As Coronavirus guidelines continue to evolve with more people getting vaccinated, Disney World has decided to follow along and will begin to phase out temperature checks at its parks and facilities before the end of the month.
According to an official statement released by Disney’s website, its theme parks and related resorts will stop temperature screenings for cast members on May 8 and for visiting guests on May 16.
Disney To Disband On-site Temperature Screening
Temperature checks have been a part of the process for both staff and guests to enter Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and the Animal Kingdom since the parks began in 2020.
While most of Disney’s parks are now open, although much of May is booked out as tickets are still required to be bought in advance through their reservation system, Typhoon Lagoon is yet to have an opening date.
The news of Disney’s cancellation of all on-site temperature screenings immediately follows the announcement by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ executive order that suspended the state’s remaining COVID-19 public health restrictions.
“Since reopening, we have considered guidance from public health authorities, government agencies, and our own team of health and safety experts as we assess and update health and safety measures to help prevent the spread of COVID-19,” Disney shared via their website.
“As this guidance continues to evolve, and with the support of local health and government officials, we are making some additional adjustments,” Disney continues. “Following the advice of the CDC and our local health officials, we will phase out onsite temperature screenings at Walt Disney World Resort for Cast Members beginning May 8 and Guests on May 16. We will continue to follow the guidance of health and safety leaders going forward and most importantly encourage people to get vaccinated.”
Disney Is Not Removing Other Safety Protocols
After announcing that temperature screenings will be ceased by Disney’s parks and resorts, Disney and its management also stressed the need to keep observing other COVID-19 protocols which are still in effect.
“Still, most of our original safety protocols remain unchanged — from wearing face coverings across our Resort to our ongoing dedication to cleanliness and sanitization,” Disney adds.
Cast members and all guests above the age of two are required to wear face coverings before coming into the park.
Capacity has also been cut and social distancing rules are still very much enforced. Parades and fireworks have been postponed indefinitely in the bid to keep people safely distanced from one another.
Guests still have the opportunity to have a great time by dining at their favorite restaurants and enjoying the rides. Character meet-and-greets have been replaced by socially distanced character processions to prevent overcrowding.
Disney Announces New Attractions
Walt Disney World recently announced a new Halloween-Themed event at Magic Kingdom, Disney After Hours BOO BASH.
This will take the place of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween, which has been the fall event in years past. They also announced the highly anticipated Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser Hotel which will open next year, offering two-day, two-night, all-immersive vacation, so there’s plenty that Disney has in store for all its fans.
There’s even a real-life lightsaber unveiled on May 4 – AKA Star Wars Day – that guests will get a chance to see in action at the new attraction.
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