Disney will finally open up to the public on July 11th (Magic Kingdom/Animal Kingdom) and July 15th (Epcot/Hollywood Studios), but the park we left behind months ago will not be the same when we return. While a lot of us are willing to overlook these changes for a chance to return to our happy place, others are concerned that some of these new policies are too much and have decided to cancel or reschedule their vacations for a later date. Here are what I consider to be the biggest issues affecting us in the Disney community.
Face Masks
This might be the biggest reason for people to think twice about going to Disney right away. Now most guests agree that the masks are needed and it is a welcome addition, but those same guests are concerned about their comfort wearing something over their face in the heat and humidity of a Florida summer. While I am also concerned, it will not stop me from going, but it will limit my time in the parks.
Fireworks
Fireworks are a mainstay at Disney World, even for me who does not go out of my way to stop and watch them, they are an expected back drop to different experiences in the evening. I would hope that they are able to make social distancing areas and bring the fireworks back sooner than later.
Parades
Parades go hand and hand with fireworks and even if you are not actively waiting for them, it is nice to see them go by as you are walking around the park. I also believe that Disney can figure out a way to socially distance guests in the near future and bring parades back to the park.
Character Meet and Greets
This is a big one because I know guests that spend a large part of their day going from character to character to get pictures and autographs. Disney has not been very specific about how characters will be handled when the parks open, but I am hoping that they still have some characters will still wander around the park and that guests can take pictures from a distance.
Reservations to Enter the Park
This is a huge issue for me, Disney World will not guarantee that you will even be able to get into a park on any given day. Disney still has not revealed the details on how this reservation system will work, but they have stated that you may not get in on some days and that park hopping will not be part of your experience for a while. I will be going down for a week when the park opens and it is a little unnerving knowing that there could be days where I have to go to a different amusment park or stay at my resort.
Final Thoughts
There are other factors to consider before you plan your trip (social distancing, transportation, FPs, dining reservations) and my guess would be that we will see these changes for months at least. On the plus side of all of this is that the crowds will no longer be an issue and you will be able to walk the parks in a more open way. We all know we have to do our part to keep each other safe, but lets hope this is not the new norm and that Disney World returns to what we left behind months ago
I would love to hear what will keep you away from the parks or if you are going, what will disappoint you the most. Here is a link to what Disney is listing as new policies as of now and I would recommend that you check back as your vacation gets closer for any changes. Please leave your comments below and be sure to tune in to the Behind the Ears Podcast every wednesday night at 8PM est.
I’m so excited to see Disney opening, but I think what worries me most is the fear of things never returning to our old “normal”, meaning the fireworks, parades, and meet and greets. I’m comforted in the precautions Disney is taking to ensure the safety of guests and cast members though. Can’t wait to be back!
The park reservations. Flying in and bit having shut guarantee that you’ll be able to get into the parks, that’s the worst of ask the changes. I will wear a mask all day long, no complaints, even deal with no fireworks and parades, etc. as the lack of crowds would be a good trade off, but possibly not getting into the park? That’s a no go for me.
The changes are for the good of the people. I am hoping they will be all different by the time my family goes next May.
I’m gonna miss the fireworks the most but I understand why they are not being shown. Hoping the reservation system works well and we don’t have to hard a time getting back to the magic. I’m blacked out till August but as soon as I can I want to get back.
My largest concern as a platinum plus passholder is not being able to get into the parks! I can live with out parades and fireworks and will even concede to wearing a mask. I can even accept shorter hours, losing fast passes and my canceled dining!! However, I am paying a huge premium for that Platinum Plus pass and not knowing if I can get in doesn’t sit right with me. I live two hours away and work so I can’t just try every day. I’m limited on when I can go, that was the whole point of purchasing the pass. They really need to consider this in their pricing going forward! What if I can’t get in at all, are they going to refund the days I can’t get a reservation?
The reservation system is a big concern for people.
I’m worried about overall loss of magic. Plus I love routine, and it’s part of the reason why I keep going back to Disney world. There’s always something new but for the most part I know what I’m doing. I’m going to go into an unknown world. Makes me nervous.
Not being able to meet the characters and chat with them/ photo opp. That is the highlight of the trip for my kids. I’m guessing this will translate to character breakfasts as well.
Also – buying park tickets and not being able to get in, would be heartbreaking for little kids
I’m disappointed about the shortened park hours, the inability to park hop and the park reservations with no guarantee are of concern to the point that I’m going to wait to plan my next trip. I had been going 3-4 times a year.
As a cast member I can understand why these are being done but I also can see things from a guest point of view. Florida is hot so I’m definitely gonna wear a mask for safety but not looking forward to taking it on and off to eat and drink when I’m hot. I don’t feel the same way about WDW as I do about DLR because I live so close to WDW but in the future going to DLR I’d be disappointed. I don’t do a lot of rides but I go to the parks for the shows like fireworks and parades. I was really hoping to see the new parade at DLR when they opened back up in the future but that isn’t happening yet. Also I love character meet and greets so I’m disappointed about that. These things won’t keep me away but flying out and not being able to have everything open is disappointing.
Hope to goodness the fireworks are sooner than later! They are a must have for my trips! My next trip is February (after having my honeymoon in Paris cancelled for next week😭)I will be heartbroken without Happily Ever After.
I want to go so badly but I’m going to wait for them to get the kinks out.. especially the fireworks