Cruise and Theme Park Operational Updates due to Coronavirus

[Makmak]

Last year at AK ours dropped us at the bus area . They didn’t enter with the cars. Is that what yours did?

No, there is a marked ride share drop off area at the corner of the AK parking lot close to the walking path to the entrance. They are not supposed to go in with busses but we have had some drivers that did that anyway. Once our driver that tried to do that at Epcot got cornered and yelled at by Disney security. They told him they recognized him as repeatedly entering the area when he has been told the bus area is prohibited to ride shares. It was quite a scene.

 

[Disneylover99]

Yes, I got their yummy caramel popcorn. They had a limited menu.

Kringla is in Norway.
You probably got the popcorn in Germany at Karamell Kuche.

 

[osufeth24]

Do you know what time they are actually letting people in the parks at HS? We are at saratoga and are considering getting an Uber this morning instead of buses to make sure we are inside as soon as they actually start letting people in. Its posted here that buses start running at 9:30 and that is cutting it to close for me. Wondering what time to get the Uber. I read somewhere that yesterday they were already open at 9:20

No idea really, I've seen different reports.

It depends what you're trying to do first? If MMRR is your first choice, I'd try to be at the park before 930. If that doesn't matter, than as long as you are there before 10 to get a VQ

 

[gatechfan99]

Do you know what time they are actually letting people in the parks at HS? We are at saratoga and are considering getting an Uber this morning instead of buses to make sure we are inside as soon as they actually start letting people in. Its posted here that buses start running at 9:30 and that is cutting it to close for me. Wondering what time to get the Uber. I read somewhere that yesterday they were already open at 9:20

Yesterday they didn’t open the parking plaza until about 9:15. They let cars line up about 30 minutes early there. Buses and skyliner were already dropping off before that. But day before that, Shannon from WDW Prep drove and said she was in line for MMRR at 9:15. So seems to vary so far.

 

[dreamit]

Well, today is the day! I'm so excited, I've been up since 4am! We will hopefully hit Epcot this evening.

I changed our hotel yesterday from CR Tower TPV with 35% off FD recovery offer / price protection to Poly Standard Studio with AP discount. Yes, a day before arriving. You know us DISers, always monkeying with our reservations.

I'll report back on our experiences. If anyone needs any specific info, let me know and I will try to find out!

Safe travels! We did the same resort change the day before our trip! Our price protected TPV CR room cost a little more than the discounted Poly room and I didn’t see much benefit to the MK view with no fireworks. I had never stayed in a Studio at Poly before and we’re loving the extra sink and shower. Plus the temp check and walk through security before getting on the resort monorail is great.

 

[mmackeymouse]

I suspected Les Halles would be opening, as I had seen someone on Twitter posting excitement over being hired for Food and Beverage in the France pavilion.

Great to hear it confirmed.

 

[scrappinginontario]

I think Pete has mentioned that he felt like Disney has not really been a fan of the dining plan and would look for an opening to do away with it if they could. This pandemic could be that reason. Disney has progressively made the dining plan less and less of a deal. Its not really a good "deal" not at all but it does offer convenience which is why why have gotten it when we did. Since its just me and and the wife we found it easier without the dining plan since we like to do a lot of lounges.

It will be interesting if Disney opts to not bring it back. I think it would upset a lot of people if they did. But I think it most families worked out the math for what they normally would spend it wouldn't be that big of a deal. I know there are families that the DP is always great for but I think the majority its convenience or perceived value even if its not always great value.

I think they will bring it back but I could totally see it going either way.

As a family who stays at a value resort and has traveled during free dining for the past 10 years, we will never be able to cover our food costs even with the 35% room discount.

 

[planecrazy63]

We will be in Epcot later today as well to complete the parks. We decided with the lack of things open we would make it a half day park

 

[tcherjen]

And for us it felt more magical than ever. With DS (2), the hustle & bustle of the massive crowds were too much most of the time. Walk on rides & the fact that he can hold our hands & walk through the parks without getting trampled has made this the best wdw trip yet for us.

How did your 2 year old do with the mask? How did you practice with him to get him to wear it? We are planning to go in September and 2 year old GS will be with us.

 

[yulilin3]

I am about to pull the trigger and book a night at Pop to be able to go to DHS for the anniversary of SWGE, these discounted rates are so good.

 

[osufeth24]

Leaving my house now for HS. Will update on parking when I get there (takes about 25 minutes to reach hs)

 

[jsbowl16]

What time do they open MMRR? I am wondering if people are getting onto the ride before 10am and then having any issues getting a boarding group for RotR because they are on MMRR at 10am.

 

[yulilin3]

Leaving my house now for HS. Will update on parking when I get there (takes about 25 minutes to reach hs)

MTFBWY

 

[yulilin3]

What time do they open MMRR? I am wondering if people are getting onto the ride before 10am and then having any issues getting a boarding group for RotR because they are on MMRR at 10am.

there's connection inside the building

 

[LaDonna]

Yes, I got their yummy caramel popcorn. They had a limited menu.

I’m so used to having a snack credit without it I have no idea... what’s the price for the popcorn right now? Planning on having it as my lunch one day lol

 

[hertamaniac]

Well, today is the day! I'm so excited, I've been up since 4am! We will hopefully hit Epcot this evening.

I changed our hotel yesterday from CR Tower TPV with 35% off FD recovery offer / price protection to Poly Standard Studio with AP discount. Yes, a day before arriving. You know us DISers, always monkeying with our reservations.

I'll report back on our experiences. If anyone needs any specific info, let me know and I will try to find out!

Looking forward to your insights. Enjoy!

 

[Mit88]

First weekend where all 4 parks are open to the public. Should be interesting to see what the crowds are like.

 

[Eric Smith]

I think Pete has mentioned that he felt like Disney has not really been a fan of the dining plan and would look for an opening to do away with it if they could. This pandemic could be that reason. Disney has progressively made the dining plan less and less of a deal. Its not really a good "deal" not at all but it does offer convenience which is why why have gotten it when we did. Since its just me and and the wife we found it easier without the dining plan since we like to do a lot of lounges.

It will be interesting if Disney opts to not bring it back. I think it would upset a lot of people if they did. But I think it most families worked out the math for what they normally would spend it wouldn't be that big of a deal. I know there are families that the DP is always great for but I think the majority its convenience or perceived value even if its not always great value.

I think they will bring it back but I could totally see it going either way.

They’re going to bring it back. They make a ton of money on it. I’d venture a guess that at least 3/4 of people who buy the dining plan would save money if they just paid as they went.

 

[OKW Lover]

Any word on issues or restrictions with using Uber/Lyft to get around property?

Operating normally

 

[osufeth24]

Parking lot not open. Probably 20 cars back