When we think of Disney Theme Parks, we think of rides, character experiences, great tasting foods and those ever-accommodating cast members that seem to bend-over backwards to make sure our memories are the best they can be. Oh sure, sprinkle a few long lines, the occasional melt-down from kids and parents alike, and gift shops, gift shops, gift shops! But have those experiences we've come to know and love been affected by the pandemic? Is it safe to roam about the parks, ride the rides, and enjoy those wonderful experiences like we used to? Well, we can still enjoy the parks and the experiences, but yes the pandemic has affected a lot of how things are done now and preparing for this ahead of time will make these "new" experiences that much more enjoyable.
Entering the Parks
*Before planning to create memories at the theme parks, understand that park hopping is temporarily not an option. You have to have a "Park Pass" or reservation to one of the theme parks for that day. It is designed to limit any possible spread of any airborne pathogen and adds a little pre-trip challenge to your planning! You Got This! Oh and don't forget to wear your masks at all times-unless you're eating or drinking!
Be Prepared! One of the first visible changes seen at the entrance to the parks is the touchless temperature checks and quick bag screenings. It's a requirement that doesn't take much time and after a quick trip through the temperature check tent, it's on to bag check and screening. Rarely will security probe about the bags and want the bags zipped open so they can see there's nothing contraband inside. Tip: Have the bags pre-unzipped before this stage for quicker entry into the parks.
Once at the gates, you know the time has come to enter into one of the four parks and begin your magical vacation! Tip: Check out the "MyDisney Experience" app for wait times and keep in mind that due to social distancing and sanitization, lines and wait times may appear longer than they really are. Still, make plans to see your "must dos" first! So now you're ready to enter and have your magic bands ready, right?! Great! This process has remained the same. What has been removed is the finger print scan to reduce unnecessary touching.
Now that you're in, it's time to ride some rides!
RIDE EXPERIENCES
Disney has social distance markers placed on the grounds as a reminder of how far six feet is away from the party in front of you.
Partitions inside the ride building help keep people socially distanced and not every ride seat is filled. These measures remind people that these are not normal times, but at the same time it made people feel easier that they were as safe as can be within the parks.
DINING
Food is a big part of the theme park experience, and Disney hasn't forgotten this fact! Great tasting food abounds as more and more restaurants open up to accommodate the increasing guests being allowed into the park, and also to cater to everyone's differing tastes. From casual pick up and go quick service to full sit down meals, there's something that will surely satisfy. What is being featured more prominently is the use of the My Disney Experience app to request a restaurant reservation, bring up menus, and order food on a smart phone ahead of time.
For someone using the application to order a quick service meal to pick up, the steps remain the same: Locate the restaurant, pick the items you want and add them to your "cart". When you've finished, cash out and you'll receive a pick up window time. When you arrive at the restaurant within that time, let the cast member know who you are and why you're there and they'll be able to direct you to the proper location.
For sit down restaurants and the full Disney Dining experience, make the reservation through the app for the restaurant and time slot you'd like to dine. Once the time arrives, check in with the cast member and they'll lead you to your table. You'll probably notice the absence of menus. Due to reduction of touched items, these menus can be found within the My Disney Experience app or by scanning the menu barcode that's on the table. Yes Disney has gotten high-tech and leave QR codes that link to the menus online! Once you've decided on what to eat, you place your order with the waitstaff and then enjoy. Easy, right?! Payment is either through the app, magic band or credit card. I didn't dare try cash, and I'm sure they appreciated that.
SHOPPING
Gotta get those souvenirs! The running joke about Disney for the longest time has been that when you ride an attraction, it will more than likely end up in a gift shop! This still holds true today, but those stand alone boutiques that aren't attached to a ride are just as attractive. What's changed here? Limited capacity and in some cases, one way traffic. Yes cast members do a great job of making sure there's a safe number of shoppers in the stores and that everyone is flowing in the same direction and maintaining six feet of separation.
Resort and front entrance delivery of packages has been stopped temporarily, so plan accordingly.
CONCLUSION
There is no doubt there are medical concerns when travelling and being in close proximity to a lot of people. Florida has been reported as being a hotbed of COVID-19 cases. But has this transferred over to the Disney properties? In the travel industry, and the Disney theme park community, the parks, resorts, and shopping area has been referred to lovingly as "The Disney Bubble", and this is very apparent in light of the current situation. Disney has maintained a sanitary bubble and does everything in their power to make sure the experiences are safe for all who visit.
I had concerns about going myself, but curiosity got the better of me. I had to see if I would have a great experience considering and wondered how disney was maintaining safety. I am happy to report that I am extremely excited that Disney World has been re-opened for business and at no point during the week-long vacation did I ever feel unsafe or in danger of contracting anything.
Disney has done a tremendous job of addressing the situation and while a guest can't 100% "leave today" behind, they can get pretty close to forgetting about reality for a few moments to "enter the world of yesterday, tomorrow and fantasy."
It pains me to hear about the massive layoffs from the Theme Parks. One way to support is by visiting the parks. If this was part of your travel plans I see no reason to cancel. It is safe and it's a great way to stop by to see your favorite cast-members and let them know how much they mean to you. If that's not an option, then there are support groups and donation pages set up - if you'd like to help out please visit the link below:
The Cast Member Pantry: https://www.facebook.com/castmemberpantry/
I hope you've enjoyed the info about travelling to Walt Disney World. If you've found it useful, drop me a line. If you'd like to collab or travel in the near future let me know! I'd love the company! Till next time, see ya real soon!
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