5 Helpful Tips for Enjoying the Disney Parks When They Reopen
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Walt Disney World reopened in July 2020. Disneyland will begin reopening on April 30, 2021. We know that guests will be required to wear face masks, as well as other social distancing methods. And I know – wearing a mask in the summer heat may not sound like a good time! So here are our top 5 helpful tips for enjoying your visit to the Disney Parks when they reopen.
IMPORTANT!! Before visiting Walt Disney World, be sure to visit their “Know Before You Go” site. This contains critical information about park operations, safety measures, and more.
Get To Know the Disney Parks Apps and Disney Park Pass System
Disney is implementing increased contactless options for guests to check in to their resort, order food, schedule their park days, and more. For guests visiting Walt Disney World, make sure that you have visited the My Disney Experience site or downloaded the app. For Disneyland, be sure that you have downloaded the Disneyland app.
Both Disneyland and Walt Disney World will be requiring guests to make a reservation to visit a theme park each day using the Disney Park Pass System. Guests with existing Walt Disney World hotel reservations now have the ability to reserve theme park reservations through 2022. For best results, book your Park Pass as soon as you book your vacation! The theme parks will be operating at limited capacity so park admission is not guaranteed.
Choose The Right Type of Face Mask
Effective May 15, 2021, Walt Disney World has updated their mask policy. Guests are no longer required to wear masks in most outdoor locations. Guests 2 and up are still required to wear masks in and on attractions, in line for attractions, when entering and exiting attractions and theaters, and indoors. To view the updated policy, visit Walt Disney World’s Know Before You Go page.
It has been really fascinating to watch the development of face masks as fashion over the past few months! (Of course, this has been the case in Asia for years! Face masks are commonly worn, especially if someone has a cold, in order to prevent the possible spread of infection.) I personally own multiple Disney-themed masks with everything from Tinker Bell to Mickey on them!
But the type of reusable fabric masks I wear at home in New England, are likely not suited to a hot day in Florida or Anaheim in July! My recommendation would be try different types of face masks at home before your trip, to see what is most comfortable for you. Especially if you are from a state that is not mandating face masks right now!
Walt Disney World and Disneyland have very specific rules for face masks – they are NOT allowing “gaiters” or bandanas. Masks must fully cover guests nose and chin, and must have ear loops to secure behind the ears. (See image below for example.)
Another option that I recommend are disposable masks. Because you will be sweating in the masks as well as taking them on and off to eat, these seem like a great idea at least as a back up. And keep in mind that a mask that fits you, will likely not fit your child!
Kids Single Use Disposable Face Mask (Pack of 50), Solid Pink
Then of course there are the fabric reusable face masks like most of us have been using at home. These are great but are meant to be washed after every use! So if you will be using these, make sure to pack enough for each person to have at least one per day.
Lady Pepperell Printed Reversible Reuseable Face Mask, 3 Pack(Standard), Multi 3 Count
Face Masks will be required when Walt Disney World Reopens
Pay Attention to Any Symptoms
I want to be crystal clear about this so forgive me for “yelling.” IF YOU ARE SICK STAY HOME!!!
Okay, now that I have gotten that off my chest… Look – people get sick when they travel. It happens to all of us. I came home from Walt Disney World last year with a doozy of a flu. It is simply one of the realities of travel. But now that Disney Parks will be requiring temperature checks for each guest when entering a theme park, even your case of the sniffles could prevent you from going to a theme park.
It is really important to pay attention to any symptoms that you may be experiencing. You may want to invest in a thermometer to monitor your temperature in your hotel room prior to visiting the parks! This could help prevent disappointment when arriving at the park! (I bought this thermometer for my family and it is great. Very fast and easy to use!)
Hand Sanitizer Is A MUST HAVE
Hand washing has always been an important part of travel but never more so than right now. And while the Disney Parks have added hand sanitizer and hand-washing stations throughout, hand sanitizer is simply a must have. It is human nature to touch our faces, rest a hand on a railing, or instinctively cover our mouth when we cough or sneeze. (Though hopefully you are doing that into your elbow, right?!)
Our favorite hand sanitizer has also been a big hit with our readers. It is a spray and doesn’t leave your hands feeling sticky!
Dr. Bronner’s Organic Lavender Hand Sanitizer 2 oz. Travel Safe Bundle (3 Bottle Pack)
Get To Know the Disney Parks Apps
IMPORTANT!! Before visiting Walt Disney World, be sure to visit their “Know Before You Go” site. This contains critical information about park operations, safety measures, and more.
Disney is implementing increased contactless options for guests to check in to their resort, order food, schedule their park days, and more. For guests visiting Walt Disney World, make sure that you have visited the My Disney Experience site or downloaded the app. For Disneyland, be sure that you have downloaded the Disneyland app.
Both Disneyland and Walt Disney World will be requiring guests to make a reservation to visit a theme park each day using the Disney Park Pass System. By June 28, 2020, Walt Disney World guests will have the ability to reserve theme park reservations through September 26, 2021. Disneyland is expected to implement a similar system soon.
For best results, book your Park Pass as soon as you book your vacation! The theme parks will be operating at limited capacity so park admission is not guaranteed.
Photo courtesy of Disney
Do Less, Enjoy More
This is our advice for every Disney trip, true. But in some ways the lack of parades, fireworks, and other attractions when the Walt Disney World and Disneyland reopen will force your hand. Now is the time to embrace the “Do Less, Enjoy More” movement!
Explore your resort, do a Hidden Mickey hunt, wander the paths at Animal Kingdom. Slow down, take a deep breath, and truly enjoy the moment. After months of being home, it may be tempting to try to do ALL THE THINGS. I urge you to resist this! Savor the experience of being out in the world again.
Are you planning a trip to the Disney Parks this summer? How has your planning changed? And what are you most looking forward to when you visit? Let us know in the comments!
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We are your Disney Park Princesses – Sara, Sharla & Heather! (From left to right) We are three friends who work together, travel together, and love to treat ourselves. We believe that everyone should get to feel like royalty on their Disney vacation. 