So much has changed at Disney World due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is hard to keep track of all changes, so we have put together a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know when planning a Disney World vacation in 2021.
Safety Precautions
Disney takes guests and cast members’ safety very seriously. They have implemented the following safety protocols:
- Reduced park capacity (more on that below)
- Temperature screenings
- Face covering required for all guests 2 and up. They must cover mouth and nose.
- Physical distancing measures such as ground markings in the queue areas and physical barriers.
- Enhanced cleaning with extra attention is given to high-traffic areas, including public elevators and escalators, handrails, benches, tables, handles, restrooms, transportation vehicles, and more.
 |
Park Capacity
You have probably heard that Disney operates at reduced park capacity, but what does this actually mean?
While Disney does not publish the official capacity %, it was confirmed on the Investor’s earnings call in November 2020 that capacity is limited to 35%. It is important to know that it is not 35% of the average number of daily visitors pre-COVID. It is 35% of the MAX capacity.
Park Pass Reservations
To enter a park, you must have a park reservation and a valid admission for the same park on the same date.
Before you purchase the theme park tickets, make sure the park(s) you want to visit has availability. You can check it here.
The park we see “sold out” most often is Hollywood Studios, so if this is the park of your choice, make park pass reservations as soon as possible.
You can make that park pass reservation here. You will need to have My Disney Experience account and tickets or annual passes linked to your account to make the reservation. If you need help getting started with My Disney Experience account, see our guide here. Or you can always book your trip with us and we will take care of all reservations for you. As a reminder, our Disney travel planning services are always free!
Park Hopping
Starting the beginning of 2021, the park hopping is back but it is not as easy as pre-pandemic. Park hopping hours start at 2 pm each day and end at the park’s scheduled close time.
Fireworks & Nighttime Shows
To avoid crowds gathering Disney has temporarily canceled all fireworks and other nighttime shows.Rumor has it HarmoniUS (a new show replacing Illuminations in Epcot) will premier in time for the resort’s 50th Anniversary.
Parades
Regularly scheduled parades are also canceled. Instead, you can see spontaneous character cavalcade, motorcades, promenades, and flotillas. The times for these experiences are not announced to avoid crowds.
 |
Shows
Most of the stage shows are currently suspended. The only show available as of right now is For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration at Hollywood Studios with Festival of the Lion King at Animal Kingdom returning this summer.
Characters
Up close and personal character meets & greets are replaced with character cavalcades (see Parades above) and socially distant interactions. You can often see characters by the train station at Magic Kingdom or frolicking around at Epcot or repairing space crafts in Galaxy’s Edge and so on. You can interact with them and take pictures from afar.
Rides
First of all, Fast Pass + and Single Rider lines are not available, but you can still use Rider Swap and Disability Access Service (DAS).
All rides are operating, some with slight modifications: most ride pre-shows were eliminated, some shortened.
As for social distancing on the rides, when Disney World first re-opened you would usually get your own ride car or be separated from other parties by several rows/seats. As the parks’ capacity and attendance increased, Disney sought to increase the capacity of the rides as well. They have installed partitions on almost all rides so they could fill as many seats as possible. On the plus side, this leads to shorter wait times, on other hand, unless you get a front row, the view from behind the partition could be not ideal.
 |
Dining
Table Service
Most of the table service restaurants have re-opened. You can make dining reservations 60 days in advance. If you are staying in one of Disney resorts, you can make reservations up to 60 days in advance plus the length of your stay (up to 10 days).
Since restaurants’ capacity is limited, it is highly recommended to make reservations as early as possible. It is very unlikely a restaurant would be able to accept walk-ins. If you would like to enjoy a sit-down meal but have not made advance reservations, you can use My Disney Experience app to check availability and add yourself to the mobile walk-up list of a restaurant.
You can also use the app to check-in for your dining reservation so there’s no need to visit the host stand.
Quick Service
Most quick service locations require you to place a mobile order via My Disney Experience app. You will be able to enter the restaurant’s seating area only when you get a notification that your order is ready.
 |
Character Dining
Some character dining experiences have returned but have been modified to ensure proper physical distancing between characters and guests. The characters won’t stop by your table like before the pandemic but you can still interact with them from afar.
Transportation
In addition to blocking some seats on most modes of transportation, Disney has installed plastic partitions between rows and seats.
Because of the limited number of guests allowed on board, be prepared to wait a bit longer for a bus/boat/monorail with availability during peak hours.
These transportation options are temporarily suspended:
- FriendShip boat service to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot
- The Epcot Monorail
Magical Express, a complimentary bus to/from Orlando airport, is operating, but note it will be discontinued as of 1/1/2022. Resort luggage delivery is not available, so you will need to pick up your luggage before heading to the bus.
 |
Resorts
On Property Resort Perks
One of the best perks of staying on property – Extra Magic Hours – is currently suspended.
Also, the resort guests are no longer receiving a complimentary Magic Band. They can, however, purchase them at discount on My Disney Experience app/site.
Enhanced Cleaning and Housekeeping Modifications
In addition to increased cleaning in high-traffic areas such as public elevators and escalators, handrails, benches, tables, handles, restrooms, and more, the Mousekeeping will thoroughly clean your room prior to your arrival. Special attention will be given to high-touch areas, like TV remotes and door handles.
Instead of full daily housekeeping, your room will receive a light cleaning service every other day. You can also decline every-other-day service.
Amenities
Pools and fitness centers are operating with reduced capacity and may have reduced hours.
Arcades and campfires are not currently available.
Check In & Checkout
You are strongly encouraged to use the online check-in service. This way, you don’t need to stop by the front desk when you arrive. Once your room is ready, you will receive an app notification (and a text message if you opt-in to receive them) with the room number and you can proceed straight to your room. You can open the room with the Magic Band or My Disney Experience app.
On the checkout day, you will be automatically checked out, so no need to stop by the front desk on the checkout day either.
🏰Click here to see our full post on Disney World vacation planning in 2021.
🏰 Join our Facebook group if you want to know when the fireworks, parades, and shows are returning. We try our best to post any theme park-related news as soon as they are announced:
 |
🏰 See the list of current deals on theme park vacations here.
🏰 If you need help planning a magical vacation, click here for free, no-obligation quote.
A common misconception is that using a travel agent is more expensive than booking direct. This is not true. When you are booking with 2-for-1 Around The World Travel, you pay the same price as booking on your own. The difference is you will have a vacation planning expert guide you through the whole, ever-changing process.
We will help you:
- find a perfect resort for your family
- plan a detailed itinerary
- book dining reservations
- arrange transportation
- and much more.
Plus, we know all tips and tricks!
We can be involved as much or as little you prefer: from booking every single reservation on your behalf and creating an itinerary to providing suggestions when needed.
