Disney World is steadily continuing with its phased reopening!

We’ve seen restaurants and hotels reopening as the parks fill up to their limited capacity. And as COVID-19 vaccines continue to be distributed across the country, some things are returning to normal. In fact, we’ve been seeing more and more signs of this in Disney World lately. Let’s break it all down and take a look.

Disney World Is Hiring

Recently, Disney World posted job applications for Attractions, Custodial, Merchandise, and Quick-Service Cast Members. While third-party companies like Patina Restaurant Group have been hiring in the past year, this is the first time since the closure we’ve seen Disney itself hiring for positions inside the parks and resorts.

Disney laid off thousands of Cast Members in the wake of the pandemic but furloughed Cast Members are also being called back to work. These job listings are a huge sign that the parks are getting back to business.

Learn More About These Job Postings!

Shows Are Reopening

When the parks reopened in July 2020, entertainment was temporarily suspended. That included nighttime spectaculars like Happily Ever After as well as shows like Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular and Finding Nemo: The Musical.

While Disney hasn’t said when fireworks will make their return — even though a brand-new show is in the works — they have announced that one form of entertainment is reopening. Festival of the Lion King is resuming in mid-May in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, with modifications such as choreography adjustments and changes to the audience seating.

No other shows have received an opening date yet, but Festival of the Lion King’s return is a BIG sign that entertainment may be slowly be returning to the parks.

Read More About Festival of the Lion King’s Return!

The Parks Are Full

Disney World reopened at limited capacity and has slowly been increasing that number — last we heard, capacity was capped at 35%. Park Pass reservations are also now required to visit, in addition to a valid ticket for the same day. But there has been a HUGE demand for these Park Passes, and capacity calendars are filling up fast.

Even though Disney tends to refill Park Passes at random, availability is pretty slim. All 4 Disney World parks have been almost completely booked since spring break season — and it doesn’t look like the trend will slow anytime soon. Disney hasn’t announced when they may increase capacity again, but these very full parks indicate that guests are ready to visit once again.

Check Out the Latest Park Pass Update!

Hotels Are Full

A big tip-off that travel is resuming is the status of Disney World hotel reservations! While not all the resorts have reopened just yet, those that are open are booking up FAST. Many resorts are already completely full from May…

…all the way to August! And hotels that do have openings have pretty slim pickings with regard to what type of room you want.

Now, Disney hasn’t disclosed if they are filling all their rooms at all times, or if they’re leaving some empty at times to accommodate safety measures. But regardless of whether or not the hotel is totally full, we’re seeing a much higher demand for rooms than we were right after the parks reopened.

Learn Why Some Disney World Hotels Are Reopening Twice!

Mask Rules Are Changing

Since the parks’ reopening, Disney World has required guests to wear approved face coverings at all times, except when actively eating or drinking while stationary. These policies — which applied to guests both indoors and outdoors — had remained in place until very recently.

At the beginning of April, though, Disney World implemented a new mask policy, which allows guests to remove their masks while taking stationary and socially distanced photos outdoors. This applies to PhotoPass pictures and any outdoor photos that guests take themselves.

Disney has not made any further changes to their mask policy, which means you’re required to wear your face covering at ALL other times.

Learn More About the New Mask Policy!

While Disney is still functioning under limited operations, with certain attractions closed and crowds capped, we are seeing a slow return to normal. These signs could be indicators that the Disney we know is on its way back. We’ll keep an eye out for any and all other changes, so stay tuned to DFB!

Check Out 3 Things That Are Back to Normal in Disney World!

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Are you planning a trip to Disney World soon? Let us know in the comments!

The post 5 Signs That Things Are Coming Back Full Force in Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog.