Disney Skyliner Now Boarding Multiple Parties in Each Gondola

Posted on by Mathew Corn Uncategorized

Physical distancing is being reduced throughout Walt Disney World and theme park capacity has raised. We’re already seeing more parties being loaded onto one ride vehicle, now multiple parties are sharing a gondola on the Disney Skyliner.

This change effectively raises the Skyliner’s capacity. Cast Members aren’t even asking guests if they’re comfortable riding with another party. With the fast-moving nature of boarding the Disney Skyliner, you’ll need to speak up sooner rather than later if you don’t want to share.

One gondola can fit about 10 guests (fewer if there is a wheelchair or ECV). Rarely will a gondola actually be filled to capacity, however. Gondolas do also have openings so fresh air circulates.

CDC Says Masks or Physically Distancing No Longer Necessary for Fully Vaccinated Individuals

Posted on by Mathew Corn Uncategorized

As the numbers of individuals fully vaccinated against COVID-19 continue to rise in the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (better known as the CDC) has issued new guidance that radically changes the policies we’ve seen in the last year.

In a briefing Thursday afternoon, the CDC confirmed that face masks and physical distancing are largely no longer necessary for those who are fully vaccinated, perhaps the largest step towards normalcy since the pandemic began. There are exceptions to this new guidance: masks are still required for those using public transit, like buses, trains and airplanes. And, of course, local and state governments as well as private businesses are allowed to set their own requirements.

From the CDC website:

If you’ve been fully vaccinated:

  • You can resume activities that you did prior to the pandemic.
  • You can resume activities without wearing a mask or staying 6 feet apart, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance.
  • If you travel in the United States, you do not need to get tested before or after travel or self-quarantine after travel.
  • You need to pay close attention to the situation at your international destination before traveling outside the United States.
    • You do NOT need to get tested before leaving the United States unless your destination requires it.
    • You still need to show a negative test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before boarding an international flight to the United States.
    • You should still get tested 3-5 days after international travel.
    • You do NOT need to self-quarantine after arriving in the United States.
  • If you’ve been around someone who has COVID-19, you do not need to stay away from others or get tested unless you have symptoms.
    • However, if you live or work in a correctional or detention facility or a homeless shelter and are around someone who has COVID-19, you should still get tested, even if you don’t have symptoms.

For now, if you’ve been fully vaccinated:

  • You will still need to follow guidance at your workplace and local businesses.
  • If you travel, you should still take steps to protect yourself and others. You will still be required to wear a mask on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within, or out of the United States, and in U.S. transportation hubs such as airports and stations. Fully vaccinated international travelers arriving in the United States are still required to get tested within 3 days of their flight (or show documentation of recovery from COVID-19 in the past 3 months) and should still get tested 3-5 days after their trip.
  • You should still watch out for symptoms of COVID-19, especially if you’ve been around someone who is sick. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, you should get tested and stay home and away from others.
  • People who have a condition or are taking medications that weaken the immune system, should talk to their healthcare provider to discuss their activities. They may need to keep taking all precautions to prevent COVID-19.

CDC Is Considering Changing Physical Distancing Guidelines from 6 Feet to 3 Feet

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom

Via DisneyTips.com

Interesting news coming out of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as the study of COVID-19 continues. It is being reported that the CDC is considering changing the physical distancing guidelines from 6 feet to 3 feet which would be a big game changer regarding capacity at Walt Disney World if physical distancing guidelines are changed. The report from the CDC is coming from recent studies within Massachusetts public schools.

As reported by CNN: “The official pointed to a study published last week that showed “no significant difference” in rates of Covid-19 at Massachusetts public schools that had implemented social distancing rules of more than 3 feet apart compared to those with rules to stay more than 6 feet apart.”

Dr. Anthony Fauci was asked about the study stating: “The CDC is very well aware that data are accumulating making it look more like 3 feet are okay, under certain circumstances. They’re analyzing that and I can assure you within a reasonable period of time – quite reasonable – they will be giving guidelines according to the data that they have. It won’t be very long,” Fauci said.

Disney CEO, Bob Chapek, recently spoke on park capacity announcing that it will remain at 35% and rise depending on the COVID-19 vaccination rate. With vaccinations on the rise and talks of possible physical distancing guideline changes, we wouldn’t be surprise to see an influx in park capacity in the near future. In the meantime, we’ll keep you posted as we learn more about what the CDC decides.

Cast Members Patrolling Cinderella Castle Area Now Equipped with Signage Reminding Guests to Keep Masks on for Photos

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Magic Kingdom

Face masks are the new norm at theme parks, and even the Most Magical Place on Earth is no exception to the rule, with guests required to keep their face masks on throughout their time in the Magic Kingdom—even for photographs. Earlier in the week, a new audio reminder informing guests that face masks must be worn during photos was heard. Now, Cast Members patrolling Cinderella Castle have been equipped with signage reminding guests to keep masks on for photos.

The sign is outlined in the familiar forest green being used on Health & Safety signage throughout the parks. It reads, “Wear a Face Covering While Taking Photos” with the icon of a camera and a person wearing a mask. Cast patrolling the castle hub area remind guests to adhere to the face mask requirements at all times, unless actively eating or drinking while stationary. Keeping face masks on for photographs, be it ones you take yourself or through a PhotoPass photographer, has been an established rule since the reopening of the parks.

You can hear the new face mask audio reminder in the video below:

This is one of the more recent efforts by Walt Disney World to ensure health and safety guidelines are being met throughout the parks. Other recent changes to the Magic Kingdom include new physical distancing barriers in the queue for “it’s a small world” and even preliminary distancing markers along the sidewalk of Main Street, U.S.A. for current cavalcades and eventually, parades.