It’s a fact, whether we like it or not, that a lot of things changed in 2020 and many of those changes have also affected our favorite vacation destinations. So many destinations are just now opening or still waiting to reopen, but amusement parks have taken the lead in the industry in recreating a safe environment for their guests. I had the opportunity to visit Walt Disney World since it re-opened and my family all agreed, it was one of our best trips ever!

I often hear from people that they are concerned about all of the changes having a negative impact on their park experience. Unfortunately, travel may have changed a lot and I’m not sure everything will go back to how it used to be. I want to take some time to look at some of the changes we are seeing in the parks and share my thoughts, good or bad. While we don’t know if these changes will stay for the long term, I think it’s unrealistic to believe everything will go back to the way it was in 2019. The truth is, some of the changes are good and some may actually allow the parks to reset and find more efficient ways for guests to experience the magic.

One of the changes we experienced was the elimination of parades in the park. Parades haven’t really disappeared though! They have been replaced with character cavalcades and I love them! I realize not everyone will agree with me, but I would love to see the character cavalcades stay for good!

If you have ever been to a Disney park when a parade is scheduled, then you know that many guests will start staking out their perfect spot even an hour before the parade! Standing along Main Street USA, sitting on the edge of the sidewalk, just holding their spot. That’s a full hour of park time lost in order to have that perfect spot to see the parade! Cast members rope off areas and usher guests from walk ways, people crowd along the main parade path, parents lift kids on shoulders to see. Honestly, at 5 foot 2, I rarely saw a parade anyway. Unless I somehow got lucky with a great space, I could rarely see over the guests in front of me, let alone the children on shoulders! People moved in tight together, crowding to get closer to the action. The parades and floats were amazing, the music drew you in, capturing your attention. When it was all over, you held tight to your children and squeezed through the crowds moving back towards the park attractions trying to make sure you kept everyone together.

I loved the parades, I really did. There’s just something magical about seeing your 5 year old light up at the sight of princesses waiving on floats or dancing in the street during the Move It parade. Parades do come with some stress though too. Worrying about getting a spot or losing time in the parks or just dealing with the crowd afterwards was just a lot at times.

Character cavalcades bring a completely different experience to the parks. There is something magical about suddenly seeing cast members pop up and clear traffic as a float or automobile follows behind with music and characters dancing, waiving and posing for photos. There isn’t a “perfect spot” where you have to sit and wait for the cavalcade to arrive. You are just walking along and suddenly, it’s there!

The short bursts of characters that pop up and surprise you don’t take time out of the parks or bring huge crowds that you have to sift through. The interaction with characters even feels a bit more personal. When you turn around to take a selfie with the characters behind you, you will often find them posing to make sure they are in your picture! They wave and blow kisses to little kids who they may not even be able to single out in a crowd watching a parade. The performers are still dancing and singing with cast members walking before and after to keep paths clear and ensure spacing is kept.

There are so many characters spotted through out the day that you could actually see more characters with the cavalcades than you may in a typical parade. Unique characters that we didn’t see in the parks very often are popping up in the parades.

This is a change for the parks but one that I welcome. Truly, I will be quite happy if the character cavalcades replace the parades in the future. Pop up characters in their element allow for a much more relaxing feel of visiting the parks. You may just find you appreciate some of the changes more than you would have thought!

Character Cavalcade tips

• Set your video and snap photos on your phone as a cavalcade passes.

• Photopass Photographers may allow you to pause during a cavalcade and take your photos watching the characters. If you have purchased Memory Maker, it may just be some of your favorite family photos!

• Turn around and take a selfie - characters love to pose!

• Watch the rivers in Animal Kingdom - most of the cavalcades take place there since walkways are more narrow in this park.