What it's like visiting Disney World during COVID-19

Visiting Disney World During COVID-19 | What It’s Like

I decided on visiting Disney World during COVID-19. A lot went into my decision to bring the kids to Disney World during a pandemic, but the gist of it was that we have been basically quarantined since March, our family has no risk factors to worry about, and there are almost no cases where we live. We had an amazing time, and so I thought I’d tell you all about what it is like visiting Disney World during COVID-19.

At the end of this article I’ve included my vlog of the experience, so make sure to check that out. In the video I show how eerily empty parts of the park were when we were visiting Disney World during COVID-19, and exactly how long wait times were for specific rides. You can also skip the blog and go straight to the vlog by clicking here.

visiting Disney World during COVID-19 - a picture in front of the Disney castle with mask on

Where We Stayed

Instead of a hotel, I brought the kids to Encore Resort in Reunion. They have private homes and pools, so we really limited our contact during our visit to our flight, and the one day we spent at Disney World, plus a few grocery runs. And it was great because the spacious six bedroom house meant the kids could all sleep well, and I could too, and we had room to bring along Amber (my amazing assistant and sometimes nanny).

resort pictures

Entering The Park

We often get priority parking when we visit Disney World, but we skipped it this time, guessing the park would be pretty empty. The parking lot was empty as we expected. We got to park right near the walkway.

They parked cars right next to each other. I was wondering if they would space them out for social distancing, but they didn’t. As soon as you start walking to the monorail you will hear announcements and see signs about what type of mask you need to wear. It can’t be a bandana, neck scarf, or costume mask.

visiting Disney World during COVID-19

At the monorail there were no waits, even though they were limiting it to one party per seating booth. Usually the monorail cars are packed as full as can be, and you still have to wait awhile to get on. It was odd having the whole car to ourselves while visiting Disney World during COVID-19.

Once we got to the park they took our temperature in a tent that was just before security. They didn’t use the finger scanners when you walk into the park, but they do require that you have a park reservation linked to your card. You can set up your park reservation here, after you buy your pass.

markings on the ground visiting Disney World during COVID-19

Who Came With Me

While visiting Disney World during COVID-19, I left baby Violet at the resort with Amber. Violet will not keep a mask on. Even though you are allowed to bring kids under two without a mask into the park, I didn’t want to do that. Violet has developed a strange obsession with licking her fingers and spreading saliva on any surface she can reach… I’m hoping this phase ends soon lol! I think she had more fun with Amber at the resort though, than she would have in a hot stroller all day.

baby with nanny at resort in orlando Florida

Zoey and Zander (3 and 6 years) came to the park with me for half the day. I brought them home to naps around 2pm and went back for a kid free afternoon at the park. By the time I brought them home we had done more rides than we normally do during a whole day visit to Disney World.

Family picture in front of the castle visiting Disney World during COVID-19

What Were Wait Times Like Visiting Disney World During COVID-19

The first ride we went on was the Seven Dwarfs ride. Every time we come to the park it is a 2-3 hour wait. We always skip it, so this time we wanted to hit it first. The wait time said 40 minutes, but we only waited 20. And that was our longest wait of the day!!

no wait for the Peter Pan ride at Disney World during pandemic

On the topic of Seven Dwarfs, Zoey and Zander hated it. I told them it was a train ride, not a roller coaster ride. I thought it would be a little fast for them, but had no memory of it being SO fast. They were NOT impressed. They definitely felt I had tricked them.

When we were going on the Winnie The Pooh ride next, they made me ask one of the Disney cast members if it was scary. They refused to even wait in line till I asked… Once the cast member confirmed that it was a very slow, not-scary-at-all ride, they were good to go.

kids wearing masks on Disney World Winnie The Pooh Ride

Another ride that surprised me while visiting Disney World during COVID-19 was the Tomorrowland Speedway. I haven’t been on that ride since I was 12, because it is always a looooong wait, and directly in the hot sun. This time we almost walked right on! It took longer for us to wait our turn to get out of the car than it did to get in.

riding the Tomorrowland Speedway while visiting Disney World during COVID-19

Most rides we were able to just walk right onto. The only other ride that was a long wait was the Merry-Go-Round that is right through the castle. The kids HAD to go on that one, and it was about a 19 minute wait. Just FYI, my kids call it the ‘Miracle-Round’. I’m not sure how that started, but I love it.

Disney World merry-go-round magic kingdom

Which Rides Were Open

The only ride that wasn’t open while we were visiting Disney World during COVID-19 was the People Mover. I’m really unsure why. It seems like it should be an easy enough one to carry out social distancing on. I wasn’t disappointed though because it is my least favorite ride in the park.

Riding the merry-go-round in the magic kingdom with masks on - visiting Disney World during COVID-19

The one that was a little disappointing was the Haunted Mansion. It’s open, but the room that you wait in before the ride, where the ceiling rises, is closed. It made the experience a little less exciting and spooky.

It's a small world ride, completely empty

COVID-19 Safety Precautions At Disney World

As I mentioned before, they also check everyone’s temperature as you enter the park. They have increased how often they are cleaning bathroom facilities, and rides, as well.

There are frequent announcements on the loud speakers about wearing your mask, washing hands frequently and standing six feet away. There are hand washing stations (both hand sanitizer and actual sinks with soap and water) all over the park. They have hand sanitizer at the entrance and exit of every ride. And if your kid takes off their mask, a cast worker will kindly ask them to put it back on… Don’t ask me how I know that.

hand washing stations throughout the park at Disney World

Everywhere in the park there were markings on the ground to tell you where to stand. Every ride line has clear markings too. When you get on a ride they space you out. The one odd experience was when we went on Space Mountain and two cast members had a full blown argument across us over how many seats had to be in between parties… It was very unexpected to hear two employees loudly arguing, especially in ‘The Happiest Place On Earth’. It was entertaining.

Quite a few restaurants in the park were not open during our visit. Food stands are open. They have a new app that allows you to order from your phone. So if you’re visiting Disney World during COVID-19, you never have to wait in line for food. You order on your phone and get a notification when it’s ready. I hope they keep this app going after the pandemic is over. It makes ordering food very convenient.

Visiting Disney World During COVID-19 Vlog

Leaving the park at the end of the day was weird. There were so few people. We were able to notice shop window displays and beautiful buildings we never paid attention to before. When we exited the park we walked right onto the monorail with no wait. I’ve had to wait over an hour to get on the ferry before, while leaving the park at closing. Not having to wait was a dramatic difference that I liked.

at the end of the day Disney World was so empty we could pause in front of buildings and admire shop window displays and architecture

I was hesitant to plan this trip because of everything going on. But I think it was a good choice for us. We had a pretty unique and memorable experience. Obviously deciding whether or not to visit Disney World during the pandemic is a personal decision. But I think it is a great time to visit Disney World, if you don’t have risk factors, and haven’t been sick!

Have you considered visiting Disney World during COVID-19? Or are you staying put for the pandemic?? Let me know in the comments!

what it's like visiting Disney World during COVID-19

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