Walt Disney World theme parks increase capacity but see longer waits and less physical distancing

Capacity at Walt Disney World's theme parks has been increased, and the near walk-on ride conditions from the summer are now long gone.

Photo: WDWMAGICDisney's Hollywood Studios - October 1 2020

When the parks reopened in mid-July, it was like entering a new (and very different) world for guests, which included wearing masks, temperature screening, physical distancing and a drastic reduction in entertainment. But something that made all of that seem OK was the open space and very short wait times. Guests could see and hear details in the parks that were usually lost in a sea of people and strollers. Ride wait times were so minimal that the vast majority of attractions were walk-on. It was like everyday was a 'Disney After Hours' ticketed event. You have no doubt seen many reports from that opening time, and may be wondering what the current situation is.

Photo: WDWMAGICView along Hollywood Blvd mid-day at Disney's Hollywood Studios in July

Fast forward a few months, and things have changed. Part of Disney's phased reopening plan, the theme parks are now admitting more guests than in July, somewhere close to 50% of their usual capacity. That may sound like it is still a lot less than normal, but when you add physical queue distancing, it can mean lines snake through the park and look more like what you would see on July 4 or a New Year's Eve. The parks are starting to feel busy again.

Photo: WDWMAGICSlinky Dog Dash at 10am with the line starting by Voyage of the Little Mermaid

Tower of Terror's line is so long that it now frequently uses the Fantasmic queue as overflow. Rock 'n' Roller Coaster's line extends along Sunset Blvd.

Photo: WDWMAGICGuests on Hollywood Blvd at Disney's Hollywood Studios

Inside the hugely popular Star Wars Galaxy's Edge, physical distancing becomes a problem. Just walking through the land you will find yourself much closer than the 6ft ideal spacing between other groups. Thankfully distancing in the queues and rides is still working as designed.

Photo: WDWMAGICStar Wars Galaxy' Edge October 2020

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance continues to be the hot-ticket, and its virtual queues are now reaching capacity typically within 8 seconds of being opened at 10am and 2pm. 

Wait times for the major attractions are now in the region of an hour, with the minor attractions typically in the 20 to 30 minute range.

Photo: WDWMAGICMickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway at park opening has a 70 minute line

With plunging revenues due to the park closures and subsequent lack of attendance due to COVID-19, Disney is obviously eager to restore capacity to approach something like normal. But looking at the parks today at 50% capacity, it is hard to see how in the current environment this can be done in a way that gives guests a good experience. Mass layoffs at the theme parks indicate that Disney sees little chance of things returning to normal anytime soon, and it remains to be seen how the guests will respond to what many will see as a diminished park experience, void of the classic entertainment and touches that made the parks Disney.

To give you a feel of the parks now, here is a hyper-walk around Disney's Hollywood Studios from earlier this week, shot just before midday.