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Taking the Kids After Disney Parks Reopening
When Disneyland closed on March 14, 2020 and Walt Disney World followed with a closure a few days later, all the questions started. When will Disney parks reopen? How will vacations be changed in the face of an ongoing virus? And of course, when will it be safe for my family to travel again?
I don’t have the answers to all of these questions yet. Some of these questions can only personally be answered by you, as a family. These will be valuable issues to discuss before you book any travel.
With Disney parks being a solid family destination, it’s only natural for us to look for answers especially when so many of us have Disney vacation plans in the works. Should we cancel our Disney trips or reschedule (and when)? And should we even consider taking the kids when Disney reopens?
I will discuss some of the theme park guidelines with tips on what has happened as Disney parks opened back up again. Taking the kids when Disney reopens is your own decision to make but I will offer some guidance and information to help you in your planning. As new information is released, I will continue to update this article.
Walt Disney World REOPENING DATES
Disney World parks have reopened to the public. Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom reopened July 11th, 2020. Hollywood Studios and Epcot, reopened July 15th.
A new online theme park reservation system, called Disney Park Pass, has been implemented for entry. For specific details on how the reservation system works, read my friend Patty’s article, How to Make Disney World Park Reservations.
Ready to Book a Disney Vacation?
To book a Disney Trip: Disney parks have resumed ticket sales and Disney Resort hotel reservations. All based upon availability, as the Disney World resort hotels reopen in phases. All three Disneyland resort hotels have reopened.
Guests are currently able to reserve and purchase new Disney Resort hotel packages, theme park tickets and make their park reservations for arrivals.
Park reservation availability can be viewed online before you purchase tickets. I highly recommend working with a trusted Disney World travel agent like Get Away Today, and they offer complimentary concierge including price monitoring.
DISCOUNT DISNEYLAND TICKETS – My travel partners at Get Away Today offer both discounted Disneyland tickets and Anaheim-area hotels to fit any budget! Many hotels include exclusive discounts like free parking, complimentary breakfast or even free nights, just for booking through Get Away Today.
Disneyland tickets purchased now are good through January 12th, 2025. Purchase your multi-day tickets through Get Away Today today and lock in the best pricing of the year.
When you’re ready to book your Disneyland vacation, my friends at Get Away Today are ready to help! Mention code REWRITTEN to receive an extra discount off your SoCal vacation package (when booking 2+ nights with two or more tickets).
New Disney World Protocols and Guidelines
Field inspections took place before Disney reopening to see how the theme parks will be able to uphold these new safety protocols. The theme park guidelines were submitted to the Florida governor for approval before they could move forward.
During this initial reopening phase at Walt Disney World, certain attractions are not open. Makeovers (like Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique), intimate character meet ‘n greets, play areas have not reopened. Parades, some indoor shows and performances and other attractions that draw large audiences are not all available.
Fireworks and nighttime spectaculars have returned to the theme parks. Signs and online materials will be available to inform guests of these new guidelines and changes.
Disneyland Protocols and Guidelines
Disneyland and Disney California Adventure park reopened to guests April 30th, 2021. The parks are currently limited capacity. Park hopping is permitted after 1 pm. Advance Dining Reservations are highly encouraged for anyone wanting full service dining.
- Disneyland Resort hotels had phased reopening. Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa reopened on April 29, with limited capacity.
- Disney Vacation Club Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa reopened May 2.
- Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel reopened on June 15th with limited capacity.
- The Disneyland Hotel reopened with limited capacity on July 2nd.
- The Downtown Disney District shops and dining are currently open.
Facial coverings are no longer required indoors or outdoors. Non-vaccinated guests should be self-attesting and wear masks indoors. Additional safety measures include hand washing and sanitation locations, and limited contact enhancements.
A Guest Experience Team is available all around the Disneyland Resort to help those who have questions or issues. Personal character meet ‘n greets will resume in mid-April. All play areas have reopened.
Weekend fireworks have recently started again at Disneyland park and other nighttime spectaculars will return in the spring. The popular Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disneyland Halloween Party fully opened on Sept 9th, 2021.
How Disney is Making Guests Comfortable in Their Theme Parks
Disney parks will be encouraging a three pronged approach to making guests feel comfortable with planning a Disney trip. Education in the way of “Know Before You Go” (ie: researching ahead of time so you know what to expect). Communication with signage in the parks to explain these protocols. Engagement between cast members and guests to explain and dissolve any issues.
Other Amusement Park Guidelines
Theme parks around the country (and the world) are reopening. We look to what has been announced thus far. What can we learn from these recently released guidelines and how might it relay to the Disney parks reopening?
Already open:
- Downtown Disney District shopping area at Disneyland
- Disney Springs shopping area at Walt Disney World
- San Diego Zoo and San Diego Safari Park
- Universal Studios Orlando
- LEGOLAND Florida
- LEGOLAND California
- SeaWorld Orlando
- SeaWorld San Diego
- Universal Hollywood City Walk (with complimentary self-parking)
- Universal Studios Hollywood
- Knott’s California Marketplace shopping
- Knott’s Berry Farm
- Shanghai Disney Park
Should Kids Be Traveling Yet?
As parts of the United States started lifting stay at home orders, many families chose to travel again. Of course, that often meant bringing the kids along. Parents are looking for more normalcy in the upcoming seasons, vacations included. I asked this question of my readers in the Mom Rewritten Facebook group:
I know that so much is still uncertain but when do you think you and your family would be comfortable traveling again? Would you travel adults-only or would you take the kids? Flying or road trip? Where would you feel okay going?
The responses varied across the board, which is not surprising. Personal views on travel are going to depend on each individual family, during this or any other time. Vacation houses, where families can control their own space and prepare meals were a popular choice. Avoiding air travel and road trip driving within a reasonable distance was also mentioned.
Others said they wouldn’t go anywhere without a vaccine or effective treatment for their younger kids. Some said they were comfortable going anywhere, via any method. And the big debate was whether to keep or cancel upcoming Disney vacation plans.
Responsible Family Travel
Currently in my home state of California, locations are reopening, including indoor dining restaurants and stores. My husband, myself and teens are fully vaccinated against the virus but our youngest children are not. We’ve only just started back into organized sports and allowing outdoor play dates.
My friend Leslie at Trips with Tykes shares tips on traveling safely and responsibly as America reopens. One thing she mentions is that you need to do what feels safe and comfortable to you. Only you as the parent know your children. You’re in full control to decide whether travel during this time is appropriate for your family.
Planning a family vacation in these times is absolutely a personal choice. Some adults may feel more comfortable dipping their toes into the travel pool by taking grown-ups only or a girlfriend trip at first.
Navigating all the new changes in this world including personal spacing (“Stand here, don’t stand there), facial coverings, constant hand-washing, no face touching, etc. is confusing and exhausting enough for adults. You’ll need to think hard whether your kids are ready for these adjustments outside the house.
What is Disney Doing To Keep Guests Safe?
As previously mentioned, some of the guidelines have just been released for Disney World and Disneyland. The things noted that follow may be put into effect at other amusement parks, and are based upon what’s happening currently at Disney Springs, other theme parks and the Disney park in Shanghai, China.
It’s an excellent idea to do your due diligence and vacation research, especially if you plan on taking the kids now that Disney parks have reopened.
Are Masks Required When Disney Parks Reopen?
Upon reopening ALL guests were required to wear a facial covering for both outdoor and indoor locations. Mandatory masks are no longer needed. Non-vaccinated guests may wear a mask indoors.
VProof of vaccination is not required but guests are expected to self-attest that they are either vaccinated or took a negative Covid test.
ShopDisney is selling Disney themed facial coverings that are approved. These masks are also available for sale at the parks. One-year old toddlers and babies are exempt and not required to wear a mask.
What Kind of Facial Covering Can You Wear at Disney?
These are the specific details on what type of facial coverings and masks that will be permitted in the Disney parks. Reading the guidelines set forth here, masks must be cloth or fabric (no plastic face shields) and secure with ties or loops (gaiter-style facial coverings are not acceptable).
Face coverings are required for all Guests (ages 2 and up) and Cast Members. Please bring your own face coverings and wear them at all times, except when dining or swimming. All face coverings should: Fully cover an individual’s nose and mouth and allow the Guest to remain hands-free. Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face. Be secured with ties or ear loops. Be made of breathable material, either disposable or reusable. Costume masks are not considered appropriate and are prohibited from being worn, in alignment with our existing rules. The use of face coverings is not a substitute for physical distancing.
For Non-Vaccinated Kids, Masks at Disney Parks Are a Must
A large consideration to make is whether you’ll be taking kids when Disney reopens since all non-vaccinated guests 2+ are required to wear a mask. One thing that I’ve heard from my followers is that they don’t want to lose that “Disney Magic” by forcing kids to wear a facial covering all day in the parks. “Masks are too hot”, “They’re uncomfortable”, “I don’t want my vacation ruined forcing my kids to wear a facial covering”.
I can totally get that, wearing a mask isn’t fun by any means. But I still stand by the phrase that, “A day at Disney is better than a day at home”. It’s a personal choice for sure, holding off on the Disney trip or going on the vacation, despite having the inconvenience of these new restrictions. e
Changes We Can Expect to See When Disney Reopens
- Limited number of guests allowed inside the parks to encourage physical distancing.
- The implementation of a new theme park reservation system (announced for both Disneyland and Disney World).
- Additional cast members will be available to answer questions or cover guest concerns. Additional employees will conduct cleaning measures and oversee that procedures are followed.
- Temporary suspension of Extra Magic hours and Magic Morning.
More Confirmed Disney Parks Changes
- Dining options will have changes. Disney character dining experiences may have characters present but characters do not linger for photos at each table. Some buffet meals have cast members serving up food to each guest.
- Disney World has cancelled the Disney Dining Plan. WDW also changed their dining reservation system, amending the date to a 60-day booking window (instead of the usual 180 days). Disneyland guests may begin booking ADR beginning April 22nd.
- Full service dining may be limited. Some restaurant areas have not yet reopened and some menus are abbreviated.
- Those using quick service will be encouraged to use mobile ordering. This will minimize the number of guests waiting in line. Mobile ordering is a touch-less transaction made via the Disney parks app on your own smart phone.
- Park Hopping permitted after 1 pm for those holding a Park Hopper ticket.
- Use of cashless transactions may be encouraged including using debit, credit and gift cards only.
- Complete elimination of the Fastpass+ reservation system at Disney World and FASTPASS & Maxpass at Disneyland. Disney Genie and Disney Genie+ is the new “line skipping” system.
Guidelines That May Affect Kids
These possible amusement park guidelines may affect your trip if taking the kids when Disney reopens. Particularly if you are planning a first Disney vacation, these new potential guidelines may affect the magical trip you’ve envisioned.
- Security checkpoints have become “touchless” at Disney World, where guests pass through security scanners. If something in your bag sets off the scanner, you’ll be asked to remove everything from your bags into trays for a visual inspection.
- Disney parks are already extremely clean when it comes to amusement park standards. Even so, you’ll experience elevated levels of cleaning procedures in the Disney parks upon reopening. This includes frequent wiping of physical barriers, railings in queues, and ride seats and handles.
- Children’s play areas with highly touched surfaces may be closed (think Laughin’ Place near Splash Mountain in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom).
- Kids aren’t known for their cleanliness! An increased awareness of cleanliness in the parks will include additional hand washing and sanitizing locations around the parks. This is something I’ve always wished for in the past (and have always brought my own hand wipes and hand sanitizer with me). An encouraged culture of cleanliness, especially before guests eat, is always welcome!
Things to Consider Before Taking the Kids When Disney Reopens
Once you’ve read the above possible guidelines that may be implemented, these are additional thoughts to consider if you’re planning on taking kids when Disney reopens.
- So many things to touch at the Disney parks! If you have a youngster that can’t keep their hands to themselves or are constantly putting fingers in their mouth, you’ll have to decide whether your child is ready for travel yet.
- Keeping a child in a stroller can help minimize the amount of things they touch! Stroller rental companies, like from my recommended Disney World partner Kingdom Strollers already implement stringent cleaning measures.
- If bringing your own stroller, use a stroller cover when traveling by plane to keep the stroller clean and protected.
- Can your kids follow good habits in practice? If you can’t get kids to wear a facial covering when taking short errands in your own neighborhood, you might want to reconsider a multiple day trip in which they might be expected to wear a mask all day.
- What happens if children don’t cooperate with wearing a facial covering indoors? Disney parks will express the procedures in a polite but firm way through signage and personal reminders. It can be challenging enough with toddlers having a Disney meltdown on a regular day! Will you want to push the guidelines with your kids and how cooperative do you think they’ll be? As a parent, are you prepared to force facial coverings or leave the parks?
More Travel Considerations for Families
Are you comfortable with air travel or will you stick to road trips only for a while? Depending upon where you’re coming from, this will determine where you’ll be able to travel. What hotel will you stay at? Do you feel comfortable with the cleanliness guidelines set forth by the hotel? My friend Becca at This Crazy Adventure Called Life offers some changes that hotels will have to make.
For instance the ability to skip front desk check in at Disney World has already been an option via the My Disney Experience and use of MagicBands. What will other hotels do to make these contact-less changes at their hotels and resorts? Don’t be afraid to ask about policies and procedures.
Large chain hotels including Marriott, Hyatt, Hilton and IHG (Holiday Inn) have released their cleanliness procedures and policies, which are impressive measures to provide safety and assurance to their guests.
Disney Resort Hotel Safety Guidelines
If you’re considering staying at a Disney Resort hotel, I will keep this post updated with possible changes. Of the WDW resort hotels, the dates for opening of each specific location has not yet been released.
For the Disneyland Resort, all hotels have reopened including Disney Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, Paradise Pier and the Disneyland Hotel. Some features have not yet reopened including dining locations.
Some of the New Guidelines for Disney Hotels
- A Disney World or Disneyland resort hotel reservation will not guarantee park entry.
- Online check in service will be available at select locations.
- Updated bell services for luggage transportation (more details to be released).
- Increased cleaning protocols in elevators, escalators, restrooms, on handrails, tables, benches, etc.
- Additional hand sanitizing stations around the resorts.
- Reduced capacity inside pools, fitness centers, restaurants, lobbies and other common areas.
- Enhanced cleaning procedures inside resort rooms, with light cleaning available every other day. Housekeeping will receive additional training on these updated practices). Certain in-room amenities (like the television remote) will be cleaned and wrapped.
Disney World Water Park Reopening
Blizzard Beach reopened on March 7th, 2021 with Typhoon Lagoon reopen January 2nd, 2022. You can find more details in regards to taking kids to the Disney World Water Parks.
Why Flexible Travel Plans Are More Important Than Ever
If your vacation plans include taking the kids when Disney reopens, having flexible travel plans is key. Many families discovered the hard truth when Disney parks closed earlier this year. Not booking with a reliable travel agent became an issue.
Guests have had to wait months before refunds on their cancelled trips. In addition, some travelers have faced fees for rescheduling when dates were cancelled that were out of their control.
As always, I encourage anyone booking a Disneyland or Disney World vacation to request a complimentary vacation quote from my trusted partner, Get Away Today. Not only do they offer the only refundable Disney tickets, Get Away Today also has a Peace of Mind Plan that allows for rescheduling and vacation changes without additional fees. The flexibility will help you book in confidence knowing you can make adjustments without penalty.
Should You Be Taking Kids When Disney Reopens – The Bottom Line
I recently had an honest conversation with trusted travel insiders and professionals and we discussed the issue at hand. Disney parks rely heavily on guest satisfaction. Many amusement parks, including Disney, are going to be attempting to win back your business. They are going to be taking all precautions necessary to make guests feel safe about traveling to their destinations. Special travel incentives may be enticement enough to book your next destination.
Disney is going to do all they can to avoid an outbreak at their parks and resorts. And they know the importance of taking your children with you on vacation. However the bottom line is your own personal comfort level. I encourage you to do your research (Jessica at The Happiest Blog on Earth has a great post about the things to know before Disneyland reopening). Know what to expect ahead of time. Determine from there whether traveling with your kids is the best option for you.
