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As most readers of this blog probably already know, Disney has just submitted a proposal to Orange county, detailing their approach for phased reopening. See all the details on Disney Parks blog If approved, Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom will be the first to reopen on July 11th, followed by Epcot and Hollywood Studios on July 15th.
A few notable details:
- Guests will have to undergo temperature checks.
- Masks will be required for all guests 3 years of age and older.
- There will be capacity controls in order to promote social distancing. Here is a screenshot describing the process of reserving tickets:
If your 2020 Disney plans were sidelined by Covid-19, you might be tempted to take advantage of this opportunity ASAP. Many families are itching to go somewhere this summer, and if you are stuck with a multitude of Disney gift cards, this may seem like a no-brainer. But I’m hoping to talk you out of it, and here are my reasons:
1) It is stinkin’ hot in Florida during the summer. I mean, ridiculously hot. Of course, most people in US probably know this already. But just in case you think it can’t be that bad, yes, it is. You couldn’t pay me to go to Disney parks in July and August, and no I’m not kidding.
2) Going along with my previous point, wearing a mask in this type of weather will be a nightmare. I can’t even imagine the level of whining my kids would subject me to if I insisted on it.
3) The Covid-19 pandemic is NOT over. Yes, new cases in US seem to be slowing, and places all around the country are reopening. But it doesn’t mean parks are suddenly safe. You will still be around people whether you like it or not. I’m sure Disney corporation will try to make the experience as safe as possible, but it can only do so much. This is meant to be mass entertainment, and crowds are part of the bargain.
I’m not about to shame anybody who chooses to go, that’s none of my business. But I really hope to discourage those who are thinking about it. Disney will not go bankrupt this year, so your gift cards will still be good in 2021. Please consider waiting for all the reasons I’ve mentioned.
Explaining to my son why we won’t be going to Disney anytime soon
Even though I’m not a Disney fanatic, I have two children who are crazy about it. With an addition of Star Wars Land, I don’t see how we will be able to avoid it for long. My son is a self-described Star Wars nerd. He even dressed as a Darth Vader for his recent Zoom conference with the teacher.
So, the other day he asked me when he can finally go to Disney. After all, the last time he went was a whopping six years ago.
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p style=”text-align: center;”>Going to Magic Kingdom with my parents in 2014
Considering the fact that we live only 90 minutes from Disney, his request isn’t that unreasonable. Besides, we do have Florida Resident specials now and again. Still, I told him we will only go when the virus no longer poses a serious threat. Hopefully, this will happen by next spring but if not, he may have to wait another year.
He was not happy with that answer and asked me why we can’t go this summer. Here is our conversation:
Me: Buddy, we can’t go because daddy has several underlying conditions. If he gets infected with Covid-19, it could kill him.
Him: Well, we will just go without him then.
Me: Doesn’t work that way. If one of us catches it, so will he, since we live in the same house.
Him: Hmm, what’s the kill count in Florida?
Me: You mean death count? It’s over 2,000 people at the moment.
Him: And how many people live in Florida?
Me: Over 20 million. What’s your point?
Him: That seems like a low probability of dying.
Me: True. But I’m sure those 2,000 people thought the same thing.
Him: How long would it take for this virus to kill daddy?
Me: Around three weeks.
Him (sighing): I guess we will wait for the shot (aka vaccine).
Let me tell you, I was simultaneously amused and disturbed by his responses. But that’s how much he loves all things Disney. Fortunately, he seems to love daddy more, albeit by a thin margin. One way or another, a Disney trip is in our future as long as we can afford it. But there is no way I’m risking it this year, no matter how much my kids beg to do it.
Readers, are you hoping to go to Disney this summer?
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Author: Leana
Leana is the founder of Miles For Family. She enjoys beach vacations and visiting her family in Europe. Originally from Belarus, Leana resides in central Florida with her husband and two children.
Oh my… you made my day! 😂 What’s the “kill” count in Florida. I am in the same situation, albeit without the children. We are frequent travelers and we are sidelined until there is a vaccine. My husband is squarely in the high risk category, so therefore, so I am. This too shall pass, but in the meantime, I’m enjoying my favorite bloggers and vloggers! Thanks!
@Tricia This too shall pass, indeed. It helps to find humor in these dark times, though this is certainly a grim subject.
I have to remind myself that as long as my family is OK, that’s the most important thing. I would rather be too cautious then not. I’m seriously thinking about doing virtual school next year because kids are germ factories. I hate the idea of it, but better safe than sorry.
Leana,
Aren´t you proud of your son for using math and statistics to wage the chances?
I am glad he loves daddy more than Star Wars. I agree with you 100%. No theme parks, shopping malls or crowded places for me this summer.
Tania
@Tania Haha! Well, his teacher has referred to him as a math wizard.
Yeah, not much has changed for my family despite the fact that the stay-at-home-order for Florida has been lifted. We pretty much stay at home with one exception: occasional trips to the beach. I’ve done my research and concluded those are mostly safe. Just because something is opened, doesn’t mean we should be doing it. Glad things are improving for NYC, and I’m so sorry about Brazil. I hope your relatives are safe.
Thanks Leana. My family is safe in Brazil. They are the lucky (privilege) ones that can stay home. NYC is going to take longer, but I am glad I can start thinking about summer.
@Tania Very glad to hear your family is OK.
I like the “kill count” phrasing, sounds like a fan of video games.
@Christian Yup, you called it! We are trying to get the kids to cut back on video games, but it ain’t easy.
When he used the phrase, I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. I feel like I’m raising a sociopath. 😉 I did have a talk with him on how each life is precious etc.
I wouldn’t get near Disney this summer for all the reasons you listed. I’m hopeful for our Thanksgiving trip, but I’ll be surprised if it happens.
@Projectx You might be OK. I think there is a decent chance that some sort of targeted treatment is developed by then, which will totally change the risk equation. I would consider going under those circumstances. Fall is a great time to visit Disney.
We went at Thanksgiving last year and had a great time. Crowded as expected, but not unmanageable.
Agreed. I won’t be flying anywhere OR going to Disney until there is a vaccine. Also don’t want to pay for half of the experience. My March 16th trio was cancelled obviously and I have 3 day park hopper tickets sitting in my disney account for when I am ready.
@HML That’s my plan as well. If a highly successful therapeutic is developed this fall, I may reconsider. But summer in Disney is always out of the question, pandemic or not.