Due to the current global situation, Walt Disney World is currently operating at a limited capacity.

Capacity is somewhat naturally limited, however, because there are some guests who simply cannot travel to Walt Disney World right now. Like those from certain states or countries with travel restrictions or advisories for example. 
Recently, we heard of a few predictions that suggest that it may take a considerable amount of time before international tourist spending in the United States returns to pre-coronavirus levels.

During a recent quarterly earnings call, where various members of The Walt Disney Company discussed the results of the Company’s third fiscal quarter of 2020, we learned approximately 50% of the guest base at Walt Disney World is currently made up of guests who are traveling to the resort from a distance. That leaves approximately 50% of the guest base to be composed of locals traveling from areas that are not too far away.

It seems that Walt Disney World, and other locations in the United States, may continue to see reduced international tourist spending for quite some time. According to the Orlando Sentinel, one expert — Christopher Thompson, president, and CEO of Brand USA — has indicated that the United States may not see spending by international tourists within the U.S. return to pre-coronavirus levels until 2024.

A number of years ago, Christopher Thompson was the head of Visit Florida, which focuses on marketing tourism to Florida. Thompson indicated that the travel industry is not just in a recession, it is in a depression, with more than 50% of the hospitality industry facing unemployment.

Thompson noted that even after a vaccine is developed and released, visitors will need to feel confident about their health as they travel and during their stays at their destinations. Disney has certainly implemented a number of safety and cleanliness policies and procedures during its reopening and has been monitoring guests’ experiences with these new policies.

With Disney Cruise Line and other cruise lines announcing an extended suspension on new departures, it will be interesting to see how the travel industry in Florida, throughout the United States, and around the world, adjusts and transforms as time goes on.

Perhaps we will see more park passes offered to Passholders as locals and those from closer areas continue to form a larger part of Walt Disney World’s visitors until international and even domestic travel returns to pre-coronavirus levels. We will keep you updated on the latest information!

Click here to read more about the new changes to Florida’s quarantine mandates for travelers from the New York Tri-State area.

Will you be traveling to Walt Disney World soon from far away? Let us know in the comments!