I brought my family to Disney World the week they dropped mask mandates. I thought the crowds were alarming but I don't regret going.

Daryl AustinMar 13, 2022, 17:33 IST

My family visited Disney World the same week that all COVID-19 safety measures were dropped.Daryl Austin

My family visited all of Disney's Florida theme parks the same week many COVID-19 rules were dropped.
While I expected some people to still follow safety measures, most people did not.

In mid-February, Walt Disney World changed its COVID-19 safety measures — at the exact same time my family planned to visit.

Daryl Austin

I was surprised by how many people went to Disney World at the height of the pandemic last spring, but that crowd size seemed like a drop in the bucket compared to the crowds I observed last month.

My family and I visited all four of Disney's Florida theme parks the same week the new changes to COVID-19 mandates took effect.Daryl Austin

I was surprised by how many people went to Disney World at the height of the pandemic last spring, but that crowd size seemed like a drop in the bucket compared to the crowds I observed last month.

Because Disney's policy says masks should still be worn by all unvaccinated guests ages 2 and older, we expected to have to show vaccination cards or be asked about the ages of our youngest children.

My children were never asked about their vaccination status or ages.Daryl Austin

Because Disney's policy says masks should still be worn by all unvaccinated guests ages 2 and older, we expected to have to show vaccination cards or be asked about the ages of our youngest children.

The only place masks were still requested was onboard Disney transportation.

Face masks are still required on Disney transportation.Daryl Austin

My family missed the quieter, less crowded dining experience that was a result of previous COVID-19 protocols.

Guests dining at the Garden Grill Restaurant in EPCOT.Daryl Austin

During our last visit, my family was disappointed to see very few performers. Now they were back like we were used to seeing them.

Cast performers at “The Festival of the Lion King."Daryl Austin

It was wonderful to be entertained again, but we were uncomfortable and surprised to sit in such close proximity to so many maskless audience members.

A 2,000-seat capacity audience awaiting the start of the Indiana Jones stunt show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.Daryl Austin

Face masks are now also optional for Disney World cast members. Some I spoke to called it a "relief," while others expressed concern.

Two cast members in Star Wars land in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.Daryl Austin

Many interactions with theme-park characters were still from a distance.

Donald Duck and Daisy Duck wave at parkgoers from a balcony near the entrance of Disney’s Hollywood Studios.Daryl Austin

The Princess Fairytale Hall in Disney's Magic Kingdom was reopened, giving my daughters the chance to meet princesses like Cinderella and Elena of Ava lor close-up and indoors.

My children meeting Alena of Avalor.Daryl Austin

The Princess Fairytale Hall in Disney's Magic Kingdom was reopened, giving my daughters the chance to meet princesses like Cinderella and Elena of Ava lor close-up and indoors.

Character dining is back, but characters keep their distance, too.

Mickey Mouse greeted my daughters at Tusker House in Disney’s Animal Kingdom.Daryl Austin

Line queues for attractions, shows, character photos, or dining and shopping are no longer socially distant. We were surprised by how tight the crowds were.

Park guests waiting in line to experience the Jungle Cruise in Disney’s Magic Kingdom.Daryl Austin

Short pop-up parades are still the norm but longer, scheduled parades will return soon.

An impromptu parade features various Disney characters on Main Street USA in Disney’s Magic Kingdom.Daryl Austin

Play areas and playgrounds are back.

DinoLand USA is home to The Boneyard, a popular outdoor playground and large sandbox for children.Daryl Austin

Despite feeling uncomfortable at times, I don't regret visiting Disney World and I'd go back. But if I had an immunocompromised person in my family or someone in a high-risk category, I would avoid Disney at all costs right now.

We expected more of a middle ground regarding COVID safety measures and crowd control from Disney.Daryl Austin

Despite feeling uncomfortable at times, I don't regret visiting Disney World and I'd go back. But if I had an immunocompromised person in my family or someone in a high-risk category, I would avoid Disney at all costs right now.

I shopped at Costco and then visited BJ's for the first time — I think the latter is a worthy competitor

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I brought my family to Disney World the week they dropped mask mandates. I thought the crowds were alarming but I don't regret going.

In mid-February, Walt Disney World changed its COVID-19 safety measures — at the exact same time my family planned to visit.

I was surprised by how many people went to Disney World at the height of the pandemic last spring, but that crowd size seemed like a drop in the bucket compared to the crowds I observed last month.

Because Disney's policy says masks should still be worn by all unvaccinated guests ages 2 and older, we expected to have to show vaccination cards or be asked about the ages of our youngest children.

The only place masks were still requested was onboard Disney transportation.

My family missed the quieter, less crowded dining experience that was a result of previous COVID-19 protocols.

During our last visit, my family was disappointed to see very few performers. Now they were back like we were used to seeing them.

It was wonderful to be entertained again, but we were uncomfortable and surprised to sit in such close proximity to so many maskless audience members.

Face masks are now also optional for Disney World cast members. Some I spoke to called it a "relief," while others expressed concern.

Many interactions with theme-park characters were still from a distance.

The Princess Fairytale Hall in Disney's Magic Kingdom was reopened, giving my daughters the chance to meet princesses like Cinderella and Elena of Ava lor close-up and indoors.

Character dining is back, but characters keep their distance, too.

Line queues for attractions, shows, character photos, or dining and shopping are no longer socially distant. We were surprised by how tight the crowds were.

Short pop-up parades are still the norm but longer, scheduled parades will return soon.

Play areas and playgrounds are back.

Despite feeling uncomfortable at times, I don't regret visiting Disney World and I'd go back. But if I had an immunocompromised person in my family or someone in a high-risk category, I would avoid Disney at all costs right now.