Disney World During a Pandemic
The first week of May, we went on a family vacation to Florida. What’s a trip to Florida without a stop at the most magical place on earth? I was excited to take my kids to Disney but also nervous about what to expect and how it would be. The last time we visited was September 2019 when everything was still normal. I was a bit anxious about how strict they would be and how the kids would do with the extra precautions Disney had taken due to the pandemic.
I wanted to share our experience with how it went and what to expect in the hopes of helping anyone else planning a trip or thinking about going to Disney soon. Right after we came home Disney started changing even more by stopping temperature checks and loosening mask requirements. As we get back to normal, I’m sure they will continue to change. So while some things have changed since we were there, I would recommend keeping an eye on their policies so you are up to date with any changes.
Disney Springs
Out of all our Disney stops, Disney Springs was the first place we visited on our trip. I thought it would be a good way to gauge how everything would work while at the parks. The parking garage we initially planned to park at was closed. They kept one garage open, I assume to help funnel people going in and out to one area.
My first impression of Disney Springs was that they were super strict here, even for kids. They had security and mask checkers throughout the parking garage. They also had a security checkpoint set up in the garage before you enter Disney Springs. They searched bags, checked for masks, and took temperatures. I was honestly surprised to see this. When we went in 2019 there were no security checkpoints to enter Disney Springs at all.
We had our kids in their double stroller. They did make our daughter (who was 3 at the time) wear a mask. Our son was asleep so they didn’t say anything about him. Once inside, it was packed. They had employees throughout the area to check for masks but I personally never saw anyone being asked to put one on or fix theirs. So many people had masks pulled down walking around.
All the shops and restaurants had lines (like normal). They had a huge long line set up outside for the big Disney Store. They funneled everyone into one entrance and then let people in little groups based on capacity. We didn’t have to wait too long. By the time we walked through the maze of line set up (it looked like a ride waiting line at the parks) we only had to wait a couple of minutes to actually enter the store. Everything inside the store moved smoothly.
We ate at a restaurant, shopped in the Disney Store, and walked around Disney Springs. I hadn’t heard anything about the policies at Disney Springs and had assumed since it was all outside it would be more relaxed, but that was not the case. I did understand their measures since it was very crowded. It felt like they were the strictest at Disney Springs than anywhere else.
Disney Springs at a Glance
- Super strict (even for kids)
- Parking lots closed/funneled entrances
- Heightened security/mask checkers
- Packed (even outside)
- A long line to get into Disney Store
Animal Kingdom
This was the first time going to Animal Kingdom for our whole family. Last time we did Magic Kingdom for two days so this time we decided to do one day at Magic Kingdom and one day at Animal Kingdom. Animal Kingdom was our first park stop on our trip. One of the hardest parts of planning our park visits this go-around was that we had to purchase tickets ahead of time. You also have to make a park reservation for which park you plan to visit on what day ahead of time.
Because the parks still have capacity limits they fill up fast so you have to book and reserve ahead of time. On one hand, this was nice because we knew the parks wouldn’t be overcrowded but on the other hand, it was hard having to choose ahead of time. Normally we would decide while on vacation depending on weather and what we feel up to doing each day, etc. I would recommend making restaurant reservations ahead of time as well because they fill up fast. A lot of the little snack and restaurant shops around the parks are closed because of the capacity limits.
Parking at Animal Kingdom as smooth as normal. We paid for parking upon entering and they had parking attendants who guided you where to park. We were able to park not too far from the entrance. Walking from the parking lot to the park entrance, the attendants made sure you were wearing your masks. Getting out tickets went smoothly as well.
As we neared the entrance they checked temperatures and masks. They asked how old our daughter was and she had to wear a mask. However, they didn’t even ask about our son. We went through security and entered the park. The park itself never seemed too full. We were able to get any pictures we wanted. You were allowed to remove your mask for photos and put it back on after. There were still lines for rides but they weren’t too long. I think the longest we waited was about 15 minutes.
It was cool to explore a new park. Our kids loved all the animals and my highlight was the safari ride. They had a lot of little carts throughout the park with small snacks (ice cream, popcorn, popsicles, drinks, etc). This was very convenient for us especially for how hot of a day it was. Since we had never visited this park before, I didn’t know what to expect. It was a fun day and I’m glad we went. However, there weren’t as many kid-friendly rides and there wasn’t as much to do as Magic Kingdom.
Animal Kingdom at a Glance
- Buy park tickets ahead of time
- Make a park reservation for what day you plan to visit ahead of time
- Temperature/mask checks
- Busy but not overcrowded
Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom day is always my favorite! This trip we actually visited on my daughter’s 4th birthday was so fun. On our last trip in 2019, we went on my son’s 1st birthday so being able to take my daughter on her birthday too was so special. Just like with Animal Kingdom, you have to purchase tickets and make park reservations ahead of time. Due to capacity limits and restrictions, a lot of restaurants and special activities are closed. The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique was closed for one which I was bummed about.
Parking at Magic Kingdom went smoothly like normal. Upon getting close to the entrance they had the temperature and mask checks. They asked about both of the kids. My daughter was a trooper with having to wear her mask at all the parks. We tried to give her breaks as much as we could with snacks and drinks. Magic Kingdom was busier than Animal Kingdom which I expected but it wasn’t as packed as it normally would have been.
It was easier to take photos on Main street and near the castle because of fewer people. We were able to ride all the rides we wanted to. Many were 20-30 minute waits, which isn’t too bad for us adults but was a little hard on the kids some of the time. We were also able to do all the shows we wanted. They had plexiglass up in between-group sections for all shows and everyone was seated distanced.
Magic Kingdom was still full of its usual fun and magic. However, the biggest downside was there were no character meet and greets. The kids and I were really bummed about that. However, they were doing mini character parades down Mainstreet every 20 mins instead. We got to catch a few of them and the kids loved them. But it just wasn’t the same as getting to meet them up close. My daughter was sad we didn’t get to see Tinker Bell (we met her last trip but she was off the day we went this time) but we did get to see her on the Peter Pan ride so I think that helped.
A lot of the little restaurants were closed and there weren’t very many snack carts out and about like at Animal Kingdom. We had a hard time finding somewhere to eat when we were hungry and ended up just getting some snacks instead. They were stricter with masks at this park as well, which I expected. We were told a couple of times to make sure our daughter’s mask was over her nose here. I’m so proud of how well my daughter handled having to wear a mask. I honestly think it depends on the workers how strict they are, especially with the kids. As a mom of two young kid’s who normally don’t have to wear masks, I was a bit stressed about this aspect but it went better than I thought. I think people are more understanding with little and the struggle to have them keep a mask on properly.
Magic Kingdom at a Glance
- Temperature/mask checks
- 20-30 minute waits for most rides
- No princess/character meet and greets
- Regular mini character parades
- Easier to take photos by the Castle
- Lots of restaurants and little snack shops closed
Right after our visit, Disney stopped doing temperature checks and they have also since relaxed their mask policies and capacity limits. I’m excited for the day we can visit again with it how it used to be when we visited back in 2019 and for all the character meet and greets again! But even with the changes, this trip was still a blast. We made the most of it and made many memories. Disney really is the most magical place on earth!
