With all of the effects of of the global Covid-19 pandemic many are unsure of the best time to return to theme parks; in particular, the Disney Parks. While each family has unique circumstances regarding the state of our world currently and how and when we each will return to tourism; I personally am very eager to return to Walt Disney World as quickly as possible. Here are my reasons for a much anticipated return to the magic.
Reason 1: A Much Needed Return To The Magic
It’s no doubt we all could use some hope and a little magic during these uncertain times. The past few moths have proved to be tough and the uncertainty of it all has affected us in many different ways. In times of happiness as well as in times of sadness, turning to anything Disney makes my heart sing. Seeing Cinderella’s Castle come into view after you walk in on Main Street has always given me comfort and a sense of joy. And, it’s the same for any of the four parks in the resort; they are symbols of hope, past memories and the excitement for creating new memories in the days ahead. After all each of us has endured these past few months I can’t think of a better way to look towards the future than visiting the parks with loved ones.
Reason 2: Short Attraction Wait Times
With new capacity limits, a Park Reservation System in place, and the temporary removal of the Fast Pass system, most attraction wait times are extremely low, something very rarely seen at the parks; at least in recent history. Take for example, the Avatar Flight of Passage attraction in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Ordinarily this attraction is so popular that standby wait times are in excess of an hour and a half. Fast passes for the attractions are gone quickly during each selection window. In the first few days of the park’s reopening, wait times were as low as 5 minutes…this is unheard of! And this isn’t the only ride with a low wait. If you look on the My Disney Experience app, most wait times are under 20 minutes, many of which are 5 minutes! I am eager to practically walk on to attractions that I would normally wait in line for an hour or more to experience.
Reason 3: Unique Experiences
While it’s true that character meet and greets and the elaborate parades and fireworks spectaculars are on hold for a time, the experiences that Disney has put in place, albeit safely, are wonderful and extremely unique. Take for example the princess cavalcades that randomly occur in The Magic Kingdom. Princess Merida rides aboard a beautiful horse. Similarly, Gaston makes an appearance on his steed during a different parade in the park. Over in Epcot, Pooh dances in the grass with a butterfly net, attempting to catch one of them gently. Joy (from the movie Inside Out) has been spotted dancing in a similar open area at Epcot.
While keeping social distancing in mind Disney has introduced ways for guests to experience some unique and intimate views of their favorite characters in ways that they have never experienced before.
Reason 4: Enhanced Safety and Sanitation
I’ve always found the parks to be top notch in not only the cleaning standards but also in safety measures. Now more than ever, Disney has retained that principle. All cast members are ensuring the parks are clean, and safe during these unprecedented times. Attraction vehicles are regularly cleaned after guests have ridden on them. They also continuously scrub down often used surfaces such as chairs, benches and railings to ensure that the park retains it’s rigorous safety standards. And while the idea of wearing masks during visits to the parks and resorts is not on anyone’s favorites list, Disney is strictly enforcing this guidelines to ensure the health and safety of all guest and cast members. Additionally select attractions and shopping venues are implementing virtual queues to ensure that social distancing measures are upheld.
Reason 5: Low Crowds
Similar to reason number 2 above, the low crowds as a result of capacity limits amid the pandemic are a primary reason I am eager to return to the Disney parks. While I will miss the magic of the parades, fireworks, and especially the character meet and greets, the ability to walk through the parks without being shoulder to shoulder is a major motivator. To walk through Main Street USA and take a photo of the beloved castle without crowds of guests in the background is something rare to any visit. And while the parades are on a temporary hiatus, there are small character calvacades and parades that occur randomly throughout the day. This means that lining up on the parade route an hour before the parade starts to reserve a coveted spot isn’t necessary. Nor are you too close for comfort smashed together with other guests trying to get a great view of the magic.
Additionally, without a need to rush from attraction to attraction to make your next FastPass reservation, you can take in all the amazing details that are put into each and every corner of all of the Disney Parks.
There’s no doubt that the effects of the pandemic are far reaching and have changed our normal way of life for a time to come. But for many, a touch of Disney magic may be just the right comfort . Contact us today if you are interested in planning your next Disney vacation; whether it’s in 2020 or a later visit in 2021.