We’ve been exploring what a reopened Disney Springs is like for a few weeks now.
With new health measures, requirements, and capacity limitations; things have definitely changed in Disney World. The reopening of the theme parks is on the horizon, so we’re taking a look back at what our first steps back in Disney mean. Here’s everything we’ve learned from two weeks in a reopened Disney World!
Wearing a mask isn’t the worst thing ever.
Perhaps the most jarring change that we’ve had to get used to is wearing masks when we’re in Disney Springs. What we’ve learned here is that even in the Florida heat, wearing a mask is not the worst thing ever. Would we rather not be wearing masks? Yes. But you definitely get used to wearing one quicker than you think!
If you’re concerned about comfort, check out the tips we’ve put together about wearing your mask around Disney. We also have some recommendations for the most comfortable masks we’ve found so far. We also think they can be super fun when you get a pretty or fun pattern. Disney even came out with a series of official Disney mask designs you can check out!
We also learned that you CAN eat and drink while walking around Disney Springs. With this, remember to use your best judgment — you CAN pull your mask down to take a sip of your drink, but try not to leave it down. Try to remain considerate of others as you snack!
If you’re worried about the heat, go in and out of shops to cool off some. There are TONS of stores you can step into to get some much needed AC. We also recommend picking some restaurants you’ve been meaning to try and use that as an excuse to sit down and take a break from your mask — if you’re sitting and eating, you’re free to remove your mask, and you can try some new FOOD at the same time!
Click here for all of our BEST mask tips!
Disney is serious about new health measures.
We’ve also learned that Disney’s new health measures are rules, NOT guidelines. Physical distancing, temperature checks, and masks are all musts for guests in Disney Springs and Cast Members will let you know when you’re not following one of the health measures.
We spotted a few Cast Members reminding guests to replace their mask if they had removed it without eating or drinking! You can refresh yourself on the scope of these new rules with our full breakdown HERE.
Review all of the health measures in Disney Springs right HERE!
Cast Members are still bringing the magic.
Speaking of Cast Members, they are something that HASN’T changed in Disney World. As we’ve seen over the past few weeks, Cast Members are STILL bringing the magic — even from behind their masks.
We’ve had a wonderful time interacting with the Disney Springs Social Distancing Squad and Guest Services Cast. We’ve been cracking up at the fact that STORMTROOPERS are one of the more lighthearted means of enforcing the new rules as well!
Cast Members still are just as awesome at putting a smile on guests’ faces — with good reason. One Cast Member told us that they underwent training for how to be friendly and expressive with their eyes when they can’t show their smiles to guests.
Want to know more about reopening from a Cast Member perspective? Click here!
Crowd levels can be a little wonky.
Something else we’ve learned in the past few weeks is that attendance in Disney World is unpredictable right now. We’ve seen some CRAZY crowded days and some days where it seemed like we were the only ones there.
We’ve seen everything from a six-hour wait to get into World of Disney to entirely empty areas of the complex. Of course, some of this has to do with what’s reopening, the day of the week, and the weather, but we’ve learned NOT to have expectations when it comes to crowd levels from day to day!
Click here for more about the reopening of World of Disney!
Things definitely FEEL different.
The biggest thing we’ve learned is that Disney World definitely feels different. Sure, we expected this, but there was a part of us that hoped things would just fall right back to the way they were before all this. It’s STILL Disney and STILL has all the good that comes with it, but it’s changed just a little bit.
If you know that being around people or wearing a mask is going to be difficult for you, build up your tolerance in advance. Wear your masks on walks around your neighborhood to get used to the way they feel, especially outdoors in the heat.
On top of that, know your limits and your surroundings. Be aware of “getaway” spots that will be less crowded if you need to get away from people for a moment.
Things DO feel different but Disney is still Disney. We still love strolling the streets of Disney Springs even with these changes. The parks could still feel just as magical when they reopen, even if there’s a different experience that accompanies the old feelings. We’ll be here every step of the way to give you the best tips, tricks, and advice to make returning to Disney World easy for YOU too.
Want to know more about the Disney World theme parks reopening? Click here!
Disney Park Reopening Details and Info
Click HERE for the All Latest Updates
Click HERE To See FULL LISTS of the Rides, Attractions, Shopping, Entertainment, and Restaurants Opening in Disney World!
TUTORIAL: How To Use Disney World's NEW Park Pass Reservation System
ALL Disney World Reopening Procedures
Disney World Hotel and Ticket Booking Information
We’re Visiting ALL the Reopened Disney World Hotels and Have All the Need-to-Know Details
We’re LIVE in Disney World's Magic Kingdom For the FIRST Time Since the Closures
We’re LIVE in Disney’s Animal Kingdom For the FIRST Time Since the Closures
We Got a FIRST LOOK at Disney World’s New Character Cavalcades and Entertainment!
Everything You NEED To Know About Wearing Masks in Disney World
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What have you learned with Disney World open again? Tell us in the comments!
Mr. John says
It is all in the “MIND ” think good and or bad if people are going to be to hard on the world you are not going to have any fun .Is this fun NOT think positive it will be different but still enjoy your vacation . If you let it happen it will too many negative people in the 🌎world .DO IT .
Ann says
Most people can deal with the mask issue, I can not. I deal with pretty much everything in my life well. I try not to let stress and anxiety get to me, I stay positive, etc. But I suffer from claustrophobia and the masks trigger it. My claustrophobia is not in small spaces, but from being held down and having the feeling that I can not breath. My mom was the same way. Wearing a mask brings on a full blown panic attack in me. So I can not go anywhere that a mask is required. I just can’t. I know that I am in the minority but I would saying this because I, and others like me, are getting sick of people being nasty about it. It’s not that I don’t want to, I physically cant. It is no different then telling a person with severe anxiety to just stop being anxious. A bit more understanding would be nice. I wish that there could be a way for me to go. I am more then happy to be tested regularly if it means not having to wear a mask. Plus even the CDC says that wearing a mask outside when you are distanced is not necessary.
Kathy says
Ann, this is my exact same issue!!!! I can totally relate!
It’s not fair that we are being discriminated against either.
Bill says
It must be so difficult for these bloggers to keep putting a happy face and positive spin on WDW.
They’ve got to do it to save their “jobs”, but I think the writing is on the walls now…. Disney is a shell of its former self and really not conducive to pandemic lifestyle. Hard to give up your job, but telling the truth is what it is.