Disney began a phased reopening of its Orlando-area theme parks to all guests on July 11, 2020. It was the first of the U.S. Disney parks to reopen since closing in March because of COVID-19. As a local and frequent park guest, I was excited that Disney was back, but I was also anxious about how the experience might change. Would it still be magical? Would my family and I feel safe?
Disney World during a pandemic
It isn’t an easy decision for many people who want to visit a theme park right now. I get it. Especially if you are high risk. But, if you are not high risk, not traveling from a state that may have to quarantine when visiting Florida, and you are willing to follow Disney’s enhanced health and safety measures, then a Disney vacation may just be what you need for a mental health boost. Although there is an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 at the theme parks, I’ve been encouraged by the recent report that no outbreaks have been associated with the theme parks reopening. But, if I am going to offer a Disney vacations to my clients, I had to experience the parks myself.
Last week, our family finally got a coveted park reservation to the Magic Kingdom. Here’s what we experienced from the time that we drove under the welcome sign until we returned to our car.
Parking
Before we approached parking, we wore a face covering so that when we spoke with the parking attendant, we would protect the Cast Member and ourselves. We arrived at the parking entrance two hours after Magic Kingdom’s opening to avoid crowds. A cheerful Cast Member greeted us and scanned our annual pass. We then drove toward parking and were directed to park in the Villains parking lot. We were able to park in the Zurg parking area (right behind handicapped and premium parking). Guests were directed to park with a space between each vehicle allowing you to socially distance when exiting your vehicle. Trams were not running to the Ticket and Transportation Center (or the TTC), so we walked toward the TTC for temperature screening and bag check.
Arrival by Disney Transportation
Although we drove to Magic Kingdom, we do have some recommendations if taking Disney transportation. We recommend checking on available transportation and pick up times from your resort to the TTC. Capacity is limited as well as seating options (to allow for extra space between passengers), so leave extra time in your day, especially if utilizing a wheel chair or mobility device. Keep your face covering on at all times while riding transportation. Mind social distancing markings while waiting for and while on transportation. Also, no standing is currently allowed on buses.
Temperature Checks
As you walk toward to the TTC, Cast Members, signs, and large white tents direct us towards the temperature screening area for all guests. Hand sanitizer and social distancing markings lined the way to where a nurse pointed a contact-free, medical-grade thermometer toward our foreheads to read our temperatures. The nurse then told us we could proceed to security check. We had no wait to have our temperature screened, but there are several temperature screeners to meet demand. Your temperature, and everyone in your party’s temperature, must be below 100.4 F to proceed to security. The heat and humidity should not affect guest temperatures because the thermometers used detect subdermal temperature below the skin. Disney does, however, recommend checking your temperature prior to traveling to the park so you are not surprised and disappointed if you are turned away.
Security and Bag Check
Disney has attempted to make security and bag checks as contact free as possible. We were advised to remove metal objects such as umbrellas, metal water bottles, batteries/battery packs, aerosol sunscreen, and hard glasses cases, and place them in a sanitized tray. We then walked through a metal detector with our bags. A few items set off the detector, so our bags required an additional search. Security tables were sanitized and spaced out so we felt comfortable during the additional security screening. The new process made for a simpler security screening and much shorter lines. After security, we proceeded to the TTC where the monorail or ferry boats take you to the Magic Kingdom.
Transportation to the Magic Kingdom
We took the monorail from the TTC to the Magic Kingdom since a ferry had just departed. Each party was directed to an assigned number to board the monorail so that groups waited separately from others to board. One party boarded each monorail compartment and a partition separated the two compartments in one monorail car. The monorail was clean and cool as we traveled to the Magic Kingdom. We still made a point not to touch the handrails when we entered or exited the monorail.
Park Entrance
Exiting the monorail and walking down the monorail station ramp toward the front gates, guests were respectful and slowed down allowing for social distancing. At the Magic Kingdom park entrance, we tapped our magic bands and we were able to enter the park. A finger print is no longer required along with your ticket or magic band for entry for less contact.
Crowd levels
Upon park entry, you definitely have a sense it is less crowded. The music seemed louder with less people filling Main Street. Some estimate the parks are operating at one third their usual occupancy. I believe it. You can now easily walk down Main Street. Shopping in the Emporium was so quick, easy, and not crowded. The ride times are also much lower than a regular park day in the middle of summer.
Attractions
Most attractions are operating and no Fast Passes are available. All guests utilize standby lines, so although lines may seem long, it is because of social distancing. We found that the lines moved quickly and if line stopped moving, it was due to periodic cleaning that takes place throughout the day on every attraction. It was also our experience that wait times were generally less than the times posted. Space Mountain had a zero minute wait. The longest attraction wait was for Jungle Cruise at 40 minutes. Social distancing is practiced on rides and space is given between ride vehicles. Some rides are even equipped with Plexiglas between seating. Hand sanitizers are placed before and after each attraction for guest use. Some longer queues also have Plexiglas dividers in areas where guests may be close. Queues also have social distancing markings for guests waiting in line.
Characters
Character meet and greets are currently unavailable, but Disney has found a magical way to still incorporate your favorite characters into your experience. We saw several character cavalcades begin in Frontierland and take the usual parade route past the front of Cinderella’s Castle to Main Street approximately every hour, weather permitting. The cavalcades showcase different characters from Mickey and Minnie, to princesses, and Goofy and friends. You will also likely see characters interacting with guests from a distance at various places throughout the park too, including the Main Street train station, Frontierland, and Fantasyland. Characters don’t stay long, though, so crowds will not form. The Main Street Philharmonic marching band has also been seen following the parade route too.
Dining
Not all dining locations were open, so I would recommend checking on which restaurants are open. Since mobile ordering is required at several restaurants, also install the My Disney Experience app and load your form of payment (gift card, debit, or credit card) prior to your visit. At all dining locations, a Cast Member(s) helped the flow and number of guests entering dining facilities. Restaurants had a marked entrance and exit too. Social distancing markers guided us where to pick up their food or wait to be seated. Seating was cleaned after each guest and tables were spread out to allow distancing. We were able to remove our face covering while eating and drinking at our table.
Table Service
We ate at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe, a quick service restaurant, when we went to Magic Kingdom, but based on a previous dining experience at the Wave, we have recommendations a few table service recommendations. Make a reservation for table service restaurants on the My Disney Experience App ahead of time. When you are close to the restaurant near your reservation time, you can check-in online instead of with the host. Servers wear masks and will likely provide a plate or bag to hold your face covering while eating. A QR code on the table will allow you to access a menu when scanned with a smart phone. Not all tables are in use to allow for social distancing. Our experience was that customer service was excellent and there was even more attention to detail with fewer guests.
Quick Service
Before ordering food through the My Disney Experience app, there was an estimate that our food would be ready 30 minutes after ordering. Our food was ready in about 10 minutes. We found that order times varied by several minutes, but I would expect to wait. Once we received a notification that our order was ready, we let the Cast Member(s) near the entrance know that and we could proceed into the restaurant. We then had to wait in socially distanced line to pick up our food and then we easily found seating due to limited capacity.
Shopping
In the Emporium, merchandise was spaced out to allow social distancing while guests shopped. Lower park capacity helped social distancing while shopping too. There were also several Cast Members available that provided excellent guest service when we had questions. We had little to no wait time to purchase merchandise – including Disney face masks. Social distancing markings are on the floor for guests in line, along with clear partitions in front of cashiers, and contactless payment options. Hand sanitizer was also available as we entered and left the Emporium.
Photo Pass
Disney photographers were still out and about taking guest photos. There are fewer photographers, but you can get some amazing shots in a less crowded park (especially in front of the castle). If there is a line, there are social distance markings too, for guests to wait at a safe distance.
Shows and Fireworks
No fireworks or shows are currently scheduled to deter guests from forming crowds. One day they will return, but for now they are currently unavailable for guest safety.
New Policies for a Safer Visit
Face coverings
Facial coverings are required by all guests age 2 and older. Face coverings must tie or loop securely covering the nose, mouth, and secure under the chin. Facial coverings are required at all times unless in a relaxation station, dining, or swimming. Experience updates can also change at any time, so be sure to check the details before your visit. All Cast Members wear face coverings. Some Cast Members also wear a face shield for additional protection. Cast Members in gold shirts are also present in the park to enforce mandatory face cover rules.
Enhanced Cleaning
I’ve never seen the parks cleaner with additional cleaning throughout the day and fewer guests traveling. Attractions and high-traffic areas, including elevators, escalators, handrails, benches, tables, handles, and restrooms, transportation vehicles, are cleaned throughout the day. We saw Cast Members spraying sanitizer and cleaning high-touch areas several times during our visit. Guests also used hand sanitizer regularly and hand washing stations are placed throughout the park for guest use.
Physical Distancing
Signage, markings, Cast Member training, and periodic announcements remind and promote social distancing in the parks. If an area got too crowded, we waited or came back later. Without Fast Passes, it was easy to change our plans to an area with fewer people if we felt uncomfortable.
Reduced Contact
Cashless payments, mobile ordering, modified housekeeping, metal detectors at security, and menus available by QR code on your smartphone are some of the ways that Disney is limiting contact for guests. We utilized all of these options and had no problems doing so.
Given the new experience at Disney World during the pandemic, here are a few tips for the best visit.
1. Set your expectations
✔ While the experience is different, Disney World is definitely still magical and worth the trip is you are not high risk. Several things are probably different from your last visit, but almost every change has a silver lining.
✔ No Fast Passes – lower capacity and no Fast Passes shorten wait times significantly. We experienced 13 attractions in 5 hours and we had a more relaxed experience not having to plan our experiences at a certain time.
✔ Fewer restaurants open – take the opportunity to try new dining options if you favorite restaurant isn’t open or reservations are unavailable.
✔ No character meet and greets – cavalcades are providing character interaction without the wait. We loved seeing a rotation of characters throughout our day at the park. Many characters we had not see in years because we didn’t want to wait in the lines.
✔ Face masks – there’s no way around it, you have to follow the new rules to experience Disney by wearing a mask, but you are helping to create a safer experience for everyone at the parks.
2. Stay hydrated and take breaks
✔ Facial coverings may have you drinking water less often while sweating more. It will also probably going to be hot during your visit to Central Florida too. Don’t forget to take breaks, hydrate, and take advantage of the relaxation stations around the park or get a snack to stay cool and hydrated.
✔ Take multiple masks for each member in your party if your mask gets sweaty or it gets wet.
✔ Bring cooling towels and consider a small spray bottle of water and/or a personal fan too.
3. Embrace a slower pace
✔ Without Fast Passes and fewer entertainment options, you are forced to take a slower pace than past vacations.
✔ Watch social distancing markings and posted signage on designated rules.
✔ With facial coverings and the heat, you will need more breaks. The slower pace also encourages you to rest more often because you aren’t going to miss a Fast Pass or show. Find a rocking chair or secluded seating in the shade and relax and watch the magic as it happens.
✔ Don’t rush and maintain a social distance of six feet from others around you.
4. Be patient and flexible with your plans
✔ Patience and an ability to be pragmatic are going to make your trip more enjoyable any time, but more so now.
✔ Expect possible delays, plan change, and maybe even new rules that may require more time or inconvenience.
✔ Appreciate the moment and the opportunity to make special memories.
✔ Be open to new experiences if your plans change.
5. Have fun
✔ Sounds silly to remind yourself to have fun, but we have all had increased stress with the pandemic and it is rising. Give yourself permission to have fun for your own mental health. Some of the best ways to boost your mental health during the pandemic are to be active, reduce social media, and get outside. A Disney vacation can help you do all of those things!
✔ If you are well and are not at increased risk associated with COVID-19 and follow CDC guidelines for US travel, a Disney visit may be the break you are likely craving.
Disney World is Still Magical
Not everyone feels safe traveling yet. I get it. But if you are not at high risk and need a getaway, a magical Disney vacation is possible. The Florida Department of Health has found no outbreaks associated with theme parks reopening. Disney is taking extreme measures to enforce safety and cleanliness, as well as limiting attendance culminating in what may be the best Disney vacation experience in years. Our family felt safe and I feel confident recommending a Disney vacation to healthy clients who will follow CDC guidelines and Disney’s rules.
If you have any question or are ready to book a Disney vacation, we would be delighted to help you! Click here to schedule a call!
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