Categories
Disney Guides Disney Parks Disney Vacations

Disney World Trip Packing in the Time of Coronavirus

Universal Orlando is now open to the public, and Walt Disney World will be reopening in a few weeks. This means that some of you will soon start PACKING for vacation!

TouringPlans has run approximately eleventy-billion posts about WDW trip packing over the years. A greatest hits list of them might include:

Now that we’re living in the COVID-19 era, there may be a few tweaks you want to make to your usual packing routine.

MASKS

Disney will require that all guests wear face coverings in the parks. That’s a non-negotiable given. It’s also a given that it’s summer and Florida, so the weather will inevitably be hot, hot, hot. Keep that in mind as you decide what type of mask to bring with you on vacation.

I’ve purchased half a dozen styles, from disposables sold at my local supermarket, to heavy multi-layered multi-filtered washables bought from Etsy. As much as possible, you should try to experiment with a variety of masks BEFORE you show up on vacation. They’re not all stifling and uncomfortable. Think about:

  • Will this provide protection to me and those around me?
  • Is the fit secure? Will I constantly be worried about this falling off while I’m walking around or on a ride? Is there something I can do to adjust the fit? (It could be particularly fun to use a monkey to adjust your mask in Toy Story Land.)
  • How does the paper/fabric feel next to my skin?
  • Can a take a deep breath while wearing this mask? How does it feel when I’m slightly exerted, like walking around my neighborhood?
  • With disposable masks, what is my environment impact? Is it worth it to avoid washing masks during my vacation?
  • With reusable masks, how will I care for it or clean it during my vacation?
  • Do I have enough masks with me if one becomes soiled due to food spills or sweat?
  • Will my mask withstand the inevitable Florida summer downpours? Do I have replacements for a wet mask?
  • Do I care about the aesthetics of my mask? Do I want it to match my attire?
  • Have I evaluated the mask situation for my kids? Have we practiced at home and do they understand that mask wearing in the parks is non-negotiable?
  • If I’m planning to buy Disney-branded masks on site, do I have a back-up plan if I find them uncomfortable or otherwise bothersome?

SUNSCREEN

Sunscreen is almost always a must at Walt Disney World. When you’re wearing a mask, you’ll want to be extra attentive to sunscreen application on your face lest you end up with some really wacky tan lines. Be sure you bring one that works for you with frequent application.

HAND SANTIZER

Yes, you should absolutely wash your hands thoroughly many times throughout the day. Yes, cast members will increase their sanitation of attractions and high-touch surfaces. Yes, there will be hand sanitizer stations located throughout the parks and resorts. Nevertheless, you probably want to keep at least a small amount of hand sanitizer with you at all times, just in case.

Bear in mind that TSA has now changed the rules about quantities of sanitizer that are allowed to be carried onto airplanes.

As you decide what form of sanitizer to have with you (liquid, spray, wipes), consider whether you’re a no-bags-in the park person or be-prepared-for-anything person and whether your choice of sanitizer will be impacted by that.

WATER BOTTLES

Proper hydration is essential and many folks bring reusable water bottles for environment reasons. Normally this is fantastic, but if you’re in a higher-risk group you may want to consider how you’re going to refill your bottle. Will you feel comfortable having your bottle close to taps that may have been touched by many people?

SMALL DIVERSIONS

Given the reduced park hours, you may be spending more time at your hotel than you would during a typical Disney vacation. Will you need to bring any items to help fill your down time? A deck of cards, a small board game, an extra novel, etc.?

HOW MUCH CLOTHING TO BRING

Some guests pack minimally, planning to do laundry while at Walt Disney World. The COVID factor may change your laundry strategy. If you think you’ll have more time on hand to do chores like washing clothes (because of less time in the parks), then you may decide to pack less overall. On the other hand, if you’d rather avoid enclosed spaces like public laundry rooms, then you may want to bring more clothes and skip doing laundry on this trip.

PAYMENT METHODS

Prior to your trip, you may want to check whether your credit cards have a no-contact payment feature. If one does, that may be the one you choose to use for this trip (to help you avoid touching card readers). Apple Pay is another good option for this.

Do you have any thoughts on packing for a post-COVID Disney vacation? Is there anything new you’re planning to bring? Is there anything you used to bring that you won’t take this time? Let us know!

The post Disney World Trip Packing in the Time of Coronavirus appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: Trip Planning, Walt Disney World (FL), coronavirus, packing

Categories
Disney Parks Other

Going to Disney World in March? Here’s What You Need To Know.

Planning a trip to Disney World in March? We’ve got the details you need to maximize the magic on your vacation!

Walt Disney World’s Epcot

You can make memories on a Disney World vacation that will last a lifetime! But how can you make sure that you’re looking back on happy memories instead of meltdowns? Well, by preparing for your trip! And Disney World planning can vary A LOT depending on what time of year you plan to travel. Here are the deets you need to make your March vacation magical!

Crowds at Disney World in March

The month of March means Spring Break for many schools across the United States. And that also means more crowds! Since Spring Break schedules vary by school and year, the attendance can fluctuate day by day. But in general, you should prepare for moderate to heavy crowds throughout the month.

Main Street, U.S.A

There is somewhat of a silver lining here — since Spring Breaks are spread out, the crowds aren’t usually quite as crazy as the holiday season. But, if you’re used to traveling to Disney World in months like January, February, or September, prepare yourself for busier parks!

Traveling at a super-busy time? Check out our ultimate survival guide for the most crowded days in Disney World!

Park Hours at Disney World in March

We typically see pretty steady park hours throughout the month of March. Most of the parks will open at 8:00 or 9:00AM and close at 8:00 or 9:00PM.

Animal Kingdom Entrance

But, to help absorb the heavier Spring Break crowds, Magic Kingdom usually stays open a little later than the other parks. Magic Kingdom tends to close at 10:00 or 11:00PM in March.

Looking for late-night fun in Disney World? Check out our guide to the Villains After Hours Events in Magic Kingdom!

Weather at Disney World in March

Most people will find the weather pretty pleasant during this time of year! In March, the average high temperature is 79 degrees and the average low temperature is 57 degrees.

Toy Story Land

There are an average of 5 rainy days throughout the month, which means March is usually much drier than the summer months in Disney World! So, if you’re looking for warm temperatures without scorching heat while avoiding the infamous Florida storms, March could be your lucky month!

Planning your Disney World trip? Here are seven things you’re probably forgetting!

How to Pack for Disney World in March

The afternoons in March can get pretty warm, but you still might have some chilly mornings and evenings at the parks! So, make sure you pack layers that you can wear out in the morning and store in your park bag when it starts to heat up. Trust us, having a sweatshirt, hat, (and if you get really chilly) a scarf, and gloves will go a long way!

Belle of The Ball Bronze

On the other hand, since the weather does start to warm up mid-day, don’t forget to pack your swimsuit if you plan to take advantage of your hotel pool!

Are you choosing the right Disney World hotel?? Here are our tips to point you in the right direction!

Annual Ride Refurbishments

This is an important thing to keep an eye out for, especially if you’re a huge fan of water attractions! Both Splash Mountain in Magic Kingdom and Kali River Rapids in Disney’s Animal Kingdom usually go down for annual maintenance in early January. They typically reopen by early or mid-March, but be sure to check the refurbishment schedule on the Disney World park calendar for the exact reopening dates, especially if you’re planning a trip for early in the month!

Splash Mountain refurbishment

And the same thing goes for the Disney World water parks! Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Disney’s Blizzard Beach undergo maintenance each winter, typically during different months, but work is typically finished around mid-March. If your family is big on the water parks, be sure to check on the refurbishment schedule when you first start planning!

What should you do when your Disney trip is a total FAILURE? Here are our tips for turning your vacay around!

Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival

One of the highlights of springtime in Disney World is the Epcot International Flower and Garden FestivalThis festival typically kicks off in early March and runs through late-May or early-June. And we definitely suggest you check it out if it’s running during your visit!

Epcot Flower and Garden

There’s plenty to see and do at the festival. Of course, as its name suggests, there are plenty of beautiful blooms to take in! There are over twenty topiary displays throughout the park that feature some of our favorite Disney characters!

Topiaries

Plus, there are other gardens and displays throughout the park, including a bamboo garden, butterfly garden, floating gardens, and more!

Butterfly House

And it wouldn’t be an Epcot festival without FOOD! There are Outdoor Kitchens set up around the Promenade and World Showcase that feature delicious food and beverage options. A few of our favorites from previous years include the Violet Lemonade, Local Wildflower Honey-Mascarpone Cheesecake, and Salmon Flower Ikura!

Salmon Flower Ikura

Guests who want to dig a little deeper can also check out one of the extra-ticketed special events or tours! We’ve seen a Royal Tea Garden Tour, Gardens of the World Tour, Egg-Stravaganza Scavenger Huntand more!

Egg-stravaganza 2019

Plus, there’s a FREE entertainment option as well! The Garden Rocks Concert Series features three nightly performances that are included in the price of park admission. These events are popular though, so you’ll need to get there early to ensure you get a spot! Or, to secure your seat without the wait, you can opt for the Garden Rocks Dining Packagewhich includes dinner and guaranteed seating at the concert!

Rock out at the Garden Rocks concerts!

The Flower and Garden Festival is an all-around good time, with delicious food, exciting entertainment, and gorgeous topiaries and displays! It’s definitely a must-do for us when visiting Disney World in March!

Wondering what eats to get at Flower and Garden? Check out our Best of the Fest list from the 2020 festival!

March can be a great time to visit Disney World. We love wandering the Flower and Garden Festival and soaking in the warm afternoons by the pool! But, in order to really get the most out of the trip, you have to be prepared! Be aware of those Spring Break crowds and ride refurbishments and plan accordingly. Doing your homework now will help make your Disney World vacation all the more magical!

Want to learn more about the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival? Click here for all the details!

Are you planning a trip to Disney World in March? Let us know in the comments!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Animal Kingdom, disney parks, disney’s hollywood studios, Epcot, Featured, magic kingdom, Walt Disney World, 2020 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival, Blizzard Beach Refurbishment, disney world crowd, disney world crowd levels, Disney World Packing List, disney world park hours, disney world planning, disney world planning tips, Disney World weather, epcot international flower and garden festival, garden rocks concert, Garden Rocks Concert Series, Garden Rocks Dining Packages, kali river rapids, packing, Packing List, ride refurbish, splash mountain refurbishment, temperature, typhoon lagoon, weather