72 Hours in Walt Disney World During a Pandemic

There’s so much at Walt Disney World that you can’t do it all. Four theme parks, two water parks, Disney Springs shopping district, resorts, shows, restaurants, spas, miniature golf?! ….WHEW! (Just starting to think about all of this made me tired.)

It can certainly be a bit of whirlwind, especially with everything going on right now, but don’t fret! I’m here to help all of you who, for whatever reason, only have a few days to spare at Walt Disney World.

Maybe you can only take so many days off of work for vacation, or maybe due to the pandemic you only want to spend a few days at Disney. No matter the reason, just because you only have a few Disney days doesn’t mean you have to skimp on the fun and magic!

Here’s a plan for three days jammed packed full of must-dos, must-sees, and just things you might want to consider checking out in your short time at Disney World.

Let’s discuss a quick tip before we get started: If you are able and willing (and budget allows), stay on Disney property at a Walt Disney World resort hotel. You will have easy access to their transportation system, which makes getting to the parks from where you are staying a lot easier and more convenient. You will also get access to their airport shuttle system, Magical Express, that goes to and from the Orlando airport to your Disney resort for FREE if you are flying. And let’s not forget to mention, there are many, many things you can take advantage of and do at your resort alone!

Alright, now that we got that out of the way, here’s a simple three-day plan.

Day 1

Photo courtesy of Disney.

 

  • 11:00 a.m.: Arrive at EPCOT. (Currently, EPCOT opens at 11:00 a.m., however if your travel date is later this fall, keep checking in the hopes that hours are extended.)
  • Starting your trip at EPCOT is such a good way to dip your toes into the world that is Disney, and it can work well with its late opening if you have an early morning flight in.
  • Popular/Must-Do Attractions — Test Track, Soarin’ Around the World, Frozen Ever After, Spaceship Earth, The Seas Nemo & Friends (don’t forget to allot time after the ride for the really cool and big aquarium!). For the best order for attractions, make sure to use a Touring Plan.
  • Popular Quick Service Restaurants — Sunshine Seasons (Future World, Land Pavilion), La Cantina de San Angel (Mexico Pavilion), Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie (France Pavilion). Also, during the next few months, check out the Taste of EPCOT Food and Wine Festival for quick bites.
  • Popular Table Service Restaurants (possibly for a relaxing dinner) — Garden Grill (Land Pavilion),  Via Napoli (Italy Pavilion), Le Cellier Steakhouse (Canada Pavilion). If you have your heart set on a particular restaurant, make reservations in advance through the My Disney Experience app or Disney’s web site.

Day 2

  • 8:00 a.m.: Arrive at Animal Kingdom!
  • This is a great park to visit during the pandemic because it is pretty spread out, and there’s so much to do outdoors–in fact, there’s so much to do at any time. (It’s actually my favorite park…shhhh, don’t tell anyone.)
  • Popular/Must-Do Attractions — Avatar Flight of Passage, Na’vi River Journey, Kilimanjaro Safaris, Expedition Everest (for the thrill seekers!), Dinosaur
  • Popular Quick Service Restaurants — Satu’li Canteen, Yak & Yeti Local Foods Cafe, Flame Tree Barbecue
  • Popular Table Service Restaurants (possibly for a relaxing dinner, although keep in mind that Animal Kingdom closes at 6:00 p.m.) —  Tiffins, Yak & Yeti, Rainforest Cafe
  • TIP: Because Animal Kingdom closes early at 6:00 p.m., this is a great night to take in the sights, shopping, and dining at Disney Springs.

Day 3

Photo courtesy of Disney.
  • 9:00 a.m. Arrive at Magic Kingdom!
  • A lot of people like to end their trip at Magic Kingdom, and for a good reason: It is quintessential Disney. Everything you think of when you think of Disney World is wrapped up in the pretty little bow that is Magic Kingdom.
  • Popular/Must-Do Attractions — Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Peter Pan’s Flight, Space Mountain (for the thrill seekers out there),  Jungle Cruise, Haunted Mansion, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Pirates of the Caribbean. This is a park where a Touring Plan can save you the most time.
  • Popular Quick Service Restaurants — Be Our Guest (this restaurant is considered quick service for lunch!), Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe, Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Café
  • Popular Table Service Restaurants (possibly for a relaxing dinner, although keep in mind that Magic Kingdom closes at 7:00 p.m.) — Be Our Guest (this restaurant is a table service restaurant for dinner), Liberty Tree Tavern

Whether you have a week or just a few hours to spend at Disney World, you can still have the most magical time with the people you love the most! After all, that is what’s most important. Until next time!

TouringPlans is happy to welcome our newest writer, Mariah Street. Welcome to the blog! 

 

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