Best Practices!

[pianoronni37]

Good Afternoon!

My husband and I are super stoked for our 12 day trip (5 days at Boardwalk, 7 days at Polynesian!), but we are both high-risk and are interested in staying as safe as possible while in the Parks.

We head to Disney on January 17, will be there through January 27.

We were there in May 2021 right after vaccinations and we were there when they announced masks could be removed outside - we tore them off in celebration that the pandemic was over (what a place to celebrate)! Fast-forward to 2022 where the pandemic said "hold my beer" ....

What are some best practices you've discovered during your trip, while there is heightened visibility on the pandemic? We're both boosted, have ordered KN95 masks, have hand sanitizer, most of our meals will be outdoors (but not all, though we did cancel Boma, darn it!).

But is there anything you've done to feel more safe? Any tips and tricks?

I'm hoping this is allowed, as it's mostly policy related, but also, hoping to hear some positive stories from those folks who have been in the past month and come home in good health during heightened sensitivity times.

Thank you so much!

 

[Jennasis]

Wear your mask anytime you are in a non moving crowd indoors or outdoors. Attraction queue, quick serve food lines, parades or fireworks.

 

[igrsod]

We went at the end of December and were very careful, as we had to be negative to travel home to Canada.
We wore KN95 masks indoors and outdoors. We only took them off to eat (outdoors), or when we were outdoors with no one else around (mostly in the parking lot and around the resort OKW).
We brought hand sanitizer and used it constantly... every time we got off a ride etc. We were so aware of everything we touched, and tried to avoid touching things if possible.
We also avoided crowds, so we sadly didn't see fireworks or parades, but.... we know we will be back and that this is just a bump in the road.
Other than that, we just had a great time knowing we were doing everything possible to have a safe trip.
We both tested negative 2 days before we left and flew home without any problems.

I think if you are just mindful, mask, wash hands and distance as much as possible you will be fine.

Have fun!

 

[thanxfornoticin]

Agreed. You've been through the drill by now - the N95s are a very good idea. Have them with you and wear them when you feel crowded. Outdoor dining options are really nice, if the weather cooperates. I do have a comment about your Boma cancellation (not trying to sway you either way - it's your decision). We did Boma a few weeks ago, and between masking to walk in, walk out, and at the buffet, we felt reasonably comfortable dining there. The first table they offered us was too crowded for our taste, so we asked and they gave us a much better distanced option. But if you are in doubt, better to cancel it now and try again in what is hopefully the not-to-distant future.

The most uncomfortable event for us was the idea of being on Main St at MK for fireworks, so we skipped it - we'll hold off on that one until later. We did do Candlelight Processional, and wore N95s. It wasn't required and it wasn't elbow to elbow like fireworks, but we just felt better with them on in the seating area.

Stay safe and enjoy! And yes, you can be safe and still enjoy......

 

[Jedimike]

Good Afternoon!

My husband and I are super stoked for our 12 day trip (5 days at Boardwalk, 7 days at Polynesian!), but we are both high-risk and are interested in staying as safe as possible while in the Parks.

We head to Disney on January 17, will be there through January 27.

We were there in May 2021 right after vaccinations and we were there when they announced masks could be removed outside - we tore them off in celebration that the pandemic was over (what a place to celebrate)! Fast-forward to 2022 where the pandemic said "hold my beer" ....

What are some best practices you've discovered during your trip, while there is heightened visibility on the pandemic? We're both boosted, have ordered KN95 masks, have hand sanitizer, most of our meals will be outdoors (but not all, though we did cancel Boma, darn it!).

But is there anything you've done to feel more safe? Any tips and tricks?

I'm hoping this is allowed, as it's mostly policy related, but also, hoping to hear some positive stories from those folks who have been in the past month and come home in good health during heightened sensitivity times.

Thank you so much!

While we use hand sanitizer frequently throughout the day, the best practice is to avoid indoor areas with unmasked individuals. I feel fine with walking the parks outdoors and sitting at a patio eating outdoors but if you're high risk, I certainly would not sit indoors at a restaurant. If someone near you has omicron, you're going to get omicron in that situation.

 

[gregskellington]

I was in Vegas for NYE and some days on each end. It was CROWDED and mask compliance was way lower than my experiences at Disney. I had my booster, wore my mask always, and stayed distant and smart where I could. Haven't tested positive yet so I think I made it.

For WDW specific tips, I'd avoid long indoor queues. ROTR has an unpredictable queue that can spend a lot of time indoors in tight quarters, for example. I'd skip stuff like that without a lightning lane.

 

[pianoronni37]

I do have a comment about your Boma cancellation (not trying to sway you either way - it's your decision). We did Boma a few weeks ago, and between masking to walk in, walk out, and at the buffet, we felt reasonably comfortable dining there. The first table they offered us was too crowded for our taste, so we asked and they gave us a much better distanced option. But if you are in doubt, better to cancel it now and try again in what is hopefully the not-to-distant future.

I love Boma so much and it was closed in May 2021, it was the one restaurant my husband requested -- I'm going to see if I can find another reservation for it. If it's too crowded I'll just leave, who cares. Thank you for this, it did sway me (but in the right direction!).

 

[CaptainAmerica]

We're both boosted, have ordered KN95 masks, have hand sanitizer, most of our meals will be outdoors (but not all, though we did cancel Boma, darn it!).

If you're just ordering your KN95s now, is it safe to assume that you're not used to wearing them?

When they fit properly, your airflow is going to be a lot different than what you're used to with a "normal" cloth mask. Wearing them for the first time when you're pounding out 20,000 steps per day in a theme park might prove challenging. I would "practice" in them for some long walks at home to make sure you can wear them comfortably, and bring some cloth masks that you're used to as backup just in case.

 

[pianoronni37]

If you're just ordering your KN95s now, is it safe to assume that you're not used to wearing them?

Ah, yes! We have worn them in the past, but we are both remote workers so we didn't have more than a couple on hand for emergencies/dr appointments. I agree, they can be challenging to walk around in! Bringing cloth masks as a backup is a great idea. Thank you!

 

[2vets]

I’ll overlap you by a couple of days! Yeah, this is not what I was expecting for 2022, so I hear ya.

We were there a few months ago. We kn95’d it indoors everywhere and many places outdoors. (You may want to bring a second mask to layer in certain situations. My niece really wanted to see the Frozen singalong, and I slapped a second kn95 on everyone as soon as I saw that they were filling the auditorium - we won’t be going there again for a while.) If you want to see fireworks, I highly recommend booking a party like seats and treats, or you can simply venture away from Main St a bit. I watched from behind the castle, and I had 10 ft around me. If you’re staying deluxe, take advantage of the extra evening hours. Avoid indoor dining or be ready to leave if you’re uncomfortable (I snagged a Celebration at the Top res for my trip in a few weeks - and it’s torture, but I may cancel it…). The very few times I have been next to someone in an enclosed indoor space, and they had masks pulled down or pulled off, I either removed myself altogether or spoke openly with the person about space or replacing their mask and made a point of placing blame on myself (laughing at myself, for instance, and saying “I know, I know, I’m pretty paranoid”). I have never had a bad response with this approach, though asking for space is probably a bit less charged.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[lovethattink]

In addition to sanitizing our hands, my family also does our Magic Bands after we touch a tap stile.

 

[Average Joes]

Given your circumstances consider bringing multi layer surgical masks as backup to the N95 when walking instead of questionable cloth. You might not tolerate that either though but cloth is not fantastic.

 

[soniam]

Also, if you feel uncomfortable in a situation, ie crowd outdoors, tight indoor restaurant, long time in indoor queue, just bail. Get out of there. Trust your instincts. Your health is more important that those things, and it's more important than potentially inconveniencing someone a little.

 

[Jadyreen1282]

High Risk? And Disney. I would suggest a moon suit.

 

[lockets]

Went to Disney twice in middle of delta spike and this kept me healthy:

Sit in front of the airplane.

Don’t be afraid to search for first class. For instance first class tix from JFK to MCO in January are $289 right now on delta!

Only wear KN95 or N95 masks. Not cloth. Not blue surgical ones, etc. Wear good masks and change them daily especially if you went to a theme park.

Buy white masks so they don’t get hot in Florida sun.

Go to lounges, use Pre-Check or Clear, etc. Or just generally stay away from people at the airport. Find a vacant gate.

Don’t take mask off while outdoors unless there’s no one around or you’re getting your photo taken. It’s annoying but you get used to it.

If you take vitamins at home or do special things to stay well, don’t stop on vacation. Pack all your vitamins. Don’t take a week off.

Don’t eat indoors except for maybe one or two exceptions maximum and try to make it for a time when you know place won’t be packed.

Wear mask at restaurant in between courses if indoor dining.

Or wear a mask in between bites if they sit someone “on top of you” and you don’t want to leave and they aren’t wearing masks. I know this sounds insane. But. Someone questioned me about it at a dinner. Right after I explained why (that sometimes people can’t help but cough or sneeze) - the same person accidentally sneezed on me! They got saliva on my arm and side of my face. And I turned around to them and said “See? That’s why. Lol.” Then they didn’t think I was that insane.

Wear two masks on long bus trips (airport) or take an Uber and crack windows open.

Bring your own small bottle of hand sanitizer for parks. They run out. I only use it before I eat if I can’t wash my hands or if someone has touched me accidentally at a food booth. I don’t overdo it.

Don’t touch your eyes or mouth with your bare hands while at park. Try to be conscious of it.

 

[lockets]

https://nomascoach.boardingarea.com/travel/how-to-travel-more-safely-with-omicron-and-covid-19/

 

[pianoronni37]

High Risk? And Disney. I would suggest a moon suit.

I know, I know. We’ve been so so careful, got our boosters, etc. I would hate to contract it there. But at the same time, we rented DVC and it’s not refundable, my husband starts a new job next month, and it’s our last true vacation before we buy a house. I don’t want to risk my whole health, but I feel if I take the proper precautions, I’m doing the best I can. I’m nervous, though.

 

[HappyFairydust]

I’m currently at WDW (packed, crowd level 10) with my family and my husband is a physician who treated COVID ICU patients in Manhattan in the first wave - so he has, Well, a healthy amount of respect towards COVID.

what we have been doing is:
wearing mask indoors AND outdoors (even on outdoor rides so yeah covered up faces on slinky ride pictures)
Only taking down masks for eating and pictures.
Sanitizing everything, hands after rides, tables when we sit down to eat
Avoided starwars area in hollywood studios since there will be a lot of people.
Not touching the face/eyes even if your nose is itchy

And also the shows (sing alongs, beauty and the beast live show, lion king) were actually PACKED . They don’t do “social distancing” of the sitting places so you’ll be shoulder to shoulder with people because the CMs are constantly saying to sit closer to fit more people.
Mask compliance indoors were actually better than I expected but you’ll see people here and there pulling their mask down the nose.

 

[Caseheidi]

Most of what we did on our recent trip has already been suggested. The only thin I would add is don’t feel pressured to fill in space in line or crowds. Whil in ride lines, we social distanced as best we could by leaving 3 to 6 feet between those in front of our party and ourselves. We found that often if the party behind us saw this, they would also leave us space behind instead of filling in. Not perfect, but it helped me feel not so closed in.

 

[igrsod]

I know, I know. We’ve been so so careful, got our boosters, etc. I would hate to contract it there. But at the same time, we rented DVC and it’s not refundable, my husband starts a new job next month, and it’s our last true vacation before we buy a house. I don’t want to risk my whole health, but I feel if I take the proper precautions, I’m doing the best I can. I’m nervous, though.

If you have a great resort to stay at, I would spend most of my time there... hang out by the pool, wander the resort areas... soak in the sun. The parks can get pretty scary crowded at times. Early mornings, later evenings are your friend. If you can, take advantage of the evening hours for deluxe. The parks were so much nicer at that time, and we got most rides done in those extra hours.