Covid and Disney World

COVID-19 had a significant impact on Disney World parks, causing widespread closures, layoffs, and economic losses. The pandemic led to the closure of all six Disney resorts worldwide, including Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, and Disney Parks in Asia ¹.

Economic Impact

The closures resulted in substantial financial losses for Disney. The company’s stock fell 28% on April 20, 2020, and it was forced to lay off 28,000 employees in the United States due to the pandemic’s impact on its parks, resorts, cruise line, and retail store business ¹.

Park Closures and Reopenings

Walt Disney World Resort closed on March 15, 2020, and remained shut until July 11, 2020, when Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom reopened. Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios followed on July 15, 2020 ¹.

Safety Measures and New Normal

When the parks reopened, Disney implemented various safety measures, including temperature checks, social distancing, and face mask requirements. The company also introduced new technologies, such as virtual queues and mobile ordering, to reduce physical interactions and promote a safer environment ¹.

Overall, the COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on Disney World parks, affecting not only their operations but also the guest experience. However, Disney’s efforts to adapt to the new reality and prioritize guest safety have helped the parks recover and continue to thrive.

Safety Measures in the Parks Today

Disney World has largely lifted its COVID-19 safety measures, but some precautions remain in place. The park’s website has a “Know Before You Go” page that outlines the current health and safety guidelines ¹.

While Disney no longer requires masks, social distancing, or temperature checks, guests are still encouraged to follow CDC guidelines and take personal responsibility for their health.

Current Precautions:

• Enhanced Cleaning: Disney continues to maintain high cleaning standards, with frequent sanitizing of high-touch areas and attractions.
• Health Precautions: Guests are advised to stay home if they’re feeling unwell, and to follow proper hygiene practices, such as washing hands regularly.
• Quad-Demic Precautions: Due to the potential impact of concurrent outbreaks of influenza, COVID-19, RSV, and norovirus, guests are urged to take extra precautions to protect themselves and others ².

It’s essential to check the official Disney World website for the most up-to-date information on health and safety measures before planning your visit

Will Disney World Return to Normal?

While Disney World has largely returned to normal, some changes implemented during the pandemic are likely to remain in place. Here are a few ways Disney World might be forever changed:

• Virtual Queues and Mobile Ordering: Disney introduced virtual queues and mobile ordering to reduce physical interactions and promote social distancing. These features have been well-received and are likely to remain, making it easier for guests to plan their day and minimize wait times.
• Contactless Payments and Transactions: Disney has expanded its contactless payment options, allowing guests to use their mobile devices or credit cards to make purchases. This trend is likely to continue, reducing the need for physical transactions.
• Enhanced Cleaning and Sanitization: Disney has implemented more rigorous cleaning and sanitization protocols, which will likely remain in place to ensure a clean and healthy environment for guests.
• Capacity Management: Disney has developed more sophisticated capacity management systems to manage crowd levels and reduce congestion. These systems might continue to be used to optimize the guest experience.
• Technology Integration: The pandemic accelerated Disney’s adoption of technology, such as the My Disney Experience app, which provides guests with real-time information and personalized experiences. Expect further integration of technology to enhance the Disney experience.

However, some aspects of the Disney experience will likely return to their pre-pandemic state:

• Character Meet and Greets: Disney has already restored many character meet and greets, and it’s likely that these interactions will continue to be a core part of the Disney experience.
• Parades and Live Shows: Many parades and live shows have returned, and it’s expected that these events will continue to be an integral part of the Disney experience.
• Fireworks and Nighttime Spectaculars: Disney has resumed its nighttime spectaculars, including fireworks displays, which are likely to remain a staple of the Disney experience.

Ultimately, while some changes are here to stay, Disney World will likely continue to evolve, incorporating new technologies, experiences, and safety measures to ensure a magical and memorable experience for all guests.