Since Walt Disney World has reopened we have been able to visit the parks several times. (Curious about what the parks are like? Check out our article: Walt Disney World After COVID Reopening Part 1: Visiting the Parks) Recently we decided to try a resort stay as well to see how that experience compares to “normal” as well. We booked a visit to Disney’s Polynesian resort and spent some time at the Grand Floridian next door too. There were quite a few notable changes with new safety measures and social distancing guidelines in place. So read on for all the details of what to expect when staying on property in a world adjusted for COVID.
General Public Areas
Interior Areas
Just like the parks, guests and cast members are required to wear masks when in the resort. (This also includes walking between buildings.) The first thing we noticed was how quiet the lobbies were. The Grand Floridian was especially quiet as we noticed the lobby music wasn’t even playing. While we were at these resorts it is good to note that the Disney Vacation Club rooms were the only ones occupied, so it may become busier as regular resort guests start occupying rooms as well. The lobby areas are definitely missing the normal energy and buzz from guests about but one positive is there are no lines and it is very easy to find a seat! Speaking of seats many areas had added signs to the tables to not use them. There are also plenty of signs around reminding guests of the face mask requirement, to wash your hands, and to social distance. They also have hand sanitizer stations throughout the resorts. It’s good to point out that certain dining locations or shops may be closed at this time. We also recommend to pay attention to signage. Places like shops have specific entry and exit points and may only allow so many quests in at a time.
The extremely quiet lobby at the Poly.
One of many sanitizer stations.
Exterior Areas
When venturing outside we found changes were less noticeable. The biggest thing we noticed were certain offerings being closed (such as some outdoor bars for example). It seemed certain seating areas had been moved and spaced out. We did see that some activities were still taking place but with social distancing (such as the movie night shown below). The hardest adjustment for us was wandering around the beautiful grounds outdoors and still needing to wear a mask, we have to admit it took away from the experience a little. We found when we went for a walk and were the only people around it was nice to take a little break, and then when we saw people in the distance we would put them back on. We also found many of the lounge chairs on the beach where people were relaxing were socially distanced enough that guests also took their masks off while enjoying sitting.
Health and Security Checkpoints
While there is not checkpoint to enter the resort there are stations before entering the monorail stations. It is a simple thermometer on your forehead. There is a station set up, but we personally were able to walk up with no wait during our visit. The health check is located right before the regular security check. (Speaking of the security checks, it is identical to the parks where they ask guests to remove all metal cans, charging bricks, umbrellas, etc. You keep everything else on you when going through the metal detector.)
Room Cleanliness
It seems that guest rooms must be going through various extra steps at this point in time. While normal check-in should happen by 4pm it seems these times are trending later, our room was ready at around 5pm. There is extra care to clean touch points and there is a sign in the room detailing the extra attention points (see below). We noticed some items such as remotes and soap pumps in some resorts are cleaned and covered with clear bags with “clean” stickers. We also think some items have been removed from the room. Most DVC rooms we stay in feature a decorative runner on the foot of the bed and throw pillows and during this stay we noticed the lack of those items. While the room is a little more plain it probably makes it easier to not have to worry about those items.
The sign detailing the enhanced cleaning procedures.
We noticed some bedding and throw pillows missing.
A sanitized and wrapped remote control.
Dining
Quick Service
Similar to the parks dining can look a little different these days with extra signage and tables out of use. Both quick service locations, Captain Cooks (Polynesian Resort) and Gasparilla Grill (Grand Floridian) were open during our visit. You can still order in person but the preferred method is mobile order using the My Disney Experience app. Guests receive a text message when their order is ready.
Certain areas are blocked off too. In the Grand Floridian you can no longer walk up to the bakery counter and food service areas, you speak to a cast member at an area of table barricades. There is also a Cast Member stationed at the beverage area to pour drinks for guests instead of the usual self service.
Table Service
There were limited options when it came to table service. The only option at the Polynesian Resort was Kona Cafe and we were lucky to get a reservation a few weeks out. Ohana, was closed and it looks like there is no expectation of it opening anytime soon. Trader Sam’s was also closed. At the Grand Floridian, the only table service restaurant open was the Grand Floridian Cafe. Both 1900 Park Fare and Citricos were closed down and Narcoossee’s is in the NBA bubble.
When it comes to table service, Disney has made quite a few changes including:
Check-In Online: There are signs outside of Kona Cafe and the Grand Floridian Cafe that tells guests to check-in online using the My Disney Experience app. You can do so up to 15 minutes before the reservation time. Guests receive a text message when their table is ready.
Limited Seating: Both restaurants we dined at were filled to about 25% capacity. We actually looked to move both of our reservations and there were no other times so this is the maximum number of tables they are using.
Digital Menu: Servers provide a card with a QR code on it. Once scanned, it brings up the menu on the Disney website. Guests can also get to the menu through the My Disney Experience app.
Limited Menu: Also, for those looking to have one of the many delicious coffees served by the coffee bar, you are out of luck at the moment. Andrew tried to order the Kona Mocha but unfortunately, the coffee bar is closed.
A QR code for check-in at a table serve restaurant.
These tables blocked the way at the Grand Floridian quick serve.
The drink station is blocked off and staffed by a CM.
Menus have been replaced with a digital link.
Pools
There are two pools at the Polynesian Resort and both were open. Given it was just DVC members staying at the resort the pool were very quiet. We aren’t sure as crowds grow if there may be issues with capacity but for now it was great. There was some extra safety signage and we did notice the pool bar was closed, but otherwise it was great to relax and enjoy the area. When it comes to mask wearing, just about every guest we noticed kept theirs on until they settled into their pool seats. After that, most people removed their masks. We wore ours into the pool area and removed them to go into the hot tub. We then put them back on to head back to our room.
As for the Grand Floridian, the only available pool right now is the one closest to the DVC Villas next to the splash area. The other pool is in the NBA bubble behind the fence. When we were there the splash area was closed down but it didn’t look like they were doing any work on it. Not sure if it is closed down or just happened to be when we went by.
A safety reminder sign, most wore masks until at their seat.
We had the hot tub all to ourselves one morning.
Transportation
Staying on a Monorail resort gave us quite a few options to get around. Here is the status on what was available:
Monorail: monorails were limited to one party per bench. We had a cab all to ourselves. Currently the monorail was only available to the Magic Kingdom. It is not currently running to Epcot.
Boats: boats seem to be running slightly less than usual due to lower crowds. We ended up being the only ones on a ride back to the resort. Certain benches have been marked off for social distancing.
Buses: buses were also available, but we did not use this mode of transportation.
It also looks like soon walking will be an option as the walkway is almost complete!
Our private car on the monorail.
Enjoying a ride all by ourselves back to the Poly.
Cast Members
Just like the parks, we noticed polar opposites when it came to dealing with Cast Members. It seems some Cast Members are over the top friendly and so excited and thankful to be back at work. While other encounters feel cold like folks don’t want to be there and the magic is missing. We had great encounters at the front desk and certain dining locations. While other dining locations had some very lackluster service. For instance at our Grand Floridan table service dinner we had the worst service we have ever received on property, while right next door at the quick service we were wowed and received some pixie dust from a CM. Our advice is to be nice and forgiving, this is a tough time for some, we try to focus on the good moments and hope that the CM’s who aren’t quite back to the normal magic can feel better soon.
Final Thoughts
We were excited to get back to property and relax at the resort but we have to admit it is an unusual time. There are some moments that are great while others are lacking a bit of the normal magic. It was beautiful to wander the beautiful resort grounds without crowds, but at the same time a bummer to have to wear a mask in the fresh air with no one around. It’s great to get some one-on-one attention from friendly CM’s but there is that normal energy/buzz that feels missing. While we enjoyed our room and the pool areas, we have to say staying on property doesn’t quite feel 100% an escape as it usually does. While it was good to be back on property, you can really notice what can only be described as tension and angst among everyone walking around the resort. There isn’t that real excitement that normally surrounds the resorts. This isn’t to say that people weren’t enjoying themselves; there just wasn’t that normal friendly and overly excited energy that you would expect. You can really tell a difference. Disney has done an amazing job to keep everyone safe, we appreciate all of this efforts. But for us personally we live close and don’t have to stay on property when we visit. With that being said we will continue to visit the parks and dining but we probably won’t stay on property again until things get back to normal. For us, it just isn’t worth the money or DVC points.
