WDW in Fall 2020: What I Would Do Differently
It should be obvious to all by now that traveling to Walt Disney World in the Fall of 2020 is going to be quite a bit different than in other "normal" times. We've already talked about changes within the parks and given some details on how reservations work and where to eat. But what we haven't done yet is provide advice.
By it's nature, advice is opinion. You may agree with some things and you may disagree with some. That's OK. But for those who are looking for some advice, we want to provide what we would do if we were traveling to Walt Disney World right now. Which, to be clear, we are not, even if some days it's tempting. The combination of the high number of cases in Florida, the limited hours and attractions, the shortened planning time, and the fact that we are an overly cautious person to begin with just makes it not in the cards for us. So please do not take this advice as a suggestion that you SHOULD or SHOULD NOT go. That's a personal decision based on the level of risk you are comfortable assuming.
If we DID go this Fall, however, this is what we'd probably do differently....
Getting There
To be honest, I've always been a nervous flier, but I've accepted that discomfort for the convenience of arriving at Walt Disney World within hours. However, right now, public transportation or time aboard a small chamber with dozens of strangers appeals to us even less. We would almost certainly drive in our own car, even though it's a 20 hour drive.
I would probably want to encourage the family to push straight through to limit our time in hotels, but I would probably end up agreeing to stay overnight somewhere at the halfway point. When that happens, I would probably make a decision on where to stay based on number of COVID cases in the community, and choose a community where cases are lower, if possible.
Packing
The other advantage of driving is that it will allow us to pack as much hand sanitizer as makes us comfortable. On a normal trip, I would have taken 2 small hand sanitizer pods from Bath and Body Works per family member. I would likely double that, and bring some large pumps of the stuff too for the room and the car.
In addition, I will bring several packs of alcohol wipes (at least 70% alcohol) and I would be using these to wipe down any common areas anywhere I stay. I would also use these to wipe down the car door handles and steering wheel after each fueling stop.
Of course we have to pack masks. I would be planning for 2 masks per day per family member (in case the first gets soggy from sweat or rain). I would purchase masks that are still double-layered, but have a moisture wicking layer or at the very least are cotton so that they will be as comfortable as possible in the Florida heat.
Then, I might dedicate some extra packing space to things that keep us cool because I will be planning to be outside more often than not on this trip. I am a fan of cooling towels that you wet and stick in the freezer in their own plastic bag. A person fan mister might be nice as well. Again, bring enough so that each family member has their own.
Water bottles are always important, but this time, I might be bringing some paper, bamboo, or metal straws along as well. Straws make it so much easier to sip your water without fully removing your mask. Be aware: Plastic straws are not permitted in the parks.
My Travel Companions
A lot of times going to Walt Disney World with extended family is a treat. But right now isn't the time to mingle with those outside of your household, unless you all serve a quarantine ahead of the trip. So I would likely travel with only my household.
If I did want to travel with friends or family outside the household, it's possible. But I would want us each to serve a full 14 day quarantine before hand to ensure we aren't passing the virus to each other. It's unlikely anyone is going to take me up on that.
Vacation Goals
If I were going right now, I wouldn't want my goal to be the "To Do and See It All" goal that it seems many families bring to Walt Disney World. First, there's no way we could. Some attractions are closed, shows are closed, and fireworks aren't happening. This necessitates a different kind of trip entirely. My goal this time would be to relax and find happiness in the atmosphere.
What a Day Would Look Like
Starting September 8th, the theme park hours are going to be reduced quite a bit. Magic Kingdom hours will be 9 am -6 pm, EPCOT 11 am-7 pm, Disney Hollywood Studios 10 am-7 pm, and Animal Kingdom 9 am-5 pm. Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach water parks currently remain closed as well.
This almost certainly means I would deviate from my usual plan to get to the park early, take an afternoon break, and then return late. Instead, I would likely spend my entire day in one park. A break is still necessary, but it's not going to be one where I go back to the resort. Getting a cool drink and finding a place to sit for a while would likely be fine.
Meals
I would be inclined to stick with only mobile-order, outdoor seating, Quick Service type places. However, the evening meal might differ. Given the parks close early, I would be more likely to wait until I'm back at my resort to grab a meal. I would still want to find something where I can dine outside, if I can.
At most resorts, this is probably going to end up being a pool bar, or getting room service. However, the following resorts have some more options beyond the pool bar, and will be open at the time of publication:
Boulder Ridge Villas and Copper Creek Villas and Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Geyser Point bar and grill
Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
Pizza Window
Trattoria Al Forno
Big River Grille
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
Meadow Snack bar
Crockett's Tavern
Disney’s Old Key West Resort
Olivia's - table service with SOME outdoor seating
Good's To Go
Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
Pineapple Lanai
Trader Sam's Tiki Terrace
Resort
Some resorts, including my favorites, are not yet open to the public. So I'm likely to try a new resort this time around. My goal would be to have the nicest room possible within my budget this time around just because I'll be spending more time in it than I would on a normal trip, what with most of my evenings being spent at the resort.
This is one trip where I would probably CALL Disney. They will know where resorts have openings, and they might offer me upgrades or a good price at a resort I would have thought was out of my price range. While I would normally be inclined to just book my favorites online, since resorts are an ever-changing situation right now, I wouldn't mind talking to a Cast Member to help me figure it out.
There is also the slight possibility I might break my rule #1 of always staying on property. There is little advantage right now to staying at a Disney Resort with no extra magic hours, no need for a lead on Fastpasses, and no need for a lead on ADRs. This might just be the time we rent a house or condo off-site but nearby so we can have a little more space to call our own. The obvious disadvantage is leaving the Disney bubble and theme periodically. I'm also aware that when Disney says they are cleaning thoroughly, they are cleaning thoroughly. I just don't trust other brands like I trust Disney so I'd have to research the hotel chain or owner's cleaning protocols before booking off-site.
Park Days
This would either be a short trip (4 days perhaps) or if it's a longer trip, I would build in days where I'm not at a theme park. Partly this is because the short park hours make an afternoon break somewhat a waste but we'll still likely need an opportunity to refuel sometimes. And partly this is so that some days we can just relax and enjoy the resort and each other.
On our park days, I would certainly be there at opening. It's late enough in the morning with reduced hours, that it wouldn't be hard to get the family out of bed, although you will still find that at least half the guests do not roll out of bed and arrive until about noon.
Attractions that are indoors are likely going to freak me out right now based on studies that the coronavirus can linger in the air indoors without being dispersed for a long while. So I'm going to plan to be outside most of the day, enjoying outdoor attractions and the park ambiance.
These are the attractions I would likely plan to enjoy:
Magic Kingdom - Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Jungle Cruise, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Astro Orbiters, maybe even Dumbo.
EPCOT - Walking around World Showcase, tasting food at the kiosks as part of the Taste of Food and Wine festival
Disney Hollywood Studios - Slinky Dog Dash, Alien Swirling Saucers, walking around Galaxy's Edge
Animal Kingdom - all the nature trails, Kali River Rapids, Expedition Everest, Kilimanjaro Safari*, maybe Flight of Passage (the theater is HUGE. I think we can count this as "outdoors" based on sheer volume. Also you aren't in there for long. Also, I would never miss this.)
*Kilimanjaro Safari is on my 'tentative' list. It's outdoors, yes, but the way they are loading the ride right now does not account for social distancing. They have put of plexi-glass barriers between rows of seats. Pictures indicate a gap between the barrier and the seat itself and above the barrier. Gaps make it hardly a barrier at all.
Other Things I Would Do Differently
Aside from the required things like wearing a mask and social distancing, I would do the following:
Charge to my room more frequently. This is a contactless payment method and while I normally like to just pay by card or with cash, using a contactless payment whenever you can is better for the Cast Members and yourself.
Shop for merchandise outside. I'm not going to want to spend a lot of time indoors, period. If I do go into a shop, I'm likely to be mindful to keep it under 10 minutes, which means I kind of need to know what I want ahead of time. There are plenty of merchandise kiosks outside, especially at EPCOT and Animal Kingdom, and I'm inclined to do more shopping there.
Say "Thank you" often. I am always polite and kind to Cast Members. They work extraordinarily hard under normal circumstances, something I respect so much more having served an internship myself. I can't possibly imagine what it must be like to be in their shoes right now. Cast Members are working so much harder, likely dealing with more complaints, and worse... potentially putting their health at risk. With. A. Smile. I would not only thank a Cast Member every chance I get, but I would also make sure to respect them by listening to their instructions and always, always giving them their personal 6 feet of space. This respect can be in less obvious ways too, like not paying with cash when you have the option (bills carry germs), not touching their stuff (their pin lanyard, the cart or kiosk they are working at, etc), and asking Guest Services about how you can recognize Cast Members who've done outstanding jobs.
Would you go to Walt Disney World in the Fall of this year, if you could? Or have you gone? How would your trip be different? Share your thoughts with us over on our Facebook page by commenting on the post for this blog title. Until next time...
