Points to Consider
Walt Disney World offerings are limited. Currently there are no fireworks / nighttime spectaculars, no Disney Dining Plan, No Fast Passes, no character meet and greets. There are limited parade style entertainment (more later). Face Coverings are required and capacity is limited. So, should you still visit or wait for everything to return to a more normal experience?
Is this your first or likely your only visit ever? If this will be your one and only visit to Walt Disney World and there is no reason you can’t visit sometime in the future, then it might be worthwhile to wait. However, we never know what the future will hold, do we? If there is one thing we learned in 2020, it’s that life is unpredictable. So, you may decide to just go for it. A bird in the hand and all that.
For first timers, I actually think this can be a wonderful time to go! A complaint I have often heard about planning a Walt Disney World vacation in the past was that it required too much planning and scheduling to possibly be enjoyable. Well, now you don’t have to worry about that nearly as much. My advice is to embrace it. My recent trips have felt incredibly freeing! No running to a Fast Pass. No do or die dining to worry about. No staking out a good view of fireworks or parades.
Another thing to consider is, if you don't go this year, when will you visit? Fall 2021 through Fall 2022 should be incredibly busy at Walt Disney World as the park celebrates the 50th Anniversary. Fans have been planning to celebrate this milestone for years and I expect pent up demand combined with the anniversary will make the parks crowded and, quite possibly, more expensive to visit.
What about characters? I love seeing them!
GOOD NEWS! Characters are all over the place. While it may be true that you cannot get an autograph or hug them, there are many ways to see all your favorites and even more rare characters. TIP: Get good at taking over the shoulder selfies. I have captured some really cute photos this way. Or, skip the photo and just enjoy seeing them.
Character Cavalcades occur throughout the day in each and every park. These short parades offer a wonderful opportunity to wave to your favorite mouse, duck or princess.
Character dining continues to expand. The characters do not visit tables, but, you know what? That’s okay! You will see them more as they wander, wave and dance in the dining room. Other good news: the food is so much better now. It’s like they are serving fewer people and can focus on quality more.
Special Promotions
Walt Disney World wants guests to return and they are offering special promotions to get folks through the gates. Room discounts and ticket deals have already been announced for now thru the summer.
New Attractions
While certainly not ideal, 2020 wasn't all bad news at Walt Disney World! Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge just opened in 2019 and we barely had time to enjoy it and ride the amazing Rise of the Resistance attraction before the shut down. So, I still call that a NEW land and attraction. In addition, Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway opened and I absolutely LOVE this classic dark ride! We should see even more attractions open in 2021, including Remy's Ratatouille Adventure over in Epcot. I rode this attraction in Disneyland Paris in 2019 and I cannot wait!
All in all, I will say that, YES! It’s totally worth visiting now (as long as your health allows). Always consider your own health and well-being when considering travel and I strongly advise getting Travel Insurance to protect your vacation investment.
Mary Graham, Certified Travel Associate with Trips by Mary has helped dozens of families plan their magical vacation to Walt Disney World (and many other destinations). She would love to help you as well! Email: mary@tripsbymary.com or call / text 919-817-4081.
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