PANDEMIC AT THE PARKS: Disney's handling of a deadly virus has spoiled the magic for some diehard fans
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
One reporter worries the Disney she grew up loving won't be there when she returns, thanks to price hikes, the loss of classic attractions, and the park's handling of the pandemic and employee layoffs.
Don't waste your money on a Disney World vacation this year, especially if you've never been before
There's a lot to look forward to at Disney World in the coming years, but 2021 isn't the right time to visit for a once-in-a-lifetime vacation. It's best to save your money for a future trip.
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.
After a trip to Disney World with his wife and four kids in November 2020, one reporter wished he'd saved the money to return later when it's safer and more enjoyable.
I went to Disney World with my family of 6. Here's what we got right and wrong, according to a COVID-19 expert.
An infectious disease specialist critiqued one reporter's Disney World trip in March 2021, and said his thoughtful itinerary showed it's possible to travel relatively safely.
Ex-Disney World employees mourn the careers of their dreams at 'the most magical place on Earth'
After months of nerves, frustration, and disappointment, the 13 employees who spoke to Insider say they found new jobs and side hustles to stay afloat. But Disney is still their end game — and a crucial part of their identities.
A college student is paid to visit Disney World as a theme-park nanny. Here's what her job is like.
The pandemic hasn't slowed down business for Cyan Nardiello of Once Upon a Nanny, who told Insider what a typical day looks like and how she and her employees adhere to theme-park safety guidelines.
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.
While Disneyland was closed, people could walk into Disney California Adventure — and only pay $10 for parking. One reporter living on the West Coast away from her family found herself feeling at home in the park.
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
One reporter found that Downtown Disney had a long list of health protocols that made her feel safe when she visited. The level of safety precautions convinced her that Disneyland would be able to reopen safely.
Editing: Chloe Pantazi, Sophie Kleeman, Micaela Garber, Mia de Graaf, Dennis Green, Joi-Marie McKenzie, Megan Willett-Wei, Ariel Schwartz, Kevin Kaplan, Emma LeGault, and Daniel McMahon
Reporting: Amanda Krause, Daryl Austin, Tarah Chieffi, Kirsten Acuna, Brittany Chang, Charles Clark, Shoshy Ciment, and Anna Medaris Miller
Design: Samantha Lee and Marianne Ayala
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