Hello, and welcome (or welcome back)!
I hope everyone is doing well and feeling safe, healthy, and happy 🙂
Before I begin this article, I want to start off by stating that we are in a time of great unrest and injustice in this country. I am saddened and frightened, and I stand with the peaceful protesters who are fighting for justice and equality in this world. We need change and serious reform in this country. #JusticeforGeorgeFloyd. I try to stay away from devastating world-wide events, because I see this blog as a gleeful and magical escape from reality. But this is just too big to be ignored.
Thank you for your patience 🙂
Now…back to our original programing!
As you probably know by now, Disney World in Florida is planning to begin their phased reopening on July 11th. This is exciting news for both out of work cast members and Disney fanatics. I myself am also excited because it means that I am that much closer to my return to the parks.
And this is what I wanted to talk about with you. If you are on this blog, it is more than likely that you have a chronic illness or know someone with a chronic illness. It is also more than likely that you have a compromised immune system, or have a loved one that does. Theme parks and vacations are not going to be the same as they were before March of this year, at least not any time soon. Those with a chronic illness had to take precautions before, and now those precautions need to be escalated drastically.
I know everyone is excited to “get back to normal,” but we need to take everything one step at a time. We cannot afford to jump in with both feet right now, especially when a vaccine is not even available yet and there is still a pandemic still going on.
So here are my thoughts about going to Disney now that they have announced their reopening date:
- If you do decide to go, please do not ruin it for everyone else. If you choose to go to Disney World when it reopens, that is your prerogative. You can make decisions for yourself. BUT, this does not give you permission to gripe and make it a miserable experience for fellow guests and the cast members that work there. Remember that you are there because you and your loved ones decided that that was the best plan of action for you. No one is making you go (and if someone is, you have a whole other set of issues that we need to discuss). Follow the guidelines that Disney sets out for you at the parks, and if you are unable to adhere to the rules, go home, and wait until some of the restrictions are lifted. Everyone has a lot going on right now. The world has a lot going on right now. Do not be disrespectful.
- Disney World is going to look different in the beginning. There will be no fireworks, parades, or meet and greets at first. No, this isn’t all that makes up Disney World, but they are pretty big components. I am sure that Disney will still find a way to bring the magic, but just keep in mind that if you choose to go, it will be a different experience. And if you have never gone before, this is not how Disney World usually is.
- Keep in mind that Disney will require anyone over the age of 2 to wear a mask. I am in favor of wearing masks, and I think it should be a nationwide policy until the pandemic is fully controlled. That does not mean I enjoy wearing them–I don’t. I find them to be too restrictive. Now take that restriction and apply it to Florida during the summer. It will be hard. And we need to stay as hydrated as possible. I know that for me, if I had to wear a mask all day I would think about drinking a lot less.
- Please put your health first. You know your body more than anyone else. You know what your body can withstand, and what you are comfortable. If you have even the slightest of doubts about going on your trip to Disney this year, please reconsider. Don’t put yourself in harms way, because it is not worth it.
- If you are worried about your trip reservations, call or go to the website! There is no law that says you cannot un-book a trip. Do you want to cancel your future trip? Go for it. If you are not sure about still continuing with your trip or if things become financially untenable, make those calls and cancel. Does your trip say ‘nonrefundable?’ I am willing to bet that during today’s climate, airlines and hotels are being a lot more flexible.
- Lastly, there is no rule that says as a Disney fan, you need to be there when the park first reopens. You should know this by now: I. Love. Disney. But I will not be going back for awhile, nor will I be planning any trips any time soon. When I am ready to go, Disney will be there. And in the meantime, I will continue posting in this blog and sharing magical memories with you–that is how I do my “Disney part.”
I know this is a crappy situation, and you might hate my advice. But this is what I truly believe to be the truth. I am not trying to sound flippant, I just want to keep everyone safe. We are going into unchartered territory, and we need to tread lightly together.
Thank you for indulging me! Next week, we will continue with the My Solo Travels’ Series!
Stay Safe and Stay Magical ❤
Ashley, MCT
My Chronic Travels 