Everything you need to know about COVID-19 at Disney World before you go.
Like most things in the world right now, Disney World has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Disney World closed from March 15, 2020, to July 11, 2020, due to the coronavirus, and since reopening, has had guidelines in place to ensure guests’ safety.
Disney’s COVID-19 protocols have changed since the July 11 reopening, and are subject to change in the future. But as of January 2024, these are Disney’s COVID-19 protocols that you are required to follow while on Disney World property.
Do You Have To Wear a Mask At Disney World?
Masks are optional outdoors, indoors, and on all Disney transportation. Disney recommends that guests who are not fully vaccinated continue to wear masks while indoors and on transportation.
Masks are not permitted on any waterslides or while guests are in the water.
Do You Have To Be Vaccinated To Go To Disney World?
No, Disney World does not have a vaccine mandate in place, however, they do encourage everyone to get vaccinated.
Do You Have To Provide a Negative COVID Test To Go To Disney World?
No, Disney does not require proof of a negative COVID-19 test. But by entering Disney World, you are guaranteeing that you do not have any COVID-19 symptoms, are not required to quarantine due to close contact with someone with confirmed or suspected COVID-19, or are not under any self-quarantine orders.
If you do contract COVID-19 while in Disney World, you and your party will be required to isolate and may be asked to leave the property.
If you need to reschedule your vacation, you can call Disney's Reservation Center.
Other Disney World COVID-19 Precautions
Disney Park Reservations
As of January 9, 2024, theme park reservations are no longer required for guests with "date-based" tickets, a.k.a. Disney's standard ticket. However, they are still required for groups, Florida residents, military members, and annual passholders. Be sure to check the MyDisneyExperience app to see if you need to make a reservation.
This also means that all-day Park Hopper is back — meaning guests no longer have to wait until 2 p.m. to enter a different park.
New Technology
Since the coronavirus pandemic, Disney has added features to the My Disney Experience app that let you have a more touchless and contact-free vacation. In order to use these functions, make sure you have the most up-to-date version of the My Disney Experience app before you go.
Disney's new mobile ordering service is available at select dining locations across the parks and resorts. The service lets you order food and pay from your phone, then the kitchen is notified when you’ve arrived so they can start preparing your food so it’s the freshest it can be when delivered to your party.
If you have a dining reservation, you can use the app to check your party in at select dining locations. Simply check in from the push notification on the My Disney Experience app or scan the QR code located in the restaurant’s lobby — no need to go to the host stand.
If you don’t have a dining reservation, you can use the new mobile feature to add your party to the walk-up list. Simply check the restaurant availability from the app then add your party to the list, once your table is ready you will be notified and can make your way to the restaurant.
Your MagicBand is already a touchless way to enter your resort room and all Disney parks, but you can also use your phone as a key with the Disney MagicMobile pass on the My Disney Experience app. The MagicMobile pass is available for iPhones, Apple Watch, or Google Pay enabled Android phones.
Disney also recommends you use its Online Check-In Service to check in to your resort room before you arrive. When your room is ready, you’ll get a notification and you can use your MagicBand or phone to get into the room — no need to go to the front desk.
Paused or Modified Experiences
Some of Disney’s park and resort experiences have not yet started back up again.
Disney's Blizzard Beach is now open but will close on March 17 for refurbishments. Typhoon Lagoon is currently closed for refurbishments but will reopen on March 17.
When dining, the following experiences are modified or unavailable:
Dining locations are limited in capacity and some remain closed.
The following special events, tours, and extras are NOT available:
Perfectly Princess Tea Party
Afternoon Tea at the Garden View Tea Room
Disney Early Morning Magic – Fantasyland
Jiko Wine Tasting
Tiffins Talks
When shopping, the following experiences are NOT available:
Package delivery to the front of the theme parks and to resorts is suspended — though you can still have merchandise shipped home.
Cleanliness & Sanitation
Disney is committed to cleanliness on its property, which means guests will have easy access to hand washing facilities and hand sanitizer stations at all parks — you can find all the hand sanitizer locations on the My Disney Experience app, online, or ask a cast member.
Disney also promises to respond quickly to all spills, trash, and other situations as well as enforce heavy sanitation at the end of the day for all restrooms, kitchens, and other facilities.
*All COVID-19 protocols are subject to change.*
Comments