Before-and-after photos show how Disney parks in the US have changed since the pandemic

Talia LakritzAug 28, 2020, 22:38 IST

Wearing face masks at Walt Disney World.Matt Stroshane/Walt Disney World Resort via Getty Images

Walt Disney World began its phased reopening on July 11 after closing due to the coronavirus pandemic.
New rules include temperature checks, social distancing measures, and mask requirements.

After remaining closed since March, Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, began its phased reopening on July 11. Disney parks in California remain closed, though shopping centers such as Downtown Disney are open.

With new protective measures in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the parks look a bit different than they did before the pandemic.

Here are 16 before-and-after photos that show how Disney parks have changed.

Before the pandemic, security guards checked people's bags before they entered the park.

A bag check at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom. Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Now, there are temperature checks, too.

Forehead temperature screenings at a Disney resort. Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel/Tribune News Service via Getty Images

Disney cast members' costumes used to keep the theme park immersive.

A driver on Main Street USA at Disneyland in Anaheim, California. Jeff Gritchen/Orange County Register via Getty Images

Their costumes now include personal protective equipment.

An employee at Walt Disney World Resort's Magic Kingdom. BRYAN R. SMITH/AFP via Getty Images

Disney parks attracted dense crowds of tourists every year.

Disneyland Resort in 2009. David McNew/Getty Images

With new social distancing measures, visitors have to stay 6 feet apart.

Downtown Disney in Anaheim, California. ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images

Lines for rides at Disney parks didn't have much room to move.

Patrons at Disneyland wait in line for Indiana Jones Adventure. Don Kelsen/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

The park now has markings to indicate where people should stand in line to maintain social distancing.

Social distancing at Disney World. Matt Stroshane/Walt Disney World Resort via Getty Images

Disney characters could get up close and personal with people who came to meet them.

Actress Amanda Peet and her daughter Frances Benioff meet Rapunzel from "Tangled" at Disneyland in 2011. Paul Hiffmeyer/Disneyland via Getty Images

Characters have to practice social distancing, too.

Guests wave to Mr. Incredible during a pop-up appearance of Pixar characters at Disney's Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World in July. Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel/Tribune News Service via Getty Images

Pre-coronavirus, riders could snap smiling pictures.

Disney's Hollywood Studios in 2018. Gerardo Mora/Getty Images

During the pandemic, masks are required on rides.

Guests wear masks at Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel/Tribune News Service via Getty Images

The only masks Disney parks used to sell were part of superhero costumes.

"The Incredibles" merchandise at Disney California Adventure Park in 2018. Jeff Gritchen,/Orange County Register via Getty Images

Disney stores now sell face masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Face masks for sale near the Walt Disney World theme park. Octavio Jones/Getty Images

The Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella castles were popular selfie spots.

A couple takes a selfie in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle. Jeff Gritchen/MediaNews Group/Orange County Register via Getty Images

Now, guests have to take selfies with masks on.

Guests stop to take a selfie at Disney World. Matt Stroshane/Walt Disney World Resort via Getty Images

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