How Disneyland is taking omicron precautions

I’ve been writing about COVID-19 precautions at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure for so long now that I often forget that people are still heading to the Anaheim theme parks for the first time since the pandemic closure and wondering what to expect.

I decided to pull together all my COVID-19 health and safety tips and advice into one concise package that goes over everything you need to know about visiting Disneyland right now as the omicron variant causes a spike in coronavirus cases and hospitalizations.

I got an email the other day from a father who wanted to know if Disneyland had updated its mask policy to reflect the record number of COVID-19 cases and higher rate of transmission with the omicron variant. The family was planning a trip to Disneyland with their young children who aren’t eligible to be vaccinated yet and he wanted to make sure they would be safe.

I also got a call from a woman with multiple medical issues that have compromised her immune system who had just gotten back from Disneyland and was surprised at what she described as the park’s lax COVID-19 health and safety protocols.

Here’s what I told them and what I would tell anybody who asks.

The first thing I would say is you don’t have to go to Disneyland right now — no matter how much you want to or your kids beg you. If you’re not ready, stay home. Disneyland has been there for 67 years and will almost certainly be there for another 67 years. The pandemic will eventually end and you can visit Disneyland when health officials give the all-clear sign.

Is Disneyland going to change its mask policy?

Probably not. Don’t expect Disneyland to update its mask policy or other COVID-19 health and safety protocols unless health officials require theme parks to do so.

Disneyland follows guidelines set forth by California and Orange County health officials — and those guidelines haven’t changed dramatically in the past few weeks as omicron-related cases have spiked. If state or county COVID-19 protocols change, Disneyland will adapt and align the park’s policies with those mandated by local health officials.

Disneyland requires masks indoors on rides and in shops, but not outdoors — which is the majority of the park. Masks are also required on enclosed buses, monorails and transportation vehicles. Disneyland employees politely and persistently remind visitors to put on their masks while they are indoors.

SEE ALSO: What to expect during the 2022 Lunar New Year festival at Disney California Adventure

The No. 1 priority since the beginning of the phased reopening of the Disneyland resort has been the health and safety of cast members and guests, according to Disneyland officials. Disneyland has implemented a multi-pronged approach to the COVID-19 pandemic following the guidance of government health agencies and the recommendations of Disney’s team of health and safety experts, according to Disneyland officials.

Disneyland is no longer required to enforce social distancing on rides, in queues or during shows. Those requirements went away in June when California dropped most COVID-19 health and safety protocols and the state economy reopened after a yearlong pandemic lockdown.

Disneyland recommends unvaccinated visitors wear masks at all times in the parks, but doesn’t require proof of vaccination or actively enforce any mask requirements for unvaccinated visitors.

Most Disneyland employees still wear masks — but that is no longer required in all situations, particularly in outdoor settings. Some Disneyland employees are double masking to protect themselves against exposure to COVID-19.

What should you do if you are going to Disneyland despite your continuing concerns about COVID-19?

Disneyland is a huge place with more than 100 acres of open space and DCA is nearly as big. It is possible to avoid excessive mingling even in such crowded places. But at some point you’re going to run into people at Disneyland and DCA if you think you’re going to do everything you used to do pre-pandemic.

My best advice: Adhere to the recommendations health officials have offered throughout the pandemic. Get vaccinated. Wear a mask. Maintain social distancing. Avoid high-touch surfaces. Wash and sanitize your hands frequently.

Disneyland was able to accommodate visitors in May and June under reduced capacity limits and strict COVID-19 health and safety protocols. Those tools and strategies used then are still available to you now if you make a diligent effort to follow them.

Plenty of visitors wear masks at all times in the parks, but that definitely isn’t a universal practice. There’s nothing stopping you from wearing a mask all day at Disneyland and DCA. If you’ve never worn a mask for 16 hours straight you might be surprised how quickly you forget you have it on. On the other hand, it could drive you crazy. Either way, make sure you consider what a fully masked day at the park will be like for you and your family before you arrive at the front gates.

Social distancing is tougher to pull off now at Disneyland as crowds have rebounded over the past eight months — but not impossible. You don’t have to be in the front row to watch the parade or huddled in a crowd on Main Street U.S.A. to see the fireworks. Try catching the parade or fireworks from a far less crowded out-of-the-way spot. You might find you enjoy the new perspective.

Pick rides and attractions with low to no wait times to avoid long and crowded queues. Leave space between you and the party in front of you in the queue if you absolutely must ride a more popular attraction.

Maintaining social distance with visitors behind you and on either side of you in the switchback queues will be difficult if not impossible. If the line looks too long or crowded, wait until next time. Space Mountain isn’t going anywhere — and skipping the indoor coaster this time will give you something to look forward to on your return visit.

Choose outdoor rides that offer more air circulation. If you must do an indoor ride, pick one that offers individual cars just for you or your family — like Haunted Mansion or Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride.

You won’t be able to do it all like you did before the pandemic. Steer clear of indoor rides that jam people together like Star Tours, Indiana Jones Adventure and It’s a Small World.

You’re probably not going to ride Rise of the Resistance on this trip — unless you want to wait in a two-hour line with a few thousand other people. Trust me, the popular new Star Wars ride will be there the next time you visit. But if you absolutely must ride Rise, pay the $20 to skip the line. It will be well worth the peace of mind.

This would also be the trip to test drive Disneyland’s new Genie+ line-cutting service. It will set you back $20 a person — but you’ll cut way down on wait times and avoid crowded queues.

Disneyland is still keeping 6 feet of physical distance between visitors and meet-and-greet characters. The pandemic policy has actually been a boon for visitors who now get more chances to snap selfies with Mickey, Princess Tiana or Captain America. Keep an eye out for characters in socially distanced locations.

The plexiglass dividers that were ubiquitous after Disneyland first reopened have been largely removed from ride vehicles and attraction queues, but they can still be found at many point of sale locations in restaurants and shops. Oga’s Cantina has plexiglass dividers separating individual booths into two separate seating areas for multiple parties.

Mobile order your food and eat in a less busy area of the park not surrounded by a slew of tables and diners. Disneyland offers a long list of hand-held foods designed to be eaten while standing or walking. My favorites: The corndog and the Ronto Wrap. I’m getting hungry just thinking about them.

There are still plenty of hand sanitizing stations throughout the parks, but nowhere near the number seen when Disneyland first reopened in late April. Wash or sanitize your hands after you get off every ride. And try not to touch your eyes, mouth, nose or face.

Disneyland employees could regularly be seen cleaning high-touch surfaces after the parks first reopened, but that’s not so much the case any more. Bring disinfectant wipes with you to clean any tables or ride hand-holds you might be averse to touching. Who knows how many people have held that astro blaster.