Here Now & Just Back WDW Reopening Experiences Including Park Hopping

[UVACHRIS11]

One additional question can anyone confirm if you can still walk to HS from BWV. I thought I read that the walkway was blocked off for some reason.

No, we walked over three times during our trip. In line at the end of the bus stop at 9:00a.m. released as soon as they started letting cars in at 9:15 and rode MMRR and slinky before 10 a.m each time.

 

[armerida]

No, we walked over three times during our trip. In line at the end of the bus stop at 9:00a.m. released as soon as they started letting cars in at 9:15 and rode MMRR and slinky before 10 a.m each time.

What time did you leave your resort to get there for 9:00?

 

[UVACHRIS11]

8:35-8:40ish

 

[UVACHRIS11]

I arrived on August 18th and left on Aug. 31st and the crowd levels were significantly increased the second week.
Epcot and AK had no energy, due to lack of entertainment and music, didn't realize I would miss that as much as I did.
MK was the most noticeable as far as increased crowd size.
I was also surprised at how the decrease in food options affected the trip.
99.9 % mask compliance in the parks. DS was another story and was a nightmare with long lines in the heat.
Homecomin is now my favorite restaurant on property.

 

[skip-seglipse]

I arrived on August 18th and left on Aug. 31st and the crowd levels were significantly increased the second week.
Epcot and AK had no energy, due to lack of entertainment and music, didn't realize I would miss that as much as I did.
MK was the most noticeable as far as increased crowd size.
I was also surprised at how the decrease in food options affected the trip.
99.9 % mask compliance in the parks. DS was another story and was a nightmare with long lines in the heat.
Homecomin is now my favorite restaurant on property.

When you can, please let us know how you figured out time travel!

 

[shoegal9]

We just returned from 4 days and overall, we enjoyed our trip. Biggest bummer was the restaurants and bars that we love that remain closed. A few takeaways:

They need more for people to do at night and more venues for adults after 9. No hotel bars open (and adult beverages have a high profit margin), Disney Springs closes too early for a late dinner, and the feature pools close at 9. At the Polynesian the only place to get a drink is the pool bar. Would it kill them to open up one of those makeshift lobby bars? I mean, I'm willing to pay $14 for your Pina Colava, so.... please do something other than roll up the sidewalks which just pushes people to Disney Springs. For our next trip I made sure to make the latest dinner reservations I can just to make sure we have something to do at night with no kids. Normally we would go to Top of the World, Trader Sams, Jellyrolls.. all of which are closed.

I expected dead parks from everything I have been reading on these boards. That was not reality. MK was BUSY on Thursday. The only ride we walked on was Little Mermaid. DHS sure seemed plugged on Friday too. We got lucky because we were staying at Boardwalk so we walked to the park and arrived in line around 9 am. They started letting us in before people were even allowed into the parking lot. So, we were 8th in line for MMRR and were off the ride by 9:40ish then knocked out SDD and TSMM. I'm so glad we stayed at BWV for that reason. However, ROTR broke down twice while we were in line. After waiting for more than 2 hours to ride, I am done with that attraction until they figure out the issues. It was just ridiculous. We were there in December on the second day it was open. Broke down twice on us that day as well.

Mask compliance was great. We aren't terrified of getting sick, so that made our trip a lot easier, but two masks situations that annoyed me. When entering DHS the party in front of me was a family of 5 (2 kids were older and walking with masks on) one was in the stroller. I didn't see the baby's face, but what I did see was a CM and what appeared to be her boss look at the stroller. One CM approached the family and said "do you have a mask for her?" pointing at the baby in the stroller. The mother said, no she is 1. The CM walked back to her boss and said, "they said she is only 1" and then the boss lady walked up to the family, halted their stroller, and stared at the baby from like 3 feet away just examining her alleged age. It was so strange because she stared for a while and said nothing to the parents. Then she walked back to the other CM and said "Yes, that is definitely a small baby." It was so awkward. Another instance was when we were in hour # 2 of waiting for Rise to work again, I was sitting on the floor and said something to my BF. He was standing and couldn't understand/hear me because of the mask, and bent down to hear me and then laughed at what I said. When he laughed his mask slipped (for a hot second) ever so slightly under his nose. This CM was just waiting to pounce on him and as he was fixing it (immediately after noticing it had slipped) then she yelled at him in front of the whole room of people. It was super unnecessary. She could have said something in a normal tone of voice as she was literally standing right next to him anyways. It was as if she was grandstanding to say "Look at me everyone- I/Disney am enforcing rules." Which, yes it is your job to enforce rules, and I am glad you're doing it, but not in that manner. It was rude. He wasn't some jerk walking around with his mask under his nose or trying to skirt the rules. Mine slide down under my nose when I screamed on the Splash Mountain drop, so it just happens and you fix it. Which he did -immediately.

This trip was really a test to see if we wanted to shorten our 9 night September trip. At this point, we are planning to go and not shave off any days. However, I really hope that they have a bit more in terms of food and beverage offerings. That being said, I am really happy that there is still some magic to be had while we are still going through this situation. We are happy to return and give our money to the mouse so that WDW can rebound from this.

 

[shoegal9]

, no idea on America and Italy, Germany just Karamel kuche--limited selection and promenade kiosks are open, Outpost kiosks are open, china--only kiosk shops on promenade are open, Norway shop is open, and most of Mexico seemed open.

Can someone please confirm?

In Germany the stores next to Caramel Kuche are open- the Christmas tree ornament store, the one with the Germany gear in it (steins/tees), and the wine bar. Only stores closed in Germany are the ones across the way with the toys/clocks.

No stores open in Italy. And although it says Tutto Gusto is open, its actually just overflow for Tutto Italia.

In American Pavilion, the art store is open.

 

[dachsie]

In Germany the stores next to Caramel Kuche are open- the Christmas tree ornament store, the one with the Germany gear in it (steins/tees), and the wine bar. Only stores closed in Germany are the ones across the way with the toys/clocks.

No stores open in Italy. And although it says Tutto Gusto is open, its actually just overflow for Tutto Italia.

In American Pavilion, the art store is open.

Actually the store where they sell the kitchen items is open in Italy from what I have read.

 

[shoegal9]

Actually the store where they sell the kitchen items is open in Italy from what I have read.

I was there Saturday and it wasn't. But who knows... some shops seem to be random.

 

[dachsie]

I was there Saturday and it wasn't. But who knows... some shops seem to be random.

Interesting. Wonder if it were a staffing issue. DFB posted some new products they are carrying just last week

 

[LaDonna]

So, I definitely think earlier is the way to go! Here is our experience...we were at wdw from 7/21-7/27 with two DHS days. First HS day we drove our rental car. Best idea ever lol. Left the hotel at 9:00, tapped in at 9:30 and got a BG. Next HS day, we decided to take the Skyliner from Pop. Got in line at 9:09 (line back to 50's). Line took a long, long time and then when we got off at the transfer station, a long, long line awaited us. We tapped in at 10:06 and missed a BG. Couldn't get a 2:00 group either. That was BEFORE CBR opened so I'm not sure how things look now but from what I am reading, you need to be in the Pop line at about 8:00.

so it sounds like if you have a vehicle that is best way to go, saveS about 30 minutes time.....hmmm really want to take skyliner though. thinking maybe I can talk my husband into just going and standing in line while I get the kids ready

 

[shoegal9]

Interesting. Wonder if it were a staffing issue. DFB posted some new products they are carrying just last week

Well, that makes me sad. I'm Italian and always love checking out their merch!

 

[pepperandchips]

Our party includes a 1 and 3 year old, what are your thoughts about resv CA Grill or Tiffins. If there was a meltdown we would absolutely remove the little offender but the 1 year old in particular can be loud, really cute, sweet and adorable but a real chatter. I don't want to get the death stare.

How do your toddlers do in restaurants at home? As other posters have mentioned, it’s WDW and we expect to see children everywhere.

The only times I have felt like giving or given the death stare are when people lack common courtesy (kid’s tablet or phone blaring videos at full volume with no headphones, woman using her phone flashlight inside a restaurant and shining it in our eyes at a nearby table) or when parents have children in “adult spaces” obviously after bedtime. I say that last part only because the times we’ve seen kids at restaurants late at night, the poor kids are obviously exhausted and acting out and it’s not their fault they’re out of their normal routine.

While I am only aware of age limits at Trader Sam’s, I think it is courteous to assume that it is an “adult space” at pretty much any lounge on property after 8 or 8:30 pm. Tiffins is actually in the theme park so I think it’s kind of expected to see littles there at any time, but AK closes way before bedtime.

 

[yulilin3]

I was there Saturday and it wasn't. But who knows... some shops seem to be random.

Did you actually check or just saw the door closed? The store to the right as you enter the pavilion not the perfume store. The store to the right was opened last week, i was also there in the evening so wondering if you went early

 

[shoegal9]

Yes, it's La Bottega Italiana. I checked both doors- the door right off the pavilion where the tables are, and then the exit door in the back. And there were no people inside. It was about 4 pm. Not sure, maybe they locked up for a minute? Happy to know they are open since we are going back in September!

 

[ONUAtrain]

Question. How early do they start running MMRR at HS? RotR is priority so I want to make sure I get a shot at getting a BG, but if they start MMRR at 930 i have a chance to do both. Thanks!

 

[MomOTwins]

With kids this young, I would skip Cali Grill for sure, and probably Tiffins as well. Both can be very quiet, and I'm sure even more so now with reduced capacity. I've taken my kids to both, but waited until they were older, like 7-8 yo. They are both very nice restaurants and both are expensive. If your little one has a meltdown (which I know mine would have been likely to do at that age), I would have hated to have my meal ruined by stepping out with them. Especially at Cali Grill, where you have ridden an elevator to the top and there aren't many out of the way places you can take a small child while waiting for a meltdown to end.

Maybe Grand Floridian Cafe or Yak and Yeti instead?

When my 1 year old got a bit fussy at Cali Grill I took him out on the scenic viewing platform (which is pretty much empty with no fireworks)--no need to go all the way downstairs.

 

[ars0525]

Passholder who went solo to HS on Sunday (8/2) & drove over for day so this was my experience & what I saw which we know in Disney time can change quickly.

Parking: I arrived at the HS lot entrance at 8:30am & was nicely told to return at 9 (they had 3 CM's & a cop car out there directing). They were making people leave, but there is no where to "wait" & they tell you NOT to park along the roads (which you do see people doing anyways or driving REALLY SLOW on the roads stalling). I went to McDonald's by the All Stars to park, but FYI it's drive thru only so no bathroom in case you're hoping for that. I got back to the parking lot entrance at 8:57 & cars were already lining up. At 9 they opened up the "holding area" & everyone pulled up to the booths & lined up waiting. At 9:13 they opened the parking booths to let cars in. And there are no trams so you have to walk in from the parking BUT it's all upfront as close as they can get you.

Entering the Park: very simple process. Your party stays together. Take temp. Move on to next area which is security. Bag or no bag lines. I had a backpack with some waters & Gatorade & container with PBJs. I had my phone & spare battery in my hand cause I thought that's what they were announcing to do. I walked right thru the security alarm thing. They didn't look in my bag or do any extra checks on me. Took maybe 5 minutes for all that. They seem to be getting this process much more streamlined.

Inside Park: I walked in park 9:25. Again just walking in, no lines, no rushing. I went straight to Slinky Dog & got in line. It wasn't running yet, but at 9:40 they must have started cause the line started shuffling (I was off the ride by 9:52). I think every ride at this point was just getting organized & people getting in line. They did have good signage letting people know which way to go for what attraction.

ROTR 10am Boarding Pass: I turned the WiFi off on my phone so I wasn't on Disney Wifi. I tried to step away from others & be in an open area (not in a building or under cover) but not sure if that helps? At 9:57 I got my phone ready. When my phone said 10am I swiped for a refresh & boom it had changed to the next screen. I was lucky & got Boarding Group 9!!! There were others standing by me that didn't get in & it probably did take only about 30 seconds for it to be "full". At 10:25 I got a notification my group was boarding so I headed that way. Scanned in at 10:32. Waited in the line inside (it was rainy so bonus!). Got to the starting point at 10:57 & here I go! Nope...after the initial starting part we walked outside & got escorted off to a side area where they gave us a FP good for any ride that day (and told if we left it wouldn't be good again) & instructed we just had to keep checking back for ROTR to be running again if that's what we wanted. I did see it was running again about 1ish so I went & used my FP then. Waited maybe 5 minutes in the FP line & got to ride it! Being a solo traveler I got a whole transporter to myself.

Other Rides: The wait times aren't accurate as stated. RnR said 30 minutes. I rode it twice in 25 minutes! I stood in line for the new Mickey & Minnie, but after 20 minutes I left to use my FP for ROTR cause I wasn't even inside yet. The sign holder said 50 minutes & the app had said 30 minutes. I'm thinking the sign holders are more accurate at that point. It was rainy on/off in the morning cause of the hurricane off shore so I stuck with the indoor rides & browsing stores for awhile. No rain & AC while waiting isn't bad! I left at 2:30pm feeling I had a very full day & doing everything I wanted to.

Notes: A lot of the stores & food places aren't all open. I brought my own food this time in my backpack after my trip to MK 2 weeks ago. I just parked on a rock & watched the characters come out in Galaxy's Edge & interact with the crowd while I ate & drank. There are updated signs all around stating you must be stationary to remove your mask to eat/drink. I saw everyone wearing a mask properly & only heard a CM 1x remind someone. The water bottle refill stations in GE were working (I checked), but after reading here about people licking them I'd be wary of using anything. Crowd wise it's obviously still low compared to "normal". I was walking thru Toy Story Land at 2ish & it was empty spaces. Lots of great photo ops! The parking lot when I left at 2:30 was maybe 1/4 full?? Also the PhotoPass people don't seem to be out at park openings? I noticed this at MK 2 weeks ago. They seem to come out later so you have to circle back or really look for them now.

AP sidenote: I tried getting a park reservation to go to another park when I was leaving HS, but it wouldn't let me. I don't know if it did allow that before, but they have closed that loophole in case anyone was wondering.

 

[yulilin3]

Passholder who went solo to HS on Sunday (8/2) & drove over for day so this was my experience & what I saw which we know in Disney time can change quickly.

Parking: I arrived at the HS lot entrance at 8:30am & was nicely told to return at 9 (they had 3 CM's & a cop car out there directing). They were making people leave, but there is no where to "wait" & they tell you NOT to park along the roads (which you do see people doing anyways or driving REALLY SLOW on the roads stalling). I went to McDonald's by the All Stars to park, but FYI it's drive thru only so no bathroom in case you're hoping for that. I got back to the parking lot entrance at 8:57 & cars were already lining up. At 9 they opened up the "holding area" & everyone pulled up to the booths & lined up waiting. At 9:13 they opened the parking booths to let cars in. And there are no trams so you have to walk in from the parking BUT it's all upfront as close as they can get you.

Entering the Park: very simple process. Your party stays together. Take temp. Move on to next area which is security. Bag or no bag lines. I had a backpack with some waters & Gatorade & container with PBJs. I had my phone & spare battery in my hand cause I thought that's what they were announcing to do. I walked right thru the security alarm thing. They didn't look in my bag or do any extra checks on me. Took maybe 5 minutes for all that. They seem to be getting this process much more streamlined.

Inside Park: I walked in park 9:25. Again just walking in, no lines, no rushing. I went straight to Slinky Dog & got in line. It wasn't running yet, but at 9:40 they must have started cause the line started shuffling (I was off the ride by 9:52). I think every ride at this point was just getting organized & people getting in line. They did have good signage letting people know which way to go for what attraction.

ROTR 10am Boarding Pass: I turned the WiFi off on my phone so I wasn't on Disney Wifi. I tried to step away from others & be in an open area (not in a building or under cover) but not sure if that helps? At 9:57 I got my phone ready. When my phone said 10am I swiped for a refresh & boom it had changed to the next screen. I was lucky & got Boarding Group 9!!! There were others standing by me that didn't get in & it probably did take only about 30 seconds for it to be "full". At 10:25 I got a notification my group was boarding so I headed that way. Scanned in at 10:32. Waited in the line inside (it was rainy so bonus!). Got to the starting point at 10:57 & here I go! Nope...after the initial starting part we walked outside & got escorted off to a side area where they gave us a FP good for any ride that day (and told if we left it wouldn't be good again) & instructed we just had to keep checking back for ROTR to be running again if that's what we wanted. I did see it was running again about 1ish so I went & used my FP then. Waited maybe 5 minutes in the FP line & got to ride it! Being a solo traveler I got a whole transporter to myself.

Other Rides: The wait times aren't accurate as stated. RnR said 30 minutes. I rode it twice in 25 minutes! I stood in line for the new Mickey & Minnie, but after 20 minutes I left to use my FP for ROTR cause I wasn't even inside yet. The sign holder said 50 minutes & the app had said 30 minutes. I'm thinking the sign holders are more accurate at that point. It was rainy on/off in the morning cause of the hurricane off shore so I stuck with the indoor rides & browsing stores for awhile. No rain & AC while waiting isn't bad! I left at 2:30pm feeling I had a very full day & doing everything I wanted to.

Notes: A lot of the stores & food places aren't all open. I brought my own food this time in my backpack after my trip to MK 2 weeks ago. I just parked on a rock & watched the characters come out in Galaxy's Edge & interact with the crowd while I ate & drank. There are updated signs all around stating you must be stationary to remove your mask to eat/drink. I saw everyone wearing a mask properly & only heard a CM 1x remind someone. The water bottle refill stations in GE were working (I checked), but after reading here about people licking them I'd be wary of using anything. Crowd wise it's obviously still low compared to "normal". I was walking thru Toy Story Land at 2ish & it was empty spaces. Lots of great photo ops! The parking lot when I left at 2:30 was maybe 1/4 full?? Also the PhotoPass people don't seem to be out at park openings? I noticed this at MK 2 weeks ago. They seem to come out later so you have to circle back or really look for them now.

AP sidenote: I tried getting a park reservation to go to another park when I was leaving HS, but it wouldn't let me. I don't know if it did allow that before, but they have closed that loophole in case anyone was wondering.

To your last note. You can make another park reservation after 9 pm the day of use

 

[wendow]

Another instance was when we were in hour # 2 of waiting for Rise to work again, I was sitting on the floor and said something to my BF. He was standing and couldn't understand/hear me because of the mask, and bent down to hear me and then laughed at what I said. When he laughed his mask slipped (for a hot second) ever so slightly under his nose. This CM was just waiting to pounce on him and as he was fixing it (immediately after noticing it had slipped) then she yelled at him in front of the whole room of people. It was super unnecessary. She could have said something in a normal tone of voice as she was literally standing right next to him anyways. It was as if she was grandstanding to say "Look at me everyone- I/Disney am enforcing rules." Which, yes it is your job to enforce rules, and I am glad you're doing it, but not in that manner. It was rude. He wasn't some jerk walking around with his mask under his nose or trying to skirt the rules. Mine slide down under my nose when I screamed on the Splash Mountain drop, so it just happens and you fix it. Which he did -immediately.

I can relate to both of these situations - my dh took his mask off, while sitting on a bench outside Muppet Vision to drink some water and eat a quick snack. He finished the snack and continued drinking water. He put the lid on his cup and bent down to put it in his backpack. When he sat back up, immediately a CM was on him to put his mask on. If she had waited 5 secs, she would have seen that he would have put it back on, very willingly, himself. That really annoyed my dh because he & I and all 4 of our kids were following all of Disney's rules regarding mask and distancing.

And then yep, my 9yo's mask fell below his nose on splash. Just barely below but we didn't get the ride photo and two CM's got on to him (both at the same time so it seemed harsher than it really was) as soon as they saw. I don't think he even realized it had slid down. He's excellent about keeping a mask on...even though it fogs up his glasses...he still never fights it or even asks to take it off. I could feel mine sliding down on several attractions.