I have had a few people ask me about what has changed with visiting Disney World lately. I’d like to say this article is for early 2021 but truthfully we really have no idea how long this will all last. If you are looking ahead I say go ahead and make your reservation. Put $200 down lock in the lowest price you can and then wait for the specials to see if you qualify for any. You can modify your reservation later if needed.
Here is a link for Disney’s official page where they will update all aspects of visiting the park. If you have been before it may not be such an inconvenience that some things are not offered since you’ve been there, done that. If you have grand dreams of makeovers and close up character interactions for your child right now may not be the time to go. Things are constantly changing for Florida as well as for Disney. As things begin to improve some restrictions are being lifted and Disney is slowly and safely readjusting. Disney has phases where they will start opening more resorts and restaurants. The next phase will be before Spring Break if things keep improving.
The first and biggest change is there is a Park Reservation that must be made for each day you plan to go to a park. This is how Disney is keeping the park below 30% capacity. There may be times you look where a park is sold out- at least this happened for most of November and December with Hollywood Studios when I was looking at going. Look here before booking dates to make sure the parks you want to visit are available.
Park hours are shorter which may leave some scrambling for dinner options. Dinner selections are limited if you do not have Advanced Dinner Reservations (ADRs). Dining off site or in Downtown Disney are good choices with the shorter park hours. The Disney Dining Plan is currently not being offered but it could be available in the coming phases as more resorts open and more dinning options become available. For now, ADRs are recommended.
While at the park you can use the My Disney Experience app you can see if there is walk up seating availability and join the wait list if accessible. Some restaurants are offering modified menus and alternate dining options. Example Crystal Palace, normally a buffet, is offering a family style dining options which I have not read any good reviews about- most people complaining of the price. They have kept the same price without offering characters interactions. Below is a picture of Chef Mickey’s new family style offering.
Unfortunately at this time, the only character interactions occur from a platform, behind a rope, or at a distance from your table if any. Please note that as of right now there are only a few restaurants offering character dining. (Chef Mickey’s, Garden Grill Restaurant, Hollywood & Vine, Cinderella’s Royal Table, and Topolino’s Terrace) From what I’ve read people seem to enjoy the interactions even if it’s not like before.
With the shorter park hours you have more time to explore other parts of Disney on or offsite. Did you know the resorts have activities such as movies on the lawn in the evenings you can enjoy? Disney has blankets spaced out for your family to enjoy. I’ve read having a rental car can be advantageous for many reasons right now. The buses are only able to take 6 parties at a time which leaves the lines pretty backed up. Disney Resort hotel Guests receive complimentary parking at the Walt Disney World theme parks. Although parking at the resort costs between $15-25 per night. Having your own car may help with getting to your destination and having more flexibility but is an added expense.
MagicBands will no longer be provided on a complimentary basis for new reservations with arrivals at Disney Resort hotels January 1, 2021 and beyond. You can purchase them or reuse one from a previous visit.
Disney has recently begun offering Park Hopping as an option however you can only move after 2pm. It is not recommended for you to make ADRs at a park you hope to move to since it is not known if there will be availability to enter the second park. Availability may change at any time due to park capacity. If you were hoping to park hop to Hollywood Studios there is some information you should know. Only Guests with a Disney Park Pass reservation for Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be able to experience Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. Guests visiting from another theme park will not be able to request to join the virtual queue. I do enjoy park hopping but I’m not sure at this time it’s really worth it.
The great part about going right now is that most of the rides average about a 20 minute wait with the biggest attractions averaging 45 minutes. Most people say they can enjoy the park without the parades and fireworks with the low wait times. There are currently no Fast Passes for any rides. While lines may at times look long it is really due to social distancing.
I miss Disney so much and wanted to go during the Christmas holidays but it’s hard not knowing if I’ll need my PTO for COVID time off. I’ve had to put all travel on hold. If time were not an issue I would go 100%. Knowing ahead what is not going to be the same would prepare me to have fun other ways. Now that I’ve had both injections I am looking forward to traveling as I’m sure many others will be doing as well soon. We all look forward to things being normal again someday. For now be patient and understand we are all in this together.
