There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow…
For months, I’ve been daydreaming about our return to a mostly-normal day at Walt Disney World (literally since putting together Our 2021 WDW Bucket List). Unlike most of our totally-spontaneous visits, this one was meticulously planned.
It would involve staying at Beach Club. We’d do breakfast at Cape May Cafe, rope drop Disney’s Hollywood Studios, do MuppetVision 3D and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, lunch at Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant, then head back to the resort to float around the lazy river in Stormalong Bay for a couple hours, dinner at Yachtsman Steakhouse, see Impressions de France, and end the night with a post-show stroll around World Showcase.
This perfect-day plan obviously made a lot of assumptions, the main being that we wouldn’t be fully vaccinated until late May. Second, due to that timeline, Beach Club would be open and along with it, most restaurants between those two resorts. The best laid plans of the Mouse and humans often go awry…
In this case, things not going as planned was a change for the better. We were able to get fully vaccinated much earlier than anticipated, and scrambled to revise our plans as a result. Unfortunately, Beach Club management didn’t get the memo and that hotel did not move forward its scheduled May 30, 2021 reopening date.
Before we get started into the substance, I want to start with a couple of prefatory notes. First, this is a rambling one. The post changed dramatically from conceptualization (a fancy term for me finding a way to justify something fun I want to do/eat) to publication, and it probably shows.
Second, part of our intent with this post is sharing our personal return to normal-ish and rationale for that. This is a continuation of our post-reopening reports, in which we’ve offered thoughts on our risk tolerance and mitigation efforts, what we were or were not comfortable doing, and the bases for our decisions. Some of readers have found this useful, others not so much.
To be abundantly clear, we are not passing judgment on those who have taken or will take a different approach than us–and that goes in both directions. There’s more than enough shaming on the internet and in the real world, none of it is productive, and all of it ignores personal needs and unique individual circumstances.
For us, the vaccines are a complete game changer–miracles of modern medical research. Hesitancy was always going to exist, but the biggest disappointment in the last few months has been the exacerbation of that caused by baseless pessimism and unforced errors in public health messaging. But I digress.
At this point, we are comfortable doing anything we would’ve done in January of last year. We’ve read enough credible studies about real world efficacy, likelihood of infection and transmission (or rather, lack thereof), comparative risk analyses, and commentary from respected epidemiologists. It should go without saying, but we’ll still follow face mask and physical distancing rules or mandates where those exist. Life is otherwise largely back to normal for us as two fully vaccinated adults without kids.
We are excited to once again dine indoors, go to the movie theater and gym (“excited” is the wrong word for the latter one), and most importantly, travel. We’ll be doing that soon with post-vaccinated vacations (I’m not using the obnoxious buzzword that combines those two v-words) to see my parents for the first time in over a year, attend a wedding, and visit California.
This is the most excited I’ve ever been to do any of those things. Of course, none of these activities are no-risk, but literally nothing is in life.
To kick things off and make up for lost time, we decided to start by planning the “perfect” day at Walt Disney World. It was a comedy of errors. The initial plan was not going to work, so we called an audible. It wasn’t even a last minute change of plans–but it was inside 60 days.
It turns out that Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater is impossible to book for a party of 2 (perhaps literally) inside the 60 day ADR window. Even being flexible on days, there were absolutely no options. In general, ADRs are really difficult to score right now. If you’re looking last minute, hope you like Spice Road Table or the least-popular restaurants at Disney Springs!
We thus changed approaches and opted to visit DHS a couple days, hoping for a walk-up waitlist opening. This was an exercise in futility. Similar scenarios played out with other restaurants, but I won’t bore you with the details of our misadventures with ADRs. Suffice to say, we are very ready for more restaurants to reopen and capacity constraints to be relaxed.
We also learned just how much we love MuppetVision, and it turns out the answer is “not enough to wait in line outside for 45 minutes on a hot day.” We will surrender our Muppet fan creds if you insist, but for what it’s worth, there’s almost nothing we’ll wait 45 minutes to do. A lot of the shows we love in part because they’re easy, no-wait midday breaks now have longer waits due to physical distancing–and because long lines are a self-fulfilling prophecy.
For our second attempt at the elusive perfect day, it appeared the stars were going to align, with the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover serendipitously reopening during a previously-planned day at Magic Kingdom. However, that did not happen. Sadly, the power of positive thinking was not enough. Perhaps next time we’ll try to harness the power of the Tomorrowland palm trees.
But enough with the negatives. Although we didn’t have a single perfect day, we did have several a couple great ones in this quest. We did several favorite attractions, enjoyed leisurely days and evenings in the park, did a long afternoon coffee break in the Imagination lounge, and had a great time with old friends.
It was great seeing all of our favorites again after over a year. Happy to confirm that Carousel of Progress, Country Bear Jamboree, American Adventure, and Impressions de France are all still fantastic.
This is very much an overdue and probably irrelevant report, but Walt Disney World also did a great job of physical distancing in the pre-show or holding areas, and the theaters themselves.
While we’re fine having erred on the side of caution, in hindsight, we probably would’ve been fine to do any of these shows previously given the protocol in place and their duration. There’s also presumably some sort of air filtration or refreshing going on in each so they don’t smell or feel stagnant.
In the case of Impressions de France, there was also the reality that hardly anyone else was in the theater. (This was actually mildly worrying when it comes to that show’s future. It’s a good thing that Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along is an abomination.)
Our first meal ended up being dinner at Topolino’s Terrace. This was actually the last restaurant at which we dined indoors, eating there on the resort’s reopening day last June before learning more about indoor v. outdoor transmission. It was nevertheless surreal to eat inside a full restaurant–last time, there was only one other party in the entire place.
Surreal, yet very comfortable. For many people, there’s an understandable fear or anxiety about reacclimating into society and certain activities. That is not the case for us at all. There’s a brief moment of awe that we’re able to do something again so soon, followed by a near-instant feeling of familiarity. In addition to being our first indoor meal, Topolino’s Terrace ended up being our first concert, with a symphony of flavors dancing on our taste buds in delightful harmony. But more on that very soon in our long-overdue Topolino’s Terrace dinner review.
Our next meal was at Via Napoli with our friends Jenny and Adam, the brains behind the smash sensation, Burke Head Toys. We have been dreaming of this pizza for months now, to the point that maybe we built it up in our heads a bit too much and were setting ourselves up for disappointment.
Nope, not the case at all. Via Napoli still exceeded the hype. After some initial hesitation, we ordered the Carciofi Pizza, which is our go-to at Via Napoli. It was as amazing as ever. This white pizza with artichoke, fontina, mozzarella, and truffle oil may not sound as exciting as the meat-centric pies, but I promise, it is glorious. If you only take one thing away from this post, it should be to take a chance on the Carciofi Pizza.
Now that we’ve imparted this post’s sole piece of wisdom, it’s probably a good place to wrap the rambling up. Hopefully, our quest for a perfect day illustrates and reiterates a couple of things.
First, chasing perfection at Walt Disney World is a fool’s errand that only leads to disappointment. You have to roll with the punches and adapt. Almost nothing in our “perfect” day went as originally planned, and yet we unwittingly had amazing experiences surpassing what we envisioned.
Second, there really is a great big beautiful tomorrow. I know that sounds cliche, but it’s true. Back when the parks reopened, I waxed poetic about how meaningful that was after a tough few months, and how we had a newfound appreciation for Walt Disney World. Additionally, how your next trip—whenever that might be—will similarly just feel different. More special. More cherished. And it won’t be about what Disney does or does not do—it’ll be about you.
That’s all still true. For us, this was a continuation of that; another big milestone in our personal return to normalcy, even if it’s something we could’ve done for months at Walt Disney World. This isn’t to say that you should plan a trip ASAP for summer and unquestioningly accept the compromises that visiting currently entails–going right now definitely is not for everyone. It’s more to point out that when it comes to visiting Walt Disney World, a lot of the meaning and happiness comes from within.
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
Thoughts on our quest for a “perfect” day at Walt Disney World? Are you eagerly awaiting your next vacation ‘escape’ to Walt Disney World or elsewhere, or still apprehensive about traveling? Looking forward to more normalcy in the parks and life in general? Will you be attempting to visit Walt Disney World this summer or fall, or are you waiting until 2022 or beyond? 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!
@Kelly D
If that story isn’t magic, I don’t know what is. There’s still a lot of danger out there and we aren’t out of the woods yet, but I feel like a fairy wand has tapped ordinary moments and made them extraordinary. I hope that feeling lasts for a little while longer, and I’m glad you got to share it with your aunt.
@Tom
My go-to bad dream used to be showing up at high school/college and not remembering what classes I was in. Or arriving to a convention with an unfinished costume. I guess brains have to have something to fret about while we sleep? Thanks for the link as well, I will go be indecisive on that page instead until hopefully I make up my mind.
Just got back from a mommy/daughter trip of a lifetime…. I did not miss the parades and loved the cavalcades instead so much fun…. Love the mobile ordering and had a great (surprisingly) sit down at Tony’s town square restaurant. The shrimp scampi is lovely!!! Had awesome time in epcot!!! Those flower masterpieces â˜ºï¸ We did completely contactless hotel checking and checkout at Coronado springs not one issue and omg that resort is the size of magic kingdom! Wait times see as expected and crowds and people for the most part were pleasant and all just happy to be there… I would do this trip all over again if we had the chance… yes the mask outside was awful but small price to pay to be at my happiest place on !!! Blizzard beach was also awesome almost empty on the one day it was 88 degrees. And btw not vaccinated and don’t plan to be…. respect the bubble Edna mode says!!!
Hi Tom, I just noticed that on mobile devices (iPhone for me), video ads now keep initializing / resetting at the bottom of my screen. That’s fine, but every time this happens, it scrolls the reader back to the top of the comments page. (Rendering it almost useless unless you don’t find the refresh and scroll happening every few seconds over and over again frustrating.)
The most important take away from this for everyone: Calm your pizza-hesitation and try the Carciofi Pizza @ Via Napoli…
Tom’s right – it’s glorious.
For many of the people who have actually kept the economy going and provided for the goods and services we all enjoy at home or elsewhere, the virus is another risk of living. Many of them got the virus early in the process and kept working so the homebodies could stay home. And the vast majority of them didn’t wear a mask, don’t want to do so now, and don’t plan to get the vaccination. Their lives didn’t stop. We enjoy freedom now because of the many who serve our country in a variety of capacities. We all have opinions and concerns about the virus, our family and friends, our jobs, etc. I’m personally glad to see how fairly and evenly you present information, Tom. Thank you for encouraging others to return to living life!
Not to go off on too much of a tangent, but one of the things that has annoyed me throughout this is people simply shouting “STAY HOME!”
For one thing, it’s not scalable or practical for a large segment of the population. Some people have to do in-person jobs, both visible and invisible, to enable others the privilege of staying home. Food, among many other things, is not produced, distributed, and delivered by magical elves.
For another, it simply ignores the realities of human socialization. Just because some people are able to stay home and retain their sanity doesn’t mean everyone is. I wish more focus were put on practical risk mitigation and harm reduction, and less on proclaiming virtuousness. People were always going to have Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings–tell them how to make those safer, rather than “don’t do it!”
I don’t presume that what worked for us worked for everyone. Offering simple solutions or analysis to complicated issues is reductionist and counterproductive.
Reading this is my lunch break escape many days! 😉
Thank you for sharing your positive comments about vaccines here. The more people vaccinated in general, the better I’m going to feel in a travel situation to my beloved theme parks!
Thanks, Aaron, for mentioning “Now Is the Time” which is one of my favorite “forgotten” Disney songs! When its plays I sing along; it makes me smile.
Tom,
I noticed that almost no restaurants were having walkup in the app while we were there a couple weeks ago.
We got “lucky” by walking up to the kiosks and asking staff. Sci Fi told us we could get in “immediately” if we took one of the non-cars or to check back in a few minutes for a car when we went and asked shortly before they opened. We were able to do this at a couple other locations as well.
Just an interesting note that sometimes the app isn’t matching true availability.
We also tried that, and no dice. It’s a good suggestion, though!
Love it!
If I may borrow from the 1975-1994 Carousel of Progress theme song:
“Now is the time. Now is the best time. Now is the best time of your life. Life is a prize! Live every minute. Open your eyes and watch how you win it! Yesterday’s memories may sparkle and gleam, tomorrow is still but a dream, but right here and now, you’ve got it made.
The world’s forward marching and you’re in the parade!”
I think the “Now is the Time!” sequel will (hopefully) be coming around October. Things are still a work in progress right now! 🙂
ADRs Difficult? Not at all, my wife and I scored a coveted 8:45pm reservation at Maria & Enzos on a busy Monday night last March! 😉
On another note, very glad to see you encouraging vaccines. These are game changers and will protect the person vaccinated. There is really no reason that a vaccinated person where a mask or hold back. I hope more people step up and get theirs. Then we can return to a truer “normal”.
Agreed. Vaccines are our way out of this. Everything else was (at best) a half-measure that slowed spread.
It’s unfortunate the messaging hasn’t put more emphasis on their game-changer quality, instead focusing on the limitations (which are minimal) or potential shortcomings (which are overstated, to put it charitably).
I will *always* click on that headline.
Superpower clickbait.
I am hopeful that the mask mandate can be lifted outdoors at WDW.
Optional for those who still want to wear them outdoors vs. those who don’t, especially as more and more are vaccinated. Yes, I know vaccinated people can still get a milder version of the virus and may still carry it, so those who are at higher risk or unvaccinated can still wear them. All based on personal comfort level. Fingers crossed.
“I am hopeful that the mask mandate can be lifted outdoors at WDW.”
I think it’s only a matter of time. Even without vaccines, I think that would be a pragmatic step. The studies are clear on transmission and masking outdoors; it just is not needed. For me, the argument that you force mask-wearing outdoors to ensure compliance indoors also does not pass muster. Rules should be narrowly-tailored and logical, otherwise you risk across-the-board non-compliance.
Long time reader and fan of your blog! Where did you end up staying since Beach Club was closed? I’m assuming Yacht since you attached a photo? I have read your comparison posts about each and was trying to decide between the two. I have always wanted to stay at Beach, but with 2 (kids) at 22 and 18, Yacht is looking like the better option. For some reason Beach is about 100/night cheaper during Thanksgiving week, so it was decided upon. I figure either is a great option, so we will go with the intention of staying at the other in the future. Thanks Tom for your insight of all things Disney (and Tokyo!) Your blog is my go to!
“Where did you end up staying since Beach Club was closed?”
Nowhere! (Well, home I guess if you want to get technical.)
*opened…
I hate typos! It wouldn’t let me edit…
My sister and I have an elusive Sci-Fi ADR for 2 on 5/1 at 11:40 am! I booked it when my 60 day trip window opens (Day 1 of trip is 4/30). So they do exist, but apparently it’s a unicorn reservation!
Thank you Kelly.
It felt like a huge weight off of my shoulders when I got my second shot. I literally breathed a sigh of relief and like you, have no fear or qualms about doing anything at all! International travel and some domestic travel (Hawaii) probably won’t be happening for us this year only because we don’t want to deal with the insane rebound crowds anywhere. But we have smaller trips planned and I’ve already been able to fly and it was amazing 🙂
Can’t wait for that first trip back to Disneyland!
Omg Barbara!! Well said!! Have a wonderful trip!
Leaving for WDW tomorrow morning and I can’t tell you how happy I am to have survived the past year and everything that went with it. I am now fully vaccinated and about to embark on a trip I thought would be canceled, just like the two we booked last year.
So grateful to be okay, especially after what I’ve seen with relatives and friends who have gotten covid. I know this trip will feel different, and mostly because it will be different. Both on the part of Disney and also on my part, as I have gained a new appreciation for what I used to take for granted.