If you haven’t been convinced to return to our favorite theme parks, then you simply have not been reading the last handful of Believe Vacations articles. We have been reaching out to our agents who have experienced first-hand what Disney post-COVID looks like so that we can give our clients/families accurate perspective and advice. And who better to get advice from than a princess!
I don’t feel like I have to introduce Colette Spirer because she has been a wonderful member to the Believe family for a few years now. You may have met her during her first article, “An Interview with Jasmine” where she brought a unique look to our team with stories about what it was like playing the princess of Agrabah. And while she has given us wonderful advice since, today’s recap of her recent trip may be the most important. Alright, enough build up. Let’s take a trip with Colette leading the way…
The Trip Basics
What parks did you visit and when were the dates? We were in the parks July 18th-July 24th.
What made you decide to risk going back so soon? It was a rescheduled trip. We were originally planning to go in April, moved to June and then finally July. Even though I am a Texas girl, I usually stay away from the Florida summer heat. I needed a Disney fix so badly, I didn’t care what the stipulations were to get there. I had no hesitations traveling as I knew Disney would do everything in its power to make its guests feel 100% safe.
The Resort Basics
Did you stay on the Disney grounds? We stayed at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
What modes of transportation did you use to get around? We flew to Disney on Southwest Airlines, and while on property, we used the monorail, Disney buses and Lyft. Our first night, we ate dinner in Disney Springs and had a late reservation (9pm). By the time we were done eating, Disney Springs was closed and bus service had stopped for the night. We ended up having to take a Lyft back to the resort, however, we didn’t inquire if a bus could have been called. Hours of operation are currently modified, so be sure to keep that in mind.
The Park Basics
Was there a certain ticket/package you purchased and what was the process of purchasing (different or the same)? I am an annual passholder while the others traveling with me were not. Because of this, we had a hotel only reservation and then purchased tickets separately. Everyone purchased Park Hopper Tickets, which is temporarily suspended. On the first day at the parks, the additional Park Hopper add on cost was refunded and put on a Disney gift card. We were excited to have “free money” to spend in the parks! Even more excuse to shop!
How was the crowd size? Crowds were SO low. Max waits were about 20 minutes. We were able to use the DAS pass service, which allowed us to walk on to just about every attraction. We even got to re-ride a few times!
Were there any attractions/experiences that were closed due to health precautions? Everything looks a bit different now, but the magic is still 100% still there. The only experience we truly missed were fireworks, the EPCOT international Cast Members and a few restaurants. We don’t tend to wait in lines to meet characters so we absolutely loved, and actually preferred, the new physical distancing Meet and Greets. They are unannounced and feels very much how Disneyland already does things. Our interactions were much more personal and weren’t rushed. Hollywood Studios had many of its shows temporarily closed, but we had plenty to do without them. At Magic Kingdom, the only attraction we were sad about was The People Mover, which we were told was closed due to mechanical issues. It was supposed to be open and were told to check back in a few days…we did and it was still closed.
What was the attitude like of the employees and guests? Employees seemed genuinely happy to be back. As a former cast member, most choose to work for Disney, not just to have a job, but because Disney means something to them. You want to create magic and be apart of peoples’ vacations. We all, Cast Members and guests alike, needed Disney back in our lives. Guests were also compliant and were respectful of those around them. I honestly felt more safe at Disney than I have in any other setting during throughout this pandemic.
The New Regulations Basics
How was wearing a mask in Florida in the summer? I prepared for the worst. As I mentioned, I don’t do Florida in the summer, even without masks, but I was pleasantly surprised and it was no big deal. I would suggest testing out many options BEFORE getting in the parks to see what works best and is most comfortable. I had a few fun options that I ordered before, but the easiest and most breathable were the disposable masks. They didn’t bother me at all and truly became like second skin. My boys, 4 and 8, didn’t complain about them or the heat once. We did not use the relaxation stations. We had our misting fans and personal handheld fans just in case. We did sit and enjoy snacks, especially at EPCOT. We had some mid day showers (because it’s Florida in the summer) which did help cool things down significantly.
Did you ever feel unsafe? The only place that felt crowded was Disney Springs. There was little social distancing going on, so I would recommend holding off going there. In the parks, it was great! There is so much space to spread out and keep your distance from others.
The Final Advice Basics
What advice do you have for post-COVID times at theme parks? I say 100% go. I haven’t been this relaxed and plan free on a Disney vacation in I don’t know how long. The lines are so short and the crowds are so low. Many are not ready to experience Disney without fireworks, Character/Princess Dining and Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique to name a few, and I completely understand that. However, if you travel to Disney often or have kids who don’t care about missing out on those experiences, it will be one of the best Disney vacations ever! We were ready to book again for the fall after our first day in the parks. Have a discussion with your family and weigh your personal pros and cons. Go in with a positive attitude and you will have a great time.
Any final words before I put my mask back on? Because of the low crowds, we had time to do shows that we would normally not fit into our daily itinerary or haven’t done in years, like the Country Bear Jamboree and the Enchanted Tiki Room. It was so wonderful to just roam leisurely with no FastPass times to remember or rush to. The emptiness also led to wonderful photo shoots. I mean, when is the last time there was not a soul in your castle photo!?! We all had such a wonderful time and my kids were the happiest I had seen in months. In this weird and uncertain time, it was nice to be in the Disney bubble where we had no cares in the world. Now more than ever, it is important to have a Disney Travel planner on your side. It’s important to know that your next Disney vacation will look different, but we make sure you’re in the know to prepare you for all the changes.
