Navigating Walt Disney World with Pandemic Updates

Walt Disney World has always been focused on safety.  As they have sought to navigate the strain from COVID-19, they have erred on the side of caution to help guests and cast members feel safe.Here are a few of the current policies in place:Face coverings are required in most areas in the park for guests who are not fully vaccinated and optional for fully vaccinated guests except when on transportation. Crowd control is managed by the Disney Park Pass reservation system. To enter the park(s) you need a valid reservation and valid admission for the same park on the same date required for guests ages three and up. If you have purchased park hopper passes, start at the park you have a reservation for and you can hop after 2pm. Using the My Disney Experience App was very convenient, and it limited the amount of contact you had with people. It can be used for mobile ordering food, snacks and beverages. You can choose a restaurant, order food, select a pick-up time window, pay through the app then be notified when your order is ready.  This avoids waiting in long lines to pick-up your order and it was seamless. You can also make dining reservations through the app if you would like to sit down for a delicious Disney meal experience.  In addition to making your dining reservations, you can do a mobile check-in to alert the host that you are present, and you can scan QR Codes to access digital restaurant menus and start planning your meal. The app was also great for checking on transportation schedules and wait times, checking on ride wait times and showed which rides were in operation and which ones were not. It is common (especially during the summer) for weather to create temporary changes to operation of certain attractions, so checking your app can avoid walking across the park to learn your next ride is closed. The app also offers a program called Disney MagicMobile where guests can use their phone as a digital key to their room and their park ticket.  However, it can be glitchy still and we recommend you consider another form of access such as a magic band.We still recommend bringing hand sanitizer and wipes in your park bag (as well as poncho).Questions about navigating your stay at Walt Disney World?  Contact your Goofy Getaways Travel Planner to learn more.  Our services are FREE. Post written by Travel Planner Jen (jen@goofygetaways.com)