Need something to look forward too? Lets plan our fantasy 2021 trip

[Mousefan mom]

I don't know if you are like me--but its been a little depressing not to get a Disney trip in 2020 (I simply have no desire to pay thousands of dollars to wear a mask and such limited park offerings although I am grateful they got to reopen and and some are choosing to go). At this point, I'm looking forward to 2021 and planning! I have something booked in the spring--but its looking less likely that things will be back to normal by then. So, join me in sharing any plans, strategies you have for an upcoming when things are better 2021 trip!

As we are tied to a school calendar (I am a teacher) I'm debating between going at the beginning of the summer (likely can still catch flower and garden) or the end of summer (the weather is crummier but maybe get to see more new attractions open?). I think we will plan to stay longer than before. We may splurge for some signature dining this time, and maybe check out the new cirque show. Any fun ideas? I'm anticipating lower crowds than past summers--but more return of amenities. Any thoughts on when you think some of the new stuff will open? I'm thinking Remy, new China film, for sure by then--maybe cosmic rewind? Less hopeful about Tron--but who knows. Maybe the Toy Story and Space restaurants too.

 

[Farro]

We are booked for late April/early May for 9 nights.

Looking very forward to it. Staying at Gran Destino (hopefully they open) - so much to do there, so many bars, places to eat, very excited about it!

Parks may close early, but then we'll just spend evenings over dinner, cocktails, relaxing with a glass of wine by pool. We will make due and enjoy.

Masks - I have bought so many , but my favorite are just a pack of 50 pink surgical masks. It's not my favorite thing to do, but we will go masks or no masks.

I have more confidence than most people that the park hours will be extended by then, some type of night-time activities will happen in some way/shape/form and more restaurants and stores will be open.
(I do think masks will be the last restriction to go though, but maybe they will limit to wearing indoor only by then...who knows)

Things I'm looking forward to eating (assuming these places are open by May, if not, I'm sure I can find something else!)...

From Dahlia or Barcelona Lounge (GDT):
Gran Gin Tonic (hotel specialty)
Cafe Bombon (from Barcelona Lounge)

From Toledo:
savory churros
'Pan con Tomate' Tomato Bread
Bravas potatoes

Three Bridges:
Their signature burger
fried shrimp corn dogs

Ale & Compass Lounge:
Parker House rolls with spreads

Crews Cup:
Prime Rib Sliders

Epcot:
Anything from France!!!
Brat from Germany
Via Napoli
Sparkling Sake from Japan
Peach Moscato from Italy (I buy it at home, but "feels" different at Epcot )

Animal Kingdom:
Cheeseburger pods!
Drinks, appetizers at Nomad!
I love most of the food at AK

MK:
I saw something about bacon on a stick??? I will find that....
Really excited to have a Micky pretzel with cheese

DHS:
Looking forward to trying food at Galaxy's Edge

Disney Springs:
Peanut butter cookie from Gideon's
dinner at Boathouse (I was sick and missed it last trip )
Spare Ribs and the White Lily cocktail from Morimoto (delicious!!!)

 

[SaintsManiac]

We are going 6/5-6/12 no matter what. (We were originally booked for mid May, but I don’t want my kid to miss the last week of school.) We booked a cabin at Ft. Wilderness to have activities close by in case park hours are still short. We will rent a golf cart for sure!

We are driving, so we can also hit other locations if WDW is still at reduced operations. We bought tickets back in 2016 before they changed to dated ones, so that’s covered. If we had to buy tickets I might be holding out longer.

If masks are still required we will just deal with it. We are getting used to wearing them as we venture out more. I have 3 boxes of disposable ones that I’m saving. They’re easy to get now, though.

We all decided that waiting until June 2021 is long enough.

 

[paradesintherain]

Oooh this is a fun thread. So basically after the stress of being a nurse during a pandemic, and someone that is used to traveling very frequently, I'm going to be so ready for a big vacation in 2021!

Date: I'm thinking March would be fun since the weather (at least in the beginning of the month) is usually fabulous, my birthday is March 9th, and Flower & Garden Festival will be going on. Though this date might, realistically, be too early to be fully past Covid.

Hotel: I really want to splurge. My very favorite hotel is Animal Kingdom Lodge and it would be fun to experience Club Level for the first time! I had been thinking about Polynesian, but since it's out of the picture until summer 2021, I guess not! Also have been mulling around Ft. Wilderness cabins. The whole atmosphere of the Fort seems amazing, and renting a golf cart to get around sounds like a lot of fun. If hours are still short at the parks, then it might be fun to have a little more space.

Restaurants: Jaleo in Disney Springs - the chef is amazing, he does so much charity work. The food also just sounds incredible, but it's really the chef that first drew me to the restaurant. Hoop Dee Doo Revue would be great if we are staying at Fort Wilderness, and if entertainment has returned. California Grill Brunch is a favorite of mine, and after such a hard year it might be nice to celebrate a little! Again, dependent on brunch returning. I'd also love to try Homecomin', those thigh high chicken biscuits have been calling my name for a long time!

 

[Raemama]

Agreed—this is a great thread. I like to see what other people are planning... everyone is so different and it gives me great ideas! Thanks!

Like many, my husband and I had a trip planned closer to the end of 2020. We’ve canceled that one. But, there are still more trips on deck for which I can dream and plan. And, we decided to try to purchase a DVC, so that adds an extra thrill (waiting on FROR).

First 2020 trip will be the week of Jan. 11 (week after the DisneyRun events that have now been canceled for in-person participation). This is a very special trip (aren’t they all, though!?) in that it’s a mother/son trip with my eldest who suffers from autism. He’s actually more comfortable with a mask on than without, so it will be fine if that’s still in place. It will be important to take this trip with fluidity in mind. We’re staying at OKW for the laid back vibe. Lots of counter-service (read finding little niches to relax and eat) will be involved. This trip will also commemorate the fact that I’ll have taken all my children to WDW. I wasn’t able to do that for them when they were all three younger, so doing it as they’re adults brings some major magic to it.

The second trip we have planned is what my husband and I are calling our WDW Extravaganza! We’ll be celebrating a major milestone anniversary for us, plus a milestone birthday for me (and WDW). This will be a 12 or 13 night trip and R&R, excitement, signature meals, an anniversary dinner (maybe a photo shoot..?), lots of parks time and some golf thrown in there. DH’s sister and brother-in-law will be coming to WDW at the front end of the trip, as well as my daughter and her friend. It will be the trip of a lifetime and we know it! However, if masks are still required and some of the other special elements of WDW (certain restaurants, nighttime stuff, etc.) aren’t back in place, we‘ll probably move it to the next year. I’m holding out hope, though!!!

 

[loves to dive]

I, too, am depressed about not getting to go this year, we did get a trip in Jan. pre-Covid so yea us. We (or at least I) normally go at least twice if not three times a year. By jingos I'm going in 2021 no matter what. I'm thinking maybe around April or May when the weather is warmish but not hotish and not as much rain. If it happens next year, flower and garden baby. Hopefully, park hopping will be allowed by then, which is one of the main reasons we haven't gone this year. I can't wrap my mind around having to book a park in advance and only going to one park a day. I'm o.k. with still having to wear a mask but hopefully by then more restaurants will be open and hours will be extended and maybe the mask rules will be a little more lax. I'd be happy to just pop into Epcot to sample some booths for lunch every day and be able to spend the rest of the time in another park.

 

[Raemama]

I'd be happy to just pop into Epcot to sample some booths for lunch every day and be able to spend the rest of the time in another park.

Yes; the potential lack of park hopping is another factor for which we’ll cancel our 2021 Extravaganza trip. There are too many fun ideas of hopping around WDW that we‘re looking forward to that depend on normal transportation offerings and a full restaurant/lounge slate. I do think there’s a good possibility of WDW getting there by the time we go (late November).