21 Tips for Your Walt Disney World Resort Vacation in 2021

National Plan for Vacation Day

1. 1 - 10 Tips for your 2021 Walt Disney World Resort Vacation

   1. Face Covering Essentials – Face Coverings are required at Walt Disney World Resort, and Kristin recommends packing at least 2-3 face coverings per person, per day. She also brings two bags with her to separate the clean and dirty masks. By keeping them in separate bags, it is easier to keep track of which are clean and/or dirty at the end of the day! Also, a lanyard or necklace can be helpful for keeping masks accessible between meals and snack breaks, especially for younger Guests who have a harder time keeping track of them! 
   
   2. Make your Park Pass Reservation – Even though Park Hoppers are back, Guests still need to have a park reservation. And Sarah’s tip is to not forget that Disney Park Pass system reservations change in real-time, so if your desired day isn't available, keep trying! Often reservations become available a few days in advance as people change plans. 
   
   3. My Disney Experience – According to the panelists, download, know it and get ready to use this app to make the most of your Disney vacation! Anne Marie advises Guests to peruse menus and practice building mobile orders so you'll be a pro by the time your vacation is here.
   
   4. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance - When it comes to attractions Missy’s top tip is to not miss Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Disney's Hollywood Studios. In her words, “it is amazing” She reminds Guests to get those fingers ready as Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance has proven to be one of the most popular attractions at Walt Disney World. To board this attraction, after you enter the park, access the virtual queue system and check for an available boarding group using your mobile device. Remember it is a must to have a boarding group to enjoy this attraction. Her tip for faster connection? She recommends closing every app on your phone, deleting Family & Friends from your My Disney Experience list who aren’t in attendance, and using a data speed tracker to compare Wi-Fi and cellular network speeds. Missy reminds Guests that if they happen to miss getting a boarding group first thing in the morning, they can try again at 1:00 p.m.! 
   
   5. Take a Break - It’s okay to take breaks, reminds Jackie. A Disney vacation is truly the most magical vacation, but it can be tiring. Schedule time into your itinerary to sit down, relax and even take a mask break. Sipping water and applying some lip oil will help you feel rejuvenated.  This mask break could be at one of the relaxation stations set up throughout the Walt Disney World Theme Parks, at a sit-down meal, or even back at your Walt Disney World Resort Hotel’s pool. 
   
   6. Be Prepared with a Backup Plan - Yes, you can (and should) plan for the unpredictable says Jerry. The best vacations, no matter how carefully planned, are those that allow a little room to “expect the unexpected” and are ready to go with an alternate plan. Did a rain shower halt your group from taking a wild ride on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad? Then why not head over to Haunted Mansion for a spin in your own Doom Buggy? We hear they are dying for new spirits, we mean Guests, to visit them! 
   
   7. Try Something New - 2021 does look different at the Walt Disney World Theme Parks right now, so what better time to shake it up and do something different, recommends Jackie. Stay at a different resort, eat at a different restaurant, take a day and enjoy your Walt Disney World Resort Hotel’s pool. Whatever it may be, embrace some of the changes and make it work for you! 
   
   8. Mobile Order Service – Tabitha has been a fan of the Mobile Order Service, via the My Disney Experience mobile app, since it first rolled out. However, with personal distancing protocols currently in place, it is a must-do when grabbing food at Quick-Service dining locations. Make sure to have the app on your phone before you arrive, so you will be prepared! 
   
   9. Dining Reservations - Make dining reservations in advance, especially if you have a larger family, recommends Bob. Making reservations for your family will give you a piece of mind when little ones (and even adults) are hungry at the end of a busy Disney day. Bob reminds Guests some locations require a dining reservation, so be sure to check the My Disney Experience app. Don’t have a dining reservation? You can also use the app to add your party to the walk-up list at select table-service restaurants.
   
   10. Don’t Miss the Magic - See the magic in the small moments Jackie reminds Guests. Some small magical moments that my family and I have enjoyed recently are chatting with Cast Members who are so excited to see everyone back at the Walt Disney World Theme Parks, waving at a beloved character we might happen upon during one of the many character cavalcades and stopping for a spur of the moment attraction because there is little to no wait.  Magic can also be found simply enjoying a Mickey-shaped pretzel in front of Cinderella Castle with your family knowing this memory will last a lifetime. There are so many small, magical moments just waiting to be had, you just have to be ready for them. 
   
   

2. 11 -21 Tips for your 2021 Walt Disney World Resort Vacation

   11. Limit what you Carry into the Parks – Kathy reminds Guests to keep in mind that the security process is a bit different these days. Cast Members won't search each bag like before, but will advise you to remove certain items from your bag like metal water bottles or umbrellas and hold them in front of you as you walk through a metal detector. The less you take in, the less you have to take out!
   
   12. Be Flexible – Things happen and it’s important to be flexible with your plans, reminds Veronica. On a recent visit, her girls loved experiencing Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki room at the Magic Kingdom Park, when their Adventureland favorites were busy. The Swiss Family Treehouse is also a great attraction to enjoy when looking for something different to enjoy.
   
   13. Try a New Resort – Darcie reminds Guests that just in time for its 50th anniversary later this year, Disney's Polynesian Village resort is undergoing lots of changes. Bold colors and tropical textures have inspired design updates that will include a new entryway, monorail station and lush gardens throughout the resort. Even the guest rooms are being redone for the reopening in summer 2021!
   
   14. Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary Celebration – Tamela is a tad bit excited to share with Guests the exciting celebration that will take place at Walt Disney World Resort as it celebrates 50 years of "Making Dreams Come True!" For Tamela, Walt Disney World holds many unforgettable memories for her family and she can’t wait for the many more to come. No doubt it is bound to be a year of celebrations and a great time to visit!
    
   15. Take a Splash at a Water Park – Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park is scheduled to reopen March 7, 2021. Ashely reminds Guests that at this time, reopening procedures have not been announced for the water parks. She recommends keeping an eye on the Walt Disney World Resort website and the Disney Parks Blog for news and updates!
   
   16. Dine at Disney Springs – With so many delectable dining options available, planDisney panelists all agree dining at Disney Springs is a must do. And once there, Robyn suggests trying a decadent chocolate chip cookie at Gideon’s Bakehouse. She recently saw a picture of their Peanut Butter Cold Brew coffee and wanted to reach into her phone to take a sip. She also recommends planning a day to spend at Disney Springs to take advantage of not only the incredible dining but also shopping, experiences and events!
   
   17. Schedule a Round of Mini-Golf – A round of mini-golf is a great way to try something new on your next Walt Disney World vacation. Betsy reminds Guests that Winter Summerland Miniature Golf will close for a seasonal refurbishment on January 30, 2021. However, during its closure, Fantasia Gardens & Fairways Miniature Golf will be available for your family’s enjoyment!
   
   18. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure – This new attraction located at EPCOT is one thing Thiana can’t wait to open this spring. Get ready to shrink to the size of Remy for an amazing 4D experience.
   
   19. Make it a Family Affair - Darcie reminds Guests they don't have to be limited to expressing individuality on t-shirts alone! Whether families choose to wear matching masks, or masks made from coordinating fabrics inspired by a favorite Disney film, the options are endless. She also reminds Guest to check out shopDisney.com for all your Disney attire needs.
   
   20. Park Hopper Option - As of January 1, 2021, Guests who purchase a theme park ticket, or annual pass with Park Hopper benefits, will be able to visit more than one park per day with some new updates to the process. Amy reminds Guests you will still need to make a park reservation for the first theme park you visit and you must visit the park for which you have a reservation before park hopping to the next one. Park hopper hours will begin at 2 PM and end at that park’s closing time. Entrance into the other park is subject to the park’s capacity and at the discretion of Walt Disney World’s continued effort to maintain Guests’ health and safety.
   
   21. Don’t Miss the Festivals – Robyn suggests planning your vacation during one of the many incredible festivals that take place at Epcot each year. The year begins with Taste of Epcot International Festival of the Arts, followed by Taste of Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, Taste of Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, and Taste of Epcot® International Festival of the Holidays!
   
   And lastly, Wyatt reminds Guests to bring their innermost dreams and be ready to experience the magic! Forget about 2020 and get ready for the vacation of a lifetime.