{"id":21055,"date":"2020-12-06T08:22:56","date_gmt":"2020-12-06T13:22:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.themagicforless.com\/tmflblog\/?p=21055"},"modified":"2025-10-10T15:59:15","modified_gmt":"2025-10-10T19:59:15","slug":"visiting-walt-disney-world-in-2021-and-what-you-need-to-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.themagicforless.com\/tmflblog\/visiting-walt-disney-world-in-2021-and-what-you-need-to-know\/","title":{"rendered":"Visiting Walt Disney World in 2021 and What You Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Walt Disney World Resort<\/a> began its reopening on June 22, 2020 with just as much magic, but some changes, so here’s what you need to know about visiting Walt Disney World in 2021!\u00a0 If you’ve visited in the past, you’re used to 6-month dining windows, the 3 o’clock parade, and hugging your favorite characters.\u00a0 All these experiences look a little different right now, but we are seriously liking many of these changes. Keep reading for more info!<\/p>\n

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Booking Your Vacation for 2021<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Available Resorts<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Let’s start with the planning process for visiting Walt Disney World in 2021.\u00a0 \u00a0Two of the first details you want to confirm are when you are traveling and where you are staying.\u00a0 Many of the other planning details are a little more fluid and you can make changes, but locking in your resort stay is key so that can book the accommodations you want as well as the dates\u00a0 you want.\u00a0 About two thirds of the Walt Disney World Resort Hotels are currently open, with a few more scheduled to open in 2021.\u00a0 You still have fantastic options in all the resort categories – value<\/a>, moderate<\/a>, deluxe, and deluxe villa<\/a> resorts.\u00a0 \u00a0Is your favorite resort one of the few not scheduled yet to open?\u00a0 This is the perfect time to try out another resort!\u00a0 We recommend checking out a resort on the Skyliner<\/a> route or perhaps near Disney Springs<\/a>!\u00a0 Check out the the most up-to-date list of What Walt Disney World Hotels are Open<\/a>\u00a0 and this blog post lists everything that is open at each of these resorts.<\/a><\/p>\n

Some Disney Resort hotel services will be modified or unavailable during the initial reopening period, based on physical distancing and health guidelines. The most notable changes include:<\/p>\n

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  • Bell Services<\/strong>\u00a0will deliver luggage to rooms, but will not escort Guests<\/li>\n
  • Club-level service<\/strong>\u00a0is temporarily unavailable<\/li>\n
  • Deliveries<\/strong>\u00a0may only be made to occupied rooms<\/li>\n
  • In-room celebrations<\/strong>\u00a0are not available<\/li>\n
  • In-room dining<\/strong>\u00a0is not available<\/li>\n
  • Dry-cleaning and valet laundry services<\/strong>\u00a0is temporarily unavailable; self-service laundry is available<\/li>\n
  • Shipping services<\/strong>\u00a0are temporarily unavailable<\/li>\n
  • In addition, the resort airline check-in service<\/strong> is no longer available<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

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    Theme Park Reservations<\/strong><\/h4>\n

    Once you secure your stay with a fully refundable $200 deposit, the next step is to make theme park reservations with Disney’s new Park Pass System<\/a>.\u00a0 This is a change and one you won’t want to overlook!\u00a0 You’ll need both valid park admission and<\/strong> a theme park reservation to enter any of the four theme parks.\u00a0 We have all the details with step-by-step video and printed instructions<\/a> to walk you through this process, and of course, let your Magic For Less Travel Counselor know if you have questions!\u00a0 Theme park reservations are required to enter the theme parks.<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \"How<\/a><\/p>\n

    Park Hopping<\/strong><\/h4>\n

    Are you a park hopper?\u00a0 Or maybe you’re a first-time visitor and want to see all that the Walt Disney World theme parks have to offer and want the flexibility of park hopping – visiting more than one theme park in the same day.\u00a0 \u00a0The good news is, park hopping will be available again beginning January 1st for those visiting Walt Disney World in 2021!\u00a0 How do you park hop with the theme park reservation system<\/a> in place?\u00a0 We’ve got the details right here for you<\/a>!\u00a0 Resort guests can really benefit from park hopping – starting at one theme park, maybe enjoying lunch, a nap, or a swim at your resort – then wrapping up your day at another theme park!<\/p>\n

    Dining Experiences<\/strong><\/h4>\n

    If you’ve visited Walt Disney World before, you know the significance of the number 180.\u00a0 Dining reservations had to be made a half a year in advance.\u00a0 Disney has now shifted to a 60-day booking window<\/strong> which guests are really liking!\u00a0 It allows them to make plans closer to their visit.\u00a0 One of the other most notable changes to Disney dining is that dining plans remain unavailable at this time.\u00a0 There are other changes to the guest dining experience that revolve heavily around the use of your My Disney Experience app.\u00a0 You’ll use the app and\/or your mobile device to:<\/p>\n

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    • Mobile order<\/a> at quick-service locations (required)<\/li>\n
    • Check-in to<\/a> table service locations that you have a reservation at<\/li>\n
    • Scan a QR Code<\/a> to read the menu at your location<\/li>\n
    • Get on the walk-up<\/a> list for a table service location<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Character dining is available at some select locations<\/a>.\u00a0 These experiences are modified but guests are loving them!\u00a0 You’ll get to see your favorite friends and take some physically distanced photos and selfies!\u00a0 Of course, characters are up to the challenge of entertaining you and you may see some dancing and fun antics!\u00a0 Here are the best tips and info on all the the details on Disney dining changes<\/a>.<\/p>\n

      \"Dining<\/a><\/p>\n

      Getting Around<\/strong><\/h4>\n

      One of the perks of staying onsite is the complimentary transportation Disney offers!\u00a0 We’d have to argue that some of these forms of transportation double as our favorite experiences!\u00a0 Have you ridden the new Skyliner<\/a>?\u00a0 It’s so fun, you’ll be sad that the trip between points is so quick & efficient when you have to debark!\u00a0 The monorail and friendship boats are operating in a limited capacity so be sure to check out these Disney Transportation Tips and Tricks After Reopening<\/a>.<\/p>\n