You might be wondering what a vacation to Walt Disney World_® Resort is like during COVID. What's it like at the parks with the safety protocols. Is it still fun? Are there still magical experiences to be had? Will I feel safe? More than a dozen AAA Magic Creators have visited Walt Disney World_® Resort during COVID and share some insights on what it's like there, how to make the most of your visit, plus a few of their favorite Disney experiences.

What were you pleasantly surprised to discover when you visited Disney during COVID?
AAA Magic Creators respond: 

• The pop-up characters and the cavalcades (parades)!
• That I was still able to interact and see characters. Not only do they have character cavalcades that periodically happen throughout the parks, but on special non-announced days and times, there are characters that show up to the Disney Resort Hotels! They are located in an area where they can be apart from guests, but still have the ability to interact with you.
• How safe everything felt with all of the safety measures, the positive attitude of all the Disney employees, how much fun the cavalcades were, and most of all, the magic was still there even with some attractions or shows not running.
• The magic was still alive and we could still see characters even though they were from afar. The cast members still were wonderful and cheerful.
• The level of magic surrounding us, as well as the safety measures put in place for all. We had so many opportunities to see and experience the characters through the pop-up cavalcades and social-distance greets. The parks and resorts displayed reminders of social distancing all over, along with handwashing and/or hand sanitizing stations, online check-in and/or ordering via the My Disney Experience App. Cast members did an excellent job with ensuring proper masks were worn at all times, and other travelers demonstrated courtesy through social distancing.
• Just how CLEAN the parks were. Disney normally takes cleanliness seriously, but it was taken to a higher level when I was there. I saw cast members continuously wiping down counters, benches, tables, and more while I was there.

What are your tips for someone who is visiting Disney during COVID?
AAA Magic Creators respond: 

• Know that while it is different...it is still very much Magical!
• Explore the parks and relax! By taking things slowly you get to discover extra magic or activities that you may otherwise overlook.
• Use the relaxation stations for mask breaks. Plan off-times for meals (whether quick service or table service) to also have a longer mask break. Utilize the online ordering!
• Make sure to bring extra masks and stop at a mask free zone to take a breather from wearing a mask.
• Be sure you follow the same CDC health and safety guidelines as you would at home. Be mindful of your environment and keep your hands washed often. I take along a travel pouch with hand sanitizer, hand wipes, and disposable compressed cloths. These cloths are the size of a “lifesaver” and expand with water. They travel light, compact, and are great for wiping hands, face, or surroundings when on the go.
• Pack your patience. The cast members are working very hard to ensure everyone stays safe and healthy (including themselves). I also found that having a variety of masks on hand helped keep me feeling fresh while wearing them each day.

Not COVID-related, but some people might not know about all the incredible festivals at Walt Disney World_® Resort. What's a Disney festival you love?
AAA Magic Creators respond: 

• EPCOT Festival of the Arts because it's like a smaller version of the International Food and Wine Fest but with amazing works of art, right down the festival food items!
• I absolutely adore Disney's Flower and Garden Festival at Epcot because you get to see beautiful topiaries of your favorite Disney characters throughout the park! You never know who you may see!
• Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party because I love the parades, the free hot cocoa and cookies, and the Christmas magic in the air.
• EPCOT's Food & Wine Festival because you can enjoy samplings of food and drink in each of the countries along the World Showcase without having to make reservations or take time out of your explorations for a sit-down meal.
• EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival because of the wide variety of options offered to represent various countries around the world. This year especially, the festival allowed me to experience flavors of places that I may not currently be able to visit due to travel restrictions.

Visitors love the special festival merchandise. What's your favorite festival-related merch?
AAA Magic Creators respond: 

• We LOVE to do the festival hunts with Figment - they change according to the specific festival but as a family, it's a very inexpensive but fun way to explore EPCOT while highlighting the festival theme. During Festival of the Arts, Figment is hidden inside a piece of artwork within each country. Once you've completed the map you earn a prize!
• My annual passholder Chef Minnie coasters that I received in 2018 for visiting EPCOT's International Food and Wine Festival.
• The snacks! Every festival year they always have certain snacks to go with the festival.
• Themed kitchen cooking spatula. I started a collection of kitchen novelties from each of my Disney trips and look forward to a new spatula, mug and/or apron from the Food & Wine festival to remind me of the cuisines and experiences enjoyed.
• My Tervis tumblers. I use them all the time when back at home and it allows me to reminisce.

Speaking of merchandise, what's your favorite piece of Disney merchandise in general?
AAA Magic Creators respond: 

• EARS! Because well...it started with a MOUSE! Who doesn't love Disney Ears! I like to collect holiday ears, special edition, a special trip (honeymoon ears, birthday ears etc)
• My Mickey Mouse inspired decorative teapot. By displaying it on my stove, it reminds me of the wonderful memories that I have made during all of my Disney trips!
• All of my Disney purses. Every year I buy myself a new purse to treat myself because Disney makes the most beautiful purses.
• There are too many to choose from, but my most popular “go to” merchandise is a set of Minnie Mouse Ear headbands. Disney ornaments and trading pins come in at a close second. For years I have added a pair of ears to my collection each trip, to signify special memories and experiences. Other than a few pair specific to Halloween and Christmas, my favorite from 2020 are my Riviera Resort themed ears.
• It's a toss-up between my Dooney & Bourke purses and my Loungefly mini-backpack because the Dooney & Bourke bags are my personal "splurge" item and they last forever! However, I LOVE my Loungefly bag because it's something I bring with me for every trip to use while in the parks. Those small bags can hold a surprising amount of "stuff".

And finally, you are obviously Disney super-fans and have visited many many MANY times. Do you have a favorite tip you can share?
AAA Magic Creators respond: 

• Eat during off-times and ride attractions during normal dining times. That helps to reduce time waiting in lines for both food and attractions!
• Go to Magic Kingdom first thing in the morning. Head right over to Big Thunder Mountain for your first ride. Then you can get right on Splash Mountain immediately afterward with no wait. Next head over to Space Mountain with little-to-no wait and you have done all 3 "Mountain" rides at Magic Kingdom before it gets busy.
• Take the complimentary Celebration button to Ye Ole Christmas Shoppe to have your message personalized with the same calligraphy as they do on the ornaments. This is a great keep-sake for special birthdays, anniversaries or personal accomplishments!
• Book with a travel advisor that specializes in Disney Destinations! Not only are we well-versed in everything related to planning a Disney vacation, but we are also genuine Disney FANS and are just as excited to share the magic with our clients.

Our Magic Creators are ready and excited to help you plan a memorable Disney vacation. Contact one today.

CONTACT A MAGIC CREATOR

Special thanks to AAA Magic Creators Danette Broughton, Erica Enders, Laura Ferguson, Jessica Winiasz, Tracy Jarosewski and Michelle Wood for sharing their tips. Photos taken by Shelley Eastmer during her December 2020 visit to Walt Disney World_® Resort