Determining whether to take a Disney vacation is not always an easy decision. Between schedules, seasons, planning and budget, there are a million decisions to be made. Throw in the monkey wrench that is 2020 and the decision becomes that much difficult. It seems like new guidelines, openings and closures are reported daily. It’s enough to make your head spin!
The following are 6 things to know when planning your 2021 Walt Disney World vacation
1. No Fireworks
Let’s start this guide off with a bang (see what I did there)! Without a doubt, Disney fireworks are on a whole other level. It may sound a little bit crazy but I’ve definitely shed a tear or two gazing at fireworks set to perfectly timed music and projections. There is something so magical about having a great day in the parks and closing it out with a spectacular fireworks experience.
The fall and winter season bring even grander displays during Halloween and holiday celebrations. The fireworks are so involved on New Year’s Eve, for example, that they have a practice display the day prior!
Unfortunately, Disney has suspended fireworks and accompanying dessert parties until further notice. If you were planning to visit the parks during the Halloween or holiday season it may be worth postponing your trip if you’re a fireworks fanatic like me.
2. No personal character meet & greets or autographs
There is nothing quite like running up to Mickey Mouse and giving him a great big hug! It’s no secret that Disney can make a kid out of even the oldest of us dreamers.
Sadly, those hugs will have to wait. Due to issues surround COVID-19, for the safety of all involved, Disney has suspended character meet and greets and autographs. They have replaced one-on-one greetings with “cavalcades” in which characters can be seen on parade throughout the parks.
This means that your scrapbooks and lock screens won’t feature photos of you and your favorite characters if you were to take a trip to Disney in the near future. If you’re crazy for character interaction, consider holding off on a Disney vacation at present.
3. closed resorts & limited activities
The Walt Disney World Resort includes dozens of lodging options from lower-priced Value Resorts to amenity-packed Deluxe Resorts. If you have your heart set on staying at the moderate Coronado Springs Resort, the value Art of Animation Resort or the deluxe Polynesian Resort, then you are currently out of luck because they are closed until October 14, 2020, November 1, 2020 and Summer 2021 respectively.
Additionally, the following amenities at ALL resorts are closed:
• Arcades
• Character experiences
• In-room Childcare
• Fun Runs
• Marina Rentals
• Playgrounds
• Spas, salons
4. reduced eateries and no dining plan
I’m going to be real here- there is no way that you’ll ever go hungry in the Walt Disney World Resort despite current closures. Nonetheless, not all Disney restaurants are created equal and there are definitely fan-favorites.
You may want to cancel or postpone your trip if there is a must-do dining stop on your list that is currently closed like the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue or Spirit of Aloha. The list of open dining options is always changing. Be sure to visit https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/ for an accurate list of what is currently available.
Further, the Disney Dining Plan is currently unavailable to all guests staying at a Walt Disney World Resort. When available, the plan allows guests to pre-purchase their meals and eat at a variety of establishments from quick-service to signature dining. Many visitors select the dining plan for ease in budgeting and planning.
5. lack of magical extras
I am a sucker for any kind of Disney magical extra, special activity or add-on. I think that no trip is complete without a special event that doesn’t involve a standard park day. The following is a brief list of major activities are currently not being offered:
- Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
- Captain Hook’s Pirate’s Crew
- Character Couture
- Dessert Parties
- Perfectly Princess Tea Party
- Pirates and Pals Fireworks Voyage
- Tasting Cruises
- Wonderland Tea Party at Park Fare
6. parkhopping restrictions
Tickets with a Parkhopper option allow a guest to visit more than one park in any given day. Parkhopping is great because it provides variety and allows you to pivot if you see another park with lower wait times.
As Disney works to manage the crowds due to reduced capacity, park hopping is only allowed beginning at 2PM and is based on availability.
There You Have It
In case you couldn’t tell, things are changing all the time at the Walt Disney World Resort. Just when you think you’ve gotten a handle on the new rules, procedures and changes, there’s something else to take note of. If you don’t feel like staying glued to your computer screen for updates, it would be best to wait to take your Disney vacation until things settle down a bit.
a word of caution
If this is your once in a lifetime trip, absolutely, positively do not take a Disney vacation right now. Do not pass go. Do not collect $200. I’ve been to Disney World a gazillion, fa-fillion, ma-million times (give or take a few). I love Disney. But if I could only go once, I’d go when I could get the full Disney experience – every show, every character meet & greet, tour, activity and opportunity. I’d want every available option at my disposal to craft a vacation that would serve my family well. As you can see in the previous examples, now is not the time to get the full experience.
