Seven Things Guests Will Miss When Disney Parks Reopen

By Soarin’ Diva 

Walt Disney World reopens this week. Well, to the limited number of people who were able to hang on to their reservations that is. Reopening to the world during a pandemic comes at a price though. There are many things we once took for granted that will have to now be scaled back or done away with completely as this pandemic rages on.

While these missing special touches are taking away from part of the magic of Disney Parks, it won’t stop the die hard fans from going. We know it’s all in the name of safety, safety for guests and Cast Members alike. It doesn’t mean certain things won’t be missed greatly, however. Today, I am going to give you a list of Seven things guests will miss most when they return to the parks during this pandemic.

• Their favorite resorts. Every Disney guest has that special resort that they call home. One that holds memories for their families and just makes them feel special. While there are some good resorts that are now open, there are more that aren’t scheduled to open yet, and they will be missed. For us, it would be Port Orleans French Quarter.
• Fast Passes. Yes, I stress every time Fast Pass day hits. Will I be able to grab those hard to get Fast Passes? It’s a big adventure for sure and the pay off when I’m successful is a thrill. I know the parks won’t be nearly as crowded since Disney had to scale back how many guests are allowed in the park, but no Fast Passes will still be missed.
• Parades. Nothing says crowded like people trying to get a good spot to watch the parade. That’s exactly why Disney won’t be offering parades any time soon, they have to avoid people congregating so close together. Kids and adults alike will miss their favorite parade for sure.

• Fireworks. I mean, no one does fireworks like Disney..no one. but guests are going to be missing out on that particular spectacle. The same reason consisting of guests congregating to watch from a good spot would be why Disney can’t offer this to guests right now.

• Normal buffets. I know, I know. They will be offering family-style buffets, but it’s just not quite the same as being able to go up to that buffet and pick exactly what you want and how much you want on your own.
• Hugging and having character meet and greet interactions. I’m not much of a hugger unless I really know you, but there’s nothing quite like a great big old hug from a Disney character. Think of all these little kids who have been looking forward to meeting Mickey and hugging him…now we have to settle for watching them from afar and offering a wave. Sad, but necessary right now.

• Smiles from Cast Members. Yes, masks are required at Disney Parks, no exceptions, period, end of story! If you are like me, when you wear a mask out in public, you may find yourself smiling at someone passes by. Then you realize they can’t even tell your smiling. It will be the same thing when we see Cast Members who normally greet us with a big smile. We won’t be able to see that cheerful greeting for some time now and yes, it hurts. We’ll miss it greatly.

How about you? Is there anything I haven’t listed that you will miss when you return to a Disney Park? Let us know, we would love to hear from you!

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