As we approach a busy holiday weekend 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. We often get asked “How many people have to be in the park before they start capacity closings?” There are NO official 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.
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. One of our Nation members who is also a currently CM passed on this suggestion to share to everyone “ It is highly encouraged people be inside the Magic Kingdom before 11am-ish on 7/4, if you aren’t you will get locked out due to many people in park. Once you are in don’t leave the park until the fireworks are over because there is no guarentee you will be allowed to reenter.” 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.
Fireworks for Fourth of July can be seen as follows:
Magic Kingdom: Disney’s Celebrate America! – A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky Thursday, July 3, 2014 9:00 PM and Friday, July 04, 2014 9:00 PM
Hollywood Studios: A Rockin’ Fourth of July Celebration July 4 10:15 pm
EPCOT: IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth Thursday, July 3, 2014 9:00 PM and Friday, July 04, 2014 10:00 PM
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
- 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!)
- 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 heat, but don’t dress to CAUSE heat. 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 One:
Non- resort guests without tickets, and those with single-day and CM tickets guests 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 reservations (make sure you have a copy of reservations that can’t be added to MDE printed for proof to be safe, and remember FP+ reservations don’t apply to this)
- 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 that are park hopping
- Guests using Disney buses, boats and the monorail
- Guests with appointments or in-park reservations (make sure you have a copy of reservations that can’t be added to MDE printed for proof to be safe, and remember FP+ reservations don’t apply to this)
- 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 reservations(make sure you have a copy of reservations that can’t be added to MDE printed for proof to be safe, and remember FP+ reservations don’t apply to this)
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.
Michele also contributes theme park news for Fox 35 Orlando 11pm news and on the radio on WDBO.
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