Of the many safety measures that Disney Parks had to set up to operate during the Covid-19 pandemic, requiring guests to keep a six-foot distance from the costumed characters must have been one of the hardest. At least emotionally.
For kids, running into the waiting arms of Mickey Mouse and other beloved characters had been such an impulsive and quintessential part of the experience. Hanging back can be tough.
But finally, hugs are back on the horizon at US Disney properties.
“Disney will start reintroducing traditional character greetings at Disneyland (in California) and Walt Disney World Resorts and aboard Disney Cruise Line and at Aulani Resort in Hawaii,” according to the official Disney Parks blog.
Getting autographs, snapping photos close up, and sharing a laugh face-to-face with characters such as Mulan and Goofy will all be back on the table.
It’s all part of the unwinding of coronavirus restrictions — both at the Disney parks and in the United States at large.
“During the past two years, we’ve taken a very gradual, intentional approach to health and safety protocols,” wrote Shawn Slater, senior communications manager for Disney Live Entertainment, mentioned in the official Disney Parks blog.
“Recent trends and guidance have provided opportunities for us to bring back some of our most beloved magic, like character greetings and dining experiences. While not all locations will be available immediately, we anticipate reopening in phases throughout the spring and early summer.”
What else is coming back
It’s not just character interactions that will be returning later this spring.
At Disneyland in California, guests can look forward to the return of several nighttime spectaculars, including:
- Disneyland Forever
- Fantasmic!
- Main Street Electrical Parade – celebrating its 50th anniversary
- World of Color
On Disney Cruise Line ships, fireworks at sea and Broadway-style shows will be coming back.
At Walt Disney World in Florida, shows such as “Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire” have already returned.
On-site lodging is also bouncing back.
For the first time since March 2020, all Disney Resort hotels that are part of the Disney Resorts Collection at Walt Disney World in Florida are now open.
