Here Now & Just Back - A Place To Share Your Recent Experiences

[Grumpy by Birth]

On our Hollywood Studios day we went to ride Smugglers Run first. Then from that point just went to the next physically closest ride. No strategy required. If there was a line we stood there. We paid no attention to trying to pick the next ride based on shortest posted wait time.

We did the same for Magic Kingdom that same weekend. We went to Pirates of the Caribbean first and then worked our way around the park from left to right just going to the next physically closest ride.

In both days we walked so much less then we have ever walked on a Disney trip. We typically push 30k to 40k steps a day. Both days were in the 16k step range. In the past our next ride was always dictated by our fast pass. So we were always walking from one side of the park to the other side and back and forth. With no fast passes dictating what was next we just went to what was closest and saved a ton of steps.

This is just... so simple and so brilliant.

 

[Befferk]

I had Uber drop me off right at the intersection where "Blvd" is in Epcot Resorts Blvd. Saves a couple of minutes from being dropped off at Speedway

Thanks, I was thinking of that but didn't know if they were allowed to just drop people off at an intersection.

 

[yulilin3]

On our Hollywood Studios day we went to ride Smugglers Run first. Then from that point just went to the next physically closest ride. No strategy required. If there was a line we stood there. We paid no attention to trying to pick the next ride based on shortest posted wait time.

We did the same for Magic Kingdom that same weekend. We went to Pirates of the Caribbean first and then worked our way around the park from left to right just going to the next physically closest ride.

In both days we walked so much less then we have ever walked on a Disney trip. We typically push 30k to 40k steps a day. Both days were in the 16k step range. In the past our next ride was always dictated by our fast pass. So we were always walking from one side of the park to the other side and back and forth. With no fast passes dictating what was next we just went to what was closest and saved a ton of steps.

This reminded me, when my ex husband used to work at backlot tour. A guest approached him at the end of the night, very upset because they couldn't make it into backlot tour because the attraction used to close about an hour before park closing
My ex apologized and explained it was posted on the times guide
The guest said they tried to do everything in order ands just couldn't make it
By order they meant they went literally with the map and did the attraction numbered 1 then 2 and so forth... by the time they got to whatever number backlot was it was too late
My ex explained they didn't need to go in numerical order
i laughed so hard ay that story

 

[Cynt]

I've been doing a lot of thinking about RD on our first DHS day (two scheduled). Galaxy's Edge is the biggest reason for our visit. Even though it might mean having to wait longer for MMRR and/or SDD if we wait until later to do those, I've been thinking about taking an approach I've often used in other parks in the past, "zig when they zag."
By that I mean: let the hoards head to MMRR and SDD and we go directly to SWGE. If feasible, I'd like to work our way through SWGE at a relatively leisurely pace (even if that means some others are moving ahead of us) to enjoy the scenery on our way to MF:SR and then shop, etc. there while waiting for a BG.

We went straight to SWGE at RD. We also didn't manage to get a boarding group until the 2pm give away. Had we managed to get one at the 10am slot we would have ridden every ride at HS once before 2:30pm. Instead we had to stick around to 6pm ish when our boarding group was called. During that time we rode many rides again and again and also took a 1 hour break to ride the skyliner.

On our Hollywood Studios day we went to ride Smugglers Run first. Then from that point just went to the next physically closest ride. No strategy required. If there was a line we stood there. We paid no attention to trying to pick the next ride based on shortest posted wait time.

We were at WDW 9/28 - 10/2 - we did HS the first day we were there (a Monday) - we went right to GE. We walked at a pretty brisk pace, but then once there took our time, there were very few people there, we walked around took a bunch of photos with no body in them (yay!) and then went to Smuggler's Run. We walked right on. We got out in time to try for a boarding group for ROTR and failed LOL! So we walked around a bit and were able to do the shops with a minimal wait. Then we did the rest of the things.

Ssshhhhhh don't tell everyone my secret. This is exactly what I plan to do. We're big thrill seeking rollercoaster people so MMR and SDD don't appeal to us. We would rather wait in line for RnR. But DH is a Star Wars fan so we're headed to GE first. It's our first time to DHS to experience GE. So we plan to put in the time at RD. We do have a second day at DHS scheduled just in case we don't get a BP on our 1st day.

 

[Leigh L]

Ssshhhhhh don't tell everyone my secret. This is exactly what I plan to do. We're big thrill seeking rollercoaster people so MMR and SDD don't appeal to us. We would rather wait in line for RnR. But DH is a Star Wars fan so we're headed to GE first. It's our first time to DHS to experience GE. So we plan to put in the time at RD. We do have a second day at DHS scheduled just in case we don't get a BP on our 1st day.

Sounds like a great plan to me
We went in August when it wasn't as crowded, but this was our strategy too. I think we got in the park around 9:20-9:30 and went straight to GE, it was SO quiet back there since everyone went to TS land and MMRR. We decided not to do MFSR just yet but soak in the atmosphere (we had ridden a couple of times back in January but the land was far from empty then). I just love the ambient noise. We took some pics in the land when it was empty, had a relaxing breakfast, and was all set for 10 a.m. to get a BG sitting at a table with hardly anyone around. Then we strolled over to TSL as I love the sound transition between the lands, I feel it's done so well.

 

[lmbcdb]

Thanks for sharing your strategy! We're booked at Pop for this December and think we'll try this on our DHS day. Is it pretty easy to figure out where to go from the Speedway? No crossing busy roads or anything like that?

Yes, it was easy, especially if you ask Google Maps for walking directions, which is what we did...and after you leave the Speedway, you can see the walkway where people are already walking over.
The one road you have to cross is easy and has a big median in the middle.

 

[GBRforWDW]

Sounds like a great plan to me
We went in August when it wasn't as crowded, but this was our strategy too. I think we got in the park around 9:20-9:30 and went straight to GE, it was SO quiet back there since everyone went to TS land and MMRR. We decided not to do MFSR just yet but soak in the atmosphere (we had ridden a couple of times back in January but the land was far from empty then). I just love the ambient noise. We took some pics in the land when it was empty, had a relaxing breakfast, and was all set for 10 a.m. to get a BG sitting at a table with hardly anyone around. Then we strolled over to TSL as I love the sound transition between the lands, I feel it's done so well.

That’s really incredible regarding Galaxies Edge before rope drop. Remember the pictures right before the shut down when people were starting to worry about the closeness of others, yet the street leading to GE was packed in tight full of people? Interesting how that is no longer the case.

 

[crazy_for_the_dis]

Unless things have changed dramatically since I was there Labor Day weekend, and I don't think they have, you should feel free do do the park in what ever order you want.

We went straight to SWGE at RD. We also didn't manage to get a boarding group until the 2pm give away. Had we managed to get one at the 10am slot we would have ridden every ride at HS once before 2:30pm. Instead we had to stick around to 6pm ish when our boarding group was called. During that time we rode many rides again and again and also took a 1 hour break to ride the skyliner.

That would not have been possible this week at all. We were there from rope drop to close, and had a really good first hour, but still didn’t get on everything. And no way could have went on anything more than once. But that is adding in oga’s, savi’s, lunch, etc.

 

[katyringo]

We had a very successful day at Hollywood Studios. The only reason for this is this thread and the Disboards.

Park opening time - 10:00.

We called a Lyft at 8:15, it arrived at 8:30 and took us to the Speedway near the Boardwalk. I went in and got a Coke and we walked over to the park. Got in line at 9:00, probably 100 people back

Line started moving at 9:05 for temp screening. Moved VERY quickly, no line at a far right turnstile, tapped in and went straight to MMRR. We were in line at 9:15. Already snaking around the plaza. 25 minute wait, constantly moving.

We then headed to Galaxy’s Edge, all the way back to the Falcon. It was 9:55, so we stood outside the entrance to MFSR. Turned off location settings, we both tried for a group and got group 40. (Got called at 12:30.)

Literally walked on MFSR. When we got off the wait was 60 minutes.

At this point we walked around taking pictures ang going in shops. There was a 20 min wait for the marketplace, and only 1 person could go in a shop at a time.

We had lunch and dinner at Docking Bay 7. The atmosphere was great - food was so-so. (My husband ordered better at dinner - said the pot roast was good)

Our boarding group was called for ROTR at 12:30. I had not read/watched anything about the ride (on purpose) and I was absolutely floored. We could’ve gone back to the room at that point and I would’ve been happy.

We then went to Star Tours - posted 30, waited 15. We hadn’t seen the scenes with the new characters from the recent movies, so that was nice.

Went back to Galaxy’s Edge for our 2:00 Oga’s reservation. Nice break, good drinks and food.

We then went down to RnR and ToT.
ToT - posted 50, waited 25.
RnR - posted 50, waited 34.
Two of my favorite rides, so I didn’t mind waiting. However, the sun was definitely a beat down out in the street. I took an umbrella like someone suggested, and it helped immensely. (Temp was 87, feels like 93)

We went back to Docking Bay 7 for dinner because we wanted a/c. Few choices for dinner.

We then went to the relaxation station in GE and collapsed for 30 minutes.

I had scheduled us a 6:50 droid appointment on purpose so we could see GE at night and get some pictures without people.

So totally worth it - check out the awesome pictures I got.

View attachment 532418

View attachment 532419

View attachment 532420 Skyliner was only a 15 min wait back to Pop..for all the great advice, everyone!

ahhhhh! We have an Ogas for park closing and I am so glad I have kept it!

 

[Coppercoal]

Has anyone had any success as a resort guest changing their Hollywood Studios park reservation day at guest relations if the day you want to switch to shows as unavailable?

 

[djmeredith]

I've been doing a lot of thinking about RD on our first DHS day (two scheduled). Galaxy's Edge is the biggest reason for our visit. Even though it might mean having to wait longer for MMRR and/or SDD if we wait until later to do those, I've been thinking about taking an approach I've often used in other parks in the past, "zig when they zag."

By that I mean: let the hoards head to MMRR and SDD and we go directly to SWGE. If feasible, I'd like to work our way through SWGE at a relatively leisurely pace (even if that means some others are moving ahead of us) to enjoy the scenery on our way to MF:SR and then shop, etc. there while waiting for a BG.

So my question is: are lots of people going directly to MF:SR in the morning (I keep reading reports of walk-on or less than 30 minute waits)?

I'm hoping by prioritizing SWGE on our first day there, we can then do MMRR and SDD at RD when we go back on our second DHS day (still trying for another ROTR BG of course). Even if we skip MMRR and SDD altogether on the first day, we have another opportunity to ride them.

From most accounts, the majority of the crowd seems to be going to MMRR and SDD first because of how long those lines get later in the day. So I'm hopeful that means fewer people in SWGE at RD? Anyone done this recently who can report if it's a good strategy?

Thanks!

ETA: Perhaps a less enjoyable approach, but we could also move expeditiously to MF:SR and ride that and THEN take our time looking around SWGE. I was just hoping to "experience" the journey and be able to take in the sights a bit on the way there, instead of just hurrying past everything.

It is a good strategy. We were the first family through the gate on Wed. and went straight to SWGE. We rushed straight to MFSR and were the second party in line. We had to wait until they started operating at 9:30, but then we were able to walk right on again for a second ride. So I think you have time to walk through and enjoy a little bit before you get in line. However, when we came out the second time it was 9:56 and there were a lot of people standing around the entrance/exit area waiting to try for a BG. As soon as that was over, there was a mad dash to the entrance and we watched the line grow really long as we walked away. We also walked on again at the end of the day around 6:30 when posted wait time was still 40 minutes.

Unless things have changed dramatically since I was there Labor Day weekend, and I don't think they have, you should feel free do do the park in what ever order you want.

We went straight to SWGE at RD. We also didn't manage to get a boarding group until the 2pm give away. Had we managed to get one at the 10am slot we would have ridden every ride at HS once before 2:30pm. Instead we had to stick around to 6pm ish when our boarding group was called. During that time we rode many rides again and again and also took a 1 hour break to ride the skyliner.

It appears things have changed drastically since Labor Day. Reading reports on here since then and experiencing the wait times at all 4 parks this week for myself, the crowds and wait times have increased significantly since then. It would be very difficult with the current crowd levels to do everything at DHS unless you are there most of the day. The wait times did not decrease much until the last 1.5 of the day. The days of people leaving in droves after the 2:00 BG time appear to be over. We did RD to close on Wed. and we did not get to do MMRR, Lightning McQueen or Frozen Sing Along (didn't want to do Frozen anyway). We could have jumped in line for MMRR right before 7:00, but my teens were too tired so we left.

 

[fabfemmeboy]

Has anyone had any success as a resort guest changing their Hollywood Studios park reservation day at guest relations if the day you want to switch to shows as unavailable?

Not that I've seen or heard of. I've seen a couple people who tried to change their days when there was no availability for the target park showing, and someone else snatched up their old reservation while they were trying, so they were effectively locked out both days. I've seen a few others who were frustrated that they couldn't get a day at DHS during their brief trip and who said they were calling GS to try to get it 'fixed' but never came back to cheer their victory on the boards. And honestly, I don't know why they would grant a person's request to switch to an unavailable day. If they did that for one person, they would have to do it for hundreds, especially at DHS which is most likely to show as unavailable. The only way I could see that working would be if you were to, for example, find someone who had your target day and wanted your available day, then see if a CM could do the switch at the same time to make sure no one else swooped in and took one of the days while it was in-process. But otherwise...no, not really.

 

[DisneyOma]

Yes, it was easy, especially if you ask Google Maps for walking directions, which is what we did...and after you leave the Speedway, you can see the walkway where people are already walking over.
The one road you have to cross is easy and has a big median in the middle.

Was there a crosswalk there, or are you just jaywalking?

 

[lmbcdb]

Was there a crosswalk there, or are you just jaywalking?

There is not a crosswalk.

 

[Turk February]

Good morning! We have returned from our quick 5 day trip (and our first time staying off property in about 10 years!). We hadn't planned to visit WDW this year, but $25 flights on Jetblue changed our minds and we needed to get away after 7 months of working and schooling from home.

We went to MK on Saturday October 10, and DHS on Monday October 12. The other days we just relaxed, went to the pool, DS, and did work/school from the hotel. It was by far our least packed WDW trip ever.

To start, some background on us: We are WDW vets and super planners, and came from NYC where masks and social distancing have been a part of life for about 6 months now. We understand the dangers of COVID but also consider ourselves to be logical and think you're able to live life to an extent while still being careful and safe by taking the proper precautions.

Like others have said countless times, I think the most important thing to keep in mind right now is to manage your expectations and forget experiencing anything close to July/August crowds. Those are over. Understand the new reality and work with it.

MASKS & SOCIAL DISTANCING
I'd rate compliance at a strong 95%. Social distancing in some parts of the parks and DS is now completely impossible and not even feasible. This didn't really bother me, as I am not one to think that quickly passing by someone less than 6 feet away while wearing a mask will be the death of me. But if this is an issue you're concerned about, it might be time to either recalibrate your expectations or rethink your trip altogether. There are plenty of areas of the parks where this is not the case, but places like Fantasyland, Adventureland, Toy Story Land and SWGE are packed on busy days in the morning and afternoon.

I will say this - we noticed a lot of quick sips of water while waiting in lines. This did not bother us and we were guilty of it too. It was disgustingly hot out (real feels of 100). It is important to stay hydrated. If a quick pull down of a mask for a sip of water from someone 6 feet away in line is going to bother you, be aware that it is going to happen. It was by no means a constant thing, but we noticed it enough and again, it never bothered us.

People seem to be really good at social distancing in ride lines. It can be difficult if you have a large party since the markers are spaced out every 6 feet and a group of 6 can't squeeze together in a 4-foot wide space. So we were understanding if people weren't exactly on their markers and only twice did we have to say something to people who were literally almost on top of us. My wife joked that she needed a stick like Cartman to keep people away.

But the big takeaway for me is it's all about perception. I have read so many people on here saying that mask compliance is horrible at the parks...we just didn't see that. I was actually impressed.

CROWDS
Again - perception and personal comfort. Even though capacity is capped at 25% (and I have seen some internal numbers that support this), it does feel like more because of all the stores and restaurants closed, the extended lines, and the reduced ride capacity. I noticed at both MK and DHS that people really start to leave around 4. It never felt like a zoo to me, or overwhelming. It was busy in places, but it's been that way for a month now. I can't think of a single time I felt uncomfortable. If I had to put a number on in, I'd say both of our park days "felt" like 5s.

MK DAY (SATURDAY OCT 10)
I am a planner, and the parks are busy enough now that a good plan is necessary on weekends and busy days. Rope Drop is essential. According to TP, this was the busiest MK day since reopening.

We took an Uber from the Wyndham to Contemporary so we could walk and beat the bus/car crowds. I placed a mobile order with Contempo Cafe but the gate guard just let us in without question (YMMV). When we arrived at temp check at 8:10, it was already open and busses were already arriving. I got worried that we were way behind already and that they had started running things even earlier because of the holiday crowds. We got right through temp check, security and tapstiles very quickly and were in front of the castle by 8:20.

Here's the rundown of our day:

Arrived at SDMT at 8:24 and were on by 8:40
BTTM had a posted 15 minute wait when we got there at 8:55, which was accurate
We had planned to ride Splash next, but it was not operating yet
Moved over to Pirates, which was a 9 minute wait (posted 5)
Splash was still down, and so was Haunted Mansion so we walked over to Space
At 9:45, Space was posting a 60 minute wait. We were on in 36
Our daughter then really wanted to ride Speedway, so we waited 15 minutes for that (posted 25)
While we were in line for Speedway, Splash began operating around 10:45 so we decided to go there next, knowing that the line would only get worse
Splash was posting a 60 minute wait as we walked over, and changed to 90 right after we got in line. We waited exactly 60 minutes for it

At that point, it was 12:20 and we needed a break. One of the big differences right now with masks and heat is that breaks (IMO) are necessary. You don't realize how much you walk and drink and eat until you can't. In fact, I carried that stupid breakfast sandwich order from Contempo Cafe with me until after SDMT because at no point did I want to stop and eat it and lose valuable morning time in the park haha. After SDMT, my wife basically forced me to just stop and take 5 minutes to eat.

We did a little shopping and then made one of the best decisions: took the monorail to get lunch at The Wave!

I highly recommend going to the Wave for lunch for 2 reasons: number one, it's indoors and you get a nice break in the AC for an hour or so. Secondly, it's comparable in price to a good QS meal inside the park and for better food. I had "budgeted" about $60 for our MK park lunch and it was just about that for The Wave. I was very happy with this decision and reservations for The Wave are plentiful even on the same day.

We walked back over to MK, refreshed and ready to keep going.
13 minute wait for Pooh (posted 20)
40 minute wait for Pan (posted 40) but I am pretty sure we hit our only cleaning cycle during this wait because we were stopped for a good 15 minutes
17 minute wait for Buzz (posted 30)
30 minute Starbucks break (this was around 4p and we sat and watched hoards of people leaving the parks at this point)
5 minute wait for Tea Party (posted 10)
5 minute wait for Dumbo (posted 5)
10 minute wait for Barnstormer (posted 15)
10 minute wait for Mermaid (posted 25)
24 minute wait for Haunted Mansion (posted 40)

At the end of the day, we were able to hit everything on our list except Small World. Breaks are essential in the heat with masks on. Save the majority of Fantasyland for later in the day. Rope drop and knock out 2-3 big rides early and then try to stay 1 step ahead of the crowds. We had an excellent day and capped it with a great dinner at Skipper Canteen in the butterfly booth!

DHS DAY (MONDAY OCTOBER 12)
We took an Uber to the Speedway and walked to DHS. We arrived at the makeshift lines at 8:22 and there were about 30 people ahead of us divided into 2 lines.

As others have said, take the line to the left. They have more temp check stations on the left and you'll get through quicker once they start moving people over.

We were moved over to temp check at about 8:45 and were held there until exactly 9. By this time, there were at least 300 people behind us. I'm glad we arrived so early. We were 2nd in line at one of the temp check tents and through that, security and the tapstiles by 9:02.

We arrived at MMRR at 9:04 and were 6th in line!!! We were SO excited and happy with our decision to arrive so early. They began operating the ride really early and we were on at 9:16. Very cute and well done! The more I think about it, the more I love it. When we walked outside, the line was absolutely insane and all day my daughter couldn't get over how quick we rode it compared to the current lines. It's great to have a little one that is 100% down with planning and maximizing time like we are.

We decided to head over to Slinky and got in line at 9:25, with an announced wait of 60 minutes. They began operating at 9:30 and the actual wait was 50 minutes.

During our Slinky wait, the moment of truth arrived. What I had been planning and practicing for for 3 weeks. Everyone in view had their phones out by 9:55 just waiting. 10:00 hits...Boarding Group 4!!!! My hands would not stop shaking for 5 minutes. We were so happy. All that practice paid off!

BG4 was called at 10:11 and we walked over and got in line at 10:30. We were off the ride by 11. No spoilers, but it was incredible.

At that point, we had been "going" since 8:30 waiting in lines and decided to take a break from 11 until 12:30. We did some shopping and went to the Launch Bay relaxation station, which was great. We actually used it twice that day and both times almost no one was inside. Highly recommended.

Waited 20 minutes for Star Tours at 12:35 (posted 35 minutes)
Waited 15 minutes for TSMM (posted 30)
Ate lunch at Docking Bay 7 from 1:50-2:30
MFSR was posted at 45 and that was about right. We got to Hondo after 38 minutes
15 minute wait for Saucers (posted 20)

At this point, it was 4:00 and my wife had a Savi's appointment at 5:05. We contemplated RnRC but didn't want to chance it since you are asked to check in 15 minutes early, so we decided to take another break and go to some stores.

We checked into Savi's and they were running behind. They were very firm about not letting all of us (me, wife, 11-yr-old daughter) in together. I understood and didn't fight it, but we had to try and ask. I had done it last year, so my wife took our daughter in with her.

After she was finished at 5:45, we walked on to Muppets. It had been years since we had done this and a lot of the jokes now really landed with our daughter since she's older.

We had wanted to ride RnRC and kept pushing it because of the wait and this ended up being my one big miscalculation. Since merch hold at the front of the park is closed, RnRC is really the only ride that you can't safely bring a lightsaber on. We did not want to do rider switch with our daughter because she wasn't excited to ride it to begin with. So we skipped it. No big deal, we've done it 100 times. But in hindsight I should have thought about the lightsaber issue earlier and gone to ride before the Savi's reservation.

We finished up with one more ride on MFSR. It was a posted 45 minute wait at 6:30 and took us 34 to get to Hondo. Then we took some photos with the new lightsaber and went to our dinner at 50s Prime Time.

THINGS I MISSED
1. Seeing CMs smile, and smiling back
2. Character meets (although it was a nice change this trip to not worry about them, and be able to get more done)
3. Photopass and taking photos in general. We took a few here and there but with masks on it just felt...weird. This was definitely our least photographed trip.
4. Nighttime at the parks

FINAL THOUGHTS
Overall, we had a really good time and I'm glad we came. That said, I would NOT recommend anyone go right now for their first time. While the magic is still there, it's noticeably muted. You can tell some CMs are miserable, but overall they were great. We only had a handful of interactions that left a lot to be desired.

I did not miss staying on property as much as I thought I would! We loved the 5 minute walk to DS and just took Ubers anywhere else we needed to go. Once (if) social distancing is over and busses can be filled again, I'm sure we'll stay back on property but it all sounds like too much of a wait/hassle at the moment.

Thanks to everyone in the last month or so who has made posts like this and informed others like me who were planning. These really help. Without this group, I never would have known about getting dropped off at Speedway, or being able to practice getting a ROTR BG from home, or a dozen other things that are different now. This is a great community and I hope this post helped someone like so many helped me!

 

[djmeredith]

Just finished all 4 parks in 4 days. I've shared a few other specific bits of info already so I'll share my thoughts on overall experience here. The parks feel very crowded. As others have said, there are simply not enough activities open to spread the crowds so even at 25% (according to Chapek) it feels very crowded. The lines in the heat and masks are brutal at times. We took umbrellas which helped. Social distancing has been literally IMPOSSIBLE for the vast majority of the time spent walking around the parks and Disney Springs. Passing people outdoors that close doesn't bother me, but it might some. Most people do observe the line markers, but definitely not all. You can expect at least one family to creep up on you in a line during your time here. Mask compliance has been very high. There have been a few obnoxious people who are clearly trying to ignore the rule but the vast majority are complying. People are going to drink water and even sometimes eat in line (we did it as well but never completely removing our masks). The lines are long and hot and it is not realistic to expect people to wait in hour+ lines in the sun without drinking water.

Due to the reduced ride capacity and lack of open shows, characters, restaurants etc. rope drop is essential if you want to accomplish a lot. We are "commando" style visitors and even doing RD and going commando have not allowed us to accomplish everything with the limited capacity. The first 1.5 hrs each day have been critical to us accomplishing most everything we wanted to do. Sitting down in a restaurant (QS or TS) for a break each day has also been a much needed break. Mobile order QS meals well before you want to pick it up to avoid a long wait. Crowds have NOT dwindled in the afternoons this week as people have reported previously. I'm thinking that is because 1) it hasn't rained and 2) most of the people here this week are fall breakers (not locals/frequent visitors) so they are trying to get their money's worth (like us). The wait times at MK dropped slightly during the last hour yesterday, but not much before that. 45 minutes for HM in the blazing sun was not fun! However, we also accomplished Peter Pan, BTMRR and Splash within the first 1.5 hrs. You will have to be prepared to wait in at least 2 or 3 long lines if you want to do it all. If it is your first time at Magic Kingdom, you may want to consider doing it over 2 days so you don’t feel rushed.

We still have a second day scheduled at DHS tomorrow, which I booked just in case we didn't get a BG on our first day. Overall, we are glad we came but would not recommend it for first time visitors and will not be back until Disney finds a way to disperse crowds better and masks are not required. Let me know if you have any questions and I'll be glad to help. We could not have accomplished what we did if I had not had all the great tips from this site.

ETA: I understand there is only so much Disney can do right now about ride capacity, but they should have increased the hours during these busy fall break weeks. They knew we were coming. Extending by even 1 hour in the evening would have made for a much more enjoyably paced trip.

 

[CarolynFH]

Was there a crosswalk there, or are you just jaywalking?

There is not a crosswalk.

But there is a traffic light (not a pedestrian light, I don't think) at the corner, so you can cross with the light (as opposed to crossing the street farther down toward the Boardwalk entrance, where there's no light and no crosswalk either). And there's a sidewalk on both sides of the intersection, so you're not jaywalking if you cross at the corner.

 

[NC State]

My question is for the ones that has returned. I keep reading where people feel that "the parks feel very crowded". I just wanted to know if anyone is letting Disney know how your trip felt when you visited? If it felt crowded now, I can image how it will feel come the Christmas holidays.

 

[underminer]

I must admit these reports of crowds and wait times are a bit discouraging. Does it seem like these are “fall break” crowds and it may get a little better in early November (when we are going) or will it just get progressively worse until the holidays are over?

 

[Befferk]

We took an Uber from the Wyndham to Contemporary so we could walk and beat the bus/car crowds. I placed a mobile order with Contempo Cafe but the gate guard just let us in without question (YMMV).

Thank you for such a detailed report! Amazing information. A few questions for you on your Contempo breakfast. I'm thinking of doing the same thing to be able to grab breakfast on the fly and be efficient that morning. How much time would you say it took you from arriving at the Contemporary to leaving (so how long to get to the Contempo, pick up your food, and be back on your way)? What method did you use to get from Contemporary to MK? Bus, Monorail, boat (sorry if I missed that part)?