How Disney World is Getting Back to Normal in Summer 2021

Multiple announcements from Disney in the last few weeks mean many huge changes are taking place at Disney World. If you’ve been following along on our blog (or elsewhere), than you know that Disney has been very strict with COVID-19 safety protocols during their phased reopening period. As case counts have dropped and vaccination rates have increased, they have been gradually relaxing restrictions. With this new wave of announcements, the parks are almost feeling back to normal this week! Here are 5 ways that Disney World is getting back to normal:

Changes to Mask Policies

The biggest change that has taken effect is the relaxation in the mask policy. Previously, all guests (ages 2+) needed to wear face coverings at all times. Then, it was announced that face coverings would be optional outdoors, but still required while indoors and on attractions. Finally, this week it was announced that face coverings are now optional for fully vaccinated guests in most areas! This new policy took effect June 15. There are still a few requirements in place; all guests need face coverings while on transportation, and unvaccinated guests should still wear a mask indoors. However, as they are not requiring proof and instead using an honor system; effectively masks are no longer required and most people are no longer wearing them. Seeing people in masks has been one of the biggest visual indicators of the pandemic, so this represents a huge change.

Return of Fireworks

Disney announced recently that nightly fireworks performances would resume in the parks this July. Happily Ever After and Epcot Forever will both resume beginning on July 1. This is extremely exciting news for guests that have been eagerly awaiting this announcement. Fireworks are an iconic part of the Disney vacation experience, so we are so glad to see these return!

No Physical Distancing Markers

Over the last few months, Disney has gradually been reducing physical distancing measures. They have also been removing the many floor markers that were put in place to help with distancing. Just a few short months ago, physical distancing was completely in place on rides, in queues and in dining areas. Now, the physical distancing that had been implemented has almost entirely been removed. Ride lines move quicker as they are able to accommodate more guests. Attraction queues now appear more visually normal, rather than long and distanced. Dining and seating areas that no longer have physical distancing means these restaurants and areas can accommodate more guests, too. Along with masks, this is another visual sign of the pandemic that Disney World is getting back to normal!

Increased Capacity

As they reduce requirements, Disney World is also able to have more guests in the parks. When physical distancing required more space per guest, they severely limited the number of guests they allowed in. They have gradually increased over time, but now we are seeing crowds back to almost pre-pandemic levels. While the park pass reservation system is still in place, we were previously seeing many days full to capacity and now we see green squares for most dates! This means Disney World is having more availability and allowing more guests to visit.

Opening More Resort Hotels

While the Disney World resorts won’t be completely back to normal until they are all open, we are excited to see more steps in the right direction! As they increase park capacity, they will also need more hotel rooms. Disney is continuing to reopen more of their resorts this summer. Boardwalk Inn and the Polynesian will reopen this July, followed by Animal Kingdom Lodge in August. A few resorts remain without opening dates (the remaining All Star Resorts and the Port Orleans resorts) but hopefully we’ll be hearing more soon about those ones. We can’t wait to the resort hotels at Disney World getting back to normal, too!

Conclusion – How Disney World is Getting Back to Normal

While it makes us so happy to see so many things return to normal, we also feel a bit of anxiety about it all. It’s okay if you feel that way too! After being through the collective trauma of a pandemic, it’s normal to feel uncomfortable going back to normal so quickly. Just because masks are optional, doesn’t mean you can’t still wear one if it helps you feel safer. Just because they aren’t enforcing physical distancing anymore, doesn’t mean you can’t space wherever possible if it makes you feel more comfortable. Everyone moves at this own pace and we hope that knowing what to expect can help everyone have a great experience at Disney World this summer (and beyond!)

We are so excited that Disney World is getting back to normal this summer and we can’t wait until all the remaining experiences (like character greetings!) are completely back. If you’re visiting Disney World this year, what are you most excited for?

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