I went to WDW three times in 2020, not having been since a
MVMCP in December 2014. In the past, most trips were done without a lot of planning and lasted under 5 days.
After a week in Orlando in Jan 2020 (one ? park day), I really thought I was done with WDW. It was the week following Princess Marathon. And I had never experienced the crowd sizes that had become common.
After reports of low crowds after reopening, I waited for traditional low season (and cooler temps, somewhat) and went to Orlando in September, eventually staying for two weeks. Once home, we made arrangements to return in early November, utilizing scheduled vacation time that had been designated for a booked / paid-for
Disney cruise.
I was headed to Orlando in January 2021, but came home due to car troubles. I have been plotting the best time to return there this spring, trying to avoid Spring Break and Easter crowds.
I don’t consider myself a Disney fanatic - it’s not my “Happy Place;” that would probably be Hawaii. The roller coasters are just okay. Things are overpriced. Not a fan of standing in line. Didn’t visit during the heyday years of FP+; we were used to having to crisscross a park to get that paper FP ticket. I say character greetings don’t matter, but get teary when a random encounter happens (I know they are just people in costumes, but still). I skip most parades to catch a shorter queue for a ride (unless it’s the
MNSSHP parade).
.... I am still excited about going this Spring. Sure, I miss MK fireworks and the live shows. (I miss live shows that were retired, 23 years after I saw them once). We ate corn dog nuggets or had Dole Whip while watching the fireworks - Dole Whip is still there, in more parks than Used to be - and corn dog nuggets are available at Westward Ho!
But it’s still WDW. There’s a familiarity for those returning. When you enter Main Street, there’s a castle at the end of the street (new colors). Animal Kingdom is still A great immersion into a man-made nature (the animals are wonderful - and I have been on safari in Africa). The Festivals at EPCOT and Soarin’ give me a reason to incorporate it into my trip (thanks to the return of park hopping). The positive changes to Hollywood Studios are reflected in its increased crowds, but Toy Story Land and Galaxy’s Edge are definitely positive improvements.
I have stopped in the street to listen to the Dapper Dans, watched the mini parades or cavalcades without having to stake out a spot and ridden new favorite rides (Rise of the Resistance) and old, cheesy (kiddie) rides that I used to skip due to long lines - Winnie the Pooh, Peter Pan - thanks to shorter lines at various times of the day.
... If you just aren’t excited, its okay to skip it. Just think about what is about a Disney trip that has made you return all those times. Is it the family spending time together in a place you are comfortable, with old good memories? Is there a deal breaker? ME, a specific ride or show that is not available?
Best of success in your decision.