We just got back from the most magical weekend in Walt Disney World. We were there for the first day of all of their Christmas decor and wow it is so beautiful. If you’re anything like me, I had my reservations before heading to Disney during a pandemic. Would it be safe? Even if they were doing everything possible, would I still feel safe? How would I maintain social distancing in a theme park? Would I be able to withstand wearing a mask all day? Let me tell you how it went for us…
Let’s start with the fact that I felt SUPER SAFE in the parks. Disney is doing everything they possibly can to keep their guests safe. They have reduced capacity and are allowing far less people into the parks. Now reservations are required to ensure they don’t overfill the parks. Inside the parks there is touchless sanitizer stations everywhere. There is no longer fast pass available, which I definitely miss, but it means that the lines are no longer running side by side. There are marking on the floor clearly showing you where to stand to ensure 6 ft between parties waiting. The rides are operating at reduced capacity. For example, on It’s a Small World, each boat had 1 party, then left an empty row and then sat the next party. Also, they were spraying down each boat between rides to sanitize it and would let it run empty to dry. So basically, it’s one boat partially occupied (empty rows between families), followed by one empty. This is why the waits are long, not because the park is that full, rather because of all the precautions they are taking.
Masks are required to be worn PROPERLY by all guests over the age of 2 at all times. And they’re not kidding. They are super strict about masks and making sure your nose is properly covered as well, even for small children like my 3 year old. The only exception is while dining. Many of the food stations around the parks are closed. Now most of the food is inside the restaurants. You have to scan the QR code outside to place an order on your phone, then you are allowed to enter once you have been notified that your meal is ready. The tables are clearly marked which are available and which are not. In the restaurant we ate at (the one next to It’s a Small World in Magic Kingdom) all the center tables were marked as unavailable and then the tables around the perimeter were every other to ensure social distancing.
The only time I felt people were too close was when walking around the park, but that is impossible to control. Everyone has a mask on and you’re not speaking to anyone, so it feels safe. I know the parks aren’t super full because we never waited in line for a bathroom and that NEVER happens in Disney.
Christmas in Disney truly is beyond magical. The parks are decorated throughout and they didn’t miss a single detail. There’s holiday snacks, holiday merchandise, you name it, they thought of it. Charlie always loves the bubble makers, so when she saw the holiday one she just had to have it. It is so cute! It makes micro bubbles so it looks like snow. She’s obsessed with it.
If you’re thinking of planning a trip to Disney, this is a great time to go. The weather is nice, the decorations are beautiful and it feels safe. We honestly cannot wait to return. We are actually already talking about going back in a couple of weeks.
I took way too many pictures, but everything is so beautiful there. Here are some of my favorite memories from the 2 days we spent at the park, Friday at Magic Kingdom and Saturday at Hollywood Studios.
MAGIC KINGDOM
HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS
All in all we had an incredible time exploring the parks, riding and seeing all of their Christmas decor. Thank you so much Disney for hosting us on such a magnificent weekend. We will see you again real soon!
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Traveling during the time of COVID, what it s really like to travel during a global pandemic. Information for you to make the best decision possible for your and your family as you make summer travel plans.