Checking in on Walt Disney World

It seemed time for a check-in on Walt Disney World: How its Covid-era protocols, including capacity caps, mask-wearing, physical distancing and alterations to the ride experience have impacted the visitor experience. We bring on two experts: Senior editor Jamie Biesiada, who covers theme parks for Travel Weekly, and Greg Antonelle, the co-owner of MickeyTravels travel agency. Jamie was in the parks just a few weeks ago for reporting on her cover story this week, “Disney’s evolving new normal.” And Greg, an Orlando resident, is in the parks several times a week for work. Among our discussions on this episode: Crowding in the parks, which protocols might stay and which might go, the popularity of villa and suite bookings, and a visit to Disneyland. Plus, new attractions and old favorites – and the burning question: How long would you wait in line to ride the PeopleMover at Disney’s Magic Kingdom? Listen to our previous Disney podcast, featuring Jamie and Len Testa of TouringPlans.com: The Folo, episode 14: we’re going to Disney World https://www.travelweekly.com/Podcasts/Folo/Going-to-Disney-World Further reading: Disney’s new normal: https://www.travelweekly.com/North-America-Travel/Disneys-evolving-new-normal Dispatch, Walt Disney World: New plan for park visits seems a lot like the old plan https://www.travelweekly.com/Blogs/Dispatch/Dispatch-Walt-Disney-World-New-plan-like-the-old-plan Theme coasters deliver more than just thrills: https://www.travelweekly.com/North-America-Travel/Theme-coasters-deliver-more-than-just-thrills Theme parks turn to special events as reopening nears https://www.travelweekly.com/North-America-Travel/Theme-parks-turn-to-special-events-as-reopening-nears Walt Disney World launching MagicMobile service https://www.travelweekly.com/North-America-Travel/Walt-Disney-World-launching-MagicMobile-service Theme parks have cut spending on new attractions: https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/Theme-parks-have-sharply-cut-spending-on-new-attractions Dispatch, Walt Disney World: Polynesian bungalows are a new level of luxury https://www.travelweekly.com/Blogs/Dispatch/Dispatch-Walt-Disney-World-The-Polynesian-s-new-level-of-luxury MickeyBlog: www.mickeyblog.com This podcast was recorded May 7 and was edited for length and clarity.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.