I visited Disney World during the pandemic and had no regrets. Here's why I made the decision to go.

Tarah ChieffiMar 6, 2021, 19:22 IST

The author at Disney World.Tarah Chieffi/Insider

I visited Disney World in September 2020 and it was unlike any Disney trip I've taken before.
Some experiences were shut and not all guests followed the rules, but I still felt the Disney magic.
I even liked certain changes and hope the impromptu parades and character interactions stick around.

After months spent mostly staying indoors, my husband and I decided to visit Disney World for our 10th wedding anniversary.

We packed our bags and flew to Orlando, Florida, in September 2020 - three months since the theme park reopened its gates on July 11, and six months since they shuttered on March 16 - for a four-day vacation.

As a lifelong Disney fan, and someone who writes about theme parks for a living, I had been closely monitoring the news regarding Disney World's reopening, and, despite the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) advice to avoid nonessential travel, my husband and I made the decision to check it out.

The trip was unlike any other I've taken to Disney World, and I found that this time, understandably, there was no escaping reality - even in the most magical place on Earth. I had no problem following COVID-19 protocol by practicing social distancing and wearing a mask, and I had a good time.

So much so that I'm already planning my next visit.

I spend my days writing about theme parks (and I've visited more times than I can count) so I understood what to expect before my visit.

I was happy to see Minnie Mouse, even from a distance. Tarah Chieffi/Insider

Before deciding to visit Disney World, I knew the risks involved and felt that I was making the right decision for myself and my husband.

While waiting to board Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, Disney Cast Members direct each group to stand on distanced floor markings. Tarah Chieffi/Insider

I could tell this visit would be different as soon as I started booking my trip.

There was new signage in the hotel room that described the enhanced cleaning measures. Tarah Chieffi/Insider

I thought the safety signs throughout the parks made it easy to follow the new rules.

Signs throughout the park reminded guests to follow the new guidelines. Tarah Chieffi/Insider

It seemed to me that Disney World was taking health and safety seriously at the time of my visit.

Temperature checks were required before entering the parks. Tarah Chieffi/Insider

The crowd levels were lower than I've ever seen and wait times weren't bad, either.

The area around Cinderella Castle is usually packed, but it was practically empty. Tarah Chieffi/Insider

There were certain areas that could get congested, but I found they were easy to avoid at the time of my visit.

Large crowds tended to gather behind the cavalcades. Tarah Chieffi/Insider

Dining was much different than past visits.

You couldn't just walk into most restaurants like before and many were using mobile menus. Disney World/Insider

I actually preferred some of the changes and hope they stick around even when the parks return to normal.

Chewbacca and Rey came out for a socially distant visit with guests. Tarah Chieffi/Insider

My Disney vacation was unlike any other, and though there's still an inherent risk in traveling, I had such a good time that I plan to visit again this year.

Overall I had a great trip, but there's no denying it wasn't what I was used to. Tarah Chieffi/Insider

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