One thing we’re sure about in the midst of this situation is that we WILL return Disney World! Eventually.
Magic Kingdom
Disney World has been closed since March 16th, and the park gates will remain shuttered “until further notice.” But just in the last few days we’ve seen a LOT of updates and confirmation about what Disney World will be like when it reopens.
Disney Springs will begin Disney World’s phased reopening on May 20th, and Disney World has confirmed that guests will be required to where face coverings. Disney World has also confirmed that rides, attractions, and other experiences may be modified or closed in order to protect guests and cast members during the theme parks’ reopening phases. And the Walt Disney Company has also stated that they are currently considering using more virtual queues and implementing more modifications like capacity limits in the parks when they reopen.
So with all of these changes, we asked our readers if we should even go to Disney World when things are so topsy-turvy. Here’s what they said.
Disney World Will be Different When it Reopens
We’re definitely missing our Disney World fix right now (and we’re betting a lot of you feel the same!). But as much as we want to get back to the parks, we’re also coming to terms with the fact that things will likely be different when Disney does reopen. In fact, Disney’s Chairman Bob Iger said, “I don’t think we’re ever going to see a return to business as usual.”
Bob Iger presenting a model of Shanghai Disneyland
Iger also discussed potential safety measures including temperature checks and social distancing in the parks. And now, the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force has shared proposed guidelines for theme parks that include requiring 6 feet of distancing between guests, masks and temperature checks for employees, reduced park capacity, and increased sanitization of surfaces within the parks.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom
Given the suggested distancing of six feet between guests, this has called into question whether entertainment that draws a large crowd, like parades and fireworks, will still be possible. Disney has also spoken out that they’re considering heavier implementation of their Virtual Queue system once the parks do reopen to help maintain distance between guests as well as reduced capacities overall in the parks.
Click here to learn more about the proposed guidelines for reopening theme parks
We Asked Our Readers to Weigh In
With all of the changes being suggested, we wanted to know how our readers feel about experiencing Disney in this new normal. So, we asked our Instagram followers, if Disney World is super weird when it reopens, would you still go? (Yes, in this case, “super weird” is a technical term! 😉 )
And based on the responses, people seem to be split on this decision — of the first 445 people to chime in, 195 said NO, they wouldn’t go if there are excessive changes, 143 said YES, they’re still down for a trip, and 107 said MAYBE, depending on what specific changes are implemented. Here’s a visual breakdown of the results!
Pie Chart of Our Readers’ Responses When Asked Whether They Will Still Go to Disney World if There are a Bunch of Changes
Let’s take a closer look at some reader responses to see the reasoning they gave behind their answers!
“Yes, We Would Definitely Still Go!”
Of the readers who responded, 32% said they would still go to Disney World even if it does look super different than what they’re used to. Many of these people mentioned that they are really missing the magic, and they’ll take whatever they can get. “Yes because Disney is Disney and I know I will love it no matter what.”
Rivers of Light Amphitheater
Others also mentioned that they think that many of the changes will end up becoming long-term, so they don’t see a reason to hold out with the hope that the guidelines will be dropped. “Yes, we have to get used to this…world — we are not going back to normal after this.”
We asked our readers when they will feel safe going back to Disney World, and here’s what they said
“No Way, We’re Not Dealing With That!”
On the other hand, 43% of people said they don’t plan on returning to Disney World with these restrictions in place. This was the most popular response and many within this group said that given the costs associated with a Disney trip, they can’t justify going while things aren’t operating at full steam. “It’s too expensive to not have the experience you want to have.”
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
Others also mentioned that as much as they love Disney, a vacation with a bunch of limitations just wouldn’t feel the same. As one person put it, “I want the full magic of Disney, so I’m willing to wait a little longer.”
Here are five quotes that show the current state of The Walt Disney Company
“Maybe, But it Depends on the Circumstances!”
The remaining 24% said it might be worth it, but it depends on the specifics. There were two main reasons given for this response. Some people mentioned that while they think seasoned Disney World vacationers could still get some enjoyment out of a visit, it isn’t the best time for someone to take their first trip. “For some like me (AP/DVC [an Annual Passholder and Disney Vacation Club Member]) yes. If it were my once in every 5-10 years [trip] or a once in a lifetime trip, nope!”
Walt Disney World’s Epcot
Another point several people made was that it all comes down to what changes are actually implemented. While many said they wouldn’t mind extra health and safety measures, losing rides, attractions, and fireworks would be a dealbreaker. “Depends on what rides and attractions are open/closed, and what dining options [are available.]”
We asked our readers how they would feel about temperature checks at Disney World and this is what they said
So, as much as we miss Disney World, it seems like people have very split opinions on whether or not they would visit “at any cost.” Overall, many of the respondents agreed that the price they would pay for a limited experience is concerning, and that Annual Passholders will probably be the most willing to visit amid strict health and safety measures. Our readers made some excellent points, which gave us more to ponder while we await our return to the parks!
Here’s how the current closure could change Disney World forever
More Disney Park Closure Details and Info
Click HERE for the All Latest Updates
Disney Parks Closure Extended “Until Further Notice.”
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Disney’s Closure Timeline and What It Could Mean For Disney’s Reopening
Your Disney Trip Was Canceled -- Now What? DO'S and DON'TS to Cancel, Get Refunds, and Reschedule
Disney World and Disneyland Closure Questions Answered!
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Would you still visit Disney World if it looks super weird when it reopens? Let us know in the comments!
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What if you go this year sometime to Disney and there’s only a certain amount of people that can enter a park and you end up not getting to go into that park you wanted, so you go sit around or make new plans, that’s a deal breaker for me.
Based on boards I have been reading and our family’s conversations…it seems that the “mask thing” is very high on the list of deal-breakers. Coupled with the Florida heat and general discomfort, I just do not think Americans will put up with the whole mandatory mask rules. Besides, the benefits seem to be in question since it promotes more face touching.
I would definitely go to the parks while still practicing social distancing and continued hand washing however I definitely not spend all the money to stay on property without having parks open to go to. That would be a waste of money. Disney should not bother opening the hotels with out the parks open.
I think the following would make it a no go
1) Limited Rides and Attractions
2) Social Distancing
3) Restaurants Unavailable or limited access due to 2)
4) Temperatures being taken at gate
5) Face Masks
The sheer cost of a Disney Vacation is not worth it without the WHOLE package
My own view is open it up fully and take a chance if you want to , we have to remember a very very small percentage of the population will end up with a fatal dose, if you don’t then shut everything down completely until there is a vaccine, halfway measures are flawed and a waste of time
I have read in several places that temperature taking isn’t reliable. Until a vaccine is available, I think the numbers Disney requires to remain viable won’t show up. I know we will be cutting our losses and canceling our November trip-as painful as that will be. Maybe next year probably in ’22. I agree with the notion that this trip is too expensive not to enjoy it the way you want to enjoy it. In the meantime, I’ll enjoy the memories of last year’s visit. Stay well everyone!
It’s been 100 years since we had an outbreak of disease at serious as this one. Yes, take precautions until it’s over, but don’t knee jerk changes into place, ruining what has been a great experience for seventy years, in fear this situation could happen again. We still go to Yellowstone Park even though the whole thing could blow up any day now!
We have already rebooked for next May. Hoping for a vacine by then.
My thought is we’ll see fewer of the infrequent (once or twice in a lifetime) guests which will thin the herd somewhat. I would also think some of the other people will delay for a while because of the masks and possible attraction shutdowns. DVC members have a long term commitment so some of them will go even if it’s primarily a resort trip with limited park time. AP holders are likely to go, but if the experience is less than they want, they may not renew which will effectively lower crowd levels for the next couple of years. From my perspective, I still plan to go at least once a year. DVC trips to Hilton Head and/or Vero Beach are also options.
Although one trip for this past April was been cancelled, another is planned for late November. There is too much of the unknown with both Disney’s precautions and the virus itself to commit to an answer at this point. We love Disney, but at what cost? And as of now it seems they would recommend that the 65 and older risk group not attend. Much remains up for discussion. The restroom facilities for one. How would that be handled, the entry situation, the crowd limits, and the percentage of the parks that will ope. Hard to think of wearing a mask in the Florida heat for a day at the parks, especially without touching one’s face.
Definitely would go, no question, masks would be character based that would be fun, dining would be ok if you stick to seats on table of 4, Disney will know what to do, they could plan you fast passes for you , especially if staying in the world, and after all this I’d take a mask wearing holiday over no holiday any time. I personally think they will prioritise world guests first, maybe give you a timetable to which park they want you to go and what day depending On resort, ie value resorts to go to MK , moderate to AK, and higher resorts to DHS, then mix it around , Close Epcot for full refurbishment ( I know it kills me to ) just an idea , anyway stay safe , hopefully see Mickey December
I left a comment yesterday – but didn’t see my comment posted so I’ll try again. We have reservations for Disney World for this November. Had to move our May trip to then. I have no problem wearing a mask that protects me and protects others. I do have other vulnerable family members traveling with me so we will only go if there is a vaccine available before our departure date and in enough time to see if the vaccine has any side effects or if we need an additional booster shot with it. We also have a August Disney cruise trip planned but will cancel that until 2021. Without a vaccine we definitely do not want to take a chance being on a cruise ship or in Disney World.
Too risky.
I’ve actually got a trip planned for this November! I’m debating on whether to cancel or move it next spring. I really don’t to do either, because I’ve never seen the parks during the Holidays. But…its a waiting game right now. RotR has a virtual cue, but people still flock to get on from the pics I’ve seen. And maintaining 6 feet of distance is in a setting like that is just unrealistic. So again I wait to see what happens.
I wouldn’t go unless there is a mask rule, honestly. I pretty much get sick on at least half of my WDW vacations from all the exposures even when I use hand sanitizer like a fiend PRIOR to Covid. The enhanced ride cleaning schedule and access to sanitizer is lovely for a location that sees as many global travelers as WDW does. But for Covid? Yes, I absolutely would prefer going with masks on until this is stamped out.
Many guests consider the fireworks, parades, character interactions, talking with CM’s, relaxing by the pool, etc. to be the favorite parts of their trip. I personally find masks very uncomfortable, I can only imagine what it would be like after a day in the heat, and as noted above taking them on and off every time I want to eat or drink will be a health hazard. It seems clear that many rides and shows will be closed, and that Epcot and the water parks may stay closed much longer than others. I am not clear that there will be much there to see or do in the open parks. What exactly is the point of putting up a with all this hassle, and then if a particular park is full or you don’t get a reservation you’re stuck socially distancing at the hotel? I haven’t heard any reason to go that makes sense (other than people with non refundable trips). I don’t expect the feedback from most honest guests to be pretty when the parks do reopen.
I agree with others who stated that a Disney vacation is just too expensive to not have all the Disney Magic. Not having a character meet and greet, mandatory mask wearing, no fireworks, etc. If those are still implemented this November, we will be cancelling our vacation. Which is a bummer, because we’ve already had to reschedule it twice so far this year.
We have a family of 6 and wanted to go to Disney World in November. Tbh I still kinda have my hopes up but if they are requiring masks, we won’t come because I don’t think it’s safe to put masks on little kids bc it restricts their breathing. Everything else is negotiable I think. Maybe they would extend the hours to help stagger people and deal with capacity, etc. Definitely continuing the follow the news so we can decide about our trip! Thanks for the info! Love your blog!
At first I was very confused why masks seems to be such a dealbreaker for people. For example I find the feeling of sunscreen gross but there are many types out there that can do the needed job and helps to keep me safe. Sit eh complaints of there discomfort seems a bit of a cop out. What really keeps shinning through is Disney is pure escapism for most and they are unable to escape when confronted with the reality that a mask represents. It’s a constant reminder that you are not safe and that is what people are railing against. The sad reality is that this is not at all adaptive. Might things “go back to normal”? Yes, they might. Will they? Not necessarily. For that reason it would be helpful to get into the mindset of preparing for different outcomes as opposed to saying if this then I will never, because by doing that you will definitely be losing out on some magic that we all could use.
I’m not trying to disagree with anyone, just my own thoughts. I’ll ignore the flying/transportation parts since some may drive there or even live in Central FL. 1) I hate the feeling of a mask on my face. Even here in NC in the Spring, only wearing one to and from my car and in stores while I shop as fast as I can, it bothers me. I want to scratch my face all the time, the mask gets sweaty and I can’t communicate well. As Kevin wrote, it also takes away an ability to “escape” from reality when you see everyone else with their faces covered up. I cannot imagine how bad it would be after a whole day in the Florida sun and humidity. In any event a day at Disney or any other theme park just wouldn’t be an escape or enjoyable to me with one on. 2) Disney wouldn’t be worth it for me in terms of time and expense without fireworks, parades, character interactions, many attractions closed, etc. I highly doubt they will reduce ticket prices so why pay the same for much, much less? 3) Epcot is my favorite park and without it being open, WDW just isn’t WDW for me. 4) The idea of having to reserve a park in advance, virtual queue rides, and attendance capped at a low rate would take away the spontaneity I like to have for my Disney trips. 5) Considering that hotels will not be doing daily housekeeping and dining options limited, it will take away a lot of the little luxuries I like to have on my trip. Again, not trying to say anyone else’s opinions are wrong, I’m just trying to explain why I and so many of us won’t be going back any time soon. On this and other theme park sites, as well as some frequent flyer and hotel sites I’m on, many of us who don’t want to travel with these restrictions get berated and treated like we are selfish and our decisions will take away others parks, flights, hotels, etc. As AJ hints at in her videos, I suspect that many saying in the DFB polls that they will be going back right away will not actually be there any time soon. Like almost everyone here I love WDW and hope the Disney parks are back up and close to the way they were 4 months ago ASAP. But if it’s going to be like the conditions at Shanghai DL and will be at Disney Springs next week, and even just half of the predicted changes are implemented, I won’t be back any time soon.
I would stay at Shades of Green military resort without the parks being open. Golf and resort vacay is still nice, really nice.