Visiting Epcot and all its Restrictions

Visiting Epcot and all its Restrictions

I had a difficult time deciding if I wanted to write about my recent trip to Florida and to Epcot.  Not because the trip itself was bad, I had a wonderful time with my sister and brother in-law!  This trip definitely made me realize how much I miss seeing my family.  And from this point on, no one is going to tell me that living in fear is better than living life.  But I am here to give you the facts on my experience and what you need to know.  So lets dig deep and discuss the truth about visiting Epcot and all its restrictions!

**Please note that we purchased a one day pass and did not stay on a Disney Property so it may be a different experience if staying at a Disney property.

Park Hours

Park hours have been reduced.  While I was there, February 2021, the hours were from 11-8 p.m. Had all the activities and shows been open this would definitely not have been enough time to enjoy and see all the attractions.

Additionally, we purchased the hopper pass to do an additional park on the same day.  Unfortunately, there was nowhere on the website that told use we could not use it until after 2 p.m.  Which is much different than how things used to be.  On the plus side, we were able to get a refund of the hopper pass as we wanted to visit Animal Kingdom prior to Epcot.  Be sure to call prior to purchasing a hopper pass, and make sure it fits with what you want to do.  We only had one day at the park, so we made the best of Epcot.

Safety First

While at the park you must wear a mask at all times. It is suggested that you wear a two layer mask, but it was not required.  The only exception to wearing a mask was if you were eating.  And you had to stay stationary while doing so.  They also wanted everyone to stay 6 feet apart.  However, the attractions that had wait times had no social distancing that I saw.  The average wait time for a ride was less than 10 minutes.  Only a couple had a 30-40 minute wait.  But remember, many of the attractions/rides were not open.

If I am being completely honest, the mask mandate was over the top.  It had to be worn even walking in from the parking lot and out of the park.  I am not suggesting not to be safe however, when outside, in the sun there could be a little leniency….but that is a personal opinion from an extremely healthy individual.

Be forewarned that on humid or hot days, you will be sweating.  Excessively.  At least I was.  Dang, it was 85 degrees and humid and the mask made breathing difficult.  On second thought, it could just be me and my awesome menopausal hot flashes! LOL

Open Attractions

This was the most disappointing part of the visit.  Of the 11 countries I would say about half were fully open.  Many of the restaurants were closed.  In fact, most of them were closed and the ones that were open, guests staying on property had first dibs on reservations.  Which I completely understand.   However, it would have been nice to know that in advance. When we asked why so many of the restaurants were closed, we were told it was because the kitchens were being renovated.  Not sure if that was true or not, but we managed and had a delightful lunch in France!

There are no longer fast pass lines either.  This is when you could schedule a ride in advance and skip the line! Due to the pandemic they decided they could not accommodate the fast pass line and keep social distancing requirements in tact.  Which I understand after seeing how they were originally set up.

They are currently not having the nightly fireworks display either.  There were only two musical groups performing at the time we were there.  And many of the shows were not available for viewing.

Furthermore, you can no longer take pictures with the Disney characters.  They are protected by barriers to keep everyone safe.

And I am not being critical of the safety measures, far from it.  But when Disney is not cleaning the seats and rides in between guests, it seems extremely hypocritical to yell at people when they are LEAVING the park without their mask firmly planted on their face.  Strictly an observation of hypocrisy…..

Conclusion

I absolutely love Disney World and Epcot has always been my favorite park.  And I understand we are in this new world of trying to keep people safe.  But I have to be completely honest when I say there is no value in spending a day at the park when you are paying $140 for a day pass.  Had I brought my family, it would have been an extreme waste of money.

I have been to Disney World numerous times over the years.  We have stayed on property and off property.  And what used to be a magical experience, currently is not.  The flowers on the grounds are still glorious!  In fact, they made me yearn for spring, however, that is not why you go to Epcot.  You go to tour the different countries.  Taste the cuisine and watch the shows.  And the fireworks display was always spectacular!  So if you have never been, you will not know what it “used” to be like.  But if you have been before, then you will absolutely know what you are missing!

Overall, I don’t feel it was worth the money for the day.  However, if this is a first time visit, you will still have a magical experience. Visiting Epcot and all its Restrictions just didn’t seem the same for those of us who have experienced it prior to the pandemic.

Side note: Disney Springs

If you don’t know what Disney Springs is, you really need to find out!  It is a shopping extravaganza.  With all things Disney plus lots of high end stores to shop, you will find everything you need and more.  There is also a huge selection of restaurants. THAT WERE ALL OPEN!  You have to have your temperature checked and wear a mask while on property but it is a lovely way to spend an afternoon or evening.  There is no fee to get in, you just need to go through a security screening.  Definitely worth going!

If you want to learn more about another great place to visit, check out my review of Charleston, South Carolina! Or Aspen, CO!

More importantly, thank you for spending your time here at Colorado Kelly!  I love having you here and appreciate everyone that comes to visit and look forward to having you come back soon!Looking just for a hotel? Hotels.com is the only website I use to save money.  And for every 10 nights you get one night free!

*This post may contain affiliate links! That means; I may get a commission at no additional cost to you!  I do not recommend any products/services that I don’t use and love myself!

Join My Newsletter

Be the first to know when I publish delicious new recipes, authentic lifestyle posts, haircare tips, and more!

Can't wait to stay in touch! 

~Kelly

SUBSCRIBE!

You have Successfully Subscribed!

We don't sell our email lists. To unsubscribe look for the option at the bottom of the email. Review our privacy policy here.