Home after a lovely week. Used this thread extensively in preparation so I figured I'd give my summary as well.
Set Up. We drove and stayed offsite at my timeshare. Only ate inside one day (Christmas) and that was an offsite restaurant. Otherwise, mobile orders or offsite outdoor restaurants.
Overall, we were not disappointed, but that isn't to say there weren't times we were uncomfortable. We had a good time and generally a nice weather break and an opportunity to get away from reality. My notes:
- Agree that mask wearing is generally good. I’ve only seen a few abusers. “It’s okay to take your mask off while sitting.” Um, no not really. Some noses out, etc. But overall no real complaints.
- Mobile ordering is generally worthwhile, but especially the first time the instructions could be clearer in order to know what to do once you get to the site. Overall, though, we appreciated it.
- Lines. I say meh on social distancing here. Up until the last day, I would have said it was 75% people being sheep and 25% Disney fail on some line spacing, but honestly, it might fall a bit more on Disney here. For example, when the queues narrow inside, the lines need to be way more than 6’ apart because people are walking single file. Most people can’t seem to follow the idea when there’s a big gap to allow for 6’ spacing to the side not just the front and back and they tend to fill. That could be marked or identified better, I think. Some people in lines are clueless. We had a couple who were actual jerks. One couple cut in the middle of the line and proceeded to crowd the folks in front of them and weren’t wearing masks. Another family we had to ask to watch the lines because they were right up on us. I think most of it is just automatic response. We’re used to just moving when other people move without thinking. Also they could use a recording to remind people about distancing in lines.
- Open spaces. Often little social distancing, but that bothers me less because we’re moving quickly. I’ve always hated when people just stop in the middle of a walkway but now, it’s really problematic, creating bunching.
- Disney Springs. Gross. I say avoid. We were entirely uncomfortable and would not return until post-pandemic.
- Wait times, etc. We’ve kind of enjoying arriving at parks with no plan. It’s not typical for us at all, but it’s been relaxed. I miss fast passes, but enjoy the freedom. Line waits were pretty true to posted time at MK and HS on our first two days. Maybe like 10 minute shorter. Waits at AK and Epcot were probably ½ posted time in most cases. Seems to be a crapshoot on that, so we just always assumed the worst and were happy with surprises. But overall, we expected to wait so never felt bothered by it. In fact, it gave us a chance to see the details we'd never seen in lines since we'd always had fast passes.
- We love AK but it seems the most limited right now. Easily a 1/2 day.
- So surprised and delighted by how quiet Epcot was for Christmas Eve. Fully expected long food lines and crowding in International Showcase but wow, just a lovely night with plenty of social distancing. Only saw a Santa cavalcade the whole day though.
- My DD1 (19) is VERY forgiving of service workers, and even she noticed a difference in the CMs from the first day. Our final observation is that it seems mostly centered on ride CM's who are obviously dealing with unusual situations. We don't envy them or discredit them, but we noticed less Disney tone, and it felt a little less magical. Had plenty of happy CM's throughout the parks in other areas.
Some highlights: we saw Molly from a popular blog site on day one which was like a HUGE wish for my 14-year-old DD who watches her every morning. Can't tell you how often we said, "Molly suggested ..." during our trip.
We saw JoJo Siwa while in line for ToT. Girls were disappointed it was Covid time and they couldn't rush and greet her.
Got to ride SDD for the first time since we've never been able to get FP's and the lines were too long, but we got there before opening and only had a 30 min wait.
Great family time and a chance to feel normal despite some discomfort. Enjoyed many of the changes including not feeling so bunched up in lines. I tend to follow the philosophy that first timers may miss out on more than veterans. I'll probably wait a bit to go back, but don't regret the experience.
