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.
Disney would attract many out of state visitors if they offered convenient on-site COVID-19 testing. Both the states where I live and across the border where I work require 14-day quarantine unless you have a negative test within 72 hours BEFORE returning. I have my fingers crossed that Florida will be off the quarantine list by my December trip.
If management at Disney has the health and safety of it’s guests held as the highest priority, the WDW resort will maintain proper Covid-19 recommended safety procedures regardless of the DeSantis Administration/Florida.
Based on what science-verified recommendations this week?
Absolutely correct. DeSantis is irresponsible in lifting restrictions. Now that Potus has Covid will America wake up?
Hi Tom,
Any thoughts on when Fastpass will return?
Thanks!
Well, Disney did just cancel the WDW Marathon Weekend which was supposed to be the second weekend in January, so I’m not so sure that Disney World will be raising capacity that much in the next few months, especially heading into flu season.
We went in July. The best thing ever was sitting down at a restaurant and getting a breather from the mask. What I think is funny is how everyone is scared of mask mandates being removed, when all you have to do is eat at a restaurant. Does everyone think those people who eat at a restaurant for an hour just leave the park? Who knows if they wash their hands, and then touch all things possible in the world. If you are really concerned with germs, I wouldn’t go. Not many masks at the pools And about 50/50 compliance in hallways in hotels.
I am excited that people can get back to work as that is a basic need to feel better in general and get off unemployment. I hope Disney starts bringing back more employees and stops paying bonuses to executives who never step foot in a park.
so so true! We canceled our trip to Disney and we are planning on rescheduling it, but not if you have to wear a mask. I will not be wearing a mask walking around with it on. I totally agree with your comment.
my husband and i are thinking of going at Christmas now that they have lifted restrictions, but if i have to wear a mask all day I won’t enjoy myself so i doubt we will make that trip. if they lift the mask i will be more than happy to go.
I was so pleased with your reports about Disney protocol and how you felt safe. With most of the guests from Florida now, even if Disney kept their safety measures, there would be too many people that have had no safety measures coming in for me to feel safe. I also think enforcement would be more difficult even with the way the Disney characters have been kind and vigilant. As much as I would love a return to semi normal in this world, the state has made it a dealbreaker to cancel my December trip I so longed for.
They will not. Park hopping, etc., are guest-centric tactics DIS uses to lure travelling guests. DIS is consimed with maximizing the per-transaction profit margin right now. They can only do that with locals. That’s why there is no fast pass, no park hopping, no dining plans, no big $$ shows, etc. And won’t be. But the price is higher, so there’s that.
Does anyone know the answer to this question.… If you have a special needs child, and have the DAS pass, When you get your return time, what line queue do you wait in?The fast pass line? Standby line? That doesn’t seem to make sense. The only thing I could think of would be the fast pass line. So, you wouldn’t be standing in line for a long time.I know the fast pass line is not open, just wondering where the DAS return time, will wait at. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks 🙂
I believe that special needs guests are usually takes to the ride exit and helped onto the ride there, you should definitely check on the official Disney website or ask the moms panel.
We have used it in prior years. Just wondering how it will work this year during the safety protocols. Usually they let you enter the fast pass line. I have not had them take us in the exit.
When we went in sept both lines were open but FastPass line were not being used…. but I did see families entering occasionally…. special needs, wheel chairs etc.
When using DAS in August we returned to the Fastpass+ line and entered rides from there.
For those using DAS, you return to the fast pass line, just like before. 🙂
AK,
We were there in July. My grandson has a DAS pass. There is CM at the entrance and would tell us where to go. Most of the time, we were in the regular line because there were so few in line.
Not cool that Disney started increasing capacity at the parks without publicly admitting it. I think they should be more gradual about increasing capacity. Disney could have spread it out over months.Wait till they start hearing the negative feedback Pour in….And complaints from CM’s.
I agree. It makes me want to cancel my trip in 2 weeks. The only reason we were going was because of the low numbers and short lines.
We have had to more our trip from March to December, but there is no mention of the fact
that we are still unable to travel from the UK to Florida. So again we will have to wait till
the last minute to see if we finally get a Disney Holiday or try and change it to next year.
Are the travel restrictions going to be lifted?
Travel restrictions fall on both countries, we just have to wait and see. I know some international travel is happening for families but not at a huge scale as my brother in law just flew from London to Chicago to be with his mother and had no issues getting on or off the plane.
We have had to more our trip from March to December, but there is no mention of the
that we are still unable to travel from the UK to Florida. So again we will have to wait till
the last minute to see if we finally get a Disney Holiday or try and change it to next year.
Are the travel restrictions going to be lifted?
Shocking!! Yes numbers are down…. a bit, still fluctuate, still higher numbers (cases, hospitalizations, and deaths) than it was when closed. Plus way more than EU, Canada and other countries that are pulling back on things while these countries have less cases/deaths/hospitalization per capita than Florida.
a plane came into Canada from Florida and the stewardess told everyone to pay close attention because Canada is VERY strict about things, masks, staying 6′ apart, following the directional arrows, walking single file.
The world watches the US push to open things and watches the deaths go over 200,000. So sad.
I meant England not EU, but several EU countries as well.
Eh … as a Canadian, I’d say the flight attendant was HIGHLY exaggerating Canadians as their blind followings to government overreach. I hardly ever wear a mask, it is not mandatory in the province in live in, nor are there arrows and lines everywhere. Another case of “can’t believe everything you hear”. And by the way, I don’t think Americans are bad either … Canada has a really bad morality complex and feels morally superior to virtually everyone. You’d be shocked to learn that the numbers of deaths per capita in Quebec, during an extremely tight lockdown, are higher than in Sweden, who did not lockdown.
My comment went into moderation, so I am summarizing in a new one …
In my Canadian province, I do not wear a mask, it is not mandated. Nor are there any lines on the floors. I think the flight attendant was HIGHLY exaggerating.
You’d be shocked to hear that per capita and during the strictest lockdowns, Quebec had a higher death count than Sweden, who did not lockdown.
Canada feels morally superior to the US. It’s horrible to hear, and I’m Canadian through and through. We just like to think we’re better than everyone else.
Will Park Hopper status return?
I hope WDW takes this opportunity to either reinstate park hopping, or allow guests to enter Epcot without park reservations after 4:00 for dinner reservations.
This is a wonderful idea. I would rather go to eat in Epco more than the 2 days *I have passes for.
Thank you Ash. I am an Annual Passholder residing in Clermont, FL (Lake County.) We’ve been to Disney several times since the reopening and are mostly very pleased with Disney’s precautions and regulations. Our main grouse is that Passholders not staying on Disney Property are limited to only three park reservations at a time; the weather this time of year is quite unsettled, so there’s a better than 50% chance that we get rained out in the late afternoon/early evening.
Paul, is there a problem with my last comment? I shared some exciting, VERY positive news for other seniors who are worried about a “COVID and Flu double whammy.”
Thanks to Disney, a precedent was set for responsible virus mitigation protocols in central FL, in spite of the governor. Disney successfully brought the parks back, brought the NBA back, and set standards for behavior that ultimately has resulted in keeping locals and other visitors safe. It’s been a positive collaborative effort and massive feat by so many people. I do believe that Disney’s firm independent strategies and resulting success has set an example for businesses far beyond the Disney bubble that will historically go down as a chapter (if not full dedicated books) about the USA’s response to the pandemic. I don’t think it’s too sentimental to say that Disney brought the parks back, and ALSO brought happiness back to so many people. The happiest place on earth is also the one of the most responsible, and that says a lot.
Well said.
We have reservations for our usual Christmas week trip to WDW but probably won’t go. Our entire family has agreed that wearing a mask is a deal breaker. Maybe next year.
It’s not so bad – especially in the cooler temps you would see in December. We’ve been twice recently – a week in August and a week in September. It was very warm… needless to say we had fun because we could! You make your own happiness, within the bounds of comfort and safety.
I’m with you Luann. We have a Christmas week trip planned as well and no one in my family wants to go if masks are still mandated. And while it may not be too bad, that’s not what I want out of a vacation that costs this much 🙁 There’s no guarantee of cold weather (our last trip at Christmas we wore shorts and tanks and never put on a jacket even at night the entire trip) and even if it’s cool, it’s just not worth it with masks plus all the other things off the table. Not to mention we would be there for New Years and Disney has said nothing about how that will go yet. With cross country flights involved we may just have to pull the plug and shoot for next year. For those who can afford to go regardless, or live close enough for day trips I can see looking at this all differently, but for us this is too big of an expense to not get the full package. I guarantee there will be tears when I officially cancel… 🙁
Nicki: With NYC not having NYE in Times Square, my guess is there won’t be much happening at WDW either on NYE.
Luann, for me it is the opposite. We also have Christmas plans, but will cancel if they DON’T keep the mask mandate.
I seriously hope that they don’t relax any of their covid precautions. We decided to hang onto our passes because they were taking the virus seriously. If they decide to relax their standards, I sincerely hope they offer to refund passes again if people decide they don’t want to go anymore. We won’t go back if they relax their standards.
And I’m one of those who won’t go back until Disney drops the face mask rule when outdoors. Really, even outdoors?! To each their own. I’ll just have to wait…
Agreed. Someday things should get better, but not in the very immediate future. I have more faith in a company that takes the health of its clients and supporters seriously.
We were there last week and going again for Thanksgiving . Followed all the rules as everyone should if they go. But other than the mask I’m ready for FP+ And park hop to come back. I’d rather wake up early and rope drop. Go back to the hotel and swim, drink, eat and nap and come back late afternoon or evening and burn through fast passes and close it down.
Also the pre ride shows like ToT and M&MRR are gone. Bring back parades and night time spectaculars. I’ll grumpily still wear a mask if we can get some magic back.
Ps bring back Woody’s lunch box and the pulled pork fries at Flame Tree too. No pulled pork fries is a bummer.
Robert,
When you say the pre-ride show at Tot is gone, do you mean you go into the library and straight through to the boiler room? And how do they do the 6 ft distancing in the library and boiler room?