CDC No Longer Requires Negative COVID Test
I have the best possible news for our international readers and Disney Vacation Club members. Let’s talk about what just happened.
The CDC Rescinds Its Most Stringent Remaining Requirement
For all the talk about how Walt Disney World and Disneyland have returned to normal, one absence remains noticeable.
Before the pandemic, Disney had indicated that one out of five park guests weren’t American.
While Disney parks have stabilized their park attendance overall in 2022, 20 percent of its guests have struggled to visit.
That’s because the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had required several rules for international travelers to enter the United States.
All those rules focused on protecting the public safety by ensuring that sick tourists didn’t enter the country and unintentionally infect others.
Now that the pandemic is mostly under control, the CDC has published this press release.
Here’s the headline:
“Today, CDC is announcing that the Order requiring persons to show a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before boarding a flight to the United States, will be rescinded, effective on June 12, 2022 at 12:01AM ET.”
The second part of the press release explains what you need to know:
“This means that starting at 12:01AM ET on June 12, 2022, air passengers will not need to get tested and show the COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 prior to boarding a flight to the U.S.”
That’s pretty self-explanatory but let me say this clearly. As of now, international travelers no longer need a negative COVID-19 test before entering the United States.
Your next Disney vacation just got MUCH easier to plan, and there’s no chance of last-minute heartbreak!
The CDC indicated that it could restore the policy in the event of an outbreak. However, we’ve had a recent flare-up with numbers.
Since the CDC has done this anyway, I’m operating under the assumption that negative COVID test requirements are a thing of the past.
A Disney Cruise Line Dress Code Update
I recently mentioned that Victoria & Albert’s will reinstate its semi-formal/formal dress code when it reopens in late July.
Apparently, Disney has decided that it wants more transparency with its apparel expectations.
On Disney Cruise Line, Disney just clarified with the following:
“Adult-exclusive restaurants aboard Disney Cruise Line ships are elegant dining experiences.
Guests are requested to dress in a manner consistent with the restaurant’s sophistication.
Formal or semi-formal attire is recommended. Dress casual attire with a polished look is permitted (such as dress pants, jeans in good condition, collared shirts and blouses, and lifestyle shoes).
Clothing such as T-shirts, swimwear, and sports attire is not permitted.”
Applicable cruise restaurants include Enchanté, the Meridian, Palo, Remy, and The Rose.
So, if you’re like me, you’ll need to pack some stuff other than your Encanto t-shirts and cargo shorts. I’m…not gonna win any Best Dressed awards.
Anyway, for years, Disney has faced a dilemma with its theme parks and cruises, as it wants guests to feel comfortable.
However, management also wants some experiences to feel more upscale in nature.
The Adult-exclusive restaurants provide cruise guests with an opportunity to relish the high points of vacation. Disney’s requesting that people look the part.
I think that’s a reasonable ask, but I have noticed some discontent on social media. If you’re planning to take a cruise soon, please be aware of the change.
Start planning your next Disney vacation TODAY! Book your next Disney vacation visit by browsing our current DVC Confirmed Reservation Specials, or use our DVC availability tool to see if the dates for your vacation are available. From there, you can start the booking process and one of our team members will reach out to assist!
