Earlier this week, all authorized Disney travel agents (like us at Believe Vacations) received an email with a link to a video produced by Disney about the recent experiences of agents in the parks. Boy, that sounds familiar to a Back to the Parks series we’ve been doing for about 2 months now, doesn’t it? Just another reason why Believe Vacations is always ahead of the game when it comes to being the experts in Disney and Universal travel planning!
Speaking of experts, we introduce you today to another one, Senior Vacation Planner Amanda Braxton! Amanda’s rapid rise on our team has happened in only one year’s time and she has used her personal experiences to win the hearts of families all over. Like a handful of others, she had to see the new regulations for safety and low waits times for herself and was kind enough to share her experience…The Trip Basics
What parks did you visit and when were the dates? We checked in August 15- August 21. We visited Magic Kingdom twice, EPCOT twice, Hollywood Studios twice & Disney’s Animal Kingdom once. This trip was special for us. We celebrated both our April birthdays since COVID cancelled our April trip. We also celebrated our 4th wedding anniversary & last but not least, we celebrated being out of the house for the first (big outing) since COVID!What made you risk going back so soon? I saw all the posts from the other Believe Vacations agents on Facebook & Instagram and had to see it for myself!
The Resort Basics
Did you stay on the grounds somewhere? We stayed at Boardwalk Villas for 1 night, the Villas at Grand Floridian for 4 nights & Old Key West for 2 nights!
What modes of transportation did you use to get around? We drove 12 hours from Southeast Texas to Orlando. We rode the Skyliner & Monorail several times. We drove to several parks also. We didn’t experience bus or boat transportation this trip.
The Park Basics
Was there a certain ticket/package you purchased and what was the process of purchasing (different or the same)? We did not have to purchase tickets this trip. Due to the corona virus, Disney generously extended our annual pass so we were able to use them to get access to the parks!
What were the new guidelines you had to follow (masks, could not do this, etc.)? Everyone had to wear masks at all times unless actively eating & drinking while stationary. There were also markers on the floor in all the ride queues & restaurants to maintain 6-foot distancing.
How was the crowd size? The crowd size was unbelievable! We had never seen Disney World so empty. When we walked around the different resorts, it felt like a ghost town. There was hardly anyone there. The parks were low crowds also! It was so much fun to walk on the rides with little to no wait time. The only park that seemed busier than the others was Hollywood Studios. Only in Toy Story Land did it feel more congested.
Were there any attractions/experiences that were closed due to COVID? There were several rides closed but that were due for refurbishments and not COVID. There were a few shops and restaurants that had not re-opened yet.
What was the attitude like of the employees? Every cast member we came in contact with was so happy & excited to be there. We received extra pixie dust at most the restaurants we ate at to help us celebrate!
What was the attitude like of the guests? The guests all seemed happy to be back. We honestly never got close to other parties. Even walking down Main Street, there was no one right next to us.
The New Regulations Basics
How was wearing a mask in Florida in the summer? The masks are definitely not fun, but not unbearable. We tried multiple masks each day to find out which ones work best for us.
Did you ever feel unsafe? I never felt unsafe. Cast members everywhere were constantly wiping down rides & hand rails. There were Germex & hand washing stations everywhere. I felt that Disney was safer and cleaner than most stores around our home town.
The Final Advice Basics
What advice do you have for post-COVID times at theme parks? Bring lots of masks to try out & change throughout the day. We did purchase fans & cooling towels but we never needed them. Take lots of breaks at relaxation stations or take breaks to snack & drink plenty of water.
Do you think they opened too early or was it fine for what it was worth? I think it opened at the right time. I don’t think it was to early.
Anything else I forgot? I think this is the perfect trip! If you love riding rides & low crowds, this is the best time for a trip to Disney. There is definitely still magic at Disney World! I love the Character Cavalcades (mini versions of the parades) as the characters are much more interactive with the crowds this way! This was an amazing & magical Disney World vacation. We can’t wait to go back!
