose and mouth, have ear loops or ties, and fit snugly around against the side of your face. Coverings must be worn at all times except for when dining and eating. Stephanie recommends bringing two to four masks with you to the parks as they’ll get drenched with sweat and become loose during the day. Great tip!
Security screenings are still part of the entry process. Stephanie reports that her bag was not checked by a cast member as has been done in the past. Although she walked through a metal detector with her bag, we still recommend limiting the number of items that you bring into the park for expedited screening.
Same Magic in a New Way
Guests can see Daisy and Donald Duck as they float along a waterway at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park.
In order to reopen, Disney World, of course, has to modify some experiences to maintain social distancing, but that doesn’t mean the magic won’t be there for guests. For instance, Disney announced that guests won’t be able to engage in character meet and greets; however, characters will be seen throughout the parks. Stephanie caught a delightful water parade of beloved characters at Animal Kingdom. The parades are unscheduled, adding a bit of serendipity to your day!
Say “hi” to Pocahontas and Meeko!
The Photo Pass service is still available to guests to capture those special moments; however, Disney photographers will not use guest smart phones to take photos as they did before. Stephanie strongly recommends that guests add on the Memory Maker feature to their vacation package to ensure that the entire family is in the picture!
Although the nighttime spectaculars and most of the live shows remain temporarily closed, your favorite attractions are ready for your visit! At Animal Kingdom, Avatar Flight of Passage, DINOSAUR, Discovery Island Trails, Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain, Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail, It’s Tough to be a Bug!, Kali River Rapids, Kilimanjaro Safaris, Maharajah Jungle Trek, Na'vi River Journey, The Animation Experience at Conservation Station, The Oasis Exhibits, TriceraTop Spin, Wilderness Explorers and Wildlife Express are set for reopening. Stephanie only waited in a five-minute line the first time she rode the attractions, and no more than 20 minutes the second time around!
Barriers separating guest loading areas at attractions
Disney is enforcing social distancing in the queue and on the rides themselves. Rather than the standard eight riders per row, Stephanie reports only three people per row during her ride on Flight of Passage. There were clear, plexiglass-type dividers between the benches on Kilimanjaro Safaris. On Na’vi River Journey, a single boat was reserved for a single party/family.
Touchless hand sanitizers throughout the park
Additionally, touchless hand sanitizers can be found before you enter the attraction queue, immediately before you board the ride, and after you get off - not to mention, that sanitizer stations can be found throughout the parks. You’ll also find ground markers noting that guests should stand six-feet behind others in standby lines.
Social distance signs throughout the park
In terms of dining, most restaurants are open along with favorite items like Dole Whip. Stephanie reports that many restaurants had limited menus. To minimize contact, menus are displayed on signage at quick-service restaurants. And at table-service restaurants, guests can scan a code with their mobile device to access the digital menu. Half of the tables at indoor eateries were marked off to ensure proper social distancing. Disney strongly recommends the use of its Mobile Order Service at quick-service restaurants, the new mobile check-in service for table-service restaurants, and contactless payment.
One Disney constant = Dole Whip!
Additional spacing between restaurant guests
Thank you to Stephanie for sharing her experience. She reports feeling safe throughout her day at Animal Kingdom Park, and at Disney Springs the day before.