You’re probably used to seeking our advice when it comes to avoiding some common mistakes people make on their Disney World vacations (as well as what you should definitely PIG OUT on in and around the parks)!
But over the last few weeks, as we’ve watched Shanghai Disneyland slowly start its phased reopening, we’ve realized there is a slew of new issues heading our way when the Disney parks open back up again here in the States!
Besides ways to save money and where to find a decent poutine for the french fry-obsessed, have you thought about all of the new challenges you’ll face at Disney World and Disneyland when the parks reopen? We’ve thought of four MAJOR problems we’re betting our Corn Dog Nuggets that many of you guys will encounter when going back to the parks — but don’t worry! We’ve also figured out (almost) the “perfect” solutions for them too!
Problem:
Kids Touch EVERYTHING
We know your kids have to literally touch EVERYTHING they see — because that’s exactly how our kids are!
It’s like they can’t believe it’s real or something until they grab it, try to hang from it, or worst of all, want to put it in their MOUTHS! (Show of hands, how many of us parents are guilty of telling our kids to NOT put their mouths on a Disney handrail?! Yuck.)
Solution:
Real Talk
While some of you may be used to sitting down with your kids before heading to Disney World to explain a few rules, we think it’s going to be more important than ever to establish some guidelines at home prior to arriving at the parks.
Whether your kids are fully aware of the global health crisis or not, you’ll want to tell them how this will impact your visit to Disney World. This means abiding by the rules and guidelines Disney World will be implementing upon the parks’ reopening such as wearing face masks at all times, social distancing from other guests, and limiting their contact with frequently-touched surfaces. Explain the importance of following the rules so they can still have a good time.
Problem:
Your Mask Gets Wet on a Ride or In the Rain
It’s QUITE common to get soaked in a rogue thunderstorm or splashed on a water ride at Disney World, but instead of drenched clingy clothes, how much of a bummer is it going to be to try breathing through a soggy wet face mask?
We’re thinking it’s going to be a pretty big one!
Solution:
Bring a Spare Face Mask For Everyone in Your Day Bag
We’re thinking everyone in our group is going to need a least one back-up face mask — just in case! You never know what could happen. And instead of trying to dry a soaked mask under a hand dryer at the parks, we’d just rather swap it out with a dry one instead!
Then when you get back to your room, you can go over it with the hairdryer you’ll find in your bathroom at most of the Disney World resorts!
If you don’t have enough face masks to wear a new one each day AND have a back-up, it’s a good idea to bring some laundry detergent so you can handwash them in the sink and then line-dry them over your bathtub overnight! Most of the Disney World resorts have a retractable clothesline in their tubs for drying bathing suits and the like!
Check out the BEST masks to wear in the summer here!!
Problem:
You Blew Through Your Week’s Worth of Hand Sanitizer in Two Days
We all know you can only transport so much liquid with you in a carry-on bag when you fly to Disney World — and you might not want to put a huge bottle of hand sanitizer in your suitcase, should it choose to explode mid-travel all over your clothes (yuck).
But now that you’ve already used up all of your hand sanitizer and you still have several days left in your vacay, what should you do?
Solution:
Disney World Has Got You Covered
Luckily, the Disney parks have got your back! Before they closed, Disneyland and Disney World installed several new hand sanitizing locations, especially around restaurants and restroom areas before they closed. Handwash stations and copious amounts of hand sanitizer can currently be found around Disney Springs as well.
The Disney parks also provide free hand sanitizer to guests and Cast Members at several counters and kiosks at the parks and resorts, while the gift shops have been selling travel-sized bottles of hand sanitizer for as long as we can remember!
That’s why we’ll still toss a few travel bottles of hand sanitizer in our bag, but if we run out, we’re not too worried. Besides, now that we’ve seen Universal Orlando reopen, we know they are selling hand sanitizer and face masks, so it’s possible that the Disney Parks will also have a steady supply available for purchase.
Check out the new feature that was added to the My Disney Experience app shortly before the parks closed which helps guests locate nearby hand sanitizing stations here!
Problem:
People Are Standing Too Close To You
By now you’ve probably experienced this in a grocery store or a restaurant while waiting for your to-go order — someone getting a little close! And whether they realize it or not, they’re crowding you out of your six feet of buffer space!
In a place like Disney World where crowds are the name of the game, even with a limited capacity, what’s a rule-following Disney guest to do??
Solution:
Take a Step Back
We don’t like to be confrontational since most people don’t seem to realize they’re standing a little too close for our liking (sometimes social distancing markers are a little unclear or absent in some cases). In most situations, we try to put a little more space between ourselves and them if and whenever possible before saying something.
But if we’re in a situation where we can’t step back and space ourselves out more, then we kindly ask those around us if we could have a little elbow room. Its also helpful to flag down a Cast Member and let them know if more social distancing markers are needed since sometimes there aren’t enough!
In situations where a guest won’t comply with the rules and step back, be sure to let a Cast Member know so they can help speak with the guest.
Learn more about decoding Disney Springs’ social distancing markers here!
Well, friends, we hope we’ve helped you solve these four very important matters so that when they happen to you, you’ll know exactly what to do!
What are some new problems you think you might run into when the Disney parks reopen? Let us know in the comments below!