As of this week, we are finally able to book both 2020 AND 2021 vacations at Walt Disney® World Resort! I know that things look a little different right now, so today I am sharing some of my best tips for making the most of your next visit.
Tip #1: Pick the Right Time for Your Family
The first step right now is to decide when you feel comfortable planning a trip. Maybe you are excited to get away for a long weekend to check out the new Taste of EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival® this fall. Or perhaps you would like to wait things out and plan a relaxing trip late in Spring 2021. I can now plan trips through September 26, 2021, so we have lots of flexibility to find the time that is best for your family.
Tip #2: Know the Important Policies
There are a few key policies to keep in mind when you are booking a Walt Disney World® vacation:
Deposits and packages are 100% refundable up to 30 days before travel.
Packages can be modified (i.e. we can change the dates) up to 30 days before travel with no penalties. This means that if plans change, or you simply want to push your trip out a little further, it is not a problem.
Tip #3: Learn What to Know Before You Go
You will need a reservation with the Disney® Park Pass System before entering any Disney® Park.
New health & safety procedures have been introduced, such as temperature screenings, a mask requirement, physical distancing around the parks, and enhanced cleaning procedures.
Some entertainment options are currently unavailable.
Tip #4: Pack a Personal Park Safety Kit
We all want to go out and have some fun, but of course we want to do so safely. Here are some recommendations for a Park Kit:
2 Masks (per person)
Hand Sanitizer
Disinfecting Wipes
Sunscreen
Hat/Visor/Sunglasses
SPF Lip Balm
Cooling Towel
Resealable Bags (including large ones to assist with bag check)
It is just a few extra things to pack, but taking a little extra precaution can help keep everyone healthy.
Tip #5: Take Advantage of the New Opportunities
There is a lot of talk about what we can't do right now, but not nearly enough about what we can do. Let’s talk about some of the great things going on right now:
Reduced capacity at the parks means shorter lines and more room to spread out. (I even saw Avatar Flight of Passage with a 5-minute wait yesterday morning!)
Disney® is getting creative with their character appearances, including Gaston riding down Main Street on his steed and princesses popping up at the train station.
Restaurants are open, and some are even offering character dining or great spots by the waterfront.
EPCOT® debuts a new take on its festivals next week, with a blend of some of the best parts of Flower & Garden and Food & Wine.
Resorts are open, offering relaxing lounges by the pools and easy transportation to the parks.