Here Now & Just Back WDW Reopening Experiences Including Park Hopping

[Leigh L]

Stepsisters were on the Castle balcony several months ago, but now they come out in the princess meet and greet area near the Carousel. There is a CM there organizing where to stand for a turn if you want to interact with them. Dd14 and I like to watch, not talk .

At least 2 of the country bears were out within the last week. Chip and Dale were regularly appearing over the bridge between Frontierland and Adventureland but haven't seen them this week?

In November, my adult DD and I saw Jiminy Cricket. That was cool.

Hopefully more characters will pop out in upcoming months, esp if it gets busier with spring break, etc

 

[stink]

From my recent trip experience during school holiday time, shortened park hours has increased rope drop crowd and increased wait times. Also lack of shows, character meets also increased wait times throughout the day.

I am interested in how the wait times will be in the “off season” with shortened park hours.

No evening entertainment and early park closing has also impacted the ability to ride more popular rides with low wait times at or near park closure.

Prior trips we would Rope Drop 3 or 4 days in a 6 to 7 day trip, sleep in balance of the days. Last trip we rope dropped every day except for one.

Prior trips we always spent one or two evenings at GF for dinner drinks listening to GF society orchestra, also went to Trader Sam’s, Top of the World Lounge, Yeehaw Bob

In being “just back” & upon reflection on our vacation experience we did enjoy the trip, warm Florida weather, Storm along bay, the major & minor thrill rides etc, but the overall experience of shortened park hours, no evening entertainment, no character meets and the absence of some daily or near daily entertainment both at the resorts & parks, has made us start to consider the cost / benefit of Disney Vacation.

Based on our “just back experience” our family has taken, let’s wait & see how our two other trips planned for the “non school vacation times/off season” in 2021 & early 2022 play out.

Hoping our recent trip is not the new normal.

 

[disneygirlsng]

From my recent trip experience during school holiday time, shortened park hours has increased rope drop crowd and increased wait times. Also lack of shows, character meets also increased wait times throughout the day.

I am interested in how the wait times will be in the “off season” with shortened park hours.

No evening entertainment and early park closing has also impacted the ability to ride more popular rides with low wait times at or near park closure.

Prior trips we would Rope Drop 3 or 4 days in a 6 to 7 day trip, sleep in balance of the days. Last trip we rope dropped every day except for one.

Prior trips we always spent one or two evenings at GF for dinner drinks listening to GF society orchestra, also went to Trader Sam’s, Top of the World Lounge, Yeehaw Bob

In being “just back” & upon reflection on our vacation experience we did enjoy the trip, warm Florida weather, Storm along bay, the major & minor thrill rides etc, but the overall experience of shortened park hours, no evening entertainment, no character meets and the absence of some daily or near daily entertainment both at the resorts & parks, has made us start to consider the cost / benefit of Disney Vacation.

Based on our “just back experience” our family has taken, let’s wait & see how our two other trips planned for the “non school vacation times/off season” in 2021 & early 2022 play out.

Hoping our recent trip is not the new normal.

Mid-late January/early February wait times were incredibly low. I saw FOP at 20 minutes mid-afternoon several times. If that's any indication for off-season times.

 

[jsmla]

Mid-late January/early February wait times were incredibly low. I saw FOP at 20 minutes mid-afternoon several times. If that's any indication for off-season times.

I was there January 23-31 and can second this. I was able to walk on many of the headliners. The only time I saw longer wait times was at the weekends. DHS was the busiest park by quite a bit.

ETA: I did leave the park midday most days so can’t speak for the 1:00-4:00 crowds.

 

[Jaina]

Any more reports on being able to mobile order and get into the resorts early in the morning (hoping to do that and walk from the Contemporary to MK)? Also, I've noticed that the People Mover isn't present on the "refurbishments" list, even though it's been closed. Any idea if it will open soon? We're leaving in about a week and a half, and I'm starting to lose hope, haha. No People Mover and no train is sad!

 

[Betty Rohrer]

Any more reports on being able to mobile order and get into the resorts early in the morning (hoping to do that and walk from the Contemporary to MK)? Also, I've noticed that the People Mover isn't present on the "refurbishments" list, even though it's been closed. Any idea if it will open soon? We're leaving in about a week and a half, and I'm starting to lose hope, haha. No People Mover and no train is sad!

as of yesterday People Mover is now early April for opening

 

[ENJDisneyFan]

Also, I've noticed that the People Mover isn't present on the "refurbishments" list, even though it's been closed. Any idea if it will open soon? We're leaving in about a week and a half, and I'm starting to lose hope, haha. No People Mover and no train is sad!

I heard yesterday that the refurb was extended through April 3

 

[Jaina]

as of yesterday People Mover is now early April for opening

I heard yesterday that the refurb was extended through April 3

Ugh, so sad!! I'm west coast, so I haven't ridden the PeopleMover since my first trip to WDW in 1998. (Though I remember it as a kid at DLR!) I was really hoping to ride this time! Alas.

 

[mm824]

We just returned from a trip (for what I thought might be an off time) and there is no way I would go back given current restrictions and crowds. It was uncomfortably crowded and I borderline regret renewing my annual pass. EPCOT reminded me of a Sat during F&W; HS, 30 minutes prior to park opening, the line for Slinky Dog was 75 minutes; and MK was great is you accidentally show up 75 minutes prior to opening and wait in line.

I'm struggling to see how Disney will increase capacity given restrictions, lack of options, "social distancing" and no fast pass.

 

[MIndy S]

We got to Epcot this morning at 9:45 (11am opening) and we were turned away trying to get into the parking lot. They told us to come back at 10:15. We came back at 10 and they were holding cars, we were about 6 cars back at that point. So we just learned the hard way... don't be too early if you are driving. One hour early seems to be a sweet spot.

However, we did get parked and in line at the tapstiles before they started letting people into the park, which was at exactly 10:15.

 

[Orion Nebula]

We just returned from a trip (for what I thought might be an off time) and there is no way I would go back given current restrictions and crowds. It was uncomfortably crowded and I borderline regret renewing my annual pass. EPCOT reminded me of a Sat during F&W; HS, 30 minutes prior to park opening, the line for Slinky Dog was 75 minutes; and MK was great is you accidentally show up 75 minutes prior to opening and wait in line.

I'm struggling to see how Disney will increase capacity given restrictions, lack of options, "social distancing" and no fast pass.

What were your trip dates and did it seem any better during the week?

 

[rileyz]

We just returned from a trip (for what I thought might be an off time) and there is no way I would go back given current restrictions and crowds. It was uncomfortably crowded and I borderline regret renewing my annual pass. EPCOT reminded me of a Sat during F&W; HS, 30 minutes prior to park opening, the line for Slinky Dog was 75 minutes; and MK was great is you accidentally show up 75 minutes prior to opening and wait in line.

I'm struggling to see how Disney will increase capacity given restrictions, lack of options, "social distancing" and no fast pass.

I’m here now and I kind of agree. If we didn’t have an annual pass and my parents condo to stay at it would not be worth it. I wouldn’t spend the money on tickets or hotels during this time. I won’t be back until fast pass is back.

 

[Orion Nebula]

I’m here now and I kind of agree. If we didn’t have an annual pass and my parents condo to stay at it would not be worth it. I wouldn’t spend the money on tickets or hotels during this time. I won’t be back until fast pass is back.

Geez... and yet everyone thought the next few weeks would be calmer. I fly in this Saturday and was hoping next week wouldn't be so bad but now...

 

[DeeBee3]

I'm just throwing this out here but my district in NY just announced kids go back full-time in April so maybe it is spurring last minute trips in March? I have no idea. Just a thought.

 

[Orion Nebula]

I'm just throwing this out here but my district in NY just announced kids go back full-time in April so maybe it is spurring last minute trips in March? I have no idea. Just a thought.

You would think they would plan around spring break but I guess a lot of parents will take there kids out of school. We do, but it's always to avoid holidays.

 

[sara_s]

We parked at AK at 7:45 and went right to FoP with a 45 minute wait all in (moving most of the time). By time we got off around 8:45, the wait was up to 75 minutes. Jumped on Everest with a 5 min wait. By then all the queues were 35 min+ waits. We walked both animal trails then split. We’ll try MK this afternoon before an early Cali Grill reservation.

 

[wilkydelts]

Does anyone know what the typical timeline for updating/adding park hours has been. I know right now they are increased up to 3/13 I just didnt know if it was every Friday at noon or some specific time that it has been occurring.

 

[Mr. X]

Its 12:03 on Wednesday 2/24. I just checked wait times and everything in MK is under an hour. Avatar is 35m, Everest 4m, Mine Train 55m, Tower of terror 75m, Smugglers Run 55m per the Lines app

 

[Orion Nebula]

Its 12:03 on Wednesday 2/24. I just checked wait times and everything in MK is under an hour. Avatar is 35m, Everest 4m, Mine Train 55m, Tower of terror 75m, Smugglers Run 55m per the Lines app

Are you looking at the official Disney my experience app or another one?

 

[Ecomommy09]

Its 12:03 on Wednesday 2/24. I just checked wait times and everything in MK is under an hour. Avatar is 35m, Everest 4m, Mine Train 55m, Tower of terror 75m, Smugglers Run 55m per the Lines app

I’m doing the same thing. . The WDW app shows much longer waits. This is why I pay for a touring plans subscription.