Disneyworld During Covid
Most importantly remember that you must make reservations to visit the park right now. They are only allowing so many people at each park each day due to capacity rules, so make sure you plan in advance. This goes for Character Dining as well. I have separated the rest of this article into splurge/saves. Disney is an expensive place to visit but here are some of the ways I have found to make it cheaper.
Stay-
Save
I don't think staying at the Disney Resorts and Hotels is worth the money right now. They seem to be struggling with getting enough buses back up and working, so expect long delays to get to the parks from your hotel. The resorts aren't fully open yet as far as restaurants and even pools, so you are limited in your dining options. You have no choice but to eat the horrible and expensive food on property, take a tram or walk to Disney Springs or rent a car. I was disappointed that so much was still shut down and that at the resort we couldn't even order pizza.
Better Choice
My favorite hotel near Disney is the Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace. It has a fantastic pool, a humongous lazy river with tubes for the kids, transportation to all four Disney Parks daily, and fabulous amenities (gym, food to go). The sky-bridge connects it to Disney Springs.
Splurge
If you want your kids to get to see Characters up close, Character Dining is the only way to go. Mickey will still be six feet away, but it is the closest you will get to him or any of his friends during Covid. The food is still not the best, and it is way overpriced, but it is indoor with air conditioning, and the kids get to see six characters.
Save
Bring your own snacks and hydro flasks. Waters are five dollars a bottle, and you won't find any food for under that. I packed a whole suitcase of snacks and filled my backpack every morning. If you are staying somewhere with a kitchen, making sandwiches and stocking up on snacks will save you so much money. The food lines were sometimes as bad as the ride lines, so it is nice to have it with you and eat on the go.
Splurge
Disney takes the mask rule seriously, so you want one that can withstand the heat of wearing it all day. Splurge on an expensive breathable mask or a box of disposable masks.
Expect a lot more walking. With the six feet of space between families in lines, the line goes on for miles (literally). Good shoes, sunscreen, phone chargers, and battery packs, and sweatshirts are all necessities.
Even though the world's happiest place was a little odd with masks, it was still a fantastic trip. I hope you have a blast. I heard Disney in California is opening soon!
Comment any Questions!
XOXO, Julia