We probably won’t see this sign again for a while… I have heard of several changes that will take place once the Walt Disney World theme parks reopen next week. I heard about these modifications from Cast Members. Since they were not officially announced by Disney, I’m am calling them rumors. All of them make sense to me.
Trams
According to a Cast Member, there will be no trams in the parking lots once the parks reopen. This is not a big deal for me, I never take the tram. I would much rather walk. There is one thing to keep in mind about the parking lots. Since capacity will be way down, the parking lots will not be nearly as full. There is a good chance that you will have a close(ish) spot. If walking that distance is a hardship, ask if you can park in the medical overflow lot. I’m guessing that the medical lot will be an option.
Pictures
We already know that Cast Members will not be allowed to take pictures for you using your phone. This has been confirmed on the Walt Disney World website. One added bit of information is that you will not be allowed to take off your mask for a quick picture. Masks can be removed only if you are eating or drinking, or if you’re in a mask relaxation zone. Disney is not going to give any wiggle room in the mask policy, even for just a few moments.
One suggestion about pictures. Since Cast Members can’t take pictures using your phone, there are ways to get others to take them for you, without anyone touching anything. Pictures can be taken and then texted or sent via AirDrop on iPhone. If you take pictures that way for a stranger, make sure that you delete the pictures and any personal information immediately after sending them.
Mask Relaxation Zones
I don’t know what they are going to be called, but Disney will have zones where you can remove your mask for a little while, as long as you stay away from other parties. The number of people allowed in a zone at one time will be limited. According to the Cast Member, there will be a 30 minute time limit in the zones. There is no word on where the zones will be located within the parks.
Neck Gaiters
Neck gaiters have people confused right now. For those who don’t know what gaiters are, they are a long, tube-like garment that you wear on your neck. They can be pulled over the nose and mouth, and many people are using them as their face coverings. According to the Walt Disney World website:
“All face coverings should:
Fully cover an individual’s nose and mouth and allow the Guest to remain hands-free
Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
Be secured with ties or ear loops
Be made of breathable material, either disposable or reusable”
Most neck gaiters do not fit those guidelines, although you can find some that have ear loops. These guidelines has been on the Walt Disney World website for a while. Neck gaiters have been allowed at Disney Springs, but technically they should not be worn. I’ve heard that gaiters don’t stay over the face very well on rides, so I think that this will be enforced more strictly at the theme parks. If you plan to use a gaiter, make sure that you still have a mask, just in case.
Virtual Queues
Not too long ago I told you about the rumor that there will not be any virtual queues, including for Rise of the Resistance. This still has not been confirmed by Disney, but the Boarding Pass option is now gone from the Rise of the Resistance page on the My Disney Experience App.
Things are going to be different once the parks reopen, and it is going to be a learning process for all. If you visit Walt Disney World during these crazy times, please go out of your way to be nice to the Cast Members. A friendly smile won’t cut it anymore, since your smile will be covered. A quick “I hope you’re having a great day, and thank you for all your hard work” can make someone’s day a little bit brighter.