Disney World News: Face Mask Rule Changes, 30% Discount, 50th Anniversary Book
It’s time for another Walt Disney World news and rumor round-up! This time, we have a range of stories including a new discount, an extension of park hours, and the end of a popular event at WDW–which is actually good news. The most interesting tidbit is tweaks to face mask and physical distancing rules, plus the potential for more on the horizon.
Once again, we’ll start with the least interesting update: new and extended park hours. All four theme parks, Disney Springs, and Blizzard Beach have seen changes on the DisneyWorld.com park hours calendar. Previously, hours were posted through April 10, and now extend to April 17, 2021. Added hours are the same for all dates:
- Magic Kingdom: 9 am to 6 pm
- EPCOT: 11 am to 7 pm
- Hollywood Studios: 10 am to 7 pm
- Animal Kingdom: 9 am to 5 pm
- Blizzard Beach: 11 am to 6 pm
- Disney Springs: 10 am to 10 pm (11 pm on weekends)
Park Hopping times for those dates have also been added to the calendar. At this point, the start time for changing parks is still 2 pm across the board. The more interesting change this week is the park hours extensions, which impact the week of Lunar New Year, Valentine’s Day, Presidents’ Day, and Mardi Gras…
Part of that weekend was already extended, but now we’re getting extensions for more dates, including weekdays and the following weekend. Some of the changes are pretty significant–we’re talking 3-5 added hours on the weekends at Magic Kingdom and EPCOT. Mid-week extensions are typically only an hour or two, but that still suggests that Walt Disney World’s internal forecasts are for a busy week.
As we’ve stressed repeatedly, that week are the only “red flag” on our 2021 Walt Disney World Crowd Calendars in the next few months. It could end up being one of the busiest weeks of the year at Walt Disney World. Mardi Gras, in particular, is a huge wildcard since the cancellation of those events could drive more visitors to Florida. If you have flexibility in travel dates, we’d highly recommend avoiding that week.
It’s been relatively quiet of late–see last week’s Crowds Down Over 40% at Walt Disney World update–but that week will likely be a significant spike from current crowds, or even those later in February or early March 2021.
Next, Walt Disney World is once again offering a 30% off discount on merchandise purchases for Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club members with only limited exclusions. Normally, APs and DVC members receive a 20% off merchandise discount as part of their perks, so this amounts to an extra 10% off. This 30% off will run from February 2 to March 2, 2021.
You might recall that the same discount was offered shortly after Walt Disney World reopened, and ended up being extended a couple of times before ending just in time for the Christmas shopping season. With attendance still down significantly and a backlog of merchandise remaining, it seems likely the deal will be extended again. (We previously banked on this discount returning, and now feel vindicated in holding off on buying the Wilderness Lodge mug, among other things.)
A valid Annual Pass or Disney Vacation Club Member ID must be presented at time of purchase to receive the discount (meaning DVC members who bought via resale and are not grandfathered in are not eligible). As is typical, there are a ton of exclusions and rules.
As always, there are a number of locations and products that are excluded from the offer, almost all of which are run by third parties or offer some sort of “premium” product or experience (major exclusions are always Savi’s Workshop for Handbuilt Lightsabers and Droid Depot in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge). In the name of very important research, we will once again be testing to confirm that this discount is valid at Karamell Küche in EPCOT’s Germany pavilion–the best sweet spot at Walt Disney World!
Some good news for those who visit Walt Disney World annually at the beginning of December: Pop Warner will no longer be at Walt Disney World. Florida Citrus Sports reached an agreement to host the Pop Warner Super Bowl and Cheer & Dance National Championships. The events will be played at Camping World Stadium with Universal Orlando Resort hotels hosting families.
Pop Warner week was cancelled last year, which resulted in a reversion to the norm of early December being uncrowded at Walt Disney World. In past years, we’ve warned of the event–and particularly recommended avoiding the Value Resorts that host participants. The championships draw roughly 10,000 Pop Warner athletes and their families from around the country to Florida each December, and had a significant impact on Walt Disney World crowds.
Honestly, we hope this becomes a trend. While it’s obviously bad for Walt Disney World from a business perspective, the frequency of youth events at ESPN Wide World of Sports had become excessive. These are a big driver of off-season attendance, and also contributed to inflated resort prices.
Losing some of those events along with conventions will force Walt Disney World to get more competitive and cater more towards its (historic) primary demographic of families. This doesn’t mean we’ll immediately see a surge of discounts, but they’ll come over time–and it should further moderate price increases in the more immediate future. Conversely, expect Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure to see spikes in pricing and crowds in early December.
Next, we have a few updates that Walt Disney World has posted to the health safety policies page on its official website. First, physical distancing: “Guests traveling in parties of more than 10 are asked to split into smaller groups in queues, dining locations and other areas around our parks and resorts to better allow for physical distancing.”
This is the first we’ve seen this officially spelled out by Walt Disney World, but we’ve heard Cast Members in the parks instructing larger groups to do this when entering queues. Even in the absence of that, most groups do this on their own–or the party behind them allows an extra marker as buffer. So no major change here.
On the face mask front, we do have a couple of changes. The official website now states: “Face coverings may have an integrated transparent plastic panel to aid in viewing the wearer’s mouth.” These masks must also be a fabric covering featuring a solid plastic panel containing no openings that is attached to the fabric on all sides using tight knit stitching, and meet all other face covering requirements. (See our FAQ & Guide to Face Masks at Disney World for more info, recommendations, etc.)
This is definitely a positive change. This type of mask is helpful to guests who rely on lip reading, or anyone who is hard of hearing. I often find myself struggling to understand what people are saying when wearing masks; while I’m personally fine walking around oblivious to what people are saying to me, it’s a good option for others.
We’re anticipating further updates to Walt Disney World’s mask policies soon. There have been persistent rumors in the last week that the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health will release new guidance any day now. If the CDC issues changes, it’s likely Walt Disney World will quickly follow suit.
Those are expected to break face masks down into two tiers: lower filtration and higher performance. It’s unclear whether there will be further guidance about what activities will necessitate the second tier, but already health experts are recommending better face masks. I’ve switched to using the FDA-authorized Powecom KN95 face mask in the parks; Sarah couldn’t achieve a proper fit with that, so she’s now double-masking.
Additionally, you may have received a “reminder” email or notification indicating that masks are required at Walt Disney World. This itself is nothing new–we’ve been receiving these every time we enter a park for the better part of the last 4 months. However, there is new verbiage indicating that these rules apply to even those who have been vaccinated.
Obviously, Walt Disney World is having issues with this, hence the notification. With only a very small segment of the population having been fully vaccinated, this is probably resulting from guests trying to find a loophole for not wearing masks. Right now, it’s premature for a policy change (in light of vaccine rollout), but our view is that will change in the not-too-distant future. It’s possible but unlikely that Walt Disney World will utilize Digital Health Passports to expedite things, or simply relax physical distancing and mask rules at a point after vaccines are widely available to the general public.
For some reason, there is a persistent belief among some that “this will never end” because companies want rules or control. That makes no sense whatsoever. At the end of the day, Walt Disney World is a business, and the current health safety protocol are bad for business. This is not simply because the rules keep some guests away (although that’s part of it), but because physical distancing lowers the limit on attendance levels.
At the other end of the spectrum, there’s a belief that Disney won’t relax rules until risk drops to zero. That also makes no sense. There is no such thing as a zero risk life. Once vaccines are widely available and have almost entirely eliminated the worst outcomes–hospitalizations and deaths–that’s going to be good enough for a broad swath of the general public, governments, and businesses. It’s impossible to put a specific end date on all of this, but as previously discussed in When Will Walt Disney World Stop Requiring Face Masks?, I think it’s probably sooner than many people expect.
Finally, some good news! As Walt Disney World gears up to honor its 50th anniversary through a celebration kicking off in Fall 2021, Disney Editions Deluxe is releasing Walt Disney World: A Portrait of the First Half Century. The book is authored by Kevin M. Kern, Tim O’Day, and Steven Vagnini and will be released on September 28, 2021.
We are personally ecstatic about this, and had feared that the anniversary wouldn’t be commemorated with a new book since nothing had been announced previously. Since the World Began: Walt Disney World’s First 25 Years is still one of our favorite Disney theme park books, and we’re hoping this lives up to that legacy. We have every reason to believe it will–Disney Editions Deluxe has really upped its book game in the last ~5 years. Plus, Tim O’Day and Steven Vagnini have done exceptional work with D23, and both are clearly passionate about Disney history. The Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary coffee table book is now available for pre-order via Amazon (with price-match guarantee).
Planning a Walt Disney World trip? Learn about hotels on our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews page. For where to eat, read our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews. To save money on tickets or determine which type to buy, read our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets post. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips post takes a unique look at clever items to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Ride Guides will help. For comprehensive advice, the best place to start is our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for everything you need to know!
YOUR THOUGHTS
What do you think of this Walt Disney World news? Any merchandise you plan on picking up with the new AP or DVC discount? Thoughts on the changes to physical distancing and face mask rules? Do you expect rule changes once vaccines are widely available to the general public? Thoughts on the changes to park hours? Excited for the Walt Disney World: A Portrait of the First Half Century book? Do you agree or disagree with our assessments? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!
My impression is that 10% are wearing high efficacy masks, and maybe 5% are wearing those cheap single layer ones. There doesn’t seem to be enforcement of the latter category so I’m sceptical that further improved requirements will be enforced.
I’d say the bigger problem is not masks, but people behind you in queues not maintaining physical distancing. I’m honestly never sure what to do in that situation; I usually just let them go in front of me (but that just passes on the problem).
I’ve noticed a huge increase in KN95 mask usage just since the beginning of this year. I’m not sure whether it’s due to increased availability, media attention, or the fact that it’s colder and those less breathable masks are now more comfortable.
Regardless, much higher than 10%.
I believe the 50th Anniversary celebration is set to begin October 1, 2021. Has WDW decided how long the celebration will last? My family isn’t able to attend this year and are hoping to come in 2022. It would be great to have this info so we can start planning our trip(s).
Thank you.
I keep hearing people (who know more than me) say the celebration will last for a year!
Nobody knows when the 50th anniversary celebration will officially begin, when it will end, or (MOST IMPORTANTLY) what it will entail.
At this point, all we can be sure of is that there will be special 50th anniversary merch, and special cupcakes with “50” on them. Literally nothing else is a sure thing at this point.
That said, any new attractions or entertainment that debuts as part of the 50th would almost certainly stick around for a long while, so I can’t foresee any practical urgency in making a trip before the 50th officially ends.
Tom,
I super appreciate the link to the KN95 mask you’ve been wearing. Can I ask if you’ve been using them as disposables (one time use) or if you’ve found they hold up for multiple uses? I know they say use your judgement, just curious!
I had the same question, and my doctor said he wears one for a work day but that’s all.
Happy about Pop Warner, I found the chaperones to be the worst. But I will say, we were at WDW resort with the cheer leaders and dance teams and never had an issue with them. Most of the time they are at the competitions all day.
As for masks, I take safety over convenience, plus I read that a Congressman caught Covid even after receiving his 2nd vaccination shot. So it seems that it doesn’t stop people from getting or spreading it, but it is supposed to prevent getting seriously ill. That’s why you keep hearing to wear a mask even if you have been vaccinated.
Hi Tom,
Your May Crowd Calendar and Info is still for 2020. (It shows the last update as December 28, 2019.) It looks like most other months have been updated for 2021. Do you have an update for May, also? We’re thinking of going then, and would love your insight. Thanks so much!
Glad no more Pop Warner and “cheerleading”. I may be a bit older but those “children” did not act or dress like children. As for no masks, the sooner the better! As for a “digital health passport” there is no vacation, no matter how much I like going, worth giving up my HIPPA privacy. Sorry, I will stay away from that.
Amen! Yes! No trip is worth that to me.
Thanks for the heads up about the book! I was hoping there would be a release to commemorate the 50th anniversary and was starting to lose hope as more time went on without any announcement.
Also, a note about Pop Warner/Cheerleaders – I’m sure that this comes as great news to frontline CMs, who could use some right now. I worked the WDWCP at the Haunted Mansion 15 years ago and these groups stood out as not just annoying in the “you hooligans get off my lawn” kind of way but also in the “I guess it’s okay to touch the Cast Member inappropriately since it’s dark in here” kind of way.
Tom, is it your understanding (or opinion) that Disney will require the vaccine to enter the parks?
I’m unable to wear a mask (it’s legit, don’t come for me) so the parks are a no go for me at the moment. I was sick and have fully recovered from the virus so I’m enjoying the same antibodies those who are successfully vaccinated enjoy. I’d love to know where people like me are left? I’m certainly not getting a shot for something I just had.
Let me preface this by saying I have no official knowledge, but – once there is an official “health passport” – I believe there will be a proof of immunity indicator which would either be the vaccine or an antigen test.
I’m exactly with you for all points made in your comment! Even though medical reasons are valid for not wearing, it’s like asking for judgement. Hoping the antibodies last longer than they anticipate!!!
Do you have any information about military tickets? We have 4 tickets from last year that expire in September and our next trip is in October. Is there any way to cash those in? The Disney website only talks about tickets bought before 2/14/21 and nothing about what happens after that.
I would contact shades of Green directly. The number for their ticket clerk is 407-824-1403. They probably be most familiar with the military ticket issues.
Has anyone tried the face masks with plastic window? Assuming they’re being worn correctly, how do they not become fogged up immediately?
Putting a plastic shield directly in front of my mouth sounds like torture. I understand part of the mask is breathable but a plastic panel has to inhibit breathing on some level.
I would imagine they would fog and get extremely hot.
The double masking started in hospitals to keep the N95 respirator clean between patients. Normally, staff must change all their PPE when they go into a new patient room. By double masking (wearing a surgical mask over an N95 respirator), they can keep the N95 clean to wear into another patient area. They just replace the surgical mask for each new patient. If you want to see a great video on double masking, check out Glenn Beck and his take on wearing multiple masks. Glenn Beck on mask wearing and Dr Fauci.
As for Dance World, our May trip ends on May 7. Plus we spend most of our time at Epcot or Animal Kingdom.
I suspect it may be a while before we stop wearing masks. First, there’s no approved vaccine for children under age 18. Second the CDC is not ready to say that once you’ve been vaccinated, you don’t need to wear a mask. What they are saying you can still be a spreader of the virus despite being vaccinated. While I don’t believe that a fully vaccinated person, who isn’t sick and therefore not infectious can still spread the disease, the CDC is still asking them to wear a mask. Perhaps this is to help with compliance for those who aren’t vaccinated, and to promote uniformity. It could be a while.
I don’t doubt that public health experts will push for masks through the end of 2021. The question is whether the general public, politicians, and businesses go along with it.
If vaccines are widely available to the adult population by late summer, that means most of the worst outcomes–hospitalizations and deaths–are pretty much gone by early fall. Hard to imagine the collective appetite for continued rules and restrictions is particularly high at that point, especially given the toll they’ve taken on the economy.
I agree with Tom. What the CDC recommends is not law. The good news is that the pediatric studies for the vaccine are well underway. We could potentially have the vaccine geared for children under 16 by summertime if all goes well in the studies; right now it is good for kiddos age 16 and older. If kiddo’s younger than 16 can get vaccinated by the summer before school, and it is available to the general adult population by that point we should be in a much better spot in regards to hospitalizations and deaths. At which point I think the general population will have the stance enough is enough, and be ready to get rid of restrictions, regardless of CDC recommendations.
Completely agree. Much of this not based in science, but we already have people willingly double masking….LOL! Are you kidding! They are constantly dangling a carrot and then moving the goal posts. The vaccine was supposed the holy grail needed to get us past all of this. We now have a vaccine and they are now saying it doesn’t matter, you not only need to continue to mask, but you need 2 or 3 masks. How anyone would cover a their own face, or their child’s face with 2-3 masks is beyond all comprehension. When will the stupidity end? It ends when enough people realize we are being made fools of.
@Kate: I suspect I will regret engaging here, but what the heck…
When did the goalposts move? Nobody with a clue ever said that the holy grail was the *existence* of the vaccine; the holy grail is a bulk of the population being vaccinated. Those are not the same thing, and they certainly were never expected to occur simultaneously.
We didn’t eradicate polio by creating a polio vaccine. We eradicated polio by creating a polio vaccine AND GIVING IT TO PEOPLE.
@Kate, you’re calling people stupid in regards to how they choose to protect themselves and others during a global pandemic. I get you may be frustrated, we all are, but why so much hostility? Have you known people who have had COVID or died from it? I have, and I lost someone very dear to me. Why do you care if people choose to wear two masks? It would benefit you to educate yourself as to why people should continue to wear masks after they’ve been vaccinated, and to choose your source wisely.
Reply for JB, just for clarification. There are currently studies for 12 and up, but Pfizer has no plans to start trials in anyone younger until later in the year. (And I don’t think anyone else has, either.) Generally, that age group doesn’t get particularly ill or spread it to others at the same rate, so they’ve been lower priority. I suspect it will be qt least 12-18 montgs until the 1-11 set get a vaccine. Interestingly, I read one report that believes that once the susceptible older folks are vaccinated and this becomes endemic, kids probably wouldn’t even need vaccines as they would just build up natural immunity with asymptomatic to mild infections before they hit 15. It’ll be interesting to see how it all pans out.
“For some reason, there is a persistent belief among some that “this will never end” because companies want rules or control. That makes no sense whatsoever.”
Actually, there IS some sense to this thinking. While the reason behind these rules may or may not have to do with control, the logic behind the mask/vaccination/social distancing is completely circular. Here’s what I mean: we are told to wear masks to protect others from what we may (unknowingly) be carrying, particularly Covid. The proposed idea is that masks will no longer be needed once the threat of spreading Covid is so insignificant that it’s considered a non-threat. Fine. Prior to Covid, it was universally accepted that immunity acquired through natural means or vaccination was sufficient to mitigate the spread of disease. It would stand to reason, then, that once someone has had the virus or been vaccinated against the virus, they should no longer need to take precautions…they are considered an unlikely carrier. But, we’re now being told that natural immunity or vaccination is NOT enough to exempt us from mask wearing. In fact, we’re being told that regardless of immunity or vaccination, masks will STILL be required. So then, what exactly IS the magical component needed before masks are no longer needed? This is the circular logic that breeds hopelessness for so many.
“So then, what exactly IS the magical component needed before masks are no longer needed?”
Critical mass.
Mask rules on case by case basis would be a logistical nightmare—for both Disney and guests. Cast Members can’t constantly be verifying that guests not wearing masks have been vaccinated.
100% agree with you. I had it and recovered from it….still being told to mask up. Where’s the science in that?
Disney Mom, the science tells us that even those who have recovered from COVID can easily become re-infected particularly after several months have passed. The good news is that from what is known, subsequent infections typically have much milder symptoms, if any at all. This will likely be true for many who have been vaccinated — they might end up contracting COVID, but the vaccine will help their immune system more effective at fighting the disease.
When those who have recovered or been vaccinated are re-infected (as noted above), they can be contagious and spread the disease. That’s should be pretty easy to understand.
Finally, to the science of masking up. If you’re not aware, the purpose of wearing a mask isn’t to protect yourself but to protect OTHERS from droplets expelled through your nose and mouth. So because you can be re-infected, masks help mitigate the risk that you’ll unknowingly pass the virus to others.
This isn’t an infinite problem though. As more of our population is vaccinated (or recovers from sickness) the overall threat of COVID will gradually lessen — since while the virus may still pass through the population, almost all cases will be mild. That’s pretty much what we have with the common cold — which can still be deadly for some high-risk groups, and yet most of us go about our business without worrying too much.
Pete, I wasn’t sick months ago. I’m enjoying the antibodies after making a full recovery quite recently . I’m not dense. I understand people can get sick again months later. Exactly how many months? That’s up for debate. I’m talking about requiring a mask directly after recovering.
Do you see how it feels like a hamster wheel? You’re sick and recover but wear a mask anyway. You can spread it again with either getting the virus or the shot… So we are stuck on the wheel of sick/shot then mask, get another shot or get reinfected and mask again. Seems never ending.
Pete, your comment is exactly what I’m talking about with circular logic. Using your reasoning, there can be no other way of living without wearing masks. You’re saying natural immunity doesn’t help, vaccine induced immunity doesn’t help, even the entire population being immune/vaccinated doesn’t help because people can still get re-infected. Then you write that “the good news is” the people who have become re-infected (I’d love to know just how many people that actually is, by the way) usually experience milder symptoms. So, is that the end goal, then? All these extreme measures for the hope of getting a milder form of a virus that already has a 99% survival rate? This is the nonsense we’re being force fed and expected to believe. I’m sorry, this just does not make sense at all.
It makes perfect sense to me…if you are re-infected or vaccinated, you still have the potential ability to pass it to others that are not vaccinated and have not been infected previously, and the consequences to that person can be devastating.
If we get to a point where nearly everyone we come into contact has been vaccinated, then even if we pass it on to them, the effect won’t be quite so catastrophic.
Right now the vaccinated are still a minority. Thus the reliance on masks- to protect people from yourself, not to protect yourself from others. Once the vaccinated are not a minority, masks won’t be so necessary. That will take a little more time to achieve but it’s a doable goal.
Stephanie,
Yes! Well said.
Stephanie, I’m with you. Personally, I’m willing to bet that the decreased case rates in my own state have very little to do with the heavy handed mitigation efforts (especially since surrounding states without those restrictions have seen similar patterns) and more to do with the fact that enough people have finally had it to slow spread. Which would be good news as it would indicate that entering an endemic pattern will be possible, especially as we add in the vaccination component, painfully slow though it is.
It would be nice if Disney would eliminate the mask rule for those people who can show proof that they have been vaccinated. We would love to plan a trip but won’t be going as long as we’re required to wear a mask.
Doing it on a case by case basis would be a logistical nightmare–for both Disney and guests. Cast Members can’t constantly be verifying that guests not wearing masks have been vaccinated.
Whatever happens will be a blanket rule/policy change: either everyone must use a digital health passport for entry or the mask rule is relaxed for everyone.
As a UK resident and therefore probably not even being allowed near the US, let alone WDW any time soon, I would just like to add, that whilst wearing a mask is at least uncomfortable, and to others distressing, especially if you have breathing problems already, and as mentioned above, are to protect others, not yourself, why would it be a problem to wear them as a caring human being? I am sure there are far more uncomfortable, irritating and annoying facts of life, or is it just a question of “I’m allright Jack’ (possibly a British saying you do not recognize). A little discomfort for the sake of your fellow human being is not such a bad thing is it?
Yes to what Tom just said. Why can’t people get this. The stupidity is exhausting.
Regarding the post by Tricia from the UK:
You make some good points as does our esteemed host Tom, and you are quite a kind person, but I’m mostly here to credit your reference about the “British” expression you mentioned in your entry- “I’m alright Jack.” Just its utterance has gained immortality in my mind because of Pink Floyd! That phrase is “Money” just like the epynomous song in which the lyric was launched many years ago.
Rock on people and let’s get through this crap with civility and a little comic relief!
An absolute win win read. Especially nice today as we’re experiencing a snow storm that started last night and doesn’t end till tomorrow.
Going to pre-order the book today so long as we have electricity BUT would like to see you get some type of credit. I seem to remember that in 2019 and 2020 by using a link from your blog regarding best Black Friday Disney related items on Amazon I was able to support your research and writing.
Is that the situation here again?
First, I’m jealous of the snow storm. At least we have cooling temperatures here this week–going to be in the 30s, which should be good weather for low crowds in the parks at night.
Second, yes–that’s an affiliate link towards the end of the post. Just be sure to monitor the price because I suspect Amazon will lower it at some point between now and September. The best price will probably be on Prime Day, whenever that happens.
Ordered the book.
Now if you can get up here by tomorrow afternoon I’ll leave some of the 2 feet of snow we’re getting for you to shovel.
By the way I wear shorts in 30 degree weather. Enjoy those EPCOT evening strolls for me.
It would be really nice if the cast members wore the masks with the plastic. I am hearing impaired & never realized how much I depend on lip reading until the pandemic. I was in the parks last weekend & actually had a CM snap at me because I couldn’t hear them. To be fair, this has only happened one time & I am sure it won’t happen again. Going forward, it would be very nice to understand people. (Yes I could get hearing aids but they are 6k a pair & not covered by insurance. That would cut into my yearly Disney budget. )
“I am hearing impaired & never realized how much I depend on lip reading until the pandemic.”
I’m not hearing impaired (a claim Sarah disputes) and I also never realized how much I rely on seeing lips move when people talk (I’d stop short of calling whatever I do lip reading). I think part of the problem is that a lot of people don’t adjust their speaking to account for the mask muffling their voice.
Not sad to hear about Pop Warner moving to a different venue.
Kelly, you and me both! We have been to WDW during “cheer season” and my young daughter was treated to loads of inappropriately dressed teenage girls with zero supervision who used language that would make a sailor blush. I actually covered my daughter’s eyes at one point.
I was left with these opinions…a bra is NOT a shirt, no one wants to see you twerking in front of the castle, and Disney is not your cheer stage…Also, please stop screaming.
My two granddaughters in CA have competed at Dance Worlds for 4 years – last year Worlds was cancelled. Their dance studio brings 3 teams Of approximately 12 to 14 girls each. They have stayed at Disney and off site hotels and at that time competed at Coronado Springs convention center, Almost all of the parents and some grandparents are there to see them compete. They are always complimented on their behavior at the parks and hotels. Dance Worlds in the past has had many teams from foreign countries and the dancers love meeting each other. Not sure if foreign teams will be able to participate if there is Dance Worlds in May.
The level of dancing is amazing. Yes, I have seen some teams who were acting inappropriately, but the majority of the teams are well behaved.
Dance and Cheer Worlds will be held at ESPN from May 6 through May 10.
Of course, this could change.
Thanks for the heads up! ESPN WWoS stopped regularly updating its calendar, so it’s difficult to tell what events are actually happening and what has been cancelled.
The Field Hockey tournament scheduled for last weekend is expected to be rescheduled for June.
Re: Pop Warner. I love kids, have two of my own; they are wonderful..
I don’t feel like too much of a hater to also say I detest being around large youth groups. I think there’s just a thing when you have that many kids, the parents lax up because it’s too much and they feel like they have safety in numbers. This all leads to the kids behavior devolving. It’s brutal being near a youth group in a hotel.
Completely agree Drew. The way that some of those girls dress makes everyone around them uncomfortable and some of the moms were just as bad. Not family friendly. Don’t get me started on being next to them in a hotel room. Adios Pop Warner!
I’ve caught flak over the years from Pop Warner parents who, I guess, believe their kids are angels for this sentiment. However, it’s a universal truth: large groups of under-supervised kids are trouble. It doesn’t matter where they’re from or what their purpose; kids in groups are trouble.
I’m sure we were all the same way when kids. I know I was no Boy Scout…including when at large BSA events!
I couldn’t agree more. I find the behavior and the language (wow you eat with those mouths?) from the Pop Warner Cheerleaders the worst. Not sure why, but this group just always seems to stand out to my family. And we are not prudes by any means. But when dropping the f-bomb every other word even when there are little kids in line next you is just rude and thoughtless. And yes, I have 4 daughters and have done many group events/trips over the years. My kids swear but follow the general rule of always being aware of where they are. Don’t say anything in a public place that you wouldn’t say to your grandmother. lol.
I haven’t been a teen in quite a long time but I very clearly remember when my high school choir was selected to sing in the 1000 voice choir at the candlelight processional in Disneyland. Between performances and after the last one we had free reign of the park until closing. We were a good group of kids but I have absolutely no doubt our merry band of teenagers was extremely annoying to many of those unfortunate enough to be around us! As I (sadly) recall we had a habit of randomly bursting into song as we walked, waited in line for rides, at food locations… i now have two teens myself and I would definitely avoid pop Warner time if I could because even good teens will be teens 😉
Hi Tom, another good read. Interesting to see your thoughts about the vaccine roll-out and the effects that will have. We’re due to be coming over from the UK in September and it’d be great if the world (or at least the USA) is in a position to not require masks by then. I’m not overly hopeful (partly because I’m not convinced we’ll be allowed into the USA without quarantining) but fingers crossed…
There’s the timeline health experts would like; there’s the timeline politicians would like; there’s the timeline most of the general public will accept.
All three are different, but my guess is the latter two more closely align with one another. There’s only so much more people will tolerate, and (contrary to common belief) all politicians–regardless of party–have the economy front of mind when assessing policy decisions.