Moving a DLR Trip to Walt Disney World- Let’s Talk!

[crystal1313]

Well, I hate to say, I'm kinda nervous now. Have you seen the articles that they MIGHT require a negative covid test for domestic flights? That could be a game changer for us. IF they do this, do I want to go now? It's the old what if one of us tests positive 3 days before we leave? What about if we would have to get a negative test while on vacation for the return trip? Sorry I vented a little. I'm of course on the side that they more than likely won't go that far, BUT at the same time I won't put anything past the decision makers.
As far as the weather? The cooling towels and water bottles are a great idea. My DD and one of my DS's gets hot pretty easily. We will have to find shade alot. I've never used cooling towels. Do you just get them wet before you leave and they help cool you throughout the day? I hope all is well with you.

Hi! Yes, we have seen that about the Covid tests. We are also hoping that doesn't happen. I do think they should check temperatures before a flight and were actually shocked that they did not do that when we went in December. But we cannot afford to add a lot more money to this already expensive trip with the addition of 8 Covid Tests (4 on the way there and 4 on the way home). Plus I would just worry the entire time that we would get stranded if one came back positive. I've read of so many nightmare scenarios for this process in Hawaii (I totally understand why Hawaii is doing this), but we cannot risk being out that much money either. We have already decided that is this happens, we will cancel. Unless testing becomes easier/cheaper.

Cooling towels are awesome! We like Frogg Toggs best! You just get them wet and ring them out, and they stay cool. You can re-wet them as many times as you like during the day. Our youngest is a redhead and gets really hot fast. He loves wearing a cooling towel around his neck!

 

[TikiTikiFan]

Plus I would just worry the entire time that we would get stranded if one came back positive. I've read of so many nightmare scenarios for this process in Hawaii (I totally understand why Hawaii is doing this), but we cannot risk being out that much money either. We have already decided that is this happens, we will cancel. Unless testing becomes easier/cheaper.

I'm worried about this too! The claim is it would encourage people to feel safer flying but that's not really the case. I wonder though how recent the test has to be done? I saw a travel blogger post about getting her covid test for her return flight into the US from Mexico... before she even left for Mexico. Seems like she did it the day before her flight there so she'd have it for the flight home.

Edit: Googled and it says 3 days for international visitors so she must have only been going for a few days... who knows. Let's hope they don't do this! All that energy should go towards making airlines keep middle seats open or ban eating/drinking for long durations.

 

[TikiTikiFan]

Just bought this for our trip... it's on sale on Shop Disney and I couldn't resist!!

 

[VandVsmama]

Reminder to everyone participating in this thread: Please respect the rules of the Boards by not posting links to or articles from banned websites. Thank you!
Now, back to the show!

How do we know what websites are banned (i.e., so we don't post a link like that on accident)?

 

[theluckyrabbit]

How do we know what websites are banned (i.e., so we don't post a link like that on accident)?

Hit preview to see your post -- if the website comes up ********, then the filter got to it so you know the site is banned here. Only a few sites are banned here (other than the totally obvious genres, e.g. porn), so it isn't too hard to figure out which ones to avoid. And if a story is real Disney news, other not-banned sites will run with it, so you could always find another article to post.

 

[VandVsmama]

Ok, I need help! For those who have been to WDW in summer, what should I expect? We usually really enjoy humid weather (Hawaii) but I’m getting the sense that FL is a lot more intense than Hawaii! Lol. We plan on bringing cooling towels and refillable water bottles. Any other tips/advice?

We went to WDW in early June a couple of years ago for the first time and sweated our butts off. Keep in mind, though, that we live in AZ, so we basically went from 10% humidity to over 80%. 85 degrees at 10% humidity feels like about 74 degrees in Anaheim.

On that FL trip, we basically sweated all day long. In the morning, in the afternoon, and in the evening. We are going again for a week in early June of this year (so we're gluttons for punishment). Some FL heat coping techniques that we are going to use include the following:

1. insulated water bottles - these keep the cold water cold for a longer period of time. At WDW on a warm day, that cheap plastic water bottle which you refilled with your free ice water will be room temperature outside after about 20 minutes.
2. a solar/UV umbrella - I'm bringing 2. 1 for 2 of us to share. Since there's 4 of us, 2 will cover it. Most of the queues right now at WDW end up being outside due to social distancing. So imagine standing out there in the sun ride after ride at WDW with no shade to stand under and no breeze and it's 84-89 degrees AND high humidity.
3. battery powered hand held fan - they sell these in the parks. I'm ready and willing to plunk down $20 a pop for 4 of these. Money well spent.
4. Or another option is a USB rechargeable neck fan. I'm going to buy some of these, too since I don't know who will prefer which cooling method. You can find them on Amazon. There's 1 fan on each side of your head and the contraption wraps around the back of your neck.
5. Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Think workout clothes.
6. Use Body Glide on your feet every day. Your feet will sweat a lot more at WDW than at DL.
7. If possible, wear hiking sandals instead of regular sneakers. It'll help you feel a little bit cooler. But have a back up pair of shoes to wear in case you get blisters or your feet need a break.
8. Plan on you, your family, and everybody around you looking like you spent 2 hours in a sweaty gym.
9. Plan on you, your family, and everybody smelling like you spent 2 hours in a sweaty gym.
10. Plan for 1 lunch time/mid day ADR indoors each day in air-conditioned space.
11. Use the relaxation stations that they have in each park when you need some mask-less time.
12. If you go to AK, know that it'll be as hot as the surface of the sun. We are totally going to avoid AK on our June trip.
13. Plan on drinking a heck of a lot more fluids than you would on a DL trip. Seriously. You need to stay on top of it or you will feel horrible. If needed, alternate occasionally between water and an electrolyte drink.
14. Take a break at your hotel every afternoon between 1-5 pm-ish. Rest, nap, take a dip in the pool. Go back to a park for dinner and a few more rides.
15. Know that you won't be able to do it all. That's ok.

 

[bassgirl]

Hi! Yes, we have seen that about the Covid tests. We are also hoping that doesn't happen. I do think they should check temperatures before a flight and were actually shocked that they did not do that when we went in December. But we cannot afford to add a lot more money to this already expensive trip with the addition of 8 Covid Tests (4 on the way there and 4 on the way home). Plus I would just worry the entire time that we would get stranded if one came back positive. I've read of so many nightmare scenarios for this process in Hawaii (I totally understand why Hawaii is doing this), but we cannot risk being out that much money either. We have already decided that is this happens, we will cancel. Unless testing becomes easier/cheaper.

Cooling towels are awesome! We like Frogg Toggs best! You just get them wet and ring them out, and they stay cool. You can re-wet them as many times as you like during the day. Our youngest is a redhead and gets really hot fast. He loves wearing a cooling towel around his neck!

Yes. We are in the same boat too! I hope we find out sooner than later. I'm hoping they realize (my opinion) that if they do this it would open up a HUGE Pandora's box. What about trains, buses, taxies etc. Where would it stop? Also yes. I wouldn't want to get stuck somewhere and I wouldn't want to be stuck finding a place to get a test. Yuck. I wouldn't want that stress on a trip. If it happens we will probably cancel also. Well, I'm sure when we find out we will chat about it here. Hoping for laughs and a "phew, I'm glad that didn't happen."

Those cooling towels sound "cool" . I have 2 red heads that do the same thing. They sound like a great idea. Hopefully I will be able to use those. Take Care and it was great to talk to you.

 

[midnight star]

Well, I hate to say, I'm kinda nervous now. Have you seen the articles that they MIGHT require a negative covid test for domestic flights? That could be a game changer for us. IF they do this, do I want to go now? It's the old what if one of us tests positive 3 days before we leave? What about if we would have to get a negative test while on vacation for the return trip? Sorry I vented a little. I'm of course on the side that they more than likely won't go that far, BUT at the same time I won't put anything past the decision makers.
As far as the weather? The cooling towels and water bottles are a great idea. My DD and one of my DS's gets hot pretty easily. We will have to find shade alot. I've never used cooling towels. Do you just get them wet before you leave and they help cool you throughout the day? I hope all is well with you.

This has now made me nervous too. Was entertaining a trip for June...

 

[midnight star]

Ok, I need help! For those who have been to WDW in summer, what should I expect? We usually really enjoy humid weather (Hawaii) but I’m getting the sense that FL is a lot more intense than Hawaii! Lol. We plan on bringing cooling towels and refillable water bottles. Any other tips/advice?

This info is my parents’ perspective from the 90’s when we all last did WDW in the Summer so outdated, but not really since Florida is always hot in the summer haha

Get there early before the massive heat comes in

For animal kingdom go early since it has less shade;
Do safari in the morning before it’s overly hot as that’s when the animals are out

Water water water-Stay away from sodas and alcohol unless you’ll be in the A/C for a while

Be mindful of the midday thunderstorms that may close the rides

Lose fitting clothes that won’t stick to you

 

[crystal1313]

We went to WDW in early June a couple of years ago for the first time and sweated our butts off. Keep in mind, though, that we live in AZ, so we basically went from 10% humidity to over 80%. 85 degrees at 10% humidity feels like about 74 degrees in Anaheim.

On that FL trip, we basically sweated all day long. In the morning, in the afternoon, and in the evening. We are going again for a week in early June of this year (so we're gluttons for punishment). Some FL heat coping techniques that we are going to use include the following:

1. insulated water bottles - these keep the cold water cold for a longer period of time. At WDW on a warm day, that cheap plastic water bottle which you refilled with your free ice water will be room temperature outside after about 20 minutes.
2. a solar/UV umbrella - I'm bringing 2. 1 for 2 of us to share. Since there's 4 of us, 2 will cover it. Most of the queues right now at WDW end up being outside due to social distancing. So imagine standing out there in the sun ride after ride at WDW with no shade to stand under and no breeze and it's 84-89 degrees AND high humidity.
3. battery powered hand held fan - they sell these in the parks. I'm ready and willing to plunk down $20 a pop for 4 of these. Money well spent.
4. Or another option is a USB rechargeable neck fan. I'm going to buy some of these, too since I don't know who will prefer which cooling method. You can find them on Amazon. There's 1 fan on each side of your head and the contraption wraps around the back of your neck.
5. Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Think workout clothes.
6. Use Body Glide on your feet every day. Your feet will sweat a lot more at WDW than at DL.
7. If possible, wear hiking sandals instead of regular sneakers. It'll help you feel a little bit cooler. But have a back up pair of shoes to wear in case you get blisters or your feet need a break.
8. Plan on you, your family, and everybody around you looking like you spent 2 hours in a sweaty gym.
9. Plan on you, your family, and everybody smelling like you spent 2 hours in a sweaty gym.
10. Plan for 1 lunch time/mid day ADR indoors each day in air-conditioned space.
11. Use the relaxation stations that they have in each park when you need some mask-less time.
12. If you go to AK, know that it'll be as hot as the surface of the sun. We are totally going to avoid AK on our June trip.
13. Plan on drinking a heck of a lot more fluids than you would on a DL trip. Seriously. You need to stay on top of it or you will feel horrible. If needed, alternate occasionally between water and an electrolyte drink.
14. Take a break at your hotel every afternoon between 1-5 pm-ish. Rest, nap, take a dip in the pool. Go back to a park for dinner and a few more rides.
15. Know that you won't be able to do it all. That's ok.

Thank you!!! We are going early June as well!!

 

[crystal1313]

This info is my parents’ perspective from the 90’s when we all last did WDW in the Summer so outdated, but not really since Florida is always hot in the summer haha

Get there early before the massive heat comes in

For animal kingdom go early since it has less shade;
Do safari in the morning before it’s overly hot as that’s when the animals are out

Water water water-Stay away from sodas and alcohol unless you’ll be in the A/C for a while

Be mindful of the midday thunderstorms that may close the rides

Lose fitting clothes that won’t stick to you

Thank you!! I didn’t even think of thunderstorms closing rides!! I guess we will have to eat more snacks during the storms. Lol!

 

[bassgirl]

This has now made me nervous too. Was entertaining a trip for June...

Well, since it is in the "discussion" mode now, hopefully we will find out soon what the deal is. I was just talking to my daughter and we both agreed that if they said you don't have to test but have to wear 2 masks we would do that. I've been reading some articles online and alot of the airlines etc. don't at all think it's a good idea. Too crazy logistics and such. Sounds like 3 of us will hopefully be going in June! Yeah! I'll keep an eye out on the CDC thing and let people know on here right away when I find out if someone doesn't beat me to it. Take Care and have a great day Midnight Star!!

 

[Sarahelizabeth]

We booked a trip to Walt Disney World over spring break and I’ve been reading all of the forums over there trying to figure it all out. We aren’t big on planning every minute of the day. I made a couple of reservations but the thought of booking meals for lunch and dinner every day this far in advance is hard! I like to go with the flow and eat when we are hungry. I understand we won’t get into the real popular places without a reservation but is it possible to get a table in Disney springs last minute? Do they take walk ins?

 

[VandVsmama]

We booked a trip to Walt Disney World over spring break and I’ve been reading all of the forums over there trying to figure it all out. We aren’t big on planning every minute of the day. I made a couple of reservations but the thought of booking meals for lunch and dinner every day this far in advance is hard! I like to go with the flow and eat when we are hungry. I understand we won’t get into the real popular places without a reservation but is it possible to get a table in Disney springs last minute? Do they take walk ins?

If you're going over spring break, your chances of getting an ADR as a walk in is slim to none. You really need to book it ahead of time.

That being said, remember that there's a 24 hour cancellation rule, so people with ADRs have up until 24 hr beforehand to cancel their dining reservation without a $10/person penalty. As a result, you might find some 'last minute' cancellations in the days leading up to the day you're looking for.

 

[SeaDis]

We booked a trip to Walt Disney World over spring break and I’ve been reading all of the forums over there trying to figure it all out. We aren’t big on planning every minute of the day. I made a couple of reservations but the thought of booking meals for lunch and dinner every day this far in advance is hard! I like to go with the flow and eat when we are hungry. I understand we won’t get into the real popular places without a reservation but is it possible to get a table in Disney springs last minute? Do they take walk ins?

I get this sentiment! It was slim pickens for ADRs on our short-notice trip. We got what we could (cancellations) because we were stressing about not being able to get into restaurants with the reduced capacity. But we ended up canceling most of them as we just didn't want to be tied to a schedule around dining. It's especially hard when there are no Fastpass and you could be in line as the time rolls around. Also after the first dinner indoors, we decided we wanted to eat outdoors when possible. That lends more to counter services locations.

With mobile order you really don't need to load up on ADRs. You have much more variety and flexibility depending on what you are doing at the time. And many locations have outdoor seating.

One thing we did learn (December 2020) is they really had no concern about what time you show up for your ADR. I don't know if this is current policy due to the situation, or if it's always been that way. But we were between 15 and 60 minutes late for our three ADRs and as we were very apologetic, we were told every time it's no problem as long as it's not ridiculous "2 to 3 hours" late. So that may help take the stress out of planning the entire day to the minute.

 

[pharmama]

I get this sentiment! It was slim pickens for ADRs on our short-notice trip. We got what we could (cancellations) because we were stressing about not being able to get into restaurants with the reduced capacity. But we ended up canceling most of them as we just didn't want to be tied to a schedule around dining. It's especially hard when there are no Fastpass and you could be in line as the time rolls around. Also after the first dinner indoors, we decided we wanted to eat outdoors when possible. That lends more to counter services locations.

With mobile order you really don't need to load up on ADRs. You have much more variety and flexibility depending on what you are doing at the time. And many locations have outdoor seating.

I am especially glad to hear this. I know dining is supposed to be a big deal at WDW but we are still iffy on the trip at all and would prefer to do outdoor dining for the most part for exposure reasons (and there aren't any reservations available anyway since its spring break). But I've heard people say table service is much more important and a bigger deal at WDW. Ideally I'd like to grab BOG or CRT as our one indoor dining but I know I'll have to be super diligent looking for cancellations. Wouldn't mind Beaches and Cream for our non park day too, especially since we are staying at Yacht Club.

Out of curiosity- what about your first indoor dining made you want to mostly eat outdoors going forward?

 

[SeaDis]

I am especially glad to hear this. I know dining is supposed to be a big deal at WDW but we are still iffy on the trip at all and would prefer to do outdoor dining for the most part for exposure reasons (and there aren't any reservations available anyway since its spring break). But I've heard people say table service is much more important and a bigger deal at WDW. Ideally I'd like to grab BOG or CRT as our one indoor dining but I know I'll have to be super diligent looking for cancellations. Wouldn't mind Beaches and Cream for our non park day too, especially since we are staying at Yacht Club.

Out of curiosity- what about your first indoor dining made you want to mostly eat outdoors going forward?

It was Epcot our first night - La Hacienda de San Angel.

We are not overly "exposure-concerned" (can't really be if flying 6 hours to WDW, right?). But it did feel like pretty close quarters. The tables were spaced out, but we were in the middle with constant people walking by, kids up and about, etc. Also as night fell at Epcot, the party atmosphere really kicked up. We had young adults at tables next to us having fun and talking really loudly (to be heard over the indoor noise). Doesn't bother me, and the food/drinks were great but that was about all. It was loud and just not a great experience/meal for $250+ with a discount.

Now that I'm recalling, one other issue:
We noticed the waiting CMs are also bussing tables. Not just their tables, but helping bus others as well. This really struck me and I wondered if it was cost-cutting due to lower capacity or if it's always this way. I am used to wait staff taking away plates, etc, of course. But they were doing the final bussing of empty tables including sweeping underneath and wipe down. It just struck me as odd given all the other precautions... not really a "good look". If it is cost-cutting, they are working really hard right now and doing it with a smile.

After that we did two lunch ADRs. No real complaints about crowding there, but just didn't love it for the cost. We just preferred counter service with all mobile order (no lines) and sitting in the sunshine.

And actually you raise a good point. I would be more inclined to do table service at the resorts than in the Park. Maybe that made a difference. Our brunch at Contemporary was the least crowded of all and the most enjoyable. Not rushed in any way.

ETA: OOPS - I gave the name of the counter service attached to the table service restaurant. Corrected: La Hacienda...

 

[crystal1313]

Our trip in December we only made a handful of ADRs and felt really tied to them all! While I’m glad we got to experience 50s Prime time cafe and SciFi Dine In, I’m not sure I would make ADRs again. Coming from the west coast and the time change, we weren’t exactly sure when we would be hungry!

We are planning on going back in June and we actually are only planning on a couple ADRs. More on our rest days. For sure Homecomin at DS on arrival night. That was an amazing meal. We are still debating about SciFi as we enjoyed that the most. But we already decided we would prefer dinner there. I think otherwise we will mobile order and eat a lot more snacks. We will pack sandwiches every day for lunch (if we need them). But we have decided as a family to try out more snacks and share more food so we don’t get overly full and can try and enjoy more foods!

For us, we found it difficult to go and eat at other resorts due to the transportation. I’m not sure we would do that again unless it was a rest day.

I would recommend checking out all the menus too on MDE and see if the restaurant has items that fit your family. A lot of the table service restaurants at MK didn’t really appeal to us due to the food or the prices. So we never ate table service there.

 

[Cal-Pie]

I've been thinking about attempting to make an ADR at Sci Fi. What happens if you have an ADR that conflicts with your boarding group on ROTR?

A lot of the table service restaurants at MK didn’t really appeal to us due to the food or the prices. So we never ate table service there.

Same. Table service in MK is looking very unappealing.

 

[midnight star]

We also felt like ADR were going to tie us down. We only had 4 park days. So we wanted to make the most of our time there. The only sit downs we ended up doing were Tiffins at Animal Kingdom and Coral Reef at Epcot.

I would say look through all the menus and find the restaurants that you can’t live without trying. Also take into account that many of the restaurants are “experiences”. So you may spend more time there than a typical restaurant.