With the news of additional reduced Park hours hitting the internet, many have been questioning if they should cancel their next trip. With the Parks opening later and closing earlier than we’re used to, are you still getting their money’s worth?
During the pandemic, the Disney Parks have already been operating with fewer hours than they usually do during the summer. Yet, starting September, 8, 2020, each of the 4 Theme Parks will be reducing their operating hours an additional 1 to 2 hours per day.
We’re used to seeing the Parks open fewer hours once the school year begins. But, combined with other factors like no meet and greets, parades, or night shows, Guests are afraid the magic will be gone. Or worse yet, they’ll feel like they didn’t get their money’s worth.
Low Crowd Levels
A lot of what makes something “worth it” depends on what you’re looking for. If you place value on the number of attractions you can ride on a single day, you’re not going to find a better time to go.
There are lots of changes in the Parks right now. But, the most noticeable change is the crowd level. You may seem some crowds in the morning. But, the rest of the day is practically nonexistent.
As you can see from the Park Pass Availability Calendar, Guests just aren’t going to the Parks right now.
Many feared that reduced Park hours, lower capacity, and required Park Passes would mean that getting into the Parks would become extremely difficult. But, it hasn’t been an issue for Guests without Annual Passes.
Aside from a few random days at Hollywood Studios, even with the reduced Park capacity, there are plenty of Park Passes for everyone.
Although you have fewer hours in the Parks, the lack of crowds are showing to be a huge advantage as to how many attractions you’re getting on during the day.
Character Cavalcades
Are character cavalcades as magical as the Disney Parades? Of course not. But, Character Cavalcades are a great alternative.
Parades draw large crowds, which is why they’re temporarily cancelled. But, a big part of your Disney vacation are those characters. So, Disney found a way to bring them to the Parks without drawing large crowds.
Character Cavalcades are short. They’re usually just 1 float, boat, or car. And you won’t find these Character Cavalcades listed on the My Disney Experience App or any Park Maps. So, catching one is simply being in the right place at the right time.
Since no one knows when one will pop up, you’re more likely to catch their attention. Imagine the awesome photos you’ll get.
Plenty of Personal Space
Let’s get real for a minute. As much as I adore the Disney Parks, one of my biggest complaints has always been how they cram people into every nook and cranny. When I’m hot and sweaty, the last thing I want is a bunch of strangers pressed up against me. I need my space!
But, that’s all changed.
With new rules in place, Cast Members are making sure that every group has plenty of space to themselves, including attractions, queues, and Disney transportation.
Plexiglass has been installed in queues and even on some attractions. If plexiglass isn’t a safe option, other arrangements have been made. Guests are getting private vehicles or are seeing many rows in between you and the next group of people.
On Disney transportation, bus drivers are assigning seats to Guests, based on the number of people in your group. And everyone has also been getting their own Disney Skyliner or Monorail car to themselves.
I know this won’t last forever. So, for now, I plan on enjoying every inch of personal space I can get.
Easier Planning
A huge reason that clients ask for my help is because planning a Walt Disney World vacation is overwhelming and frustrating. There’s so much to do and see. It’s hard to know where to start.
Although we’ve been seeing those reduced Park hours, and a lot of other changes, there’s also a huge positive emerging from all of this. Guests are enjoying not having to worry about FastPasses or wondering where they’re going to eat 6 months in advance. Combine that with low crowd levels and you basically have the makings of the perfect Disney vacation.
This means that despite the pandemic, I’ve actually seen in increase in business these past couple months. Crazy, I know!
Of course, we can’t wait for the the day we get our parades, fireworks, meet and greets, and nighttime spectaculars back. But, the magic hasn’t gone anywhere.
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