Here Now & Just Back WDW Reopening Experiences Including Park Hopping

[kat_lh]

We are also staying at the Hyatt on our arrival night (Monday). What time did you get to the MDE line? Was it long? We are trying to decide what time to head there on Tuesday am.

we got on the bus at 8:45 and we were standing in line at Stormalong bay at 9:45.

 

[Sarahslay]

Thank you! Trying to decide if it's worthwhile to us this trip. We usually have it with the dining plan...

I can say from experience it really just depends on how much you drink at your resort. My husband and I both got mugs on our week long stay Thanksgiving week, he got more than his moneys worth, I might have gotten my money back (but just barely). He got coffee in his multiple times a day (wake up and get coffee while I got ready, during our midday break, and usually in the evening a diet coke or coffee because he can fall asleep while actively drinking coffee lol). I would get a cup of coffee in the morning and that's it, sometimes not even that, I mainly drink water and brought bottles for myself for the room so I didn't use it as much but wanted the convenince of not having to check out/mobile order every time I wanted a cup. He still enjoys it even without the dining plan, but he does LOVE to have something to sip on while out on the balcony while reading a book. I will say it was really convenient in the morning.

 

[WEDWDW]

Skyliner is now loading multiple groups per Gondola!

MAJOR development.

Things are happening at HYPERspeed now!

 

[Sarahslay]

I'm not a photographer, but I was thinking about how the long lines would mess up the WS too! I'm guessing that won't get much better until Disney brings back some version of FP+ so that some people will be moved from the standby to the FP queue.

For those who are there now or just back, have you noticed any changes in the capacity allowed inside shops at the parks? I'm just wondering if there are still lines to get inside and if so, how long? I'll be curious to see how much the park crowds pick up by the time we get there Friday afternoon. Seems like a lot of people are going this weekend!

It's a holiday weekend, it's going to be more crowded than it has been the last few weeks anyway regardless of any capacity changes. I was there presidents day weekend and it got a lot more crowded over the weekend than it was over the end of the week when we were there. Thursday and Friday there were very few lines to get in to store, Saturday and Sunday we didn't even try to get in to the Emporium and had to wait to get in to Mouse Gear (not long, it was like 2 minutes max). Even with capacity restrictions and lines going out the doors the stores are still packed inside, at Christmas the line was back to Crystal Palace and the store was so packed we immediately left (we were let in right before the line formed and it got long quick). I really don't think you can tell any difference in what the crowd capacity is in the shops because it can always just be described as " a lot".

 

[Sarahslay]

Skyliner is now loading multiple groups per Gondola!

MAJOR development.

Things are happening at HYPERspeed now!

Yeah, and if they had announced this was happening ahead of time I wouldn't have booked us at Riviera. I really didn't like sharing pre-Covid, still don't lol (has nothing to do with Covid, I just never really liked it, but I like it less now since people are just so rude with things). I just got heated with folks in the comment section on the dis FB post about this. I'm not a happy camper, I guess we'll be driving.

 

[olive]

Skyliner is now loading multiple groups per Gondola!

MAJOR development.

Things are happening at HYPERspeed now!

Now where is the Epcot monorail?? I hope it is soon to follow.

 

[jenjersnap]

I am glad my RIV waitlist didn’t come through with this news. We only have the one meal at Toppolino’s and we will just Uber both ways.

Yeah, and if they had announced this was happening ahead of time I wouldn't have booked us at Riviera. I really didn't like sharing pre-Covid, still don't lol (has nothing to do with Covid, I just never really liked it, but I like it less now since people are just so rude with things). I just got heated with folks in the comment section on the dis FB post about this. I'm not a happy camper, I guess we'll be driving.

 

[starryagain]

Informational only. Here now in Splash Mountain line. Only 30% of people wearing masks deep in the queue. Which is outside. I'm one of those wearing a mask so don't @ me. Just trying to set expectations. Very little distancing. I would say 25% higher than a normal year.

 

[mousehouse23]

Arrived yesterday, first time staying at BWV (studio boardwalk view). First stay as DVC members, too! Note: we did not get early check-in OR our request via TP. In fact, we're in one of the two studios on the first floor...so a patio, no balcony. Check-in was at 3:50 pm. But honestly, it's fine. I love the atmosphere of BWV! The music just puts you in such a wonderfully relaxed mood. The room is fine, though I hate being on the side of the bed without a table or USB outlets. Small quibble!

We had a very successful first morning at MK!

6:15: Woke up, quick breakfast

6:42: Got to the BWV bus stop

6:57: MK bus came (an AK bus came just before)

7:15: through the turnstiles at MK

We tried hitting Pirates first, but it wasn't running, and CM said he wasn't sure when it would be open. So we hopped over to Space.

7:30: Got into the SM line, which wasn't yet running

7:43: Line started moving

8:00-9:45:

PPF
IASM
Pooh
Little Mermaid
HM

~9:45: 15 minute wait for BTM (Disney said 30)

~10:10: 31 minute wait for Splash Mountain (Disney said 45)

10:50: 30 minute wait for PoTC (Disney said 35)

11:30: 7 minute wait after hitting "Prepare My Order" at Pecos Bill's (I tried the Southwest Chicken salad, which was good, but needed salsa; I'd definitely add the guac, too!)

12:00: 7 minute wait for PeopleMover (it stopped for 5 minutes while we were on it)


So we spent about 5 hours in the park, and managed to ride 10 attractions AND eat lunch. I'm a huge fan of FP+ (heck, I even wrote a book about how best to tour WDW! ), but I didn't miss it at all today. Our touring felt much more organic this way. Now, if the park were more crowded, I could see myself missing it, for sure. Our only substantive waits were toward the end of the morning. We got out of the park before it got unbearably hot.

Touring Plans/Lines was very good for us. They nailed everything to within 10%, I'd say. I'm very glad I got the subscription.

Masks/Distancing: This has been well covered. Being vaccinated, I felt fine. But there really isn't much social distancing anymore. I would say mask adherence was still pretty good. It's not really required in the outside queues until you cross the CMs at the "official" start of the line.

We're going to take a nap, then swim at the pool and grab some soft serve from the Boardwalk Bakery. (The new Boardwalk ice cream place is closed for some reason today). Then it's off to Epcot later on!

 

[neptuneflame]

I’ve noticed this week that on the day of, some park passes have become available. Yesterday there were passes for all but Epcot, but today was sold out. Today there are passes for all but Epcot, etc. (So don’t give up hope late bookers!)

I’m interested in adding a day to our tickets for the day we arrive but only if passes become available. If I wait till we get there, what is the best way to do this? Front desk? Go to the park I want to enter if there are passes and go to guest relations?

 

[Shelbizzles]

I’m here now. And why does it seem like every attraction, shop, restaurant etc has like no A/C on. Is that typical for this time of year? I mean they definitely has some air on but I’m use to it like punching me in the face when I walk inside. It just seems a heck of a lot warmer indoors then I remember them being.

 

[zackiedawg]

I wonder if the policy of requiring lines to get in to stores and facilities mean doors are open a lot more than usual, and causing the AC's to struggle to stay cool inside. I've been in DW in every month of the year at one point or another, and regardless of the very hottest day, their interiors are usually lovely and icy cold.

 

[Shelbizzles]

I suppose that’s possible. I’ve also been in September precovid and it was never hot in stores or attractions. Definitely not restaurants. But the only lines I’ve really scene for stores has been in galaxy’s edge and maybe very few in Disney springs. And some stores even had more doors closed to control traffic flow.

 

[starryagain]

General observations from the week so far (been here since Saturday at Beach Club). We stayed during the same week in May 2016 and May 2017:

- Line waits are down vs our 2017 experience with the exception of show type rides. I *think* they are still doing some distancing for those but I imagine that situation is rapidly changing. But for instance, there are two show waits for Country Bears and Tiki Room. Never seen that before. On the other hand, we've been able to walk on a lot of rides we have had to wait for in FP+.
- Rope drop has been miserable for us. We started aiming for the official opening time and it's gone much better. We have kids in our group so that experience may vary. I suggest just doing Epcot at night. Rope drop is miserable and already so hot. Lines are very busy at epcot rope drop.
- In general evenings are treating us the best. Very low waits.
- MK and Epcot "feel" emptier to me. AK any HS "feel" more crowded. I think AK and especially HS lean their capacity a lot more on character meets and shows and those being reduced spills everyone onto the walkways, etc.
- Masking seems reasonable to me. Almost no one wears them outside. Cast members ALWAYS wear them. If you are particular about masking DO NOT COME RIGHT NOW.
- This is the first time I've felt normal since March 2020. I'm so happy I could cry.

**Edit per mod request

 

[Leigh L]

General observations from the week so far (been here since Saturday at Beach Club). We stayed during the same week in May 2016 and May 2017:

- Line waits are down vs our 2017 experience with the exception of show type rides. I *think* they are still doing some distancing for those but I imagine that situation is rapidly changing. But for instance, there are two show waits for Country Bears and Tiki Room. Never seen that before. On the other hand, we've been able to walk on a lot of rides we have had to wait for in FP+.
- Rope drop has been miserable for us. We started aiming for the official opening time and it's gone much better. We have kids in our group so that experience may vary. I suggest just doing Epcot at night. Rope drop is miserable and already so hot. Lines are very busy at epcot rope drop.
- In general evenings are treating us the best. Very low waits.
- MK and Epcot "feel" emptier to me. AK any HS "feel" more crowded. I think AK and especially HS lean their capacity a lot more on character meets and shows and those being reduced spills everyone onto the walkways, etc.
- Masking seems reasonable to me. Almost no one wears them outside. Cast members ALWAYS wear them. If you are particular about masking DO NOT COME RIGHT NOW.
- I was a fairly coronavirus serious person and this is the first time I've felt normal since March 2020. I'm so happy I could cry.

Enjoy the rest of your trip! So happy for you
Thanks for sharing your experiences too! (We go next month. We've been a few times but it's clear June is not going to look like February did!)

 

[Pyotr]

I’m currently at the Riviera. Today we spent a few hours at Epcot. Yes, the Skyliner is loading multiplayer groups together. Aside from that, social distancing is nonexistent. We didn’t go on any rides, just walked around for a few hours and ate. It’s definitely busier than our previous two Covid trips.

I’m a Floridan, and used to the heat, but wow was it hot today.

 

[LSUmiss]

I have a little gossip from a bellman. He told me even though Disney has increased crowds levels a lot, they haven’t hired back enough CMs & they are stressed, overworked, & tired. Also told me that there is concern about the pipes at BC, since they are old & they’ve just been randomly flushing every so often. The fear is once it fully opens they will be plumbing issues. And that Disney hired a company to deal with it but took lowest bid & in the past that’s caused more issues. Anyway, take that as you will, just thought I’d share.

I had a bus driver (not joking) tell me the same thing. Said they can’t keep up with the transportation demands. Said they are using charter busses (which we saw) & it’s still not enough b/c of the Covid protocols on busses. Think it’s time to either loosen transportation restrictions or limit capacity. It doesn’t seem like there is anymore that can be done. Workers are stressed & under paid. Current situation is not sustainable. I see ppl on other threads complaining about skyliner increasing capacity per gondola, but, with lines stretching to beach club at Epcot park close, there have to so something.

 

[WEDWDW]

I had a bus driver (not joking) tell me the same thing. Said they can’t keep up with the transportation demands. Said they are using charter busses (which we saw) & it’s still not enough b/c of the Covid protocols on busses. Think it’s time to either loosen transportation restrictions or limit capacity. It doesn’t seem like there is anymore that can be done. Workers are stressed & under paid. Current situation is not sustainable. I see ppl on other threads complaining about skyliner increasing capacity per gondola, but, with lines stretching to beach club at Epcot park close, there have to so something.

We experienced the same thing last month-the CMs told us many of them are working double-shifts,etc.-they are SERIOUSLY stressed.

I think the return of Skyliner to Pre-Covid operations will soon be followed by the Buses-it HAS to happen for WDW to move forward(Masks on the Buses still required,but SD eliminated).

Also,the return of the College Program will be a total GAME CHANGER-we had multiple CMs tell us last month(this was before the announcement) that they desperately needed the CP help ASAP.

Those 2 things-the return of the College Program and full-load Buses will change the dynamic at WDW INCREDIBLY.

 

[Mango7100]

Drove home today, but we arrived at MK around 415 for our last park day. We saw 2 character sets (princesses and Mickey and Friends). We rode Big Thunder x2, HM, Little Mermaid, Carousel x2, Dumbo, Barnstormer x2, SDMT, Peoplemover, Buzz, Speedway, and Small World. The evenings have worked well for us.

One woman at dumbo was losing her mind and did not feel that the mask rule on rides should apply to her. She was screaming at the poor CM who remained very calm. I don’t know what happened but I hope they escorted her out.

Final Thoughts: Missed character meets and fireworks quite a bit.

Even though I missed FP, it was not as bad as I thought it would be. We would hardly ride anything without a FP previously, but waits were manageable. Our longest wait was 30-35 min for Slinky Dog. Lines moved fast. We rode MMRR 3 times in an hour one day, and I don’t think we could have done that with trying to get FP.

Aside from the woman going crazy at Dumbo, people weren’t rude but are pretty oblivious to the distancing markers. Mask compliance in lines ranged from 25-90% in our experiences, but people are definitely not following rules. What would get frustrating is big groups going to a queue entrance and then standing there rummaging for their masks when told to put them on—come on, this should not be a surprise after the first 1-2 rides. Get lanyards! So convenient. There are people walking around with masks. We wore them in crowded areas because of DD—while we were the minority there were still people wearing them. It does make a huge difference being able to take them off and drink while walking or just walking in some less crowded areas for us.

We really like skipping rope drop.

 

[wonderchica]

Haven’t seen lines for larger shops. Some for smaller ones (ex. The HM one). They tell you to distance in lines but not a lot of compliance.