Disney: Theres Never Been A Better Time To Visit
“SHOULD I GO TO DISNEY?”
I’ve been getting this question a lot and usually my answer is a quick, enthusiastic YES! But in these times, there is hesitation to recommend travel anywhere, especially a theme park, so I figured the best way to answer was to check it out for myself first! I AM NOT a medical expert, nor a doctor, but I did go to Disney (over 14 days ago) and can tell you about my personal experience.
KEEPING IT “SAFE”
First off, masks are required at all times, temperature check stations are at all entrances, and there is hand sanitizer available practically everywhere. Say goodbye to the fingerprint machines at every entrance. If you need to eat or drink something, you need to stay in one place. You cannot walk around while eating & drinking- if you do the “Corona police,” as my kids called them, will stop you immediately and tell you to put on your mask. Also, whenever you pay for anything, it is a contactless payment, aka credit card machine without signing.
KEEPING IT ORGANIZED
Right now, Disney is functioning at far less than 50% capacity. You need to make a reservation at the park you are visiting in advance. You cannot just walk in-- that helps limit the number of people they allow into the park.
KEEPING IT SIMPLE
Fastpasses are disabled, but we did not wait in any line for more than 20 minutes. We did Splash Mountain and Space Mountain with a 5 minute wait. Some rides even had a 0 minute wait, which I have never seen before. The Astro Orbiter always has a long line, and this time since it didn’t, we finally rode it and got to take in the view.
There are no character meet & greets, character dining, fireworks, or parades (I know, it’s sad but…). What they have instead is actually interesting and amazing in it’s own way: no crowds of people or sealing off the sidewalks, just a car driving down the street filled with your favorite characters, with dancers and entertainment along with some music playing several times per day. It only lasts a minute but my kids loved it. Because there are fewer guests, the characters and dancers were super interactive. Animal Kingdom is also offering the same concept instead of meet and greets and parades.
KEEPING IT DISTANCED
It’s a Small World keeps rows open between parties, and rides like Buzz Lightyear, leaves 2 empty cars between riders. While waiting in line, there are 7 feet markers to keep you distanced from your neighbors at all times.
Without fireworks or night shows, the parks close early with Mickey, Minnie, Donald Duck, Pluto & some friends standing at the top of the train station overlooking Main Street waving goodbye as you leave the park. This was definitely a highlight for my kids. Even though they didn’t get their picture standing right next to Mickey Mouse, this totally made up for it as it was a new and unexpected experience.
We arrived at the park at around 2, and stayed until closing at 7. We made it to every land, and got to ride every ride we wanted to, without having to rush through anything. Parking was a breeze (no need for the trolleys) and the monorail is one car per family!
We also made it to Hollywood Studios where the same precautions are being taken and the similar feeling of a relatively empty park make for a unique experience. Disney Junior Live: Play & Dance does a great job with social distancing (see picture below).
KEEPING NIGHTS FUN
Like I said before, parks are closing early and there are no night shows to choose from, but that doesn’t mean you have to turn in early. Disney Springs (formerly Downtown Disney) is open! Like the parks, your temperature will be taken, masks are required, and you can’t eat while walking around. Restaurants are open and serving at reduced capacity and the number of people allowed in each store is limited as well. Check here for the most updated information as much varies by day and can change at any time.
Having written all that, I cannot guarantee that the plan is 100% foolproof—nothing is. You can’t tell kids not to touch every single railing, or not to pull down on the handle bars without driving them and yourself crazy. Also, you will be near more people than you have been with since COVID began.
As expected, Disney has done a great job in reopening. If you can, I highly recommend visiting NOW. It’s a unique experience so try to make it out there before the masses are welcomed back in.
When it comes to traveling anywhere nowadays, there seems to be a stigma, let’s call it travel-shaming, and I’ll be the first to tell you...This is YOUR LIFE! Don’t give in to peer pressure one way or another. Get informed, plan, prepare, be safe, and go wherever you feel comfortable going, but GO!
If you need any help planning your unique Disney experience, get in touch!
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