Back here after YEEAARS.....need help.

[mousemom66]

Ok, so I'm back after years of not really being on. I used to be a regular on these boards but its been a reallllyyy long time....I don't even have my original name...ugh. ANYWAAYYYY......Our last trip was in 2019. So, we're trying to plan a trip back next year, and I have no idea what's going on with planning a trip during COVID. I know reservations are different, and some other things, but I also get the feeling planning is going to be new to me all over again. I'm betting this question gets asked a LOT here, so wondering if there is a thread(s) somewhere where I could get some answers. I hate not knowing anything all over again. We've been so many times, my 17 yo could have planned your trip when she was 5...BUT, its a whole new ballgame and I have no idea where to start. I had planned on using Dreams Unlimited(we normally use another popular online agency) and that's all well and good, but I have a NEED to be in the KNOW. So any tips, info, or directions to other helpful threads are very much appreciated. Thank you!

 

[OKW Lover]

Welcome back to the DIS Boards. What was your original board name?

Anyway, the biggest change you'll find is that you have to make a "park reservation" for whichever park you intend to visit each day. There's also rules about social distancing and mask wearing but that could well change by the time you get here.

 

[MomOTwins]

Honestly, the Disney official website is a surprisingly good resource for understanding the changes being made due to covid, what is open and what isn't, how to reserve park passes and dining now, mask requirements etc. Read all the "know before you go" pages.

The "here now/just back" thread is very helpful for getting a sense of what it is actually like and tips and tricks for navigating the new Covid era (e.g., new rope drop best practices; when final park hours are released)

 

[mousemom66]

Welcome back to the DIS Boards. What was your original board name?

Anyway, the biggest change you'll find is that you have to make a "park reservation" for whichever park you intend to visit each day. There's also rules about social distancing and mask wearing but that could well change by the time you get here.

My old name was Mickeymousemom. I knew about the park reservation thing, but just not the details, etc. The social distancing and mask rules I also knew, and I welcome all of that. Thank you!

 

[mousemom66]

Honestly, the Disney official website is a surprisingly good resource for understanding the changes being made due to covid, what is open and what isn't, how to reserve park passes and dining now, mask requirements etc. Read all the "know before you go" pages.

The "here now/just back" thread is very helpful for getting a sense of what it is actually like and tips and tricks for navigating the new Covid era (e.g., new rope drop best practices; when final park hours are released)

Thank you. This is sort of what I was looking for. I'm not completely out of the know, as I watch Pete and the vlogs all the time, and other Disney vlogs, but I was curious about the whole reservation making thing, and more specific rules while there that I may not have seen watching vlogs/podcasts. Its tough when you know it all like the back of your hand and then feel like you have to start all over again. Most everything I learned, I learned from Disboards and my own trips...almost 20 years ago. I don't plan my own trips because I prefer to let someone else find the best deals and the best rooms/resorts, etc...BUT, I do everything else myself and when I am dealing with an online TA, I want to know as much as they do, if that makes sense. Thank you...I will look into that thread and head over to the Disney website.

 

[BebopBaloo]

Definitely check out the Star Wars Galaxy's Edge forum. This will be especially useful if you plan on riding Rise of the Resistance as it requires a Virtual Queue Boarding Pass, which can only be obtained twice a day (day of) and they fill up in a matter of seconds each time.

Welcome back! I used to be on here a lot more often too. I'm gradually finding my way back off and on.

 

[mousemom66]

Definitely check out the Star Wars Galaxy's Edge forum. This will be especially useful if you plan on riding Rise of the Resistance as it requires a Virtual Queue Boarding Pass, which can only be obtained twice a day (day of) and they fill up in a matter of seconds each time.

Welcome back! I used to be on here a lot more often too. I'm gradually finding my way back off and on.

Thank you! Had plans to check out some tips for Rise of the Resistance, as it wasn't open yet when we were there last(Sept 2019).....

 

[auntlynne]

...and you are talking Next year. That’s another big ? of changes.

I went three times in 2020: Jan, Sep, and November. I hadn’t been since a MNSSHP in 2014.

Things haven’t changed all that much, overall.

I didn’t know how to maximize the FP+ system; I was used to the old run around the park paper ticket FP method. Now, no FPs. Next year (or later), seems everyone expects a new system. Keep your eye out for that.

No EMH. Next year - an early morning 30 minutes for park guests. Start date - TBA.

Skyliner may be new to you. Check it out.

Watch for new ride openings. Remy’s at EPCOT. Was Pandora open at AK your last visit?

You could learn the current system for getting a BG for Rise. It seems to be working. It was a change from Jan 2020, when you physically had to be inside the park at 7 am to sign in. Definitely for the better.

But, like the rest of us, you will have to wait and watch hopefully to see what returns to usual and what is new for 2022. Shows returning, QS and snacks, rides opening and going down for refurbishment (Splash Mtn re-theming). Tron and Guardians of the Galaxy new builds are going on now (or at least framework is up.

Hope the wait is fun for you as you watch WDW come alive and find out how Disney utilizes this time if flux to slip in new changes and decide what is working for them.

 

[Blondie58]

Ok, so I'm back after years of not really being on. I used to be a regular on these boards but its been a reallllyyy long time....I don't even have my original name...ugh. ANYWAAYYYY......Our last trip was in 2019. So, we're trying to plan a trip back next year, and I have no idea what's going on with planning a trip during COVID. I know reservations are different, and some other things, but I also get the feeling planning is going to be new to me all over again. I'm betting this question gets asked a LOT here, so wondering if there is a thread(s) somewhere where I could get some answers. I hate not knowing anything all over again. We've been so many times, my 17 yo could have planned your trip when she was 5...BUT, its a whole new ballgame and I have no idea where to start. I had planned on using Dreams Unlimited(we normally use another popular online agency) and that's all well and good, but I have a NEED to be in the KNOW. So any tips, info, or directions to other helpful threads are very much appreciated. Thank you!

Things are changing daily in Covid times. Things are fluid and unknown. Planning is helpful but patience is key.

 

[glocon]

One other thing, if you fly, starting 2022 there will no longer be Magical Express.

 

[LovesTimone]

I think the biggest thing you will need to pack and planning on keeping handy is patience...

I'm a local, and AP holder and things here are really starting to step it up...

Guidelines are still in place... I would suggest you trying to bring different mask as the weather is changing...

Mobile Ordering is just not fun, make sure you have set up your My Disney account it makes things easier... be patience when trying to order, as well if you have someone that needs to eat, there is a lag time for sure, so plan accordingly... make sure to order things like pickles, or onions, get all your drinks... If you have food allergies in your family, tell a CM, I have a not very common food allergy, and we were allowed to go in and order due to the fact I needed to look at the book, Once you make it inside, and are able to get your order... double check your order, before walking way... I will say the times we have used mobile ordering the food has been luke warm at best...

The lines look longer as they are spread out for the social distancing, yet they constantly move... As well while in line, you will find that people are so engrossed in there phones or chatting with others in their group, that they are not paying attention on where they should be standing or moving forward in the line. The line are marked where to stand, and some people can not follow even the simplest of directions... Yep that marker that says stand here... LOL... it like they need a tutorial to know where they are suppose to stand.. sorry just a pet peeve of mine...

I will suggest having your Uber or Lyft app ready to go.. the buses are hit and miss pretty much... We were just there for a 2 nighter at AKL... and buses were very slow... We did end up using Uber to get back one night at with only so many people allowed on the line was just to long..

So even with all the stuff I put above, it is worth it... YESSSSSSS! Just sitting in the parks and walking around makes us happy... We went to Epcot for Festival of the Arts, and pretty much, just kinda hung out... we did a few rides, and kinda snacked around, and just people watched.. and it was just what we needed...

Your going to have a wonderful time...