It's called the most magical place on Earth, and in general, the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida is a very safe place. However, due to the current health crisis, many people are asking: “Is Disney World still safe to visit?” So before you bring the family to Cinderella's castle to meet Mickey Mouse and the gang, here's what you need to know: Prepare to plan ahead All Disney World parks are now using a theme park reservation system, which means no more last minute trips. In order to allow guests the opportunity to enjoy the magic while keeping a safe distance from each other, the Walt Disney World Theme Parks are running at limited capacity with much lower attendance than usual. The number of guests in the parks each day needs to be limited. Keeping a low capacity will help protect the safety of both guests and Cast Members. It's important to note that a Disney Park reservation does not replace theme park admission, both are required. Disney has confirmed this: “To enter a park, both a park reservation and valid admission for the same park on the same date is required.” Here are some other things you'll need to do before you can get a Disney Park Pass: You'll need a My Disney Experience account, as this is where your Walt Disney World Resort plans are stored and managed. Link your valid theme park ticket or Annual Pass to your My Disney Experience account. All reservations must be acquired prior to going to the theme park. You can't show up to the park entrance and get a reservation. Don't forget to download the My Disney Experience app – an essential tool to make the most of the Disney magic!Do I have to wear a mask? Yes. Disney has made it abundantly clear that guests entering the Disney theme parks will be required to wear a mask and keep it on. There will be some temporary relief zones and exceptions while actively dining and drinking, but otherwise you'll need to wear a mask. Luckily there are many fun and colorful mask options that are Disney themed and featuring popular characters. Just make sure the masks are comfortable and breathable in the Florida climate. What will happen at the park entrances? Temperature checks, facemask checks, and distancing reminders will be strictly enforced at the time of entry. Can I travel with a party of 5 or more? With social distancing measures in place, traveling parties can/should stick together and keep an appropriate distance from other parties. While there's nothing inherently wrong with visiting WDW with a dozen family members, having a large group will make it difficult to keep away from others. Additionally, there may be limits on the number of people that can be seated together at a restaurant table, as well as limits on how many people can get reservations together for meals or attractions. A large group is almost always more difficult to manage, but even more so now. What are the restrictions when traveling from other states? If you're coming to Florida from the New York area, do your homework just prior to arrival. Quarantine measures are always subject to change. It might even happen that Florida institutes a mandatory quarantine for visitors from other states with virulent COVID outbreaks. These issues are compounded if you're an international visitor. Other countries might institute prohibitions on travel to and from the United States. The moral of the story is that you should be as up to date as possible with legal issues related to travel during the pandemic. Will my favorite attractions be available? Changes are occurring weekly and will be communicated at the park entrance or on the park website – check on day of visit. Fireworks, parades, and character greetings, however are confirmed to be suspended until further notice. Will my favorite restaurants be available? As with attractions, some WDW visitors have strong feelings about their favorite restaurants. Not all dining establishments are going to be open. Is the Disney Dining Plan still available? The Disney Dining Plan is temporarily not available. Is a Park Hopper ticket still available? During the initial phase of reopening, it is likely guests will only be allowed to visit one theme park per day. Disney World is ready for you to “Be Their Guest.” And with a successful summer of introducing new safety and wellness protocols now behind us, Disney's Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom are all OPEN this fall and are delivering magical experiences like no other. So forget about your worries and your strife, and rediscover the magic here in Orlando. Ready for a visit to a Disney theme park? View current seasonal offers at Summer Bay Orlando located just 10 minutes from Disney theme parks and offering complimentary roundtrip transportation - book your Orlando vacation today! View Seasonal Offers
