Everyone has had a strange year, and we'll be talking about the whole global health crisis for decades to come. So much changed, and now that the world is slowly and carefully getting back to a sense of normal, parents are anxious to give their kids a break from everything – and we could all use one, too. For some families that means a visit to the happiest place on Earth – Disney World.
For parents who plan to head to Disney World this year or anytime soon, the visits aren't going to be like they were last year even. Some changes still in place won't put a damper on the fun that can be had at the park, but things could head that way if parents aren't armed with important information.
To help make the visit to Disney World enjoyable, we've dug up the best tips. From ordering food at the park to making sure the kids get to ride the attraction they're most looking forward to, pre-planning is needed. And we've done a lot of that preliminary research for you!
For families planning on visiting Disney World in 2021, here are 16 tips that will make everything easier from pre-planning, booking, visiting, and having fun at the happiest place in the world.
Reservations Are Required for Park Entry, So Plan
With the park still under some health restrictions due to the global health crisis, it's not possible to just drop by the park and hope to be allowed in. Since Disney World has a lowered capacity, all reservations have to be made ahead of time. Some can be short notice, but everything has to be booked first.
No Entry If Anyone Is Sick
It's more important this year than in past years, but it's not a good idea to head to the park if anyone in the family is sick. This year the park says that by entering, it's a confirmation that no one in the family has a fever, runny nose, aches and pains like the flu, or any signs that the family may be sick with the virus. The park, at this time, isn't taking temperatures at the entrance gate anymore.
Also, No Entry If There's Been Contact
Not only are families needing to confirm that no one is sick with symptoms before entering, there's an order that anyone who has been in contact with someone sick in the past 14 days cannot enter either. The same goes for anyone who's been ordered to quarantine. The park says it reserves the right to limit entry or ask guests to leave if there's a worry about abiding by this policy.
Physical Distancing Is Still Vital
The lowered capacity has been done to allow for enough physical distancing between people at the park. The good thing is that there isn't going to be even close to the number of people that would normally be in the park, so there's not as much fighting for picnic space, and ride queues will be shorter. Overall, there's less crowding.
Get Comfortable Masks
The global health crisis has put a few new rules in place for this year. And having to wear face coverings is one of the biggest ones now that the park is open again. There are a few rules for when we're able to take the masks off while in the park, so they don't have to stay on all day. A good thing is recently the rules changed and now some cast members don't have to have their face covered.
Masks Can Be Removed in Designated Areas
There are a few instances in the park where the family can remove their face masks. Eating is one of those times, but the park suggests eating be done in designated areas. There are also specific areas in the park called "designated spots" where masks can be taken off for a breather. The park also allows for masks to be taken off for a photo, as long as physical distancing can be maintained.
But Things Can Change at Any Moment
The global health crisis isn't over yet, and no one knows what's going to happen next year. With that in mind, it's more important than in past years to understand that things can change at a moment's notice. We need to be flexible and try to understand that even with perfect planning, some of this stuff will still be out of our control.
The FastPass+ Is Temporarily Suspended
One of the best things about Disney World is its FastPass+ passes that allow users to skip long lines in various situations. It's been said to be one of the best features of the park. But, the program is on hold for now. Chances are it's going to come back eventually, but if that's one of the features the family was hoping to use, be sure to check before booking.
Check on Favorite Rides or Attractions
It would be safe to head to the park without checking that the ride the kids are most excited to ride will be functioning in any other year. But this year, not everything is running at full capacity. Before booking a date, be sure to check on the favorite rides or must-see attractions beforehand. That way, it'll be less likely to run into disappointment getting there and finding it's not available.
And Make Sure the Kids Are Tall Enough To Ride
To play off the idea of checking if the rides are running, checking the height requirements is on the to-do list before, too. The last thing parents and their kids want is to be all hyped up to go on one of the rides only to get there and find out they cannot account for safety reasons. Disney keeps information on the ride requirements online, so it's easy to take a look beforehand.
Planning the Trip Is Super Important
Given the way things in flux right now, it's important to put extra time into planning the Disney World vacation. Things like checking in to ensure the visit spots are open and what limitations there are on admission. Planning where to stay, as not all accommodations are currently open, and checking that the most important rides and attractions the family wants to visit are still up and running. Checking beforehand can avoid big disappointments, and an understanding that things could change will avoid possible meltdowns.
Pack Extra Snacks & Drinks
Disney World is expensive, more than just getting to the park and the accommodations. Eating is expensive there, and that's why it's a good idea to plan ahead and pack some extra snacks and drinks. Especially helpful for the younger kids who are picky eaters or get cranky when they're not fed at the right time. Remember, there is a no-glass rule in effect at the park, and straws are not permitted everywhere.
Take Advantage of 'Rider Switch'
Going to Disney World with kids is different than going on our own, so it's important to know that there's a "Rider Switch" program, too. The Rider Switch program allows a family to keep their space in line but trading off who gets to ride the attraction and stays back with the kid who's not old enough or tall enough to ride. It's a game-changer for parents who want to have fun, too.
Know & Use Mobile Ordering
With the global health crisis ongoing, the park is relying on contactless service wherever possible. And that's the best way to order food at Disney World. Through the My Disney Experience mobile app, parents can check in at any available restaurants after checking wait times. They can make dining experiences, place an order for snacks and drinks, and browse menus.
My Disney Experience Mobile App
On top of ordering food and drinks through the My Disney Experience mobile app, there's so much more it can do that's going to be a parent's best friend. Being able to check approximate wait times for attractions, showtimes across the park, a virtual queue, maps, and an in-app chat if there are any questions or concerns without having to find a kiosk.
Don't Put Too Much Pressure on the Magic
We know that Disney World is the most magical place on Earth, but it's OK to let go of all that pressure, too. It's a vacation — if the family is healthy and lucky enough to go, that's all that should be important. Make memories — happy ones — and go with the flow. That will help make the experience more magical than anything else.
The Magic Is Still There
If the family is really stuck on seeing certain attractions or don't want to have to worry about the health measures in place, it might be best to hold off until next year before visiting. We're guessing the family will still have fun, it is still the happiest place in the world. However, if there's a lot of worry about it not being the same, the park will still be around next year.
