Walt Disney World Updates Social Distancing Policy

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Credit: Disney

When Walt Disney World reopened the theme parks — Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios — along with its Resorts and Disney Springs to Guests in July 2020 after a four-month temporary closure, the Orlando-based Resort implemented a variety of health and safety protocols in order to operate safely during this unprecedented time of the ongoing pandemic.

These theme park and resort safety protocols include the requirement of wearing a face mask, increased hand sanitizing stations, contactless payment methods, and of course, social distancing measures. These were put in place across property including at the theme parks — Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios — as well as at all of its Resorts and Disney Springs, the dining and shopping district located on property.

disney world guests
Credit: Disney

The theme parks and resorts located at Disney World added social distancing markers in areas such as merchandise shops, ride queue areas, transportation stops, and more. These social distancing markers are spaced at least six feet apart in order to help keep parties aware of where they must stand to obtain a safe physical distance from one another, as visiting theme parks or any public place during the pandemic poses a health risk.

Now, Disney World is asking large parties to separate in order to help keep these social distancing measures enforced.

social distancing
Credit: Inside the Magic Kelly C.

The official Walt Disney World website now reads:

Temporary adjustments are in place to promote physical distancing.

Physical distancing measures may include:

Signage and Ground Markings: Please follow directional signage and ground markings, which have been installed throughout Walt Disney World Resort to help Guests better navigate common areas while practicing physical distancing.

Physical Barriers: Physical barriers have been added in select places to help promote proper separation between people, including in queues and on transportation and attractions. Barriers may also be visible, for example, in areas around cash registers or at Guest Relations.

Party Size: Guests traveling in parties of more than 10 are asked to split into smaller groups in queues, dining locations and other areas around our parks and resorts to better allow for physical distancing.

Parking: Cashless payment is recommended at the auto plazas. Cars will be directed to park in every other parking space at the theme parks.

Training: Cast Members are trained to engage with Guests and promote physical distancing guidelines in common areas and queues.

plandisney crowd header
Credit: Disney Parks Blog

As you can see above, there is a new section for “Party Size” that explains that Guests visiting Walt Disney World in parties of 10 or more are asked to split into smaller groups in queue areas, dining locations, and other areas of the theme parks and resorts. This will also prevent crowding in smaller areas and help ensure that all parties are staying the recommended distance apart from each other.

At this time, the Disneyland Resort guidelines do not reflect the same language as Walt Disney World’s. However, we expect them to be identical to Disney World when the Disneyland Resort theme parks open, if not sooner, since Downtown Disney is currently open in California.

epcot sunrise
Credit: Disney

Related: Fans Feel “Different Magic” When Visiting Disney World During Pandemic

If you are planning to visit Walt Disney World, please remember to follow the new safety and health protocols in order to keep yourself and others safe during this time. Keep your distance from other Guests, wear your appropriate face coverings at all required times, use the hand sanitizer located throughout the resort, try to use paperless payment methods, and cover your mouth and nose while sneezing or coughing. For more information on Disney World’s safety protocols, visit their official website here.

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