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

[DMLAINI]

Is the Magical Express filling every row?

 

[ajgardner]

When were they opening the gates for self parking? I believe I remember a hour before official opening?

I heard 1 hour prior. My family are not rope drop people so I am not positive, we get there around 11am and then close the park.

 

[Akck]

When were they opening the gates for self parking? I believe I remember a hour before official opening?

They open the road for queuing up to the gates about an hour before official opening. They start letting cars through anywhere from 5-15 minutes later.

 

[Mango7100]

I heard 1 hour prior. My family are not rope drop people so I am not positive, we get there around 11am and then close the park.

we usually are rope drop people, but I’m Thinking we may switch it up and do pool first and then go to parks around 3-4 and stay until close. Being at the gates at 7 am doesn’t sound as pleasant, and it sounds like wait times jump pretty quickly after that first 2 hrs.

 

[BBH]

Is the Magical Express filling every row?

Just arrived today, and they were filling every other row.

 

[boop0524]

Just got back from an extended weekend where we did some ADRs, Disney Springs and a day at Universal. Compared to our other trips, we found DS much busier and we definitely needed ADRs for dinner. The night without we had to eat at the food trucks, which was fine by us, but definitely something to keep in mind for the future.

Universal, particularly compared to Disney, was frustrating, overly complicated and felt very unkept. Team members were unfriendly and one was plain rude. We enjoyed Hagrids and got to ride Velocicoaster (holy cow—intense!) but don’t plan on going back anytime soon. Although I’ve loved the parks in the past and am a big HP fan, it was not good this time. On a final note, we were there the last day of masks and they were really enforcing it.

 

[corinne025]

Here now - arrived on the day masks were discarded for outdoors and I have to say it makes a huge difference!! Still having to put them on for indoor attractions and queues, but the ability to pull them off after exiting is a nice relief. Like the breeze you didn’t even know you needed.

Staying at Saratoga Springs and Donald Statue is back but still not operating as a splash pad :-/

First park day was Hollywood Studios. We were there in our Uber at 7:55 for a 9AM open and were one of the first cars, though it filled up quickly behind us. They held us at the first gate until 8:05 and then a second location until maybe 8:15. The people who walked or rode Skyliner were in the park before us, but we still did a walk-on Mickey Railway. A bit disappointed with that ride, it was very jarring and chaotic for my toddler. Maybe she will enjoy it more when she is older.

From there went over to Star Wars land from the muppets-adjacent entrance. Was pretty cool to walk thru the land for the first time with very low crowds. Got some good pics in front of the Falcon. The group got in line for MF with a standby time of 5 minutes. Well they definitely held the line until park opening - which was unpleasant for us. My toddler wasn’t a huge fan of the area (the loud noises from the Falcon and costumed characters scared her a bit - she wasn’t crying but she was not having fun). We had to wait on the group for close to twenty five minutes.

By the time they exited the Falcon, the posted wait time was 25 minutes and the rest of the rides had exploded as well. Grandparents took Little One for a 5 minute wait on Alien Saucers (Toy Story Mania was already at 30 minutes so they skipped) while we shopped around in some stores and got some Blue Milk. I will say I was ID-ed for the Blue Milk and that’s the first time in ten years at Disney! I definitely didn’t have my ID, just my magic band! My friend had hers but that was pretty surprising!


We were Boarding Group 64 so we had some time to kill. Went to Muppets and enjoyed even the preshow. Loved seeing my daughter try and reach out and grab the items.


When we exited it was 10:35. We were getting hot and hungry and didn’t have an ADR as this was somewhat of a last minute trip. Walked over to Brown Derby intending to eat on the patio but got informed it is now drinks only! Yikes! Asked about a walk-in and the manager said he wouldn’t know until 11AM - “so you’re saying there is a chance!”

Waited patiently outside and saw a Cavalcade - loved seeing Sully! And bought my daughter some popcorn. Everyone in the group marveled at the giant snaking line for MRR baking in the sun, and were shocked when I explained it was the line for the first ride this morning!

Walked back into Brown Derby exactly at 11 and they informed me they could seat us (party of 6). I will note I tried on the App to “join walk up list” exactly at 11 and it immediately informed of no availability. So YMMV with that.

Had a fabulous and relaxing lunch at the Derby. Got a Cobb for the table, scallops, charcuterie plate, steak and chicken (big appetites!) everything was fab and our waiter Moses was wonderful. My daughter stood up and cheered when he dropped off the Grapefruit Cake.

We had 20 minutes (aprox) until our Boarding Group. Went into Frozen Singalong and enjoyed it tho it felt weird with the masks lol.

When we exited we found out Rise had broken down at Boarding Group 67. Stood around for 10 minutes and heard way too many people screaming at the CMs. Dad took Little One back to the resort and the rest of the group stayed. Three went to get in line for Star Tours and I searched for a Mobile Service, every single one was thirty minutes out at minimum for arrival window. Finally found one at Pizza Rizzo and ordered a set of beers and a glass of Sangria. When they got off Tours I met the group at the door so they could get in. Can only get into the Quick Service restaurants if you flash your “mobile order ready” to the CM guarding the Air Conditioning but she let them in.

We had the beers and the headed to Rise. Love riding it with newbies. Got interrogated and my friend advised me to claim “Hoth” as my destination and then I was mocked for my attire - apparently that’s the cold frozen planet and our shorts and shirts!

We were all exhausted at this point and headed back to resort and pool!

Get ADRs! We tried to do Disney Springs dinner and it was a madhouse!! Very very packed and no more masks. No walk ups anywhere until we made it all the way to Cirque and luckily Jaleo let us sit at the little counter in front of the kitchen. Food and service again absolutely fabulous A plus.

Heading to EPCOT today and will update! Plan to take an Uber to Beach Club villas and enjoy the boardwalk before entry at World Showcase

 

[Mango7100]

Here now - arrived on the day masks were discarded for outdoors and I have to say it makes a huge difference!! Still having to put them on for indoor attractions and queues, but the ability to pull them off after exiting is a nice relief. Like the breeze you didn’t even know you needed.

Staying at Saratoga Springs and Donald Statue is back but still not operating as a splash pad :-/

First park day was Hollywood Studios. We were there in our Uber at 7:55 for a 9AM open and were one of the first cars, though it filled up quickly behind us. They held us at the first gate until 8:05 and then a second location until maybe 8:15. The people who walked or rode Skyliner were in the park before us, but we still did a walk-on Mickey Railway. A bit disappointed with that ride, it was very jarring and chaotic for my toddler. Maybe she will enjoy it more when she is older.

From there went over to Star Wars land from the muppets-adjacent entrance. Was pretty cool to walk thru the land for the first time with very low crowds. Got some good pics in front of the Falcon. The group got in line for MF with a standby time of 5 minutes. Well they definitely held the line until park opening - which was unpleasant for us. My toddler wasn’t a huge fan of the area (the loud noises from the Falcon and costumed characters scared her a bit - she wasn’t crying but she was not having fun). We had to wait on the group for close to twenty five minutes.

By the time they exited the Falcon, the posted wait time was 25 minutes and the rest of the rides had exploded as well. Grandparents took Little One for a 5 minute wait on Alien Saucers (Toy Story Mania was already at 30 minutes so they skipped) while we shopped around in some stores and got some Blue Milk. I will say I was ID-ed for the Blue Milk and that’s the first time in ten years at Disney! I definitely didn’t have my ID, just my magic band! My friend had hers but that was pretty surprising!


We were Boarding Group 64 so we had some time to kill. Went to Muppets and enjoyed even the preshow. Loved seeing my daughter try and reach out and grab the items.


When we exited it was 10:35. We were getting hot and hungry and didn’t have an ADR as this was somewhat of a last minute trip. Walked over to Brown Derby intending to eat on the patio but got informed it is now drinks only! Yikes! Asked about a walk-in and the manager said he wouldn’t know until 11AM - “so you’re saying there is a chance!”

Waited patiently outside and saw a Cavalcade - loved seeing Sully! And bought my daughter some popcorn. Everyone in the group marveled at the giant snaking line for MRR baking in the sun, and were shocked when I explained it was the line for the first ride this morning!

Walked back into Brown Derby exactly at 11 and they informed me they could seat us (party of 6). I will note I tried on the App to “join walk up list” exactly at 11 and it immediately informed of no availability. So YMMV with that.

Had a fabulous and relaxing lunch at the Derby. Got a Cobb for the table, scallops, charcuterie plate, steak and chicken (big appetites!) everything was fab and our waiter Moses was wonderful. My daughter stood up and cheered when he dropped off the Grapefruit Cake.

We had 20 minutes (aprox) until our Boarding Group. Went into Frozen Singalong and enjoyed it tho it felt weird with the masks lol.

When we exited we found out Rise had broken down at Boarding Group 67. Stood around for 10 minutes and heard way too many people screaming at the CMs. Dad took Little One back to the resort and the rest of the group stayed. Three went to get in line for Star Tours and I searched for a Mobile Service, every single one was thirty minutes out at minimum for arrival window. Finally found one at Pizza Rizzo and ordered a set of beers and a glass of Sangria. When they got off Tours I met the group at the door so they could get in. Can only get into the Quick Service restaurants if you flash your “mobile order ready” to the CM guarding the Air Conditioning but she let them in.

We had the beers and the headed to Rise. Love riding it with newbies. Got interrogated and my friend advised me to claim “Hoth” as my destination and then I was mocked for my attire - apparently that’s the cold frozen planet and our shorts and shirts!

We were all exhausted at this point and headed back to resort and pool!

Get ADRs! We tried to do Disney Springs dinner and it was a madhouse!! Very very packed and no more masks. No walk ups anywhere until we made it all the way to Cirque and luckily Jaleo let us sit at the little counter in front of the kitchen. Food and service again absolutely fabulous A plus.

Heading to EPCOT today and will update! Plan to take an Uber to Beach Club villas and enjoy the boardwalk before entry at World Showcase

Thanks for the report? How are the pools at SSR? We arrive Friday and p,an on a lot of pool time...wondering if they are crowded and you have to wait.

 

[Boopuff]

When we exited we found out Rise had broken down at Boarding Group 67. Stood around for 10 minutes and heard way too many people screaming at the CMs.

Wow! this is disturbing. So sad to hear about CMs being treated badly. Stressful times, not necessary. Other than that sounds like you had a lot of fun.

 

[SwanVT2]

Here now - arrived on the day masks were discarded for outdoors and I have to say it makes a huge difference!! Still having to put them on for indoor attractions and queues, but the ability to pull them off after exiting is a nice relief. Like the breeze you didn’t even know you needed.

Staying at Saratoga Springs and Donald Statue is back but still not operating as a splash pad :-/

First park day was Hollywood Studios. We were there in our Uber at 7:55 for a 9AM open and were one of the first cars, though it filled up quickly behind us. They held us at the first gate until 8:05 and then a second location until maybe 8:15. The people who walked or rode Skyliner were in the park before us, but we still did a walk-on Mickey Railway. A bit disappointed with that ride, it was very jarring and chaotic for my toddler. Maybe she will enjoy it more when she is older.

From there went over to Star Wars land from the muppets-adjacent entrance. Was pretty cool to walk thru the land for the first time with very low crowds. Got some good pics in front of the Falcon. The group got in line for MF with a standby time of 5 minutes. Well they definitely held the line until park opening - which was unpleasant for us. My toddler wasn’t a huge fan of the area (the loud noises from the Falcon and costumed characters scared her a bit - she wasn’t crying but she was not having fun). We had to wait on the group for close to twenty five minutes.

By the time they exited the Falcon, the posted wait time was 25 minutes and the rest of the rides had exploded as well. Grandparents took Little One for a 5 minute wait on Alien Saucers (Toy Story Mania was already at 30 minutes so they skipped) while we shopped around in some stores and got some Blue Milk. I will say I was ID-ed for the Blue Milk and that’s the first time in ten years at Disney! I definitely didn’t have my ID, just my magic band! My friend had hers but that was pretty surprising!


We were Boarding Group 64 so we had some time to kill. Went to Muppets and enjoyed even the preshow. Loved seeing my daughter try and reach out and grab the items.


When we exited it was 10:35. We were getting hot and hungry and didn’t have an ADR as this was somewhat of a last minute trip. Walked over to Brown Derby intending to eat on the patio but got informed it is now drinks only! Yikes! Asked about a walk-in and the manager said he wouldn’t know until 11AM - “so you’re saying there is a chance!”

Waited patiently outside and saw a Cavalcade - loved seeing Sully! And bought my daughter some popcorn. Everyone in the group marveled at the giant snaking line for MRR baking in the sun, and were shocked when I explained it was the line for the first ride this morning!

Walked back into Brown Derby exactly at 11 and they informed me they could seat us (party of 6). I will note I tried on the App to “join walk up list” exactly at 11 and it immediately informed of no availability. So YMMV with that.

Had a fabulous and relaxing lunch at the Derby. Got a Cobb for the table, scallops, charcuterie plate, steak and chicken (big appetites!) everything was fab and our waiter Moses was wonderful. My daughter stood up and cheered when he dropped off the Grapefruit Cake.

We had 20 minutes (aprox) until our Boarding Group. Went into Frozen Singalong and enjoyed it tho it felt weird with the masks lol.

When we exited we found out Rise had broken down at Boarding Group 67. Stood around for 10 minutes and heard way too many people screaming at the CMs. Dad took Little One back to the resort and the rest of the group stayed. Three went to get in line for Star Tours and I searched for a Mobile Service, every single one was thirty minutes out at minimum for arrival window. Finally found one at Pizza Rizzo and ordered a set of beers and a glass of Sangria. When they got off Tours I met the group at the door so they could get in. Can only get into the Quick Service restaurants if you flash your “mobile order ready” to the CM guarding the Air Conditioning but she let them in.

We had the beers and the headed to Rise. Love riding it with newbies. Got interrogated and my friend advised me to claim “Hoth” as my destination and then I was mocked for my attire - apparently that’s the cold frozen planet and our shorts and shirts!

We were all exhausted at this point and headed back to resort and pool!

Get ADRs! We tried to do Disney Springs dinner and it was a madhouse!! Very very packed and no more masks. No walk ups anywhere until we made it all the way to Cirque and luckily Jaleo let us sit at the little counter in front of the kitchen. Food and service again absolutely fabulous A plus.

Heading to EPCOT today and will update! Plan to take an Uber to Beach Club villas and enjoy the boardwalk before entry at World Showcase

Happy to hear Donald is back at the SSR pool!

 

[nerdyone]

Im in HS right now and it’s much more crowded than Saturday. Millennium Falcon went from a 5 minute wait at 9:10 to 60 minutes at 9:20.

RotR is currently down at 9:45. Our boarding group is 8 and we were told to come back much later.

Had a very negative interaction with a guest getting in my GF face when her mask slipped over her nose. He was acting like her was going to hit her. Very weird

 

[sabrecmc]

Had a very negative interaction with a guest getting in my GF face when her mask slipped over her nose. He was acting like her was going to hit her. Very weird

So sorry to hear that. I wonder if we will see a bit more of that kind of thing for a bit while people adjust to the new rules. Bless the cast members for all they have done this past year putting up with everything on top of the usual stress.

 

[Sarahslay]

Here now - arrived on the day masks were discarded for outdoors and I have to say it makes a huge difference!! Still having to put them on for indoor attractions and queues, but the ability to pull them off after exiting is a nice relief. Like the breeze you didn’t even know you needed.

Staying at Saratoga Springs and Donald Statue is back but still not operating as a splash pad :-/

First park day was Hollywood Studios. We were there in our Uber at 7:55 for a 9AM open and were one of the first cars, though it filled up quickly behind us. They held us at the first gate until 8:05 and then a second location until maybe 8:15. The people who walked or rode Skyliner were in the park before us, but we still did a walk-on Mickey Railway. A bit disappointed with that ride, it was very jarring and chaotic for my toddler. Maybe she will enjoy it more when she is older.

From there went over to Star Wars land from the muppets-adjacent entrance. Was pretty cool to walk thru the land for the first time with very low crowds. Got some good pics in front of the Falcon. The group got in line for MF with a standby time of 5 minutes. Well they definitely held the line until park opening - which was unpleasant for us. My toddler wasn’t a huge fan of the area (the loud noises from the Falcon and costumed characters scared her a bit - she wasn’t crying but she was not having fun). We had to wait on the group for close to twenty five minutes.

By the time they exited the Falcon, the posted wait time was 25 minutes and the rest of the rides had exploded as well. Grandparents took Little One for a 5 minute wait on Alien Saucers (Toy Story Mania was already at 30 minutes so they skipped) while we shopped around in some stores and got some Blue Milk. I will say I was ID-ed for the Blue Milk and that’s the first time in ten years at Disney! I definitely didn’t have my ID, just my magic band! My friend had hers but that was pretty surprising!


We were Boarding Group 64 so we had some time to kill. Went to Muppets and enjoyed even the preshow. Loved seeing my daughter try and reach out and grab the items.


When we exited it was 10:35. We were getting hot and hungry and didn’t have an ADR as this was somewhat of a last minute trip. Walked over to Brown Derby intending to eat on the patio but got informed it is now drinks only! Yikes! Asked about a walk-in and the manager said he wouldn’t know until 11AM - “so you’re saying there is a chance!”

Waited patiently outside and saw a Cavalcade - loved seeing Sully! And bought my daughter some popcorn. Everyone in the group marveled at the giant snaking line for MRR baking in the sun, and were shocked when I explained it was the line for the first ride this morning!

Walked back into Brown Derby exactly at 11 and they informed me they could seat us (party of 6). I will note I tried on the App to “join walk up list” exactly at 11 and it immediately informed of no availability. So YMMV with that.

Had a fabulous and relaxing lunch at the Derby. Got a Cobb for the table, scallops, charcuterie plate, steak and chicken (big appetites!) everything was fab and our waiter Moses was wonderful. My daughter stood up and cheered when he dropped off the Grapefruit Cake.

We had 20 minutes (aprox) until our Boarding Group. Went into Frozen Singalong and enjoyed it tho it felt weird with the masks lol.

When we exited we found out Rise had broken down at Boarding Group 67. Stood around for 10 minutes and heard way too many people screaming at the CMs. Dad took Little One back to the resort and the rest of the group stayed. Three went to get in line for Star Tours and I searched for a Mobile Service, every single one was thirty minutes out at minimum for arrival window. Finally found one at Pizza Rizzo and ordered a set of beers and a glass of Sangria. When they got off Tours I met the group at the door so they could get in. Can only get into the Quick Service restaurants if you flash your “mobile order ready” to the CM guarding the Air Conditioning but she let them in.

We had the beers and the headed to Rise. Love riding it with newbies. Got interrogated and my friend advised me to claim “Hoth” as my destination and then I was mocked for my attire - apparently that’s the cold frozen planet and our shorts and shirts!

We were all exhausted at this point and headed back to resort and pool!

Get ADRs! We tried to do Disney Springs dinner and it was a madhouse!! Very very packed and no more masks. No walk ups anywhere until we made it all the way to Cirque and luckily Jaleo let us sit at the little counter in front of the kitchen. Food and service again absolutely fabulous A plus.

Heading to EPCOT today and will update! Plan to take an Uber to Beach Club villas and enjoy the boardwalk before entry at World Showcase

I cheer for the grapefruit cake too . I'm glad your group was able to be seated, it's rough right now with those ADRs!

 

[DLo]

Here now . Just a quick Magical Express report. Will write up some more detailed park days later.

First time taking ME, I usually drive but had an airline credit to use. Arrived around 1 pm yesterday. Line was long when I got in it but by 10 minutes later you couldn't see the end of it. But, it ended up not being as bad as thought it would be. 35 minutes from when I got luggage until check in point.- on the bus at @ 55 minutes bus left about 10 minutes later - I was first stop - BWV- 1 hour 35 minutes total time.

They loaded very other row with assigned seats from back to front. I have no idea how long it was for those way behind me. I was lucky to get in line when I did.

 

[browneyedgirl1683]

Us too. I think this will be the approach for a lot of families. If there is an outdoor bottleneck, or if parades and/or fireworks are back we will all mask up so the kids don't get sick. I know the odds are that they will survive COVID just fine, but I don't want them to be a catalyst for spreading it if possible and of all the ways for a kid to spend their long awaited Disney vacation, quarantining and sick with COVID sounds pretty awful so we will still take some extra precautions.

I think we will take this approach as well. It seems like so many people are tossing masks like they are graduation caps. It's OK to be sensible, and we still have to be mindful.

 

[MGD2007]

Just returned from a 4-night stay at Gran Destino. A great time, and we lucked out with beautiful weather. A few observations that may help others:

I will never take another Disney bus again. We Ubered it everywhere this trip and it was such a game changer. Never waited more than 5 minutes for a car. All drivers were professional and courteous. 10-15 dollars a ride. We are a family of three (me, husband and 13yrDD) so it's easy to travel via Uber. I recommend budgeting Uber/Lyft into your next trip because it really does make a difference when you are hot, tired, and just want to get where you are going. Also Ubering to TTC, and then monorail to MK was sooo super easy and stressless. I was worried about it---but worries were unfounded.

Gran Destino is a beautiful building. The coffee bar in the lower lobby makes a perfect cappuccino. The rooms are well appointed and it feels more like a deluxe hotel. The only issue are the bathrooms. First and foremost, the bathroom door is a barn door that offers significantly less privacy than a regular door. The toilet, sinks, and shower are all in one room, so it's more difficult for a family to get ready in the morning. The shower door is just clear glass so it's difficult to just sneak in and brush your teeth while another family member is showering. Even if they just frosted the glass, it would go a long way.

Being able to remove your mask in outside common areas really helps in the heat. We were there in 80 degree weather and it was not easy to be fully masked outside--I can't imagine 90 degrees. We were at HS rope drop on the first day they lifted the requirement and the mood was extremely jovial. Lots of people celebrating. I joked to my husband it was like D-Day. I feel compelled to add that we are fully vaxed, believers in science, and understand why masks are vital indoors.
The only time I felt uncomfortable was at Disney Springs on Saturday night. And it serves us right for going there on a Saturday night, but my DD wanted to meet up with a friend from school who was visiting at the same time. But there was just waaayyyy too many people on top of each other to feel good about being maskless.

Without fastpass, rope drop is even more key. My people are not rope droppers--where did I go wrong!?!
So we waited 45 minutes for 7D. Waited 50 minutes for the safari. Did not ride FOP or Splash because the waits were 80+ minutes. I convinced them to rope drop HS and it made all the difference. Walked on Slinky, walked on MMRR, walked on Smugglers, all before official park opening. Rope drop makes all the difference. I know this, You know this---but hard to convince a 13yr old. I once saw a mother berating her child at a bus stop because they were going to miss rope drop because the kid couldn't get out of bed quickly enough. It gave me such a sick feeling and I felt so bad for both parent and child, that I vowed that I would never do the same. But I do wish we had done more rope dropping. But my family was appreciative that I let them sleep.

There are some Covid protocols I hope never go away. I love the dividers on the monorail. Everyone has there own little section and it's great! Mobile ordering required before entering a quick service establishment---love it! The atmosphere, once inside, is wonderful. No searching for an empty table, no chaos....let's keep that!

Favorite moment: Thursday 5/13 night, we had Epcot World Showcase to ourselves. Beautiful weather and zero crowds. We explored the back streets of the empty Morocco pavillion. We listened to the piped in "ambient" market banter and took lots of pictures. It was truly a magical moment I won't soon forget.

I hope this is helpful to anyone traveling soon! I know most of us on these boards are Type A planners---but don't stress! Go with the flow, and it will all work out. Happy to answer any questions!

 

[Dakota731]

So sorry to hear that. I wonder if we will see a bit more of that kind of thing for a bit while people adjust to the new rules. Bless the cast members for all they have done this past year putting up with everything on top of the usual stress.

According to a famous Disney blog it’s been the opposite. Guests and staff are much happier, and CMs report that it a much less stressful atmosphere in the parks since the mask lifting.

 

[SarahC97]

Just returned from a 4-night stay at Gran Destino. A great time, and we lucked out with beautiful weather. A few observations that may help others:

I will never take another Disney bus again. We Ubered it everywhere this trip and it was such a game changer. Never waited more than 5 minutes for a car. All drivers were professional and courteous. 10-15 dollars a ride. We are a family of three (me, husband and 13yrDD) so it's easy to travel via Uber. I recommend budgeting Uber/Lyft into your next trip because it really does make a difference when you are hot, tired, and just want to get where you are going. Also Ubering to TTC, and then monorail to MK was sooo super easy and stressless. I was worried about it---but worries were unfounded.

Gran Destino is a beautiful building. The coffee bar in the lower lobby makes a perfect cappuccino. The rooms are well appointed and it feels more like a deluxe hotel. The only issue are the bathrooms. First and foremost, the bathroom door is a barn door that offers significantly less privacy than a regular door. The toilet, sinks, and shower are all in one room, so it's more difficult for a family to get ready in the morning. The shower door is just clear glass so it's difficult to just sneak in and brush your teeth while another family member is showering. Even if they just frosted the glass, it would go a long way.

Being able to remove your mask in outside common areas really helps in the heat. We were there in 80 degree weather and it was not easy to be fully masked outside--I can't imagine 90 degrees. We were at HS rope drop on the first day they lifted the requirement and the mood was extremely jovial. Lots of people celebrating. I joked to my husband it was like D-Day. I feel compelled to add that we are fully vaxed, believers in science, and understand why masks are vital indoors.
The only time I felt uncomfortable was at Disney Springs on Saturday night. And it serves us right for going there on a Saturday night, but my DD wanted to meet up with a friend from school who was visiting at the same time. But there was just waaayyyy too many people on top of each other to feel good about being maskless.

Without fastpass, rope drop is even more key. My people are not rope droppers--where did I go wrong!?!
So we waited 45 minutes for 7D. Waited 50 minutes for the safari. Did not ride FOP or Splash because the waits were 80+ minutes. I convinced them to rope drop HS and it made all the difference. Walked on Slinky, walked on MMRR, walked on Smugglers, all before official park opening. Rope drop makes all the difference. I know this, You know this---but hard to convince a 13yr old. I once saw a mother berating her child at a bus stop because they were going to miss rope drop because the kid couldn't get out of bed quickly enough. It gave me such a sick feeling and I felt so bad for both parent and child, that I vowed that I would never do the same. But I do wish we had done more rope dropping. But my family was appreciative that I let them sleep.

There are some Covid protocols I hope never go away. I love the dividers on the monorail. Everyone has there own little section and it's great! Mobile ordering required before entering a quick service establishment---love it! The atmosphere, once inside, is wonderful. No searching for an empty table, no chaos....let's keep that!

Favorite moment: Thursday 5/13 night, we had Epcot World Showcase to ourselves. Beautiful weather and zero crowds. We explored the back streets of the empty Morocco pavillion. We listened to the piped in "ambient" market banter and took lots of pictures. It was truly a magical moment I won't soon forget.

I hope this is helpful to anyone traveling soon! I know most of us on these boards are Type A planners---but don't stress! Go with the flow, and it will all work out. Happy to answer any questions!

Thanks for the rundown! How was mask compliance in lines? And are people ignoring the distancing markers as others have reported?

 

[Princess Katelet]

Been here since 5/12. Reallllly missing the FPs. Cannot understand those who think this is so much better. I understand the stand by lines move better without it, but we’re all DISers, we all knew how to use the FP system so I’m just baffled that people prefer to go without it. Hour plus waits are NOT fun. We get very little done without them. For those who don’t like the planning for them, you didn’t have to plan much, just use up your three and keep refreshing for whatever you want to ride next. It’s greatly missed and mourned.
Weather has been FABULOUS. No love bugs, yay! Rode Smugglers Run for the first time and thought it was fantastic. Not able to get a Studios ressie so no chance for Rise. Waited more than half an hour hoping for Runaway Railway to get fixed before bailing so still haven’t ridden that. Haven’t done Slinky yet, either due to crazy wait times (and no chance to rope drop cause no Studio ressie). Really hate having to book and commit to a first park. Talk about lack of spontaneity!! Being unable to change your mind about which park to go to in the morning stinks. And they make it that you can’t modify what you have, you can only cancel which means you can’t gamble on the park you want actually being available when the calendar shows it’s not.
We seemed to always be behind nice, courteous people who practiced social distance while the ones behind us were stepping on our shoes. Was wishing little clear glass, air conditioned pods would swallow each family and move us all along a conveyor belt through the loooong lines. Again, waiting in these lines is no fun and I don’t understand how the lack of FP can be a good thing.
The crowds are intense with so many things still closed. The lack of open restaurants and the food variety is poor.
Buses have been mostly pretty awful. We’ve had to wait an hour at times because they can’t fill them and if you have a bus with two scooters that eats up seats, too.
Cast members have all been lovely, although I saw a security guard at AK this morning sneeze put into the air with no mask on. Really?!?! Even without covid that’s disgusting. He was in a green security outfit. Is that real Disney security? I assumed so and figured he was in green for AK theming. No idea why no mask nor how he could be so rude and careless with his sneeze. My daughter saw a little boy urinating next to the carousel in MK while his parents watched. No words. I do understand why Michael Jackson rented out all of Disneyland though…
Helicopters have been super prevalent over Saratoga Springs this week. Do not understand the hype over Disney Springs but I’m not a shopper. DO understand the hype over Earl of Sandwich though!!! Oh my gosh, AMAAZING. Twice in a row, even calling from the bus last night asking if they can hold my order past ten cause my bus had JUST gotten to the MK to take us to Congress Park where we could walk. They said they’d hold it til they left at 10:15 or so. We made it but we had to RUN. But soooo worth it.
People continue to take their masks off or wear them on their chin in the lines as soon as they’re beyond the CM. These same people let their kids roam the line and duck under ropes to play with the currently off limit queue stuff.
Epcot is a mess with the construction. Makes getting where you need to go so hard. Living with the Land and AK’s Safari still have vinyl between rows. Not sure about Frozen cause again, lines.
Having fun, super grateful for the fabulous weather (and continued favorable outlook), the two bedroom villa I was gifted by a friend (although the food and gift shop grocery/toiletries at SSR, along with limited hours, makes me very much miss my simple single Wilderness Lodge and Poly rooms of yore), just wish people were more courteous, more aware, and that there were far fewer of them in the parks…and of course wish there were FPs!

 

[MGD2007]

Thanks for the rundown! How was mask compliance in lines? And are people ignoring the distancing markers as others have reported?

Mask compliance is very good in lines. There's cast members at the front of each attraction reminding guests to pull their masks up. I have to admit, it's easy to forget sometimes in an outdoor queue. I forgot to pull mine up at Carousel of Progress queue and I was gently reminded. My family had a good laugh at my expense, because I am a stickler for mask compliance!
Social distancing in queues is not great. Sometimes you get like-minded people in front and in back of you, but generally that has been abandoned.