Everything You Need Know About Visiting Disney World in 2021
So much has changed at Disney World due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is hard to keep track of all changes, so we have put together a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know when planning a Disney World vacation in 2021.
Table of Contents
50th Anniversary Celebration
First of all, Walt Disney World will be celebrating its 50th Anniversary starting October 1st.
Here are just a few things you get to experience on October 1st and beyond:
- Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure (Epcot), a new 4D ride.
- Disney Enchantment (Magic Kingdom), a new nighttime spectacular featuring captivating Disney music, enhanced lighting, stunning fireworks and—for the first time—immersive projection effects that extend from Cinderella Castle down Main Street, U.S.A
- Harmonious (Epcot), one of the largest nighttime spectaculars ever created for Disney Parks.
- Disney KiteTails (Animal Kingdom), watch incredible kites and windcatchers dance through the air to the beat of beloved Disney songs.
- Beacons of Magic (all parks), watch the theme park icons light up with wonder as they are transformed into Beacons of Magic, beckoning all to come and celebrate.
Safety Precautions
These safety protocols have been discontinued in the middle of 2021:
- Temperature screenings
- Physical distancing measures such as ground markings in the queue areas and physical barriers.
Face coverings are required for all guests (ages 2 and up) in all indoor locations, regardless of vaccination status. This includes upon entering and throughout all indoor attractions and indoor queues and in Disney buses, monorail, and Disney Skyliner. Face coverings are optional for Guests in outdoor areas.
All face coverings (whether disposable or reusable) should:
- Be made with at least 2 layers of breathable material
- Fully cover the nose and mouth and secure under the chin
- Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
- Be secured with ties or ear loops and allow the Guest to remain hands-free
Park Capacity
You have probably heard that Disney operates at reduced park capacity, but what does this actually mean?
While Disney does not publish the official capacity %, it was confirmed on the Investor’s earnings call in November 2020 that capacity was limited to 35%. However, the parks’ capacity has increased drastically since then. It is rare to see a “sold out” park anymore.
Park Pass Reservations
To enter a park, you must have a park reservation and a valid admission for the same park on the same date.
The number of theme park reservation days you can hold at one time varies based on your plans:
- Disney Resort and other select hotel guests can make park reservations for dates during their stay for the number of days that they have valid theme park admission.
- Annual Passholders staying at Disney Resort hotels or other select hotels can make theme park reservations for each day of their Resort stay(s). In addition, they can make park reservations up to the maximum number their pass can hold at a time on a rolling basis (see Annual Passes below).
- Existing ticket holders can make reservations for the number of days of valid theme park admission.
Before you purchase the theme park tickets, make sure the park(s) you want to visit has availability. You can check it here.
You can make that park pass reservation here. You will need to have My Disney Experience account and tickets or annual passes linked to your account to make the reservation. If you need help getting started with My Disney Experience account, see our guide here. Or you can always book your trip with us and we will take care of all reservations for you. As a reminder, our Disney travel planning services are always free!
Park Hopping
Starting the beginning of 2021, the park hopping is back but it is not as easy as pre-pandemic. Park hopping hours start at 2 pm each day and end at the park’s scheduled close time.
A few important notes:
- You must make a park pass reservation for the first park they plan to visit AND enter that first park prior to visiting another. At this time, a park reservation is not required after the first park.
- The ability to visit another park will be subject to the park’s capacity limitations.
- Park-to-park transportation is now available, with operations beginning each day shortly prior to the start of park hopper hours.
Annual Passes
The new annual passes are once again available for purchase. Their cost, however, went up, and PhotoPass downloads are no longer included.
| Pass | Cost | Restrictions | # of Park Pass Reservations Allowed | Included | Available Add-Ons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pixie Dust Pass | $399 plus tax | Florida residents only; subject to blockout dates including peak and holiday periods | Up to 3 park reservations at a time on a rolling basis if not staying on property. Bonus reservations will be added to the calendar from time to time. | Standard theme park parking and discounts on dining, merchandise. | Water Park and Sports Option: $99 plus tax for the year. PhotoPass Downloads: $99 plus tax for the year. |
| Pirate Pass | $699 plus tax | Florida residents only; subject to blockout dates including peak and holiday periods | Up to 4 park reservations at a time on a rolling basis if not staying on property. Bonus reservations will be added to the calendar from time to time. | Standard theme park parking and discounts on dining, merchandise. | Water Park and Sports Option: $99 plus tax for the year. PhotoPass Downloads: $99 plus tax for the year. |
| Sorcerer Pass | $899 plus tax | Florida residents or Disney Vacation Club Members only; subject to blockout dates including peak and holiday periods | Up to 5 park reservations at a time on a rolling basis if not staying on property. Bonus reservations will be added to the calendar from time to time. | Standard theme park parking and discounts on dining, merchandise. | Water Park and Sports Option: $99 plus tax for the year. PhotoPass Downloads: $99 plus tax for the year. |
| Incredi-Pass | $1,299 plus tax | None | Up to 5 park reservations at a time on a rolling basis if not staying on property. Bonus reservations will be added to the calendar from time to time. | Standard theme park parking and discounts on dining, merchandise. | Water Park and Sports Option: $99 plus tax for the year. PhotoPass Downloads: $99 plus tax for the year. |
Fireworks & Nighttime Shows
A new nighttime show Disney’s Enchantment premiered at Magic Kingdom on October 1.
Epcot Forever was replaced by HarmonioUS on October 1.
The Wonderful World of Animation, a projection show at Hollywood Studios, is back too.
Fantasmic (Hollywood Studios) is returning in 2022.
Parades
Parades have been replaced by shorter character cavalcades. You can see times for some of them in the Disney World app, but some are unannounced.
The Festival of Fantasy (Magic Kingdom) will return in 2022.
Shows
Some of the stage shows are still suspended. The shows that have returned are:
- For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration at Hollywood Studios
- Festival of the Lion King at Animal Kingdom
- Beauty & The Beast Live on Stage at Hollywood Studios
You can also catch these shows/performances:
- The Dapper Dans in Magic Kingdom
- Animal Encounters: Winged Encounters – The Kingdom Takes Flight and Feathered Friends in Flight! at Animal Kingdom
- Live music at America Gardens Theater and on Mill Stage around the EPCOT’s World Showcase Lagoon
A new show, Disney KiteTails, premiered at Animal Kingdom on October 1, 2021.
Check my Disney Experience app for the performance times.
Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular is returning to Hollywood Studios on December 19th.
Finding Nemo Musical is scheduled to return to Animal Kingdom in 2022.
Characters
Up close and personal character meets & greets are replaced with character cavalcades (see Parades above) and socially distant interactions. You can often see characters by the train station at Magic Kingdom or frolicking around at Epcot or repairing space crafts in Galaxy’s Edge and so on. You can interact with them and take pictures from afar.
Some characters came back for more personal interaction in November.
- Disney Princesses will return to Princess Fairytale Hall in Magic Kingdom Park
- Minnie Mouse will meet at Red Carpet Dreams and the stars of Disney Junior will meet at Animation Courtyard at Hollywood Studios
- Mickey Mouse will return to Town Square Theater on Main Street, U.S.A. at Magic Kingdom (he’ll be sporting his all-new EARidescent look designed just for the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary Celebration!)
Rides
All for social distancing markers and partitions have been removed.
Masks are required in indoor queues and rides.
Starting September 23, 2021, the Rise of the Resistance ride at Hollywood Studios is no longer using the virtual line.
A new ride, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, opened on October 1, 2021, in Epcot. In order to experience the attraction, guests are required to join the virtual queue or purchase a Lightning Lane pass (see Genie +). A standby queue is not available as of right now.
FastPass+ /Genie+
Sadly, complimentary FastPass+ is discontinued. It is replaced by paid Genie+ ($15/day per ticket).
With it, you can make one reservation at a time throughout the day at select attractions. You will access these attractions via Lightning Lane (rebranded FastPass lane). Guests can start making reservations via the My Disney Experience mobile app beginning at 7:00 AM on the day of the visit.
Some (most popular) attractions like Space Mountain, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, or Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance require a separate purchase to access Lightning Lane. You don’t need to have Genie+ day pass to purchase these individual passes.
See the list of attractions included in Genie+ and attractions for which you need to purchase an Individual Lightning Lane pass here.
Dining
Table Service
Most of the table service restaurants have re-opened. You can make dining reservations 60 days in advance. If you are staying in one of Disney resorts, you can make reservations up to 60 days in advance plus the length of your stay (up to 10 days).
Since restaurants’ capacity is limited, it is highly recommended to make reservations as early as possible. It is very unlikely a restaurant would be able to accept walk-ins. If you would like to enjoy a sit-down meal but have not made advance reservations, you can use My Disney Experience app to check availability and add yourself to the mobile walk-up list of a restaurant.
You can also use the app to check-in for your dining reservation so there’s no need to visit the host stand.
Character Dining
Some character dining experiences have returned but have been modified to ensure proper physical distancing between characters and guests. The characters won’t stop by your table like before the pandemic but you can still interact with them from afar.
These are the currently available character dining experiences:
- Garden Grill
- Tusker House
- Hollywood & Vine
- Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera
- Chef Mickey’s
You can also spot Cinderella at Cinderella’s Royal Table but her appearance is very brief.
Dining Plan
Disney Dining Plan will be returning. Stay tuned for the announcement.
Dessert Parties
Magic Kingdom dessert parties with reserved fireworks viewing are back:
- Disney Enchantment Treats & Seats. Enjoy desserts at Tomorrowland Terrace and then watch the fireworks without ever having to leave the patio. $114 per adult (ages 10 and up); $69 per child (ages 3 to 9). Check availability and book it here.
- Disney Enchantment Pre-Party. First, you get to enjoy the desserts at Tomorrowland Terrace and then watch the fireworks from a prime standing area in the Plaza Garden. $99 per adult (ages 10 and up); $59 per child (ages 3 to 9). Check availability and book it here.
- Disney Enchantment After-Party. First, you watch the fireworks from a prime standing area in the Plaza Garden, then desserts. $99 per adult (ages 10 and up); $59 per child (ages 3 to 9). Check availability and book it here.
Also, starting October 2nd Disney’s Contemporary Resort will be offering Celebration at the Top: 50th Flavors & Fireworks, a high-energy cocktail party featuring fine food, simmering sips, and beautiful music while you await incredible fireworks spectacular. You get to watch the fireworks from the intimate and private observation deck reserved just for Celebration at the Top Guests.
New
New, space-themed restaurant Space 220 opened at Epcot on September 20, 2021.
Steakhouse 71 replaced The Wave in Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
Transportation
In the middle of 2021, plastic partitions between rows and seats on Disney transportation were removed.
Face coverings are required for all guests (ages 2 and up) in Disney buses, monorail, and Disney Skyliner, regardless of vaccination status.
These transportation options are temporarily suspended:
- Parking lot trams
- Bus service from theme parks to Disney Springs
Magical Express, a complimentary bus to/from Orlando airport, is operating. Resort luggage delivery is not available, so you will need to pick up your luggage before heading to the bus.
Magical Express service will no longer be offered starting with arrivals on January 1, 2022. It will be replaced by Mears Connect (one-way cost: $16 for adults, $13.50 for children).
Resorts
Opened/Closed Resorts
All resorts, besides All-Star Sports, have either re-opened or will re-open by the end of 2021. All-Star Sports will remain closed for refurbishment.
On Property Resort Perks
Extra Magic Hours are coming back. Starting October 1, 2021, the parks will open 30 minutes earlier for guests staying on property. Plus, Deluxe resorts guests can take advantage of Extended Evening Hours when select parks on select nights will remain open for additional two hours.
The resort guests are no longer receiving a complimentary Magic Band. They can, however, purchase them at discount on My Disney Experience app/site.
Enhanced Cleaning and Housekeeping Modifications
In addition to increased cleaning in high-traffic areas such as public elevators and escalators, handrails, benches, tables, handles, restrooms, and more, the Mousekeeping will thoroughly clean your room prior to your arrival. Special attention will be given to high-touch areas, like TV remotes and door handles.
Instead of full daily housekeeping, your room will receive a light cleaning service every other day, which will include:
- Removal of trash and used towels
- Replenishment of towels and amenities throughout the room and bathroom
- Wiping and cleaning of the vanity and counter surfaces
- Vacuuming if needed
You can also decline every-other-day service.
Check In & Checkout
You are strongly encouraged to use the online check-in service. This way, you don’t need to stop by the front desk when you arrive. Once your room is ready, you will receive an app notification (and a text message if you opt-in to receive them) with the room number and you can proceed straight to your room. You can open the room with the Magic Band or My Disney Experience app.
On the checkout day, you will be automatically checked out, so no need to stop by the front desk on the checkout day either.
Summary
This is quite a long post as there is a lot to cover! See the table for the summary of current changes in Disney World’s operation:
| Not Available | Available | Modified |
|---|---|---|
| Fast Pass + | Disability Access Service (DAS) | PhotoPass (the photographers are not taking pictures using guests’ personal devices) |
| Minnie van service | Rider swap | Socially distant character interactions |
| Magical Express luggage delivery | Magical Express to/from airport transportation (till 12/31/21) | Table service dining reservations: 60 days in advance vs 180 days |
| Airline check-in at the resorts | Self-service laundry | Modified security screening to reduce contact between Cast Members and Guests |
| Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique | Character cavalcades | Pin trading |
| Package delivery to the front of the parks or resorts | Complimentary resort transportation | Character dining |
| Disney Dining Plan | Club level services | |
| Perishables transfer between resorts | Extra Magic Hours (starting October 1, 2021) | |
| Dinner shows | Fireworks, and other nighttime shows | |
| Private dining and in-room delivery | Most of the shows | |
| Complimentary Magic Band for resort guests |
