Crowds, COVID-19, and Conditions at Epcot

The days of the COVID19 (Coronavirus) pandemic are decidedly hitting Walt Disney World and all the Disney Parks worldwide. According to some sources, guest numbers are so low that the parks may go on a rotation of days during each week they are open. Even at the Magic Kingdom, the most beloved destination of all, is stunning in its empty paths, parade routes, and queues.

Wait! This has been demolished...

Yet, this is not the first time in the history of the Florida resort that the crowds have been non-existent. 

The photos above show Future World around 11:00am... in August of 2009. 

Everywhere I went, each attraction's queue was empty with the exception of Soarin' and Test Track, which was to be expected, of course.

I arrived just at opening time and departed right after Illuminations had concluded its performance. I was easily able to ride every attraction in the park at least once, sometimes more. That included Soarin' twice, Test Track three times, and Gran Fiesta Tour twice. This was without advanced planning of any sort. Incredible!

Very similar to our first visit to EPCOT Center in 1983, crowds were manageable, cast members talkative, and guests relaxed. This made the day feel like a step backward in time. On the downside, the energy level was missing, creating an audience response to the individual attractions that was less than highly enthusiastic.

Things were about the same at the other end of the park. The photos of World Showcase photos were taken between the hours of 2:00pm and 5:00pm. This clearly should have been the peak time for crowds enjoying lunch- a midway point between those doing the rope drop morning and those coming later. Overall nice weather, very small crowds, absolutely no lines, and late closing hours. Heavenly touring- just as the Walt Disney World of old.

Will the Florida parks ever return to the days of bustling crowds, extended hours, and hard to get meal reservations? I hope so, and I hope not.

(Photographs copyright Mark Taft.)