Disney Addresses Theme Park Overcrowding, Asks For Guests’ Input

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Animal Kingdom crowd

Credit: ITM

When Walt Disney World Resort began its phased reopening process in July 2020 following its four-month pandemic-related closure, things were very different for Guests.

Cinderella Castle 50th Anniversary Crest
Credit: Disney

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For example, social distancing measures were in place, rides and queues had plexiglass dividers, face masks were required in all locations for Guests age two and up, and capacity was extremely limited.

Now, many health and safety measures have been modified in accordance with current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines — one notable difference is that Disney has been steadily increasing capacity at its theme parks in a controlled fashion.

Magic Kingdom crowds on September 22, 2021
Credit: ITM Rebekah B.

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The last time Disney confirmed capacity for Walt Disney World, it was at 35% of the maximum. In May 2021, Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Chapek confirmed that capacity had already been increasing:

“In terms of the parks, and when we’re going to sort of be able to raise our capacity limits, we’ve actually already started that, given the guidance that just came today, from the CDC, and earlier guidance that we got from the governor of Florida, we’ve already started to increase our capacities…”

Rise of the Resistance crowds
Credit: ITM

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Although it is not known what Disney’s flagship theme park property’s current capacity is exactly, crowds steadily increased over the past week following a lull. This is likely due to the upcoming start of Walt Disney World Resort’s 50th-anniversary celebration, which officially begins on October 1, 2021.

Now, it seems that Disney has become concerned with potential overcrowding at its theme parks, and they want Guests’ input. Select Guests who recently visited Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park were sent a survey with numerous questions regarding crowding in the theme park.

Animal Kingdom lodge giraffes
Credit: Disney

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One question in the survey asked:

“How much do you agree or disagree with this statement: ‘Overcrowding in certain areas of Disney’s Animal Kingdom made it difficult to get from one place to another in a timely manner.'”

Another question for Guests was:

“How much do you agree or disagree with this statement: ‘Disney’s Animal Kingdom is too crowded.'”

Mickey and Minnie Mouse at Animal Kingdom
Credit: Disney

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The Walt Disney World Resort survey, which took about 45 minutes to complete, went on to ask questions about whether or not overcrowding impacted Guests’ feeling of safety and security during their time in the Park.

From these questions, we can determine that capacity is top of mind for Walt Disney World Resort officials as we head into the official start of The World’s Most Magical Celebration, which is slated to last for 18 months into 2023.

Beacons of Magic Animal Kingdom Disney World 50th
Credit: Disney

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At the time of publication, Disney has not publicly commented on anything related to the questions in this recent Guest survey.

Do you think Disney World is too crowded right now?

Let the expert team at Academy Travel help you plan your next magical vacation to Walt Disney World Resort’s four theme parks — Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios — and the Disney Springs shopping and dining district!

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