By: Mary Alys Foutz, a Marvelous Mouse Travels agent
Returning to the world of magic is an exciting time! With continual updates, it’s always a good idea to stay in the know for how the parks are operating. Walt Disney World has taken an intentional and gradual approach to COVID-19 health and safety measures.
My family recently returned from Walt Disney World and we were actually in the Magic Kingdom on the day that the current policies took effect! Take a look at the policies that began on June 15, 2021.
Face Coverings
Face coverings are required for guests who are not fully vaccinated. Guests who are fully vaccinated have the option to wear face coverings in most areas. All guests, regardless of vaccination, are required to wear face coverings while on Disney bus transportation, the monorail, and the Disney Skyliner.
Proof of vaccination is not required, but the expectation is that those who are not fully vaccinated will continue wearing masks in all indoor locations and when entering all attraction queue lines.
Face coverings should be at least two layers, fully cover the nose and mouth, fit snugly around the face and under the chin, and have ear loops or ties.
On our recent visit, my family thoroughly enjoyed being able to walk around mask-free! Not only was it much cooler walking around in the humidity, it was also so nice to see everyone’s smiling faces again!
Physical Distancing
Physical distancing is still encouraged as much as possible; however, spacing markers have been removed from queue lines, shops, restaurants, theaters, and park entrances. For transportation, partition dividers have been removed from the monorail and buses.
During our day in Magic Kingdom, we waited in the queue lines with other guests and the ground did not have markings. We did try to keep some distance from the groups around us. As far as our transportation experience, we took the monorail because it’s my personal favorite mode of transportation! We did have to wear our masks and wait on an assigned number to enter the car, but there were no plastic dividers within the cabin.
Cleanliness and Sanitation
Walt Disney World has always been a very clean location! Cast Members are committed more than ever to maintain this cleanliness. You can expect to see Cast Members wiping frequently touched surfaces and making sure that restrooms are kept tidy. There are still hand sanitizer dispensers found throughout the parks, including ride entrances and exits.
Personally I have always been pleased with the cleanliness of Walt Disney World, and I was still happy to see that there were many places to clean your hands and that Cast Members were visibly cleaning.
Ready to Return to the World of Magic?
It’s a great time to start planning your next Walt Disney World vacation! Whether that be in the near future or farther out, Disney World is starting to feel more like the pre-COVID days. You will be able to enjoy the parks with less restrictions and more offerings! While Walt Disney World is still requiring theme park reservations into 2022, there are more resorts opening, more restaurants opening, and more events returning such as the return of nighttime spectacular firework shows at Magic Kingdom and Epcot (beginning July 1, 2021).
You won’t want to miss the 50th Anniversary Celebration that begins on October 1, 2021, and continues for 18 months! Reach out to a Marvelous Mouse Travel planner to get your magical vacation started!
Please reach out to Mary Alys, an agent with Marvelous Mouse Travels to plan your next vacation or you may contact Marvelous Mouse Travels.
