I still remember where Sarah and I were when the announcement was made that, out of an abundance of caution, the theme parks at Walt Disney World would close on March 15, 2020 through the end of that month. It was one of those moments anyone paying attention knew was coming, but still hit like a ton of bricks. (How many of you had a sinking feeling just from seeing the above graphic?)
We had become acutely aware of COVID two months earlier, as the impacts on Hong Kong Disneyland and Shanghai Disneyland were playing out even before both closed on January 25, 2020. Still, it felt distant–literally and figuratively. That changed for us when Tokyo Disney Resort closed on February 28, 2020 and COVID waves swept through Europe in the days and weeks thereafter. Then CEO Bob Iger abruptly stepped down, which we assumed even at the time was really due to the ramifications of COVID and not a careful-but-secret succession plan.
The gravity of the situation for the United States came into full focus on March 11, 2020. That fateful evening when Tom Hanks announced he had COVID, and NBA player Rudy Gobert tested positive. Within minutes, the dominos started falling. The NBA suspended its season, setting the stage for most other sports leagues, large scale events, theme parks, and more to do the same in the hours and days after. An announcement the next day that Walt Disney World and Disneyland would close was thus inevitable, but yet another gut-punch that made things feel more real. Uncertain. Scary.
Six years later, I could contribute a complete oral history of the Walt Disney World COVID closures to the record. It’s funny–I can watch a movie on Netflix and completely forget what happened within weeks. But I remember so many moments and days of the COVID era in vivid detail. I wish I didn’t.
I remember the weeks and days leading up to the closures. Our last ‘for fun’ parks visits, as part of Moonlight Magic in Magic Kingdom and the opening of Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway. Our last ‘for research’ visits, as we monitored operational changes pre-closure. The massive crowds in the parks, and the sharp contrast with the mid-July and beyond dates that followed.
During the lockdown portion of the COVID closure, Sarah and I would take nightly walks in our neighborhood, talking about the aftermath of COVID and how the world would forever change.
Neither of us believed Walt Disney World and Disneyland would be closed only until the end of that month. We had been watching the markets and everything else, and it was pretty clear that this was another 9/11 in terms of the long tail consequences–if not worse. Summer felt like the best-case scenario, with sometime in 2021 a distinct possibility.
A lot of what we expected would happen was, thankfully, way off base. Long before “revenge travel” entered our collective vernacular, analysts predicted a prolonged recession, with travel not recovering for 5 years, if ever. As the stock market got pummeled, a prolonged recession seemed like the baseline scenario.
While walking through our Horizon West community, we predicted that homes under construction wouldn’t be finished and future development on the just-started next phase would pause for years. Work resumed a couple of weeks later, the next phase was built and sold out quickly, and our old neighborhood is almost unrecognizable from when we moved in. I made a lot of other very bad guesses about how things would unfold, thankfully.
And even today as I’m typing this, I have a sinking feeling in my stomach. I don’t want to relive those final days the parks were open, the long drives to Trader Joe’s through a desolate Walt Disney World, hotel stays in the early days of the phased reopening, or ghost town park visits in August. I’ve come to appreciate moderately busy days in the parks, as people give them life, and don’t like eerily uncrowded dates that remind me of the phased reopening.
I’m also guessing that, aside from the handful of you who have asked for a ‘history’ of Walt Disney World during COVID, there’s little desire to read about what happened. You either remember and don’t need it, or don’t remember and don’t want to. If you do for whatever reason, here’s a selection of contemporaneous COVID posts:
In that spirit, let’s just move right along to what was lost and still hasn’t returned in the 6 years since Walt Disney World closed on March 15, 2020.
Gone for Good?
The COVID era was a tumultuous time that offered Disney the cloak of the phased reopening as an excuse to reset the guest experience–and consumer expectations. We know from contemporaneous interviews with then-CEO Bob Chapek and Josh D’Amaro that Walt Disney World would use the pandemic as an opportunity to make decisions that would otherwise be unpopular and met by fierce fan backlash.
Here’s a list of the permanent changes, cuts, etc. to the guest experience:
- Extra Magic Hours
- Park Hours
- Disney’s Magical Express
- Airport Luggage Handling
- Resort Merchandise Delivery
- Tables in Wonderland
- Free FastPass
- Free MagicBands
- Maintenance, Upkeep & Ride Downtime
- Emphasis on Mobile Order, Table Service To-Go, Walk-Up Waitlist, etc.
These are all hugely consequential changes to the guest experience, and I don’t want to simply gloss over them. But the fact of the matter is that we’ve written countless articles about each of these changes, and there’s really not more that can–or needs to be–said.
The bottom line is that if you visited in 2019 or earlier, you already know what’s missing in terms of the guest experience. If you’re a relative newcomer to Walt Disney World and have only started visiting in the post-reopening era, I cannot overstate this: ignorance is bliss.
It’s going to be tough to unring any of these bells, but “gone for good” is not necessarily accurate. Forever is a long time horizon, and we’ve already seen some “permanent” changes rolled back. As much as D’Amaro gushed about park reservations, those have been mostly undone for everyone but Annual Passholders. I could easily foresee a time when park reservations are gone for good in Florida.
One example of this that we’ve started to see play out in the last year is the return of Airport Luggage Transfer. While currently only available as part of a limited pilot program for guests who fly Southwest Airlines and stay at the Value Resorts, the intention is to scale that up and bring it back for everyone. It’s just taking time to get off the ground.
Once that does happen, though, it also arguably lays the groundwork for the return of Disney’s Magical Express. That’s not idle speculation or wishful thinking–read Will Disney’s Magical Express Airport Shuttle Ever Return? for an explanation of why the airport wants DME back, and is willing to subsidize the cost!
There are other entries on the above list of ‘gone for good’ things that could make a surprise return, especially if there’s an economic downturn and Walt Disney World needs to scramble to pull more “levers” to incentivize demand. In other words, as highly improbable as anything on the above list changing or returning at this point might seem, never say never.
Construction Cancellations
Less than one week after the parks closed came the word that all construction was being paused at Walt Disney World. This would result in lengthy delays for certain projects, including Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, and TRON Lightcycle Run. All of those attractions were slated to debut in time for Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary (speaking of something upended by the COVID closure, the lackluster “World’s Most Magical Celebration” is a prime example).
Then there are the projects that were cancelled or attractions that were shuttered and never reopened. Here’s a rundown:
- Primeval Whirl
- Stitch’s Great Escape
- Main Street Theater
- Mary Poppins Cherry Tree Lane Expansion at EPCOT
- Spaceship Earth Reimagining
- Play Pavilion
- EPCOT Multi-Level Festival Center
- EPCOT Central Spine (The Good Stuff)
Some of these entries are almost certainly not COVID cancellations. Reflections, for example, is now happening–just by a different name. Primeval Whirl is technically a COVID closure since it operated in March 2020 and never reopened, but the writing was already on the wall–and had been for years.
Stitch’s Great Escape is even more tenuous, as it had not been open pre-closure for a couple of years. COVID was the final nail in its coffin and became the point of no return for a possible seasonal status of the show.
Of the above list, it’s arguable that only the final four entries of ‘EPCOT stuff’ were actually cancelled due to COVID and would’ve opened otherwise. The Mary Poppins flat ride was on thin ice pre-closure, and might’ve never come to fruition. But we were absolutely deprived a reimagining of the central spine of EPCOT and a new festival center that actually would’ve been good.
When it comes to cancelled construction, the bigger impacts are the unknowns. Early 2020 was shaping up to be a banner year for Walt Disney World. After the opening months of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge underperformed expectations the previous fall, attendance was through the roof from December 2019 through mid-March 2020. It would’ve almost certainly been a record-setting year for Walt Disney World.
Between that and a 50th Anniversary celebration that was actually good and would’ve fueled attendance–not to mention billions of dollars not diverted to Disney+ during the COVID closures–it’s likely that the 2021 D23 Expo would’ve been huge for Walt Disney World announcements. There were several on the table that were held back in 2019, and those probably would’ve become official in 2021. So the big story here is what could have been.
What’s Still Missing
In addition to things we know have forever changed and Walt Disney World has no intentions of bringing back, there’s still a lot that’s “missing” and could return at any point. It’s far-fetched for some of the entries on this list, but it’s still possible.
Here’s just a partial list of the atmospheric acts and shows that are still conspicuous omissions from Walt Disney World entertainment lineup:
- Citizens of Hollywood
- Jedi Training Academy
- Citizens of Main Street
- Main Street Trolley Show
- Pandora Rangers & Drummers
It boggles the mind that some of this is still missing. Jedi Training Academy was absolutely adored by guests, and was a ‘magical moment’ for so many kids and their families who had the chance to participate. It couldn’t have been that expensive to produce, was enjoyed by guests even without participating children, and had to help sell plenty of lightsabers. Another make it make sense entry to this list.
Then there are the larger-scale entertainment offerings. On the nighttime front, the following remain missing:
- Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular
- Once Upon a Time
- The Kiss Goodnight
- Cinderella Castle Dream Lights
- Rivers of Light
Of this list, losing Rivers of Light was and is the most brutal. That nighttime spectacular, and the initiative behind it to turn Animal Kingdom into an ‘after dark’ park, lasted for less time than it was in development. It’s still hard to believe that Walt Disney World just gave up on keeping guests in Animal Kingdom after 3 pm after putting years of effort and untold millions of dollars into the push.
But even when the parks were doing gangbuster business in early 2020, Rivers of Light wasn’t playing to packed houses. Maybe the writing was on the wall for DAK as a nighttime park, and it needed Tropical Americas even then.
The Kiss Goodnight was one of those if you know, you know magical moments. One of those ‘big little’ things that left such an indelible impression on the guests who saw it that it could help turn them into lifelong fans. Words, photos, and even video cannot do it justice.
We nevertheless tried, singing its praises in “The Kiss Goodnight: The Greatest Thing Most Guests Don’t See” and “The Kiss Goodnight, Revisited.” (Two articles about something that lasts only a couple of minutes–that should say everything that needs to be said!)
Then there’s the Cinderella Castle Dream Lights. We’ve been on something of a crusade to convince fans to convince Walt Disney World to bring it back. Again, words and photos cannot do it justice. I’ll never pass up the opportunity to sing the praises of the Cinderella Castle Dream Lights. Those icicle lights were one of our favorite things about Christmas at Walt Disney World for the decade-plus prior to them being cancelled in 2020.
I remain convinced that bringing back the Dream Lights is one of the best ways for Disney to entice longtime fans to visit for Christmas 2026. It still makes no sense to me that the Cinderella Castle Dream Lights are still gone. Like Disney’s Magical Express, this feels like an accountant failing to see the forest for the trees.
A lot has changed with WDW dining since February 2020. This seems like such a little and inconsequential thing, but we hear from longtime Walt Disney World fans who are still disappointed by restaurants or special meal options that are still missing:
- Be Our Guest Restaurant – Breakfast & Counter Service Lunch
- Brunch at California Grill
- Dining with an Imagineer
- Plaza Restaurant – Breakfast
- Trattoria al Forno – Bon Voyage Character Breakfast
- Pizzafari Family Style Dining
- Restaurantosaurus Burgers & Sundaes
- Restaurant Marrakesh
What’s interesting here is that Walt Disney World had been making a push in the few years prior to increase the number of ‘interesting’ or novel dining options. Many of the entries on this list weren’t even that old–they were part of that initiative.
Losing Bon Voyage Breakfast was a big one. Same goes with breakfast and lunch at Be Our Guest Restaurant–a venue that’s fairly beloved, but not for the current prix fixe dinner. Probably less significant to average guests, but we really miss Brunch at the Top.
On a positive note, there’s still hope for both of these! Although it took several years, 1900 Park Fare did finally return following a refurbishment to the restaurant. And Garden View Tea Room at the Grand Floridian was just removed from the list above because it’s on the precipice of reopening in March 2026 after a six-plus year closure!
So there’s still hope for all of the above, especially as ADR demand is on the decline. Disney is “discovering” that spicing things up with unique upcharge offerings is a smart strategy. Just as it was in 2019.
Similarly, menus were scaled back and simplified during the phased reopening. Although strides have been made since then, many locations are still shadows of their former selves as compared with February 2020. The trend up until that point had been one of improvement, especially as ‘Disney food’ became an attraction unto itself and reason for repeat visits.
Just look at the formidable restaurant roster at Disney’s Riviera Resort when it opened in December 2019. It’s still strong, but locations like Primo Piatto (instantly the #1 counter service at Walt Disney World upon debut) are nothing like they once were.
As Disney’s dearly-departed CFO famously put it, substitutions were made, suppliers were changed, and portion sizes were decreased for the sake of guests’ waistlines (you’re welcome). In fairness to Disney, part of this is due to the externality of inflation–and similar changes have happened everywhere–but the proximate cause of that is COVID.
Another big change to the ‘eating experience’ at Walt Disney World came via the Disney Dining Plan. That’s now back, but with only half the tiers that existed in February 2020, and dramatically higher prices for adults. Our anecdotal impression is that between price hikes and cutbacks, the DDP is far less popular than it once was.
Even Free Dining has been less popular in the last 2 years in early 2020. It seems very clear to us that guest spending has been reallocated away from other discretionary purchases at Walt Disney World in order to afford Lightning Lanes.
This is evident in ADR availability, Disney Dining Plan interest, and even Free Dining uptake vs. room-only discounts. Demonstrating yet again that the impacts of the COVID closure have been multifaceted and far-reaching, even with changes that have been seeming undone or among offerings that have been restored.
At the exact opposite end of the spectrum, there are guests who miss the “opportunity” to spend even more money at Walt Disney World on experience enhancements–a fancy term for upcharges. There’s still a lot in the Enchanting Extras Collection (and associated add-ons) that gives Walt Disney World a tremendous amount of repeatability for regulars.
Things like certain behind the scenes or VIP tours, dining or dessert parties, early or late park access, and much more. The big one for us is the EPCOT festival seminars and experiences–without those, Food & Wine has lost a lot of its luster. (They’re also missing from other festivals, but it’s most glaring at Food & Wine.)
Although I’m not huge on upcharges, I’d likewise love to see another themed After Hours at Magic Kingdom event. The short-lived Villains After Hours was better than the vanilla version, and it’s about time Walt Disney World revived the Pirates & Princess concept. I’d also love to see a Nostalgia Nite at Magic Kingdom with Wishes, Disney Afternoon characters, and more.
Ultimately, a lot has changed at Walt Disney World since Spring 2020 and, six years later, there’s still much that’s missing from the guest experience in addition to what’s likely gone for good. The impacts of the COVID closures cannot be overstated, as it’s not just a matter of what was directly lost starting March 15, 2020.
Sure, we can watch this brilliant piece of marketing and be depressed all over again about the obvious cuts and changes. But it’s also all of the indirect changes and cascading effects of the closure. It’s not just the projects that were cancelled, ride closures, or entertainment cutbacks–it’s also the unannounced additions that would have happened, but for COVID.
The delays, feet-dragging, and glacially-slow phased reopening. The coupling of “revenge travel” with excessive losses on streaming that gave rise to and helped justify guest unfriendly changes.
Since we cannot go back and change that, what’s most important is all of the little things that are somehow still missing. In aggregate, these made a tremendous positive impact to the guest experience.
These are the things that could come back any day now–the damage that can be undone. That’s precisely why a disproportionate emphasis of this article is on these seemingly insignificant (but not really!) things–because there’s still hope for them. It’s beyond time to restore these aspects of the guest experience, ensuring that Walt Disney World is a world-class vacation destination that keeps forging new fans, and diehards continue to fall in love with all over again with each visit.
This is what Walt Disney World is all about. It’s not just the little details in themed design or placemaking, it’s also that attention to detail in the guest experience. Going above and beyond in ways big and small. Enhancements guests may not notice in isolation or mostly wouldn’t mourn if missing, but that collectively make Walt Disney World feel like a well-oiled machine and a world-class vacation destination where every guest is a VIP. Giving guests things they never knew they needed.
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
What are the biggest changes, cutbacks and cancellations at Walt Disney World due to COVID? How has the experience changed for you today versus 6 years ago? What would you like to see done to improve the guest experience and satisfaction at Walt Disney World? Which of the entries on this list have a realistic chance of coming to fruition? Do you agree or disagree with our assessment? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!