Here Now & Just Back WDW Reopening Experiences Including Park Hopping

[hereforthechurros]

I need to prepare myself for this situation in June. Thanks for the heads up.

Total opinion not based on anything, but I do think summer will be busy with larger family trips as well.

 

[DisneyFive]

I need to prepare myself for this situation in June. Thanks for the heads up.

Same here, it's just plain rude. If it were two people, like a little kid needed to use the bathroom and the rest of the family got in line, well that's one thing. Holding a spot in line for a large group should not be allowed.

I'll have to mentally prepare for this too.

Dan

 

[Kbrob21]

I’ve been keeping a close eye on this thread because we’re arriving Wednesday and I’m struck by how different some people’s experiences are from others…in some cases on the same days. Is this just a matter of personal tolerance? Is it the difference between rope dropping vs. not? I can’t wrap my head around how it’ll be this week! In any case, thanks for the reports!

 

[OKWFan88]

Just got back to OKW from MK. Went to MK using bus and got their around 330pm. Decided to try going in the afternoon as we had a lazy start this morning. It was busy. Lots of groups. But we made it work for us. We are foodies and basically eat everything lol. So we started with a mickey pretzel, then mobile ordered at Sunshine Terrace, then got cheeseburger spring rolls at the spring roll cart. Then we walked over to Small World and posted wait time was 30 min, ended up being 17 min. Then we did tea cups and posted wait time was 15 min and it was 6 min. Then walked over to People Mover and wait time was 40 min and it was 20 min. People Mover stopped unexpectedly in the middle of the ride but I was just happy to be on it again so I was fine. Only was stopped about 5 min. Then did Space Mtn. Posted wait was 30 min and it was actually 18 min. Then did COP and that was a walk on. Then did Buzz Lightyear and posted wait time was 15 min, and it was a 10 min wait. We then did People mover two more times and it was a 15/17 min true wait. Saw about three or four cavalcades, those are fun. We had a dinner reservation at Cinderella Castle for 7pm. We checked in at 650pm and waited. And waited. And waited. At 730pm I went up to the desk and they said we were next and it would be a few more minutes. 750pm came and I went back up and they said a few more minutes. We got the text at 8:03pm that our table was ready. There was only two of us. Needless to say that wasn't a great start. It's like that Seinfeld episode, "You know how to *take* the reservation, you just don't know how to *hold* the reservation". The meal was good, never been there before, but wouldn't go back. We had to prepay when we made the reservation and if we hadn't then we would have gone somewhere else because of the wait. Cinderella does make an appearance but due to Covid, you can't go up to her. Smile and wave only. Thankfully an OKW bus was waiting when we left and it was a quick exit home. Overall great day, and would definitely try a late afternoon park day again as the closer you get to closing, the less busy it was. Other than the dinner issue, everything else was wonderful. I just wish people understood that the signage on the ground about where to stand was actually read. We were bumped from behind more than a dozen times, (I lost count) and no apologies given. Some people actually acted like we were at fault. Some people just don't have any sense. But don't let that ruin your trip. Take a breath and be reminded you are in your happy place. Life is way too short to sweat the small stuff.

 

[gharter]

Just got back and for the most part, very happy with how Disney ran things. People seemed to follow the rules for masks and social distancing. Felt very safe.
A few rants:
1. Waiting in line for 30 minutes, just as the group in front of you suddenly realizes they haven't figured out which kid is riding with which adult. You watch the CM get frustrated as car after empty car passes by as they decide.
2. I understand why they got rid of some of the pre-shows, yet other rides continue to have a pre-show and have blue dots to stand on. On many rides, the pre-show adds a lot to the ride (ie haunted Mansion)
3. Buses often took forever to arrive. I did like the areas being separated so they could put more people on a bus.
4. Really miss being able to check luggage at the resort for the flight home. Hope it returns.

Loved the mobile ordering. It removed the chaos of the lines. You couldn't enter the seating area until your food was ready. This meant yo had no issues finding a table as nobody was reserving tables for people waiting to order food.
We have been enough times, that in the past we could judge wait times based on the lines fairly accurate. Not this time. The line for Frozen left Norway and took 1/2 of the front space of China (seriously, it did). Wait time 25 minutes (I timed it), same with other rides. The lines look far worse than they are. For 7 Dwarves, we were lined up even with Dumbo, 30 minutes.

The temperature checks were nothing, rarely much of a line.
Loved the screening stations. As long as you took out anything metal from your backpack and held it in front of you, we just walked right through. Much better than the old bag search stations.

Skyliner was a lot of fun to ride. Even at 89 degrees outside, they were cool inside while moving. I suspect if it shuts down while you are riding in that temperature, they would warm up in a hurry.

All in all, this trip was very different from any of our previous Disney trips, but still very fun.

 

[Akck]

In people mover line right now. Constantly moving, but does show a 40 min wait but I’d wait longer to get on. MK is super busy today but seeing good mask compliance. Social distancing is another story. I think people forget manners when they go on vacation.

We were in line too today, but it broke down. We opted to leave the line and got in line for Buzz Lightyear. By the time we were finished, they had cleared the queue and had escorted guests off. We’ll try again on Thursday.

 

[nevergrowup826]

Just back from a week at WDW, here are some thoughts:

• I was concerned with no Fastpass we'd be waiting in long lines, but honestly between using rope drop, riding hard for a few hours, and then taking a long break and coming back at dinnertime to ride hard before close, we avoided most of the insanity. We rode everything we wanted to at least once, and many things multiple times during the trip. We had 2 days at HS and my son and I rode Minnie/Mickey a total of 5 times... my husband and daughter got through RNR three times and Tower twice... we got Space done three times, Splash twice... we really did get as much done as we used to with Fastpass so that was a huge positive. I couldn't get over some of the waits during the afternoon though, they were nuts!
• COVID safety wise, we would have bypassed many situations if we weren't vaccinated and our kids weren't wearing really great masks. Obviously restaurant dining would have been out, but there were plenty of line situations where my husband and I stood on either end of our kids and lingered to try to get some distance between the kids and people doing dumb things. (Some of our favorites... the lady on a phone call who took her mask off and when her husband chided her she defended herself by saying she couldn't hear the other person on the phone with her face mask on... the parents who not only let their 6-8ish year old kid not wear his mask at all but then gave him chewing gum while in line?.... the macho guy who seemed to think getting away with taking his mask off whenever CMs weren't looking would impress his girlfriend). I would still rate mask compliance as pretty high (97-98%) but its hard not to focus on the noses and people who just think the rules must not apply to them.
• Learn and practice Rise of the Resistance. I prepared with obsession and my husband watched a couple videos, and I got boarding group 10 while he was still trying to click through the first screen after Join. I was able to get RoR boarding groups both mornings at 7 using time.gov to count down the seconds and then flipping to my app and timing my Join click for exactly when the clock struck 7 (and then clicking fast through every screen after). It skipped my son one morning and we got him easily added at a low wait Guest Relations stand later (they have them scattered through the park, so don't wait in a long line). The ride was super cool...totally loved it.
• Wearing masks sucks in the heat, not so much because you're sweating under it (which we did no matter which mask type we tried) but you want to be sipping and drinking and snacking on the go during precious low wait times and its so HARD to pull over and stop just to drink. We did it, but it sucked. Disney's newer cloth masks felt pretty breathable to me and I wore those over the surgical masks I brought, my husband settled on his KF94 because it boxes away from his face and felt cooler to him, and the kids wore KF94s without complaint.
• MK, Epcot, and HS all had rides going as soon as they let us enter in the morning, so imagine our surprise when we got up early and raced to Safari at AK later in the week and were told we had to wait 30 minutes until 8am before the ride would start. ***?? They did start running the truck at exactly 8, but that was very unexpected! None of the rides started early (although we didn't ask about the Pandora rides, maybe those opened, but Everest, Dinosaur and Safari were a no go.
• Our Kidani room was ready at our requested 1pm arrival, which really surprised me... so many anecdotes about rooms not being ready on time I did not expect that. Kidani was fantastic, beautiful, all good things we expected.
• To Go from Table Service places was awesome. We grabbed some Kona at the Poly and enjoyed, Sanaa and enjoyed. I hope they keep that!
• We did not experience any long Mobile Order return window issues some reported (but we usually had reservations at lunch).

We really did have a great time and it was a much needed return to our favorite place. We'll do some COVID tests later this week and maybe the week after (our state does free ship-to-home so they're really convenient) and see if we (especially the kids) picked up anything, but so far so good. Even with all the adjustments, it felt so GOOD to be there.

Your review fits our experience to the T- still here. We’re vaccinated but the lack of mask compliance, eating /drinking in lines, failure to adhere to the VERY clear markers on the floor is super frustrating. Today at HS in the falcon line- the 20+ year old guy in front of us was told to put his mask on 3 times while trying to take pictures- Within 5 minutes. And that was just the times he was caught a. Some people really are just horrible human beings. I’d also love to have that much needed sip of water in line, but I follow the rules that are there for a reason. I’d love to actually enjoy a Starbucks while walking around. Disney should actually implement the consequences they claim for violations. It’s beginning to get extremely unfair. Most cast members now actually see it happen and do nothing.

As an aside, ROTR broken down twice for a super long time this morning! I thought this was a thing of the past!!!

 

[nevergrowup826]

Here now, just got in yesterday after a crazy morning of just trying to get here. MCO was nuts when we finally arrived, wall to wall people, but I suspect it was because so many incoming flights had to divert due to the weather so there were no planes for people to board.

Line to DME was super long, but only took 35 minutes to get to check-in, and then it was only another 10 to board the bus and maybe 5 before we left.

Went to Epcot yesterday afternoon, and it was pretty crowded, but that was to be expected being a Sunday. It was dapper day so it was great to see everyone dressed up.

Tons of tables around if you want to grab stuff from the F&G booths. Hope they keep all these tables from now on, so much easier to find a place to eat.

Took a late afternoon break and went back to Epcot at 8. Was surprised to see the crowds hadn't really died down from earlier. Rode LWTL, walk-on. The plastic between rows is pretty bad, really hope they remove it soon.

Decided to chance Soarin' afterwards, was hoping the wait time was inflated, it wasn't. Posted 45 minute wait, and took 40 minutes.

Crashed after that, long day!

Today is AK day. The first bus from the YC didn't arrive until 7, so got a later start than planned. By the time we got here the park was already open so at least breezed through the screening and security. Went right to FoP, posted 30 min wait, took about 45. Safari was next, I believe the posted wait was 15, took about 20. Great safari, animals super active and right next to the truck. EE was next, posted 10 min wait, was walk-on. Went to Dinosaur after, and it was posted 5 min, but took 10. Not bad. Like having entire rows to myself! By 10 the crowds had arrived so it was time to stroll around for pictures.

At 10:30 got in line for Nomad lounge, and have been hanging out here since. It is great here, could spend the day!

As for masks, not many had them at MCO, but since arriving at Disney it's been pretty good. A few noses here and there, but not bad that I've seen. Also, wearing one isn't as bad as expected. The first 10-15 minutes I thought I was really going to struggle, but I got used to it and forget it's on at times.

Distancing in lines has been hit or miss. More miss than hit. Some are clearly oblivious, others seem to just not care.

Anyways, great to be back here! Here's a picture of some ducks I saw from my seat here.

How was the nomad line at 1030? This is our most fav spot in the “world” and real world so we want to make sure we get a spot outside as soon as it opens. We suffered a 45 min wait and then hunger games style table search today for our second fav place at Baseline and would want to avoid thats. We’re r yacht too so good to know, will try for an Uber tomorrow! Thanks!!

 

[Princess Katelet]

It’s really disheartening reading about all the rude and selfish people who disregard the mask and distancing rules, and really upsetting that Disney does nothing about it. I wish we Disers could reserve the parks for a week and Disney would close to everyone else!!! Wouldn’t THAT be magical?!?!

 

[nevergrowup826]

I’ve been keeping a close eye on this thread because we’re arriving Wednesday and I’m struck by how different some people’s experiences are from others…in some cases on the same days. Is this just a matter of personal tolerance? Is it the difference between rope dropping vs. not? I can’t wrap my head around how it’ll be this week! In any case, thanks for the reports!

I’m now beginning to think it’s a time of the day thing. The true disney lovers are rope drop and night owls right now. The mornings and nights are great with mask compliance and distancing. It’s the afternoon that’s terrible. People not caring at all. The worst part is it’s not even kids, the culprits are all
Adults!

 

[brockash]

I’m now beginning to think it’s a time of the day thing. The true disney lovers are rope drop and night owls right now. The mornings and nights are great with mask compliance and distancing. It’s the afternoon that’s terrible. People not caring at all. The worst part is it’s not even kids, the culprits are all
Adults!

Hmmm...we found the opposite in terms of mask compliance. We found the later in the day and night the less compliance.

I also don't think it'd going to get better. Ppl. are generally much more accepting of inconvenient rules when they understand the purpose. With more and more ppl. getting vaccinated; more and more ppl. are going to find it illogical that they need to be uncomfortable and wear a mask...I believe the CDC just came out is very close to coming out saying that masks outdoors is not as necessary as first thought.

Not arguing the rule, but just stating that it's human nature to go along with and enforce rules when we understand the why and the importance/need. It's a much different story when that part is missing.

 

[DCLMP]

I’m now beginning to think it’s a time of the day thing. The true disney lovers are rope drop and night owls right now. The mornings and nights are great with mask compliance and distancing. It’s the afternoon that’s terrible. People not caring at all. The worst part is it’s not even kids, the culprits are all
Adults!

You don't think the people that show up in the morning are still there in the afternoon? The distancing is better in the early morning and late night because it's not as crowded. Crowds were always less at those times pre- covid..... nothings changed.

 

[nevergrowup826]

You don't think the people that show up in the morning are still there in the afternoon? The distancing is better in the early morning and late night because it's not as crowded. Crowds were always less at those times pre- covid..... nothings changed.

Did I say that? No. I’m one of those of people that are still there in the afternoon. Pretty aware of the pre covid era too. Doesn’t change that my experience has been the mask compliance and distancing is generally better in the morning and late late at night as opposed to the middle of the afternoon. I was offering a potential reason for the vast differences in reporting as inquired by someone else. No need to be rude.

 

[Akck]

It’s really disheartening reading about all the rude and selfish people who disregard the mask and distancing rules, and really upsetting that Disney does nothing about it. I wish we Disers could reserve the parks for a week and Disney would close to everyone else!!! Wouldn’t THAT be magical?!?!

It’s not that Disney is doing nothing, it’s that people know what they’re doing. CMs can’t be everywhere all the time, so those people drop their mask when none are around and put them back up when they see one. I’ve heard several CMs tell guests to pull their mask up. You know what happens when the CM is out of sight.

 

[pixiedust2u]

We were in line too today, but it broke down. We opted to leave the line and got in line for Buzz Lightyear. By the time we were finished, they had cleared the queue and had escorted guests off. We’ll try again on Thursday.

How the heck is it still breaking down after a year of repairs!!!! We have robots on Mars for goodness sake!!!

 

[nevergrowup826]

There have always been people at WDW who disregard rules. COVID has just added a few additional rules and there are always going to be some who don't follow them. Disney has rarely ever done anything about those who broke rules. I think in some ways enforcing COVID rules (even though still lax by some people's standard) is actually more strict than previous enforcement of "routine" rules (line cutting, etc.) in the past.

Not necessarily. There are plenty of times when folks here don't get along all that well.

At 730 this morning I witnessed a CM scream at a line jumper (rope jumper too) in FOP it made my day as there are rarely consequences for the self entitled bunch

 

[Tinker326]

Just back 4/21-4/26 staying at Pop Century.

No issues with Magical Express. Arrived 6pm, waited about 20 minutes, bus loaded & the the entire bus went to Pop- people assigned seats & every other seat row was left empty.

Hotel was very clean. Housekeeping only comes every other day to replace towels & take out trash. That's it & we were fine with that. Mask compliance was good around hotel. No cheerleading groups HOWEVER we were talking with bus director our last day and he told us that starting later this week that 1,200 of the 1,800 rooms in Pop were going to cheer groups. So that hotel is about about to be overrun with cheerleaders.

Liked the Skyliner. We roped dropped both Epcot & HS (arriving at Skyliner station 90minutes prior to park opening) and had no issues with long lines/waits and were easily in the parks when they opened early. Only issue was closing at Epcot 11:15ish & late night at Epcot (9:15ish) where we had 40 minute wait to get back on Skyliner.

Buses- I love the reduced bus capacity- no more packed sardines- everyone gets a seat. We had no issues on any of our bus rides. Best experiences on busses in over a decade. We did rope drop for AK & MK (arriving in line 90 minutes before park opening). And we left the parks before closing on those days. We made use of the bus arrivals on the Disney App as well to time things out.

We roped dropped every park & it was 100% worth it! We got so much knocked out with no wait- minimal wait. I may be the minority but we loved no fastpasses . It allows you to work the park with a strategy and get on everything so much easier because you are not dealing with built up wait lines for fast pass usage. We managed to hit every ride in every park easily and with time to spare at the end of the day to re-ride our favorites and/or head back to the hotel to swim (we usually never have down time to swim at Disney).

Also really enjoyed the mobile food ordering. Made for a streamlined ordering process (instead of waiting & jockeying in line) and I loved they didn't let you in until your order was called so people could not sit and hoard tables. Making it easy to get your food and find a place to sit and eat it.

Covid procedures. I will say that I'm glad we were vaccinated or I would have been a lot more paranoid. I did think mask usage was high & people - for the most part- did respect the space bubble. Plus the distancing measures Disney have in place do work. That being said, they are not really enforcing those that are choosing not to follow the rules. Peer pressure seems to work here and so not a ton of people were not following the rules- but the ones who were not- nothing was really said to them. As for people getting up on my space bubble on waits.. it happened just a handful of times & I politely asked them to step back a bit please. And they did.

Overall- we had a fantastic, wonderful trip. Truly one of the most relaxing, magical ones I have had in over a decade. I like all the new procedures- they worked well for our family. My only issue was the hot/humid weather during mid day did bother me in a mask more than I would wish it would have. I have low tolerance for heat. I don't think I could have handled a May-Sept trip with a mask.

Still- a solid A for this Disney trip. Missing it already.

 

[lovethattink]

Hey everyone! It’s a gorgeous Florida day and I’m getting ready to head out to MK!! I will pay close attention to how things are at the park going. I haven’t been to a park in two weeks, but was going about once or twice a week. And my experiences varied greatly.

Now on to business. It’s been brought to my attention that this thread is getting sarcastic and argumentative with all the mask and groups talk. Please remember, sarcasm and arguments go against DIS guidelines. We don’t want to be giving out warnings and points! Keep it to here now and just back experiences and please stay on topic.

 

[loves to dive]

How was the nomad line at 1030? This is our most fav spot in the “world” and real world so we want to make sure we get a spot outside as soon as it opens. We suffered a 45 min wait and then hunger games style table search today for our second fav place at Baseline and would want to avoid thats. We’re r yacht too so good to know, will try for an Uber tomorrow! Thanks!!

I was there a couple of weeks ago and got to Nomad around 10:30 ish (maybe a little later). I was second person in line, was actually there before the people who got in front of me but I was sitting on a corner and they seemed to think they could go ahead. Anyway, by 11 the line was stretched out to the beginning of the path you turn onto to go toward Tiffins. I was seated right at 11.

 

[Just take my money]

We are in the middle of a one week vacation. I am enjoying the mobile ordering for quick service restaurants however there are a couple of ‘hacks’ that we have seen people using that are annoying. If it rains Disney is not accounting for the fact that people will not leave the restaurant, and continue to let new people in and now there are a lot of people walking around with trays for food with no place to sit. We have seen twice where a parent goes up to the worker says there is a food allergy and she needs to order at the counter. That’s fine, however we have seen them then let in 7 people who immediately get to sit at a table where the rest of us are lined up waiting for our food to be called before being let in in the hot sun.