Disneyland is back! Here's what to expect.

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As of June 15th, Disneyland and California Adventure have re-opened to bigger crowds, with fewer COVID related restrictions in place. Things aren’t quite back to normal, but they’re getting there. We visited just after the reopening and came up with a few important things to know before heading back: 

  • While California relaxed its capacity restrictions on June 15th, Disney hasn’t fully re-opened its doors yet. How many people the park is actually letting in is unclear, but a cast member told us on June 18th it was around 40% of capacity. Expect the parks to ramp up over the course of the summer, with crowds back to normal by August or September.

  • What does that limited capacity mean for visitors? At least for now there are relatively short lines for lots of rides, especially at the beginning and end of the day. You’ll probably still have to wait over an hour for the big-ticket rides like Radiator Springs Racers and Space Mountain, but often you can hop on crowd pleasers like Little Mermaid or even Haunted Mansion in less than 10 minutes. We walked straight on to Big Thunder Mountain around 4PM with no wait at all.

  • Mask policies have changed dramatically. Fully vaccinated visitors are now no longer required to wear masks at all, and Disney does not require proof or even ask if you’ve been vaccinated. Unvaccinated individuals, including children, are required to wear masks inside unless eating, but again there’s no real method of enforcement. The result is that only 10-20% of guests were masked when we visited, and it’s safe to assume that there were plenty of unvaccinated people, including kids under 12 who aren’t eligible for the vaccine yet, that were unmasked.

  • Social distancing requirements have been dropped as well, so prepare for old school crowding when waiting in lines. People seem to be voluntarily spacing themselves out slightly, but if you haven’t been out in public for a while, hit a few grocery stores first before you brave a theme park.

  • If you’ve been dying for a picture with Mickey, Elsa, or Spiderman, don’t worry, you can still get it. But for now he’ll just be hanging out in the background. (That’s a Spiderman joke. Get it?) Disney characters are easily found in all the usual spots around the park, but you’re not allowed to get close to them. Fortunately, they’re still happy to wave for your socially distanced selfie, and without the crowds pushing in around the performer it’s actually a little easier to get a photo.

  • The Disneyland app is king. While you can certainly still visit Disneyland and California Adventure without a phone, the official Disneyland app makes things much easier. Checking wait times at rides is huge, so you can strategize your next moves, and knowing where the nearest bathroom is is a life saver. The app stores your tickets digitally so if you have a Park Hopper ticket it’s easy to go back and forth between the parks without having to keep track of your paper tickets. You can have the app installed on multiple devices, all connected to the same account.

  • For now, access to the two newest, high-demand rides, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Spiderman: Web Slingers, is via the app only. As of this writing, each ride uses a virtual queue system that requires you to log in at either 7AM or noon to try and get a spot in line later that day. The queue fills up almost instantly, so make sure you’re logged in and in a place with good reception if you want your chance to ride. Use multiple devices if you can. When you’re assigned your spot you’ll have a flexible window to arrive at the ride, and if you’re a little late for your window they may let you on anyway. You can only be in one virtual queue at a time.

  • Many restaurants allow you to order via the app, which can save you some time. First you’ll have to choose a window in which you’d like to pick up your order, then let them know you’re there so they’ll actually prepare it. It’s a good idea to tell them you’re there before you actually arrive, because it could take a while before the food actually comes out. And naturally, avoiding meal rushes is key. At noon even the pretzel and churro stands have long lines.

  • In addition to the main Disneyland app, there’s a game app called Play Disney Parks that can be good for killing some time in lines, especially with kids. Most of the games are short and simple, but if you’re looking to really immerse yourself in the Star Wars experience, try the Data Pad game and embrace your inner nerd.

  • Bring a power bank! Trust us, if you’re using the app as much as we did, you’ll need it.

  • If you really want to get the most out of a day at Disney, consider booking a room at one the Disney hotels. The Grand Californian Hotel & Spa is a great choice because you can walk directly into the park from the hotel, saving a lot of time in the morning so you can be the first one on the rides.

  • And remember, Woodlyn Travel can book your next Disney adventure for you, whether it’s park tickets, a hotel, or even a Disney cruise. Just let us know how we can help make your next vacation even more magical!

Zion National Park

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021/6/3/c61trl60f2nudnmf6y533a4i9p48yhOne of the country’s most popular National Parks, Zion National Park in Southern Utah is home to massive pink sandstone cliffs and deep, shady canyons just begging to be explored. There are plenty of easy hikes for kids and beginners, as well as challenging routes for those looking to do some serious canyoneering or backpacking. Although it can feel like another world, Zion is only a 6-7 hour drive from the Los Angeles or Phoenix areas and 3 hours from Las Vegas, making it a great destination for a long weekend or as part of a longer tour of the southwest. Here’s an overview of the park, and what to see during your visit:

Getting Around

The heart of Zion National Park is Zion Canyon. This is where the vast majority of visitors go, so we’ll focus on this area. Traditionally, private vehicles have not been allowed into Zion Canyon, which means most visitors park at the visitors center and ride the park’s free shuttles to access the canyon. During the pandemic private shuttles were allowed, but that is being discontinued as of June 15th, 2021. The park has also discontinued advance ticketing for the free shuttles, which means going forward they will be first come, first served, and on holiday weekends and other busy times it’s possible you’ll have to wait over an hour at the visitors center to board a shuttle. Shuttle service starts at 6AM, and arriving early is your best bet for enjoying the park before the crowds arrive.

A popular alternative to the shuttle is to ride a bike into the park. Bike rentals, including ebikes that make uphills much easier, are readily available from shops just outside the park. It’s about 9 miles from the rental shops to the farthest spot up the road in the canyon, and takes less than an hour with an ebike. Ebikes generally rent for about $100 for a full day of use.

And if you don’t feel like dealing with shuttles or bikes, there are a several areas you can explore within walking distance of the entrance of the park. See below for some of those hike suggestions.

Passes

As usual, a National Parks Annual pass is the simplest way to visit Zion and other National Parks or federal recreation sites. They can be purchased for $80 before your trip or when you enter the park. Alternatively, a weekly pass is $35 and allows a single vehicle and its occupants into the park, or a $20 weekly pass is available for cyclists or pedestrians who will not be bringing a car into the park. To learn more about annual passes, take a look at our recent National Parks blog post.

Hiking Trails

Be sure to check the official Zion National Park website before you go. Weather conditions or rock slides can force trail closures.

The Narrows/Riverside Walk- One of Zion’s most popular spots, this journey starts along the side of the river, then as the canyon narrows, you can enter the water and wade upstream between towering rock walls. The first section, the Riverside Walk, is good for young kids, with plenty of shaded areas to take breaks, eat snacks, and watch the river flow by. If you choose to proceed into the river and up the canyon you’ll need appropriate gear, which is easily rented from the vendors listed below. The water varies in depth from ankle-high to chest-high depending on the season, and park rangers will close the area if there is a chance of flash floods. During the hot summer months the cold water feels great, and following the river deep into the ancient canyon is a truly unique experience. Guided tours are available, but not necessary. The entrance to the trail is adjacent to the Temple of Sinawava shuttle stop.

Angels Landing- Angels Landing is a strenuous climb up a ridge that offers an iconic view of Zion Canyon. The last section is comprised of a steep, narrow path with long drop-offs and a chain to hold on to. During particularly busy times, park rangers will limit the number of people on this section, creating a wait before you can finish the climb. You should allow at least 4 hours to hike Angel’s Landing, and if you’re afraid of heights it’s not recommended. But if you arrive early and are willing to push yourself a little, the payoff at the top is amazing. Access the Angels Landing trail from shuttle stop #6- The Grotto.

Emerald Pools- Three separate pools (Lower, Middle, and Upper) with waterfalls created by a stream dropping down into the canyon. Moderate difficulty with paved and unpaved sections and drops offs in some sections. There are several different approaches to the pools. For kids, the Lower Pools trail is fairly easy, with access from the Zion Lodge area. It can be done in under 2 hours. If you’re looking for something a little longer, start at the Grotto Shuttle Stop and take the Kayenta Trail to the Upper Emerald Pool trail, then after reaching the Upper Pool, coming back down along the Middle Emerald Pools Trail. Allow around 3 hours for this route.

Watchman Trail- Moderate uphill trail leading starting near the main Visitor Center area and leading to a bluff with views of the lower part of the canyon. Somewhat narrow trail with small drop offs in some places, and you’ll be in direct sun for about half the climb, so start early before it gets too hot. Allow about 2 hours for the round trip. This is one of the trails that you can do without hopping on a shuttle!

Canyon Overlook- A short, moderately difficult trail with amazing views that starts on the east side of the park, away from most of the other trails. The park shuttle doesn’t go this way so you’ll have to drive into the park, passing through the amazing Zion-Mt Carmel Tunnel, which is quite a sight itself. Just after exiting the tunnel there’s a small parking lot, and if it’s full you’ll have to look for room on the side of the road. This can be difficult when the park is busy, so arrive early. This is a great hike to do if you’re entering or leaving the park on the way to Bryce Canyon or other parks to the east, and it’s a perfect option if you don’t want to ride the shuttle.

Gear Rentals

The town of Springdale is located just outside the entrance to Zion National Park, and not surprisingly it’s full of places to rent or buy any kind of hiking or camping gear you need, or set up a guided tour.

Zion Outfitters- Very convenient location, right next door to the pedestrian entrance to the park.

Zion Guru- Good spot for renting gear for the Narrows hike or ebikes, or for scheduling a tour with a guide.

Zion Adventures- Gear rentals, guided tours, and family packages.

Where to Stay

Cliffrose Lodge - Great accommodations in the perfect location: just a 5-min walk from the park entrance so you can grab some breakfast, lace up your hiking boots and beat the crowds into the park. Kid-friendly pool for cooling down after a day on the trails and beautiful views of the sandstone cliffs. Book through Woodlyn Travel for exclusive deals and amenities.

Where to Eat

Springdale has a good range of restaurants for refueling after a long day in the park. Be sure to call ahead- reservations and takeout policies vary widely.

Whiptail Grill- Good Mexican food and burgers. Walking distance from the park entrance.

The Spotted Dog- Casual vibe with good Vegan and Vegetarian options.

Kings Landing Bistro- Great food and a spectacular view of the lower canyon.

Zion Canyon Brew Pub- Right at the pedestrian entrance to the park, if you’re walking or riding out after a day on the trail, this is the place to stop for a hard-earned beer.