What do Disney World and an Ottawa COVID-19 testing site have in common?

©Kemptville District Hospital

You might be surprised, but it’s the way they handle lines! A doctor in Ottawa was looking for a way to control crowds at a COVID-19 assessment centre in Canada when she was inspired by Disney’s Fastpass+ system. And it’s working!

According to Canadian news source CBC, Dr. Suzanne Rutherford, a big Disney fan and head of the North Grenville COVID-19 assessment centre in Kemptville, Ontario, looked to Disney’s Fastpass system to help manage the line issues in the province.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom

What she implemented is the similar concept of a same-day reservation system for those looking to get tested for COVID-19. The province was having significant issues with crowds, with some folks even waiting multiple hours to have their tests done.

The way the system works is that those looking for a test head to the nearby community center to see if they qualify. Once they are cleared for a test, they are able to make a same day reservation and come back when their time arrives.

Select Date Fastpass reservations

Rutherford said, “I often sat there and thought, ‘What we need is the Disney FastPass system.'” Now that the concept is implemented, it’s doing wonders for the crowding. Rutherford’s center was able to test over 500 people in one day with no one waiting over 45 minutes. 

Long Lines in Disney World

This is a super cool implementation of a Disney idea and we think it’s exciting that it has been able to alleviate some pressure on the global health crisis. As always, stay tuned to DFB for the latest Disney updates.

Click here to learn about the COVID-19 test site in Disney World!

What do you think of this concept? Tell us in the comments.