4. Summer parks pass availability increased

Though Disney Parks Pass reservations have been mostly unavailable during the summer months as guests flood the theme parks, it looks like Disney has increased capacity again, as parks pass availability has been refreshed for July and August, with much more availability for ticket holders, resort guests, and annual passholders.

5.  Disney Parks Pass expected to stick around indefinitely 

In a Disney Parks blog post celebrating the first time all the Disney theme parks around the world, Disney Parks chairman Josh D'Amaro briefly mentions how Disney Parks redesigned operations to be more efficient during the COVID-19 Pandemic, and many are wondering if this is confirmation that the Disney Parks Pass reservation system is here to stay. Though this system has proven to be deeply unpopular, it looks like Disney may be keeping it long term, despite qualms from guests. 

6. Vaccinated Cast Members can now remove masks 

Disney has announced that face coverings are now optional for fully vaccinated Cast Members working outdoors at Walt Disney World, marking the first time since the parks reopened that Cast Members in some roles can go mask-free. 

7. Aventura Hotel reopens at Universal Orlando Resort

Universal’s Aventura Hotel reopened this past week on June 16, officially marking the first time since March 2020, when the resort initally closed for the COVID-19 pandemic, that all eight hotels have been open at the same time.