Disney Parks are officially reopening this week but some experiences are missing. Disney has less magic but is more magical. Disney has removed all experiences where large crowds may gather and cast members would have to be in direct contact with people. So character meet & greets, parades, and fireworks have been removed from the parks.

Character Meet & Greets

Characters are still in the parks but you have to view them from a distance. We saw a few characters, Jack Sparrow and the Evil Step Sisters from Cinderella. Jack Sparrow was on the small stage across from Pirates of the Caribbean. He did a short performance and then went backstage. When we saw the Evil Stepsisters they were on the back balcony of Cinderella’s Castle. They were wearing microphones and interacted with the crowd.

We believe that this will be similar to how the character interaction will be in Galaxy’s Edge. Before COVID19 shutdown the parks back in April characters in Galaxy’s Edge roamed around like normal citizens of Batuu and interacted with guests especially kids. Now that social distancing is the new normal we think characters will be seen but at a distance. Rey and Chewbacca are seen regularly fixing the X-Wing in the Resistance encampment. That may be one way we will get to see them.

Disney has less magic but is more magical. Disney has removed all experiences where large crowds may gather and cast members would have to be in direct contact with people. — Rey at Galaxy’s Edge

Stormtroopers and Kylo Ren are usually seen walking around in the crowds but now we will most likely see them up on balconies away from the crowd. They may have on microphones like the Evil Stepsisters at the Magic Kingdom so they can interact with guests.

Parades

The big Disney parades have been taken out of the park experience. Disney does not want large crowds gathering to watch parades. So they figured out a workaround. At random times during the day, guests hear music coming through speakers and shortly after will spot a one float mini-parade with dancers.

On the float are a variety of different characters. We spotted a Mickey and Friends, Disney Princesses, and Goofy floats. The floats go along the main parade route giving guests a chance to see some of their favorite Disney characters. The floats are accompanied by dancers that you would typically see in the full parade.

Fireworks

The fireworks have also been removed from the parks. We even show that in the entrance tunnel to the Magic Kingdom the poster that highlighted the fireworks show was removed from the wall and replaced with a safety poster. Social distancing is going to be in effect for the unforeseeable future we don’t expect the fireworks show at the parks to return for some time.

Empty fireworks poster holder at the Magic Kingdom

As a result of the parks not having firework shows the parks are closing early typically around 7pm. At least for now late nights at Disney are a thing of the past.

Disney Has Less Magic But is More Magical

Disney has less magic but is more magical. We had one of the best Disney days we have had in a while. Don’t get me wrong we did miss some of the whimsical fun that the park generally brings but somehow knowing that Disney was trying that hard to keep everyone safe made it seem more magical.