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What Every Disney Fan Worries About (But Totally Shouldn’t)

You’ve been planning your Disney World vacation for months (congratulations!!), and it’s about time to head out the door.

What Every Disney Fan Worries About (But Totally Shouldn’t)

Disney’s Riviera Resort

But, instead of feeling excited, you might be spending more time worrying about things you could forget or what may go wrong during your trip! Whether you’ve gone to Disney once or ten times, it’s totally normal to get those pre-trip jitters.

However, we’re here to tell you about things that you don’t have to worry about the next time you go to Disney World (so you can get to relaxing even more quickly!).

Getting Sick in the Happiest Place on Earth

No matter how much we hope we won’t catch a cold in Disney World, sometimes it just happens (even though it’s a massive bummer when you want to ride Toy Story Mania three times in a row).

What Every Disney Fan Worries About (But Totally Shouldn’t)

Toy Story Mania

Although it can be frustrating when you or a family member gets sick while at the Most Magical Place on Earth, there are still ways to get around feeling ill during your vacation.

Motion Sickness

If you know that you are prone to nausea or lightheadedness after riding attractions, be sure to pack some Bonine or Dramamine with you before you head into the parks. Trust us — it can be a life-saver for the days you feel extra adventurous and ride Tower and Terror and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster back-to-back!

What Every Disney Fan Worries About (But Totally Shouldn’t)

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster

If you take Bonine earlier in the day, it will probably help relieve some of that motion sickness so you can enjoy more in the parks.

Dehydration

After you’ve spent an entire day in Magic Kingdom in that boiling Florida sun walking 10,000 steps and then some, hydration is KEY to surviving in Disney World. But, when you’re running from Space Mountain to sit on Main Street for the Festival of Fantasy Parade, dehydration can creep up on you quickly if you’re not drinking enough water.

What Every Disney Fan Worries About (But Totally Shouldn’t)

Festival of Fantasy

While we recommend to always have a hydrating drink with you, First Aid Stations are available around the parks if you feel faint or dehydrated. The Cast Members will give you a place to cool off for a bit and sports drink to rehydrate before you go back to pound the Disney World pavement.

What Every Disney Fan Worries About (But Totally Shouldn’t)

Blizzard Beach First Aid

You can find where the nearest First Aid Station is located in each park by using the My Disney Experience app!

Medication Delivery

There’s no sure-fire way to get rid of a cold or the flu ASAP in Disney World, but you CAN have prescription medication delivered to your resort directly or to the First Aid Stations in each park to help curb your symptoms. Remember, if you have a contagious illness, it’s best to wait it out in your room!

What Every Disney Fan Worries About (But Totally Shouldn’t)

Gift Shop Medicine

Gift shops in the parks and resorts also keep a stock of different pain relief, stomach relief, allergy, and cold medications that you can pick up.

Although we’d all like to see and do everything we can in Disney World, one of the best ways to get better is to rest. It’s more important to take care of yourself so you can conquer a new day all rejuvenated and ready to go instead of pushing yourself too hard (and possibly making yourself feel worse).

What Every Disney Fan Worries About (But Totally Shouldn’t)

Mickey Waffles in Bed!

Note: since room service won’t initially be available when the parks reopen, make sure you have a few packaged items in your room just in case you need to spend a day inside!

Packing Every Little Thing You’ll Need

If you’re like us, you might be guilty of waiting until the last minute to pack (like the morning of your vacation sometimes). But, even if you plan and pack way ahead of time, leaving something important behind is a fear for many travelers.

What Every Disney Fan Worries About (But Totally Shouldn’t)

Ears Section of World of Disney

While you may not want to forget the essentials, packing for Disney World doesn’t have to be a daunting thing. After all, you’re going on VACATION, friends!! If you’re not sure what to bring or you don’t want to leave something behind, follow along with the ultimate Disney packing list as you get everything together.

What Every Disney Fan Worries About (But Totally Shouldn’t)

Rose Gold Suitcases

Although we all feel like we might need to pack 20 pairs of socks or eight pairs of shoes, there’s no need to overpack for your trip. If you leave something behind, you can always pop into a gift shop to pick up an extra pair of sunglasses or a new water bottle! (We don’t need to be told twice to go on a Disney World shopping spree! )

What Every Disney Fan Worries About (But Totally Shouldn’t)

Dapper Day Sunglasses

Note there are a few things banned in the parks, so leave items like selfie sticks and toy weapons behind. Who wants to go through the hassle of bringing something they won’t be able to use in the parks, anyways?

Plus, you can leave bulky items like pool towels and hairdryers behind since your Disney resort will provide them to you at no additional cost.

What Every Disney Fan Worries About (But Totally Shouldn’t)

Pool Towels

You can also cut down on the amount you take with you by shipping things directly to your resort. The Disney resorts allow you to have anything from packages to groceries delivered right to your Disney resort.

What Every Disney Fan Worries About (But Totally Shouldn’t)

Art of Animation Lobby

Even if your kid will only eat a certain kind of granola bar or you need enough diapers for two toddlers, you don’t have to worry about packing them. Get just what you need for the length of your trip delivered to your hotel instead of cramming it all in your already-full suitcases!

What Every Disney Fan Worries About (But Totally Shouldn’t)

Wilderness Lodge Lobby

Need even MORE packing advice? Watch our Ultimate Packing List video here!!

The “Perfect” Vacation

This is a big one, folks — things go wrong on vacations all the time. We can’t predict when our kids will have meltdowns or when you’ll be late for an Advance Dining Reservation. It’s important to roll with the flow when you’re in Disney World without freaking out if something doesn’t go exactly to plan.

What Every Disney Fan Worries About (But Totally Shouldn’t)

Rise of the Resistance

Since there are plenty of unexpected factors that can’t be planned around, your plans could always change, depending on what is happening that day. If something DOES go wrong, though, Cast Members are there to help you fix things like dining reservations, ticket mishaps, and more. (Hey, you might even get lucky and snag one of those No Strings Attached Passes!)

What Every Disney Fan Worries About (But Totally Shouldn’t)

Pinocchio Pass

Besides, everyone in your party will not have the same definition of a “perfect” vacation. Your grandmother may just want to chill at one of the restaurants, while your kiddos could love doing all the character meet-and-greets. You may be the person who can hop on every attraction and stay in the parks from rope drop until closing, but someone else with you might REALLY need that afternoon nap.

What Every Disney Fan Worries About (But Totally Shouldn’t)

Rope Drop

You’ll have to consider what everybody you’re with wants to do to make sure everyone has a magical vacation.

What Every Disney Fan Worries About (But Totally Shouldn’t)

Disney World

It’s all about compromise, folks! Even if you DON’T want to watch PhilharMagic for the hundredth time, your family member could consider it one of the best parts of their vacation. Keep everyone’s opinions in mind and make time for each person’s favorites.

Not Finding a Good Spot for the Fireworks or Parades

You know the spiel where you “HAVE” to look for a spot at LEAST thirty minutes or more before the parade or fireworks start, or you won’t have a good place to watch them? If you’re looking for a very specific spot right in front of Cinderella Castle, this might be true. But, for the most part, you can still enjoy that Disney magic without sacrificing your time in the parks.

What Every Disney Fan Worries About (But Totally Shouldn’t)

Happily Ever After

Now, when the parks reopen, there won’t even BE any fireworks or parades, so BAM — problem solved.  But once the parades and fireworks come back (and we know they will!), here are a few great tips to create a little more zen for you as you plan.

What Every Disney Fan Worries About (But Totally Shouldn’t)

Fireworks will be canceled temporarily in Disney World, but they’ll be back!

We’ve found a few spots that are GREAT for fireworks viewings that most people don’t hang around during the show! These spots are best for folks who’ve seen the shows at least once before and already had the full experience. Although you might not be able to fully watch the projections, you can get a one-of-a-kind view of the fireworks in each park that offers them in places like Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the entrance to Tomorrowland, and next to the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.

Part of the fun of Disney vacations is trying new things, so maybe you can find a NEW favorite spot to watch the fireworks the next time you’re in Disney World!

Parades are a teensy bit different than the fireworks, however, since you can’t always find a spot to stand or sit if it’s crowded.

What Every Disney Fan Worries About (But Totally Shouldn’t)

Festival of Fantasy

In general in Magic Kingdom, the very start or very end of the parade route is typically the easiest to get a close view last minute. But even if you happen to find a last-minute place standing next to a trash can or at the very end of Main Street, the parade is still just as enjoyable. You can take in all the floats, dancers, costumes, and music from wherever you’re at as the show passes by you (don’t forget to wave to Mickey!).

What Every Disney Fan Worries About (But Totally Shouldn’t)

Mickey Mouse

However, if you’re willing to shell out some extra cash for an extra great place to watch a show, there are multiple dining packages in the parks that will give you a VIP viewing section. You can snack on some desserts as you watch Happily Ever After, feast on a great lunch before Festival of Fantasy, or have a nice dinner with your family before watching Fantasmic!

What Every Disney Fan Worries About (But Totally Shouldn’t)

Happily Ever After…Now With Alcohol!

Disney Resorts even offer some great fireworks viewing locations, like Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and Disney’s Riviera Resort! Dinner and a show sound like a great evening, right??

Although we totally understand the stress of worrying about things that could go wrong during your vacation after all that planning, take a deep breath and ENJOY it! You still get to go to the Most Magical Place on Earth with your family. So, if you’re feeling worried, remember a very important lesson from Timon and Pumbaa — hakuna matata, friends!

For more great tips and solutions to problems…

What are some of the things you worry about the most before your Disney World vacation? Let us know in the comments below!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Disney Entertainment, disney parks, disney resorts, Featured, Walt Disney World, Disney, disney attractions, Disney fireworks, disney news, disney parades, disney planning, disney rides, Disney Tips, Disney World, Packing List, resort delivery

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Disney News Disney Parks

NEWS! Disneyland Announces That Certain Entertainment Will Be Suspended Upon Reopening

As of today, Disneyland has proposed a plan for reopening!

NEWS! Disneyland Announces That Certain Entertainment Will Be Suspended Upon Reopening

Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle

Several days ago, we reported that signs indicated that Disneyland might reopen in July. And our suspicions were confirmed today when Disneyland proposed a reopening date of July 17th for both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure!

As with the reopening plan for Disney World, there will be a number of new health and safety measures implemented when the parks begin to welcome back guests.

NEWS! Disneyland Announces That Certain Entertainment Will Be Suspended Upon Reopening

©Disney

As part of the new health and safety measures, experiences that draw large group gatherings like parades and nighttime spectaculars will be temporarily suspended. These performances will return at a later date, although an exact timeline has not been determined. This mirrors what we’ve seen announced for Disney World. 

NEWS! Disneyland Announces That Certain Entertainment Will Be Suspended Upon Reopening

Coco Float in Magic Happens Parade in Disneyland

Character meet-and-greets will also be temporarily unavailable, although according to Disney, the characters will be in the parks, “in new ways to entertain and delight guests.”

NEWS! Disneyland Announces That Certain Entertainment Will Be Suspended Upon Reopening

Mickey Mouse

The Disneyland reopening plan needs to be approved by the state and local governments before it is finalized, so we’ll continue to keep an eye out for any updates!

Do you plan on visiting Disneyland when it reopens? Let us know in the comments!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: disney california adventure, disney parks, Disneyland, Disneyland Column, Disneyland Resort, Featured, Character Meet and Greet, Character meet and greets, disney parades, disneyland parade, disneyland reopen, Disneyland reopening, nighttime spectacular, no parades

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Disney Parks Other

We Asked Our Readers: What Will It Take For You to Feel Safe Visiting Disney World Again? Here’s What They Said.

We wanted to know what safety measures our readers want to see Disney World implement when the parks reopen!

Animal Kingdom Entrance

While all of the Disney World parks remain closed until further notice, the resort has taken its first step towards reopening with Disney Springs starting a phased reopening on May 20th. This comes on the heels of the reopening of Shanghai Disneyland on May 11th, which made it the first Disney park to resume operations worldwide.

Both of these reopenings have included safety measures such as required face coverings for guests and Cast Members, social distancing protocols, and increased sanitization. So, now that things are beginning to reopen, we wanted to check in with our readers to see what health and safety measures they would like to see implemented in the parks at Disney World. Here are the results!

Now that we’ve seen the new health and safety protocols in action in Shanghai Disneyland and at Disney Springs, we have a better idea of what we might be able to expect in the domestic parks. So, since Disney has started to reopen its properties, we wanted to check in with our readers to get their thoughts. We reached out to our followers on Instagram to ask whether they think certain steps should be taken when Disney World reopens — let’s take a look at the responses!

Required Temperature Checks for Guests

To kick things off, we asked our followers whether or not they think temperature checks should be required for guests when the parks reopen. The overall response for temperature checks was positive — 77% said yes, and 23% said no.

Hollywood Studios

Temperature checks have been a common measure among other reopenings — they’re required at Shanghai Disneyland, Disney Springs, and Universal Orlando CityWalk. Overall, our readers said they would like to see this continue when the Disney World parks reopen as well.

Click here to learn more about the health and safety protocols implemented for the reopening of Disney Springs

Required Face Coverings for Guests

Next, we asked our followers whether they’re in favor of required face coverings for guests. This also received a favorable response — 68% said yes, and 32% said no.

Disney-themed Cloth Face Masks ©Disney

So, even though this measure received a slightly less positive response than temperature screenings, it was still favored overall, with two-thirds of the respondents in for the use of masks.

Learn more about our experience wearing a mask in Disney Springs here.

Limited Capacity in the Parks

In order to promote social distancing, many businesses that have reopened are limiting their capacity. In fact, the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force suggested that theme parks operate at no more than 50% capacity during Phase 1 in their reopening guidelines. And it seems that our readers are very much in favor of Disney limiting capacity in the theme parks — 91% said yes, and 9% said no.

Main Street, U.S.A

Of the ten questions we asked, this one received the most positive response.

Click here to learn more about the theme park reopening guidelines provided by the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force

Required Reservations to Get Into the Parks

In order to get ahead of potential bottlenecks and crowds, Shanghai Disneyland required that all tickets be purchased in advance for specific entry dates. Guests had to sign up for the specific date they planned to attend, as no walk-up tickets are available. Overall, our readers are in favor of reservations being required to get into the parks — 78% said yes, and 22% said no. 

Walt Disney World

If Disney World requires guests to pre-register for entry into the park, that would reduce the chance of guests being turned away at the gate if capacity is reached. Universal, which is opening June 5th will not implement a reservation system.

Here’s what Disney CEO Bob Chapek said about the reopening of Shanghai Disneyland

Social Distancing of Six Feet Required in Queues

This is another measure we’ve seen implemented in Shanghai Disneyland. They’ve placed markers in queues to indicate the proper separation between parties. Our readers are also largely in favor of six feet of distancing being required in queues — 81% said yes, and 19% said no.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom

While this would largely require guests to self-regulate, we received a pretty resounding “yes” from our readers on the social distancing measure!

Check out photos from the reopening day of Shanghai Disneyland!

Staggered and Distanced Seating on Attractions

Another policy being which is being implemented by theme parks like Universal is staggering seating on attractions. Essentially, with this procedure, alternating rows or seats are left empty in order to allow space between guests. And it looks like people were in the same boat here as with distanced queues — 81% said yes and 19% said no.

Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway Ride Vehicle

As with other social distancing procedures we polled our readers on, this potential policy received an overall positive response!

We drove around an empty Disney World. Here’s what it looked like!

Distanced Seating and Reduced Capacity in Restaurants

Many restaurants reopening across the country have required reduced capacity and social distancing. In fact, this is another element that was addressed by the Orange County Economic Task Force who suggested that restaurants reopen with 50% capacity during Phase 1. Reduced restaurant capacity and distanced seating is yet another precaution our readers would like extended to the parks — 89% said yes, and 11% said no.

Be Our Guest Restaurant

As a whole, the potential safety measures related to social distancing and reduced capacity were the most popular among our readers.

Click here to see which restaurants in Disney Springs were reopened in the first phase on May 20th

Ride Vehicles Disinfected After Every Guest

Another hot topic of discussion has been increased sanitization procedures. We asked our readers if they think that Cast Members should disinfect ride vehicles after every guest80% said yes, and 20% said no.

Rise of the Resistance Ride Vehicle

While Disney said that the reopening of Disney Springs includes “increased cleaning procedures,” there’s no official word yet on how this will translate to the Disney theme parks.

We asked our readers if they’re still planning a trip to Disney World in 2020. Here’s what they said.

Hotel Rooms Left Empty for 24 Hours Between Guests

We also wanted to see what our readers thought about hotel rooms being left empty for 24 hours between guests. And almost three-fourths were on board with this idea — 72% said no, and 28% said yes.

Animal Kingdom Lodge Room

So, while this wasn’t quite as overwhelming of a “yes” as the social distancing measures, overall people seem to be in favor.

Have you seen the recently renovated rooms at Animal Kingdom Lodge?

Character Meet and Greets Halted

This was an opinion on which our readers were much more divided. When asked if they think character meet and greets should be suspended — 52% said yes, and 48% said no.

Snow White

So this one was almost an even split! Since this was the first measure we asked which would involve something being completely removed instead of just changed, we weren’t too surprised to see this receive a less favorable response.

Check out our rankings of all the Mickey Mouse character meals!

Large Gathering Shows Like Fireworks and Parades Halted

Entertainment that draws a large crowd, like fireworks and parades, has caused particular concern given the difficulty of maintaining social distance with so many people. Shanghai Disneyland has put a stop to parades and fireworks for the time being, so it’s possible Disney World could do the same. We wanted to round out our list by asking our readers if they think large gathering shows like fireworks and parades should be halted. And while it was close to an even split, this is the only question that received an overall negative response48% said yes, and 52% said no.

Happily Ever After Fireworks

So again, even though the responses were almost half and half, this was the least popular potential safety measure among our readers!

So, while there were a few potential health protocols that our readers weren’t as jazzed about, overall, people were on board with most of the procedures we mentioned. And social distancing in queues, restaurants, and attractions was an overwhelmingly popular concept! We’ll have to see when Disney announces their own reopening plan what measures are announced with it!

Disney surveyed guests about upcoming visits. Here’s what they asked!

Which of these potential health and safety measures are you in favor of? Let us know in the comments!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Character Dining, disney parks, disney resorts, Featured, Table-Service, Walt Disney World, Character Meet and Greet, Cleanliness, disney hotel room, disney parades, disney world closure, disney world fireworks, face coverings, face masks, health and safety measures, sanitation, sanitizing, social distance, social distancing, social distancing in the parks, temperature checks, temperature screening, temperature screenings