Here Now & Just Back WDW Reopening Experiences Including Park Hopping

[OhioStateBuckeye]

Monday February 1 Animal Kingdom and Epcot

AK: 8-5
Epcot: 11-8

We had left AK around 2:30 and were on our way to hop to Epcot.

They were letting cars fill in the closer spots and we got a really great, close spot.

3:05: walking into Epcot getting my first of 100 pictures of Spaceship Earth. I actually expected the fountain pylons to be bigger than they are.

3:10: walked straight onto Spaceship Earth with no wait.

3:35: stopped to do some painting on the festival canvas.

Walked onto Awesome Planet with 1 minute before next showtime. Hadn't seen it before, was a cute little show but don't think I'll need to see it anytime in the near future. Nice sit down break, though. Also nice to get out of the very chilly temps.

4: walked onto Living With the Land. I love that attraction but it hurts me to think it would never get approved nowadays. Can you imagine someone pitching an attraction that is going to go through a couple different landscapes and then float through some greenhouses to show people innovative ways in which produce can be grown?!?! Nope nope nope.

4:20: walked onto Soarin.



4:42: watched Chip and Dale play around for a few minutes.

4:53: walked into the festival of the arts center.



In our group we had had Remy's Ratatouille, Charcuterie and the Lemon Blood Orange Tart. I am now obsessed with the Lemon Blood Orange tart. Soooo good and the flavors worked really well with each other.





Next we just spent some very chilly time looking at art, perusing the food booths and taking pictures inserting ourselves into the famous works of art.

We stopped at the Vibrante & Vivido Food Studio. I had the Blue Corn Pupusa which was good, but not outstanding.



5:50: watched the Voices of Liberty set which was fantastic but seriously cold at this point. The wind was biting.




Spent some time looking at the new Jazz exhibit in America to warm up. It's a nice little exhibit but nothing spectacular, it's nice they did something but you probably could have....I dunno....jazzed it up a bit more?

6:23: waited 7 minutes for Frozen. The park was really, really empty. Probably due to the freezing temps.

6:42: walked onto Gran Fiesta Tour. Enjoyed it so much we walked right back on. Too bad the band at the end fell a bit flat.



I had one art piece picked out from all our browsing and I went back to grab it:



7:30: we all got one last food booth item and met up at the Epcot preview center. There are plenty of tables with chairs in there and it was mostly empty. I got the tomato soup and bacon grilled cheese from the Pop Arts booth. It was soooooooo good. Especially in the cold weather.

The park closed at 8 so we hightailed it to Spaceship Earth for one last ride.

7:57: made it onto Spaceship Earth walk on.



It was time to walk quickly back to the car. It was so cold but I think that's why the park was so empty and we got a lot done. Most likely would have eaten/drank a lot more if it had been warmer.



Can't wait to go back and do the parks again! Hopefully soon

 

[Leigh L]

Is the spring roll cart still not open in MK? If not, is there anywhere else to get the cheeseburger roll things?

It was not open MLK week the few times we checked

 

[NashvilleMama]

It was not open MLK week the few times we checked

It wasn't open on Thursday or Saturday this past weekend either.

 

[MomOTwins]

Hi everyone, could use some advise from people who've recently been to the resort. My family and I just put together a very spur of the moment trip to Orlando for the week of President's week (15-20th). instead of staying at Disney we have decided to change things up and stay at Universal (mainly because we are waiting for Disney to "return to as close to normal" as possible before we invest into Disney prices). I plan on visiting Disney on two separate days however:

Day One (a Wednesday): Planning to take the boys early morning to Animal Kingdom to get on Flight of Passage, Everest, Dinosaur and the Safari rid. Hoping to finish all this before 2pm in hopes of hopping over to the Magic Kingdom and getting them on the Mine Train. In regards to the Magic Kingdom our sole goal is to get on the Mine train, anything else is gravy. Is it possible to accomplish our goals in Animal Kingdom by 2pm if not sooner? How long can I realistically expect to wait on line for the Mine train on A Wednesday afternoon (It is what it is with the wait, just trying to gauge what to expect)?

Day Two (A Friday): Praying to get an early boarding pass for Rise and spending the day at Hollywood Studios. What are the general wait times for Slinky dog and Millennium Falcon? If we manage to finish by midday and decide to hop over to Epcot to get on TT, what's the general wait for TT? In regards to dining at Epcot, are walk-ins accommodated (with a wait of course) or is it strictly reservations only these days?

I have been to Disney several times in the past and I would consider myself a very seasoned veteran, However I feel totally lost with this trip and have no idea what to expect or how to maneuver/strategize my two days there. I have a 4 year old (turning 5 tomorrow!) and a 7 year old and we were suppose to go for a week long stay this past December but because of Covid we canceled that trip as we don't think our expectations would be met. This spur of the moment trip is with the sole goal of having our now 5 year old experience all these major rides/attractions before he starts to grow out of his innocent imagination (his brother was able to get on almost all these rides already). Otherwise, we probably wouldn't even be coming to Disney until it is functioning closer to pre-pandemic times. So, the stress factor is even higher than usual now because I want my 5 year old to experience Disney from a 5 year old's perspective before it's too late (if that makes sense). Thanks

I think all bets are off for President's day week given how much they've extended park hours (indicating high anticipated crowds) and the park pass availability calendar already filling up on several days that week, even though the capacity limit is now double (or more) what it was last summer.

My biggest concern would be the possibility that they would close off hopping if parks are at capacity (particularly seems a risk for MK -- Epcot can absorb more people). It hasn't happened yet, but hopping has only been in place since January, and there has not been a real test yet of capacity since it is low season. And Disney has always said that hopping is not guaranteed and subject to capacity at the 2nd park. To be safe, I'd suggest you start your day at your two favorite parks so you can be sure that you'll get in.

But assuming that hopping is allowed, and that AK and HS are your priorities, then yes, I think your plan is doable, but you do need to plan to arrive an hour before the park open time. You may want to do FOP, Safari, Everest and Dinosaur in that order, since FOP is close to Safari and Everest/Dino are at the opposite end of the park.

Afternoon wait times for mine train were 60-120 minutes on our October trip, and that was not a holiday week, and was (supposedly) before they raised park capacity. I think you should assume at least an hour wait President's day/Mardi Gras week. Regardless, if that is really the only thing you want to do, you can do it (assuming there is not a temporary closure for a thunderstorm or other ride downtime--but that's more common inn the summer months than in February).

For Hollywood Studios, SDD and MFSR before 2pm should be plenty doable if you arrive early. I think the biggest issue will be the boarding group for Rise. If you get a low-numbered boarding group that makes it easier, but still not a guarantee because the ride sometimes is glitchy and has downtime. For example, we were over the moon when we got BG 2, but then the ride started running late, went down while we were in the queue and we were escorted out and given a return fastpass, and then we we came back around an hour later as soon as it was back up and running, we ended up spending 90 minutes in the queue and on the ride because the line was backed up and there were downtime issues again. So basically all we were able to do that morning was ride slinky, see muppets, and waste the rest of the morning to the ROTR ordeal.

 

[Sbunit81]

So you are visiting during what will likely be a BUSY week. So recent experiences and wait times might not be as relevant since that week is the collision of Valentine's Day, President's Day and Mardi Gras.

I think that if you arrive prior to park opening at Animal Kingdom (I'd want to be there 30-45+ minutes before the posted opening time), then you'll have no problem accomplishing all of that WELL before 2pm. If you show up at 7am and the park opens "officially" at 8; You might have it all done by 9am to be honest and could even mix in Everest or some other rides. On this past Sat we showed up to the park before 7:15 am and proceeded to do FoP, Navi River, Everest 3x, and Safari by 9:15am. Had we showed up at 8:30 instead, I think it would've taken us almost 5 hours to accomplish that exact same list of rides.

I'd say 7DMT is going to be somewhere between a 45-75 minute wait but that's just my guess.

On your DHS day, again, if you're able to arrive SUPER early, you'll find that you can probably ride SDD and MFSR before the park even officially opens. If you hop to Epcot you'll probably be looking at 45-70 mins posted for test track then.

If you are NOT planning to arrive early then throw all my advice out the window, haha! It's a different park if you walk in 30 minutes after official opening vs. 30-45 minutes prior to official opening.

Thanks so much for the great advice. I had no idea that we can get inside the park well before official park opening hours. I will certainly be taking this as the core of my strategy

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

Thanks so much for the great advice. I had no idea that we can get inside the park well before official park opening hours. I will certainly be taking this as the core of my strategy

With the way Disney is managing rope drop now, being there early is even more beneficial than it used to be (if you can believe that!)

You definitely want to take the time and read through 20+ pages of this thread. You'll likely see a number of "boots on the ground" reports for how morning's actually progressed. For example, I did a write-up of our rope drop experiences at MK 2x last week and DHS and AK each once including the time we entered the park and the exact order we accomplished the various attractions. Many others have done the same!

 

[BaymaxForever]

6:42: walked onto Gran Fiesta Tour. Enjoyed it so much we walked right back on. Too bad the band at the end fell a bit flat.

ba da dum...tsss!

 

[Sbunit81]

I think all bets are off for President's day week given how much they've extended park hours (indicating high anticipated crowds) and the park pass availability calendar already filling up on several days that week, even though the capacity limit is now double (or more) what it was last summer.

My biggest concern would be the possibility that they would close off hopping if parks are at capacity (particularly seems a risk for MK -- Epcot can absorb more people). It hasn't happened yet, but hopping has only been in place since January, and there has not been a real test yet of capacity since it is low season. And Disney has always said that hopping is not guaranteed and subject to capacity at the 2nd park. To be safe, I'd suggest you start your day at your two favorite parks so you can be sure that you'll get in.

But assuming that hopping is allowed, and that AK and HS are your priorities, then yes, I think your plan is doable, but you do need to plan to arrive an hour before the park open time. You may want to do FOP, Safari, Everest and Dinosaur in that order, since FOP is close to Safari and Everest/Dino are at the opposite end of the park.

Afternoon wait times for mine train were 60-120 minutes on our October trip, and that was not a holiday week, and was (supposedly) before they raised park capacity. I think you should assume at least an hour wait President's day/Mardi Gras week. Regardless, if that is really the only thing you want to do, you can do it (assuming there is not a temporary closure for a thunderstorm or other ride downtime--but that's more common inn the summer months than in February).

For Hollywood Studios, SDD and MFSR before 2pm should be plenty doable if you arrive early. I think the biggest issue will be the boarding group for Rise. If you get a low-numbered boarding group that makes it easier, but still not a guarantee because the ride sometimes is glitchy and has downtime. For example, we were over the moon when we got BG 2, but then the ride started running late, went down while we were in the queue and we were escorted out and given a return fastpass, and then we we came back around an hour later as soon as it was back up and running, we ended up spending 90 minutes in the queue and on the ride because the line was backed up and there were downtime issues again. So basically all we were able to do that morning was ride slinky, see muppets, and waste the rest of the morning to the ROTR ordeal.

Thanks for the super thorough response. There's no question I've been pondering this whole President's week dilemma and I did notice that not all parks are available that week (well, specifically only Hollywood Studios isn't available Monday-thursday, everything else is open). I'm hoping going super early before official park opening mitigates this risk to an extent. I'm also hoping that the majority of the crowds will be there the preceding weekend into Tuesday/wednesday and hopefully disperse by then. I am hopeful because Friday (my Hollywood Studios day) has full availability and when we go on Wednesday if there are still crowds I'm banking that most people won't prioritize animal kingdom on their itineraries. But I'm hopeful that the current Covid situation Kees people away.

 

[OhioStateBuckeye]

ba da dum...tsss!

My favorite ride is the Jungle Cruise.

Enough said.

 

[Lsdolphin]

basically all Disney owned stores (with exceptions of certain items)
if you go on this page, filter to DS all Disney owned stores that say 20% are now 30%
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/p...benefits-and-discounts/merchandise-discounts/

Thank you!

 

[MomOTwins]

Thanks for the super thorough response. There's no question I've been pondering this whole President's week dilemma and I did notice that not all parks are available that week (well, specifically only Hollywood Studios isn't available Monday-thursday, everything else is open). I'm hoping going super early before official park opening mitigates this risk to an extent. I'm also hoping that the majority of the crowds will be there the preceding weekend into Tuesday/wednesday and hopefully disperse by then. I am hopeful because Friday (my Hollywood Studios day) has full availability and when we go on Wednesday if there are still crowds I'm banking that most people won't prioritize animal kingdom on their itineraries. But I'm hopeful that the current Covid situation Kees people away.

I think you are right that Animal Kingdom is less of a priority for most people these days. There is just not as much to do there these days without the stage shows especially for those who have small kids and can't do all of the height-restricted rides, and it closes early so that makes it less attractive if you don't have hoppers. We skipped it on a 3-day trip we did last October.

 

[eeyoreandtink]

I think all bets are off for President's day week given how much they've extended park hours (indicating high anticipated crowds) and the park pass availability calendar already filling up on several days that week, even though the capacity limit is now double (or more) what it was last summer.

I am just not sure what to expect for Presidents’ Day week. Park availability for resort guests is gone for HS almost the whole week, but with the exception of Friday and Saturday hotel availability for the week is wide open. The capacity right now is capped at 35%, as opposed to the previous 25% so definitely not double, more like 1/3 more.

 

[MomOTwins]

I am just not sure what to expect for Presidents’ Day week. Park availability for resort guests is gone for HS almost the whole week, but with the exception of Friday and Saturday hotel availability for the week is wide open. The capacity right now is capped at 35%, as opposed to the previous 25% so definitely not double, more like 1/3 more.

I read it is at 40% now.

 

[hereforthechurros]

Could someone who has been recently please advise - we want to dine at the bar at Narcoossee’s at the Grand Floridian. We always prefer to sit at the bar there (Sergio is the best bartender ever!), and pre-covid had no issues getting in. Will the guard let us into the resort without proof of an ADR? If I show my tables in wonderland card, would that work? We’d be Ubering over...I’ve read conflicting info about getting into resorts for dining. Thanks!

What about making an ADR and then asking to be seated at the bar when you check in?

We’ve ubered to resorts a few times since reopening and they did indeed check the ADR for entry. I had to show them confirmation my phone.

You could always Uber to TTC and walk or monorail to GF.

 

[PCFriar80]

I read it is at 40% now.

It’s still 35%. When they increased it from 25% to 35% it was a 40% increase, not an increase to 40%.

 

[loswest]

Swan does not have a gate or guard. You just drive up to the main entrance. Their parking is separate and IS gated.

Anyone can be dropped off there without any issue at all. I don't know why more people don't utilize it (except it would probably be a longer walk...).

We're thinking about driving and parking at the Swan when we go to HS for our late Feb./early March trip. From what I've read non-guests can park there and just pay the non-guest fee. It sounds like there's a gate for the parking lot but not a guard, is that right? Any reasons we should consider Ubering instead? We'd prefer to drive because we'll already have a rental and an Uber would mean paying for two trips because there are 7 of us. For cost and convenience, driving ourselves and parking at the Swan seems like the best option for us to Rope Drop HS.

 

[Sbunit81]

I am just not sure what to expect for Presidents’ Day week. Park availability for resort guests is gone for HS almost the whole week, but with the exception of Friday and Saturday hotel availability for the week is wide open. The capacity right now is capped at 35%, as opposed to the previous 25% so definitely not double, more like 1/3 more.

I just checked the theme park availability. As of yesterday all parks were available except for Hollywood Studios which was capped out Sunday through Thursday the week of presidents day. However, when I just checked now there is availability for Hollywood Studios from Tuesday on (only Sunday and Monday unavailable). I'm cautiously suspicious because of the current circumstances President's week may not be so busy after all.

 

[keke5656]

I just checked the theme park availability. As of yesterday all parks were available except for Hollywood Studios which was capped out Sunday through Thursday the week of presidents day. However, when I just checked now there is availability for Hollywood Studios from Tuesday on (only Sunday and Monday unavailable). I'm cautiously suspicious because of the current circumstances President's week may not be so busy after all.

I saw this as well! Why would they appear full and then open up though? Unless they are releasing more capacity or just opening spots?? I would think increasing capacity without warning people who are very crowd-cautious would be a bad choice in these times.

 

[cjlong88]

I saw this as well! Why would they appear full and then open up though? Unless they are releasing more capacity or just opening spots?? I would think increasing capacity without warning people who are very crowd-cautious would be a bad choice in these times.

From what I've read in previous posts, they are likely just moving park pass availability from one group that had a lot of availability to another group that had limited availability, with those groups being Annual Passholders, Disney Resort Guests, and guests with Theme Park Tickets only.

So the total number of park passes would not change, just how many are allocated to each group. If there aren't a lot of people staying at Disney resorts and booking passes on specific days, Disney can simply move park passes away from that group and into another, such as AP's.

Someone please correct me if I'm mistaken!

 

[disneygirlsng]

From what I've read in previous posts, they are likely just moving park pass availability from one group that had a lot of availability to another group that had limited availability, with those groups being Annual Passholders, Disney Resort Guests, and guests with Theme Park Tickets only.

So the total number of park passes would not change, just how many are allocated to each group. If there aren't a lot of people staying at Disney resorts and booking passes on specific days, Disney can simply move park passes away from that group and into another, such as AP's.

Someone please correct me if I'm mistaken!

This plus also speculation of them releasing park reservations of those who cancelled. I wouldn't worry about more spots opening up.