Hi, there!
Welcome to planDisney, Christopher. We're so glad you stopped by!
Like you, I have some very cherished memories of visiting the
Walt Disney World Resort as a child. Those priceless memories have been made even sweeter in getting to experience the magic of Disney storytelling with my own children! I can't tell you how many happy tears I've cried as I've watched my little ones ride timeless attractions, enjoy legendary entertainment, and interact with beloved Disney Characters just like I did when I was little.
I completely understand your hesitation to book a Walt Disney World Resort vacation knowing that the experiences you most hope to share as a family may be temporarily unavailable for your visit. Traditional Character meet and greets are currently paused as part of Disney's phased re-opening process. That's not to say that your children wouldn't be able to interact with their favorite Disney Characters, though! There are Character experiences currently available in and out of the theme parks like the impromptu
Character Cavalcades in Magic Kingdom Park and modified Character Dining Experiences like
Chef Mickey's at Disney's Contemporary Resort, but these are all offered with social distancing in mind. While your kiddos may not be able to hug their Disney pals, they can certainly wave, blow kisses, and snap selfies with the Characters in the background!
It's certainly possible that the traditional Character meet and greet experiences you remember with such fondness may return by the time you're thinking of visiting. I recommend keeping an eye on the
Disney Parks Blog. It's your best resource for news and updates about Disney Parks and destinations! Any news of experiences returning to the Walt Disney World Resort will surely be posted there.
I also suggest going ahead and booking your Disney vacation for this August.
Did you know that just planning a vacation can make you feel happier? Sounds like a step in the right direction to me! When you book a
Disney Resort hotel vacation package, you only need to pay a deposit, with the balance due 30-days prior to arrival. If you reach that 30-day mark and feel like your visit may not shape up to be the one you've been dreaming of for your family, you can cancel or reschedule for a later date. Should you choose to cancel before your vacation balance is due, you'll receive a full refund for your deposit!
I hope this was helpful, Christopher. Please visit us again soon with any new questions you may have about planning a Walt Disney World Resort vacation!
Ashley