Disney theme parks have now reopened following lockdown, but with some new procedures and rules in place. We talk you through what you need to do now to enjoy some Disney magic.
The main difference you’ll notice at the Disney parks is the lack of the usual crowds. Disney has put in place some strict social distancing measures that limit the number of guests.
Regulations affect:
- the total number of theme parks guests,
- the number of guests on particular rides or attractions at any one time,
- the number of guests allowed within individual shops and restaurants at any one time.
Following the lockdown, attendance figures were right down, but they are now starting to pick up again.
How is Disney managing attendance at its parks?
Disney World has introduced a new scheme to help it manage the attendance at the different Disney parks. From now until January 14, 2022 you will need to use the new system if you wish to visit a Disney park.
Essentially, Disney has introduced a new park reservation system in order to manage park attendance. This requires you to not only have park tickets but also make a reservation for the day on which you wish to visit the park as well.
The new regime affects everyone. Whether you have Disney Resort Hotel reservations, whether you are an annual passholder or whether you have purchased theme park tickets, you will need to make a reservation using the new system.
How does the new Disney park reservation system work?
It’s really simple to use the new system. You simply purchase your park tickets, then when you have your valid admission details use the new Disney Park Pass System to reserve your spot on the day of your choosing.
There are a few other things you need to know:
- Disney has cancelled all existing FastPass+ reservations until the end of this year.
- You can only attend one park per day. Park hopping won’t be possible under the new system.
- If you have a multi-day ticket, you must make a separate reservation for each day you wish to attend.
- Annual passholders will be allowed three park passes at any one time. This will work on a rolling basis, so as soon as you make one visit, you can book a new third slot.
What do I need to do if I want to visit a Disney park?
If you wish to attend a Disney park, these are the steps you’ll need to follow:
- Book your tickets in the normal way, remembering that the possibility to park hop has been temporarily suspended.
- Download the My Disney app, register for an account and then link your park admission. Create your friends and family list for your travel party and assign tickets to your fellow guests. More details here.
- Check Disney Park Pass availability
- Choose the date and theme park you’d like to visit.
- You should then be able to view your park passes in MyPlans in the My Disney Experience app.
We recommend that you reserve your Park Passes as soon as you get your tickets, so you have the widest possible selection of dates available to you. You don’t want to leave it so late that the parks have reached capacity for the days you wish to visit.
Before you visit the Disney park, review the new park safety rules so you can be COVID-19 secure and help to protect yourself, your friends, your family and the other theme park guests. The rules focus on physical distancing, enhanced cleaning and reduced contact. All guests over the age of two will be expected to wear a mask and park staff will be wearing masks too. Read the new rules in full here.
Ready to book?
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