Hi Tara!
I think you are already off to a great start with visiting us here at planDisney, and by acknowledging that
things are a little different. But at the same time, the magic of the
Walt Disney World Resort is still there, ready and waiting to welcome you!
We were able to take our children this past fall, and we had an absolutely wonderful visit! We focused on all the things we could do and didn’t pay much attention to the things we couldn’t. Part of the magic for little ones is in the expectations! Before your visit, talk up all the fun things you are going to do on your trip. Have family movie nights where you watch Disney movies related to the attractions you plan to visit. Mention the swimming pool, attractions you think they will enjoy, treats you plan to get, and the possibility of waving to characters from afar. This will set your girls up with an excited, positive outlook heading into the trip.
Plan to dine somewhere special! I recommend
The Garden Grill at Epcot, or
Hollywood & Vine at Disney's Hollywood Studios which are both offering a modified character dining experience. Your girls will still be able to wave to characters during your meal, even though they don't come directly to your table for hugs.
Pack for success.
Make mask wearing fun by choosing from cute designs and patterns. You can even purchase
Disney themed masks before you go at
shopDisney! I do recommend bringing extra masks each day in case one is dropped or becomes wet. I’ve also been able to find Disney themed small hand sanitizers at local retailers. When my kids were little, we called hand sanitizer “magic potion” and sometimes we still jokingly call it that now. When we would get off an attraction, I’d make all the kids, including the teenagers (and my husband!) hold their hands out for “magic potion!”
Take advantage of a more relaxed schedule on this visit. On a typical trip, we find we are go-go-go all day as we try to squeeze as much activity in as we can. On our most recent trip, with a few attractions not yet reopen, we took a slower pace and soaked in the atmosphere of the parks. We enjoyed an earlier return to our room which meant more time to visit the pool!
As the mother of four, in my experience, your kids will look to you to set the tone. Talk it up, be excited, involve them in the planning, and the magic started at home will continue with you on your trip!
- Kate