Since reopening, Disney World has maintained limited capacity in restaurants across property.
During the initial stage of Disney World’s reopening, maximum restaurant capacity was limited based on the state government’s reopening plan. However, since Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced that the state is now in Phase 3 of reopening, restaurants are no longer subject to capacity restrictions.
Florida entered Phase 3 of reopening on September 25th, and in the previous Phase 2 of reopening, restaurant capacity limitations were set at 50%.
Phase 3 will also allow locations such as bars, pubs, and nightclubs which earn more than 50% of sales from alcohol to operate at full capacity.
There have been concerns raised about the decision to move Florida to Phase 3 of reopening. Dr. Anthony Fauci is among those who have questioned the move, calling it “very concerning.” And despite the state moving into Phase 3 of reopening, Disney has noted that they would not be making any immediate changes as a result of this transition.
With the potential for increased capacity on the horizon, we wanted to know how our readers are feeling. So, we asked our followers on Instagram, “Would you go to Disney World restaurants right now if they raised capacity to 100%?” And while 34% said yes, the other 66% said no.
Let’s take a look at some of the reasons our readers gave behind their responses!
“Yes, I would go to a Disney World restaurant at 100% capacity.”
Of those who responded, 34% said yes, they would dine at a Disney World restaurant at 100% capacity right now. Some mentioned that they’ve seen other precautionary measures in place in restaurants. “Where I live, restaurants are allowed at 100%. I feel safe with the glass up.”
Others mentioned that they aren’t concerned with the risk. “I’m younger and no underlying health conditions so I’m not afraid of COVID.”
We asked our readers: Do you think Space 220 will open by the end of the year? Here’s what they said.
“No, I wouldn’t go to a Disney World restaurant at 100% capacity.”
Making up the majority of respondents, 66% said no, they wouldn’t go to a Disney World restaurant operating at full capacity right now. Many in this group pointed out the additional risks posed in an indoor dining setting. “I don’t want to be right next to someone while they are eating, talking, laughing, coughing, etc.”
Others mentioned that they and their loved ones have health concerns which makes them unable to justify putting themselves in a high-risk environment. “I’m on chemo and have loved ones on chemo. It’s unsafe to dine that close to others.”
Several people also mentioned that until a vaccine is available, other safety precautions such as social distancing should stay in place. “We are still in a pandemic with no vaccine. Safety measures are needed.”
We asked our readers: Would you bring your kids to Disney World right now? Here’s what they said.
While about a third of the respondents said they would eat at a Disney World restaurant with the capacity at 100%, the majority said they still wouldn’t feel comfortable at this point. Again, Disney has not yet announced any planned changes to capacity, but we’ll continue to keep an eye out for any further updates.
We asked our readers: Should Disney World face characters be wearing masks? Here’s what they said.
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Would you go to a Disney World restaurant right now if the capacity was at 100%? Let us know in the comments!
Jackie says
Good, more room for me. I’m sick of being a quarantined. It was nice to be in WDW with other people.
If other people want to do it, that’s fine.
Mike in NoVA says
I think a lot of us will be watching Disney’s actions over the next 90 days to determine our own answer to this question; regardless of your position on Covid restrictions etc., either spending or not spending your hard-earned dollars at WDW will get their attention on just about any question.
Julie says
Let’s just open it all back up and those who want to go, let’s go. Those who don’t, well then wait it out. My problem is still paying full price for 1/4 the full experience (fast pass, character meet n greets, parades/shows, etc) and definitely dump the mask requirement
Jess says
We just refuse to go to Disney until it actually is a vacation and not a “stay in the lines” or get out kind of place. These restrictions are a job- if you don’t want Covid, stay home.
Lizzie says
Yay! No problem here would go in a heart beat! Gonna take some time to train staff etc. I’m ready when they are
Michelle says
Just went. Had a fantastic time, seriously if you don’t want to wait in lines why are you going to theme parks. The max we waited was 80 minutes for Mickey’s. So worth it. If lines stay near an hour, I don’t need fast pass. I grew up going to Disney and waiting in line. You get to talk to your party, laugh, enjoy the time together. It’s much better than running around the park, trying to make fast pass windows. Masks are easy, just suck it up and wear it. I got used to it within the first hour. My kids have been wearing them at school for 8 weeks. It’s just required, they don’t question it. Kids are way more flexible then adults. They are used to doing what they are told. It’s adults who have to make wearing something over their mouth and nose to protect themselves, other guests and more importantly CAST MEMBERS a huge drama. I felt very safe in their restaurants at the current capacity, I doubt we will go at 100% capacity at these infection levels. ALSO ASYMPTOMATIC CARRIERS ARE THE BIGGEST SPREADERS. It’s science, not controversial and easily proven.
Jenny says
I would definitely go to Disney’s restaurant at 100%
Disney knows how to protect us!!
Roxane Erickson says
Crazy to even be considering this.
Why this is never going to end!
Zack says
Disney is definitely keeping in mind that the entire service industry has eyes on them because they’re considered the gold standard. We’re considering a trip in a few months if we get more science about how to stay safe and maybe a vaccine. But an increase to full capacity would be a dealbreaker.
Also, moderators—please remove the comment about asymptomatic people not being contagious. It’s wayyyyyyyyyyy dangerous and just not true. Not accusing the poster of intentionally spreading misinformation, but that’s how people become confused about what we know and what we don’t about this virus.
FRANCIS+GALLO says
Just got back from WDW where I felt safer than I do at work. The Cast Members are AWESOME and endure more physically uncomfortable conditions than the guests do purely to give us a good experience. Had a great time there and they are why. Disney, as usual, has gone out of its way to figure everything out to socially distance and construct queue lines that, though long, move fairly quickly for the most part. In the process, you get to see areas of the Parks you don’t normally do because they utilize them to expand the queue lines. Cavalcades are really cute and a fun surprise when they come by. I do miss the parades and fireworks/projection shows and other theater shows. I hate the masks mostly because they fog up my glasses so badly that I miss a lot of what I’m looking at especially going from air conditioning to the humid Florida air. Just heard a doctor on the radio saying the masks are a joke that don’t filter the Covid virus since it is small enough to pass through the mask. Child development is hampered since their socialization skills are developed through facial expression which they are missing out on and the increased CO2 inhalation can cause cognitive problems over a period of time, according to the Doctor. Much of this is Political and will likely change after the election, but I would definitely go to dinner in a Disney restaurant at 100% capacity and I am an older person with co-morbitity issues. Not worried at all.
christine WORKMAN says
We went two weeks ago – no parks but resort dining. It felt weird with every other table. Open back up 100% and those that are nervous can wait it out or stay home and keep doing take out. Disney was always crowded before, it looks surreal to be empty. I love the hustle and bustle of the crowds.
Dawn Feagan says
Truthfully we enjoyed ourselves this past visit. It was like the old days. Short lines. Able to ride everything. In truth it would be hard to go back to the old norm. It was very relaxing. Epcot used to be my favorite park. Animal Kingdom was a nice surprise . We enjoyed it allot. We enjoyed the Sana’a Bread service. So in answering the question yes, we would go back at 100%, but spoiled after our last visit😂
Cheryl says
I wonder how many of the people polled haven’t even visited the parks since reopening. If they choose not to visit now anyway what difference does their opinion matter regarding restaurant capacity?
Mike says
We’re on a long, steep, downhill road. At the first bend we bounced off the walls and had to slam the brakes on hard. Our speed came down and we eased the brakes enough to maintain a safe rate of progress. Now there is another bend – autumn/winter – coming up, so is taking our foot off the brakes even more going to end well?
The future has never been more predictable.
Matt says
My family and I will be there as soon as Disney will stop requiring us to wear masks. If people want to wear masks it should be a choice.
S says
Shame on those 34% and the insensitive and incorrect information posted here. Of course, asymptomatic people are contagious–read the science. Stay home, I don’t care how much you are sick of this, we all are. Once everyone does this, perhaps we get rid of it and can go back to normal lives SAFELY. It would be different if you were just putting yourself at risk; if that was the case, I’d say “have at it.” But you’re not. Just ask the people who died who did not attend that wedding but got infected by those that did. Oh wait, you can’t. They’re dead.
Susan A LeJune says
I have no problem going.
Greg says
Ditto, Julie.
Mark says
We are scheduled for a week in November. I have been nervous about it but we really need a vacation. I was dismayed by the change in Florida’s rules. If WDW relaxes the capacity limits and ramps up the number who can dine at restaurants we will reconsider going. At best we will likely cancel most table service reservations.
Joe+James says
Thank you, Michelle, for fact checking DebC’s misunderstanding and misinformation. It’s people like her that ignore what the facts are regarding asymptomatic carriers that have caused this disease to spread so far and wide. If only symptomatic people were contagious, it’d be much easier to contain the spread of the virus. It would also not make sense to have all the other safety measures in place for asymptomatic people in the parks. Appreciate the cast members continuing to put themselves at risk for our entertainment and if their safety means that reducing capacity is here to stay for a long time, then I’m all for it.
Roger McGuinness says
I am uncomfortable dining indoors period. I am going to Disneyworld in November and have booked some restaurants which I assume have no outdoor options. I will see what 50% looks like and make that judgement then. If they change to 100% I will be cancelling them all.
Jeremy says
I’m just curious, of the 66% percent that said no how many of those are also not going to the parks because they don’t feel safe yet?
Jack says
I don’t know who you polled to find 66% who wouldn’t go. It’s obviously not the 99% of people who reply to this. Almost every person I speak with and every post on this site that wants Disney opened without any restrictions. No mask or social distancing. We have to start living a normal life and stop living in fear. Make mask optional.
Gary Pearson says
I can’t go because the border is still closed. I’m Canadian. I love Disney but none of my family wants to go to Florida when the border does open, until the virus is under control and it seems the US has not taken it seriously – particularly in Florida. You’ll notice the whole world has cut the US off. Not sure if your media has pointed this out but while the virus is dangerous everywhere, the American response has been the worst in the developed world. Please wear a mask, social distance and wash hands. I don’t understand the resistance to masks. It is really so little to ask. I look forward to returning to Disney in maybe 2022.Love the parks and resorts. I hope for the best to my American friends for their health and happiness.
Joan Wuetcher says
Would be a definite NO for us. If they change capacity in WDW we will be cancelling our trip. It is to early to go 100% until they see how things go in Florida with all the restrictions lifted. One COVID Case traced back to WDW would be a disaster for them
Barbara A. says
It’s now October 12 2020 and in 31 states coronavirus spread is taking hold and going up again and Florida is one of them. I’ve had to take a few coronavirus tests because I work with the public and luckily I have been negative each time, but we need to be more careful if we want to beat this virus. I am not comfortable being in a restaurant or park at full capacity yet. If 66% percent of people polled said NO then I’m with them. Let’s beat it before we take the chance or at least have a safe working vaccine for all of us. Healthy people have gotten very sick or died from this virus and over 214,000 Americans of all ages have DIED!!! It’s not just old people as so many people seem to think. I live in Florida and I am an annual passholder. We go quite often and are happy to see Disney being so careful and concerned about those who visit the parks and restaurants each day! Why should we have to be careless with the safety of every American because some people just can’t follow safety rules and be more careful? It’s a matter of life and death to be more cautious. Better safe then sorry I say!! Thank you Disney for all you are doing to keep us all safe when we visit. We’ll be seeing you again on the 28th!
Barbara A. says
Let me do a follow up on my previous comment. I am uncomfortable being in a restaurant or park when people don’t follow safety rules or social distance so being a passholder and having been up there many times since reopening, I trust what Disney has done to keep us all safe. They have gone over and above with safety precautions, but if things go back to no precautions whatsoever, I would hesitate right now to go back, so I welcome the restrictions because I enjoy going there. Life can go on during coronavirus if we are all careful and follow safety precautions. Wear your mask and social distance so we can beat this virus and get back to life as it used to be!!
Jeannine Morgan says
Could the date of the post please be posted at the top of the article? It wasn’t until most of the way down that it mentions people don’t want to go because there is no vaccine yet. Clearly there is now and then I see the comments are from 2020 not 2021. Good articles but obviously out dated. Thank you.