Between the Disney parks closing, reopening, and decking out for the holidays early, we’ve seen a lot this past year.

When we were making our list of must-see’s in 2020, there’s a lot that we just couldn’t have imagined. So, we’ve gone through our photo library and found 12 photos that your 2019 self probably wouldn’t have imagined capturing at Disney World.

Temperature Checks

We used to stand in line to let Disney Security Cast Members ruffle through our bags, but we could never have imagined standing in line for temperature checks to get into the park.

These checkpoints were implemented in July when the parks reopened and guests must have a temperature of less than 100.4 degrees. If you don’t pass, you will head to a re-screening tent where you can sit and cool off. If your temperature is still 100.4F  when they test you again, you and the rest of your party are not permitted to enter the parks (this is also at Disney Springs).

Plexiglass

And Disney World added extra health and safety measures, so there was plexiglass in lines… .

Plexiglass on rides… .

Plexiglass everywhere… .

The plexiglass has been installed throughout the parks and enables queues, rides, and other aspects of Disney to function under health and safety precautions. Disney has even used the plexiglass dividers on attractions to load more guests in at a time, which may lessen the wait times.

Read more about plexiglass on Disney World attractions here!

Distancing Dots

They also put down stickers everywhere, and not the kind of stickers that Cast Members give out to kids. This is what Disney has implemented to assist guests in remaining 6-feet apart.

But, this physical distancing measure that Disney has implemented into their attraction queues has made for some CRAZY long lines at Disney World this holiday season.

Face Masks

We also added a new Disney accessory to the closet — face masks.

The current face mask policy is that all guests over the age of 2 must wear a face mask at all times while visiting the parks, except for when actively eating or drinking when stationary.

And, Disney even bolstered their face mask policy in October, and guests who do not properly wear an approved face mask will be asked to leave. For guests who need a break from wearing their face masks all day, Disney created several ‘relaxation stations’ in each theme park.

Read all about masks in Disney World here.

Ride Lines

Disney had to get creative this year with ride lines because even short wait times spanned beyond the limit of the attraction queues. This photo of the Flight of Passage line yesterday was about 90 minutes but guests spanned into Harambe Theater. We certainly learned not to judge a line by the length it spans!

And, because lines needed to be distanced, Cast Members at the Haunted Mansion had to retire the phrase “please fill in all the dead space” and trade it in for, “maintain physical distancing while in line.”

Rivers of America Drained

As you wait in line at Haunted Mansion, you will get a view of a completely drained Rivers of America. The river was drained as part of the Liberty Square Riverboat and Tom Sawyer Island refurbishment.

Haunted Mansion Stretching Room

And your 2019 self would have been mind-blown to think that you don’t get to experience the stretching room pre-show. Most pre-shows around the parks are suspended for the time being to avoid crowding.

An Updated Castle

And last, but not least, Cinderella Castle underwent a major refurbishment just in time to welcome guests back to the parks! Who would have thought that we’d not have a PINK castle?

So, as you write up your must-see list for 2021…actually…you know what, just scrap it — we can’t even imagine what Disney World could look like next year? We’ll continue to share all of the Disney Park updates into the new year and, we never know what we’ll see next.

Check out pics of some crazy long lines at Disney World this holiday season!

Which photo surprised you the most? Let us know in the comments!