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

[Dallasmomoftwo]

I do like the new cut through areas and I hope those stay after the park re-do. Makes the flow much easier.

Where are the new cut through areas?

 

[brockash]

Just back from Epcot. Arrived at 5:30pm right before Thor decided to give is a show. The park was empty, like empty empty,maybe a couple of hundred people walking around. It just feels dead to me, my DD also pointed out that the music is just playing very low, especially around so everything seems to take extra long to walk to. Did SE, the Awesome Planet movie, Gran Fiesta Tour, a set of Marimbas de America in the Gardens Theater, shopped at Japan for a bit and finished the night inside World Showplace for some fisherman's pie, kielbasa and spanakopita. World Showplace was so empty, maybe 15 people inside and this was round 8:15pm. Epcot has never been my favorite but now is just a complete waste to me other than to go try food. Kudos for those that enjoy it.

I've seen lots of reports of the music being played really low...do we know why they're doing that? Seems really odd to me??

 

[yulilin3]

I've seen lots of reports of the music being played really low...do we know why they're doing that? Seems really odd to me??

no clue, but I would think they would pump the music up, you know.

 

[brockash]

no clue, but I would think they would pump the music up, you know.

Lol...that's kinda what I was thinking...wouldn't they want it louder now, more than ever...just to drown out any construction noise and to pretend the parks alive lol. I wonder if something isn't working right??? So weird.

 

[yulilin3]

Lol...that's kinda what I was thinking...wouldn't they want it louder now, more than ever...just to drown out any construction noise and to pretend the parks alive lol. I wonder if something isn't working right??? So weird.

there is no construction sound unfortunately. The system works fine because when the safety announcement comes on it's loud and clear, then it goes back to the soft music

 

[NotGrumpyButPrettyClose]

I've seen lots of reports of the music being played really low...do we know why they're doing that? Seems really odd to me??

Lol...that's kinda what I was thinking...wouldn't they want it louder now, more than ever...just to drown out any construction noise and to pretend the parks alive lol. I wonder if something isn't working right??? So weird.

there is no construction sound unfortunately. The system works fine because when the safety announcement comes on it's loud and clear, then it goes back to the soft music

My wild guess:
It makes it easier for masked guests/CM's to converse without raising their voices. They may be trying to keep any risks of transmission as low as they can.
Over time, they might save a $ on the electric bill

 

[yulilin3]

My wild guess:
It makes it easier for masked guests/CM's to converse without raising their voices. They may be trying to keep any risks of transmission as low as they can.
Over time, they might save a $ on the electric bill

this would be a good theory if the other parks wouldn't be pumping the music at their regular volume

 

[Cliz155]

So for those of you who feel like there's not much to do... We love the rides and probably can do them a million times and be happy, but I am a little concerned about filling our evenings. We're there 8 full days. And it sounds like DS isn't amazing for safety and the pools aren't ideal either. We'll do both, but I'm not thinking we'll spend all our free time at either of those. Thoughts on what else to do? With kids ages 9, 12, and 15, plus my 21yo bro pair from South Africa? Is Winter Summerland open yet?

We went to DS last Wednesday night and it was ridiculously crowded and basically zero mask enforcement. The line for World of Disney was almost all the way around the building and no one was enforcing masks/distancing in line. I saw a bunch of people near us on phones (no masks) and the family behind us let their kids run right up to us and they (the adults) took off their masks. I switched to a KN95 I had with me and added another mask on top of that... but that was the end of DS at night. I just didn't feel safe, and it wasn't worth the stress. To add to the fun, a family sat by us on the bus on the way back took off their masks and were sitting maskless for a while. When I asked them to please pull up their masks, the older woman in the party said "I'm a da** senior citizen. Don't you know we can take off our masks when stationary? *then showed me her drinks that they weren't drinking*" The family proceeded to talk about us all the way back saying how "someone" who is worried about the virus shouldn't travel right now. They did pull their masks up though, so I ignored them.

We went to DS last Sunday morning and it was a totally different story! No waits for anything. We were the only people in Goofy's Candy Co. So my advice is to try to get to DS around 10 or 11 on the days when parks open late (HS or EPCOT) and then go to a park in the later afternoon/evening. DS is definitely better in the morning/early afternoon right now!

 

[koquinn]

We went to DS last Wednesday night and it was ridiculously crowded and basically zero mask enforcement. The line for World of Disney was almost all the way around the building and no one was enforcing masks/distancing in line. I saw a bunch of people near us on phones (no masks) and the family behind us let their kids run right up to us and they (the adults) took off their masks. I switched to a KN95 I had with me and added another mask on top of that... but that was the end of DS at night. I just didn't feel safe, and it wasn't worth the stress. To add to the fun, a family sat by us on the bus on the way back took off their masks and were sitting maskless for a while. When I asked them to please pull up their masks, the older woman in the party said "I'm a da** senior citizen. Don't you know we can take off our masks when stationary? *then showed me her drinks that they weren't drinking*" The family proceeded to talk about us all the way back saying how "someone" who is worried about the virus shouldn't travel right now. They did pull their masks up though, so I ignored them.

We went to DS last Sunday morning and it was a totally different story! No waits for anything. We were the only people in Goofy's Candy Co. So my advice is to try to get to DS around 10 or 11 on the days when parks open late (HS or EPCOT) and then go to a park in the later afternoon/evening. DS is definitely better in the morning/early afternoon right now!

OMG. I am so dreading these moments - it's going to stress me out for sure. It's why we have basically gone nowhere in WI since March other than work. I don't have a problem changing direction or plans in DS or the parks, but stuck on a bus with someone that ignorant is going to make me a bit insane. I appreciate the insight on the timing!

 

[scrappinginontario]

So for those of you who feel like there's not much to do... We love the rides and probably can do them a million times and be happy, but I am a little concerned about filling our evenings. We're there 8 full days. And it sounds like DS isn't amazing for safety and the pools aren't ideal either. We'll do both, but I'm not thinking we'll spend all our free time at either of those. Thoughts on what else to do? With kids ages 9, 12, and 15, plus my 21yo bro pair from South Africa? Is Winter Summerland open yet?

This was my concern too so we shortened our trip (took it from 9 nights down to 5) as people are saying only 1 day per park required. Tucking the extra $ away for a future trip.

 

[DisneyElite4]

We went to DS last Wednesday night and it was ridiculously crowded and basically zero mask enforcement. The line for World of Disney was almost all the way around the building and no one was enforcing masks/distancing in line. I saw a bunch of people near us on phones (no masks) and the family behind us let their kids run right up to us and they (the adults) took off their masks. I switched to a KN95 I had with me and added another mask on top of that... but that was the end of DS at night. I just didn't feel safe, and it wasn't worth the stress. To add to the fun, a family sat by us on the bus on the way back took off their masks and were sitting maskless for a while. When I asked them to please pull up their masks, the older woman in the party said "I'm a da** senior citizen. Don't you know we can take off our masks when stationary? *then showed me her drinks that they weren't drinking*" The family proceeded to talk about us all the way back saying how "someone" who is worried about the virus shouldn't travel right now. They did pull their masks up though, so I ignored them.

We went to DS last Sunday morning and it was a totally different story! No waits for anything. We were the only people in Goofy's Candy Co. So my advice is to try to get to DS around 10 or 11 on the days when parks open late (HS or EPCOT) and then go to a park in the later afternoon/evening. DS is definitely better in the morning/early afternoon right now!

Was the wait for a bus long going either way in the mornings vs. at night? Thanks!

 

[nancipants]

The family proceeded to talk about us all the way back saying how "someone" who is worried about the virus shouldn't travel right now.

This makes me so mad. People who aren't willing to abide by a theme park's rules shouldn't be traveling to that theme park. This is why I wish Disney would kick out/ban people who violate the new rules.

 

[MaxsDad]

OMG. I am so dreading these moments - it's going to stress me out for sure. It's why we have basically gone nowhere in WI since March other than work. I don't have a problem changing direction or plans in DS or the parks, but stuck on a bus with someone that ignorant is going to make me a bit insane. I appreciate the insight on the timing!

Yeah, we decided to rent a car to avoid the covid buses.

 

[JPM4]

Yeah, we decided to rent a car to avoid the covid busses.

Also thinking about renting a car next time myself. I spent a lot of time waiting out busses until everyone else went to get one for myself or with a few other families. Also left parks earlier than I wanted to avoid busy busses at closing. But if you don’t mind going during the middle part of the day you’ll get a bus almost all to yourself

 

[JennyDrake]

I am just back! 8/1 Epcot 8/2 HS & DS 8/3 MK 8/4 AK.

In summary , LOW crowds. Haven't seen it like this since 1995-2000. Mask compliance was close to 100%.
Stayed at CBR - very very few food options
In fact, very very few food options anywhere but F&W
Relaxation stations need to be added. Lots of them.
THE MISERY OF THE MASK IN THE HEAT CANNOT BE OVERSTATED; FWIW, I live in The South, I work outdoors and my house doesn't have a/c. I am exceptionally heat tolerant but breathing your own CO2 and steam gets real old real fast.
The social distancing is GREAT and I hope they keep it! So nice in AUGUST to not be told "fill in all the available space"
Hands down AK had the shortest lines. Epcot wait times were mostly UNDERestimated. Soarin said 10 minutes and we waited 40..... Very little to do in Epcot other than eat at kiosks.
DS had the most people out and about.
Getting inside the parks has never been faster! I like not having finger scans. Temp checks were walk throughs. Rapid, friendly and easy.
The gondolas are great. Also had great bus service.
Security getting into the parks was very inconsistent in what to do with purse, umbrella and battery charger and they were downright harsh and crabby. Everywhere. Not like there was a line.... Ex; "KEEP COMING! Dont take your purse off! I said keep walking" (trying to get battery pack out of purse) <alarm goes off> "STep over here. The signs say the battery packs DOES NOT go through the scanner!" Carry the umbrella don't carry the umbrella carry it but hold it way out in front of you. Frustrating.

I welcome questions!

 

[TISHLOVESDISNEY]

We have been here since Monday (3rd), BLT.
Mask compliance at parks and here has been close to 100% if not 100. Only issue we had was walking back from MK lastnight, and a family passed us, 1 without a mask, got infront of us hit the cross light, crossed and then all took off their masks. We paused to let them walk even further, and saw them walk over to their car in the BLT parking lot to leave. Couldn't wait to remove those mask 2 minutes later when in their car apparently.
Loving the social distancing in parks and in lines. Haven't waited for anything at MK and did AK today.
And the hand sanitizer before and after rides!!
Oh, found my Together Again shirt at AK today. I had read they were sold out, so was very excited to find it.
We are at BLT until Saturday then move over to BCV until 13th. We will hit MK tomorrow and Friday, then do HS and Epcot once we switch.
Masks haven't really bothered us. We also do open to lunch and then leave and go back for dinner to close, so not in the extreme heat of the day.
We also have neck fans. HIGHLY recommend!!
SO happy to be here, a whole lot of cancellations since March, but we made it!!!

 

[JennyDrake]

So for those of you who feel like there's not much to do... We love the rides and probably can do them a million times and be happy, but I am a little concerned about filling our evenings. We're there 8 full days. And it sounds like DS isn't amazing for safety and the pools aren't ideal either. We'll do both, but I'm not thinking we'll spend all our free time at either of those. Thoughts on what else to do? With kids ages 9, 12, and 15, plus my 21yo bro pair from South Africa? Is Winter Summerland open yet?

No, it isn't open yet. And resort (main) pools (and bars) closed at 9pm . We (2 adults) were also at a loss especially since it was so hot and miserable with the masks during the days.

 

[mak'smom]

Yeah, we decided to rent a car to avoid the covid busses.

We drove to avoid Disney transportation. The only problem was magic kingdom, We were stuck in a monorail car with two people with masks below their chin, one of which was coughing. I recommend taking the ferry.

 

[Kyhome]

I have two days of parks to report thus far.

Huge Disney vets and OCD planners (me). I always get the fast passes 60 days out, we always stay on property, always get hoppers, etc. Have been to Disney at least once a year each year in last 10 years.

We wanted to take advantage of lower lines and less crowds. My kids are older now-8 and 13 years old. We have never cared about parades or fireworks (sorry but we do rides during those times) but are all about maximizing rides.

First two days have been great, split stay with Universal, which is new to us. We are staying off disney property for the first time in forever bc there are no extra hours and no early fast passes with staying at Disney.

At AK, we were there from 8-12:30, did FOP twice, EE four times, dinosaur twice, tricero spin, safari, and Navi once, rapids twice. Minimal or no waits for each.

Hollywood studios, we got there at 930 (drove), got a boarding pass number 8 for Rise. Did Rock and Roller x5, Tower terror x4, Mickey and Minnie x2, TSM x2, SDD x2, Smugglers run x2, Rise around 10:30, Star Tours x1 (not all in that order)! Took a two hour break in middle of day to leave park and go eat during a rainstorm.

I do miss the character greetings but my kids aren’t into that anymore (sad).
If you are into rides, now is the time to go because of low waits.

We also don’t really stop to eat (like I said, we go off parks to eat usually) so can’t comment on that.
Entry to parks was easy, including temp checks and bag walk through. I do like that universal now puts hand sanitizer on each persons hands where Disney just had it available. Mask compliance at parks close to 100 percent. Maybe 95? But I saw a few corrected. Yes it’s hot with a mask but we are from the south so we are used to it and did not bother us.
Feel free to ask any questions!

 

[koquinn]

I have two days of parks to report this far.

Huge Disney vets and OCD planners (me). I always get the fast passes 60 days out, we always stay on property, always get hoppers, etc. Have been to Disney at least once a year each year in last 10 years.

We wanted to take advantage of lower lines and less crowds. My kids are older now-8 and 13 years old. We have never cared about parades or fireworks (sorry but we do rides during those times) but are all about maximizing rides.

First two days have been great, split stay with Universal, which is new to us. We are staying off disney property for the first time in forever bc there are no extra hours and no early fast passes with staying at Disney.

At AK, we were there from 8-12:30, did FOP twice, EE four times, dinosaur twice, tricero spin, safari, and Navi once, rapids twice. Minimal or no waits for each.

Hollywood studios, we got there at 930 (drove), got a boarding pass number 8 for Rise. Did Rock and Roller x5, Tower terror x4, Mickey and Minnie x2, TSM x2, SDD x2, Smugglers run x2, Rise around 10:30, Star Tours x1. Took a two hour break in middle of day to leave park and go eat during a rainstorm.

I do miss the character greetings but my kids aren’t into that anymore (sad).
If you are into rides, now is the time Bc of low waits.
We also don’t really stop to eat (like I said, we go off parks to eat usually) so can’t comment on that.
Entry to parks was easy, including temp checks and bag walk through. I do like that universal now puts hand sanitizer on each persons hands where Disney just had it available. Mask compliance at parks close to 100 percent. Maybe 95? But I saw a few corrected. Yes it’s hot with a mask but we are from the south so we are used to it and did not bother us.
Feel free to ask any questions!

You guys totally sound like us. Glad to hear it's been amazing! I am not sure what we'll do with ourselves the rest of the days, but hopefully just more rides!