What You Can Learn From Disney’s crowd levels: Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom

Hey everyone! My July 2020 Disney vacation has come to a close, and although I am sad about leaving, I am happy to share so much new information with you. I was able to visit all 4 parks at least one day so I am able to answer any questions you guys have. Here I am discussing wait times and crowd experiences throughout each park.

Animal Kingdom Annual Pass Preview Day 7/10: This was a big day for us. The Park was open from 8am-6pm. We arrived at 9am because it rained in the morning. We avoided standing outside for 45 minutes in the pouring rain. It took us maybe 30 seconds to get in. No line at the temperature screening or security area. To scan into the park, you only have to scan your magic band. No finger prints, which saves time. For the most part, the Park was empty. Everyone seemed to be flocking towards Pandora, which meant shorter lines throughout. We rode every ride at least twice, except Kilimanjaro Safari, which we rode once. Expedition Everest we rode three times and Kali River Rapids we rode twice. Dinosaur we rode three times as well and each Pandora ride twice. Everything was a 5-15 minute wait. The longest we stood in line was about 20 minutes for Expedition Everest and that was because they were cleaning. Overall it was a very enjoyable experience. We were able to see and do everything we wanted with plenty of time to spare, including eating and taking some well needed breaks.

Magic Kingdom Opening Day 7/11: Disney fans all around the country were waiting for this day. I am very lucky I was able to be there. We arrived at 9am. We decided to take the ferry boat over, as the line for the monorail looked long. We didn’t wait long for the ferry. Lots of other families but we were still able to socially distance. They had green dots on the floors that we stood on to make sure we stayed 6ft apart. We scanned into Magic Kingdom just after the park opened. No lines to scan in and no lines for security. It was very efficient. I wish it could be like that all the time! First thing we rode, was Space Mountain with a 15 minute wait. Best feeling ever! By the end of the day, we rode everything we wanted to get done, except Big Thunder Mountain. Within 10 hours, we managed to ride Space Mountain, Buzz Lightyear, Carousel of Progress, Little Mermaid, Winnie the Pooh, 7D Mine Train, Small World, Peter Pan, Haunted Mansion, Pirates, Jungle Cruise, Tiki Room, Country Bear Jamboree and Splash Mountain. We have never been able to get through that many rides in what little time we had. The longest wait time was Splash and Small World. Each was about half an hour wait because of cleaning procedures. Everything else was about a 10-15 minute wait.

Overall, it was the best and worst trip to Disney. Lines were short, plenty of things available, space to move around, it was wonderful. Coming back from the parks and having time to swim and eat was amazing. Usually I don’t get much sleep as Disney, but I woke up feeling well rested and ready to go! The downside, wearing a mask all day in that heat made me want to pass out a few times. Just be sure to take a break every so often. Stay safe everyone!

Quick Guide: Disney Resort Hotel Restaurants To Reopen

Hello Disney community. I have some more information regarding the reopening of Walt Disney World. I am not sure yet what dining reservations will be open for the parks, but I do have a list of Resort Hotel restaurants that have been recalling it’s cast members. I have found this information from the Local 737 Facebook page. Local 737 is a union that represents cast members in Walt Disney World Food and Beverage as well as Housekeeping.

The list of restaurants includes:

  1. Animal Kingdom Lodge: Sanaa and Lounge
  2. Animal Kingdom Lodge Mara
  3. Animal KIngdon: The Maji (No Bar)
  4. Boardwalk: Trattoria Al Forno
  5. Boardwalk: Pizza Window
  6. Boardwalk: BW Bakery
  7. Contemporary: The Wave and Lounge (A La Carte Only)
  8. Contemporary: Contempo Cafe
  9. Disney Springs: Deluxe Burger
  10. Disney Springs: Outdoor Vending
  11. Disney Springs: Patisserie
  12. Ft. Wilderness: P&J’s Takeout
  13. Ft. Wilderness: Meadows Snack Bar
  14. Grand Floridian: Grand Floridian Cafe
  15. Grand Floridian: Gasperilla
  16. Old Key West: Olivia’s
  17. Old Key West: Goods To Go
  18. Polynesian: Kona Cafe
  19. Polynesian: Captain Cook’s
  20. Polynesian: Pineapple Lanai
  21. Riviera Resort: Topolino’s and Bar
  22. Riviera Resort: Primo Piatto
  23. Riviera Resort: Le Petit Caffe
  24. Saratoga Springs: Artist Palette
  25. Saratoga Springs: Paddock
  26. Wilderness Lodge: Whispering Canyon
  27. Wilderness Lodge: Roaring Fork
  28. Yacht and Beach: Beaches and Cream
  29. Yacht and Beach: Beach Club Marketplace

Ultimate Guide: Disney is Reopening

This is the part Disney fans all over the world have been waiting to hear. I am sure you all know that Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida will be back in business July 11th. With that being said, only Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom will be reopening on July 11th. Hollywood Studios and EPCOT will soon be following on July 15th. A few weeks ago, Disney Springs reopened to third party shops, while the Disney portions of the area were still closed. Recently World of Disney opened it’s doors to the public and will begin a phase of reopening other stores throughout the United States.

With all this being said, Disney will have to take extra precautions to make sure it’s employees and guests are safe. It looks as of right now that parades and nighttime spectaculars will return at a later date. Makeover opportunities, characters meetups, and any playground sets will also be unavailable. It is possible that characters could still be walking around the parks, but personal photos might not be a good idea.

Because of COVID-19 restrictions, the parks capacity will have to be limited. The magic Kingdom can support over 90,000 guests per day. Not sure what the limit will be, but I imagine around 30,000 guests per park. This will let those who already have reservations to stay on property have access to the parks. To maintain the park limits, Disney will be monitoring guest attendance through a new theme park reservation system. This will require all guests to make a reservation before hand. Disney is putting a halt on new ticket sales and letting annual pass holders and DVC members go first into making these reservations. If you already have a reservation, like I do, your trip should be safe. After a certain time period, those who live in the Orlando area who usually go out for day trips, will be able to buy tickets. I will warn you, I expect these tickets to be sold out by that time. When Disney has been closed for 3 months, you get a little crazy.

If you happen to make it into the parks the first few days of opening, there will be many health and safety regulations. cast members and guests above the age of three will be required to wear a mask in common areas of the parks and hotels. Upon entering the parks, all guests must undergo a temperature check. This also includes employees. Cashless transactions are recommended and are much easier when you have a magic band. In addition, cleaning and disinfection procedures will be increased throughout the parks.

This is just the start of the health and safety precautions Disney is making to ensure all guests are safe and can enjoy the parks. These policies are subject to change and I will update you once I have the information. I know we are all very eager to once again be welcomed home and to see that glowing castle at the end of Main Street USA. Don’t worry, we will be there soon enough.