Florida Lifts Capacity Limits on Theme Parks, Restaurants, Stores & More
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued a new executive order removing capacity restrictions on bars, restaurants, stores, and theme parks. In this post, we’ll cover details plus what this means for Walt Disney World.
DeSantis held a press conference today (September 25, 2020) and unveiled plans for what he called Phase 3 of Florida’s reopening. In so doing, he also reiterated that Florida “is not closing anything going forward.”
Even while further reopening Florida, DeSantis acknowledged that the state could see a second wave of cases. “People shouldn’t think it’s over. They shouldn’t think it’s done…we could easily see a resurgence. I don’t think anybody knows,” said DeSantis.
Under the Guidelines for Opening Up Florida that were created back at the end of April, Phase 3 is the final stage of Florida’s recovery plan, and can begin after the successful conclusion of Phase 2, upon “a downward trajectory of the syndromic and epidemiology criteria while maintaining adequate health care capacity.”
Per Florida’s guidelines, the state can enter Phase 3 when there is no evidence of a rebound or resurgence once benchmarks have been satisfied. Since Florida’s numbers peaked in mid-July, new cases, deaths, hospitalizations, positivity rates, and cases per 100,000 people are all down.
In the last couple of weeks, these numbers have plateaued, but that has also occurred as schools began reopening and following the Labor Day weekend holiday. Some feared either or both of those would result in another wave of cases, which has not yet happened.
Of course, just because something has not yet happened does not mean it will not happen. Time and time again over the last several months, we’ve seen premature victory laps–including in Florida at the beginning of summer. (We’re hoping that the better weather in Florida means more people will opt outdoors, resulting in lower case numbers despite the continued reopening.)
You can refer to the full reopening guidelines document for what that means across all of Florida’s business sectors, but we’re going to focus solely on those relevant to Walt Disney World:
- Theme parks may return to normal operations with limited physical distancing protocols.
- Restaurants and food service establishments may operate at full capacity with limited social distancing protocols. Businesses should maintain adequate sanitation practices among employees and patrons during all hours of operation. Menus, if laminated, should continue to be cleaned after each usage. Paper menus shall be designed for single use and then disposed of immediately after use.
- Bars, pubs, and nightclubs that derive more than 50 percent of sales from alcohol should operate at full capacity with limited social distancing protocols.
- Vacation Rentals should resume normal operating procedures but should continue to thoroughly clean and disinfect the property between rentals.
- Retail businesses should operate at full capacity but should continue to maintain adequate sanitation practices for employees and patrons.
In addition to the above, the new executive order signed by Governor DeSantis provides a general right to work and to operate a business in Florida. Local governments can limit and issue certain restrictions, but will not be able to close businesses entirely. Additionally, cities and counties won’t be able to impose any restrictions without consideration of economic ramifications and offering a public health justification.
Most notably, local governments won’t be able to prevent restaurants from operating at below 50% capacity. Previously, counties and cities could go further than state-level restrictions; for example, Orange County ordered all bars that do not offer dine-in services to shut down again back in July, even after the state allowed them to reopen.
Finally, there will also be a suspension of collecting fines or fees for restrictions; the most notable of these would be for not wearing a mask in public spaces. This effectively renders local mask ordinances, like the one in Orange County, toothless and voluntary.
With that said, private businesses can still operate with any self-imposed restrictions under Florida’s new executive order. That means Publix, Walt Disney World, or any other business in the state can still deny entry to those not wearing masks, or following any other rules. This really isn’t anything new or novel. Those same businesses could deny entry to potential patrons not wearing shirts or shoes, despite there being no state-wide law requiring either of those articles of clothing, either.
Additionally, just because businesses change their policies doesn’t mean customers will follow suit. Data has shown that individuals have self-regulated their behavior throughout this. People will “vote with their wallets” and consumers will not patronize establishments where they do not feel safe.
This isn’t just idle speculation; as an example, restaurant spending has decreased in places where cases have increased. There have also been countless surveys that have shown people adjusting their own behavior voluntarily regardless of rules and law. This is why we all continue to get a daily barrage of emails from every business we’ve ever frequented reminding us of their commitment to health and safety, with many going “above and beyond” what’s required by law. They’re trying to court your dollars by not relaxing their rules even when allowed to do so.
Our expectation is that the impact of Florida entering Phase 3 on Walt Disney World will be minimal–we wouldn’t read too much into all of this as it relates to Disney. Throughout the reopening process, Walt Disney World has been more cautious and conservative with health safety protocol than Florida has mandated on a statewide level.
Disney has held capacity levels below those required by the state, even after DeSantis previously indicated that he’d be comfortable with theme parks increasing attendance and reducing physical distancing. Disney has previously seemed more aligned with Orange County’s approach than that of the state, in particular that of Dr. Raul Pino from the Florida Department of Health. (Who has consistently maintained that face masks will likely be necessary through Spring 2021.)
Beyond that, Disney Parks Chief Medical Officer Dr. Pamela Hymel has repeatedly stated that the company is taking a multi-pronged approach to reopening, considering the guidance of various governmental authorities, health agencies, its panel of health experts, industry groups, and research universities to determine best practices. In so doing, Disney has created across-the-board health safety protocol for Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland, etc.
It’s unlikely that the company will deviate from that approach at Walt Disney World just because Florida’s governor will allow them to do so. (The reality is that DeSantis always would’ve allowed Disney to do whatever they wanted.) Disney has other considerations: its reputation for safety, continuity among its parks, the potential for bad PR, and more.
With that said, it is likely that Walt Disney World will continue to gradually raise the attendance caps for the parks. This is something that we’ve already seen play out over the last couple of weeks, as crowd levels and wait times have increased pretty significantly as compared to the stretch before Labor Day. This attendance bump will likely be partially offset with a return of more dining and entertainment, plus increasing the hourly throughput of attractions by reducing guest spacing and/or installing more physical barriers.
Ultimately, we do not anticipate Walt Disney World changing any of its official policies in the near-term. Our expectation is that the bulk of those will remain in place through the rest of 2020, and more likely through at least Spring 2021. A potential ‘soft relaxation’ of policies is possible, especially if Florida’s numbers further improve. Conversely, Walt Disney World could tighten things up and reduce capacity if there’s a second wave of cases.
Planning a Walt Disney World trip? Learn about hotels on our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews page. For where to eat, read our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews. To save money on tickets or determine which type to buy, read our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets post. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips post takes a unique look at clever items to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Ride Guides will help. For comprehensive advice, the best place to start is our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for everything you need to know!
YOUR THOUGHTS
Do you anticipate Florida entering Phase 3 of its reopening having any impact on Walt Disney World? Think Disney will change its health safety protocol or attendance caps as a result? Does this change concern you, or do you think it’s a non-factor for now? Do you agree or disagree with our assessment? Any questions we can help you answer? Please keep the comments civil. This is not the place for arguing about politics—all such comments will be deleted, irrespective of perspective. You are not going to change anyone’s mind via the comments section on this blog, nor are you going to change Disney’s policies.
Agreed, I would love to see Fastpass+ return in October. Seems logical to bring back Fastpass now that wait times are longer and more people are visiting. If they brought Fastpass back it would distribute the people better and allow for physical distancing. I can’t imagine there is much physical distancing for those waiting an hour or more for rides like Mickey and Minnie Railroad.
It does not allow for better distribution or distancing unfortunately. FP lets you technically be two places at once, in line and out of line. It’s actually better for distancing to have people in physical lines.
And here I was deciding our trip has no chance of happening this year. I know there’s no guarantee Disney will relax masks, reinstitute park hopping, or go back to regular late hours (all necessary for our family to say yes), but I’m back to having hope! Have fun in the Magic Kingdom Tom! So jealous you guys get to go so often! 🙂
I for one love that we are moving forward and I think Disney will definitely move forward as well. We did all this to flatten the curve. We all know the virus is not going anywhere. Those who feel comfortable will go and those who don’t will stay home. I have been going since they opened and although it has been great with low capacity I am ready for somethings to be brought back. There have been no cases reported from Disney patrons so I feel pretty confident going there and it is outside. In any event it will be a test for Florida to see what will happen with the numbers with the changes DeSantis made today. All were predicting they would go so high when the schools opened and that hasn’t happened so this is just another step along the way.
They need to restart Fastpass asap as many waits are currently over 1 plus hours
Are wait times really that high? I just looked on the app for Hollywood Studios and MK and the only ride that is over an hour is Splash Mountain. Granted it is later in the day (6pm ET), but even when I looked yesterday around lunch wait times were incredibly low.
And if they added FP+, you’d be in 2+ hour lines for everything else.
Disney needs to got to 100% Fastpass reservations to end lines/ improve social distancing, and speed up sanitization. I can’t believe Country Bear, and most rides, can’t be sanitized extremely quickly, given more staff. The increase in capacity would be self-financing. Disney should make ads about their sanitation protocols to let people know what lengths they are going to. And how about adding outside dining/curbside pickup? October, and cooler temperatures are right around the corner.
The governor has the right to lift whatever bans. Disney has the right to fill to whatever capacity. Personally, I’m fine with people being uncomfortable and staying home. More space for me. It’s better for the State if others stay home for awhile! From my personal experience, the mask thing has been a farce, anyway. They just give the illusion of protection while being hit and annoying. Disney wants to make money while make scared people feel better. This a way to do both. Personally, I think they will increase their numbers no matter what they do. If the loosen up. they will get the people who value their freedom in place of those who previously came because they felt safe. I dii I think they need to bring back fast passes and annual passes.
We were planning to take a trip in early December. But seeing the higher wait times at the parks the last couple of weeks made us pause. Now with all the Covid guidelines going away in Florida, we are going to wait further to see the affect it has on the Covid rates in the state and may just decide to postpone the trip altogether.
I’ll happily wear a mask and socially distance to help keep high-risk individuals safer, but I’ll just as happily go out and support businesses that reopen, to help keep people employed and providing for their loved ones.
The most balanced response I’ve read on this post so far!
It was so crowded at Disney Studios this Monday we left…lots of people, but the rides were still under 25% capacity so the lines were all over an hour…
Another reason to avoid Florida until mid to late 2021. Or until this pandemic is under control.
Curious… What does “under control” look like? Serious question.
We have a worldwide pandemic and playing like it’s over going back to normal full capacity is unwise and down right reckless.
I had planned to come to Disney in the fall. But if Disney increases capacity during a pandemic, I will not be coming. Being at a park waiting in long times with a huge crowd of people is terrible anytime but ridiculous during Covid.
I hope Disney is smart enough to know families want safety in order to come. So I hope they keep park reservations and lower capacity at least during flu season.
With capacity increasing do to see fast passes returning sooner rather than later?
I hope so!!!!
With the crowds already overwhelmingly increasing,
I need Fast Passes for 5 days starting next Friday!!!
If they’re going to reintroduce them, I wish they would hurry it up
Cannot wait to get there.
It’s been a full year since our last trip
Having Disney withdrawals!!!
I hope so too. I also hope they go back to the regular system soon without needing to make a reservation. Being a pass holder I hate not being able to go when the mood strikes. I have a feeling this will be changing sooner rather than later.
A couple of quick things:
1) Please refrain from politically-charged or antagonistic comments. Those will be deleted without regard for their viewpoint. Be respectful to one another. Again, you’re not changing any minds via a Disney blog comments section.
2) We’re in Magic Kingdom for the rest of the day, so anything held for moderation probably won’t be approved until tonight. Apologies about the delay!
Have a great time! Can’t wait to see more great pics!
I do hope Disney keeps their current efforts going as, like another commentor said, Disney was one of the few places I could vacation that felt safe. I don’t personally think Florida is anywhere near ready for a phase three though, and this does make me think more than twice about popping down in January like I wanted to do. I ate inside a few times and felt safe enough, but there is no way I’d do that again if capacity increases.
I’m now very glad I got in just before Labor Day!
We are in 100% masks here in south Florida. I went to Orlando last weekend and everywhere we went to eat you had to have masks. I know the governor wants it all to go away but the theme parks i am sure do not want to have problems and will continue on its plan. After all the Halloween and Christmas party have been cancelled. They would know ahead of time Governors plans but have not heard any changes from what they are doing. I have to say when i went to Orlando i never felt that people were not adhering to the guidelines and temperature checks to go into theme parks and hotels
I congratulate FL on having a Governor that respects his people and allow them to choose what is safe and not safe for their family along with letting Businesses and people get back to work.
I hope your idea of WDW continuing status quo through spring scares me. I’m praying by spring break they have Fast Passes back open and it could be nice if dining were to get back to normal so we could try out the dining plan. Thank you again for all the great updates!
He respects the dollars, not the people.
Personally I hope FastPAss is gone forever. It was overly complicated and oddly restrictive. Virtual queues should be the future for all lines.
My week in the park last week without any virtual queues was better than any visit before when I had to work around fast passes. Even with the growing lines we’ve been seeing.
Whatever his reasons, I’m on board! I’m tired of Covid running every aspect of my life!
More like ‘ruining’, Susan!
This just doesn’t seem wise…
agreed. taking away the ability of lower levels of government to implement restrictions locally is not right.
Are you kidding? Lower levels of govt have had way too much control to decide what’s happening, while disrespecting their superiors.
Keeping people in hotspots safe is hardly disrespectful. We have already seen what happens when there isn’t specifically a rule in place to limit indoor capacity. Taking away the ability to make these rules is potentially very dangerous, given precedent. Sorry Florida, and good luck…
Living here I think it is a great move. Too many counties making their own rules and traveling between places that are so close and have different rules is stupid. Also the county people seem to think they have the right to do what they please so I for one am happy to have some unity and have the governor have the final say.
I love it and am so happy that they changed this today. We won’t know for a couple of weeks if this will make any difference. I also love that the authority was taken from lower level government and that we are free to decide what is right for us as individuals. No more mask shaming and no more fines. Sounds like freedom to me. Everyone can decide what their comfort level is and act accordingly.
I REALLY hope Disney keeps things as is for the time being. It already is the only place I personally feel comfortable going to. I was already very hesitant to eat at local restaurants at 50%, but did a handful of times…. assuming most will go back to 100%, I probably won’t be dining in for quite some time.
The problem now will be for the cast members who have to enforce mask and social distancing. It will be hard to do when the Governor is basically saying you no longer need to either. I think you will see many now take the masks off and not social distance and say the Governor said he will not enforce these rules any longer. Not going to be great for us that still realize a virus is still here.
If they don’t wear their masks, WDW still has full authority to kick them out, no matter what the Governor says.
Oh stop it. Really.
WDW has full authority to kick Susan out
Or any scared little fraidy-cat whiners… If you don’t feel comfortable going or have a complicating condition that MIGHT make this virus dangerous for you, then take whatever precautions you think are necessary. But you might as well just stop expecting the rest of us to keep our lives on hold. We’re done with it!
mrnico can be “done with it” all they want, but if they want to go to Disney, they still gotta follow Disney’s rules. Lol
That’s right Craig, even for us stockholders! But it’s far past time these nanny-state wannabes in local and state governments go away for good. They aren’t helping anyone.
I see Disney taking smaller steps as things get better, making sure to protect the brand name. A little short-term revenue is not worth long-term losses.
I hope the social distancing in lines stays permanently! It’s so nice not being knocked about by people’s over sized backpacks!!!
It won’t, but I am with your thought 100%. Further, it makes it impossible for people to “join our party” up ahead.
Reckless behavior on the part of the Governor as Covid-19 numbers increase. We will never eliminate the virus with such actions.
Yes, this hasn’t made me any more confident in the safety of any business.
What are your thoughts on shows and entertainment? We live HS but he lack of shows is making it difficult to navigate.
Any thoughts would be appreciated, we are going in November and hoping for more options.
Not condoning his decision, but it won’t be eliminated regardless.
There is no way I’d sit in a crowded amphitheater for a show.
Plenty of people will be happy to sit for a show.
Please specify how any virus can be eliminated, short of a vaccine? Lockdown won’t do it, and they have caused massive economic harm and lost wages. And who knows if a vaccine will be found for Covid? It has been 35+ years, and we still have no HIV vaccine.
There is an anti-AIDS drug known as PrEP which is reported to be 90% effective, which is higher than many vaccines.
HIV and SARS-CoV-2 are fundamentally different in their structure and in their method of transmission; you’re not comparing like to like. It’s like saying that you will never go on a boat ride because you once dropped a bowling ball into a pond and it sank.