Before we dive in to Reopening Magic, here are a few other things we talked about on this week’s show:
Disney is releasing Mulan on Disney + September 4, but with an added cost of $30. Will you pay and do you think it’s fair for them to ask for additional payment on top of your Disney + subscription? From Jules: The real story of Mulan
Tom and his lovely wife Erin talked about their dream Disney wedding. Take a look at their amazing pictures in front of the castle before the park opened, and the fun wedding cake they had!
And if you want to play along with our game of “Only One Can Stay” at the end of the episode, go to our Facebook group and give us your answers! Ears 4 You Podcast Facebook Group
Is the Magic Still There?
Walt Disney World has been open for just over one month and with all the changes to entertainment, characters interactions, shortened park hours, and a lack of night time shows, you may be wondering if the magic is still there. Is a Disney trip worth it right now and is the magic still there?
The short answer is yes! While the magic is different, and you may have to look a little harder for it in places, it is definitely still there to be found.
This will likely be the least stressful Disney vacation you’ve taken in at least the last 10 years. The crowds are the lowest they’ve ever been. Almost all of the attractions are operating. Dining reservations are wide open (I’ve even seen Be Our Guest, arguably one of the most popular dining locations in all of Walt Disney World, have same day availability for lunch at dinner.). You may think the lack of Fastpass usage right now would cause more stress – will we even be able to get on our favorite ride? – it’s actually having the opposite effect – yes, you will! And probably be able to ride multiple times!
While you’re not able to give Mickey a hug right now you will see him and his cartoon friends in the parks in fun short parades, or on balconies above the crowd, and you may even find that you like it better this way. How many times have you stood in line to meet a character only to have them leave right before it was your turn? Or you’re standing in line while thinking you could be on a ride or getting a snack instead. The new character interactions give you more time to do those things, and this is especially important now that the park hours are being shortened.
Shorter park hours may also make you think a trip right now isn’t a good value. But with the lower crowds and lack of Fastpasses, you can actually get more done during the day than during a typical vacation. Flight of Passage, one of the most popular rides in all of Walt Disney World that can have waits of up to 2 hours or more, typically has a 20 minute wait these days. That means that not only can you ride multiple times, but you’ll have plenty of time to experience more of Animal Kingdom as well. Another hidden benefit to shorter park hours is that you can spend more time in your resort. You’ll may be able to sleep in since getting to the parks first think in the morning isn’t as necessary, or you may spend more time at your resort pool.
Disney is doing everything they can to keep their guests safe. They are cleaning the ride vehicles, doing temperature checks at the entrances, implementing physical distancing with markers on the ground, requiring everyone to wear a face covering, encouraging contactless payments and mobile ordering, and so much more. Guests have to do their part as well by following the new rules and guidelines.
We all know we are living in strange and stressful times right now. Disney vacations have always been a way to get a break from reality. We can all use that now more than ever.
Want to hear more? Be sure to check out Episode #20 – “Disney Wedding, Re-Opening Magic and a Game, Oh my!”, find us on Facebook and Instagram @ears4youpodcast
