Disney World Enforces Social Distancing on Labor Day Weekend

in Disney, Walt Disney World

Posted on by Rebekah Barton 1 Comment
social distancing header

Credit: Disney/ITM TJ Muscaro

Over Labor Day Weekend, Walt Disney World Resort saw some of, if not the biggest, crowds that have visited its four theme parks since they reopened in July. Wait times for some rides were upwards of an hour, which has not been common during the phased reopening process.

When the long holiday weekend began, we noted that Disney’s crowd levels were noticeably higher than they have been and that Disney Springs reached capacity early in the evening on Saturday.

How did Disney deal with bigger crowds?

Yesterday, Twitter user @bioreconstruct shared a photo that proves Walt Disney World Cast Members were still enforcing social distancing despite larger crowds.

The photo was captioned:

Zoom in, physical distancing can be seen in this aerial view of Tower of Terror and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster plaza.
If you look at the sidewalks at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in this picture, you can clearly see how parties are maintaining a proper social distance from one another.
In this Tweet from @ThrillData, we see that wait times at Disney World surged from Saturday to Monday, when these aerial photos of Hollywood Studios were taken.
https://twitter.com/ThrillData/status/1303296991590584321
The fact that Cast Members continued to abide by Disney’s protocols and Guests appeared to be following the regulations says worlds of positive things for how Disney is operating its theme parks during the pandemic.
Walt Disney Company executives have said multiple times that they will be enforcing their theme park face mask mandate, physical distancing requirements, and other safety measures no matter how many Guests are in Disney theme parks at any given time. It is also worth noting that the parks are still operating at limited capacity throughout the phased reopening process.
masks disney
Credit: Disney
The following information regarding physical distancing can be seen on the official Walt Disney World website:

We’ve made some temporary adjustments that include limited-contact Guest Services to promote a responsible and enjoyable environment for everyone. These include:

  • Physical Barriers: Physical barriers have been added in select places where it is difficult to maintain strict physical distancing guidelines.
  • Signage: Directional signage has been installed to assist Guests to responsibly move throughout the property. Additionally, ground markings will help promote proper physical distancing when queuing is needed at a location.
  • Cashless Transactions: At this time, it is recommended all Guests use cashless payment options, including debit cards, credit cards and Disney Gift Cards. Guests can also opt for contactless payment options—such as mobile wallets—or use cash to purchase a Disney Gift Card at Guest Relations and select merchandise locations. Disney Resort hotel Guests can also use MagicBands to charge their purchase to their Disney Resort hotel folio.
  • Mobile Order: A feature of the My Disney Experience app, mobile order service enables you to order ahead and save time at select dining locations.

Did you visit Disney World over Labor Day weekend this year? What was your experience with social distancing and other Disney Park safety protocols?

Plan your visit to Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, or Disney’s Hollywood Studios with the help of the expert team at Academy Travel. They can help you understand Disney’s crowd calendar and choose Disney Park vacation dates that work for your family.

Rebekah Barton

When she's not planning her next Disney trip, Rebekah can be found spending time with her family, shopping for Lilly Pulitzer, buried in a good book, or doing yoga. She never misses Jeopardy and alternately wishes she lived in Beast's castle or was making the Kessel Run in the Millennium Falcon.

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