Last week Universal Orlando Resort lowered several of its in-park physical distancing measures in addition to removing temperature scans, and it looks like Walt Disney World is following their lead this week, officially reducing physical distancing in outdoor areas as well as inside queues and rides. 

The only exceptions will be in dining locations, merchandise stores and in areas where Guests can temporarily remove masks, where six feet social distancing guidelines will still be enforced. In addition, Disney is getting rid of its every-other-space parking policy, and guests will now be directed to fill in all spaces when parking at the theme parks. You can check out the official changes in policy on the official Disney website here. 

These changes come at a time when vaccination rates are going up, COVID-19 cases are going down, and many are anticipating a "return to normal" by the end of the year. Disney has already had great success bringing the Festival of the Lion King show back earlier this month, and rumors are swirling that a modified EPCOT Forever show could be one of the first nighttime spectaculars to return to the park since last year's reopening. 

Of course, one of the big questions many guests have is in regards to increased capacity. Officially, Disney is still capping theme park capacity at 35%, but with demand surging this summer for theme parks, availability has been severely limited. However, with physical distancing measures being relaxed and more entertainment options returning to the park, perhaps the time will be right soon for Disney to move to a higher capacity tier.