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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Many things opened ahead of or during Disney World’s 50th Anniversary. There are new fireworks shows, new statues to see, and much more.
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.
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.
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…
…”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.
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).
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.
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.
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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Tell us if your 2021/2022 Disney World plans have changed.
Car says
Decided it’s too expensive and not worth the added stress of not having fastpass+ to take eliminate some of the hassle and worry. Disney simply is over-the-top with having to compete exactly at 7am with how many others at resort hotels??? And to add insult to injury, purchase a maybe opportunity for 2 rides? And more for the most popular? It is expensive enough to stay on the property, pay airfare, haul our own luggage to and from the Orlando airport and wait in more lines to check in at the airport for the return trip home? Magic has died and I hope Walt haunts all who encouraged these horrendous changes.