Following a reduction in physical distancing space at the Walt Disney World theme parks, some attractions are now taking advantage of the possibility to boost capcity and seat separate traveling parties closer together. We saw recent changes at Tower of Terror and Splash Mountain. Now, guests riding Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance may be grouped together on the same row in their ride vehicles. The change in procedure on the ride vehicles follows a removal of physical distancing markers and plexiglass in the pre-shows. Here’s a look at our experience this afternoon.

In the pre-show rooms, guests are asked to maintain 3ft physical distancing from other parties. Plexiglass and physical distancing markers have been removed in the pre-show areas.

A return of physical distancing markers can be noticed in the hangar and hallway leading to the interrogation rooms. There is still plexiglass in this area too. It seemed like more people were in this hallway line as a result of more people loaded into pre-show rooms.

At merge, we were told to join a separate traveling party to ride in the same row. After the attraction was over, we asked other Cast Members if this was standard operating procedure, and they informed us that we were supposed to be asked if we were ok riding with another party.

The new procedure sits separate traveling parties in the same row together. The new policy is to leave one seat open between traveling parties. With a 4-4 configuration, there could be many scenarios that lead to parties being seated together. In my experience today, there was a party of two seated next to me with a seat between us. Another example we saw was a party of 5 and a party of 2 share a ride vehicle. Previously, this wouldn’t be allowed, but with the new policy in place, the 5th person from the party of 5 can be seated in the back row with the party of 2.

As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!