Nothing Normal About Walt Disney World…Yet
Forbes breaks down how long the #NewNormal will last at Walt Disney World.
A fresh perspective is always good, so when the national sites tackle what we look at every day, it’s good to pay attention.
Case in point: Forbes’ “Walt Disney World Can Resume “Normal Operations,” But Won’t Yet. Here’s What That Means.”
Disney World: When Does The New Normal Switch To Normal?
After noting Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ recent statements, and Florida’s shift into Phase 3 reopening, Travel writer Julie Tremaine began:
(Kent Phillips, photographer)
Walt Disney World, however, does not intend to return to normal, at least at the moment. “We received the Governor’s executive order and are evaluating it to determine what it may mean for our business,” Disney responded in an official statement. “We are not making any immediate changes. As a reminder, face coverings are still required at Walt Disney World Resort.”
(Matt Stroshane, photographer)
More People In The Parks
However, one thing that does seem to be on the uptick: Attendance.
Noting the increasing lines around the parks, Tramaine concluded:
Walt Disney World doesn’t release its attendance figures, but estimates put the crowds at approximately 50%, up from the around 30% that the parks accepted in the beginning of its reopening… If Disney increases capacity, even to 75%, they’ll need to reintroduce some kind of Fast Pass offering to help mitigate those waits.”
Meanwhile, Tremaine also mentioned:
Photo: Disney
- Reservations are difficult to come by at many restaurants because of limited openings around the property, and capacities in the open restaurants are reduced because tables are blocked off for social distancing.
- Epcot poses a particular problem for dining because most of the cast members who staff the pavilions in the World Showcase are from those respective countries.
- An additional consideration: hotels. Many are currently open and accepting reservations, but some are closed indefinitely.
- [T]here are whispers of change: both Magic Kingdom and Epcot have been testing fireworks after park close.
Of course, Disney Blog is very much on top of any coming updates to the “new normal.”
As you start to plan your fall vacation, check out the following posts:
Disney World Extends Their Weekend Theme Park Hours Through October 12th!
But le’s turn the recorder on you: When will Walt Disney World return to normal? What does “normal in WDW” mean to you? Let us know in the comments.
Boy I am looking forwards for Disney World to get stuff back to normal! Even though we don’t yet have any plans to visit this year, we are really hoping sometime next year we can stop by.
I do have a question about this bullet: “[T]here are whispers of change: both Magic Kingdom and Epcot have been testing fireworks after park close.”
I know your article is referencing the Forbes article, but I’m not sure I’ve heard any report regarding Magic Kingdom testing fireworks? If anything, the last month or so they started testing the Christmas projections that they announced during the holiday evenings.
Don’t get me wrong, if there has been firework testing at MK overnight, that is great news, and I’m absolutely here for it!