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

[Ellester]

Arrived yesterday afternoon. Drove from Georgia, very little traffic on 75 or Turnpike. Travel party includes me, hubby, 4 kids (22, 19, 16, & 12) and my mom who is using a rented scooter. Had dinner at the resort and then went to play Fantasia Golf (mom stayed at resort). They wouldn’t even let our family of 6 together! Kids went first and hubby and I were a hole behind. We played that way but obviously thought it was a bit silly to separate a nuclear family! Fun time, first time we have played mini golf at Disney! We did the “fun”side, we may try to go back later in the week for the “serious” side that is really like a mini-golf course!


Today, Mon 2/8 was AK. We got to our busstop at Old Key West at 6:55am and we all alone at the busstop. Bus arrived at 6:58am and was empty, no one got on at any other stop so we had a private bus. Arrived at AK at 7:20 a supervisor came on the bus to talk to the driver and then told us we couldn’t get off the bus until 7:30? The driver told us that he was confused since he had to be at work at 5:30am and start driving shortly after 6. Then, the busses that arrived after us starting unloading anyway so our driver told us to go ahead and get off. Parking lot was open and people were entering from the lot as we pulled in. Right through temp check and turnstiles and headed to Pandora. Took us 10 minutes to get on FoP, all of that was walking through the queue without stopping. Off at 8:07am, quick bathroom break and then into Navi River Journey queue since it was posted at 20 minutes. Actually took 15. Queue was substantially longer once we got off. Headed to EE and walked on, train wasn’t even full. Hubby and kids rode again with no wait. Tried for the Zoom Photopass picture but it wasn’t open yet. Walked on Triceratop Spin and Dinosaur right after. Wanted a snack so headed to Isle of Java for coffee, pretzels and a Tiger tail. Walked on Safari at 11:03, had to wait for the giraffes to get off the path so longer trip than normal. Very cool to have them so close though! Lunch at Satu’li Canteen. My mom has a pepper allergy so we had to go to the register to order, they were great with it and lunch was delicious! Two kids wanted Dole Whips for dessert so we got those and then headed to the “Feathered Friends in Flight Show”. We all really really enjoyed it. Wanted to ride the train to Conservation Station but it was down for a problem and didn’t come back online by the time we were ready to leave. There was a 15 minute wait for the gorilla trail and we didn’t feel like waiting so we headed back towards Everest. Hubby and kids rode Everest again, no wait and then went right back on without even going through the queue (consensus was the CM thought our 19yo was cute!) Did the zoom Photopass picture then headed back to Pandora since FoP was showing at 15 minute wait. Got in line at 3:02 and on at 3:21, so just over the quoted time. Every seat was full, queue was well distanced, exiting out was not. The stairwell out was packed. We left room in front of us but had people right behind. It was really the only time we felt crowded all day. We had to stop by guest services on the way out to relink our oldest’s tickets with my app so we can try for RotR passes tomorrow. Left the park at 4:00.


We are glad we got there early and really felt the crowds were super minimal until after lunch and event then they were very manageable. Heading to Disney Springs for dinner at Raglan Road shortly, we’ll see how comfortable we feel over there! Plan is for HS tomorrow.

 

[CapnJacksGirl]

Today, Mon 2/8 was AK. We got to our busstop at Old Key West at 6:55am and we all alone at the busstop. Bus arrived at 6:58am and was empty, no one got on at any other stop so we had a private bus. Arrived at AK at 7:20 a supervisor came on the bus to talk to the driver and then told us we couldn’t get off the bus until 7:30? The driver told us that he was confused since he had to be at work at 5:30am and start driving shortly after 6. Then, the busses that arrived after us starting unloading anyway so our driver told us to go ahead and get off. Parking lot was open and people were entering from the lot as we pulled in.

Thanks for your report!!

I'll be following you closely since we too will be at OKW in a couple of weeks and I've been wondering how early buses have been working from there. Sounds like not much difference on early arrival to AK between the bus and what Lyft be. Do you mind me asking where in OKW you are boarding? We asked for Peninsular Road, but I realize requests aren't always granted.

Sounds like you had a great day.....here's to hoping for just as much fun tomorrow!

 

[MinnieMSue]

Arrived yesterday afternoon. Drove from Georgia, very little traffic on 75 or Turnpike. Travel party includes me, hubby, 4 kids (22, 19, 16, & 12) and my mom who is using a rented scooter. Had dinner at the resort and then went to play Fantasia Golf (mom stayed at resort). They wouldn’t even let our family of 6 together! Kids went first and hubby and I were a hole behind. We played that way but obviously thought it was a bit silly to separate a nuclear family! Fun time, first time we have played mini golf at Disney! We did the “fun”side, we may try to go back later in the week for the “serious” side that is really like a mini-golf course!


Today, Mon 2/8 was AK. We got to our busstop at Old Key West at 6:55am and we all alone at the busstop. Bus arrived at 6:58am and was empty, no one got on at any other stop so we had a private bus. Arrived at AK at 7:20 a supervisor came on the bus to talk to the driver and then told us we couldn’t get off the bus until 7:30? The driver told us that he was confused since he had to be at work at 5:30am and start driving shortly after 6. Then, the busses that arrived after us starting unloading anyway so our driver told us to go ahead and get off. Parking lot was open and people were entering from the lot as we pulled in. Right through temp check and turnstiles and headed to Pandora. Took us 10 minutes to get on FoP, all of that was walking through the queue without stopping. Off at 8:07am, quick bathroom break and then into Navi River Journey queue since it was posted at 20 minutes. Actually took 15. Queue was substantially longer once we got off. Headed to EE and walked on, train wasn’t even full. Hubby and kids rode again with no wait. Tried for the Zoom Photopass picture but it wasn’t open yet. Walked on Triceratop Spin and Dinosaur right after. Wanted a snack so headed to Isle of Java for coffee, pretzels and a Tiger tail. Walked on Safari at 11:03, had to wait for the giraffes to get off the path so longer trip than normal. Very cool to have them so close though! Lunch at Satu’li Canteen. My mom has a pepper allergy so we had to go to the register to order, they were great with it and lunch was delicious! Two kids wanted Dole Whips for dessert so we got those and then headed to the “Feathered Friends in Flight Show”. We all really really enjoyed it. Wanted to ride the train to Conservation Station but it was down for a problem and didn’t come back online by the time we were ready to leave. There was a 15 minute wait for the gorilla trail and we didn’t feel like waiting so we headed back towards Everest. Hubby and kids rode Everest again, no wait and then went right back on without even going through the queue (consensus was the CM thought our 19yo was cute!) Did the zoom Photopass picture then headed back to Pandora since FoP was showing at 15 minute wait. Got in line at 3:02 and on at 3:21, so just over the quoted time. Every seat was full, queue was well distanced, exiting out was not. The stairwell out was packed. We left room in front of us but had people right behind. It was really the only time we felt crowded all day. We had to stop by guest services on the way out to relink our oldest’s tickets with my app so we can try for RotR passes tomorrow. Left the park at 4:00.


We are glad we got there early and really felt the crowds were super minimal until after lunch and event then they were very manageable. Heading to Disney Springs for dinner at Raglan Road shortly, we’ll see how comfortable we feel over there! Plan is for HS tomorrow.

regarding Fantasia golf it was probably not covid related that they split your family. Most groups have to be smaller sizes or it holds up the whole course behind you at busy mini golf centers.

 

[Ellester]

Thanks for your report!!

I'll be following you closely since we too will be at OKW in a couple of weeks and I've been wondering how early buses have been working from there. Sounds like not much difference on early arrival to AK between the bus and what Lyft be. Do you mind me asking where in OKW you are boarding? We asked for Peninsular Road, but I realize requests aren't always granted.

You‘re welcome! I know I had been following this thread closely coming up to our trip so I’m happy to pass on what I can to the next group!

This is our first time at OKW. We are in Old Turtle Pond. In our 15 years as DVC members I honestly don’t think we have EVER gotten a single request filled before arriving. This time I called when we made our reservation to make a medical request to be sure we could get a first floor unit or have one of the few buildings with an elevator because my mom has the scooter and can’t climb too many steps. So when we got our room assignment, we were on the 3rd floor of a non-elevator building. Sigh. At the front desk they were able to move us to a 1st floor unit. I honestly don’t know what we would have done if they hadn’t been able to move us. We don’t like to take the accessible rooms since she doesn’t need the interior adaptations but we may have to go that route if we stay at OKW again. I know many people have great luck with their requests, but we are not those people.

regarding Fantasia golf it was probably not covid related that they split your family. Most groups have to be smaller sizes or it holds up the whole course behind you at busy mini golf centers.

Yes, I suppose it could be their standard rule. It was not busy at all. I think there were two other groups on the course when we got their and maybe two more came while we were there? I was very surprised how quiet it was at 7:30 pm on a gorgeous night when the parks closed early.

 

[CapnJacksGirl]

This is our first time at OKW. We are in Old Turtle Pond. In our 15 years as DVC members I honestly don’t think we have EVER gotten a single request filled before arriving. This time I called when we made our reservation to make a medical request to be sure we could get a first floor unit or have one of the few buildings with an elevator because my mom has the scooter and can’t climb too many steps. So when we got our room assignment, we were on the 3rd floor of a non-elevator building. Sigh. At the front desk they were able to move us to a 1st floor unit. I honestly don’t know what we would have done if they hadn’t been able to move us. We don’t like to take the accessible rooms since she doesn’t need the interior adaptations but we may have to go that route if we stay at OKW again. I know many people have great luck with their requests, but we are not those people

I am so sorry that happens to you! I'm sure they inundated with room requests that everyone thinks they should get, but most of them are preferences. You have a legitimate need, and those should be honored without question. I'd like to be on Peninsular Road so I'm close to the first bus stop, but if I don't get that, it's not the end of the world. I'm so glad they were able to move you to a 1st floor unit. And I hope you continue to have a magical stay!!

 

[TinkSassy]

Can you buy bottled water in the parks?

I usually carry a refillable clipped outside my bag. This trip I will bring in disposable because they fit better inside my bag and I don't want something I put my mouth on laying in seats and bumping things all day (choices) I refill when I stop for meals there is free filtered ice water at all QS options - either into my refillable or the disposable just to keep cost down. As posted earlier water by the bottle is about $4 each - much better snacks and drinks for that money! (Remember you can bring outside food and beverage in as long as the container is not breakable)

 

[OKWFan88]

Rope dropped Epcot on Sunday and was able to walk on TT and Soarin. Did the world showcase, enjoyed most of the food. Epcot stayed pretty light thru the middle afternoon. MK on Monday also rope dropped and it got progressively busier and busier as the day went on. We did Space Mtn and Splash and Splash was down but when it came back up that was the longest line for us, We waited just over 45 min. I haven't seen crowds like that since pre-covid, although I know the parks are still having capacity restrictions. Rope dropped HS this morning. Walked on To Mickey's runaway train, RnR and Toy Story Mania and then it became a cluster. Just got back to our resort as the lines were insane. We will go back later this afternoon as we have Oga reservation and maybe crowds would have died down. Not sure why it's so busy since next weekend is the holiday but oh well. Making the best of it. Weather has been beautiful but VERY hot today. Mask compliance is excellent.

 

[scrappinginontario]

Rope dropped Epcot on Sunday and was able to walk on TT and Soarin. Did the world showcase, enjoyed most of the food. Epcot stayed pretty light thru the middle afternoon. MK on Monday also rope dropped and it got progressively busier and busier as the day went on. We did Space Mtn and Splash and Splash was down but when it came back up that was the longest line for us, We waited just over 45 min. I haven't seen crowds like that since pre-covid, although I know the parks are still having capacity restrictions. Rope dropped HS this morning. Walked on To Mickey's runaway train, RnR and Toy Story Mania and then it became a cluster. Just got back to our resort as the lines were insane. We will go back later this afternoon as we have Oga reservation and maybe crowds would have died down. Not sure why it's so busy since next weekend is the holiday but oh well. Making the best of it. Weather has been beautiful but VERY hot today. Mask compliance is excellent.

We often choose to travel the week before a long weekend. It's less expensive and gives us that holiday either to travel home or, recuperate at home before returning to school/work. We will be doing that this summer, going to WDW the week before Labour Day so we have the long weekend to prepare for my daughter to go back to school.

 

[pascalspal]

Recent trip stayed at Beach Club Villas.

Overall wait times were significantly shorter than posted for just about everything except when rides were having technical issues.

2/5 - HS & EP
Got BG 10 for ROTR at 7:00 and got ready to leave the room around 7:30. We walked to HS and were in the temp check line by around 8:00. They opened very early and we were through security and loaded into the MMRR vehicle at 8:20! Went to ToT after and it was having issues.. in total waited about 30 min. Glad we did because it was down for most if not all of the day after we got off. We headed to ROTR only for it to break down right before we were to load. About 45 minutes later it was up and running again. We ate at the Brown Derby around 11:00 and really enjoyed it! Did RRC after lunch - wait time was 35 min but it took just over 15 min. Quick 25 minute wait for Midway Mania after that and then we stopped for a carrot cake cookie and coffee before heading to Epcot on the Skyliner.

We headed straight to Test Track and waited about 30 min with a posted 45 wait. Straight to Soarin with a 15 minute wait. Followed up by Nemo, Spaceship Earth, and Figment as a walk on. Waited about 25 minutes for Frozen Ever After and then went to dinner at Tutto Italia. The calamari was the best we have ever had! Chicken Parm, Spaghetti and Meatballs, & Penne Vodka were all delicious. Finished with a funnel cake and macaron ice cream sandwich.

2/6 - MK & EP
Took a bus from BCV to MK. Supposed to start running 45 min prior to park open (8:15), but the bus came around 7:45. We were at the park, through security and temp check and in line right as they opened the park at 8am! So early. Went left to adventureland and nothing was open - Got in line for BTM and they told us they would open around 9. They opened shortly after 8:30 and we were on the first train of the day. Doubled back to Pirates - walk on. Splash mountain after - walk on. Headed towards Space Mountain and it was about a 10 minute wait, followed that up with Buzz at a 10 minute wait. Went to Pooh and waited around 20 minutes, followed by a walk on at Ariel's. Waited about 15 minutes for Haunted Mansion after that and 30 minutes for Peter Pan. Stopepd for a 12:00 lunch and a dole whip. Rode BTM again - posted 50 minute which took only 22 minutes! After that we were done with everything we wanted to do in MK by 1pm - which is pretty crazy if you ask me. We returned to the hotel for a break and headed to Epcot for a quick service dinner later that evening.

2/7 - AK, HS, & EP
Caught the first bus to AK and was in the park shortly after the gates opened. Went straight to FoP and it was a walk on. Went to Navi River after and waited around 20 minutes. It was storming in the morning (tornado warning) so Everest was down until the storms passed. Went on Safari as a walk on and then headed to Everest when it opened as a walk on. Headed to Dinosaur after and it was a walk on as well. Went to its tough to be a bug and waited about 5 min and caught the 10:30 bird show. Ate at Flame tree and did the tiger and gorilla trails after lunch. We headed back to the rsort around 12:00 as we were done with AK. Took the boat over to HS around 1:45 to park hop. Got another ride in on RRC, Midway and watched muppets. Grabbed some totchos from Woody's lunchbox and then took the Skyliner over to Epcot. Made another loop around the world showcase and grabbed more quick service for dinner. Finished with a red velvet funnel cake and headed back home around 6:30 to finish our trip.

Super short lines even on weekends compared to normal disney! Transportation was efficient as well. Overall one of the best shorter trips we have had. I felt a little like 3 days was too much for us, but we hit the parks early every day. 33 miles in three days, and even took hotel breaks on two of the days!

 

[hereforthechurros]

Anyone who has been during rainy days lately - how has it been? Does rain keep AP locals away or not so much? Booked a last minute President's Day trip for some much needed sunshine since my son has Friday off as well, but the weather is looking anything but. Resorts and dining are decently booked up so it leads me to believe we should expect heavy crowds... but wonder if that will change as the weekend approaches.

Honestly all we cared about about doing was hanging by the pool and checking out Festival of the Arts. With pool weather looking rather bleak we'll be pushed more into the parks (we have APs so not the end of the world) and haven't really planned for that.

 

[pascalspal]

Anyone who has been during rainy days lately - how has it been? Does rain keep AP locals away or not so much? Booked a last minute President's Day trip for some much needed sunshine since my son has Friday off as well, but the weather is looking anything but. Resorts and dining are decently booked up so it leads me to believe we should expect heavy crowds... but wonder if that will change as the weekend approaches.

Honestly all we cared about about doing was hanging by the pool and checking out Festival of the Arts. With pool weather looking rather bleak we'll be pushed more into the parks (we have APs so not the end of the world) and haven't really planned for that.

Was just there this past weekend. Parks definitely felt crowded walking around, but nothing compared to Disney pre-covid. I think it feels a bit crowded because none of us have been around that many people for quite some time. I felt the ride lines were short or about normal for pre-covid times, but out of everything we did only about two rides took the full posted wait time. I was shocked at how much we were able to get done in the parks compared to our previous trips.

It rained on Sat afternoon and Sunday morning for us. Sat at MK was a breeze and had such low crowds rope drop-11am. Crowds definitely picked up and made the park feel much more crowded around lunch time. Rain was expected earlier in the morning so I assume it may have kept some AP locals away from early park entry or maybe rope drop is just that important right now. Sat night we were actually under a tornado watch with light sprinkling - Epcot was as crowded as ever even with that weather.

Sunday early morning had severe thunder storms and more tornado watch. Was set to clear up around 9 so we kept our rope drop plan for AK. Got to AK about when the rain subsided and finished every ride/show/trail and had lunch all before 12:00.

I think moving forward the parks will continue to get a bit more crowded as typically the first week in feb is low season, but genuinely coming from someone who frequented the parks pre-covid our trip was wonderful. Could have finished every ride we wanted to in all four parks in two days. We had three and it felt like we had more downtime than we would have preferred. It was hard to get dining reservations for us as well, but I think thats just because restaurant capacity is so low right now.

President's day weekend will definitely have highwer croowds than we experienced, but after our weekend I dont think it would deter me. If your main goal is festival of the arts, then plan your time for that and then anything else if just a bonus! We enjoyed the warm weather, even if it came with some rain!

 

[Ellester]

Rope dropped Epcot on Sunday and was able to walk on TT and Soarin. Did the world showcase, enjoyed most of the food. Epcot stayed pretty light thru the middle afternoon. MK on Monday also rope dropped and it got progressively busier and busier as the day went on. We did Space Mtn and Splash and Splash was down but when it came back up that was the longest line for us, We waited just over 45 min. I haven't seen crowds like that since pre-covid, although I know the parks are still having capacity restrictions. Rope dropped HS this morning. Walked on To Mickey's runaway train, RnR and Toy Story Mania and then it became a cluster. Just got back to our resort as the lines were insane. We will go back later this afternoon as we have Oga reservation and maybe crowds would have died down. Not sure why it's so busy since next weekend is the holiday but oh well. Making the best of it. Weather has been beautiful but VERY hot today. Mask compliance is excellent.

Agree, the weather was great today but the masks made 82 feel like 92 to us! We also rope dropped HS today. Got there about 8:25. Walked on MMRR and RnR then rode ToT with the FP’s we got yesterday from Guest Services (for being nice and patient while they figured out the issue with our daughter’s ticket that got removed from my Friends & Family list somehow), the wait was posted at 40 already and we walked by tons of people so I wouldn’t be surprised if that was close to accurate. I scored Boarding Group 11 for RotR and was called at 9:51 so we headed back to Galaxy’s Edge. By the time we got off that at 10:50 the park was jam packed. If you really are concerned about maintaining the 6ft distance, HS is not your park! Pretty much everyone was adhering to proper mask wearing but it was wall to wall people in parts of GS and Toy Story land. We were frustrated through out the day by the stop to eat/drink rule since several times there was literally nowhere even remotely nearby to sit or stand “to the side”. We got snacks at Joffrey near the old entrance to TSMM and I asked the CM where we could go to eat and he literally said “there really isn’t anywhere close by“. Well, OK then. We ended up walking about 10 minutes and finally found a bench in full sun in Toy Story Land. Crazy! We had an 11:45 at Oga’s and that was fun and the drinks were delicious! Waited 40 minutes for SDD at 1:15ish (posted 50 min) then 30 minutes for TSMM (posted 30, right on the money with this one). Managed to hit RnRC again with a 15 minute wait (posted 20), but it was up to 50 min by the time we got back out! Early dinner at Mama Melrose’s and then did Smuggler’s Run. The wait posted had dropped to 45 min, we actually waited 40 min. So much to see in the queue so it went by quickly. Park had really started to empty out by then, walked on Alien Swirling Saucers at 6:30 then headed back to the resort. Took the two younger kids to the pool for a bit and had an adult beverage before walking back to the room. Another fun, tiring day. Crowds were exponentially higher at HS than they were at AK (which we did expect). Tomorrow we finally make it over to MK.

 

[Toad_Passenger]

Some quick hits from the first part of our trip last week.
Side note about our own precautions. We all wore KN95 masks with a 2-ply homemade cloth mask over top (fun Disney patterns). At no point did we feel suffocated, or that we were overdoing things. We also hit every sanitizer station we passed, and used our own as well. Sitting for a snack break was a strategy game of finding the table with the most space/fewest people around. All mobile ordering/ADR's were timed before or after the normal meal time rushes - This often meant we were eating lunch around 11:00am on most days, and "Dinner" around 2p-3p.

Sunday 1/31 – Arrived at WDW around 8:30am and checked in to AoA, room wasn't ready so we headed in to MK.
Took bus to MK – short line and we were able to get on the first bus that came by at 9:15am
MK relatively empty. Mask usage nearly 100%, line spacing compliance nearly 100%
Lunch @ Cosmic Ray’s using Mobile ordering – smooth as silk, had an outdoor table with hardly anyone around
Dinner @ Tony’s Town Square. Requested an outdoor table and were 1 of just 3 parties sitting on the patio. Was a great lunch with the Dapper Dan’s performing 2x, and several cavalcades coming right past us.
Rode nearly everything in the parks that was open with the longest wait time being 19 minutes at PoTC (yes we timed every line), even though everything was posted as 20-30 minutes. The general "subtract 5-10 minute" rule was certainly true all day.

Monday 2/1 – EPCOT – Took Skyliners over at 10:00am for 11:00am “opening”
Skyliner station at Caribbean Beach had a huge line, but it moved quickly and we boarded within 10-15 minutes.
Entered into World Showcase and it was hard to find any trace of the line from the Skyliners as the park was wide open.
Lunch @ Cantina de San Angel – no mobile ordering, but we were 2nd in line and we sat on the gazebo overlooking the lagoon with only 1 other family at another table far away.
Dinner @ Rose & Crown – Requested an outdoor table and we were 1 of only 2 parties sitting on the backside of the Pub overlooking the lagoon. Very distant and very nice dinner.
Walked on to Soarin' & Living with the Land before the park officially opened. Ended up riding/experiencing everything in the park except SSE, TT, Mission: Space (saving those for our 2nd day at Epcot).
Another day where everything was a walk-on (even Frozen!), or no more than 5-10 minutes. Towards the evening the park did feel a bit more crowded, but not enough to feel unsafe. Picked up a few beers & snacks and found a nice secluded spot in Japan to eat and drink.

Tuesday 2/2 – Hollywood Studios – COLD, COLD, COLD!!
Woke up to try for RotR at 7:00am but got shutout! Can’t believe we’re still playing the “will we, or won’t we” game for RotR over a year after it opened.
Drove our car over as soon as the lots opened, and we were the 2nd car in line. Breezed through temp checks and the turnstiles and went straight to Mickey & Minnie where we walked right on prior to official opening.
Park didn't feel that crowded but the walkways seemed crowded like they ALWAYS do at DHS.
After we left Muppet-Vision 3D it was 12:55pm, so we sat to try for the 1:00 release of RotR boarding groups and actually scored one.
Lunch @ Sci-Fi – We were one of the 1st reservations for the day, and I was pleasantly surprised by how many cars they were keeping empty between parties. Granted there were only 8 parties seated, at most, during our whole lunch. It was our first indoor dining experience and we felt very safe. Kept our masks on until our meal arrived, and then took them off only while taking bites, and put them back on as soon as we were done with each, individual meal.
Dinner @ AoA Landscapes of Flavor – Mobile ordered while driving back to the resort and took it back to the room to eat.
Rode/experienced everything in the park, minus ToT & Star Tours. Were able to ride Mickey & Minnie, TSM, & Flying Saucers multiple times!
Lines were a bit longer than we experienced at the other parks, but still only took around 20 minutes on average. In the early morning, though, everything was a walk-on.

I'll post more of the trip a bit later when I get a chance.

 

[coolbrook]

Last time I was in Disney was in July and there were no cake pops anywhere, I tried all the bakeries in the parks and went to Disney Springs and nothing... Has anyone noticed any recently being sold? I leave in two days and I am in severe withdrawal from no cake pops.

We got one at the Starbucks in the airport... Not much help I know.

 

[CapnJacksGirl]

We also rope dropped HS today. Got there about 8:25. Walked on MMRR and RnR then rode ToT

Did you have an easy experience at the OKW bus stop again on this day?

 

[pascalspal]

This is true. We've never encountered a long line to get past the guard shack at the Contemporary, but we've had a lot of success with the strategy. I guess you could also do Grand Floridian now that you can walk to MK from there as well -- or just take the monorail.

We got one at the Starbucks in the airport... Not much help I know.

I saw some at the starbucks locations in the parks last weekend. I dont recall any in the disney owned stores - though I wasnt actually looking for them. Main street confectionary was just sad - barely had anything last saturday.

 

[coolbrook]

Just back yesterday. Visited all 4 parks. 3rd Covid trip. AP from Kansas City. My brother got last minute tickets to the Super Bowl and brought me along to babysit his daughter while he and his wife went to the game. Stayed at Yacht Club. I have never taken a Disney trip with less than one day's notice before. What a wonderful surprise! It's about 9 degrees here in KC. Here are some of my thoughts from the trip:

• The "rules" sandwich board sign as I entered Pooh stated that if you have more than 4 people you should divide your group among two distancing stripes on the ground. That was the first time I had seen that statement and it is a good idea.
• Watching the cleaning cycle on Magic Carpets was pretty interesting and thorough. Spray, let sit, hand wipe every seatbelt and buckle, hand wipe spray off seats and buttons/levers. All hands on deck like a swarm. I was impressed.
• Test track was down, again, when we were at Epcot. We haven't ridden in at least two years! Ugh
• LOVE getting Rise BG from resort! Makes the morning so much more pleasant.
• We have found mask compliance at airport and on plane much better each trip we have made.
• Magical express (Don't leave, we need you!) was quick with enough room to space out. At least one row between groups.
• CM are still actively enforcing mask rules. Mostly for slipping down noses on little kids. I saw a CM who was manning the exit gate at MK in the morning jog over to a group in front of the flower planter to tell them to keep their masks on which they had removed for a photo.
• Remembered why I love Yacht Club so much.
• Stormalong Bay with its built in foot massage sandy bottom, deep lazy river with tubes to float on, and three hot tubs (with one being for 18 and up one day) is my favorite Disney pool.
• Ale and compass never disappoints. Did two breakfasts and a dinner there. Dinner wait time was a bit long so they recommended we sit in the lounge and the full menu was available. That worked out great and they had cartoons on the TV's so my 10 year old niece loved it.
• Yacht club is so convenient for folks who don't like to walk more than they have to. The walks to food, pool, boat, bus, gift shop, and lobby are all short.
• At AK we skipped the Gorilla Falls trail because there was a 15 minute wait just to get in there. They are doing some construction, so it makes the trail more congested.
• The petting animal area was open again, and I love having the animation drawing thing at Rafiki's planet watch.
• Now that we learned on these boards to order earlier than you actually want to eat to get a good pick up time, we actually like the mobile order and did it several times.
• We ate at Docking Bay 7 for the first time and I really liked it. The food seemed to be a step above usual quick service fare.
• We also ate at La Hacienda de San Angel for the first time at EP. They put chicken in the vegetarian enchiladas for me and it was one of my favorite meals of the trip.
• We did a few more photopass stops than we usually do since my niece was on this trip. Got cute magic shot photos with a frog and one with balloons by the castle at MK near Sleepy Hollow, and with a banshee in front of FOP.
• The character interaction I saw was surprisingly personal and delightful. Two that I can think of right now were Chip and Dale on a balcony in Frontierland playing with bubbles that a CM on the ground was blowing. A couple of little boys were playing with them in the bubbles too and laughing at Chip and Dale. Probably a highlight of that family's day. Another was the ugly stepsisters outside of Princess Fairytale Hall. The people who wanted to visit with them stood on green dots around the barrier (maybe flowers or something) and the sisters talked and interacted with each one individually. Much more that just a wave and blown kisses. I was impressed, and since they were on the ground level with the guest it felt a lot closer even though they were back from the barriers.
• And finally, after this long rambling post of thoughts, I leave you with one last thought. I miss daily housekeeping. Coming back to the room after a long day to a crisply made bed, fresh towels with the dirty ones removed, and all the trash from last nights mobile order dinner on the balcony removed. I understand why, but I miss it.

 

[CapnJacksGirl]

Two that I can think of right now were Chip and Dale on a balcony in Frontierland playing with bubbles that a CM on the ground was blowing. A couple of little boys were playing with them in the bubbles too and laughing at Chip and Dale. Probably a highlight of that family's day.

Anyone else crying now? Just me? OK

Gosh, I miss being at WDW. 17 more days, girl, you can do it! (Apparently I cry at Chipmunk stories and talk to myself. #pandemic)

 

[Raven01]

I'm coming soon with DD4, and plan to be on the first bus to the parks (the one time being with a little early riser is a good thing). Are there any apps/notifications on when busses are coming to resorts? Or do you just go 1.5 hours prior to park opening to the bus station and wing it?

We'll be at AKL Jambo if that matters.

 

[pascalspal]

I'm coming soon with DD4, and plan to be on the first bus to the parks (the one time being with a little early riser is a good thing). Are there any apps/notifications on when busses are coming to resorts? Or do you just go 1.5 hours prior to park opening to the bus station and wing it?

We'll be at AKL Jambo if that matters.

Front desk will tell you that the first bus will arrive 45 minutes prior to park opening. Our experience was MK bus showed up around 7:45am (1 hr 15 min prior to official park opening) and AK bus showed up around 7:30am (30 min prior to official park opening). So not super consistent but we just showed up around 1h 30min before park opening and were always the first ones waiting and got on the first bus both days.

Can't speak for AKL but BC/YC had a digital board showing next bus arrival times.. however it seemed to only be useful after the buses started running. We noticed the time popping up for AK buses when we were waiting in line for MK. Doesn't show anything on the MDE app from what I noticed.