The new year is on the horizon, and we’re ready to see what 2021 holds.
We have learned a lot about what a post-closure Disney World looks like, but we still have some big questions. When are things coming back? When are adjustments going away? And what wild merchandise will we spot next year? All very important.
Here are the biggest questions we still have as we approach a New Year in Disney World!
Can I park hop to four parks in one day or is there a limit?
It was recently announced that park hopping will return as an option in 2021, but so far all of Disney’s language has been limited to a “first park” and a “second park.” Will we be able to hop to a third or fourth park? We’re not sure, but we would definitely like to find out.
When will Annual Passes go on sale again?
Annual Pass sales were suspended during the closure of Disney World and there has yet to be any indication that sales will resume. Some Annual Passholders who canceled their pass have been offered the chance to get a new one, but those who are purchasing for the first time have thus far been unable.
If a vaccine is widely distributed, will it be required for theme park entry?
Though Disney has made no mention of vaccination being a requirement for entry into the park, we have seen this under consideration by other major companies like Qantas Airlines. Could we need a vaccine to enter the Disney parks? Some other health measures have taken us by surprise, so this one could be a possibility.
When is the Disney Dining Plan coming back?
Another offering that has been suspended since the Disney parks closed is the Disney Dining Plan. We’ve seen the logos on EPCOT festival menus since the closure, but no word as to when we will be able to opt into the plan again.
When will Fastpass come back?
If you’ve visited Disney parks since they reopened, you’ve likely stood in the standby line for every ride you rode. This is because Fastpass+ has been suspended to help with space for social distancing and capacity controls.
When can we not wear masks?
Speaking of health measures, masks are currently required in Disney parks. We’re not sure how long-term these will be a requirement. Some health officials note that they may be necessary long beyond a vaccine, but ultimately this rule is at Disney’s discretion.
Is Disney Park Pass here to stay?
You may have noticed that Disney Park Pass is required for theme park visits way into January 2022. That’s a long time from now. Could the theme park reservations be a permanent feature?
When will the other hotels and dining reopen?
There are lots of Disney World Resort hotels and Disney World restaurants that are still closed. Of course, we’ll let you know as these options are reopened, but for now, we’re wondering when we’ll return to some of our favorite locations like Disney’s Port Orleans Resort or Casey’s Corner.
When will live performers come back?
One aspect we are very much missing in Disney World right now is live performers. Though there are limited live performances, the vast majority of these offerings are unavailable and Disney has laid off a number of entertainment workers. We miss you, FOLK (that’s Festival of the Lion King).
When can we hug Mickey again?
Speaking of things we really miss in the Disney parks, meet and greets with our favorite characters have been unavailable since the reopening. Honestly, we’re really missing those Mickey hugs.
When will upcoming attractions open?
When the Disney parks closed, construction was halted for some time. This caused several opening dates to be delayed. We’re wondering when these upcoming attractions will open! We know Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure will open in 2021, but when? Are there any other delays we don’t know about?
Will there be another merchandise series like Minnie Mouse: The Main Attraction?
This year Disney introduced the monthly merchandise series, Minnie Mouse: The Main Attraction, and folks went wild for it — us included. Will Disney introduce a new series for 2021? We’re hoping so!
Are the Character Cavalcades here to stay?
With character meet and greets on hiatus, Disney introduced Character Cavalcades and surprise interactions in the parks. We love these offerings and we hope they stick around permanently, but they might disappear when parades and meet and greets return.
When will fireworks come back?
We miss Disney fireworks. So. Much. We’ve started to see the return of a taste of nighttime spectaculars with fireworks testing, projections, and even a little bit of pyrotechnics over Cinderella Castle, but we’re still not sure when the big finales will return.
When will tours resume?
Similarly, behind the scenes tours are unavailable. These offerings are a great way to spruce up a vacation so we’re hoping to see them again. Really, we just want to eat some Disney-grown produce on the Behind the Seeds Tour. Please?
What big Disney World questions do you have as we head into 2021? Tell us in the comments!
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When will be able to send packages back to the resorts instead of having to carry them around the parks?
Hi Shawntel! So far Disney has not released any information on when that will be resumed, but we will absolutely update when it does!
The answers to most of these questions, obviously hinges on when we gain control over Covid-19. I ,too, miss so many aspects of Disney past and really hate that my now 2 y/o grandson is missing so much of the magic during this formative age. As much as I despise wearing a mask in the parks, no park hopping, NO FIREWORKS, etc., etc., I really appreciate the fact that Disney realizes ALL families deserve the opportunity to visit the parks safely. At age 61,I’m very concerned about safely flying into Orlando and visiting the parks, but I have done it and will do it again. ALL park guests should feel safe while visiting the parks and Disney is doing a very good job of erring on the side of safety instead of bowing to the wishes of cavalier folks who are at less risk or simply don’t care about the spread of the virus who demand relaxation of rules.
In summary, when the heck is Disney going to start trying to get back to normal operations and stop playing around the edges? Keep up the cleaning, relax some of the extreme social distancing measures (any one really worried is already not coming), start phasing in more closed attractions and shows again.
What’s going on with the Mary Poppins attraction? Play Pavilion? Festival Center? Tron ride?
When will the WDW Railroad reopen?
When will RunDisney races in the parks resume?
One good thing that came of the pandemic would be if it permanently killed the Disney Dining Plan!!!