Things are constantly changing in Disney World. Things are also constantly changing in the world outside of the Most Magical Place on Earth, which can impact rules and regulations in the parks.
Walt Disney World is Getting Ready for Its 50th Anniversary!
Not too long ago, Disney World updated its mask rules, Orange County, Florida (where part of Disney World is located) ended its state of emergency, and other changes have been made. All of that got us wondering whether some of you out there, our fabulous DFB readers, have decided to change your 2021/2022 Disney World plans, or if you’re still going forward with your trip. So, we reached out to you all, and here’s what thousands of you said.
Big Changes Made and More Coming
Before we get into the poll, let’s talk about some of the changes that have been made lately or other factors that may be impacting your trip plans.
At Disney World, lots of things have changed or are set to change soon. Buffets have returned to locations like Biergarten, The Crystal Palace, and Boma. Hotels like Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge have reopened along with Port Orleans French Quarter, Port Orleans Riverside, and All-Star Music Resorts.
Dinner at Boma
Halloween celebrations have come and gone, and holiday celebrations are HERE, but things are or will be a bit different. The traditional, seasonal parties we’re used to have been canceled, and NEW After Hours events have replaced them.
Time for Some Halloween Fun!
Some things are coming back in a new form — like parades, but really only during the Very Merriest After Hours event. Along with the new additions, old favorites like Festival of the Holidays, Candlelight Processional, and giant Gingerbread houses are coming back for the holiday season.
Hi Pooh Bear!
Disney Genie has launched at Disney World, and Disney’s NEW paid FastPass replacement — Disney Genie+ and Individual Attraction Selection — was launched with it.
And while many things have reopened in Disney World, like some entertainment offerings, several things are still closed. Some forms of entertainment, like Meet-and-Greets, have returned in new modified formats.
Traditional Meet-and-Greets Still Aren’t Back
Many things opened ahead of or during Disney World’s 50th Anniversary. There are new fireworks shows, new statues to see, and much more.
©Disney
In terms of impacts from the world around us, the situation with the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve. Right now, masks are required in Disney World in all indoor locations and all enclosed transportation.
©Disney
As of October 2021, Florida COVID-19 cases have begun to drop and the state of emergency due to COVID-19 in Orlando ended due to improving conditions.
Also, many young children are still not able to be vaccinated against COVID-19, though vaccines were just passed for kids ages 5-11.
Mask signage at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
And that’s just a little preview of some of the many changes that have taken place or will take place soon, several of which may be concerns or things you’re taking into consideration in light of your upcoming trips.
The Poll
That leads us to our poll. We placed a poll on our Instagram asking readers whether they’re still planning their 2021/2022 trip to Disney World.
Over 40,000 of you responded and the majority said…
The Results Are In
…”yes.” About 78% (32,610) of you said your 2021/2022 trips are moving forward, while 22% (9,025) said your trips are no longer a go. Here’s a look at some of the comments we received in response to the poll.
Yes, Still Going
As we noted above, the majority of our readers said they’re still moving forward with their 2021/2022 Disney World trip plans. One reader told us they are going, but not in 2021. Specifically, they noted that they’re still planning to visit but will wait until 2022 when their kids under 12 can be vaccinated.
Animal Kingdom
Another said they had a trip coming up for Labor Day Weekend, and that they would be doing their best to be careful. They also mentioned that the health and safety rules and precautions that are in place in Disney World gave them some comfort.
Nope, Not Anymore
Other readers’ plans, however, are no longer happening. One told us that the high level of COVID-19 cases in Florida at the time was concerning to them, and specifically mentioned the fact that Orlando has requested residents conserve water due to potential issues that have been raised regarding the demand for liquid oxygen. (Note: this poll was originally surveyed in August 2021).
Disney World
Another told us that they had a trip to Disney World in September, but they just canceled it.
Yes, But…
Some were in the “yes, but…” category, meaning their trip is still a “go,” but things could change. One said they’ve got a trip planned for late 2022, but they may change their plans depending on the level of COVID-19 cases in Florida.
You Can See Those Updated Health and Safety Reminders on the Left
Another said they may go depending on what Disney’s health and safety rules and regulations are at the time. Keep in mind that Disney’s health and safety rules and regulations can change often, even during one of your trips. It’s important to check for all of the latest updates to ensure that you’re following the present policies.
Toy Story Land
And that’s a quick look at what our readers had to say about their upcoming plans. What about you — do you have upcoming plans for a trip to Disney World in 2021 or 2022? Are you still moving forward with those plans or rearranging things? Tell us in the comments. We’d love to hear from you.
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Our trip has been cancelled due to a number of factors mainly being that the USA aren’t open to UK residents even those of us that have been vaccinated. Secondly I’m 4months pregnant and number of COVID cases is concerning. Our trip was cancelled in 2021, moved to 2021 and now looks likely to be fall 2022 when we will have a new addition to our family. Hopefully some of the normal things we do at Disney every year will be back and COVID won’t be having so much of an impact on the world anymore.
No moderation forthcoming. You are suppressing free speech as well.
We canceled our trip back to Florida and our dining reservations for Oct 1st celebration. We have our permanent home in Florida, are annual pass holders also DVC members. We had reservations at copper creek on Oct 1st. So sad that the numbers for COVID are so high. It doesn’t make sense to put ourselves in harms way. People are not follow any safe practices in Florida. We have talked to our neighbors there and they stay home order groceries to pick up no going in stores. Living like it’s Spring of 2020. Who wants to do that? The children in sick with COVID in the hospital’s is so sad and why? We need to look at the big picture here. Get a vaccine please before this get so bad more life’s are lost. The hospitals are full and nurses are leaving in huge numbers. What happens when you need a hospital to be turned away because there is no room? These are just one of many reasons we are not retuning.
Not planning on going! Forgot to rob a bank, so we could afford to go.
Was hoping to go but with all of Disney’s new greedy policies I will not be going to WDW. We will be using our DVC to stay on property but will go to Universal or Sea World instead
I have been to WDW anywhere from 2-4 times a year since 1980. I have always loved WDW and found something new to appreciate each time. I have stayed in the Disney hotels over 100 times and when my vacations were over.. I would start tearing up. I visited in Dec 2020 and at the end of Feb-March 2021. I renewed my annual pass in April and made reservations for Dec 2021. I have cancelled the trip. I am so disappointed with Disney at this point that I have no plans to return.
Will not go until the dinning plan is back
I don’t use Instagram so I did not know of this “poll”, I will not change my plans for a December 2022 trip due to “Covid”. That is a none issue to me, what is an issue and could change my mind is if WDW cuts back again on what is offered, specifically the Holiday decorations – more specific, the Gingerbread house and even more specific the Gingerbread house in the Grand Floridian. Strange, you may say that, but my worries and concerns are not that of what “normal” concerns are.
It’s the little things that make a difference in my life. What I cannot control or do anything about, I don’t worry about, I am concerned on what I can do and make a difference in; like bringing a smile to someone else.
We are reservations at the GF for the second week in November, but will cancel if mask mandates are still strict. I will try again in 2022 if that happens. I really want the dining plan too.
My sister and I have been going to WDW since 2004 (except for 2020) and mostly during the month of October. We have made plans to go this year in October, the week of October 18. As the time gets closer to our visit, we are hesitant in coming back this year and rescheduling for next spring, 2022. There have been too many changes with the park reservations, the fast pass no longer free and you can only make a fast pass till the day of of visiting the park and not in advance and no dining plan and other changes. And speaking about the dining plan, it is very hard to reserve dining plans 60 days in advance instead of 180 and we could not eat at our favorite places since they were all totally booked up. The covid is also in our worries since there will be a lot of young children under the age of 12 who are unvaccinated. With all the changes, I am not sure if i will enjoy the parks this year like i have in the past and let it take a little time to soak in. Thank you for listening.
From now on I’m just going to Universal Studios. Walt Disney Staff is just plain rude.
Wait until the full impact of the Disney Genie + system kicks in. I think that will be a turnoff for a lot of people. I don’t think families will enjoy shelling out additional money just to get on rides and walk around with a smartphone in their hand all day checking times and making plans. With park entry fee, parking cost, hotel cost, food expense, and maybe some souvenirs thrown in, a family of 4 could easily shell out about $1,000/day or more for the privilege of standing in grossly long lines and maybe with any luck, get on or into 3 or 4 of the more popular attractions. Maybe Disney should limit the number of people who enter the park(s) to a number that will allow everyone who wants to get on rides and attractions to be able to do so without all the drama. The park reservation system should be used to guarantee to all those who enter a park be able to utilize all of the amenities and attractions. There’s no reason to allow an unlimited number of people into a park who will have little or no chance to enjoy all the parks have to offer except to keep the cash register ringing at the main entrance.
We went in July and share John D’s comments. Been going since 1975, this year was the worst. Stay at the Poly, which made things worse (no monorail and 45 minute wait times for a bus, plus rooms that are in desperate need of renovation).
Not planning on any more trips here (will still go to in other spots in FL).
We will go back when Disney fires Chepak and reverses the damage he has done.
My family will definitely go for the holiday season in early December. We went this past year also once we were able to get vaccinated. Since we are, we are hoping for the best. Hopefully more will be opening up soon. Even this past year, with not much available, it was better than no Disney vacation at all.
We would love to come. But as Europeans we are still under a travelban, which does not make sense anymore. We will go, as soon as the borders are open. We are vaccinated and feel safe with the health and safety rules. We have been to Disneyland Paris to geht some Disney magic and it is still fun, even with a mask. Hope to be in Disneyworld soon.
Isn’t anyone going to mention the price increases? It used to be that WDW was accessible to anyone. We used to go about every 4 to 5 years. I just priced a vacation package for 2022, and before the costs of airfare, transport from the airport, increased park admission, parking costs, and the dining plan, we are already $1000 over our last trip.
We are annual pass holders and go to WDW each May & December.
We went in December of 2020 and had to endure the full Face Mask Experience. It was NOT MAGICAL at all. We vowed not to return until all mask mandates are removed.
With the recently resumed Annual Pass sales, we decided to renew our current passes, although we did not need to renew our old passes just yet. We renewed in order to avoid the jacked up prices and reduced benefits.
It galls me that we gave Disney over $2,000.00 and may not get to go in December if mask mandates are not lifted.
If my husband were not such a Disney Fanatic, I would spend my hard earned dollars somewhere else.
We are planning September 2022 but if the Covid is not under control in Florida we will not go.
WDW is my favorite place but even though I’m vaccinated I can’t take any chances
,
We are still planning on going. November, December, and February 🙌
Seems like Disney is now catering to the upper class guests that can afford to go every year. Those of us that have to save up to go can’t afford to pay extra to ride certain rides. Bring back Fastpass Disney. Walt would be so horrified at the parks the way the current CEO is running things.
We were planning on a 2 wk. trip. But, that plan has been changed due to Covid rates in that area and the fact that a lot of the magic we enjoy is not back yet. Also, for some of my crew, still having to wear a mask (even inside) seems to be an issue. Along with other small things at home.
However, I will be going down to Fl. for 1 week with some of our group, off property, in Dec 2021. Spending 2 days in the parks and then going again for another wk at the end of Sept 2022 on property with the rest of the group. Spending the whole week in Disney. We will be driving the 1st wk and flying the 2nd.
Can you tell who the diehard fan is?? Also, trying to squeeze in a spring 2022 or 2023 trip.
Thank you AJ and crew for all the fun and hard work you do!❤
Our last trip was September 2020. We had a good time. We have a trip booked for 2022 that we are seriously debating canceling.
We were hoping that by 2022 things would be back closer to “normal”. We actually don’t mind the masks all that much, it’s the lack of parking lot trams. Not having them adds a ton of extra walking to the trip.
We are also majorly disappointed in the new Genie+ addon charges. We were looking at the Disney Springs Good Neighbor hotels but we have no idea how those work with Genie+.
Was thinking about going in September 2021 but with the COVID resurgence decided to put it on hold until maybe 2022. We have had all of our vaccines but there are still so many unknowns.
I am in Canada and have now cancelled three times. Hoping for February but by November will cancel again if the numbers are still headed in the wrong direction. Too many people dying and too much stress on healthcare workers. I am double vaccinated. Would wear masks but even with that and as much as my heart breaks I can’t do it yet😪
I canceled my holiday trip because of the holiday after hour pricing and things not being as usual and decided to head to the original House of the Mouse and try Disneyland for the holidays. Parades, fireworks and holiday overlays seem to still be happening during regular park hours and I won’t be comparing it to past trips.
I am planning on going in November. If I feel unsafe I will return to hotel and sit by the pool! I missed going last year and I am going this year! Just my husband and myself and we are both vaccinated! I feel safe going. Between your website and other vloggers I watch, I feel safe going!
You should have included the yes but could change percentage. And out of the 78% ow many are in 2022.
A lititle misleading.
This trip has been in the works for many years & this year I’m able to bring ALL 9 of us. Yep 9, it’s not a typo. With that said this may be the first and last time. I get it Disney has to make money too, but the cost and now the cost of genie+. I’m just a paramedic and I’m already working 100+ hrs a week (yes you read that right too). This is a trip my husband and I have planned for yrs, to take our 3 adult children (1 is married so yep bringing the spouse) and our 3 grandkids. Of the 9 of us 5 have NEVER been, it’s been over 30 yrs me and my husband has been as well. This trip will bust the bank account since Disney is adding ALL these extra cost. Yes, got our FL discount, cannot afford to stay on property so I found an AirBNB that less than 2 miles off property. It’s just makes my heart break that this first ALL of the family vacation now has to be on a budget;( None of us have been to Disney for the holidays so yes the tickets were pricy with the discount Dec24-27.
Too bad Disney has become so expensive it’s now seen as extravagant for most.
We canceled our September 2021 trip due to high Covid numbers in Florida and missing the following at Disney, hopper doesn’t start until 2pm. Too late to be able to hop to Epcot for lunch at food and wine fest. No fast pass is a big deal for us. Some of our favorite restaurants still have modified menu or are still closed. Miss the dining pkg but it’s the least of my concerns.
Going! Leaving soon. We will just be cautious (as you can be with a virus) and make the best of it. I have cancelled this trip 4 times since 2020. It’s time to go
We are arriving December 13 from Canada. This is our March 2020 vacation that’s been rescheduled too many times! It’s happening this time!!! Things will be a little more calm by then I am sure. And if we have to wear a mask walking to a table in a restaurant so be it. We are vaccinated we are cautious. Time to move on! Cannot wait for our long overdue Disney holiday ❤️
Yes we’re still going, but we don’t go till December. Cause I’ve always wanted to see Disney at Christmas time and my mother lives in Florida and I see her every year and since we are going then, Christmas is coming a little bit early for her this year.
I realize the poll is not considered scientific but still I had to chuckle a bit when I read your number show that 78% are still planning a trip to Disney.
We don’t have any plans to go in 2021-2022 and now that they have raised the prices of the annual passes we probably wouldn’t go and it has nothing to do with COVID.
Had a World trip Booked just as Covid-19 hit, butCancel trip. Was at Disney world the year before twice in May and on Thanksgiving. But was planning on visiting Disney world again February 2022 but Changed our plans for September hoping that Masks requirements are lifted again. So if that issue of masks and new lighting lane etc (not a fan of paying more to ride)and parks open up more WE will Cancel our paid vacation to Disney world again. After been going twice a year from the time my daughter was a year old she 22 now and my two boy’s.
There is just nothing “magical” about wearing a mask or seeing others wear one.
My wife and I go every year and last year was hard since it was masks all the time, but we make our own fun in the Magical place we call home, no matter what is going on, we turn on our kid mode and just dream a big dream each day and take one moment one dream at a time!
We all are Disney! Toodles
Hi, we are booked to come over in March 2022 but because of COVID-19 being so high and we aren’t allowed in as yet, we are probably going to change it to 2023.
We’ve been I think 5 or 6 times since the “pandemic” began.
I say enjoy the short lines while they last!!!
We were supposed to be at Disney World from September 11 -18 2021. We canceled two weeks ago. Covid was the main reason, but to be honest some of the changes are destroying Walt’s dreams and wishes. I’m so happy my children grew up when Disney was a place that welcomed all families. You didn’t need to spend a lot of money to have fun and make memories in a clean place that didn’t have daily ride evacuations. It’s a shame that everything has become a money grab. It may be a long time before we return.
We have plans to go to Boo Bash and are looking forward to it (except the mask part).
Some our family went in May and had a good time despite the prevailing restrictions at the time. It was actually quite nice as the crowds were reminiscent of the late 1970s and 1980s. Our whole family (13) is going later this month and into October in order to celebrate the 50th anniversary. (I personally attended during the first year of the Magic Kingdom’s opening.) We will deal with whatever is in store although the Universal-copycat Genie lighting passes are very disappointing, other “pandemic” policies are overly drastic, and it seems that Disney has gone the way of commercialism versus Walt Disney’s vision. We will still have a good time and will expect the usual Disney magic to make our trip special. Somehow, despite everything, that magic always gets through. We’re staying at Bay Lake, the best home resort ever!
I think it would have been better if you had divided the poll out between 2021 and 2022. Going next month and going October 2022 is a lot different. Someone may so “No” to going if you just asked are you going in 2021, but said “Yes” because you included 2022. Just something to think about.
We’re waiting until 2022 when hopefully travelling will be a bit easier. No use risking it until everything has settled. I love Disney, but I’m not will to risk contracting a fatal illness for it
we are booked for Dec ….still on the fence about going…..not liking this new Genie thing…dont want to spend my time looking at a phone ….miss the days of waking an deciding which park we want….not liking alot whats going on…..so if i cancel i lose my plane points an hotel reserved…..so prob we will go but this will be the last time prob…..were in 60s an not fans of reserving every move we make…..want to go an enjoy but Disney is taking the magic out………
I’m with John D. We were at Disney in mid July and it was the worst trip I can ever remember. We have gone almost every year and sometime more than once in a year for more than 20 years. It was crowded despite needing park reservations and I haven’t experienced lines like we had since the old “E” ticket rides. The construction at EPCOT was disruptive and disappointing, and EVERYTHING was more expensive. Transportation was a nightmare! The only bright spot was a new personal dessert and food quest thanks to all the great DFB info!! I think we ate our way around all four parks AND Disney Springs! Our hats are off to AJ and her team!
We had a trip planned for December, but cancelled it because of the COVID situation. We currently have reservations for March, but we will have to see what COVID looks like at the beginning of 2022.
We had to move our annual trip that we do every year in early may, last year (2020) to the end of August – September. It was great! Walk on to all attractions. That was so cool to experience.
We also went in May of the year (2021). had to wear Face Coverings everywhere except the pool area. Hello Mr. Pool. My daughter and I had to laugh at the fact that WDW changed there Mask Coverings on May 14, that anywhere outside you did not need to cover up. We were departing WDW on May 15th, too funny.
My grandson and I will be doing a “Guys” trip later this year in November.
And in 2022 we need to push our annual trip in May back to August. I have a new grandson that will be doing his first Disney Trip.
So, yes. We did/have gone in 2021. And so long as WDW is open, and god willing, we will be going in 2022.
I guess that is affirmative.
I have considered cancelling my 50th Anniversary vacation due to the changes Chapek is pushing. I see no real reason to stay onsite anymore. Genie+ is going to be a nightmare and billing people for things that have always been a perk for staying onsite is a slap in the face. We have no more dining plans, no more Fast Passes, no more free parking, no more meet and greets, OK, that one is valid now, but I can’t wait to see what happens after Covid. They’ll probably start charging for those too. They can do fireworks every single night but can’t do them for the ridiculously overpriced After Hours events? Speaking of those events, they’re almost double the cost the parties used to cost for less time and less entertainment. I haven’t heard a good reason why they can’t do fireworks and parades for Halloween.
The constant nickel and diming from possibly the biggest, and most wealthy company in the World is just greedy and shows no respect for their customers. It’s too late to cancel my October 1st trip, but it will be our last. Shame on Chapek.
#Firechapek
Postponed our family trip in November until April ‘22, and disappointed Disney has not reinstated mask requirements they had in place previously.
I absolutely will not risk my family nor my health by going to Disney. Last summer when we realized that this pandemic was here to stay we gave up passes to all theme parks, including our decades long Disney passes because no entertainment is worth killing others or ourselves over.