• On Feb 23, 2021
    Meaghan from NJ Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    Are WDW hotels restricting capacity the way the Parks are? We have a stay booked for the end of March at Old Key West but are worried about crowds by the pools or other high traffic areas. Also wondering how crowded it is at Disney Springs...

    Hey there, Meaghan! Thanks for bringing your question to planDisney! 

    Meaghan, my family and I stayed at Disney's Old Key West Resort just this past August and I found that prior to our arrival I was asking all the same questions that you are. While I don't have an official overall capacity for the Disney Resort Hotels, I can tell you that pools are operating at a reduced capacity to allow for physical distancing. During our late summer trip, we visited the Sandcastle Pool at Disney's Old Key West Resort and were greeted by a Cast Member before entering. At that time she let us know that guests were not permitted to move chairs as they were positioned to adhere to physical distancing guidelines. There was also only one entrance to the pool area to ensure a Cast Member could check in with each family. We were asked to keep our face coverings on unless we were swimming or eating or drinking while at our chairs. 

    Meaghan, I find that every person and family has a different comfort level, but I will share that my family and I were very pleased with the procedures and this allowed us to relax and enjoy the pool. I'll be wishing on a star for you that you have the same great experience that we did. 

    Now, let's talk about what you'll find when you've soaked up all the Florida sun and are ready to grab something delicious at Disney Springs! Meaghan, I don't have official numbers, but when we visited in August, Disney Springs appeared slightly more crowded on the weekends than during the week. My husband and I felt that there were more guests as we were walking from store to store and while we were shopping. If your schedule allows, I would recommend visiting during the week if you're hoping for the lightest crowds possible. Meaghan, it might also be helpful to know that Disney Springs does limit the number of Guests and Cast Members at any given time for each location. In practice this means that if a store reaches capacity, you won't be able to enter until some guests have left that location. 

    During these uncertain times, vacation is even more precious and while only you know your comfort level, I can say that I was so happy that we picked to vacation at the Walt Disney World Resort where my family felt the attention to health and safety was well thought out and thorough. Meaghan, I hope my experiences help to prepare you as you're thinking ahead to your upcoming trip. If you have any additional questions, please come on back and see us here at planDisney. We are all EARS! 

    Lauren
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Meet the Panelist: Lauren, Pennsylvania

Greetings from central Pennsylvania! Hi, I’m Lauren and I can’t wait to answer all of your Walt Disney World Resort and Disney Vacation Club questions. My husband and I became Disney Vacation Club Members because we love visiting the Disney Parks and with hectic day-to-day schedules, wanted to prioritize time away for our family. The options at the Walt Disney World Resort make each trip unique and I am excited to help other families build vacations with those unforgettable moments.

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