travel

WHAT TO EXPECT AT DiSNEY

The holiday fanfare at Florida’s beloved parks might look and function a bit differently this year, but the magic is still there. | BY ANNE REED

Floridians are accustomed to holidays wooden soldiers with shoes clacking on the asphalt, filled with sand instead of snow and and snow. OK, it’s not snow; it’s a strange bubbly swaying palms instead of decorated foam concoction that rains down on the crowd, pine and fir trees. We rely on twin- but still — it’s Disney magic, and for many Florida kling holiday light displays and the families, that magic has become part of their holiday occasional chilly morning to rev up traditions. our holiday spirits. The beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic

In previous years, our Midwest-transplant fam- brought the closure of Walt Disney World for ily traveled to Walt Disney World and immersed almost four months. When the parks re-opened in ourselves in Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, July, Walt Disney World Resort debuted new health complete with holiday cookies and lights, parades of and safety measures along with reduced hours,

some resort closures and a true game-changer when it comes to planning your trip: the Disney Park Pass Reservation System. It’s still in play this holiday season, along with other changes, so if you are hoping for a little Disney holiday magic this season, check out our tips and tricks to help you make memories — at a safe, social distance.

Reservation system

Capacity is limited at all four theme parks, which means that, to go to a particular park on the day of your choosing, you must make a reservation using the Disney Park Pass Reservation System in advance. This new policy affects everyone, from annual passholders to ticketed guests, and makes further use of the My Disney Experience app. Once you’ve logged in to your account on the app or on disneyworld.com, you’ll link your tickets or annual pass to your account, then have access to a calendar of available reservation dates for Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot and Hollywood Studios.

Parks with newer sections, like Toy Story Land and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Hollywood Studios, reach reservation capacity quickly — so the sooner you make reservations, the better. Park hopping is no longer an option, since you can only reserve one park per day, and Extra Magic Hours, once a perk for staying on property at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel, are not available.

Tip: If you are going on multiple days, reserve your party’s spots at Hollywood Studios and/or Magic Kingdom first, as those seem to be the most popular, according to daily checks on the My Disney Experience app.

Trick: If you really dislike crowds and are going on a weekend, which is peak attendance whether there’s a pandemic or not, opt for Epcot or Animal Kingdom, which are seeing lower attendance but still have plenty of holiday magic to share.

Health and safety procedures

When the parks re-opened in July, cast members (employees) were newly trained and ready for the new environment. Everyone, including guests (over age 2) and cast members, must wear an appropriate face covering over their nose and mouth at all times — except when eating and drinking. The face covering policy extends to Walt Disney World Guest Transportation. Other transportation protocols include capacity limits, physical barriers and social distancing, and, for those who travel in their own vehicles to the parks, parking lot trams are not in operation.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF WALT DISNEY WORLD

When entering the parks, once guests pass through security, the next stop is temperature screenings. Anyone displaying a temperature over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit are directed to another location for additional screening and, if their temperature again reads 100.4 or higher, they and their party will not be granted access to the park.

Physical distancing is encouraged everywhere, with plexiglass dividers separating rows of waiting riders and ground markings for line queues. Capacity isn’t just limited to parks; shop and restaurant capacity restrictions are in place, which means some popular stops on your trip may have a well-marked line for guests to wait their turn.

Tip: Lines for rides look a lot longer than they actually are, because each party is spaced 6 feet apart in line. For popular attractions, pay attention to the cast member holding the sign that notes your expected wait time, and don’t be afraid to ask them if that estimated time is really right. Also, be ready for your fellow guests to gently (or as we saw, not-so-gently) remind other people in line to mind their spacing.

Trick: Download the Play Disney Parks app on your phone before you go. It includes games, trivia and other experiences that are perfect for keeping your party entertained while you wait. Or download an old favorite, the Heads Up! app, which is perfect for standing in long lines and entertains not just your party, but those around you as well.

Food and drink

If you weren’t familiar with mobile ordering before using the My Disney Experience app, get ready. Prior to the pandemic, guests could order items from quick-service locations, which could shave five minutes or more off the wait time for Dole Whip at Aloha Isle. In addition to mobile ordering, many Walt Disney World restaurants minimize contact through reduced-contact menus and mobile check-in for dining.

Menus for quick-service restaurants at the theme parks were already contactless, available in the My Disney Experience app or displayed on signage. Select table-service locations now offer contactless menus by providing guests with a QR code that they can easily scan with a mobile device to view a digital menu. Checking in for reserved dining has also transitioned to the mobile app. Guests can check in via the mobile app or by scanning a QR code located in the restaurant’s lobby area, then following prompts to complete check in. When their table is ready, a notification is sent to their phone.

Tip: Make sure you pack water because during our visit in August, water fountains were not available for use. You can ask for ice water at quick-service spots, which is a good option for refilling water bottles if it’s a particularly warm day.

Trick: Check menus ahead of time and check which restaurants are open — even your favorite quick-service options. Not all restaurants are open, likely due to reduced capacity, and all are operating at reduced capacity with tables marked off for social distancing in quick-service restaurants and fewer tables available for tableside dining. If you have a favorite, check the app to see if it’s open so you aren’t crying over missing the mac-and-cheese stand in Animal Kingdom.

Holiday extras

There are big changes this year and, with the way 2020 has gone, it would be too easy to pine for the icicle lights on the castle and mourn their loss. Instead, focusing on the positive and the magic and memories you can still make is key.

Walt Disney World Resort refers to this season as reimagining holiday traditions, with celebrations starting November 6 at all four theme parks, select resorts and Disney Springs. It’s a good year to slow down and really take in the decorations at each park, from the 1940s vintage Christmas vibe at Hollywood Studios to the traditional holiday decorations at Magic Kingdom, where newly painted Cinderella’s Castle will undergo a transformation each night. Projections will transform the castle into different holiday colors and themes, including a jolly Christmas sweater, making a cheery backdrop for family photos.

Character experiences may have stopped due to the pandemic, and parades are suspended as well, but guests will still see their favorite Disney characters in their holiday finest floating by on flotillas (pontoon boats) at Animal Kingdom or in motor cavalcades at the other parks. Santa Goofy will make an appearance for character dining at Hollywood & Vine with Minnie Mouse at Hollywood Studios. And, at Magic Kingdom, the famous toy soldiers will march with the Main Street Philharmonic on Main Street, U.S.A. EPCOT will host its first International Festival of the Holidays, which will not include the Candlelight Processional this year. Instead, guests can enjoy food and drink from holiday kitchens around the World Showcase and a new show at the World ShowPlace pavilion called “JOYFUL!” Other seasonal treats will be available throughout the parks and are usually teased out on Disney blog posts and social media. PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE BARNSLEY RESORT

Tip: Look up those holiday treats and know their location ahead of time. If you have teens, they’ll want to Instagram or Snapchat the treats while their little siblings TikTok dance in the background and embarrass them. Also check those prices because social media-worthy seasonal snacks can be a bit of a sticker shock.

Bigger tip: Dress in your holiday outfits for the parks. It helps the mood of everyone in your party so, if someone has a bit of a Grinch moment over things they miss from years past, it’s hard to stay sad if your parents are jingling around in ugly Christmas sweaters.

Make magic

The beauty of returning to the parks after their pandemic closure is that it felt like a little breath of normal. So, while it might not be the giant, over-the-top holiday magic you’ve experienced in years past, it’s still magic, and it’s what you make of it. A simplified, scaled-back trip means that you spend more time doing things together and less time pushing through crowds or jockeying for prime parade-viewing positions. If 2020 has taught us one thing, it’s that little moments count more, even when those are celebrated behind masks sporting your favorite Disney characters’ faces.

RALLY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

The Rookery Bay Research Reserve in Naples has two family-friendly, socially distanced events coming up. The first, the Classic Car Show, features a variety of antique, classic and muscle cars, food trucks and activities for all ages outdoors on Saturday, November 14. The learning center is closed, but restrooms will be open. Registration is requested in advance. The event takes place 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the reserve, 300 Tower Road, Naples. Masks required. Admission is $10 for adults, free for ages 12 and younger. The Rookery Bay Road Rally on December 6 has participants start at 10 a.m. at the Naples Botanical Garden and leave in their own vehicles at one-minute intervals. Drivers follow route directions that take them along the boundaries of the reserve, which makes up about 40 percent of Collier County’s coastline. Some checkpoints have fun activities. Where the route ends is a surprise, but there’ll be prizes and other activities when you get there. Entry fee is $40 per vehicle or $10 per person for groups in commercial vans or buses. All participants get free passes to the learning center and the botanical garden.

Walks and runs go virtual

The Cape Coral Turkey Trot has been a Thanksgiving Day tradition for more than 40 years. This year, it and others, like the City of Palms River Run and the Lazy Flamingo Half Marathon and 2-Person Relay, are going virtual. But you can still reap the rewards and help local charities. Find race information at runsignup. com. A walk that’s newer to the area but directly helps children and families is the Southwest Gulf Coast Virtual Walk for Apraxia. Childhood apraxia of speech is a motor speech disorder that makes it difficult for children to speak. Participants are invited to walk in their own areas and join in a virtual ceremony on Saturday, November 7. For details, visit apraxiakids.org/walk-for-apraxia-splash-page.

'Ding' Darling Day reimagined “Ding” Darling Day is typically celebrated in October at the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island. Due to safety concerns from COVID-19, the event was rescheduled for Tuesday, December 1, in conjunction with the refuge’s 75th anniversary celebration. Staff envisions a day of outdoor activities for all ages along Wildlife Drive and Indigo Trail. Admission to Wildlife Drive will be free all day. For the latest details, visit dingdarlingdays.com.

FRIDAY, NOV. 6

Fashion Show » Baby Basics of Collier County is hosting a virtual fashion show to raise money to help families in need. Tickets are $35. babybasicscollier.org

SATURDAY, NOV. 7

Babcock Ranch Art Show » Guests enjoy art outdoors, socially distanced, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. in Babcock’s Founder’s Square, 42850 Crescent Loop, Babcock Ranch. Tickets are required for ages 6 and older, $5 per person. Parking is free. babcockranchartshow. com Family Camp Out » A fun night of camping with your family under the trees along the shore of this riverside park. Bring your own tent, food, camping gear, games, bikes and scooters. There will be s’mores to enjoy and games. 2 p.m. November 7 to 10 a.m. November 8 at Jaycee Park, 4125 S.E. 20th Place, Cape Coral. Reservations required. 239-549-4606. $20 per tent. fb.com/3540228409342165. Family Adventures » Explore everything fun at the Mound House in this outdoor activity led by staff. All participants must wear a mask. $2 per person, free for members. Takes place at 11 a.m. November 7, 21 and 28 and at 1 p.m. November 24 at the Mound House, 451 Connecticut St., Fort Myers beach. Weather permitting. For ages 5 and older. 239765-0865. moundhouse.org

Family Fun Kayak Tour »

This kayak tour guided by an environmental educator is fun for the whole family. See birds, dolphins, manatee and other wildlife while paddling through the Estero Bay mangroves. Each family must have a child between ages 6 and 11 to qualify. Masks required. $25 for ages 13 and older, $15 for ages 6-12; equipment and Mound House admission included. 9:30 a.m. November 7 and 28 at the Mound House, 451 Connecticut St., Fort Myers beach. Registration required. 239-765-0865. moundhouse.org

Monofilament Madness »

Keep Lee County Beautiful’s 27th annual marine cleanup focuses on monofilament fishing line and other fishing debris, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., includes volunteer appreciation lunch. Personal watercraft appreciated. Takes place at three locations: the Mound House on Fort Myers Beach, Salty Sam’s Marina and Bunche Beach. Register online. klcb.org/monofilament-madness.html

2020 Southwest Gulf Coast Virtual Walk for Apraxia »

Participants are encouraged to walk in their local area and attend a virtual ceremony November 7. Registration is $20 for adults, $15 for students 18 and older, $10 for children and free for children with apraxia. apraxia-kids. org/walk-for-apraxia-splash-page

WINK Taste of Lee 2020 »

This riverside event highlights the restaurants of Lee County and includes entertainment with a children’s area, music and featured businesses. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. November 7 and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. November 8 at Centennial Park, 2000 W. First St., Fort Myers. $10 for ages 3 and older. bscevent.com

THURSDAY, NOV. 12

Home School at Edison Ford » A home-school science and engineering series that combines instruction with hands-on activities. This month’s topic is space. Students will build a solar viewer and learn about the science of light. 11 a.m.-noon at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. $10 each or $60 for the series for members, $15 and $95 for nonmembers. For grades 4-6 and grades 7-8. Masks required. Limit 10.

SATURDAY, NOV. 14

Rookery Bay Classic Car Show »

See a variety of antique, classic and muscle cars, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Plus, food trucks and activities for all ages. $10 for spectators 13 and older, free for ages 12 and younger. Park at the Walmart Super Center, 6650 Collier Blvd., Naples and catch the shuttle to the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Road, Naples. Registration requested. rookerybay.org/events/classic-carshow

Wolfstock: BrewFest and Food

Truck Rally » This fundraiser for Shy Wolf Sanctuary’s expansion features a live concert, food trucks and auction, 3-6 p.m. Attend in person or watch the concert on the group’s Facebook page. For details, visit shywolfsanctuary.org/wolfstock2020

TUESDAY, NOV. 17

Hope’s Brave Hearts for the

Holidays » Hope Healthcare created this virtual event for children ages 7-12 who have lost a loved one in the past year. The children are divided into age groups for this free, fivepart series that helps children learn to cope with feelings of grief and discover healthy ways to express their emotions. The sessions are held via Zoom at 4 p.m. on Tuesdays starting November 17. To register a child age 7-9, contact Jessica.Eastham@ HopeHCS.org. For ages 10-12, contact Diana.SanMiguel@HopeHCS. org. hopehcs.org

MONDAY, NOV. 23

School Break Camp » When School is out, the “Wild Wizard” is in. Students explore topics in STEAM, history and nature in this day camp, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. November 23-25. This week’s theme: Art & Animation. For students in grades 1-6. $135 for members, $150 for nonmembers. edisonford.org

FRIDAY, NOV. 27

Holiday Nights at Edison Ford

» Thousands of lights, hundreds of historic decorations, and one unique holiday experience. An animated tree at the Ford House, lights, holiday music, live music, 5:30-9 p.m. November 27 to January 3 at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, 3583 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. Lee County residents get $5 off self-guided admission on Monday nights. Admission is $20 for adults, $10 for teens, $2 for children, free for members. Tours are extra. Masks required. edisonfordwinterestates.org