Disney During A Pandemic

if you would’ve told me on January 1st, 2020 that this is the reality we would be living… I would have never believed it!! It’s been such a rollercoaster, and we’ve been pretty much quarantined since March 13th. I think once we found out that we were going to start the new school year remote, it really hit us hard. And the weight of the year sank in for me. We had been cooped up for a long time and it still seems like it’s going to be a long time, if it ever goes back to normal. We needed a bit of an escape from reality!! So what do we do when we need to escape reality… We go to the most magical place on earth… Disney World!!

Disney Vacation Club

We’re Disney Vacation Club members, and in a nutshell that means we pretty much own a doorknob at one of the Disney Vacation club resorts, I kid… I kid…! Summed up it’s pretty much like a timeshare, Disney style. Our home hotel is the Polynesian, which we love, because it’s convenient to the parks and the monorails, which makes it easy with young kids.

On the subject of young kids, that’s why we decided that the DVC (Disney vacation club) was perfect for us. Once we found out we were pregnant with Emma (she was our big surprise) we knew it would be tough for us to travel as a family of 6. Especially because there is too many of us to fit in a normal size hotel room. Being DVC member we get to stay in larger rooms, such as studios, one bedroom or two bedroom hotel suites. With full kitchens and laundry areas/rooms. And it really has made traveling with kids so much easier!

Now that I’ve done a very short summary of DVC, I had heard airfare was ridiculously low. So I decided to look, and it was really low!! Rob, My hubby, ended up finding airfare for all six of us for $420!!! So being that it was cheaper to fly to Disney for a long weekend then take a trip locally… we decided to get out of town! I mean… those Dole Whips were calling our names!!

We flew out for Columbus Day weekend, leaving on a Friday and returning on a Tuesday. We knew this Disney trip was going to look a lot different then usual. Since park hopper isn’t available and you have to make “reservations” to get into the parks, we knew we would only be choosing one park. We had to go with Magic Kingdom (it was so hard to choose!!!) with only one day at the park, we spent 13 hours there!! No park hopper, no magic hours (extra hours if you’re staying at a Disney resort) no characters, no fast passes. But it was still magical, one day at the parks, spending time at the pool and Disney springs… and most importantly just relaxing as a family.

Now let’s dive into the Do’s and The don’ts! I’m sure not everyone will have the same factors to take into consideration. We’re a family of six, ranging from toddlers to teenagers. Potty breaks, accidents, melt downs, stopping to look at every gift shop… and an ice cream break every couple of hours 😉

The Do’s

The Do’s… first no matter pandamic or not make sure you have the most comfortable pair of walking shoes ever! I pack two pairs every year, a pair of new balance (new balance shoes are my favorite athletic shoe for comfort!) and converse! It might take a couple different pairs to find the most comfortable. I buy and wear around the house for a few weeks before we go, just to make sure! New balance seem to be my go to for comfort! And a pair of converse usually looks pretty cute and comfy with any outfit!

Another Do, Masks! Disney world takes mask wearing very seriously! So make sure you find some that are comfortable, and aren’t too think in the heat! Also pack at least three for any younger kids. My younger girls went through 2 the day we were at magic kingdom ( or maybe my kids are just super messy 😉) ! I suggest shopping around, to try and find what works best for you. The ones I’m obsessed with, and worked really well are Costco’s (find the kid sizes here) and these from Ulta! P.s. if you’re worried about your kid wearing their mask… my kids did soooo much better then Rob and me, and didn’t complain once.

Do Bring Hand Sanitizer, I bought these, they were so awesome for travel and clipping onto backpacks, bags at the park. Disney did a wonderful job of having hand sanitizer every where I turned throughout the park. But I did still use what I had as well, especially if we were standing in line for a longer wait time, if the kids were touching everything I could have them sanitize! I also bought sanitizing wipes, and this spray, I just wanted to be extra careful. I wiped down and sprayed the stroller, our hotel room.. etc.

Everything was so clean, I mean Disney really did a great job of making us feel safe, sanitized, and comfortable in the midst of a pandemic. From our hotel room, restaurants, rides to transportation Disney was really on top of it all. But to be extra careful I wanted to have ours available at any time necessary.

Do… take many pictures!!! Don’t be discouraged about wearing a mask in pictures. It’s going to be so wild to look back on these memories years from now mask and all!

The last do, and pretty much common sense respect the rules, keep your distance, wear your mask. If you’re sick, feel sick, stay away! Disney did temperature checks entering the parks, shops at the springs, restaurants. Last…. remember it’s the most magical place in the world… Enjoy

The Dont’s

Now… the don’ts… Don’t be disappointed. There are many changes, and things are different. Even in the most magical place in the world. No fast passes, park hopper, limited dining, etc. things look different to keep everyone safe. There is still so many things to do at Disney. Shopping at the springs, mini golf, swimming, movies under stars at the resorts.

Enjoy some of the things that you normally wouldn’t have a chance to do at Disney world. We took a day to ride the monorail to all the resorts and try desserts at each resort! One of the best times ever at Disney!

Don’t, make this the once in a lifetime trip. If you only plan to go to Disney once, and you’re thinking about making the big trip now, my opinion would be wait. Hold off, for a little longer, now don’t get me wrong, there is plenty to do and it’s still magical, but with all the changes and things that Disney had to put a hold on you would miss some of the most magical moments.

Don’t try and rush. It’s a little overwhelming going to the parks, and not having fast passes.. Disney spoiled us good with fast passes! So trying to get it all done in one day, it’s most likely not going to happen. Look ahead at wait times, try to get a little plan together, but be flexible. Keep checking wait times to adjust your schedule. For example, If you’re headed to get on small world and haunted mansion has a lower wait time, I would suggest switch up your schedule, and ride haunted mansion first. Come back to small world after, or later.

See Ya Real Soon…

All in all, we had a great time, we created memories to last forever! although, very different then normal, everyone relaxed, ate good, laughed, and enjoyed themselves the entire time! That’s what I call success!