We aren’t always a fan of the changes that Walt Disney World puts into place; however, there are a few big ones since the Parks reopened in 2020 that we have come to really enjoy.
These changes made by Disney make our Walt Disney World vacations easier and even more magical than before. Let’s take a look at what changes we are thankful for in Walt Disney World.
New Security Measures
If you traveled to the Walt Disney World Resort in the past, you are well aware that going through security took time. Security would go through each bag individually as well as each zipper and additional bags you might have inside your Disney Park bag. When you got stuck behind (or were) the family with a few bags, this process could really slow down your ability to get into the Park quickly.
Although we learned tricks over time as a way to make this easier, the whole process of going through each bag individually when there are thousands of Guests is just a slow process.
Since reopening in 2020, Walt Disney World now has a new security system and we think it is fantastic.
This new system, brought to Disney by Evolv Express, is a contactless one that doesn’t require 1:1 interaction between Guests and the security team. The new scanners can be found throughout Walt Disney World and provide an efficient method for checking Guests’ bags.
Guests now are just required to walk through this new system (much like at an airport). Unless something in a Guest’s bag registers on the monitor they just keep walking.
In order to prevent your bag from being “flagged” by security, make sure you take out and hold any large metal items:
- Sunglass cases
- Large battery packs
- Umbrellas
- Water bottles
These items tend to set off the system and will need to have your bag searched more closely by a Security Team Member.
We think that this new security system is fantastic for mean reasons! Not only does it get Guests through faster than ever before, but it is also (we feel) a more reliable system. Way to go Disney!
Cavalcades
There has always been something magical about the afternoon parade at Magic Kingdom; however, we are a big fan of the new cavalcades that are a part of the magic in the Parks now.
Cavalcades are quick, short mini parades that feature specific characters such as princesses or Mickey and Friends. When the Parks first reopened, these would pop up randomly throughout the day, but now Guests can check their My Disney Experience app to see when they are scheduled to appear.
We enjoy the cavalcades because they aren’t something that we feel we have to wait around for while in the Park, but instead can catch in between different attractions. It is a great way to see a variety of characters throughout your day at the Park without having to miss out on other magical experiences.
In Magic Kingdom, there are a variety of different cavalcades that Guests can enjoy with the newest one being the Adventure Friends Calvacade. This cavalcade has around 30 different characters featuring for the first time in Magic Kingdom Miguel from Coco as well as Pixar friends like Woody and Jessie from Toy Story and Mr. and Mrs. Incredible.
Even though we are thrilled the Festival of Fantasy is back at Magic Kingdom, we really do enjoy having cavalcades as they are fun, quick magical experiences that just add to our Walt Disney World day.
Mobile Ordering
Mobile ordering was slowly rolling out in Walt Disney World prior to the pandemic. This feature allows Guests to order from quick-service locations through the My Disney Experience app. Guests choose their dining location, time for pick up, and place their order. Once their window has opened up, they then select “prepare my order” letting Cast Members know that they can begin preparing the food.
We now see mobile orders throughout most of the Walt Disney World properties including Disney Parks, Disney Resorts, and even Disney Springs. We love this option as it allows us to spend less time in line when it comes to food.
By using mobile ordering, we are able to ensure that we can eat at the location we want to that day as well as during the time that will work within our schedule.
We are glad that Disney has expanded this feature as it makes using quick service so much easier and faster in Walt Disney World.
Mobile Check-out
A new feature that is now found at some Walt Disney World stores in mobile check-out. This option allows Guests to shop and scan their own items they wish to purchase and pay through the app.
Once Guests have made their purchases, they can then check out with a Cast Member and be on their way.
We love this new option as it allows us to quickly grab items from stores without having to wait in long check-out lines. We hope to see this option example in other stores around Walt Disney World.
Not every change in Walt Disney World is one that we agree with or are happy with right away; however, we know that change is all about progress and being the best it can be for Guests. These are some of the big changes in Walt Disney World that we are thankful for as they make our Disney vacations a little easier and a little bit more magical.
