Just Take My Money, Disney World

Living seasonally in Disney World's backyard was surreal last year, and it's unexpectedly exhilarating now as the nation appears to be vaccinating its way out of the COVID-19 crisis. I've been fully inoculated for months, but walking through the turnstiles of Disney's (NYSE: DIS) EPCOT two weeks ago -- without a mask on for the first time in 15 months -- hit me harder than I thought it would.

Visiting Disney's Hollywood Studios on Monday afternoon also hit some pleasantly surprising nostalgic notes. Experiencing pre-shows on Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway as well as The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror -- and boarding ride vehicles with protective plexiglass removed -- made me realize how much I missed what I once took for granted.

Disney World has been taking baby steps toward normalcy for weeks as vaccination rates improve and new case counts decline across the country. Next week, nightly fireworks shows will resume at the Florida resort's two oldest theme parks. Everything is setting the stage for October, when Disney World will turn 50 and the world's leading theme park operator will kick off an 18-month celebration that will feature new rides, attractions, and experiences. On Tuesday, it unveiled some of the upgrades that will kick in come October, and it's fair to say that you'll want to start planning your visit now if you're even a marginal fan of Disney's gated attractions.

Source Fool.com