Walt Disney World Resort has always been known for its commitment to guest experience, including ensuring a clean and safe environment. But the Central Florida Disney park’s sanitation and safety policies were put to the test in the summer of 2020 when they reopened amid the historic COVID-19 pandemic.
While many health and safety measures have evolved over the last five years, some guests feel safer at Disney parks than at their favorite grocery store. Here’s how Disney remains a leader in maintaining a safe and enjoyable vacation experience.
Commitment to Cleanliness
Disney has always upheld high cleanliness standards and maintained a dedication to sanitization, even in the years since the COVID-19 pandemic was at its worst. Frequent sanitization of high-touch surfaces, such as ride vehicles, handrails, and tables, remains a priority.
Disney Resort hotel rooms receive deep cleaning between guest stays, ensuring a fresh and welcoming environment. Increased access to hand sanitizing stations at major locations throughout the Disney parks and resorts helps guests maintain good hygiene.
While grocery stores and other public spaces have cleaning procedures, Disney’s commitment to maintaining a pristine environment ensures a high level of safety for guests. Many families even use clean Disney trash cans at tables during high-traffic events like the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival!
Guest Comfort and Crowd Management
To enhance the overall guest experience, Walt Disney World Resort has implemented several strategies to efficiently manage crowds and foot traffic.
How Disney Enhances Guest Comfort:
Park Reservations: The Disney Park Pass system helps distribute park attendance, reducing peak-day overcrowding.
Lightning Lane Service: Replacing the former FastPass+ system, Lightning Lane allows guests to select return times for select attractions, reducing congestion in standby queues. Unfortunately, unlike its predecessor, this skip-the-line offering isn’t free.
Traffic Flow Management: While one-way pathways are no longer in place, Disney utilizes clear signage and cast members to help maintain smooth guest movement, especially during crowded events like fireworks and parades.
Face masks: While masks are no longer required, Walt Disney World Resort has added an exception to its dress code rule against costume masks for adult guests. All guests and Disney cast members are welcome to wear medical masks for their comfort and safety.
These crowd control efforts create a more enjoyable and less stressful experience than other public spaces, where foot traffic can feel chaotic.
Dining & Shopping Convenience
Walt Disney World Resort has adapted its dining and shopping experiences to enhance convenience and efficiency.
Mobile Ordering: Many Quick Service restaurants allow guests to order food in advance via the My Disney Experience app, reducing wait times and close contact with Disney cast members.
Contactless Payment: Mobile payments and MagicBand technology make transactions seamless.
These enhancements ensure that guests enjoy meals and shopping with minimal disruption to their vacation experience.
Attraction and Entertainment Enhancements
Disney remains committed to updating and improving attractions and entertainment while keeping safety and guest experience at the forefront.
Recent and Upcoming Updates:
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is currently closed for a year-long refurbishment at Magic Kingdom Park, ensuring the safety of the decades-old roller coaster while adding a bit of “new magic.”
Connections Eatery has added a ton of new Quick Service seating at EPCOT.
Enhanced Security Methods
Walt Disney World Resort stays up-to-date on the latest security technology to make the screening process safe and efficient.
No more bag checks: Enhanced metal detectors make bag checks a thing of the past at Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. Simply walk through and only stop for additional screening if a Disney security cast member instructs you to do so!
A Magical and Safe Vacation Experience
While specific health and safety measures have evolved over the past five years, guest well-being remains a top priority at Walt Disney World Resort. Enhanced cleaning, efficient crowd management, improved dining and shopping experiences, and continuous attraction updates all contribute to a seamless and memorable vacation at The Most Magical Place on Earth.
Do you feel safer at Walt Disney World Resort or your local grocery store? Share your opinion with Disney Dining in the comments!
