Disney wants to make sure you are safe, and that you feel safe, while visiting the theme parks. Disney World has always taken guest safety very seriously. When we visited Disney World in October I was so impressed with all the protocols Disney has set in place.

We had planned an August trip in the beginning of February. Once July came I didn’t feel comfortable traveling with my family. I rescheduled our trip two more times. Finally, after doing a ton of research we set our date in October. I spent a lot of time researching Disney’s response. I started following every Disney Vlogger! Just to clarify, I had no doubt in my mind Disney World would do a phenomenal job. I just wanted to feel safe and comfortable. I did not want to be stressed and I wanted to enjoy a vacation to the fullest. Which we did!

We visited all four parks and they all felt so safe and clean. We were almost always physically distance from other parties during our vacation. The one exception was at Disney Springs. Disney Springs did get a little crowded the evening we visited. We ate outside and made the decision to head back to our resort.

Temperature Screening

Prior to entering the parks and Disney Springs guests temperature are taken. We all know Florida can get extremely hot. If you are running warm they give you an opportunity to cool off in a cooling tent. If they retake your temperature and you are still running a temperature they will ask you to leave.

Evolve Express Scanners

Goodbye long security lines! Disney has recently introduced Evolve Express Scanners. When entering any large-scale event or area, any bag should and must be checked. This plays a valuable role in preventing acts of violence. Evolve can screen 60 people every minute for multiple weapons and potential threats. I must say we moved through security so quickly during our October visit.

Masks

All guests two and up are required to wear a mask. They are to be worn at all times unless swimming or eating. All face coverings must be made with two layers of breathable material, fully cover the nose and mouth, and be secured with ties or loops. Disney does not allow neck gaitors or masks containing valves. It’s doable even in the heat! I did miss those Disney smells. (yes, Disney has specific smells that make it special)

Physical Distancing

Disney is also using a combination of physical distancing and physical barriers to promote healthy interactions. Disney’s current park capacity is set at 35%. They have also enforced using Park Pass Reservation System. Cast Members will remind guests to social distance, along with overhead warnings reminding guests to stay physically distanced.

Plexiglass barriers have been installed in queues, transportation, and rides. Although, most of our vacaton we had the buses almost all to ourselves. It was fantastic! We also rode the Monorail and Skyliner by ourselves.

So Fresh and so CLEAN

Disney has NEVER been cleaner, and it was very clean pre COVID. The amount of custodians wiping high touch areas was incredible. All high touch areas undergo frequent disinfecting procedures including; rides, railings door handles, bathrooms, buttons, counters, benches, tables , and chairs.

I was also impressed with all the hand washing stations and hand sanitizer available throughout the parks. There is hand-sanitizer available before you get on the rides and also when you get off. They were always full too!

My Disney Experience App

Mobile ordering is now a great feature in the My Disney Experience app. You can order your food as you are waiting in line for Splash Mountain! This can then be picked up quickly when you are finished. This is also utilized in your resorts. Order your meal from the pool and the app will notify you when your meal is ready to pick up. I absolutely love this new feature. I think it saves so much time. No long lines!

I truly felt safe during our vacation. So much so we will be returning in the spring. Although, Disney is very different during a pandemic it’s still Disney World! We really missed the character hugs, smells, and night shows. However, Characters still interact with you from afar and they started a low level pyrotechnics with castle projections during the Christmas season. Yay!! Cast Members are also always very friendly and very helpful.

My hope is with continued responsible health measures and enhanced safety procedures, Disney World is able to remain open. I felt very comfortable on our trip. Overall, we really enjoyed the extra space. There were areas of the parks completely empty which we have never seen before.

Children don’t stop growing because a pandemic is occurring, and memories don’t get paused. With all the added safety precautions and given the circumstances, Disney is doing a fantastic job! The magic is still there!