Disney World Releases Huge Experiences Update

Before you return to the world of magic, check out these huge experience updates Disney World released in preparation for a phased reopening.

In case you missed it, you could read our updated article about Disney World’s proposed reopening on July 11th.

Disney World even dedicated a new section about this on their website. 

Here’s what we know…

What the Disney “Experience” Updates Are For

First and foremost, Disney World has emphasized that they made updates based on what the health authorities and appropriate government agencies recommended.

The measures are intended to promote three things:

• Cleanliness
• Physical Distancing
• Reduced Contact

Guests ages 2 and up, as well as Cast Members, must wear face coverings, though dining tables and “relaxation zones” will be exempt from this rule.

Temperature screenings will also be required in some locations.

Guests may have an unfamiliar experience compared to the last time they visited, but Disney World ensures that moments and memories will still be magical.

So, what are these huge updates?

1. Disney World’s New Reservation System

First, they are temporarily putting a pause on new ticket sales and Disney Resort hotel reservations.

Why are they doing this? Because they want to prioritize guests with existing tickets and reservations.

These guests will be allowed to make a theme park reservation before new tickets are sold.

They will resume new sales of the tickets as well as Disney Resort hotel reservations after they’ve accommodated these guests. 

There will also be limited theme park reservations because of the crowd size limitation. 

In short, the reservations will be subject to availability.

The reservation system will be available on DisneyWorld.com, and guests must first make their reservation before they can enter the theme parks. 

According to Disney World, they are already reaching out to these guests and are providing additional information on alternatives, including refunds.

If you were one of the affected guests, you could visit the new “Know Before You Go” hub at DisneyWorld.com/Updates.

There, you’ll find more details if you wish to change your plans.

If, however, you booked through a third-party, you should likely reach out to your ticket seller or travel professional like an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner directly.

2. Updates on Dining and Experiences at Disney World

Another major update is related to the promotion of physical distancing.

Upon reopening, Disney World’s restaurants, offerings, and other experiences (like behind-the-scenes tours) will be limited in capacity.

Other experiences will also stay closed.

Because of limited capacity, Disney World decided to cancel all existing experience bookings and dining reservations. 

That includes Disney dining plans, which were included in the packages.

For them, this was a difficult decision to make. 

Furthermore, Disney World says they will reopen dining and experience bookings with limited numbers when the parks reopen.

They will even shift from a 180-day booking window to a 60-day booking window for dining and experience bookings so that guests can make their plans closer to their visits.

3. Disney World’s FastPass+ and Extra Magic Hours

The COVID-19 pandemic also caused Disney World to suspend the FastPass+ service for now.

They are planning to utilize more queue space to manage guest capacity at the attractions and promote physical distancing.

They will also automatically cancel existing FastPass+ selections. 

We don’t know when FastPass+ will be available again, but Disney World promises to provide future updates on that soon.

Note: Disneyland visitors can go here for a complete guide to MaxPass.

Likewise, Extra Magic Hours will be suspended temporarily upon Disney World reopening.

For more information, check out what Disney’s CEO Bob Chapek has to say.

Summary of Disney World Huge “Experience” Updates

I’ll leave you with four things to remember as you get ready to visit Disney World:

• Reservation – To enter a theme park, you should have a park reservation and valid admission.
• Face Coverings – Don’t forget to bring your own face masks for everyone in your group ages 2+ and up. Wear them at all times except when dining. If you don’t have one yet, here’s where you can buy Disney face masks.
• Modified Experiences – Some experiences and theme parks may be unavailable or modified to limit contact and promote physical distancing.
• My Disney Experience App – This app can help you make the most of your magical experience. 

Don’t forget to save this infographic too!

I, for one, am excited for people to make new memories at Disney World again, but I appreciate the safety measures they have set.

A magical experience awaits us, so let’s keep our heads up!

Stay updated with us for more information about Disney World.