Thoughts at the End of Our Disney World Trip

Our flight home wasn’t until the afternoon. It was nice to have the time. We slept in a bit and then packed our bags. We checked out of our hotel and went to a nearby restaurant for breakfast. After breakfast we went to Disney Springs. We needed to stop by Goofy’s Candy Kitchen to pick up a few Disney treats for Alison’s sister. 

Then we drove to the airport and flew home. I have a few thoughts after visiting Disney World during a pandemic. 

This trip was everything we hoped it would be. We were able to ride all of the rides we wanted to ride and then some. Crowds were low to moderate throughout the park. Wait times were also low, particularly on the weekdays. Individual lines would get long at particular times, but it wasn’t to hard to manage and avoid waiting in line. The longest line we waited in was less than 30 minutes. I would caution that I don’t know how long this will hold true. Crowds are increasing, both due to promotions and the promise of low crowds. Disney is also increasing capacity. I think the best time to visit Disney World was probably a couple of weeks ago. If you are looking for updated planning advice read Tom Bricker’s Disney Tourist blog. He has fantastic information, particularly about Disney World. There is a distinct possibility we snuck this trip in before conditions really begin to become busier at the parks. 

One of the top considerations for visiting Disney World right now is that you have to wear a mask all the time, except when stationary, distanced and actively eating or drinking. This can be a challenge, especially in the heat and humidity. It is also very important. We would not have visited Disney World without the strictly enforced health and safety protocols. These protocols will not be around forever they are part of this temporary abnormal. Things will eventually return to a new normal that will look much more like life before the pandemic than it does now. We did a few things to make wearing a mask better. First, we bought comfortable masks. Alison did some research and found Athleta masks that received great reviews, particularly in the heat and humidity. They are excellent masks. One of their best features is that they are adjustable behind the ears so that even after wearing them all day my ears did not hurt. I have also found I like to carry mints right now - chewing gum in a mask can feel funny. Breathe mints keep my breathe fresh and cool, which can be refreshing on a hot day. Overall wearing a mask all day, both inside and out, was not as bad as I thought it would be. I would prefer not to wear a mask,  but I am willing to do it during this temporary abnormal. 

Disney excels at crowd management. They put that expertise to good use in social distancing guests around the park. Using markers, cast members, signage and announcements they pull it off. We had at most fleeting encounters with people outside our party. Honestly the riskiest activity of our trip was eating in restaurants. Really only one restaurant felt a little uncomfortable with their spacing. Disney has a lot riding in their ability to open safely and they do a exceptional job. 

While we have been in Florida we have watched in dismay as COVID case numbers in Utah have increased at an alarming pace. It is disappointing. We were planning to go to Chicago next weekend to visit Alison’s brother Bret,  but because of increased transmission Chicago added Utah to the list of states that are required to quarantine before visiting. We had to cancel the trip. It is disappointing that Utah does not do more to fight the pandemic. 

The increase in Utah is in strong contrast to Florida which has seen steady improvement. I can’t help but think about how I feel safer going to Disney World than I do in going out in my home state. We are much more cautious in Utah because people don't seem to be willing to take precautions seriously (wear a mask, social distance). We have learned a lot about COVID and what really doesn’t help is refusing to wear a mask or social distance. These actions along with frequent and thorough hand washing slow the spread of COVID. Life can move forward right now, but modifications are going to be required in the near term. The sooner we embrace this temporary abnormal and act accordingly the safer we will all be. 

Our flight into Utah was eventful. There were strong winds on the approach to land the plane that led to severe turbulence. The pilot actually aborted his first landing attempt and tried again. The turbulence was quite startling. Alison said it was the worst turbulence she has ever experienced flying into Salt Lake and she has flown into Salt Lake a lot. 

We flew into the new SLC airport. It is really a nice airport. Huge improvement over the old one, even though we loved the old one. It feels so much more open and there is lots of natural light. There is new artwork and new restaurants (yay for Shake Shack and Panera). We are excited for a lot of future memories of travel in and out of this new airport.