Our family has been quarantined since the beginning of March. This weekend we did the unthinkable- we visited Disney Springs during COVID-19.
Let me begin by saying we haven’t been out to eat at any restaurants, the kids haven’t been in any stores, and Ashley and I only run out to grab the essentials. We’ve been very careful about social distancing and are taking all of the precautions necessary to keep our kids safe.
We haven’t stayed entirely at the house- we’ve been exploring the local parks like the Castaway Island Preserve, Fort Clinch State Park, and the Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens. We’ve also visited the Jacksonville Zoo nearly every week since they’ve been very cautious.
After doing a bit of research, we decided to venture out to Disney Springs during our mini-vacation to central Florida.
What is Disney Springs?
Disney Springs is essentially an outdoor mall and entertainment complex following many of the Town Center models found in most cities. It features countless Disney themed stores, as well as other shops and restaurants centered around Lake Buena Vista.
What precautions is Disney Springs taking for COVID-19?
- Masks are required for everyone 2 and older. This rule applies to not only in the stores but in the outdoor areas as well. This is strictly enforced. You may remove masks while eating or drinking. There are several places where you can social distance, remove your masks, and simply breathe.
- All visitors have their temperature checked before entering the property. When we arrived (in the late afternoon) there was no wait time. Several staff members were on hand to check your temperature.
- There are hand sanitizer stations at the entrance of every shop and restaurant.
- At the entrance to each shop and restaurant, a “cast member” is keeping track of how many people enter the building.
- There are reminders posted everywhere about maintaining social distancing. There are also markers on the ground indicating which way to walk (in some areas).
Did we feel safe?
In a word, yes. We were very impressed by all of the precautions that Disney has taken to keep its patrons safe. Honestly, every single person that we passed (that was over two) was wearing a mask. Even little toddlers being pushed around in strollers were wearing masks. We took advantage of the countless hand sanitizer stations and washed our hands before we ate. Honestly, everywhere you looked there was someone wiping down a surface. It was quite impressive.
The only times we didn’t have our masks on is when we were rehydrating, sharing a Dole Whip (mmm, Dole Whip), and when we ate dinner at Rainforest Café. We did find a place by Lake Buena Vista where no one else was around so we were able to sit down, take our masks off, and cool down a moment.
I will say that wearing a mask for long periods of time in the Florida heat is uncomfortable, and this is coming from a pro-mask Florida girl. Keep in mind that although the thermometer might read 95, you have to take into account the humidity. Florida, in the summers, can be miserable. I imagine that it is even more unbearable for people who are not accustomed to high humidity. Make sure that you stay well hydrated, especially since you’ll be required to wear a mask.
What are the highlights?
- The NBA Experience
- Rainforest Cafe
- T-Rex Restaurant
- Characters in Flight
- The Lego Store (and nearby sculptures)
- Word of Disney- the largest Disney character store in Walt Disney World Resort-and on Earth!
- Goofy’s Candy Company
- Splitsville Luxury Lanes
- Disney’s Day of Christmas (store)
Where is Disney Springs located?
Physical address: 1486 Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Hours: 10 AM- 10 PM
Our Thoughts on Disney Springs
Disney Springs is a great place to visit if you want a watered-down version of the Disney experience, without the steep ticket price. This, by no means, means that Disney Springs is cheap. We bought the kids each a stuffed animal (that was “on-sale”) and they were $25 each. We also had dinner at Rainforest Café and spent $100 on a turkey wrap, shrimp tacos, 2 kids meals, and 2 alcoholic beverages.
This is a fantastic location to pick up souvenirs. There are a ton of Disney themed stores that offer anything you can think of; candy, kitchen accessories, clothes, toys, bags, etc. Be sure to check out the World of Disney store- it’s the largest Disney store on the planet.
Our Disney Springs Essentials
Mickey Mouse Backpack Safety Leash and Harness
Mickey Mouse Water Bottle with Straw and Lid
Coppertone Kids Sunscreen
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