PANDEMIC AT THE PARKS: Disney's handling of a deadly virus has spoiled the magic for some diehard fans

INSIDERApr 30, 2021, 19:22 IST

Disney; Kelsey McNeal/ABC via Getty Images; Samantha Lee/Insider

After coming to a standstill in March 2020 due to the pandemic, Disney World reopened that July, while Disneyland reopened on April 30, 2021.
For some fans, Disney's handling of the pandemic has dampened the fantasy. Others continue visiting open Disney parks, and look forward to when they return in full force.
Insider reporters had mixed experiences when they visited some parks, and heard from laid-off employees who worry about their future. Read all the stories in our series below.

Disney World is losing its magic, and as a lifelong fan I worry it will never come back

SOPA Images/Getty Images; Samantha Lee/Insider

Don't waste your money on a Disney World vacation this year, especially if you've never been before

Charles Sykes/AP; Samantha Lee/Insider

A family of 4 will spend a whopping $6,033 on a typical Disney World trip. Here's the full breakdown.

Matt Stroshane/Disney Parks; Samantha Lee

I visited Disney World during the pandemic last year and had no regrets. Here's why I'm already planning my next trip.

Tarah Chieffi/Insider; Samantha Lee/Insider

Don't make the same mistake I did by visiting Disney World during the pandemic. It's just not worth it.

Courtesy of Daryl Austin; Samantha Lee/Insider

I went to Disney World with my family of 6. Here's what we got right and wrong, according to a COVID-19 expert.

Courtesy of Daryl Austin

Ex-Disney World employees mourn the careers of their dreams at 'the most magical place on Earth'

Steve Granitz/WireImage; Samantha Lee/Insider

A college student is paid to visit Disney World as a theme-park nanny. Here's what her job is like.

Courtesy of Cyan Nardiello; Samantha Lee/Insider

People are spending hundreds of dollars to return to Disneyland, but for months you could walk right into one of its theme parks for $10. It was a unique experience I'll never forget.

Courtesy of Kirsten Acuna; Samantha Lee/Insider

People are spending hundreds of dollars to return to Disneyland, but for months you could walk right into one of its theme parks for $10. It was a unique experience I'll never forget.

I visited Downtown Disney a week before Disneyland's reopening and it felt like the safest place I've been since the start of the pandemic

Me in Downtown Disney. Brittany Chang/Insider

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PANDEMIC AT THE PARKS: Disney's handling of a deadly virus has spoiled the magic for some diehard fans

Disney World is losing its magic, and as a lifelong fan I worry it will never come back

Don't waste your money on a Disney World vacation this year, especially if you've never been before

A family of 4 will spend a whopping $6,033 on a typical Disney World trip. Here's the full breakdown.

I visited Disney World during the pandemic last year and had no regrets. Here's why I'm already planning my next trip.

Don't make the same mistake I did by visiting Disney World during the pandemic. It's just not worth it.

I went to Disney World with my family of 6. Here's what we got right and wrong, according to a COVID-19 expert.

Ex-Disney World employees mourn the careers of their dreams at 'the most magical place on Earth'

A college student is paid to visit Disney World as a theme-park nanny. Here's what her job is like.

People are spending hundreds of dollars to return to Disneyland, but for months you could walk right into one of its theme parks for $10. It was a unique experience I'll never forget.

I visited Downtown Disney a week before Disneyland's reopening and it felt like the safest place I've been since the start of the pandemic