Whenever we get close to a holiday or known busy time at the parks we often get asked “How many people have to be in the park before they start capacity closings?” Now, we know there are a lot of people willing to fling numbers out but we know that Disney doesn’t publicly release their capacity numbers. That’s right, there are NO officially confirmed and published capacity numbers for the parks, nor are their officially published numbers for what is required to start each closure phase. Disney is very secretive about that information. Also, let’s not forget capacity includes Disney Employees, Contractors, outside performers etc. not just park guests. So when you see someone in a chat room or forum flinging numbers that “MK will hold XYZ” take that posters comments with a Deer Lick size grain of salt.
Today we wanted to take a moment to address something we get asked a LOT when it’s busy at Walt Disney World, and that’s Capacity Closure.Capacity closures are commonly seen the week of Christmas through New Years, the Fourth of July, Easter, and occasionally during special events. As always as we hear updates about capacity closures through our followers on Facebook we will push out updates to ensure park goers are prepared. Also remember as parking lots fill guests may get diverted to other lots, so be prepared to take in everything you need for the day as your car may be very far away, and you may not be able to get back in, and make sure you pay attention to signs on the side of the road updating you to any changes in standard parking procedure.
To make your trip more enjoyable during busy times here are a few tips:
- Remember to print copies of your reservations that won’t link to My Disney Experience (Bibbity Bobbity Boutique, Pirate’s League, Special Ticket items etc.) to show CM’s if needed
- Take a screen shot of your FP+ times in case the system has an error, and to save you time and battery! A screenshot made into a lock screen wallpaper is a lot easier to look vs opening and loading an app.
- You can take snacks and water in the parks with you but they will be inspected (remember no adult beverages can be taken into the parks!)
- Sunscreen should be reapplied often
- Take a hat and sunglasses with you to protect your eyes (and your wallet when you realize you should have taken them and didn’t!)
- Take clothing that will help you with the weather (poncho, warm weather items etc.). Consult the weather forecast before you head to the parks!
- Stay hydrated, and if you feel hot go inside a show or quick service location and cool off
- Be prepared to miss rides, or stand in long lines.
- Take advantage of cell phone charging lockers in the park, or carry a portable charger with you.
- Dress for the day, but don’t dress to CAUSE an event. Remember the parks have a dress code and Disney is a family destination.
Below are the closure phases for Walt Disney World capacity levels. The parks have not published their park closure procedures this information is based on past closures, and the parks may change practices at any time as needed by Disney corporate
Phase A
No admission to those with single-day non hopper ticket (even with FP+ reservations).
Guests that may enter the parks:
- Park Hopper tickets and are re-entering or hopping from another Walt Disney World Park
- Guest of a Walt Disney World Resort with FastPass+ reservations
- Annual Passholders whose AP’s aren’t blocked out
- Staying at a select Good Neighbor resort.
- Memory Maker
- FastPass+. Dining, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, Harmony Barber Shop or The Pirates League reservations (make sure you have a copy of reservations that can’t be added to MDE printed for proof to be safe.)
Phase B Closing
No admission to guests with single-day hopper and no hopping by any guest unless the have the following:
Guests may enter the parks:
- Guest of a Walt Disney World Resort with FastPass+ reservations
- Annual Passholders whose AP’s aren’t blocked out
- Staying at a select Good Neighbor resort.
- Memory Maker
- FastPass+. Dining, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, Harmony Barber Shop or The Pirates League reservations (make sure you have a copy of reservations that can’t be added to MDE printed for proof to be safe.)
Phase One:
Non- resort guests without tickets, guests with Magic You Way Base tickets, guests with 1 Day 1 Park Tickets, CM using Main Gate or Silver tickets, are turned away at the toll plazas and are not allowed to park.
Guests may enter the parks:
- Disney Resort Guests
- Annual Passholders whose AP’s aren’t blocked out
- Guests that are park hopping
- Guests using Disney buses, boats and the monorail
- Guests with appointments or in-park dining or speciality reservations (make sure you have a copy of reservations that can’t be added to MDE printed for proof to be safe)
- Guests with multi-day/park tickets
- Guests that left the park and are re-entering
Phase Two:
The following guests are allowed in the park and are allowed to park:
- Disney Resort Guests
- Annual Passholders whose AP’s aren’t blocked out
- Guests with pre-purchased 1 day Magic Kingdom tickets
- Guests that are park hopping
- Guests using Disney buses, boats and the monorail
- Guests with appointments or in-park dining or speciality reservations (make sure you have a copy of reservations that can’t be added to MDE printed for proof to be safe)
- Guests that left the park and are re-entering
Phase Three:
The following guests are allowed in the park and are allowed to park:
- Disney Resort Guests
- Annual Passholders whose AP’s aren’t blocked out
- Guests with appointments or in-park dining or speciality reservations (make sure you have a copy of reservations that can’t be added to MDE printed for proof to be safe)
Phase Four:
Phase Four is total shut down, the parks and parking lots are closed to ALL arriving guests regardless of their ticket type or reservations.
The last time a Walt Disney World theme park hit Phase Four Closure was April 7, 2009.
Michele also contributes theme park news for Fox 35 Orlando 11pm news and on the radio on WDBO.
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