Last week, we went back to Universal Studios Resort for another first-hand look at the parks reopening to the public. And while we are proud supporters of Universal and happily plan vacation packages at their properties, many of our clients are eager to learn about Walt Disney World. Over the next few weeks, we will perform our own version of “park-hopping” (which, you can’t do at WDW at the moment) by covering the four main parks at Walt Disney World and maybe returning back to Universal as well. But today, we visit the Magic Kingdom for our first look at Cinderella’s Castle in what seems like a long, long time ago!
Meet Ashley Suit! Ashley has been with us for almost 2 years and continues to bring interesting perspectives and ideas to our team. She was kind enough to be interviewed and answer questions we all have had on our minds lately.
The Trip Basics
What parks did you visit and when were the dates? Magic Kingdom for the second day of Annual Passholder previews, Friday, July 10, 2020.
What made you decide to go so soon? We knew it would be the least crowded and cleanest it would ever be. We missed the magic. We live minutes from the parks so it isn’t a major trip for us to experience it.
What modes of transportation did you use to get around? We drove our own car. We parked for a morning breakfast at the Contemporary Resort.
The Park Basics
Was there a certain ticket/package you purchased and what was the process of purchasing (different or the same)? We are Annual Passholders. WDW had pass holder preview days in the few days prior to the park’s official opening.
What were the new guidelines you had to follow (masks, could not do this, etc.)? You are required to wear masks at all times except for active eating, or in relaxation zones. There was 6 foot pacing in lines. They’ve installed plexiglass dividers in queues and on attractions. There is a constant announcement in the parks every 10 minutes or so reminding people how to practice safe visiting. The other noticeable changes were the modified character greetings and menus at restaurants.
How was wearing a mask in Florida in the summer? Hot and uncomfortable, but not unbearable. Be sure to bring a few masks to cycle through. They will get wet with sweat, rain, or from water rides. They will get ice cream on them. One of the most refreshing things was to put on a new mask after a handful of hours. And bring a handheld fan (which you should anyway when visiting in the summer). Cooling towels (the kind you wet and drape around your neck) and water bottles are good too.
How was the crowd size? Like Disney of long ago. Most attractions were walk-ons (meaning no wait) because there is no FastPass at the moment. Restaurants have the availability for walk-ups because there is no Dining Plan at the moment. So many of the components that we associate with a modern day Disney vacation actually add to the craziness, and the current situation is a nod to the parks of the past. You can go at it at a slower, more leisurely pace. There was so much sidewalk everywhere we went. No one bumping up against you. Just very relaxed.
Were there any attractions/experiences that were closed due to COVID? The play area under Splash Mountain, the play area in the Dumbo queue, the Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade (but funnily enough the Rifle Roost at Tom Sawyer Island was open), the Stretching Room in Haunted Mansion isn’t running- you just walk straight through to the Doombuggies. The Peoplemover isn’t running. Character meet and greets are distanced. They come riding down the parade route at different intervals. The interactions with guests are much more personable since it’s such a small crowd.
What was the attitude like of the employees? The majority seemed truly happy to be there, and were as grateful for us as we were for them. There are no College Program students or short-term Cast Members, so all that are there are some of the veteran CM’s who make the Disney customer service so spectacular. You’re getting the best of the best who WANT to be back in the magic.
What was the attitude like of the guests? Grateful to be there, mostly friendly, respectful of space. Of course, you get the handful who are grumpy for one reason or another but again, anyone choosing to visit the parks right now is a hard core fan or is very eager about Disney, so the overall attitude was one of escape and happiness. My son and I literally skipped to Buzz Lightyear toward the end of the night.
The Final Advice Basics
What advice do you have for post COVID times at theme parks? Know this is going to be a different experience, but it’s also a novel experience. Prepare yourself, weigh your personal pros and cons, and decide to make the best of it if you choose to go. Disney has the reputation they do (and they success they do) because they are the best of the best. They know what they are doing and I trust them.
Did you ever feel unsafe? No. There were a handful of times when I felt people were too gathered- at the hand sanitizer stations at the exit to every attraction, and every now and then in a queue someone would get too close while just walking in, since we weren’t having to stop at the spacing markers. We just kept our distance (bring your own hand sanitizer!!) and kindly asked people to back up a bit if they walked too close in lines.
I also personally feel more comfortable doing outside attractions rather than inside due to the re-circulation of air vs. open air and UV effects. We took our food to eat outside as much as possible (yes, it’s hot, but it was worth the trade off for my peace of mind) and had lunch overlooking Cinderella Castle at Pinnochio Village Haus. We only did a handful of indoor attractions. But again that’s just our personal preference at this moment and how I am going about my regular days too, not just in the theme parks.
Do you think they opened too early or was it fine for what it was worth? As an Orlando local, I see the immediate impact the theme parks have on our communities and people. This is a theme park/hospitality driven town, and we need the parks to be open for people to work. Many Cast Members are choosing not to return now, partly because they don’t feel safe and partly because they’re honestly making better money off unemployment than they would with limited hours working in the parks. It’s a strange time, but again, those that want to be there, are; those that don’t want to be there don’t need to be and shouldn’t if they don’t feel comfortable.
Anything else I forgot? Oddly enough, my fondest memories of the day come from our visit to Tom Sawyer Island. We almost had the whole island to ourselves, and didn’t see ONE PERSON the entire time we were there. The nature and wildlife is abundant because it’s been so quiet for the past four months. Never mind that TSI is one of my favorite escapes from the hustle and bustle even in ‘normal’ times, but it was extra special this time.
Another memorable moment was closing out the parks. Magic Kingdom closes so early without having fireworks or parades at night, so you can end the day on an earlier note and linger in the empty park a bit. We walked into Skipper Canteen around 6:30pm and left close to 8pm, and had a crowd-free sunset photoshoot at the castle and down Main Street. We were *literally* the last guests to walk out of the Magic Kingdom, and it wasn’t even dark yet. Seriously, magical.
