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

[Epcot242]

We were at the Copper Creek pool at WL yesterday and masks were not required anywhere once we were within the pool area. We were in our lounge chairs mask-free the whole time, and everyone else I saw was doing the same. The CM who was leading the poolside games made an announcement about it and specifically said that once you’re within the gates of the pool area, masks do not have to be worn, but anytime you walk outside the pool area fence, masks have to go back on.

Thanks for this info! If we go this August the pool will be something we really hope to take advantage of. How spaced out were the chairs? Did you feel comfortable being there for some time? And was it crowded? (I know that’ll differ for each resort but just curious.) Thanks in advance if you answer any of these!

 

[IluvMGM]

I recommend a strap for the medical ones so they don't irritate your ears. I tried a few options and these are my current favorite:
https://amzn.to/3jfhF4B

Are they allowed though? Someone mentioned in a previous thread that earsaver type things might not be allowed at Disney. Does anyone know?

 

[pepperandchips]

Are they allowed though? Someone mentioned in a previous thread that earsaver type things might not be allowed at Disney. Does anyone know?

I have not seen anyone report not being allowed to use ear savers. I’ve seen multiple people using them in videos in the parks. They still comply with Disney’s face covering guidelines so I would be surprised if they are a problem to use.

 

[ScubaCat]

Are they allowed though? Someone mentioned in a previous thread that earsaver type things might not be allowed at Disney. Does anyone know?

I have not seen anyone report not being allowed to use ear savers. I’ve seen multiple people using them in videos in the parks. They still comply with Disney’s face covering guidelines so I would be surprised if they are a problem to use.

It's the type of mask that matters, not the method of attachment.

What I like about that particular one is the ear loop string has no way to pop off the clips, it's adjustable, and it's elastic so it stays put pretty well. The silicone ones don't stay up for me and an ear loop seems to pop off from time to time if it shifts even slightly. I ordered and tried several styles (which reminds me, I need to send the rest back!)

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Anecdotal/moment in time of course. But I’ve been on both Splash and Pirates today where they stop the line and make announcements they are stoping the ride to do cleaning “for approx 15 mins.” CMs spray down the boats/surfaces. Definitely an all stop. Not going anywhere.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

Anecdotal/moment in time of course. But I’ve been on both Splash and Pirates today where they stop the line and make announcements they are stoping the ride to do cleaning “for approx 15 mins.” CMs spray down the boats/surfaces.

They should be doing that every ride, no?

 

[GADisneyDad14]

They should be doing that every ride, no?

I assume so. But you can easily go about your day and not see much of this. And have other times where you happen to be there at that moment in time where they are stopping the ride to clean.

 

[mrg013]

Thanks for this info! If we go this August the pool will be something we really hope to take advantage of. How spaced out were the chairs? Did you feel comfortable being there for some time? And was it crowded? (I know that’ll differ for each resort but just curious.) Thanks in advance if you answer any of these!

The chairs were arranged in various sized groupings (some groups of 2 chairs, some of 4, etc.), with what appeared to be just about 6 feet between each group of chairs. I wouldn’t say that we felt super far away from other groups, but it was sufficient to us and felt safe for the several hours we were there. And definitely more spaced out than what Disney normally does with chairs by the pool.

If you’re worried about the pool chairs being wiped down between groups, I would say that was the one thing that wasn’t handled as well as it could have been. Simply from reading things online, I knew that the intended process was for guests to put down the backs of lounge chairs after they were done using them, so that CMs could clean them and put them back up for other guests once sanitized. However, there was no sign about this or any CMs telling guests to do that, so we saw multiple groups of chairs turn over between guests without ever being cleaned. Based on everything we’ve read about the virus, we’re not overly concerned about surfaces like a pool chair. However, if you are, I’d recommend bringing your own wipes for the pool chairs since the process for vacating and then sanitizing them wasn’t clear. Despite this, CMs were by the pool constantly sanitizing just about any other surface you could find.

As far as crowds at the pool, we thought the Copper Creek pool was just about the most crowded place at the resort, but not actually ‘crowded’. Everywhere else at the resort has been pretty empty, so comparatively, the pool was more crowded, but still very easy to get chairs and have plenty of space to yourself inside the pool area too. It was a very pleasant experience for us.

 

[brich330]

Brief summary of my experience opening week (your mileage may vary):

Pros-
-Crowd levels are amazing (never seen main street this low)
-Except for ride unloads (Soarin was the worst), bus pickup/drop off, & Hollywood Studios, social distancing is being handled the best it can be
-If shopping isn’t you’re thing, you won’t miss much from your last trip
-Cast Member’s (for the most part) are trying their best!
-Wait times (If all you care about is rides, go book now!)

Cons-
-Limited hours (No Disney at nighttime)
-Masks
-Do you like shopping at Disney? Don’t go right now.
-Limited Menus
-Some guests aren’t giving Cast Members enough slack (#They’re trying their best #they don’t get a relaxation zone whenever they feel like it).

Advice-
-First trip? Don’t go
-Disney Vet? Go for a short trip (5 days or less)
-Don’t feel comfortable? Don’t go right now (they haven’t worked out the kinks yet)

 

[Micca]

I've heard that more shops are opening in MK--The Confectionery, Ye Olde Christmas Shop, and the jewelry store on Main St.
Thanks for your observations.

 

[Ccstctc]

Some shops are opening (I think today) My favorite (Plaza Ice Cream Shop) is still closed.

 

[MB1232]

Thanks for this info! If we go this August the pool will be something we really hope to take advantage of. How spaced out were the chairs? Did you feel comfortable being there for some time? And was it crowded? (I know that’ll differ for each resort but just curious.) Thanks in advance if you answer any of these!

We stayed at the Pop last weekend. Our experience at the pool was a pretty good one. They were playing games for the kids but they kids stayed in the pool at their social distanced spots to answer trivia or dance. The chairs were separated in groups of 2 or 3 mostly. They reminded people of the rules to put the chair backs forward when you were leaving so they could sanitize the area and a new party could sit. It wasn’t crowded when we were there so there was plenty of space to spread out in chairs and in the pool. Not sure how it is now that all of the parks are open!

 

[MusicalAstronaut]

In line for MMRR, the line was moving great & now it stopped moving. Here’s hoping it hasn’t broken down! Also, we had beers & were drinking/quickly walking to the ride, and a CM said that they’re asking people to keep masks on while moving & it’s ok to remove while standing still (at the appropriate distance) to eat/drink. We thanked them for telling us & he looked shocked. Be nice to the CM’s & listen to directions.

 

[osufeth24]

Just got back from HS, I am exhausted lol

I don't know if it was less crowds or what, but I didn't see the issues that was plaguing HS the first couple of days inside SWGE.

Yes, it was more crowded then any of the other 3 parks I've been to since reopening, but it still wasn't crazy.

MMRR will always have a long line. Personally, I say don't go right at opening as that's when it's the longest. I went around 1pm, probably waited a hour (it was listed at 50 min, but had a 15 minute shutdown to clean). It was listed at 35min for just a brief moment, but by the time I got there it jumped to 50, then 75 not long after I got in line.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

The ducks have officially taken over. On guard.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Current pin trading sign:

 

[fla4fun]

I wondered if anyone currently there has experienced this today, since it wasn’t that way yesterday. Another site is reporting that effective today, you cannot walk and consume food or drink with your mask removed. You have to stop and find a place six feet away from others before removing your mask to drink/eat. If you are moving you must be masked. I don’t think it’s a bad idea, as it does make enforcement a little easier for the CMs, and I was basically doing that anyway because I didn’t want to have my mask even partially removed around others. However, there were a lot of people at Epcot who were walking and actively eating/drinking at the same time with their mask lowered or off, and I know people also do it a lot at DS. I received a survey from Disney this morning with a lot of questions regarding their virus protocols, and the only issue I really had were people who weren’t wearing their masks properly, mostly noses uncovered. Things will probably change on the fly as they get more feedback from we guinea pigs.

ETA I see someone above came across this situation too. It is good to have these threads, since thing are changing so rapidly.

 

[yulilin3]

I've heard that more shops are opening in MK--The Confectionery, Ye Olde Christmas Shop, and the jewelry store on Main St.
Thanks for your observations.

Those have been open from day 1

 

[MusicalAstronaut]

I wondered if anyone currently there has experienced this today, since it wasn’t that way yesterday. Another site is reporting that effective today, you cannot walk and consume food or drink with your mask removed. You have to stop and find a place six feet away from others before removing your mask to drink/eat. If you are moving you must be masked. I don’t think it’s a bad idea, as it does make enforcement a little easier for the CMs, and I was basically doing that anyway because I didn’t want to have my mask even partially removed around others. However, there were a lot of people at Epcot who were walking and actively eating/drinking at the same time with their mask lowered or off, and I know people also do it a lot at DS. I received a survey from Disney this morning with a lot of questions regarding their virus protocols, and the only issue I really had were people who weren’t wearing their masks properly, mostly noses uncovered. Things will probably change on the fly as they get more feedback from we guinea pigs.

This seems correct. A little while ago at DHS we were walking while drinking beers, and a CM asked us to stay masked while moving & drink when we were standing still. CM’s were enforcing it & while it surprised us the first time they stopped us, we immediately complied. It’s not hard, and honestly drinking a beer/beverage while walking isn’t ideal anyway haha.

 

[fla4fun]

This seems correct. A little while ago at DHS we were walking while drinking beers, and a CM asked us to stay masked while moving & drink when we were standing still. CM’s were enforcing it & while it surprised us the first time they stopped us, we immediately complied. It’s not hard, and honestly drinking a beer/beverage while walking isn’t ideal anyway haha.

I do feel a little bad for people with alcoholic drinks that are better sipped than guzzled. Lots of pausing in their future. But it does give the CMs a clear cut way to know for sure if someone is in compliance, and I am all for making it easier on them.