Disney World Changes Social Distancing Policy For Dining and Stores

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social distancing

Credit: Disney

Just a few days ago, Walt Disney World made an adjustment to its face mask policy, specifically regarding indoor and outdoor theaters, which you can read more about here.

Now, Disney World is making another slight adjustment — This time to its social distancing policy.

social distancing
Credit: Disney

We knew Walt Disney World began to reduce social distancing at the theme parks in a phased approach. In fact, we have seen already the theme parks begin filling all rows on select attractions and inside some theaters as well as remove social distancing markers from some queue lines for rides.

Additionally, social distancing markers have also disappeared from areas in Magic Kingdom (such as at the entrance and along Main Street, U.S.A.) as well as in sections of Disney Springs. However, it was clear that six-foot social distancing was still implemented at dining locations and merchandise stores across the theme parks.

Now, according to the Disney World website, we will begin to see the physical distancing protocol phased out at these locations as well.

Old Social Distancing Policy

social distancing disney world
Credit: Scott Gustin

As you can see in the screenshot above, the old policy on the website read:

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

The old policy clearly stated that six-feet distancing would still be in place at select locations including dining and merchandise.

New Social Distancing Policy

social distancing disney world
Credit: Scott Gustin

Now, as you can see in the screenshot above, there is no longer a mention of six-foot distancing in dining areas and merchandise locations. The new policy reads:

Adjustments are still in place to promote physical distancing for Guests. These measures will be reduced in a gradual, phased approach. 

Reporter Scott Gustin first noticed this and Tweeted out the change:

Walt Disney World made a slight change to its physical distancing policy, removing the mention of 6-feet distancing in dining areas and merchandise locations.

Again, this is part of Walt Disney World’s phased approach to reduce social distancing at the theme parks.

One of the biggest social distancing changes so far is that the Disney Skyliner is now loading multiple parties into the gondolas. This is a pretty big change as when Walt Disney World reopened last July, due to the ongoing pandemic, Disney was only seating one party per Skyliner gondola. This was enforced in order to keep Guests safe while traveling throughout Disney property.

Related: Fans Are Upset With the Changes Happening on Disney Skyliner

social distancing
Credit: Disney

For more information on safety protocols at the theme parks, visit the official Walt Disney World website here.

Are you excited to see social distancing being phased out of the theme parks? Let us know in the comments below.

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