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Disney Makes Surprising Change to COVID Vaccination Rules

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Credit: Disney

Remember when Disney magic was paused a few years ago?

Disney destinations were heavily impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic, with capacity restrictions and increased health and safety protocols at Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and Adventures by Disney severely affecting Disney travel.

A big aspect of this was vaccination and testing requirements. While the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) dropped official guidance on COVID-19 precautions earlier last year, many individual cruise lines and travel companies maintained their own health and safety restrictions.

And now, Disney has made a vaccination change that might come as a surprise to fans of Disney’s group travel.

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Credit: Disney

If you missed traveling during the pandemic, then imagine being able to travel the world AND experience Disney magic at the same time.

Adventures by Disney does just that on each of its incredible tours around all seven continents, and recently announced new destinations including the Arctic and the Galapagos Islands. Not many people are aware that beyond the theme parks, the magic of Disney can be found in multiple countries. There may not be rides, Mickey Mouse, and Dole Whip, but there is that famous Disney service, great Disney exclusives, and the wonders of the world.

Guests can enjoy the services of two Adventure Guides, admission fees to attractions, VIP access, amazing food, cultural experiences with local experts, and more.

Adventures by Disney was one of the last aspects of Disney’s Signature Experiences to return after the pandemic, with Guest health and safety hard to manage in a group travel setting. Proof of vaccination has been a requirement since the tours returned, but now, it seems Disney is removing its last signs of the pandemic’s effects.

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Credit: Disney Tips 

Adventures by Disney has revealed some changes to its health and safety protocols that may allow more Guests to travel with Disney and National Geographic.

Previously, Guests had to show proof of vaccination for all Adventures by Disney vacations, particularly because of the group travel aspect and the international itineraries of many trips.

Starting April 1, 2023, all Guests will no longer need to provide proof of vaccination for domestic trips in the United States. From May 1, 2023, those traveling on all international River Cruise and Private trips will no longer need to be vaccinated.

Beginning May 1, 2023, only Guests over the age of 12 will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for all international Land and Expedition cruises.

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Credit: Disney

They do recommend, however, that all Guests be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at the time of their Disney vacation. Read the full statement from Disney below:

Beginning April 1, 2023, Adventures by Disney will no longer require Guests (regardless of age) to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at the time of their trip for all domestic trips throughout the United States, at the time of their trip, however, it is highly recommended.

Beginning May 1, 2023, Adventures by Disney will no longer require Guests (regardless of age) to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at the time of their trip for all international River Cruises and Private Adventures. Adventures by Disney highly recommends that all Guests be fully vaccinated before they travel. Please note – Guests must still comply with all country-specific vaccination requirements.

Beginning May 1, 2023, Adventures by Disney will only require Guests ages 12 years and older to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at the time of their trip for all international Land trips and Expedition cruisesAdventures by Disney highly recommends that Guests ages 11 and younger be fully vaccinated before they travel.

NOTE: Adventures by Disney strongly recommends that all Guests be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at the time of travel including a COVID-19 booster shot, if eligible. Destinations and local laws may have different requirements and definitions of what constitutes full vaccination and may change those requirements on short notice. 

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Credit: Disney Tips

In June 2022, Adventures by Disney raised their minimum age requirement from four to five years old. There are some trips that are adult-only, with a minimum age requirement of 18. The now sold-out $110,000 private jet trip has a minimum age requirement of 14.

Adventures by Disney recently announced the new itinerary – dubbed “Adventures by Disney Private Jet” – with its first trip departing to every Disney Park around the world in July of 2023.

The inaugural “Disney Parks Around the World Adventure” is a 24-day magical journey that takes Guests to all 12 Disney Parks and three Disney studios (Disneyland Paris, Walt Disney World, Disneyland Resort, Hong Kong Disneyland, Shanghai Disneyland, and Tokyo Disneyland), plus three legendary bucket-list landmarks –  the Taj Mahal, Pyramids of Giza, and the Eiffel Tower.

A trip with Adventures by Disney – whether in England and France, Wyoming, or even Antarctica – is full of Disney storytelling, surprises, and magic, and makes for memories that will last a lifetime.

About Melissa Cannioto

Melissa is an author, adventurer, and chatterbox, who has worked at Walt Disney World, Disneyland Paris, and Adventures by Disney! A British native, she has traveled the world seeking new experiences, and now resides in Florida with her husband, an Air Force pilot. Find her children's book at @bear.hug.book