Walt Disney World Updates Social Distancing Protocols

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social distancing

Credit: Disney

Orange County in Florida recently announced that “all settings” are allowed to move forward with reducing the social distancing from six feet to three feet — including theme parks.

Universal Orlando has already implemented this change and now it looks as though Walt Disney World is following.

Related: Cast Members Use Park Objects to Encourage Social Distancing

social distancing
Credit: Disney

Disney World Updates Social Distancing Protocols

According to the official Walt Disney World website, social distancing will be reduced in a phased approach. One of the first changes we noticed is that previously, the icon for social distancing had a 6′ 2m icon, as seen in the photo below.

social distancing
Credit: Disney

Now, that portion of the icon has been removed, as you can see in the screenshot below taken from the official Walt Disney World website.

social distancing
Credit: Screenshot ITM

Related: Disney Attractions Load More Guests, Fans Speak Out

Additionally, Disney updated the language on this portion of the website. Disney is now stating that they will be reducing physical distancing measures for Guests across many areas as a phased approach. Per the Disney World website:

Temporary adjustments are still in place to promote physical distancing. While we will reduce physical distancing measures for Guests across many areas with a gradual, phased approach, six-feet distancing measures will continue in all dining locations, merchandise stores and in areas where Guests can temporarily remove their masks.

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.

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

monorail social distancing
Credit: ITM

Previously, the language on the Walt Disney World website — for the most part — read the same, aside from the following snippet, which is now indicating that physical distancing will reduce in a phased approach:

While we will reduce physical distancing measures for Guests across many areas with a gradual, phased approach, six-feet distancing measures will continue in all dining locations, merchandise stores and in areas where Guests can temporarily remove their masks.

More on Social Distancing at Disney World

Social distancing has been implemented at the theme parks in Orlando, Florida ever since they reopened, and it continues to be in place as the parks continue to operate through the ongoing pandemic.

Many are speculating that because the theme parks are reducing social distancing to three feet, they could also increase capacity at the theme parks — Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. However, it is important to note that just because Disney World has now confirmed they will be reducing physical distancing in a phased approach does not mean the theme parks will also increase capacity.

Inside the Magic will continue to update you as we get information surrounding the safety protocols at Walt Disney World Resort.

social distancing
Credit: Inside the Magic Kelly C.

You can find up-to-date information on COVID-19 and safety protocols on the official website for the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

Are you comfortable with Disney reducing social distancing measures? Let us know in the comments below.

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