Walt Disney World has updated its COVID-19 protocols for boarding some of the rides at the park, and they are no longer spacing passengers out.
Initially, Disney left seats empty on the rides to adequately space guests out amid the coronavirus pandemic. In recent weeks, guests have been loaded in every row on Rock ‘n’ Rollercoaster, Expedition Everest, and Slinky Dog Dash ride, according to PEOPLE.
The park chose to change the practices for those specific rides because they feature backs on seats, creating more of a physical barrier between each passenger. A park representative told PEOPLE that the decision was made in conjunction with an ongoing evaluation of the park protocols.
Other attractions at Disney World, with individual ride vehicles, like the Haunted Mansion, and Under the Sea: The Journey of the Little Mermaid at the Magic Kingdom, and The Seas with Nemo & Friends at Epcot, have been loading every vehicle after initially only putting guests in every other car.
Walt Disney World began a phased reopening in July after being closed since March amid the pandemic. The parks are open but operating at a reduced capacity with social distancing and mask requirements in place. California’s Disneyland remains closed.
