Disney World recently reopened! And while the most magical place on earth is up and running again, there’s a lot about Disney World that just isn’t the same.
I had a trip scheduled for the spring that got cancelled. I rebooked for the fall, but I’m doubtful that I’m going unless the global situation drastically changes.
So with that in mind, I thought I’d spend today’s post talking about the things I miss most about Disney World right now (and the things I can’t wait to do when things are safe again).
The nighttime shows
I love the nighttime shows! The Happily Ever After fireworks in Magic Kingdom and Fantasmic in Hollywood Studios are my two absolute favorites!
I’ve said before on this blog that one pro tip to maximize ride time is to ride while these shows are going on as it’ll reduce your wait time.
This is absolutely true! But honestly, I love the nighttime shows so much I rarely take my own advice on this issue.
I miss the nighttime shows a lot. It sucks that they can run right now, but I can’t wait until I can see them again!
The Disney bubble
Disney is exceptional at escapism.
Once you set foot on Disney property (or for some, once you get in line to board the Magical Express) you are transported to another word.
Granted, some people don’t like to escape quiet this much, but it’s honestly one of my favorite parts of Disney World.
For the length of my trip, magic is real and the only thing that matters is having fun.
While I’m sure Disney is still plenty magical, the bubble has been breached with this virus just like everything else, which makes it hard to fully escape.
I miss the complete suspension of reality that comes with a Disney World vacation, and I can’t want for that to be a thing again.
Peter Pan’s Flight
Peter Pan’s Flight has been my favorite ride since I was a kid.
In fact, no Disney trip is complete unless I’ve ridden each day I’m in Magic Kingdom (which is usually twice).
It’s one of the rides that opened Disney World. And while it doesn’t feature some of the cutting edge technology in the more recent attractions, it has a certain amount of nostalgia for a lot of long-time Disney visitors.
And there’s something about getting in a pirate ship and soaring through the story of Peter Pan that feels pretty magical, regardless of the older technology.
While missing this particular ride is definitely a “me” thing, I think we’re all missing our favorites right about now.
I can’t wait until I get on my next pirate ship, and I can’t wait for you to hop on (or discover) your favorite ride!
The Castle
Cinderella Castle is such an iconic part of Disney World and the Magic Kingdom. In someways, it’s as if you’re not really in Disney World until you’ve seen it.
The Castle has been painted in the time that the parks have been closed, and while it may take some getting used to, I really like the way the colors make the Castle pop.
Even if you’re not a fan of the makeover, I think we can all agree that seeing the Castle in person again is going to be a reason to smile, regardless of the color.
The food
Disney food is so good!
I miss it all; from the snack classics like Dole Whip, to the various Epcot Festival foods, to the amazing table service restaurants like Boma.
And, okay, sure, not every Disney meal is the stuff of legends, but there’s definitely deliciousness to be found all over the parks.
I was scheduled to eat at Ohana for the first time, and I’m super bummed to have to wait!
But I’m pretty sure it’ll be worth it, and I can’t wait!
The Cast Members
There is no customer service like Disney costumer service.
The Cast Members in Disney World are some of the best, most helpful employees I’ve ever come across. They really do everything they can to create a magical trip for you and your group.
They do such a great job creating a bubble of magic and happiness that I always find it a little jarring when I get back to the airport and remember not every one is as happy to help you as a Disney World Cast Member.
I definitely miss interacting with Cast Members and I’m so looking forward to seeing them the next time I go!
The planning
I’m a planner by nature, so I pretty much love planning anything. But planning a Disney World vacation is something extra special.
There are tons of decisions to make throughout the course of planning. And each one typically increases the excitement and anticipation of your trip.
Since I haven’t officially cancelled my current trip, I’m still taking the necessary planning steps as needed, but it’s a lot less fun with all this uncertainty in the air.
Not only that, but Disney World planning has also changed a lot under the current circumstances.
Fast Passes, Park Hopping, and Dining plans are out for the time being. You need a ticket and a park reservation to enter the park. The window for dining reservations has been cut from 180 days down to 60 days.
And there’s nothing that says there won’t be more changes in between now and your trip.
Basically, I can’t wait for planning to fun again and make me excited for my trip.
The efficiency
Nobody gets people and objects where they need to be like Disney World.
If you’re staying on property, you can get from the airport to your resort with the Magical Express, then from your resort to any park or resort using Disney Transportation.
Disney can collect and deliver your luggage, send items you purchased in the park back to your resort, easily alter your dining reservations and plans, and so much more.
Disney is truly great at noticing what people need and creating a system to meet that need.
And while no system is 100% perfect, Disney’s is pretty close. Their efficiency in executing these systems is something to behold and I can’t wait to experience it again for myself.
For more Disney World tips and tricks, check out the other Disney World Posts!
Sound off: What do you miss most about Disney World right now? Tell us about it in the comments!