Interesting read. Seems to line up with a lot of the observations posted here too. Increased capacity has resulted in longer lines and less distancing. Not a great combo for guest satisfaction but I guess Disney has to do what they can to make ends meet.
I've now been to WDW 4 times since the reopening. As a regular, WDW is not as bad as the author makes it out to be.
I went to WDW with what I consider to be reasonable expectations. COVID-19 is raging and it's a mini miracle that WDW is open. IMO, Disney is doing just about the best they can with the cards they have been dealt.
Let's consider the highlights from the article:
"
I visited Disney World with my family in November the week after Thanksgiving."
I visited WDW both before and after this, and have visited dozens of times before COVID-19, so I think I have a reasonably good background to judge what WDW is like now compared to pre COVID-19.
"
Disney World was busier than we expected, but at least mask-wearing was encouraged throughout the parks."
Two points to make here.
First, if you think WDW was busier than expected, then you haven't been paying attention. Higher attendance has been reported for months.
Second, suggesting that mask-wearing is only "encouraged" is a gross mischaracterization. Mask-compliance is about as high as anyplace you are going to find and Disney
will remove you if you fail to comply.
"
The Florida theme park had made a number of necessary changes in the interest of safety, the magic felt a little lost with longer wait times for attractions and popular restaurants closed."
Three points to make.
First, I commend Disney for the modifications they have made to address COVID-19. As I have posted elsewhere, I wish others would follow Disney's example.
Second, actual wait times generally are a bit
less than normal. Still, socially distanced lines stretch on for what seems like forever. For example, even though the line for Peter Pan's Flight reached Columbia House, it's been nearly 2 decades since we waited less than 30 minutes in the Standby Line in the middle of the day to ride Peter Pan.
Third, nearly all popular restaurants are open, albeit with modified menus. A few that specialize in buffets were closed, but I believe even these are reopening.
"
But it wasn't all bad. It was quicker to pick up food with mobile ordering available, transportation ran like clockwork, and we had the pool at our hotel almost to ourselves."
Our experience was similar. I'm old-fashioned but mobile order is the way to go.
And we loved the less-crowded pools.
"
Ultimately, though, visiting Disney World during the pandemic wasn't worth the money and effort, and I wish I'd saved to return later when it will be safer and more enjoyable."
This is a reasonable opinion but by no means universal. If you are determined to experience all of the traditional "magic", then I recommend that you do
not go. Masks, social distancing, limited character access, closed shows, etc.
do make it a less enjoyable experience.
However, if you are willing to adjust expectations, then WDW is one of the safer places you can visit right now.
There's plenty of fun to be had at WDW. Just read my previous trip reports:
Trip Report - The “Is it safe?” Trip Report | WDWMAGIC - Unofficial Walt Disney World discussion forums
And:
Trip Report - The "Once More Unto The Breach" Trip Report | WDWMAGIC - Unofficial Walt Disney World discussion forums
Never before had I written trip reports but thought it important to write these for those who are considering traveling to WDW during COVID-19.
And once COVID-19 is over, you won't find me writing another trip report.