Disney will begin reducing physical distancing to 3ft over the next few weeks at Walt Disney World

Posted: Wednesday May 12, 2021 11:30am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Disney will soon begin the process of reducing physical distancing at the Walt Disney World Resort following updated guidance from Orange County.

Health and Safety signage for COVID-19 at Disney's Animal Kingdom

On April 29 2021, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings signed an order to reduce the physical distancing requirement from 6ft to 3ft in all settings, both indoors and outdoors. Disney did not make immediate changes following the announcement, but has now started to notify Cast Members that the process will take place over the next few weeks.

Physical distancing markers can be found all over Disney World theme parks

The reduction from 6ft to 3ft will take place in certain areas at the parks, resort hotels and Disney Springs, but won't apply to dining areas, shopping or any area where guests can remove masks. Cars may also be directed to resume parking in every space.

6ft of distancing will remain at Disney World's stores

The company has also updated its website with the following description of its physical distancing policy:

"Temporary adjustments are still in place to promote physical distancing. While we will reduce physical distancing measures for Guests across many areas with a gradual, phased approach, six-feet distancing measures will continue in all dining locations, merchandise stores and in areas where Guests can temporarily remove their masks."

6ft spacing currently at the Magic Kingdom entrance

Disney is currently making a number of small steps to return Disney World to a more normal state of operations. So far we have seen mask usage relaxed for guests taking photos, the removal of a face shield requirement for Cast Members outdoors, and temperature checks being phased out this week for both guests and Cast Members. Most recently, the process has begun to once again cover the trash can openings that have remained locked open for the last year to reduce guest contact with surfaces.

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MarvelCharacterNerdJun 29, 2021

I know this thread is referring to WDW, but at DL the trams aren't running either. Per my phone, it was 1.3 miles of walking to get from my car to the front gate of the parks at DL. So if you include there and back again, that's 2 1/2 miles. Which is 2 1/2 miles more of the park that could be enjoyed that didn't need to be walked to and from the parking structure, no matter how good your physical condition may be. The trams are needed.

disneygeek90Jun 28, 2021

I mean... I understand the sentiment but you're going to a theme park that requires lots of walking. If someone is physically unable to walk to the front of the park before needing to rent a wheel chair, they should probably have that handled before arriving at the park.

Baloo62Jun 28, 2021

Oh, I don't know, maybe for the elderly...young children...those with mobility issues. But yeah, screw 'em for a few extra bucks of profit. You're really walking the walk with that inclusion key there, Disney.