Disney Tips Your Guide To A Great Disney Vacation
A visit to Walt Disney World is always a magical experience, filled with unforgettable attractions, character meet-and-greets, and delicious dining options. However, recent changes have altered the way guests explore the parks, creating new challenges and opening up opportunities for those who know how to plan. While some changes—like lower crowd levels—are positive, others, such as the temporary reduction of live entertainment, can make visits feel slightly different.
But don’t worry! With the right strategies, you can still have an amazing Disney vacation, even with the new policies and protocols in place. To help you make the most of your trip, we’ve compiled a list of the top challenges guests face at Walt Disney World right now and how to navigate them smoothly.
1. Park Reservations: Book Early, Stay Flexible
One of the most important changes at Walt Disney World is the need for park reservations. Guests must book a Disney Park Pass Reservation for each park they plan to visit. This is crucial because without a reservation, you won’t be allowed to enter, even if you have valid park tickets.
Credit: Disney Tips
To make sure you secure the parks you want to visit, it’s best to plan well in advance. The reservation system is straightforward: log in to the My Disney Experience app or Disney’s website, check availability, and reserve your spot. For those making last-minute plans, flexibility is key. You might need to adjust your schedule based on availability, so be prepared to be flexible with park days if necessary.
2. Securing a Spot in the Rise of the Resistance Virtual Queue
If experiencing Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is on your must-do list, it’s important to know about the virtual queue system. This attraction is incredibly popular, and to manage crowds, Disney uses a virtual queue system that guests must join through the My Disney Experience app.
You have two chances to join the queue each day: once at 7 a.m. (from your hotel or home) and another at 1 p.m. (from inside the park). Since spots fill up within seconds, be prepared! Ensure your app is ready, and practice the process before your visit so you can quickly secure your spot when the time comes.
3. Mobile Ordering: The New Quick-Service Norm
Quick-service dining has seen a significant shift, with mobile ordering becoming the preferred method at many restaurants. While this system helps reduce lines and keeps things efficient, it can be confusing if you’re unprepared.
To make things easy, download the My Disney Experience app ahead of your trip, set up your payment method, and familiarize yourself with the mobile ordering process. When you’re ready to eat, select your meal from the app, choose a pickup time, and head to the restaurant when your order is ready. This way, you can spend less time waiting and more time enjoying the magic of the parks.
4. Dining Reservations: Plan Ahead and Be Ready to Act Fast
Despite the reduced park capacity, dining reservations remain competitive, especially for popular restaurants. Disney has shortened the reservation window to 60 days, but tables fill up fast due to social distancing measures limiting seating capacity.
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To secure a spot at your favorite restaurants, set a reminder for when your booking window opens and log in as early as possible. Flexibility is key here, too—if your first choice isn’t available, consider trying different times or exploring other dining options.
5. Navigating Food Allergies and Picky Eaters
For those with food allergies or picky eaters in their group, dining at Walt Disney World may require a little extra planning. While Disney is known for accommodating special dietary needs, limited menus and temporary changes at some dining locations might present new challenges.
The best way to manage this is by checking menus ahead of time through the My Disney Experience app. You can also speak with a chef at the restaurant upon arrival to ensure your needs are met. For guests with allergies, mentioning dietary restrictions while making reservations can help ensure the kitchen is prepared to accommodate your needs.
6. Changes in Disney Transportation
Disney transportation has undergone some changes to ensure safety and maintain social distancing. For instance, the monorail service between EPCOT and the Transportation and Ticket Center is currently suspended, and all modes of transportation—including buses, boats, and the Skyliner—are operating at reduced capacity.
Plan to arrive earlier than usual for transportation to avoid delays and minimize wait times. Preparing to wait a bit longer is essential, so pack activities or games to keep your group entertained while waiting. Consider using multiple transportation options, like combining the Skyliner with a short walk, to get where you need to go more efficiently.
7. Character Sightings: The New Way to Meet Your Favorites
Traditional character meet-and-greets may be on hold, but that doesn’t mean you won’t see your favorite Disney characters during your visit. Disney has introduced creative ways to showcase characters through character cavalcades, socially distanced interactions, and surprise sightings throughout the parks.
To catch a glimpse of your favorite characters, keep an eye out for these pop-up appearances. Characters can be seen waving from balconies, traveling by boat in EPCOT, or appearing on parade floats throughout the parks. For a more up-close experience, book one of the current character dining experiences, such as Topolino’s Terrace at Disney’s Riviera Resort or Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
8. Mask Policies: Staying Comfortable While Following Guidelines
Walt Disney World requires masks in indoor locations, attraction queues, and certain outdoor areas to ensure everyone’s safety. Guests are permitted to remove masks while outdoors in common areas, but they must wear them when entering any building or attraction.
Credit: Disney
Since masks can be uncomfortable, choosing ones that fit well and are breathable is important. Pack an extra mask each day if the one you’re wearing becomes damp or uncomfortable. You’ll find designated mask-free relaxation zones throughout the parks where you can take a break and cool off while maintaining social distance.
Final Tips for Navigating Walt Disney World with Ease
Though the experience may be different than what guests are used to, Disney remains committed to making the parks magical. The key is planning ahead, being flexible, and staying informed about current procedures.
Stay up-to-date on the latest changes by checking the My Disney Experience app and the official Walt Disney World website. With a bit of preparation and a positive attitude, you can still enjoy the wonders of Disney’s parks while staying safe and comfortable.
Are you ready for your next adventure at Walt Disney World? Whether it’s conquering attractions, finding hidden character experiences, or enjoying incredible meals, the magic of Disney is waiting for you!
These challenges need a few updates, as social distancing is not affecting a few of these items, such as monorail, reduced capacity seating at dining, etc.