Hello and happy TIP TUESDAY! I hope the last week has treated you all well; it certainly has been a cold one!

Here in the Midwest it has reached temperatures of -10 and then some so needless to say, I am DEFINITELY convinced to move to Florida.

Today we are going to talk about the Walt Disney World Resorts and how they have “changed” due to the pandemic. Mind you, not all resorts are open just yet to the public, but they have been slowly and steadily moving forward. Hopefully by October 1st, most if not all of the Walt Disney World Resorts will be open or opening!

Alright, here we go!

We chose to stay at Disney’s POP! Century Resort on our first trip back to the parks. Affordable, convenient to Disney’s Skyliner, and honestly my FAVORITE resort on property. They have that tie-dye cheesecake, remember? Anyway, if you are familiar with the MyDisney Experience App, you have probably already checked in through it. I really enjoyed not having to go up to the front desk, even though we still picked up our Anniversary Buttons there. The convenience of it was very nice and I enjoyed having that “space” while knowing we were going to be taken care of sanitarily, all without losing any of the MAGIC.

Now, I know we already talked about the Magic Bands going away as complimentary, so this is optional as they give you a “key to the world” now when you book through Disney Vacation Planners. Opening the door to the room or paying for anything at the resorts gift shop, Everything POP!, it really comes in handy when it’s on your wrist (if you’re going with a Magic Band).

The one thing I would like to talk about it how the dining has changed over the last 8 months. I know I already sort of talked about how Mobile Ordering has become one of the best things that has come out of this “change”. Ordering form the comfort of your Disney bed has never been sweeter! Now, the trick is to hit “I’m here” as soon as you’ve ordered, especially if you are on the go or right next to the food court. They make to order, so it will take some time as well as everyone else and their mother is also wanting breakfast/lunch/dinner about the same times are you, unless you avoid the heavy dining hours. I’ve waited upwards of 20 minutes for my order, and I hit it after placing the order, walking up and wandering through the gift shop.

On to Mousekeeping. These lovely people are still at it, making your room feel like “HOME”. At check-in, or when checking in on the app, you are given a choice on how often if at all you would like them to come in and change your towels and replace your facial soap; yeah, I’m looking at you. The who put the unopened boxes in your suitcase to take the magic with you. I see you. To keep up with the times, they have also included pages on how to reduce the water usage, so make sure you hang dry those towels to do your part.

Lastly, parking at the resorts is no longer free. Although this came before the parks were effected by the ongoing pandemic, it is always somewhat of a good reminder. $15 per night for Value Resorts, $20 for Moderate Resorts, and $25 for Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resorts (sales tax permitting). Valet parking is still available for the Deluxe and Deluxe Villas for $33 per night + sales tax. Free parking if only for dining reservations, shopping, entertainment, and recreation at the Disney Resort hotels. If you’re not staying ON PROPERTY, prices will be for parking strictly at the theme parks, starting at $25 per day for Standard, $45-$50 for Preferred, and for Over-sized vehicles it will be $30 per day. All sales tax permitting.

So, does that help you get a better understand of how the Disney Resorts are moving along during this crazy time? I really enjoyed the precautions they have taken around the whole resort and like the theme parks, a mask is required while walking around the gift shops, the resorts as a whole, and going into the pool and bar areas. You don’t have to swim with you mask on, unless you want to, but the break is nice for your face, especially in the heat!

The magic is still very much alive, especially when it starts at “Home”. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them down below or message me on the new IG for the blog. (@the_midwestern_disney_blog) What have you experienced that may be different than my own, this is a place for us al to help each other out!

xo

M

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