Credit: Disney (background image) / PNGItem (airplane)
Today, on the occasion of US President Joe Biden’s first full day in power, new travel restrictions for international travelers have been put in place.
Credit: Disney
Related: COVID Testing Now Available at Orlando Airport
The Promoting COVID-19 Safety in Domestic and International Travel Executive Order includes a number of new policies, including mandatory COVID-19 pre-air travel testing for international travelers entering the United States and requirements self-quarantine according to current Centers for Disease Control (CDC) – currently 10 days.
It reads, in part:
…[travelers entering the United States from foreign countries should abide by] CDC recommended self-quarantine or isolation periods after flight to the United States from a foreign country, as it deems appropriate and in accordance with applicable law. The plan should identify agency tools and mechanisms to help travelers comply with this policy.
Credit: Disney Parks Blog
Related: Disney Enforces Face Mask Policy, Denies Guests Entering Pop Century
Today’s decree also requires that the appropriate masks:
… Be worn according to CDC guidelines in or on:
(i) airports;
(ii) commercial aircraft;
(iii) trains;
(iv) public maritime vessels, including ferries;
(v) intercity bus services; and
(vi) all forms of public transportation as defined in Section 5302 of Title 49 of the United States Code.
In short, according to these new United States travel regulations that affect international travelers, negative COVID-19 tests must be obtained before boarding a plane to the United States, masks must be worn on all planes and other major modes of public transportation, and self-quarantine is required upon arrival at destination – for vacationers to Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando, Orlando, Florida, likely via the airport Orlando International (MCO).
What does all of this mean for guests at Walt Disney World?
The implication of all of this is that it will now be more difficult for international visitors to visit the four theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort – Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
All images: Credit Disney
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Currently, Disney World is still operating at limited capacity with a number of its own pandemic restrictions, including mandatory face masks for guests aged two and over, the social distancing application, and Disney Park Pass reservation requirements.
Although a modified version of the Disney Park Hopper ticket was returned on January 1, 2021, the Disney Park Pass system has already been extended until 2022. This is something all travelers – domestic and international – should know before traveling. visit Walt Disney World Resort right now.
Additionally, Disney recently announced that its popular Magical Express Airport transit bus service will no longer be available after January 1, 2022. This was another blow to international travelers who enjoy visiting Walt Disney World for its on-site benefits, which appear to be slowly waning amid the pandemic.
It is not yet clear how long this new executive order of the United States will be in effect or for how long The Walt Disney Company’s theme park restrictions will be in place.
Stay tuned to Inside the Magic for the latest information for international visitors to Disney Parks.
If you are planning to plan a vacation to Walt Disney World Resort from anywhere on Earth, contact the experts at Academy Travel to help you with every magical detail of your next trip.
