COVID-19 | Disney's Modifications
2023 | Disney Parks & COVID-19
Updated: October 24, 2023
Wondering what’s changed in Disney destinations since the pandemic? | As you may have heard, a whole lot changed. Immediately. And then… slowly returned back to normal.
Many guests continue to follow their own health and safety protections. Within Disney’s global parks, resorts and cruise ships, a wide variety of protections — some voluntary, some mandatory — remain in place. Below, we’ll cover the current conditions and highlight the changes that are likely permanent going forward.
We plan Disney vacations — for free. When we book your trip, you can rely on us for up-to-date, authoritative info on what to expect and ways you can enjoy your vacation while taking health precautions. We care about this stuff and we’ll look out for you.
WALT DISNEY WORLD
Although the state government of Florida has ignored scientific consensus on many elements of the COVID-19 pandemic, Disney’s a private company that’s chosen to follow national CDC and federal guidelines. By and large, Walt Disney World resembles much of the the rest of the USA.
Theme Parks, Resort Hotels & Restaurants | It’s unlikely that you’ll notice any COVID-19 precautions within the operations at Walt Disney World. That said, a number of practices have become standard across the resort, including improved HVAC air systems, enhanced cleaning of high-touch surfaces, expanded systems like Mobile Ordering, and fewer indoor gathering spaces where guests remain in place. Walt Disney World expanded their outdoor dining areas in 2020, and many of those outdoor dining locations remain in use.
GUIDE: MY DISNEY EXPERIENCE | Learn how to use Mobile Ordering at Walt Disney World ▸
Guest behaviors | Some guests continue to wear facial coverings and take precautions, others do not. As of late 2023, it is very common to see facial coverings worn by some Cast Members and some guests. Facial coverings are optional, and they are not a source of drama. Guests are respectful of one another. Do note that Disney routinely asks guests to “fill in all available spaces” — physical distancing is nearly impossible within the Disney theme parks.
GUIDE: DINING | See Walt Disney World’s most popular restaurants ▸
Refunds & cancellations | Disney offers no special exceptions to their standard cancellation & refund policy for those who become ill — whether that’s COVID-19 or any other illness.
Tests & vaccines | There are no COVID-19 vaccine requirements or testing requirements for Walt Disney World guests. There are no testing sites located on Walt Disney World property. If you’ll be traveling from Orlando to a country that requires a negative COVID-19 test, it’s generally best (and most affordable) to schedule a test at a pharmacy clinic within a major pharmacy chain like CVS or Walgreens. You should schedule your test at least 48 hours in advance, but walk-in appointments may be available. There are no more locations for COVID-19 testing within Orlando International Airport.
Find a testing location or urgent care clinic from Advent Health ▸
View a list of all COVID-19 testing locations in Orange County, Florida ▸
View Walt Disney World’s ‘Know Before You Go’ guide to all its COVID-19 health & safety measures ▸
DISNEYLAND
The state government of California has taken COVID-19 more seriously than the state government of Florida. But at Disneyland, what you’ll experience is nearly identical to what you’ll see at Walt Disney World.
Theme Parks, Resort Hotels & Restaurants | It’s unlikely that you’ll notice any COVID-19 precautions within the operations at Disneyland, but a number of practices have become standard across the resort, including improved HVAC air systems, enhanced cleaning of high-touch surfaces, expanded systems like Mobile Ordering, and fewer indoor gathering spaces where guests remain in place. On the whole, Disneyland has many more outdoor queues, outdoor dining locations, etc. than Florida, and guests benefit with lots of fresh air in the Disneyland resorts & theme parks.
GUIDE: DISNEYLAND TICKETS & HOTELS | View our FAQ for Disneyland ▸
Guest behaviors | Some guests continue to wear facial coverings and take precautions, others do not. As of the fall of 2023, it is common to see facial coverings worn by some Cast Members and some guests. Facial coverings are optional, and they are not a source of drama. Guests are respectful of one another. Do note that Disney routinely asks guests to “fill in all available spaces” — physical distancing is nearly impossible within the Disney theme parks.
Refunds & cancellations | Disneyland offers no special exceptions to their standard cancellation & refund policy for those who become ill — whether that’s COVID-19 or any other illness.
Tests & vaccines | There are no COVID-19 vaccine requirements or testing requirements for Disneyland guests. There are no testing sites located on Disneyland property. If you’ll be traveling from California to a country that requires a negative COVID-19 test, it’s generally best (and most affordable) to schedule a test at a pharmacy clinic within a major pharmacy chain like CVS or Walgreens. You should schedule your test at least 48 hours in advance, but walk-in appointments may be available. As of 2023, there are no testing locations inside Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) or at the smaller regional Orange County airports (SNA, LGB, ONT).
View a list of testing locations in the surrounding communities ▸
View Disneyland’s ‘Know Before You Go’ guide to health & safety precautions ▸
DISNEYLAND PARIS
Disneyland Paris Resort is open to all guests. Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park, Disney Village and its resort hotels are open. France has discontinued all border-entry requirements for COVID-19 testing or vaccination.
GUIDE: DISNEYLAND PARIS | View our Disneyland Paris FAQ ▸
View the most recent health & safety updates for Disneyland Paris ▸
DISNEY CRUISE LINE
Disney Cruise Line resumed cruises in 2021 with a wide range of health and safety protocols. Those protocols have seen numerous changes throughout 2022, and into 2023.
To learn about the latest updates, visit Disney Cruise Line’s Know Before You Sail Guide ▸
AULANI, A DISNEY RESORT & SPA
Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii began a phased reopening in late 2020. As of 2023, operations are fully back to normal.
To learn about the latest updates, visit Aulani’s Know Before You Go Guide ▸
HONG KONG, SHANGHAI & TOKYO DISNEY RESORTS
Tokyo Disney Resort, Shanghai Disneyland and Hong Kong Disneyland have fluctuated between openings and temporary closures throughout 2022. In 2023, as the pandemic continues to present unique challenges across Asia, its important to learn what to expect if you’re hoping to visit one of Disney’s Asian parks:
Hong Kong Disneyland | Health & Safety Information ▸
Shanghai Disneyland | Guest Services ▸
Tokyo Disney Resort | How to Enjoy the Parks ▸
Additionally, those who are traveling to Tokyo should view our up-to-date FAQ, here ▸
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
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Disney pays us to help plan your trip, from your first wish list until your departure. We’ll even assist you during your vacation until you’re happily back home.
Our trip planning is free. When you book a Disney vacation through us, you’ll pay the same price as if you booked it on your own, yet enjoy the bliss of a talented Wishful Thinking travel planner.
A Wishful Thinking travel planner is:
- Bright. We’re nerd-level experts on Disney’s past, present and future.
- Talented. We’ve been designing travel itineraries around the globe for 15 years.
- Realistic. We help you prepare for everything and set honest expectations.
- Whimsical. Spontaneous fun often produces our most treasured memories.
- Inspiring. We’re still kids at heart who believe in the power of dreams.
It’s never too early to start planning!
