If we’ve learned anything this year, it is that things have changed.
As we all start to get comfortable with the “new normal”, some are starting to head to the parks again. If you have gone to Walt Disney World before, I am sure you had your list of items to bring to the park; well now we need COVID19 edition items! So with your usual list of items to bring to the park we also suggest the following:
Masks
Right now, Walt Disney World requires you to wear a mask at all times while outside. Here are the official rules on masks from Disney:
Face coverings are required for all Guests (ages 2 and up) and Cast Members. Please bring your own face coverings and wear them at all times, except when dining or swimming. You may remove your face covering while actively eating or drinking, but you should be stationary and maintain appropriate physical distancing.
All face coverings (whether disposable or reusable) must:
- Be made with at least 2 layers of breathable material
- Fully cover the nose and mouth and secure under the chin
- Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
- Be secured with ties or ear loops and allow the Guest to remain hands-free
At this time, based on guidance from health authorities, neck gaiters, open-chin triangle bandanas and face coverings containing valves, mesh material or holes of any kind are not acceptable face coverings.
Since Orlando can be very hot and humid, I recommend bringing multiple masks with you, so if they get all sweaty you have extras!
Hand Sanitizer
All around Walt Disney World you will be seeing extra hand sanitizing stations, but I still think it is important to have your own. Disney has a few cute hand sanitizer holders too that you can clip onto your bag. Target is selling cute Disney Character ones right now.
I also bring along a small container of sanitizing wipes. I use these to wipe down eating surfaces, little kid hands sometimes, and some high touch areas in the hotels
Water
Pre-COVID I would bring my reusable water bottles and fill them up at the water fountains found throughout the park or ask any kiosks for a glass of ice water. Although water fountains are open currently, I don’t see this as the safest option. They also are currently not giving out the free ice water at kiosks. I suggest you bring a large water bottle with you and if that doesn’t last for you, you can always buy a bottle of water.
Park Bag
Before all the madness, I would bring a park bag and even have items hanging off of it. Not everything would be contained in the bag. I now want to make an effort to bring as little with me as possible, and make sure everything fits in my bag so there is less contact between my belongings and all of my surroundings.
Gratitude
This is the most important one! We just recently lived in a time where all Disney Parks, Resorts, and Cruise ships were completely closed. Thousands of people lost their lives, thousand lost their jobs, and we were told to stay home all day. Although things are not back to normal, some of the parks are open, some cast members are back to work and we’re slowly moving toward a new normalcy. Please be mindful that Cast Members are getting used to the new normal; this is all new to them too! Be grateful, even waiting in lines. Remember there was a time we would have been so happy to wait in any line instead of sitting alone in your houses. Enjoy your time and, in keeping with the theme of 2020, embrace the changes, be ready to pivot, and have fun!