It’s been a long time since guests could pull in close to Mickey Mouse for a photo op at Disney World and Disneyland Resorts. Instead, during the age of the pandemic, guests often watched Pooh wandering around the green spaces of Epcot participating in an imaginary butterfly hunt. Rather than receiving hugs, Joy was out frolicking behind a fence. Later on, some Meet and Greets returned, but only with a six-feet barrier between guests and the characters.
Now, however, that looks to be soon a thing of the past.
In Disneyland Paris, there is no longer a social distancing requirement for guests and characters. Their mask mandates have also been dropped. Likewise, in the Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser guests mingle indoors in close proximity with actors… all of whom are masked. Guests themselves are never asked or requested to provide vaccination or antibody documentation. In the Starcruiser, guests are bunched up in crowds within small confines. In a number of queue areas within Disney World and Disneyland, guests are bunched up, again, without masks or proof of vaccination.
Now one of the last pandemic modifications may be making its way out of Disney World, perhaps Disneyland as well.
According to sources, Walt Disney World is looking at dropping distancing requirements for character Meet and Greets inside the parks, and the time frame may be days rather than weeks. This effects a large number of interactions around the parks. For example, in the Magic Kingdom a popular Princess Meet and Greet attraction can be returned to the traditional protocols. The same is true for meeting Mickey Mouse in the Theater. However, with cast shortages still being an issue, it may be a gradual reintroduction of some of the outdoor character opportunities Disney Parks are known for. At least, they may not be as abundant as in the past right away.
For more on Disney World and Disneyland rumors and leaks, keep checking out That Park Place. And let us know in the comments below if you’re excited to see characters in the more traditional way!
