Credit: DisneyPlanning a Disney trip can be exhilarating for first-timers and visitors who continue to go back over and over again, But with the pandemic and COVID-19 still in the distance, some vacationers are torn if travel should even be a thought. Now that the CDC has updated their travel guidance and their recommendations for travel, here’s what you need to know (especially if you have gotten your COVID-19 vaccine, or you are planning to soon).
CDC Travel updates
According to the CDC (Centers For Disease Control and Prevention) in the U.S., the new update includes information and recommendations if you plan on traveling soon, specifically for those who are fully vaccinated. They state:
Fully vaccinated travelers are less likely to get and spread COVID-19.
People who are fully vaccinated with an FDA-authorized vaccine can travel safely within the United States:
- Fully vaccinated travelers do not need to get tested before or after travel unless their destination requires it
- Fully vaccinated travelers do not need to self-quarantine
Fully vaccinated travelers should still follow CDC’s recommendations for traveling safely including:
- Wear a mask over your nose and mouth
- Stay 6 feet from others and avoid crowds
- Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer
The CDC says that you should delay your travel plans until you are completely vaccinated. They also advise to check the CDC recommendations regularly as these updates will be more frequent as more people are vaccinated and as transmission rates of COVID-19 change.
The CDC also updated their website to include a quick guide to traveling whether you are vaccinated or unvaccinated. Take a look:
Guidelines for Visiting Florida
As of now, there are not any major travel restrictions to prevent visitors from heading to Florida. The Florida Health COVID-19 website states:
Florida is one of the top travel destinations in the world and there are currently no travel restrictions in place. If you are eligible, get fully vaccinated for COVID-19.
State parks, hotels and attractions are taking precautions to protect guests, but you should assess your risk and that of your family’s prior to traveling.
Walt Disney World Resort
If you are planning a trip to Orlando, Florida, and Disney World is your destination, please be aware that there are certain guidelines and rules set in place before making your way to the parks.
Disney World has implemented a Disney Park Pass system that requires Guests to choose theme park reservations. You must have a valid theme park reservation to enter. The limited capacity for the parks remains at 35%, and you must wear a mask and get your temperature checked. They have included markers around the park for social distancing purposes. You can check out more information here on the official Disney World website.
As you prepare to visit, please know that we’ve made updates based on guidance from health authorities, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and appropriate government agencies.
It may be different from the last time you visited. But together, we can find new ways to create magical moments—and memories to treasure.
Universal Orlando
According to the Official Universal Orlando website:
We continue to work closely with local health officials and our own health and safety experts and reference CDC guidelines with respect to the safety of our Team Members and guests during this limited opening of Universal Orlando Resort.
- Limiting capacity and following social distancing guidelines throughout all attractions, restaurants, and shops throughout the destination
- Increasing our already-aggressive cleaning and disinfection procedures, and frequently cleaning all high touch surfaces
- All team members will undergo temperature checks and wear face coverings
- All team members will participate in extensive training on our new procedures
Universal Orlando does not require reservations ahead of time, but mandatory face masks, limited capacity, temperature checks, and social distancing are all in place.
Guidelines for Visiting California
After reviewing the current travel restrictions on the California Department of Public Health website here, below is what its in place for the State of California:
The State is issuing the following recommendations, which supersede the Travel Advisory issued on January 6, 2021 and shall apply prospectively from April 1, 2021:
- All travelers arriving in or returning to California from other states or countries should follow CDC travel guidance.
- All travelers should get tested with a viral test 1-3 days before travel.
- All travelers who test positive or develop symptoms of COVID-19 should isolate and follow public health recommendations.
California also recommends against non-essential travel, and people from outside the state are discouraged from coming to CA.
Due to these restrictions currently in place, theme parks are only opening for California residents for the time being.
Disneyland Resort
Disneyland announced to the public that the opening date for their parks is set for April 30,(California residents only). From what we know so far, Disneyland and Disney California Adventure will implement park reservations to enter, and including mandatory face masks, limited capacity (25% since Orange County is in tier 3 of the state’s reopening plan), and social distancing.
See more information coming soon on the official Disneyland website.
Universal Studios Hollywood
The official date for the reopening of Universal Studios Hollywood in California is set April 16, and if you’re a California resident be sure to check the website as tickets will be on sale soon. The same requirements apply with this park including masks, limited capacity, and social distancing markers. Check out more information on the official website.
We hope that with this news comes the hope that travel will once again become the norm and that our Disney and Universal theme park adventures happen sooner than we expect.
What do you think of these new CDC updates? Let us know in the comments below!