Should you visit Walt Disney World in 2021? This isn’t an easy question to answer. In recent times we have declared the upcoming year as either the best or the worse year to visit Walt Disney World. Sometimes we have even been a little mischievous and have written blog posts giving different opinions!
2021 is going to be a little different. If you’re like me, you are probably desperate for a vacation. However, not all vacations are equal, and in an uncertain world, a Walt Disney World Vacation is a major expense.
Should you visit Walt Disney World in 2021, or should you wait? Here are our reasons for and our reasons against a Disney Vacation in 2021.
Why you shouldn’t visit Walt Disney World in 2021
The pandemic isn’t over
Your opinion on this probably depends on your opinion on risk. It isn’t really the job of this blog to persuade you one way or another. Hopefully, as 2021 progresses, with increasing vaccinations, a more normal world might start to exist. In the meantime, temperature checks, social distancing, and face masks are likely to continue
However it is worth reminding readers that Disney currently does provide the following advice:
An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, senior citizens and Guests with underlying medical conditions are especially vulnerable.
By visiting Walt Disney World Resort you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19.
A lot of Walt Disney World remains closed
A lot of Walt Disney World is open, but not everything is. Blizzard Beach will be the first water park to reopen on March 7th. However, many resorts and restaurants remain closed. Currently, there is no confirmation when the entire resort will reopen.
There are no Nighttime shows
Nighttime shows are a massive part of the Walt Disney World experience, but nothing is operating apart from The Electrical Water Pageant. However, don’t expect this situation to persist throughout 2021.
We have recently considered when we think nighttime shows might return to Walt Disney World. In the meantime, will you enjoy the Magic Kingdom if there are no fireworks?
Traditional services and perks are not available
Walt Disney World has currently suspended:-
- FastPass
- Single Rider Lines
- Extra Magic Hours
- Disney Dining Plan
- Character meet and greets
- The majority of tours and special experiences
It is likely as 2021 progresses, some of these services will become available again, but at the moment, there is no confirmation. These suspensions mean there are some big changes to how you plan your Walt Disney World Vacation.
It is unclear when, or if, new attractions will open
The timeline for new attractions at Walt Disney World has changed significantly. 2021 is Walt Disney’s World’s 50th anniversary and was intended to be a year of massive celebration. Expect the celebrations to be delayed until late in the year and to run into 2022.
Also, a large number of new attractions were due to open in late 2020 and 2021, but are now likely to be significantly delayed. Don’t expect Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind or TRON Lightcycle Run to open this year.
Although no date has been confirmed, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure is slated to open in 2021. Also, we expect the big new Epcot Nightime spectacular HarmonioUS to open once social distancing reduces.
You can’t get to Orlando
The closure of many international borders remain closed and perhaps will not open until mid-2021 at the earliest. Unfortunately, if you can’t enter the United States, there is little point in planning a Walt Disney World Vacation.
Why you should visit Walt Disney World in 2021
Crowds might be light
Perhaps the possibility of lighter crowds is the biggest attraction of visiting Walt Disney World in 2021? However, without FastPass, etc., those crowds might still seem heavy.
Suspended services might return!
It is likely during 2021, many of the suspended services will return. FastPass or Extra Magic Hours with fewer guests might be a great treat! Main Street USA being quiet for Happily Ever After might be a once in a lifetime opportunity.
There might be unexpected new attractions
Once the pandemic is over, Walt Disney World will want to get guests into the parks. New attractions will bring in more guests, and therefore don’t be surprised by last-minute additions in 2021.
There are already a lot of new attractions!
Have you been to Walt Disney World in the last few years?
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, Toy Story Land, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, and Pandora – The World of Avatar have opened in recent years. If you have not experienced them yet, 2021 could be a great time to do it.
2022 could be very busy
This might actually not be correct. History has shown that after previous global crisis, Walt Disney World crowds go lower for several years. However, we still expect 2022 could be a record-breaking year.
You just need a vacation
2021 is not likely to be a perfect year at Walt Disney World, but after 2020 who doesn’t need a vacation?
Is any Walt Disney World vacation better than no vacation.? Leave a comment with your thoughts below.
Read More
Visit our Beginners Guide to Walt Disney World to learn more. Our guide includes all the latest information on the reopening of Walt Disney World.
This Guide is part of our “Road to 2021 at Walt Disney World” series. Check out the rest of the guides for the latest information.
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