Disney: Pandemic Version

The most magical place on Earth is currently also one of the most stressful. And yet? We still go.

Yes, we are in the midst of a pandemic.

Yes, there are crowds.

Yes, there is an inherent risk involved.

However, the parks have done an incredible job in enforcing not only mask wearing but social distancing to the best of their abilities.

There are no fireworks. While there are little parades, everywhere you look, there’s a six foot marker – either a “stand here” line or a green dot. There are cast members whose sole job appears to be to walk through the park holding a sign reminding people to wear masks and telling people those masks need to be cover both their nose and their mouth. No masks can be removed for photos – and don’t even try it because if it’s a PhotoPass, they will immediately tell you to put it back on.

For the most part, people are rather good at abiding by the rules and parameters Disney has set. Before even entering the parks, there are Cast Members checking masks and directing visitors with masks that don’t fit the rules (no gaiters or similar thin pieces of fabric) to kiosks that sell masks. Despite the repeated announcements over the sound system reminding visitors that masks must remain on unless eating or drinking while stationary, Epcot is a bit of a crap shoot, especially as there were Festivals going on while we were there. While I’ve yet to see someone walk around Frontierland eating a turkey leg, it’s not uncommon at all to see someone drinking a beer or one of the festival offerings in the World Showcase.

Outside of the Epcot festivals, all parties at Magic Kingdom have been canceled. Due to the price of these ($100+ on top of admission, even if you have an annual pass!), Grace and I have never had the opportunity to attend. BUT, those characters that aren’t seen outside of the parties or other special events/dining experiences? They are now brought out during the day. During Halloween there were many characters out in their Halloween overlays and while there are no meet and greets, they do stay out for awhile so you can take photos. There also are short parades as opposed to full on parades where other seasonal characters appear such as the cast of Nightmare Before Christmas and the few performance groups that have survived the extensive layoffs (thinking of all my fellow theme park entertainment brethren- we will return someday!).

Do we go as often as we used to? Absolutely not. As passholders, it wasn’t uncommon to go at least once a week, usually not for a full day, but at the very least to meet up with friends to watch the fireworks, or go and walk around Epcot after work. Obviously, even without the need for reservations, we don’t go as often. We know that every visit holds risks so it isn’t ideal, no matter how many restrictions are in place. But it is nice to go and visit and have a brief reminder of what life used to be like and will someday return to, even if for just an afternoon.