WWYD? September

[nkereina]

Its not an ideal time for a first timer, but a first timer as an adult can likely manage expectations accordingly. They don't know what they're missing anyway, and they know it will be a lessened experience. While it takes away from the novelty of a first timer experiencing a true Disney trip, I think going now and then going again in the future when things are more "normal" will only enhance the experience on the future trip.

DH and I have decided that we are still planning to go in October unless a major shift in crowds or the virus occurs again. We don't care much about characters, fireworks, shows, or parades. The required masks and shortened park hours are about the only negatives for us, but we're modifying our trip by going for a shorter time and having zero expectations. We'll enjoy the little to no planning aspect of it. That said, DH and I are annual visitors so we're ok with not getting the full experience. If you can only visit once or won't go again for at least a few years, it likely will not be as worthwhile.

 

[Daisy7425]

Its really the 2 flights down and back that worry me and driving is not an option.

I totally agree with this. If I could teleport to Disney, I would be there in a heartbeat. From what I've read, they're doing a great job and we would go with lowered expectations and still have a great time. We live in WI and we would have a flight there. I don't want to sit shoulder to shoulder with a stranger on a plane for 3 hours so I'm a no.

 

[patty57]

You should go. The criticism of the current experience is like someone going to a 3 hour 3-D movie and afterward never watching any 1.5 hour 2D movies since they would not be getting the "full experience." The current experience is different from the recent past, but that doesn't make it bad. It's about having fun with what's available and not lamenting about what is not available and quality time, not quantity.

I get what you're saying, but don't find this to be an accurate comparison. I wouldn't mind watching an 1.5 hour 2D movie after seeing a 3 hour 3 D movie, but I would want to pay the price of a lesser movie. I don't want to pay full price at Disney for a lesser experience. If park tickets and resorts were significantly discounted, I might consider going.

 

[Jothmas]

I get what you're saying, but don't find this to be an accurate comparison. I wouldn't mind watching an 1.5 hour 2D movie after seeing a 3 hour 3 D movie, but I would want to pay the price of a lesser movie. I don't want to pay full price at Disney for a lesser experience. If park tickets and resorts were significantly discounted, I might consider going.

The 3 hour movie got a 5% on Rotten Tomatoes and the 1.5 hour movie is an Oscar winner for best picture. You still going to base the value on the number of minutes? Whatever makes sense to you.

 

[Disney1fan2002]

I would keep it. For the 1st timer, sure it won't be the real magic a true Disney vacation is, but she will get to experience it without the crowds and the lines, and just think, her second trip will be like a first trip! If this is a trip that has been planned for over a year, keep it! I have read so many trip reports of people who considered cancelling, but didn't and they got down there they were so glad they didn't cancel.

 

[Melodious]

My opinion would depend on what the crowds will actually be like and I don't think that we can know. We don't know if Disney will reallocate more capacity to APs, thus making it more crowded. I also don't think that we can assume that September will be lower crowds for the usual reasons since the crowd is full of locals at this point.

 

[patty57]

The 3 hour movie got a 5% on Rotten Tomatoes and the 1.5 hour movie is an Oscar winner for best picture. You still going to base the value on the number of minutes? Whatever makes sense to you.

Okay, so now you're making up values and ratings to suit your argument. I still believe that I don't want to pay for the full Disney experience, when that isn't what I'm getting. As you said, whatever makes sense. Think we should just agree to disagree.

 

[MickeyWaffles]

In this situation, I think we would go, even though we are big character meal, character meet and greet, live show, parade and fireworks people. There is still a lot to enjoy. I say this as someone who is absolutely not comfortable traveling or going to WDW given the current covid situation. If I wasn’t concerned about covid, I would go even with just the limited experiences. The only reason we wouldn’t go right now is due to covid.

Also, all speculation, but FWIW - limited experiences could still be all that’s available next year too. I don’t think crowds will really be able to be “through the roof” next year either. Covid is going to have an impact on operations for a long time, IMO. So in that case, maybe it is just better to go whenever the time is right for you.

 

[Cynt]

Girl go and enjoy your vacation. The first timer doesn't know what to expect. They will not know what they are missing. You already know it will be different. Be sure to watch what you say and do and not constantly complain to them about this not being open and that experience not available. What they don't know won't hurt them. Disney is huge and you don't have to be attached at the hip while on vacation. It's ok for everyone to separate and do their own thing.

O and I don't care what anyone says. Once you walk into Magic Kingdom and see that castle everyone turns into a kid and the day just becomes magical. With less crowds the 1st timer and you will really be able to enjoy the park and all the buildings, statues, Disney magic, etc that you usually just run by. I think it's an awesome time to go.

If I could sneak a quick trip in, I would so be on a flight this weekend.

Happy vacation!

 

[ghtx]

We are going for Labor Day weekend. Hopefully crowds won't be too bad!

 

[mrd7896]

go go go! my DBF first trip to Disney was over thanksgiving in 2018. the crowds were ridiculous, we missed so many attractions (Dinosaur, Peter Pan, SDMT, Slinky Dog, IASW, Frozen, Muppets, Pooh, Jungle Cruise..to name a few) and i'm pretty sure he has no idea those exist.

he still fell in love and is absolutely floored to be traveling again over labor day.
i can't wait to show him the attractions he missed, and he still has so many others (ROTR, MFSR, MMRR, Hagrid's at IoA) that opened since that will be new for us!

is he sad about fantasmic and no fireworks? well yes obviously, but i already set his expectations.

since you are all adults, i think you will still enjoy yourselves.
much like others have said, no matter what you will make memories. and the next time you all travel there will be a lot of other experiences for her to try and fall in love with almost like another first trip!

 

[Pixie Dusted Dee]

If it has nothing to do with Covid and just the lack of some experiences I'd still go.

 

[Flynn_Rider]

I’d go. This is an unique experience that you may really love. The reduced hours give you opportunity to enjoy the resort and Disney Springs.
Hopefully, the next time you all want to go, this will all be behind us, and going “normal” will be it’s own experience