We recently looked at ways Disney might use to enforce social distancing at the Magic Kingdom when they begin phased openings at the parks. Today we’re looking at how social distancing might work at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
As with the Magic Kingdom, for safety purposes, we’ll assume that guests and cast members are all wearing appropriate face coverings, sanitizer and hand wash stations are readily available, and vehicles are cleaned on a regular, frequent schedule. Another huge area of consideration is the management of queues for rides, which are currently universally configured with guests close together. We’ll assume for now that there will be a virtual queue management system in place, perhaps something like the way Rise of the Resistance boarding was managed prior to closing.
[Please note: I have NO inside information about Disney’s reopening plans, timing, or procedures. These are my thoughts only.]
Avatar Flight of Passage
The Animal Kingdom’s newest ride is in some ways perfect for social distancing. The ride vehicles are discrete entities meant for one individual each, and while the vehicles are not quite six feet apart, there is significant space between guests.
The pre-show to the attraction is more problematic. Prior to the ride, there are narrative points where guests stand in a small room together. Distancing could be achieved here with approximately 50% occupancy.
The Boneyard
The Boneyard is an interactive playground meant for young children, with lots of digging and climbing equipment. Cleaning this structure thoroughly will be a time consuming event. My guess is that, due to the high-touch nature of the attraction, it will not be part of the initial park reopening.
Dinosaur
Social distancing could be achieved by placing individual parties in the first and third rows, leaving the middle row free.
Expedition Everest
Social distancing could be achieved by loading guests in alternate rows, or by keeping larger parties together in their own car.
Festival of the Lion King
A 50% or more reduction in guest admission per show would allow for parties to distance from each other. Perhaps alternate rows could be entirely taped off. Cast members could ask guests to leave a space between parties.
The portion of the show where guests are asked to imitate an elephant (which results in a fair amount of inadvertent spitting) would likely need to be modified.
Finding Nemo the Musical
A 50% or more reduction in guest admission per show would allow for parties to distance from each other. Perhaps alternate rows could be entirely taped off. Cast members could ask guests to leave a space between parties.
Fossil Fun Games
The high-touch nature of these interactive games means they would need serious cleaning between every round. My guess is that Fossil Fun will not be part of a phase one opening.
Gorilla Falls Exploration Trails
This is a walk-through attraction, limiting the number of guests allowed to enter at one time could be achieved by timed entry. However, there would also need to be cast members available to monitor loitering around favorite exhibits such as the gorillas.
Harambe Wildlife Express (train to Conservation Station)
The Wildlife Express train itself could achieve social distancing by limiting the number of guests allowed onboard during each run.
However, the experience at Conservation Station has trouble spots with guests crowding around windows to observe animal medical procedures or packed in tightly for the interactive art experience. The outdoor petting zoo is less troublesome, but perhaps not a big enough draw for many guests. My guess is that Conservation Station will not be part of a phase one opening.
It’s Tough to Be a Bug
A 50% or more reduction in guest admission per show would allow for parties to distance from each other. Perhaps alternate rows could be entirely taped off. Cast members could ask guests to leave a space between parties.
Kali River Rapids
Social distancing could be achieved by loading boats at 50% capacity, either alternating seats or alternating parties with empty seats between.
Kilimanjaro Safari
Social distancing could be achieved by loading one party per row of each jeep, and keep vacant rows between parties.
Maharajah Jungle Trek
This is a walk-through attraction; limiting the number of guests allowed to enter at one time could be achieved by timed entry. However, there would also need to be cast members available to monitor loitering around favorite exhibits such as the bats and tigers.
Na’vi River Journey
Social distancing could be achieved by loading one party per boat.
Primeval Whirl
Social distancing could be achieved by loading one party per vehicle.
Rivers of Light
A 50% or more reduction in guest admission per show would allow for parties to distance from each other. Perhaps alternate rows could be entirely taped off. Cast members could ask guests to leave a space between parties.
TriceratopSpin
Social distancing could be achieved by loading one party per dino.
Up! A Great Bird Adventure
A 50% or more reduction in guest admission per show would allow for parties to distance from each other. Perhaps alternate rows could be entirely taped off. Cast members could ask guests to leave a space between parties.
Would the characteristics of the Animal Kingdom attractions make it any more or less attractive to you as a first post-pandemic park to visit? And of course, even if methods like these do take place, we have countless other questions about character greetings, shopping, dining, and more. We’re looking forward to seeing what happens. Do you have any theories or predictions? Feel free to share them in the comments.
The post How Social Distancing Might Work on Animal Kingdom Attraction Vehicles appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.
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Filed Under: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Trip Planning, Walt Disney World (FL), social distance
