Covid Concern; looking for input.......

[man-from-nantucket]

Hello All!
So, heading to WDW next week. Longtime visitor (DVC and AP holder) based pretty much on my adult DD who is non-amb and special needs . She loves it and we have a very well established routine. Haven't been back though since March '20. Part of that includes resort/park dinners. We've already hit our ADR window and secured dinners at:

• Mexico (San Angel)
• Italy (Tutto_
• Space 220
• BluZoo (x2)
• Yachtsman

So we've been pretty militant (based on daughter's needs) on masking throughout the pandemic and successful so far on her not getting the virus (fully vaxed). We realize the risk of eating out as outlined above but are going try and make a risk-based decision.

My question (and maybe to some members who have been there over the last few weeks); how crazy is the spacing in these resturants? That is, 'right on top of each other?, outside potential (like Tutto sometimes), ability to find a table away from crowded tables'. For us, that is a driver on whether we'll ditch the masks. I've read that Space is reasonable. We manage the resort dining pretty well by eating early; but I'm concerned with Italy and Mexico.

So, can anyone lean in and offer any experience of late? Very infrequent poster on Disboards so hopefully this is the right Forum. I'm thinking the DAS family will better understand our concerns. Thanks

 

[CaptainAmerica]

I think I can half-answer your question.

Disney restaurants are pretty much back to their "normal" spacing, meaning the tables aren't spread any further apart than they were in Winter 2019 for social distancing. They're all back to their normal positioning.

That said, I've never actually been to these restaurants in particular, so I can't confirm what "normal spacing" looks like for any of them.

It's also worth noting that Disney restaurants are not fully staffed yet. They're hiring as fast as they can, but they just aren't there yet. So you might run into a restaurant that's "fully booked", but still has empty tables. That's going to be luck of the draw though, and it's a rapidly changing situation that could flip at any time. It's not anything I would plan on.

 

[RoseGold]

Dining is only part of the story. Disney is CROWDED and the rides are pretty much business as usual now. It's tons of people everywhere. In lines, in chokepoints getting around the parks, at fireworks, in elevators. If you want to ride a ride that isn't the carousel or Living with the Land, you're going to be in a crowded situation. Dining early isn't going to matter. Everything is packed and booked.

I would bet that Space 220 elevator is not just pre-Covid crowded. It's Disney crowded.

I mean, I went, and I stood side by side with people for fireworks, so obviously I view this as a risk I was willing to take. You have to decide whether this level of crowds is for you. Go watch some of the Youtube bloggers at Disney recently. The parks have been CROWDED.

 

[Lewisc]

Il Mulino is fine dining. The tables are spaced. An early reservation might produce a half empty restaurant. A better option then Tutto

 

[Brett Wyman]

Like the PPs have said its CROWDED right now. We are a very COVID conscience family, but none of us are high risk though. That said we felt comfortable in most restaurants. We just used our best judgment. My wife also isn't scared to ask for a more out of the way table if necessary. Out of your list though I think most restaurants are fine but you might want to reconsider San Angel if you are concerned, as Im sure you now those tables are basically on top of each other.

 

[HopperFan]

November and February trips. There is no social distancing in restaurants, or anywhere for that matter. TS Restaurants are back to normal seating, we literally sat 3 feet from the next tables at most restaurants and yes there were people sitting at them. I would just plan to stay masked as much as you can.

 

[mamabunny]

We did Space 220 on Thanksgiving Day (believe it or not, we snagged that ADR on *Thanksgiving morning* because someone cancelled).

The table spacing was not as problematic as the "elevator" - that felt crowded to us on both the "trip up" and the "trip down".

The food and the service were excellent.

 

[ElyseInWonderland]

I was there recently and was pretty surprised at how closely they seat people in ALL Disney restaurants. We ate at Trattoria al Forno (outside) and if I slid back my chair to get up from the table, I was about an inch from it hitting another guest's chair.

It's pretty crazy right now with crowds, and virtually nobody is distancing anymore. That being said I hope you find a way to have a wonderful trip with your daughter!