Over the past year, information has been coming at us very quickly. COVID-related information regarding all aspects of our lives is rapidly changing. Our vacations are no different. There are so many questions and many that we don’t have answers to. I will try to answer as many as I can. Obviously, I will keep an open line of communication to answer any additional questions. Keep in mind this is a very fluid situation and will be adjusted as recommended by health and government authorities. Let’s get started on some of the main points.
Phased Reopening with COVID Related Changes **UPDATED 04/19/2022**
The Walt Disney World Resort has implemented a phased reopening plan. As we move throughout this plan things will be updated according to new guidelines.
COVID Health and Safety Protocols
- Enhanced Protective Measures
- ** UPDATED: Face coverings will be optional for guests throughout Disney property. Masks are recommended for unvaccinated guests.
- Hand washing and sanitizing stations
- Plexiglass at points of sale
- **UPDATED: Physical Distancing
- We will be relaxing physical distancing guidelines for Guests. This will be visible in places like queues, shops, restaurants, attraction boarding, transportation, and our theaters. It’s important to remember that some experiences and entertainment may still be operating with limited capacity or may remain temporarily unavailable.
- Enhanced Cleaning / Sanitation
- **UPDATED Temperature Checks will no longer be required for guests
Park Experiences
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- **UPDATED Festival of Fantasy parade will be returning on March 9th
- “Hight-touch” experiences suspended
- Makeover opportunities
- **UPDATED Character meet and greets have returned with hugs and autographs
- New theme park reservation system will require all Guests to obtain a reservation for park entry in advance.
- FastPass+ services will be suspended and replaced with Disney Genie.
- Extra Magic Hours will be temporarily suspended. See below NEW section.
COVID Related Dining Changes
- Dining Reservations – Dining reservations will now shift to a 60-day booking window.
- Disney Dining Plan temporarily suspended.
NEW
- Early Theme Park Entry: We know how much guests enjoy extra park time, so coming later this year as part of our 50th anniversary celebration, Disney Resort hotel guests and guests of other select hotels will be able to enjoy more fun with 30-minute early entry to ANY theme park, EVERY day. It’ll be a great way to get a jump start on your Disney day, no matter the day! As a reminder, the Extra Magic Hours benefit was suspended when Walt Disney World Resort reopened last summer, and as we continue to manage attendance with health and safety top of mind, Extra Magic Hours will not return. The new early theme park entry benefit helps us better spread visitation across all four theme parks, while providing added flexibility by giving guests extra early park time on each day of their vacation and in the park of their choosing. Please note that guests need valid admission and a park reservation made via the Disney Park Pass system to enter a theme park.
This is a ton of information and is ever-changing. If you have any questions feel free to reach out. If you are booked with a Wish Upon Afar travel professional your agent will continue to be in touch about changes. Would you like information about a future vacation? Contact us today to get started planning. Are you waiting for 2023 packages to be released? Join our VIP waiting list to be among the first to know when new packages are released.
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