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

[Anne Scaffo]

Skipped the running of the bulls to Mine Train and started left in Adventureland and Frontierland. Note that Big Thunder was the only thing open on that side of the park, and I had to wait a few minutes for it, but I walked straight on as the second party behind a family at 7:25 and could have ridden another time if I felt like it but had other priorities. So I then went to Pirates and walked straight on at 7:35. Returned to Frontier and I saw empty boats at Splash by then so got in the outdoor extended queue at 7:52 waiting for the real one to open at 8. This was absolutely the move because the line was crazy behind me, and at 8 when they let us into the real queue I walked straight into the ride…which then broke down literally right after I’d done the big drop. We were evacuated right at that bend leading into the last scene, and my boat was the last that was filled so we were some of the first evacuated. CMs walked us thru the last scene and thru a backstage area to exit, upon which we were given anytime FPs for anything except 7DMT and Peter Pan. Great considering I had done the whole ride pretty much!


I will continue believing running to Mine Train at rope drop is for masochists and suckers. And people saying CMs are surly or there’s no magic left are uh. Different. I’ve had nothing but fantastic experiences and plenty of magic to be had. Is it the same as the before times, no. But I’ve had some great interactions with CMs, everyone saying happy birthday for my pin, some funny times because of my shoulder porg. Crowds are not bad at all either for a holiday weekend. I am so happy to be here.

Going left when everyone goes right at MK has been my strategy for the past five years. I remember the first time I did it. My kids were like- "What are you doing??" It works out most of the time.

 

[kylenne]

FYI there is a brand new Cruella themed magic shot in the UK pavilion, back in the garden area where the band used to play. The CM told me they just started it yesterday.

 

[disneyseniors]

Thirded, and I was queen of FP refresh. Never thought I would say that! But man is it so much better.

I mean when crowds get back to normal they will probably have to do something…but this has been such a low stress trip, I’m still gobsmacked by how little time I’ve spent in lines after fretting about it so much leading up to the trip.

I remember how it was before fp, and now you have seen the results. It was great! The lines might be a little long at times, but the difference is that they are constantly moving That's the big difference. And you mentioned being able to see the pre show areas which is a big part of the ride for me. Alot of people on here are amazed at how great Not having fp's really is.
I hope disney keeps it this way, even when we are back to normal crowd levels. There isn't much difference, IMO. With fp's, we found we rode our 3 fp's attractions, and couldn 't get anything we wanted to do that was available for more fp's. So we usually did our 3 and went to the resort
Glad you are having a nice time

 

[VandVsmama]

We were at DS yesterday evening. Very busy once you hit 8 pm. Had dinner at Chicken Guy. It was ok. I don’t understand why people rave about the place.

went to HS this morning. Got into the park at 8:30. Went on MMRR with a 10 min wait, but it was probably 5. Then went to Millennium Falcon Smugglers Run. 25 min wait posted. Felt about that amount. Our kids’ first time. They loved it. We are going on it again this evening.

did not get ROTR BG at 7 am, but did at 1pm. Got BG 166. App says it’ll probably be about 6pm that our BG gets called.

had lunch at Brown Derby to celebrate YDD turning 13 today. Food and service was great. Pricey meal but the quality of the dishes was worth the price tag in my opinion.

before lunch, the kids made light sabers in Savi’s Workshop. Price tag has gone up a little. The experience was great. The light saber is hefty, doesn’t feel cheap. It’s worth the price tag in my opinion. DH is considering getting one at Dok Ondar’s this evening. I felt bad for the CMs who basically have to spend all day telling guests that Savis reservations are required, that there’s a snowball’s chance in you know where of getting in today. 3 families walked up asking to make a lightsaber and they had no idea that you had to book ahead of time. And they didn’t understand why they couldn’t get in.

So if you don’t have a reservation, count on not getting in. Period. It’s hard to book because it’s only 50% capacity right now. There’s normally I think 13 spots per reservation time but now it’s half that.

headed to Docking Bay 7 for dinner. Am doing laundry at Pop Century. Those laundry rooms are popular!

 

[Castlequeen5]

We were at AK today and walked in at 7:15 for an 8:00 opening. We walked straight to FOP and were off the ride by 7:59. Then we rode Navi with a 5 minute wait.

Afterwards, we headed over to Africa for the safari. It was a long wait that wrapped around and around, but the line was constantly moving. Once we got off, we went to Dinosaur. The wait was 35 minutes. Next we walked around to Everest. It was a 20 minute wait. Then we went over to Kali River for a 25 minute wait. We were off before 11:45.

So this is what we were able to do by 11:45:
FOP- approximately 30 minutes
Navi- 5 minutes
Safari- 45 minutes (MDE listed 30 minutes)
Dinosaur- 35 minutes
Everest- 20 minutes
Kali River- 25 minutes

We were finished with all the rides before noon. Then we had lunch reservations at Yak and Yeti and were immediately seated. The food and service was excellent! Once we finished, we went back to the hotel for a break. Animal Kingdom isn’t really one of my favorite parks, but we had a great day!

 

[kylenne]

Yesterday was Epcot rope drop, really nothing of note to report except I walked over from YC at 9:30 or so and booked it to Soarin when we were let in at 10. I waited about 10 minutes. Frozen was posted 60 but I waited 30 minutes at 11:30a. Mostly I took photos and ate all day.

Personally I’m glad I only booked one Epcot park pass this trip. It’s really not worth rope dropping this park at this time with such a late opening imo. Yes many people hop to there but waits go down substantially in the late evening as people wander and eat in World Showcase. Test Track is the worst wait by far but I jumped in line at the end of the night and waited 20 minutes. Also the heat is bad so late in the am. My UV umbrella was essential.

Today is the Studios. I got BG 7 and walked over from YC at 7:32, it took me about 12 minutes of New Yorker power walking. Walkers have a huge advantage at this park. I was near the front of the line for security as we were held and at 8 am the line stretched behind me past the Skyliner station. My best advice for rope drop is get here as early as possible. Don’t cut it close to 8 if you can help it. And when the security line opens bear left—I am standing 3 back from a tapstyle now, in front of people who got here before I did, because I did that, people didn’t realize the security lines on the left were open.

Heading to Sunset attractions first, will report back later.

 

[Leigh L]

Yesterday was Epcot rope drop, really nothing of note to report except I walked over from YC at 9:30 or so and booked it to Soarin when we were let in at 10. I waited about 10 minutes. Frozen was posted 60 but I waited 30 minutes at 11:30a. Mostly I took photos and ate all day.

Personally I’m glad I only booked one Epcot park pass this trip. It’s really not worth rope dropping this park at this time with such a late opening imo. Yes many people hop to there but waits go down substantially in the late evening as people wander and eat in World Showcase. Test Track is the worst wait by far but I jumped in line at the end of the night and waited 20 minutes. Also the heat is bad so late in the am. My UV umbrella was essential.

Today is the Studios. I got BG 7 and walked over from YC at 7:32, it took me about 12 minutes of New Yorker power walking. Walkers have a huge advantage at this park. I was near the front of the line for security as we were held and at 8 am the line stretched behind me past the Skyliner station. My best advice for rope drop is get here as early as possible. Don’t cut it close to 8 if you can help it. And when the security line opens bear left—I am standing 3 back from a tapstyle now, in front of people who got here before I did, because I did that, people didn’t realize the security lines on the left were open.

Heading to Sunset attractions first, will report back later.

Have a great time today! Sounds like you've been having an awesome trip .

Appreciate the updates since we leave in just over 2 weeks, especially what you just said about Epcot. Epcot was a huge disappointment in Jan. 2020 and Jan. 2021 (first the walls/crowds and then the walls/stuff that didn't reopen), that we didn't book it this trip. DD and I still have one day left on an old hopper that is good until September 21, so we may pop over briefly on the one day - our other days are with a base ticket and everyone else has base tickets.

We had wondered if 2 days at MK vs 1 MK and 1 Epcot was the better choice for the group. Now I feel more confident we reserved 2 MK. Thank you .

 

[elittleton]

Sorry if this is the wrong thread to post in (if so, please move or delete).
Has anyone who has been to WDW lately know if they still sell the Disney Cooling Towels in gift shops? I found some info on the Disney parks planning site but was from 2019 so curious if it’s still available.

I saw them in several places yesterday at MK. They were close to the register.

 

[robinb]

Yesterday was Epcot rope drop, really nothing of note to report except I walked over from YC at 9:30 or so and booked it to Soarin when we were let in at 10. I waited about 10 minutes. Frozen was posted 60 but I waited 30 minutes at 11:30a. Mostly I took photos and ate all day.

Personally I’m glad I only booked one Epcot park pass this trip. It’s really not worth rope dropping this park at this time with such a late opening imo. Yes many people hop to there but waits go down substantially in the late evening as people wander and eat in World Showcase. Test Track is the worst wait by far but I jumped in line at the end of the night and waited 20 minutes. Also the heat is bad so late in the am. My UV umbrella was essential.

Today is the Studios. I got BG 7 and walked over from YC at 7:32, it took me about 12 minutes of New Yorker power walking. Walkers have a huge advantage at this park. I was near the front of the line for security as we were held and at 8 am the line stretched behind me past the Skyliner station. My best advice for rope drop is get here as early as possible. Don’t cut it close to 8 if you can help it. And when the security line opens bear left—I am standing 3 back from a tapstyle now, in front of people who got here before I did, because I did that, people didn’t realize the security lines on the left were open.

Heading to Sunset attractions first, will report back later.

I was disappointed that I didn't book a second Epcot day over my 8 days. Getting up at the crack of dawn to make the first bus at 6:45 for the MK and AK or walking over to DHS at 7:30 began to wear on me. We ended up taking our time on our last MK day and I would have preferred to have gone to Epcot that day but there was no availability.

What UV umbrella do you have?

If you're early to DHS, yes go to the left. We were earlier one day and went to the left while there was a big line to the right. The second time we were later and the CMs were trying to get us to go to the left but the line was much longer because it wrapped around the security area instead of going straight into security on the right (this was right after the park opened). So, my advise is to play it by ear.

 

[elittleton]

We were at AK on Tuesday, June 1. We got to the cones just before 7am. Most of the people were headed to FOP while we went to Safari. We were able to see the zebras run with the baby leading the way. We walked the Gorilla Falls Trail with a 5 minute wait for it to open. We road dinosaur twice as walk on then EE followed by the Kali River Rapids twice. Last we walked the Maharaja Jungle Trek all by 11 with no more than a 20 minute wait. For the first time every we took an afternoon break. We mobile ordered from Flame Tree BBQ for 5:30. We went back at 4. Rode the Safaris again then EE before picking up our mobile order. Just like also the Flame Tree BBQ was very good.

We went to MK yesterday, June 2. We arrived at the cones at 7:00 but they didn’t let us in until 7:10 then waited until about 7:20 at the parking booth. We didn’t get into the park until 7:40. We road Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad twice all walk on up to 15 minute wait. Haunted Mansion finally started and there was a mass number of people headed that way. Next Tomorrow Speedway with a 20 minute wait then Space Mountain with a 45 minute wait. We got in line for Haunted Mansion but then it went down. We hung out at Tom Sawyer Island for about an hour for a nice break. We had a Tony ARD at 2:35. We left for a break and came back at 6:00. My DD road Tomorrow Speedway, she is so happy that she is finally tall enough to ride alone. We got a turkey leg and watched a bird grab someone else’s turkey leg. We tried to ride Haunted Mansion again but it went down again. My DD road Big Thunder Mountain then Space Mountain right at closing. The MDE wait times were close to the actual wait times.

 

[jbish]

We are staying at Wilderness Lodge for the first time (CCV) - what is the transportation situation for going to MK? Do they still run boats or is it bus only these days?

 

[elittleton]

I forgot to include that when we come we always come this week. My DD gets out of school the Wednesday before Memorial Day so we come that weekend for the week. The crowds are lower than what we normally see this week.

 

[kylenne]

Taking a breather. I headed straight to RNRC and was 3rd in line. We were held just before the preshow room and were let onto the ride at 8:30. After that I went to Tower and walked straight on. Note that Tower is loading every row now, just keeping a space between parties. By the time I got off the ride the queue for it was back into the Fantasmic theater just about.

My BG was called about now so I headed to Batuu. I would have done MMRR on the way but it was down. Rise is incredible and well worth the trouble. After riding I left the park and took the Skyliner back to BC for my 10:35 ADR at Cape May Cafe for breakfast. The CBR transfer line for Epcot was long but moved pretty fast. Yes you will share a car but I had a nice chat with a family about Star Wars.

Btw, many poor suckers just walking in at 9:45 to nothing but heat and lines. Don’t be those people fam. Sunset attractions continue to be the way to go at rope drop imo. The rest of today will be resting, I have a spa appt at the Dolphin and then will have pool time at SAB. I will return to HS in the evening and will report on how waits are then.

I was disappointed that I didn't book a second Epcot day over my 8 days. Getting up at the crack of dawn to make the first bus at 6:45 for the MK and AK or walking over to DHS at 7:30 began to wear on me. We ended up taking our time on our last MK day and I would have preferred to have gone to Epcot that day but there was no availability.

What UV umbrella do you have?

If you're early to DHS, yes go to the left. We were earlier one day and went to the left while there was a big line to the right. The second time we were later and the CMs were trying to get us to go to the left but the line was much longer because it wrapped around the security area instead of going straight into security on the right (this was right after the park opened). So, my advise is to play it by ear.

I make a rule never to rope drop more than 2 days in a row. I only did today because I was lucky and got an early BG. I got my umbrella from Amazon and it was a godsend.

 

[robinb]

I make a rule never to rope drop more than 2 days in a row. I only did today because I was lucky and got an early BG. I got my umbrella from Amazon and it was a godsend.

Great rule . I have a FOMO if I don't rope drop, but I will adjust my next trip to have a couple of Epcot days added assuming that it will still open later. I need my sleep and even the later DHS start doesn't help when I have to be awake at 6:50 am to get a boarding group.

Can you post the Amazon link when you get home? There are so many of them on Amazon right now!

 

[kylenne]

Great rule . I have a FOMO if I don't rope drop, but I will adjust my next trip to have a couple of Epcot days added assuming that it will still open later. I need my sleep and even the later DHS start doesn't help when I have to be awake at 6:50 am to get a boarding group.

Can you post the Amazon link when you get home? There are so many of them on Amazon right now!

Here I got it, hopefully it works. For reference my main park bag this trip is a mini loungefly and it fits perfectly inside next to a brita steel water bottle.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082TT73L...abc_KRECQNJTV52N2QZA2B58?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

 

[ShadowBoxer]

Honestly these reports have me feeling on ease a bit. I was worried with the park capacity increase and no fast passes wait times for rides and lines to shops and food places would be crazy long during these summer months ( I am going next month). But it seems manageable from what I am reading here. I hope it stays that way ha.

 

[Snowysmom]

The boats to MK are running from Wilderness Lodge, at least when I was there mid May. I used the buses as the waits were short.

 

[DaniMoon]

We were at AK on Tuesday, June 1. We got to the cones just before 7am. Most of the people were headed to FOP while we went to Safari. We were able to see the zebras run with the baby leading the way. We walked the Gorilla Falls Trail with a 5 minute wait for it to open. We road dinosaur twice as walk on then EE followed by the Kali River Rapids twice. Last we walked the Maharaja Jungle Trek all by 11 with no more than a 20 minute wait. For the first time every we took an afternoon break. We mobile ordered from Flame Tree BBQ for 5:30. We went back at 4. Rode the Safaris again then EE before picking up our mobile order. Just like also the Flame Tree BBQ was very good.

So the Safari was open early? I kept reading that they don't open it before the posted opening?

 

[bdiddy]

Honestly these reports have me feeling on ease a bit. I was worried with the park capacity increase and no fast passes wait times for rides and lines to shops and food places would be crazy long during these summer months ( I am going next month). But it seems manageable from what I am reading here. I hope it stays that way ha.

Me too! I'm actually really looking forward to not having the fast passes now. I've been watching the wait times on MDE and on Touring Plans a lot too at all random times and other then a few times a day for a few of the headliners, I feel the wait times are really good. Much less than they would be for stand-by otherwise. Peter Pan is one I keep checking because in "before times", that stand-by line was ALWAYS over an hour, all day every day. At least in busy season and now it's been under 30 min almost every time I check. Same with Space and BTMRR, almost every time I check they 15-30 min.

I feel like the time you normally save by having those handful of fast passes will be more than made up for with all of the much shorter stand-by lines. And we aren't having to plan our day around when our fast passes are so no more running across the parks as much. We leave on the 11th so I'll definitely be reporting back on my official comparison!

 

[hereforthechurros]

I forgot to include that when we come we always come this week. My DD gets out of school the Wednesday before Memorial Day so we come that weekend for the week. The crowds are lower than what we normally see this week.

Wait times have looked great the past couple weeks. So many schools aren't out yet though.