Walt Disney World is making some temporary changes ahead of their reopening of the Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom on July 11th and EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios on July 15th. They have several of their announcements on changes HERE. Among these temporary changes are character cavalcades and alterations to the PhotoPass service.
Here’s what the Walt Disney World site says about both:
Attractions and Entertainment
“To accommodate physical distancing, some experiences will be temporarily paused when the parks initially reopen, including:
- Parades and nighttime spectaculars
- Character Greetings
- Playgrounds
Our Characters will still be in the parks to entertain and delight our Guests. Additionally, you’ll be able to experience many favorite attractions and dozens of entertainment offerings.
From special cavalcades down the Magic Kingdom park parade route and friends sailing the waterways of Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park to processions along World Showcase promenade at EPCOT and motorcades on Hollywood Boulevard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, each area will come to life throughout the day. You never know when a party of your pals may come by, so be prepared for plenty of surprises!
Note: Some experiences may be modified, limited in capacity and subject to availability or closure.”
It does seem that there will be events in each park and some entertainment offerings will still take place. However character meet and greets will be temporarily suspended.
Disney PhotoPass
“To promote cleanliness, physical distancing and reduced contact, you will notice some temporary adjustments to Disney PhotoPass Service to provide an enjoyable environment for everyone:
- Handling Guest’s Personal Devices: Disney PhotoPass photographers will not handle Guests’ personal devices such as cellphones and cameras.
- Photo Prop Usage: Where photo props are in use, they will be thoroughly cleaned between Guests. For select props, your photographer may request that you stand next to or behind the prop without making contact with it. In these scenarios, your photographer will endeavor to capture your photos with the best angles and perspective in mind.
- Photo Linking: Before the photographer takes your photo, please have your MagicBand or Card ready for the photographer to scan so they can quickly link your photos to your account. Photographers will keep as much distance as possible during this process.”
It mostly seems like it will be the same, except now they won’t take photos with your own camera or cellphone like they used to. I wonder if this will stay in place afterwards as well.
The good news is that it will still be there and props will still be used, just in a modified way.
Keep all of this in mind if you are visiting in the near future.
What do you think? Comment and let us know!
Source: Walt Disney World
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