Disney is taking every precaution they can to ensure the safety of all the cast members as well as guests. But, what exactly are they doing as far as health and safety measures go? And, how safe did I really feel going to Disney?
The short answer is: for the most part, I felt as comfortable as I could be being in Disney. There definitely were some moments that were a little more crowded and it got overwhelming. Whenever I felt like there were too many people in one area, I went somewhere less crowded. But still, cast members are doing everything they can to make sure that everyone can still have a magical time while still being safe and healthy.
Right from the moment you get to the park, physical distancing starts. Cast members instruct cars to park in every other spot to give space when getting out of your car. As you approach the entrance, there are multiple signs; warnings about Covid-19, reminders about face covering requirements, etc. Then, before you reach security, there is a temperature check.
Physical distancing reminders in the ride queue.
There is no more traditional bag check, meaning you no longer remove your bag for security to check it. Instead, you keep your bag on you and walk through a metal detector. This is to avoid close contact with security and to avoid them touching your things. Security will of course check bags if something goes off when you walk through the metal detector.
There is hand sanitizer everywhere. And I mean EVERYWHERE. Before you get on a ride, after you get off, in front of restaurants and stores, or just randomly placed. Everywhere. It’s actually great because on the off chance you forgot to bring your own (which I definitely still recommend bringing) there is plenty everywhere. Even in some areas of the parks there are standalone hand washing stations with an actual faucet and soap to wash your hands. These are MUCH less common, but I did see some around, specifically in Galaxy’s Edge.
Ride queues are socially distanced. There are markers on the floor to show where you should stand to be distanced from parties around you. Some queues — like Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train — have plexiglass dividers in areas where the line wraps around. Even some ride vehicles have barriers, like Rise of the Resistance and Kilimanjaro Safaris. And, on most rides, every other row is being used.
Cast member cleaning Dinosaur.
Rides are being cleaned and sanitized every two hours. Cast members will unload the current party, sanitize the ride (with an alcohol based cleaner), then run the ride once without anyone on it to let the vehicles dry off before letting the next group on. Because it does take a little while, if you’re waiting in line and notice the line stops moving, this might be why! So while it may cause a little extra time to your wait, it’s good to know that the ride vehicles are being cleaned.
All shops accept contactless payment, so if you can, I recommend using it! The quick service restaurants are all mobile order, so you don’t have to be in contact with someone taking your order or wait in long lines in a restaurant. There are markers on the tables letting guests know which tables to use and which ones not to to keep up physical distancing.
Face coverings (they have to have loops that go around your ear — no neck gaiters allowed) are required at all times in the parks. The ONLY time you can have your mask off is if you are eating or drinking while stationary. Otherwise, they must be kept on at all times. This rule is enforced by cast members all around the parks and there are frequent announcements made on speakers to remind guests of this rule.
In fact, we saw a family remove their mask while taking a picture in front of the castle. A cast member approached them and told them to put it on, and they still tried to take a picture with it off. The cast member was super persistent and repeatedly told them they had to keep it on, even while taking pictures. The cast member proceeded to scan their tickets/Magic bands and told them that if they were told something again, security would have to get involved and they would be escorted from the park. That cast member was wearing a yellow shirt, which means that her only role is to enforce the mask rule and ensure people are following guidelines.
Now, while Disney is taking every precaution to ensure safety, there are some things they can’t control, and that’s when things can be a little tricky.
There for sure were moments where I felt overwhelmed, like there were too many people around me and in the park. Magic Kingdom was really the only park where I felt like this most of the day; there were a lot of crowds and it pretty much felt like a normal park day. Keep in mind we were there on a Saturday — which tends to be probably the busiest day for that park — but it was definitely a lot. We were only there for a couple of hours then wanted to head out early to avoid the rush of park closing.
There were moments in Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom that felt that way also (lots of crowding) but mainly it happened in Galaxy’s Edge and Pandora, respectively. But overall, I felt much more comfortable and physically distanced in those parks.
It’s all about doing what you can; keeping on your mask, cleaning your hands, and physical distancing. As always, if you ever are confused or have a question about something, cast members will always be there to help or guide you in the right direction.
I also make it a point to be kind to cast members, especially now during these times! They often deal with frustrated guests or people who don’t want to listen to the rules, but they still work hard to make magical moments happen every day! So, I’m sure they really appreciate when guests follow guidelines and are overall just a little kind, which is what I try to do.
