My experience at Disney during Covid-19

Nov 13

November 16, 2020

It’s been almost eight months since I’ve been on a plane and like everyone else, I have been itching to travel. I love everything about travel - the planning process, getting there, the food, the people, and just being somewhere new or different.

Last week I decided at the last minute to head to Walt Disney World to experience what the parks were like during Covid-19 for myself. The good news - Disney is operating at about a 35% capacity right now and taking many precautions to keep guests safe. Plus there is still a lot of Disney magic!

Getting there

Once I landed at the Orlando airport, I was very impressed with the safety protocols beginning right at Magical Express at the Orlando Airport. Social distancing markers were on the floor to keep guests 6 feet apart while waiting in line. I was assigned a seat on Magical Express so that essentially every other row was left vacant.

Checking In

Online check-in through the Disney app means no waiting at the front desk! The beauty of the Magic Bands is that they are already connected to your app and act as your room key. All you have to do is start your online check-in on arrival day and wait for a text saying that your room is ready! Then head right to your room and open your door with your Magic Band!

Getting Around

Currently, the monorail is only running from the Floridian and the Contemporary to Magic Kingdom. Monorail service to Epcot is unavailable at this time. If you plan to take a bus, you’ll be assigned a seat and there are dividers between the seats. Bus service is currently available to parks and Disney Springs.

Staying Safe

Throughout the parks masks are required and 99% of people were wearing them and wearing them properly! I witnessed Disney cast members advising people to pull their masks up over their noses and to put them back on their children who had them off and were over 2 years old.

Other safety precautions that the parks have put in place:
- Temperature checks at every park entrance and also at Disney Springs.
- Hand sanitizer was located throughout the parks…it was everywhere!!
- Enter/Exit doors were designated at shops to keep traffic flowing in one direction.
- There weren't any fireworks or major parades, but there were small parades periodically so the kids can still get a peek at their favorite characters and princesses!
- Rides had incredible spacing! I was shocked at how many open cars there were. They really were keeping families apart from each other on rides.

Disney Magic

There is still lots of Magic at Walt Disney World! The Castle projection show for Christmas was a favorite of mine! The Food & Wine Festival was still happening at Epcot and it was nice to stop along the way at the countries for a quick bite. Disney Springs was decorated for Christmas and with so many dining options outdoors, it was a perfect way to start the trip.

Cinderella’s Royal Table - princesses no longer visit tables, but Cinderella still greets the guests.

Bottom Line

While everyone may not feel comfortable traveling, if Disney was on your bucket list for 2020, I would really consider giving it a try in 2021... especially if it's not your first trip and you are okay with not doing some of the character experiences and parades. The benefit is the freedom to walk around without the huge crowds and long wait times!! I was able to get some of the best pictures ever because there weren't people everywhere! This year was my 7th year in a row going to Disney and I am so glad I went! It's my personal kick off to the holiday season and I left already thinking about next year's trip! There is just something special about Disney for me (and so many others).