Just got back from a stay at the Polynesian. Originally we planned a staycation and to visit the surrounding area and see the rocket launch, but after seeing all of the vlogs and reviews about the short waits we added a day at Hollywood Studios and the Magic Kingdom.
We are so glad we did, we did every ride our family likes, some multiple times. We could not ride ROTR, and that is after trying to book right at the times they were available, 10 am and 2 pm. Not sure how people were able to book faster, we did it the second it opened and the app said it was full. That was disappointing but numerous rides on Toy Story, TOT, Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, and Smuggler's run were enough to make for a happy family. Toy Story Mania was 5 min, RnR was 15, TOT was 15, and Smuggler's Run was 10. Magic Kingdom was even better, the longest wait was the Mine Ride. It listed 45 on the board but was 25 at most. Everything else was 5-10, Splash Mountain was the second highest at 15.
We did try to see more of the non-Disney area but noticed that the rest of Florida wasn't really too keen on the mask and social distancing policy. While we weren't too worried about the virus itself, my family is in health care and seem to think this is more political posturing with the coming election and fear of liability, there were a couple in our group that noticed and didn't feel comfortable off property. But, we did abide by all of the rules without issue. Disney felt MUCH safer than other parts of Florida though. The biggest bummers, at least from our travelers, was that many of our favorite dining stops were closed. (Woody's Lunch Box, Ample Hills Creamery, Port Orleans QS's, and O'hana to name a few.) Overall, we all enjoyed the trip for what it was. But, it was NOT near the level of what we usually experience. We all noticed the food options were not only limited but not at the level of what we normally get. Mickey Waffles, which are a family favorite were clearly prepared well in advance and thus not as fresh as usual, likely due to the limited staff. We also had to order everything with apps and could not get modifications as easily. Ex. we usually get a side of eggs when we order Tonga Toast, or skip the potatoes and biscuits and get double eggs on the bounty platter for family members that can't have that many carbs. Also, our nephew has Silliac's disease and can not have gluten. Normally getting a bunless burger was a piece of cake, not this time. He had to order and just pitch out the bun. Not that big if of a deal, but they were only with us for two days so he found other items that worked.
Disney Springs was PAAACKED!! Every time we went, especially the weekend. Later at night seemed better, which is when we went for dinners, but it was still packed. For anyone at high risk, or worried about COVID in general, I would probably avoid that area and the local outlet malls, they were packed as well. The Disney outlet stores were closed anyway, so not really worth the trek to us.
These are not complaints as much as they are observations and expected changes during COVID. We expected a Disney lite trip and that's what we got, it's all good, it was still Disney. Disney staff was awesome as usual and went above and beyond for the most part. They were overly friendly and joked many times with our family. They seemed glad to be back. For a first-timer, I would definitely skip and go when you can get the full experience. But, given that we normally go twice per year, it was nice just chilling by the pool, grabbing dinners and doing a couple of park days. We liked it. For frequent Disney travelers who are OK with the limitations and changes, they will enjoy being able to ride EVERYTHING in about 6-7 hours. According to some in our group, that alone was worth it.