Tips & Tricks: Visiting Disney World During a Pandemic. With Littles.

You have decided. You are going to Walt Disney World in 2021, so what now? How do you prepare? What should you expect?

Well, first off, I understand wanting to visit. The four months the parks were closed were rough for us {and life in general, as I’m sure you can relate…}. When they reopened in July, we were skeptical of going with the kids, but after scoping it out for ourselves {and months of being stir crazy}, we decided to take the kids. And I’m so glad that we did.

It feels slightly different than before {no character meet and greets, less interactions, face masks, hand sanitizer galore, fewer people…no complaints on that one from me}, but the magic is alive and well. Navigating the parks with the COVID protocols in place initially felt daunting {but I am so glad that Disney has them in place! Stay safe, friends!}, but after visiting, I can honestly say that with a few pointers, it’s no big deal and a normal{ish}, magic-filled trip is 1000% possible.

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Since that first visit, we have frequented the parks bi-monthly, excluding holidays, and here are the tips & tricks that we have come to live by:

1. Arrive on Time, Preferably Early.

I get it. It is hard to get the kids and the backpacks and the snacks and the stroller and the hand sanitizer {don’t forget it! 😉 } and the masks {these too 😉 } and every other thing you need for a day at the parks with kids into the car and be on your way at a specific time. However…I GUARANTEE that your day will be that much sweeter if you do .

Arriving early means less people {SURPRISE! Everyone struggles getting out the door on time}, more CMs to get you moving to where you want to go, better parking {read: less walking} and shorter wait times. On the days we arrived early, I have found that we can get 3-4 rides in within the first hour. That is AMAZING! Feel that awesomeness and arrive early.

Pro Tip: Try to be at the gate 30 min early, if possible. Lately, I have found that the parks are letting people in a little early and attractions are open {yay! even more rides with short lines!}.

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2. Bring Lunch or Leave for Lunch.

Between 10am-2pm, crowds begin to pick up and are at their peak in my opinion, so I recommend taking a break for lunch during this time. We eat lunch at 11am and usually bring food, especially for the kids. First off, Disney can get pricey, so I prefer to bring lunch and then buy a fun specialty snack for all of us to share {got to get that IG pic}. We have our favorite secluded spots to chow down that gets us off the beaten path and to feel safe removing our masks to eat. Some of our favorite spots are:

• Magic Kingdom: Outdoor tables by Pete’s Silly Side Show in the Big Top Circus Area

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• Epcot: Outdoor tables by Katsura Grill in the Japan Pavillion

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• Animal Kingdom: Outdoor tables at the Harambe Market (when the market is closed) or the lower dining area next to Flame Tree Barbeque

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• Hollywood Studios: We don’t go here often enough to have a good spot, but I would recommend avoiding the Toy Story area and Batuu.

If you want to experience as much Disney as possible, including the food, I recommend leaving to go to a resort for a quick serve lunch. There are walkable/easy transports to resorts from all of the parks, and quick serve can be ordered on the Disney Mobile App. This is also a great option if you just want a break from the hustle and bustle of the park and a more relaxing lunch spot {bonus: more/different merch locations}. Some of our favorite resorts to grab a quick serve lunch at are:

• Magic Kingdom:
  • Contempo Cafe (Contemporary)
  • Gasparilla Island Grill (Grand Floridian)
  • Capt Cook’s (Polynesian)
• Epcot/Hollywood Studios:
  • Beach Club Marketplace (Disney’s Beach Club)
  • Boardwalk Bakery (Disney’s Boardwalk)
  • Primo Piatto (Riviera Resort; requires taking the Skyliner, bus, or personal car)
• Animal Kingdom:
  • The Mara (Animal Kingdom Lodge; requires personal car or bus)

3. Take the Break.

I know, I know. You’ve saved and saved, and this is your family vacation for the year, or possibly even years. Every moment possible must be spent in those parks! However…I’ve always found that striving for quality magic over quantity makes for a much more magical experience, and a tired toddler in a theme park simply isn’t quality in my opinion. So take the break. Go early in the morning, hit 3-4 rides, grab a bite to eat, let them run around in the hub grass to get out those wiggles, and then head back to the hotel for a nap. You’ll miss the busiest time of the day {extra bonus} and everyone will be refreshed for a couple more hours in the park {or not – hotels, especially Disney hotels, are extremely fun to explore too}. 

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4. Have a {Rough} Plan

Odds are that you won’t hit every single ride, especially if there are toddlers/kids in tow, so I recommend having a priority list of what you want to hit. Hit the more popular, important rides early in the morning or later in the afternoon {avoid those 10am-2pm crowds} and sprinkle in the others in between. The Disney Mobile App is your best friend. Check the wait times and be flexible. The wait times will fluctuate, and it is always more fun to decrease that wait time.

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5. “Know Before You Go”

I am a planner. I have a plan A, B, and C for every family outing. Extensive research has been conducted; the bags are packed with all I think we may need {and then some}; I know what we should hit when for optimal family-fun results, and no snack is left behind {…usually}. That is just me {and maybe you too}, but not everyone operates like that. For a family Disney trip, though, I highly recommend doing at least a little planning, especially in the era of COVID. Right now, Disney is constantly updating protocols to keep up with the most current CDC recommendations. I’m so glad that Disney is doing this, but it does mean that as the responsible adult of the family, Disney vacation, some research and planning is required before leaving to visit the Mouse. Some noteworthy protocols to keep in mind are:

• Park reservations are required in addition to your park ticket.
• Masks are required for any guest over the age of two.
• Temperature checks are required prior to entry.
• Adjustments have been made to facilitate physical distancing (i.e. queue markers, physical barriers, etc.).
• Capacity limitations have been enacted for all of property.
• Contactless payments and ordering is now highly encouraged (i.e. the Disney App is a must).

The most up to date protocols can be found on the “Know Before You Go” page Don’t forget to give it a quick perusal before visiting. 

6. Bring Extra {Safety} Gear

We are still in the middle of a pandemic, so safety is a priority and should be considered.  Disney does a good job at making sure there is a basic level of safety for each and every guest amid this pandemic. However, I think with a couple of extra items, you can make your trip even safer. I would recommend bringing the following:

• Bag for your mask. This can be used to store your mask while eating. Bonus if it is reusable.
• Extra masks. Rain and heat are common themes here in Florida. You may want to change your mask at some point.
• Hand sanitizer. This is provided by Disney, but stations can often get crowded, especially when getting off an attraction. I like having my own to use when I feel the need and in my own socially distanced bubble.
• Extra Baby Wipes. To wipe anything and everything down.
• Disinfecting Wipes. Again, to wipe anything and everything down, but cleaner.

7. Have a Magical Time

This one is easy. Disney is the Most Magical Place on Earth, so enjoy every minute and have the most magical time!

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Until next week…

Stay Magical!

Jasmine

*Disclaimer: All opinions shared are in no way affiliated with the Walt Disney Company. They are completely my own and shared from a Disney guest perspective.