When Will the Magic Return to the Disney Parks?

As Walt Disney World reopened they introduced Health and Safety guidelines. Many have questioned how long face mask, social distancing markers, and park capacity will be in place. Find out how long the Disney CEO believes these protocols may be in place.

Is Disney Still Magical?

Concerns revolve around the mandatory face coverings and the limited Guest experiences available. Add to those concerns the cancellation of parades, fireworks, stage shows, and character meet and greets and many Disney Guests have chosen to cancel their Disney World vacations. 

These concerns are valid, but even though many magical experiences have changed, the Disney Parks have reimagined new ways to keep the Disney magic alive even in the midst of the phased reopening.

I still feel that Walt Disney World is still magical although it is quite different than during past visits. Check out the many ways that Walt Disney World is still magical HERE.

Park Capacity

Initially, the parks were operating at a maximum of 25% capacity. Chapek said that the 25% cap was their initial industrial engineering estimate to maintain 6 feet social distancing. 

During a quarterly financial call last November, Disney CEO, Bob Chapek, shared that they safely increased Park Capacity to 35%.

Park Capacity will be increased based upon the COVID-19 vaccination rate.

Will there be an increase to the Park Capacity? Today during a Q1 earnings call, Chapek stated that park capacity would increase based upon the COVID-19 vaccination rate. Currently, the Disney Parks have not reached capacity with the exception of a few dates around the holidays.

How Long Will Masks Be Required?

Many have questioned how long face masks will be required. Disney CEO Chapek addressed this concern:

“We have no doubt, and when we reopen up in parks that were closed, or increase the capacity, that we’ll have some level of social distancing and mask-wearing for the remainder of this year. That’s our expectation. But, I believe that Dr. Fauci said earlier today that he hopes that there is vaccines for everyone who wants them by April this year. If that happens, that is a game-changer.”

“And that could accelerate our expectations, and give people the confidence that they need to come back to the parks. Will there be overlap until we know that we have herd immunity? Sure there will. But do we believe we’ll be in the same state of 6 foot social distance and mask wearing in 2022? Absolutely not.”

“Do we believe we’ll be in the same state of 6 foot social distancing and mask wearing in 2022? Absolutely not.”

Bob Chapek, Disney CEO

The future of face masks is largely dependent upon the rate of vaccinations. Face masks may still be necessary for the remainder of 2021. Although Chapek states that he doesn’t believe that face masks and social distancing will still be mandatory in 2022.

Do you think that social distancing and face mask protocols may be removed by 2022? What do you think of the current 35% Park Capacity? Does this give you hope to return to the Disney Parks in 2022? Share your thoughts with us on our Facebook Page.