On May 28th, Disney World started rolling out information on some of the Health and Safety measures which they will be implementing when the parks start their Phase One 2020 reopening on July 11th and 15th. This news was met with an avalanche of reactions, both positive and negative, that have thrown many guests with upcoming reservations into a quandary when it comes to the question: should we still go?
As an Earmarked Agency that carries an Authorized Disney Travel Planner designation, Castles and Cruises Travel has been on the receiving end of many calls from clients looking to us to tell them what to do.
The reality is whilst, as a Travel Advisor, I can’t decide for my clients, what I can do is present information in an objective way and, if asked, share my personal opinion.
Would I go, you ask? Read on below!
NOTE: The views expressed below are the opinions of the author – they provide an insight into a personal perspective and, having read them, invite you to form your own opinion to guide your decision.
Question: Would I Still Go?
Yes, I definitely would. Why? Because none of the measures announced sound out of place in the context of our new global reality, our “new normal”. Enhanced sanitation, distancing, smaller crowds, contactless transactions, temperature screening, and wearing of masks are all measures being recommended by health authorities around the world as the best ways to stay safe in public environments.
Question: Won’t it be less Magical?
Personally, I don’t think so. The Walt Disney Company has spent the last 96 years making Magic synonymous with the Disney brand and the Disney Theme Parks are key vehicles for delivering that Magic in a tangible way: magical moments, magical experiences, magical memories. I am therefore confident that Disney is going to do whatever they can to deliver the magic during this time. And I think guests will be pleasantly surprised by how they do that because exceeding expectations is something that Disney truly excels at!
Question: What do you think the biggest advantage of going will be?
I’m a germaphobe at the best of times! And not a big fan of huge crowds. So navigating the Disney Parks with significantly less crowds and experiencing an environment which is being cleaned and sanitized in an even greater way, and with significantly higher frequency, sounds ideal to me
Question: What do you think the biggest disadvantage will be?
I think adjusting expectations is going to be a huge challenge. There are several things which have joined together to comprise the must-do list for a perceived “Perfect Disney Parks Experience”. And some of those things (fireworks shows, character meet and greets and character dining, for example) may have limited availability or may remain closed. Is it possible to have a magical experience without them? Absolutely! I have many clients who skip fireworks to avoid the crowds or because their kids are just too tired or because the noise may be upsetting and they still have a magical time! Same for character meet and greets and meals and other Disney Parks offerings. The reality is that Disney invests heavily in cultivating their park environments to be magical and having a fantastic, memorable experience is not predicated on a to-do list – it’s about being there, being present, and spending time with loved ones whilst soaking in the energy and magic of this happy place.
Ready to head to Disney World? If you don’t currently have a reservation and would like to book one, please get in touch! Our Dream Makers use their expert knowledge of Walt Disney World, to help you plan a truly magical experience that’s customized to your family’s needs!
