There is Still Magic in Covid Disney
There is still magic in a Covid Disney. Have things change at Disney World, yes! Are they better or worse? I don't know it's really for you to decide. Here are ten things that have been different at Disney since the pandemic.
1. Park Reservations
One of the most significant changes is reserving your day at each park. This is a crucial step because you will not be admitted entrance if a park does sell out for that day. Park hopping begins at 2 pm based on availability.
2. Fast Passes Are Gone
That's right, you heard me. Fast passes are no longer available at Walt Disney World. It has now been replaced with the Genie system, adding Genie+ and lightning lanes. We had a chance to experience it firsthand during our November trip, and we think once we get the hang of it we will like it, but the one thing we know that will never happen again at Disney park is unplugging.
So if you were planning to stow that phone away except for taking those magical photos with your family, this is not the trip for you. Instead, you will be on your phone all day long, requiring those battery packs that we talk about in the top 10 things you need to take to Disney.
One disadvantage to Genie+ you can't access it until 7 am. So planning ahead of time can be very difficult. Pre-pandemic Disney, you could book fast passes 60 days out and plan your day based on your fast passes. Flexibility is key!
Here is one thing I do love about the Genie system, it gives you the ability to select through the various experiences that the park offers. Then, Genie will provide you with recommendations on incorporating them into your day from those selections.
3. Character Meet and Greets
We went to Disney a couple of times during the pandemic, March 2020 - no characters at all! They only welcomed you to the parks, and you could catch a glimpse of characters in a cavalcade. August 2020 characters were back in a limited capacity at character dining, and you were able to take socially distanced photos. Finally, in November 2020, princesses returned to the park for socially distanced photos.
There are no more autographs, no hugs, or up-close photos. We miss it, but we are just happy to see characters again. Do we miss the hugs and autographs? Absolutely! But until then, we are delighted to start seeing most characters returning to the park.
4. Character Dining Experience
If you read our blog, you know that character dining is one of our favorite things to do, mainly because we get to see a lot of Disney characters in one place. For the most part, many dining experiences are back and extremely modified, so do not expect the same experience. However, some of our our favorites have still not returned, like the Perfectly Princess Tea.
5. Magic Hours are Gone
Magic Hours have now been replaced with extended hours. In addition, their park hours are ONLY for guests staying at the following hotels, Disney's Deluxe Resorts and Villas, Swan, Dolphin, Swan Reserve, and Shades of Green. Epcot and Magic Kingdom are the only two parks available. Check here for the schedule.
6. Magic Bands are not Free
Magic bands are no longer free. No longer will that surprise box come in the mail with all the bands and names listed on the back. However, from My Disney Experience, you can still order magic bands and personalize them. There is also a variety of colors and styles not available. Our favorite for the kids is the slap bracelet!
7. No More Magical Express
Yep, Magical Express is gone! MEARS direct has been running the shuttle to Disney for years, and it is still there. It's just not free or called magical express anymore. There are several shuttle options, but you will have to do a quick search to find them.
8. Masks
Yes, masks are still required at Walt Disney World. However, restrictions have been reduced since our March trip. Masks must be two layers. Gators without loops and single layers are not permitted into the park.
Masks are required at all indoor locations, including restaurants, except when actively eating or drinking while stationary & all enclosed transportation, including buses, monorails, and Disney Skyliner.
9. Mobile Ordering
Everything is done via mobile ordering when it comes to food. You can still go to quick service and wait in line to order food in some areas, but mobile ordering is now standard on your My Disney Experience app.
10. Pin Trading
Pin trading is back and looks different. This is one change I do prefer. Now located in various areas are bin boards with a cast member. You walk up to the roped-off area and pick a pin from the board. They take your pin, sanitize it, and give you the traded pin. The kids love this because they can see all the pins available.
Whew! Now go on and plan your trip! We hope you have a blast! Disney is continually working to provide the best guest experience!
Have more questions? Head to our contact us and drop a question there!
We will see ya real soon!
