So excited...and a little nervous

[xiphoid76]

We are very excited to be heading back to Disney World - first time since February and since this stupid pandemic hurt everything. To tell the truth, am a little nervous. I now get what first timers must experience - the whole thing is overwhelming. We go pretty often (about 6 times a year) from Minneapolis so we were accustomed to the dining plan, fast passes, reservation system, magic bands, refillable mugs, transportation, etc. It became old hat and we knew how to maximize and use the system to have fun.
Now everything is new - reservations for a specific park, no character meet ups, new dining reservation windows, whole new way to eat. No fast passes, not sure how transportation works yet. It is going to be a whole new experience...with a mask on as well Is there anything specifically we need to reserve or are forgetting about? We have our hotel, a park reserved each day and tickets, a magic band for each person, and a dinner reservation each day. We also have a car.
Still can't wait, we need some of the Disney magic to rub off on us. Maybe the old way needed some shaking up a bit, and when this whole pandemic is over, Disney can return to normalcy with a combination of what worked best in the past and what will work best in the future. I think Disney has done an amazing job getting all of this organized as best they could - it is an thankless job for sure. We aren't happy about the reduced hours, but you can't keep the park open if people aren't going either.
Just looking forward to escaping Minneapolis for a week and no matter what - we are at Disney, and we are on vacation. On to new experiences

 

[xiphoid76]

My post was moved by a moderator to a tumbleweed section of the forums, not sure why, but they know best. We were just wondering if there was anything we were forgetting for our first trip back to Disney since the pandemic...we have hotel, a car, park reservations each day, tickets...I feel like there is something more we need to do before we go, appreciate any help. Thanks forum - this place is a lifesaver of information and we truly appreciate all the advice

Original post:
We are very excited to be heading back to Disney World - first time since February and since this stupid pandemic hurt everything. To tell the truth, am a little nervous. I now get what first timers must experience - the whole thing is overwhelming. We go pretty often (about 6 times a year) from Minneapolis so we were accustomed to the dining plan, fast passes, reservation system, magic bands, refillable mugs, transportation, etc. It became old hat and we knew how to maximize and use the system to have fun.
Now everything is new - reservations for a specific park, no character meet ups, new dining reservation windows, whole new way to eat. No fast passes, not sure how transportation works yet. It is going to be a whole new experience...with a mask on as well Is there anything specifically we need to reserve or are forgetting about? We have our hotel, a park reserved each day and tickets, a magic band for each person, and a dinner reservation each day. We also have a car.
Still can't wait, we need some of the Disney magic to rub off on us. Maybe the old way needed some shaking up a bit, and when this whole pandemic is over, Disney can return to normalcy with a combination of what worked best in the past and what will work best in the future. I think Disney has done an amazing job getting all of this organized as best they could - it is an thankless job for sure. We aren't happy about the reduced hours, but you can't keep the park open if people aren't going either.
Just looking forward to escaping Minneapolis for a week and no matter what - we are at Disney, and we are on vacation. On to new experiences

 

[MinBz]

I’m with you... i feel like I’m forgetting something too (leaving later this week). Not scrambling for fastpasses 30 days prior to the trip feels really weird. I think that’s why I feel like I’m missing/forgetting something (Fastpass withdrawal?) . We are just going to take it easy and not expect much.

 

[yulilin3]

Hi, i recommend reading the just back thread on the main forum. You seem to have thought of everything so nothing is missing, just go with a loose lm and flexible plan

 

[paradesintherain]

Just looking forward to escaping Minneapolis for a week and no matter what - we are at Disney, and we are on vacation. On to new experiences

I hope you have a great time! I haven't been since the pandemic so I have nothing to add, but I'd imagine just being laid back and rolling with the punches will do wonders. Just think how wonderful it is to finally be traveling again! And tell us how your trip goes when you return.