Best Practices!

[Day-al]

If your health is that precarious, I wouldn’t advise traveling to a theme park that has had months at extremely high crowd levels. I don’t understand your logic.

 

[mco65]

One thing i had to keep reminding my self was to not touch things... obviously use your hand sanitizer often but just simply STOP touching every damn thing.. its like i have an inner child that simply can't help himself....

I have had covid and didnt' catch it at Disney (I have been twice since the pandemic started) nor did i catch it at Universal (been once since pandemic).
I caught it at home, one of my kids brought it home from his moms.. I suspect most catch it when their guard is down, like being at home.. vs when your out in public and your guard is up.. but what do i know!

 

[Miffy]

Get ILL$--saves a lot of standing-in-line time. Especially useful for rides with significant sections of the queue indoors, like FoP and RotR.

I'd suggest getting G+ for all your park days even if you'd use it for only one or two rides per day. This way you won't have to stand in a packed line anywhere. There's zero social distancing at WDW now. Be prepared for that.

We wore our masks indoors and often outdoors, if there were a lot of people around.

I cannot tolerate the KN95 masks that I bought for the trip we took in December. My face gets intolerably itchy immediately and I break out massively within minutes. So I wore my cloth mask the entire trip. I realize they're not even half as good as N95s and KN95s but they are better than nothing. Now I wear a cloth mask with the KN95 over it. I realize this isn't ideal either, but it's the best I can do right now. I think I'm allergic to polypropylene, since I'm allergic to the surgical masks my DH uses as well.

Don't eat indoors. I hope the weather cooperates with this idea. We had only a couple of indoor meals and we were cautious but nervous, so I don't recommend it. There's also no social distancing in restaurants, as there was in May, when we were also at WDW and foolishly feeling like the worst was over.

At your resort, don't get in the elevator if the people already in it aren't wearing masks. Yes, there's a lot of this going around. Mask compliance in general is very hit-or-miss--at the parks and at the resorts.

I'm sorry you have a nonrefundable reservation. I wouldn't be going right now. We went in December before omicron was raging the way it is now and about 3 days into our trip, my sister and I both said that had we known omicron would be like this--it hadn't escalated before we left--we never would've gone.

Nevertheless, we both survived the trip unscathed and we were at the parks every day and ate indoors at GFC, Oga's (although we were quite far from the nearest people there), and MM, where we luckily were seated at a table 2 tables away from the nearest other diners. Being distanced from other diners was sheer luck.

If you booked your DVC rental through a human being, as opposed to a company, perhaps you could try asking the person you rented from if there's any way you could postpone the trip. Some owners are flexible although if they're renting expiring points, there's nothing that can be done. If you rented from a company, you're probably totally out of luck on getting a refund.

Good luck to you on your decision and on your trip.

 

[rangerxenos]

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!).

You can also ask for a table in a corner, or try and eat at a less popular time. I ate there twice last month, masks are required going through the line.

I tried to ask for corner/out of the way tables when I ate indoors, sometimes they can accommodate you. sometimes.

I would also suggest taking some home Covid tests with you if you can find them, in case you might start not feeling well while you are there. I took a two pack with me, thankfully didn't have to use them. Walmart had some available online earlier this morning.

 

[hsmamato2]

As others have suggested,wear good masks and avoid crowded situations. Eating indoors is VERY risky,so if you're concerned you should avoid that. Disney has a LOT of wonderful food options that you can take to go,or eat outdoors. There is just no way to safely eat indoors in large crowded rooms since you can't mask and eat at the same time. I'm not saying I personally wouldn't at all,but if you're being really careful you shouldn't. I'm not a fan of the buffet germs in 'regular' times.....now I just stay far away (even tho Boma is so great)

 

[pianoronni37]

These are great tips everybody, thank you! I'm going to take your advice and cancel my indoor reservations for dining, and only eat at places that either 1) offer outdoor dining (and wait for a seat) or 2) counter service outdoors.

I understand this is a precarious time to go with health issues, and I am super covid-conscious and have health anxiety. We are unable to move our dates due to expiring DVC points we rented, so we will be very cautious, take your advice to stay at the resorts and pop into the parks at lower crowd times, and stay away from huge lines / indoor restaurants / shows. I'm hoping this is okay, but I also understand the risk.

I'm bringing some at-home covid tests, my pulse-ox, blood pressure machine, thermometer, and a plethora of medications. We also have the numbers of urgent cares, testing facilities, hospitals, and places that offer monoclonal antibody treatments.

I think we're as prepared as we can be, and I truly appreciate everyone pitching in with ideas. Y'all are the best

 

[Miffy]

One other thing, @pianoronni37: If you're driving to WDW, keep using your car. If not, you might consider using rideshares. The buses are packed. At least they were when we were there in December, and I believe you're going to be there during a holiday period, so it'll probably still be crowded.

You sound ultra prepared, so you should be fine.

 

[pianoronni37]

One other thing, @pianoronni37: If you're driving to WDW, keep using your car. If not, you might consider using rideshares. The buses are packed. At least they were when we were there in December, and I believe you're going to be there during a holiday period, so it'll probably still be crowded.

You sound ultra prepared, so you should be fine.

Thank you! We are actually driving, from New York - we've done this since 2015 and have our routes planned out, with very few stops (only when totally necessary). Driving to the parks is a great idea. We may also use rideshare services - we did that in May and felt very safe with the windows cracked and the driver masked.

Thank you, thank you!

 

[princesswahooey]

Speaking of urgent care...

When I was there Christmas week, my daughter was finishing a course of antibiotics for a UTI. When the pills were gone, she started having UTI symptoms again, so we needed to have her seen to get a stronger antibiotic.

Fortunately we called Lake Buena Vista Urgent care. They are right outside the parks. Very convenient via Lyft or Uber. They told us if we could wait until morning and come at 7:30 when they opened we could get in without a wait (it was 4 hours that evening).

So we "rope dropped," the urgent care and were in and out with prescription in hand within 45 minutes. By that time, the line was already at over 4 hour wait time. We were very glad not to have to wait that long in a lobby full of potential covid cases.

So if you need to visit urgent care, try rope dropping it.

PS we spent 2 weeks of peak time at Disney and Universal and made it home OK. We avoided crowds, wore our masks, sanitized frequently. We did eat indoors. I know going to the parks is a risk right now, but there is also a risk to your mental and emotional health by constant hunkering down. We knew this would be a boost to us all emotionally and took the risk. I can't say our decision was the right one for everyone, but you have to make that call. Good luck!

 

[CanucksRock]

For restaurants - I target the ones that are more open - high ceilings, spacing. (Like Grand Floridian Cafe). We only have one reservation I'm iffy on keeping for this upcoming trip - 50's Prime Time Cafe. Its on our last park day. I cancelled Oga's - because that place is way too crowded, no air flow. 15 days and I'm on a plane for my 4th WDW Pandemic Trip. (Knock on wood I continue to stay Covid Free.. the family all got sick - pre pandemic, January 2020 trip to WDW lol ...you know back in the day, where you sucked it up and still went to the park everyday even though you just wanted to sleep)

 

[pianoronni37]

I know going to the parks is a risk right now, but there is also a risk to your mental and emotional health by constant hunkering down. We knew this would be a boost to us all emotionally and took the risk. I can't say our decision was the right one for everyone, but you have to make that call. Good luck!

You are totally right. We have taken a couple of trips - one to Disney in May, we drove to Memphis, TN to visit my husband's mom (he just lost his dad) in July, and we went to Maine in October. We were very careful every time, mostly ate outdoors, but those small trips, even just to see family, really rejuvenated our souls. We have lost family members to Covid, and we take it extremely seriously. But at the same time, we don't know how long this will last - we are boosted, we love our masks and sanitizer (and constant hand washing) and we are doing what we can to navigate through this with even just a bit of joy. ❤

For restaurants - I target the ones that are more open - high ceilings, spacing. (Like Grand Floridian Cafe). We only have one reservation I'm iffy on keeping for this upcoming trip - 50's Prime Time Cafe. Its on our last park day. I cancelled Oga's - because that place is way too crowded, no air flow. 15 days and I'm on a plane for my 4th WDW Pandemic Trip. (Knock on wood I continue to stay Covid Free.. the family all got sick - pre pandemic, January 2020 trip to WDW lol ...you know back in the day, where you sucked it up and still went to the park everyday even though you just wanted to sleep)

Oh, that's a great idea! I do love Grand Floridian Cafe, and it tends to be quiet during Breakfast/Brunch. Thank you for that reminder!

We do have Oga's, but it's at 930am on a day when there are still 930am openings - I figure, if I walk in and it's too cramped, I'll take off, but if I feel comfortable, I'll stay for a Fuzzy Tauntaun!

 

[Miffy]

You are totally right. We have taken a couple of trips - one to Disney in May, we drove to Memphis, TN to visit my husband's mom (he just lost his dad) in July, and we went to Maine in October. We were very careful every time, mostly ate outdoors, but those small trips, even just to see family, really rejuvenated our souls. We have lost family members to Covid, and we take it extremely seriously. But at the same time, we don't know how long this will last - we are boosted, we love our masks and sanitizer (and constant hand washing) and we are doing what we can to navigate through this with even just a bit of joy. ❤



Oh, that's a great idea! I do love Grand Floridian Cafe, and it tends to be quiet during Breakfast/Brunch. Thank you for that reminder!

We do have Oga's, but it's at 930am on a day when there are still 930am openings - I figure, if I walk in and it's too cramped, I'll take off, but if I feel comfortable, I'll stay for a Fuzzy Tauntaun!

Re Oga's: We also had a 9:30 am reservation. When we checked in they gave us a standing spot, but my sister can't deal with standing for long periods, so we requested seats. We had to wait a bit longer, but they did give us a seat--and we were pretty far away from the people in the next booth.

Don't know if you care--my sister did!--but they're no longer serving coffee at Oga's in the morning.

I think your plan is good and you should be fine. And who knows, by mid-January the omicron threat might be reduced. Also, good idea to take test kits with you and congrats on finding them!

 

[Twitterpaited]

I went last February and only ate outdoors. I ordered food to go from some resort restaurants (Sanaa, The Wave, Ale & Compass) and ate outside.

 

[ScarletFire]

Do not ride a bus or monorail. Walk, boat, or drive your personal vehicle. Your resort selections are ideal!

 

[FinallyFL]

I suggest watching the fireworks from a distance. Most of Epcot's fireworks can be seen from the boardwalk. At the Polynesian there is a small beach close to the TTC where you can see the MK fireworks. You won't be able to see the projections but it's a trade off making IMO. There are places to watch the fireworks at MK that weren't crowded but then you have to exit the park which can be an hour wait in shoulder to shoulder crowds.

 

[Selket]

We were there in early December and it was busy but I don't think the crowds like they saw around Christmas. I'm thinking it may be that level of busy when you're there. Omicron wasn't circulating in the USA as much - was just starting up in the news.

I second what @Miffy said and I would buy Genie+ and any of the paid LL$ rides you're interested in to keep your wait time down especially for indoor lines. Anything you can do to shorten your wait time in those indoor lines I would do it. Like riding a night during fireworks, EMH, etc.

I think almost all of our meals were outdoors. We often ate at Epcot at the festival booths for dinner and that is fun. I didn't feel uncomfortable in outdoor lines. Busses will be most crowded at the usual times (like after fireworks - UGH) but otherwise like at 11am - not so bad - or before fireworks. You're at a monorail resort so you could walk from the MK perhaps. Harmonious is amazing but I'd plan to hang out at the park afterwards as long as possible before trying to get a bus (unless one of your resorts is walkable - I can't remember exactly where you're staying).

I use an ECV so I had the Skyliner car to myself - not sure if you do otherwise?

We did wait on Main Street to see the fireworks. I wanted to be about halfway down Main Street so I could see the building projections (amazing!). It did get crowded but I felt fine unmasked. It may be something you wait and see if it gets too crowded then bail out.

If there's any extra paid dessert parties or viewing spots or after hours events when you're there and you can afford them - also a good way to get away from crowds (in the past anyway - not sure how those spots are now).

We live in a county that has pretty much had a masking order since last year (only dropped briefly a couple of times - people still wore their masks anyway!). I was actually surprised that the mask compliance was as good as it was at Disney. Of course if you get there and something makes you uncomfortable - just adjust your trip and don't do it! You can always come back. Enjoy your resort - enjoy all the fun outdoor atmosphere!

 

[jpeterson]

I would say mornings are your best friend. If you want to do a park, get up early, do early entry and start looking to exit early afternoon. I was there last weekend and by 1:00 - 2:00 things were too crowded for me. Especially Epcot. Same for Disney Springs. Evenings got crazy there and I just went back to my resort.

 

[AnnabelleTheTalkingTree]

I think you just mask appropriately and to your comfort, and make it a quick service trip. There are so many good quick service food options that you don't really NEED indoor ADR's. Just focus on sampling all that Disney QS has to offer so that you can always ensure that you're eating outdoors. Even transportation shouldn't pose much of an issue - staying at Poly, take the boat as much as possible and when you're at Boardwalk, walk to HS and Epcot. When and if you do need to take enclosed transportation, wear your mask. It's obviously impossible to completely eliminate the risk factor, but you can do a lot to reduce it anyway.