How Will the Lifted U.S. Travel Restrictions Impact Disney World?

Disney4me · October 31, 2021

To ensure we are equipping our readers with all the information they need, we will continue to report on all travel, safety, and COVID-related news that could impact a Disney Parks visit.

Ever since Disney World reopened to guests in 2020, the parks have seen shorter wait times, smaller crowds, and lower capacities. As things begin to return to “normal”, we’ve seen some changes around the parks and resorts. The further into the year we get, the more Disney is beginning to feel like it did before the pandemic.

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Discovery Island in Disney’s Animal Kingdom

But one major thing is still pretty different in Disney: many international guests haven’t been able to visit Disney World since reopening. Soon, though, that will change.

Beginning on November 8th, the U.S. will lift the foreign travel ban, allowing international travelers to visit the country once again. Visitors will need proof of vaccination and are subject to enhanced COVID testing.

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Disney’s Hollywood Studios

What does this mean for Disney World? According to Click Orlando, the Orlando area is expecting a huge influx of visitors after the restrictions are lifted. Casandra Matej, President and CEO of Visit Orlando, recently said “Visit Orlando is in London literally inviting our UK friends back to Orlando because we’re open, we know you can travel safely and we now know the protocols.”

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Magic Kingdom Crowds in December 2020

According to Matej, international tourists contribute $6 billion to Central Florida’s economy each year. If you’re planning on visiting Disney World soon, prepare for more crowds with the influx of international travelers.