Here Now & Just Back WDW Reopening Experiences Including Park Hopping

[bethannie203]

I’ve done early mornings at the parks, but I’m starting to wonder how ‘worth it’ this strategy will stay. People are saying they get to the bus stops 90 minutes before the parks open and then wait about 45 minutes combined for busses/temp checks. They hit two or three rides before lines start building (assuming headliners). You are getting up so early on vacation to essentially spend the same amount of time waiting in lines, just to avoid waiting in a ride line. It’s the commute conundrum. Leave earlier or later and your commute is under 40 minutes; leave to be right on time and your commute is an hour.

We usually rope drop, but we are planning to reverse this strategy for our upcoming trip in early May. It doesn't seem worth it to us this time with such long waits happening so early in the mornings, especially at DHS. We booked a 10-day trip this time, the longest we have ever done for WDW without also visiting Universal also, and we plan on sleeping in and taking our times to get to the parks, so we will be able to be there at park closing to hopefully have shorter waits. I'm actually looking forward to it - because the worst part about rope dropping is of course the lack of sleep on a vacay! It seems like our usual strategies are upside down this time!

 

[Lsdolphin]

Does anyone know the correct current price of the Crystal Palace lunch/dinner? I’ve seen one price posted and a higher price when I look at menu on Disney website?

 

[whiporee]

Does anyone know the correct current price of the Crystal Palace lunch/dinner? I’ve seen one price posted and a higher price when I look at menu on Disney website?

CP wasn't open when we were there last week.

 

[scrappinginontario]

CP wasn't open when we were there last week.

Friends ate lunch there 2 weeks ago but unfortunately I don’t know what they paid.

 

[auntlynne]

Does anyone know the correct current price of the Crystal Palace lunch/dinner? I’ve seen one price posted and a higher price when I look at menu on Disney website?

Are you seeing $39 adult $23 kid (Disney website)

 

[cpc98]

The last time I was at WDW was in early March - and I'd say this is a good time to leave MK - or maybe even closer to 1 PM. With park hopping at 2 PM, you get both an exodus and surge around this time.

Thanks! I completely agree. Just sounds so nice to get out of the park for a little awhile, check out The Contemporary, and eat in a bit of a quieter environment...

 

[cpc98]

We were at MK on 3/30 and did this. We arrived at the park at 8am and by 1:30 we needed a bit of a break. We took the monorail over to the GF and grabbed drinks in the gift shop and sat in the lobby for a half hour or so. It was so peaceful and exactly what we needed. I recommend it even if you do not have an ADR. Have fun on your trip!

Thanks! Sounds great. I was looking forward to Liberty Tree until I thought about it - $40 per person, and my girlfriend can barely finish a 10 piece chicken nugget on a normal day probably isn’t worth it for someone with a small appetite. Also read that people are being seated over in Diamond Horseshoe, which would not be great.. definitely gonna do something like what you did instead! Thanks

 

[danceteachermom]

Still in Florida but done with our park days. We went to Hollywood Studios on Sunday, April 4 and Blizzard Beach on Monday, April 5. We have been the first week of April many times as I am a teacher and that is the only time we can go in the spring. I thought everything was much less crowded that I expected despite the parks being "sold out." Disney has done a very good job with policy and mask enforcement. It was not perfect but I felt more comfortable in lines and on rides than I do walking through the hallway in the school where I teach. A few times I had to put my hand out or give a teacher look to keep people distanced but overwhelmingly people were very considerate. We walked from the Swan and arrived about 8:10. There was a quick moving line and there appeared to be noone off the skyliner yet and no cars in the lot yet, but as we moved through we saw cars being slowly escorted into parking. We walked straight to Slinky Dog Dash and rode in about 30 minutes. Then our boarding group was called (14) so we went straight to Rise of the Resistance and walked right on (new for us and we are not Star Wars fans but we loved this attraction). Then we went to Rock 'n Roller Coaster and waited about 40 minutes but it was almost all outside and we enjoyed the beautiful weather. After we went to Toy Story Mania and waited about 30 minutes. We had used mobile ordering that morning to get a meal at Woody's Lunchbox and we were about 15 minutes from our window so we just relaxed. Checked in and had a way too expensive lunch for grilled cheese but my son got his alien cup he wanted so all was good. My husband is a few hours in the park guy so he was ready to head back to our condo. He and my son left and my daughter and I rode MMRR with about a 30 minute wait. Then we walked around Star Wars Land. Got in our longest line of the day for Millenium Falcon Smugglers Run and waited about 60 minutes. After we decided we wanted to experience the Skyliner so we took it to Caribbean Beach and had burgers from their quick service for an early dinner. We ate outside and it was uncrowded. Skyliner back to the park and we walked through the shops but did not buy anything then did another ride on Midway Mania. Debated hitting a few more rides but ended up leaving about 4:30.

Our original Blizzard Beach plan was for Friday but the park was closed due to "cold" weather. It was still chilly on Saturday so we waited until Monday. Arrived about 10:15 AM and easily parked close to entrance. Went through entry and were held from park area until about 11. Got great chairs by the wave pool. They are in groups of 6...two lounge chairs and 4 of the beach chairs. Signs and enforcement to not move chairs since they were placed for distance. Mask enforcement here was exceptional and it helped make me feel really comfortable. We rode a bunch of slides with little to no wait for about an hour and a half. Then we had lunch from Lattawatta Lodge via mobile order. Enjoyed adult beverages and our son spent a lot of time in the wave pool. All four of us went on he lazy river...distancing here was not ideal but people were really trying. Then we did another slide before heading back to be in the wave pool and just catching sun. Left about 4:45.

We have been very careful during this pandemic and we were nervous about being at Disney and in Florida. I am fully vaccinated and my husband and daughter have had their first dose. We have good masks and wear them correctly. We know we are taking risks being here but have been more comfortable than we anticipated. I am glad we only planned a couple of park days and have spent most of our time distanced around our pool at the airbnb or enjoying the hot tub in our unit. We have been to Disney many, many times. Did not miss planning fastpasses but did miss using them. I did miss shows. With all they have brought back it just seems a slap in the face to their entertainment employees...dancers, singers, and actors that they are not figuring out how to do this. It could be done with the same amount of risk and safety as other things. We would have seen Indiana Jones, Beauty and the Beast, and Fantasmic if given the chance and a socially distant masked, not eating audience. I would be fine with performers being masked.

 

[wilkydelts]

Day 3: Magic Kingdom 4/7 8a-9p

Party of 5 to start day the getting young one for the rest of the day during lunch.

Pulled up and found tolls open at 6:58. We were fourth in line at our toll. Opened tolls at 7:15a

In line for 7 Dwarfs at 7:45. It said 65. Line was almost to Gastons. Took 28.

Headed to Peter Pan said 45. Got in line just before the archway heading towards Haunted Mansion. Took 15

Went over to Tomorrowland Speedway so my kids could finally drive it because before without a kid who is tall enough to be solo you can’t divide it out. Said 15 was 12

Went to Buzz but it just looked so long. First time all trip we decided to detour. Some went Space Mountain and I went with kid to get snacks. Ordered Launching Pad with immediate pickup and it took almost 30 minutes. I was not happy. Space said 60 was 30.

Went back to Buzz said 35 was 35.

Headed across park to Big Thunder Mountain. Said 65 Minutes at 11:20a, it took 10 minutes. We got back in line again said 30 this time, it took 5.

Went to Splash got in line at 12:05 said 70 I had to trust TP Lines App or we would have issues getting to our lunch reservation. Line took 60.

Barely made it to our ADR at Whispering Canyon. FYI lunch there closes at 2 do not be late. Had a great meal with Grandparents and got little one back. Got back to park at 3:30.

Did some shopping and the went to Pooh. Said 20 was 16

Headed to Barnstormer said 20 was 12. Got off at 5p

Went to Dumbo said 15 was walk on

Next Little Mermaid said 15 was walk on through very long queue

Headed to Haunted Mansion said 10 was walk on

Went to Sunshine Terrace for Ice Cream, headed to Carpets at 6:15

Carpets said 15 was walk on

Went to Small World said 45 was 35

Went to Philarmagic to end the night. We are beat and just could not finish it out. Starting walking out at 8:10

It has been a great couple of days. It will be a trip to remember for a long time.

 

[DisneyJColeMom]

So, in theory, do spring break crowds basically taper off after this week?

 

[DL1WDW2]

So, in theory, do spring break crowds basically taper off after this week?

No Coach busses on property this morn just Disney owned so might be slow day today but tomorrow is Friday and weekend...

 

[Chris Ehlers]

Thanks! Sounds great. I was looking forward to Liberty Tree until I thought about it - $40 per person, and my girlfriend can barely finish a 10 piece chicken nugget on a normal day probably isn’t worth it for someone with a small appetite. Also read that people are being seated over in Diamond Horseshoe, which would not be great.. definitely gonna do something like what you did instead! Thanks

We ate at Liberty Tree for Thanksgiving 2020 and it was horrible! The Service was poor as plates were piled up on table and being seated in Diamond Horseshoe added to it and the Pot Roast we like the bottom of the pot and was like eating salt. it will be a long time before we ever eat there again

 

[zeferjen]

Mask enforcement here was exceptional and it helped make me feel really comfortable.

Hi! Can you tell me more about how the masks work at Blizzard? You wear them when not in the water right? How do you wear them in lines for the slides, for example? Thanks!

 

[boothbay]

So, in theory, do spring break crowds basically taper off after this week?

There is still spring break for parts of New England - the week of April 19 and the week of April 26. The crowds will keep on coming I think.

 

[Catvondita]

There is still spring break for parts of New England - the week of April 19 and the week of April 26. The crowds will keep on coming I think.

Are most spring breaks over around this time though? So there will still be some crowds but maybe not quite as horrible as the last couple?

 

[ENJDisneyFan]

Hi! Can you tell me more about how the masks work at Blizzard? You wear them when not in the water right? How do you wear them in lines for the slides, for example? Thanks!

You do not have to wear masks in the water areas. Masks are only required in the park entrance and exit, shopping areas, food and beverage ordering areas, and restrooms, locker areas, and changing areas.

 

[ENJDisneyFan]

Are most spring breaks over around this time though? So there will still be some crowds but maybe not quite as horrible as the last couple?

I would think most spring breaks are over, yes. But looking at the park reservation calendar it seems that besides Epcot, all the parks are at capacity all month. So there won't be much easing of crowds.

 

[jlundeen]

Has anyone done the Animation Experience at Conservation Station lately? Can you tell me your experience? How far in advance did you arrive to be able to participate?

 

[DrFacilier]

10 days to go! Way behind in planning our first non FP+ since we booked it totally last minute less than a month ago. I (think I) have pretty solid plans for MK AK and HS but need help with EP. We plan to be at IG at 9:45 for a 11am opening. Right now I'm thinking of hitting TT then Soarin at RD and worrying about FEA later if not closer to the 11pm close. Is there any strategy to knock out TT Soarin and FEA with (relatively) minimal waits in the morning? I MISS FASTPASS

 

[fly girl]

Has anyone done the Art of Animation event in Conservation Station lately? Can you tell me your experience? How far in advance did you arrive to be able to participate?

We went to the Conservation Station last Friday. We went early (rode FOP and Kilimanjaro Safari first) and then hopped on train with no line, just a short wait for train. Our objective was to see them performing a surgery in the clinic, and we did. Unfortunately, it was on a table further back so we really could not see much. They were doing a arthritis and dental check on a red river hog.

The 10am Animation Experience was just starting when we arrived. It was a packed crowd - I think they were drawing Timone. Parks were full last Friday so I don't know if the packed crowd was a rare occurrence, but my best guess would be to get a seat no later than 15 minutes before start time. Personally, I would take a train over around the time we did (9:50am), go check to see if they are doing a procedure, pet the animals, and relax a bit before taking in the 10:45am Animation.

When we got back to Africa, the line to Rafiki's Planet Watch was rrreeeaaalllyyy long. We picked the perfect time to go. We could have easily stayed for the next drawing session, but dd wasn't feeling it.

Good Luck!