Tips for Exploring Disney World During the Pandemic

The moment has arrived for you to consider a visit to the Mouse House, and honestly, there's no better time to plan. Disney World has always offered an incredible escape from reality, with its whimsical ice cream treats, towering faux mountains, and charming diners where waitstaff humorously remind you to keep your elbows off the table. After a year of stasis, the park now offers something fresh (besides the delicious Neapolitan pizza that isn’t from a delivery box).

The Most Magical Place on Earth has adjusted nearly all its operations to ensure guest safety across its four theme parks — Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Epcot, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, collectively known as Walt Disney World Resort — reopening in July 2020 after an unprecedented 117-day closure. Since then, it has hit its stride, providing families with the chance to encounter Star Wars characters and Disney classics in real life after a year of watching from their screens.

New safety measures are implemented throughout the resort, following a streamlined set of CDC guidelines: contactless payments, numerous hand-sanitizing stations, and reduced touchpoints. You'll notice plexiglass barriers on rides and in queues, along with an expansion of Disney’s already stringent cleaning practices in the parks, restaurants, and throughout the resort. (Before the pandemic, the janitorial staff was famous for their spotless white uniforms, so cleanliness has always been a priority.)

However, you won't find selfies with princesses, masked-up hugs from Pixar characters, or sparklers in Mickey Mouse's hands. Disney has temporarily paused close-up character experiences and nighttime shows like Happily Ever After and Fantasmic! While these will eventually return, the timeline is still uncertain. Additionally, FastPass+, the free system that allowed guests to reserve ride spots for a smooth experience on attractions like Splash Mountain, remains on hold, with queues now operating on a first-come, first-served basis for the first time since the late '90s — bringing a level of spontaneity to the parks that hasn’t been seen in years.

Planning a trip to Walt Disney World used to demand meticulous organization — think restaurant reservations made six months ahead and tightly scheduled itineraries — but now, the landscape is more fluid, offering a rare opportunity for a more spontaneous visit, as if you're truly on vacation. This shift means that rules are frequently changing, so be sure to check Disney’s website and download the My Disney Experience app before your visit. (Trust me, you’ll want it handy rather than scrambling to set it up while your kids are clamoring for a mobile order of Dole Whip.)

While some hotels, restaurants, attractions, and experiences remain unavailable, Walt Disney World Resort continues to deliver magic. Cinderella is still waving to her young fans, Space Mountain rockets you into the cosmos, and warm, Mickey-shaped waffles are served with a smile. The cast members — the unwavering backbone of this operation — work tirelessly to sprinkle that classic fairy dust, even while wearing masks and shields. The essence of Disney’s theme parks endures, even if the experience looks a bit different.

Capacity limits are in place for transportation, attractions, and within the parks themselves, but you'll still encounter fellow guests, occasionally less than six feet apart, especially at Disney’s enhanced shopping district, Disney Springs. Nevertheless, you'll find distance markers in every queue, and staff diligently ensure mask compliance.

Exploring the Parks

Face coverings must adhere to guidelines (no valves or gaiters) and are required for guests ages 2 and older at all times, except while eating, drinking, or posing for outdoor photos.

Due to COVID-related capacity limits, you’ll need both an admission ticket and a theme park reservation to enter Walt Disney World theme parks. Both are mandatory for everyone aged 3 and up and can be booked in advance online. Park reservation availability is limited based on each individual park and is structured in three tiers — ticket holders, Disney Hotel guests, and annual pass holders — so make sure to secure your reservation as soon as you buy tickets. (Just a heads up: The reservations are free.)

If you wish to go from Magic Kingdom to Animal Kingdom in a single day — a practice called “park hopping” — you can start doing so at 2 p.m. each day. Park Hopper admission is needed (this involves an extra fee), and capacity limits still apply, so call (407) 560-5000 to check availability.

With FastPass+ currently on hold, all rides now operate with standby lines, reminiscent of theme parks from the past, allowing for a more spontaneous visit, which could have previously derailed a Disney trip. The sole exception is Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This highly sought-after attraction requires a separate “boarding pass,” released daily at 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. through the My Disney Experience app. (They go fast, so be sure to learn how to secure them; admission and park reservations for Disney’s Hollywood Studios are also necessary. It’s a hassle, but definitely worth it.)

Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park requires separate ticketed admission and does not mandate a park reservation. Masks are not necessary while enjoying the water or on waterslides, nor while walking to or waiting in line for waterslides, or when lounging in distanced chairs — a policy that amusingly fits with the park’s whimsical, snow-covered theme.

Staying on Property

Numerous hotels can be found throughout the Orlando area. Disney-operated hotels, along with select other accommodations, offer a range of desirable perks, which have been reduced during the pandemic but still include enhanced access to the parks, especially concerning theme park reservations.

Walt Disney World’s Extra Magic Hour program, which provided hotel guests with extra time in the parks, was halted when the parks reopened. Its successor, Early Theme Park Entry, will offer 30-minute early access to any of Disney’s theme parks, available seven days a week when it launches later this year. (Park reservations are also required.) Additionally, the complimentary Disney’s Magical Express airport bus service is perfect for families looking to ease their travel, though it will end operations on January 1, 2022; local transportation company Mears will begin offering its own paid service starting then.

Nevertheless, Disney’s hotels remain favorites among fans for their immersive themes, featuring larger-than-life statues, princess-themed rooms, and even a monorail running through the center — one of many reliable transportation options available throughout Walt Disney World Resort, including buses, boats, and gondolas.

Attractions to Experience

Most rides at Walt Disney World theme parks are operational, complete with distance markers, partitions, and regular cleanings throughout the day. While capacity is managed, some attractions, such as Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run, may have mixed parties, so be aware of this.

Although many indoor stage shows are currently not in performance, the Festival of the Lion King will return in a modified format during summer 2021. (As of this writing, all nighttime shows and fireworks presentations remain suspended.)

While you can't hug Mickey Mouse on your visit, you can certainly spot him in all four parks. Throughout the day, you’ll see princesses, Pixar characters, and the mouse himself in cavalcades at Epcot’s World Showcase, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom, and along the riverfront in Animal Kingdom, where Pocahontas, Minnie Mouse, and others wave from boats. Instead of personal meet-and-greets, characters like Winnie the Pooh and Chip ’n’ Dale now make distant appearances, but don't worry — their theatrical antics performed from behind fences or partitions are delightful to observe. Disney PhotoPass photographers are available to capture professional family photos, and while masks can be removed for outdoor pictures, they must remain on for all other situations, including on-ride photos. (Take off your mask on Expedition Everest, and you might miss that thrilling snapshot.)

Dining at Disney

Mobile ordering is strongly encouraged across the property and has been expanded since the reopening of Disney World. The best strategy is to place orders in advance, especially for meals later in the day, as hotels can get quite busy at dinner, leading to long waits. Don’t forget to satisfy your Mickey bar cravings from the walkway, as guests must enjoy snacks while stationary and away from others.

Table service dining reservations can be made up to 60 days in advance and should be secured ASAP. Walt Disney World Resort is currently offering both indoor and outdoor dining, so arrive early if you prefer outdoor seating. Character dining is available at select parks and resort hotels, and instead of table-side greetings, Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, and others will interact from a distance with seated guests.

Some popular choices include ’50s Prime Time Café, Jungle Cruise Skipper Canteen, and Tiffins. At Disney Springs, the open-to-the-public “downtown” area, Wine Bar George and Morimoto Asia are among the top spots. For quick bites, don’t miss the cheeseburger pods and protein bowls at Animal Kingdom’s Satu’li Canteen, or the Portuguese sausage Ronto Wraps and other offerings at Docking Bay 7 in the new Star Wars-themed Galaxy’s Edge at Disney Hollywood Studios. If you’re heading to Epcot for bratwurst and beers, keep in mind that some restaurants traditionally operated by international employees through Disney’s Cultural Exchange Program are currently being managed by regular Epcot staff until the program resumes.

Exciting Disney Events in 2021

The Taste of Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, a modified version of the seasonal celebration, features outdoor food stalls, live performances, and vibrant topiaries at Epcot’s World Showcase until July 5, 2021. The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is scheduled from July 15 to November 20, while dates for the park’s Festival of the Holidays and Festival of the Arts will be revealed later this year. (Disney has yet to confirm whether seasonal ticketed events like Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will take place in 2021.)

Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary will be the highlight of the year, launching an 18-month celebration starting October 1, 2021. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, a charming ride that gives guests a rat's perspective of the restaurant from Pixar’s Ratatouille, will open as part of the festivities. Additional attractions, including a cutting-edge TRON roller coaster and an indoor Guardians of the Galaxy-themed coaster, are set to debut at an unspecified future date, and Epcot’s new nighttime spectacular, Harmonious, is also expected to premiere in late 2021.

Important Points to Remember

Make all bookings as early as you can, particularly for park access and dining reservations. If you need guidance on where to dine, check out our list of must-try dishes at Walt Disney World.

Choose a sturdy mask. It should not only meet Disney's requirements but also be comfortable enough to wear for hours under the Florida sun. (And don’t forget to bring extra masks to swap out during the day.)

Stay updated with Disney news. Although it's easier than ever to visit the Mouse House without a rigid itinerary, circumstances are shifting weekly. Make sure to check Walt Disney World’s website for the latest procedures and availability, and stay informed by following the Disney Food Blog. For essential updates (and some hot takes!), follow me @CarlyeWisel on Twitter and Instagram to keep up with everything happening in the parks.

Get the My Disney Experience app. With Walt Disney World focusing heavily on mobile ordering, it’s wise to set up the app in advance to ensure you can conveniently order food while on-site.

Carlye Wisel is a theme park journalist and expert, known for sharing insights on topics like the creation of Butterbeer and Disney’s secret food lab through her podcast, Very Amusing With Carlye Wisel.