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

[monkyby87]

Forgive my ignorance, as I haven't been following the topics lately. I am going to MK at the end of September here. Is there any sort of general tip for making the most? Are there any specifics I need to be aware of in terms of the rides? I head heard they were letting people in up to 45 minutes before opening...

 

[ghtx]

Great review! But it looks like u didn’t use busses from OKW. Is there a reason for that? We’re getting there tomorrow for 5 nights and even though we’ll hv a car, was hoping to use the busses thx!

We mostly used our own car, since we had it with us, instead of the busses. Both because of worries about COVID and because it's easier to get around we find with our own car. I only used the bus once, on the way back from MK since the rest of my family left in the car a few hours before I did. I think the car will get you there faster, especially if you are aiming for rope drop.

 

[alliecat726]

I totally agree with you. It's has been amazing with the immersion. Its been a great day here. We will see you at Oga’s. Our reservation is at 630!

I am curious... I keep seeing people's posts about their dinner ADRs @ Oga's--don't they just have drinks and snack mix and mostly SRO? Is there a hidden food menu/sit-down meal area somewhere I don't know about? I'd sure love to experience an actual dinner there if they have something to offer!

 

[Grumpy by Birth]

I am curious... I keep seeing people's posts about their dinner ADRs @ Oga's--don't they just have drinks and snack mix and mostly SRO? Is there a hidden food menu/sit-down meal area somewhere I don't know about? I'd sure love to experience an actual dinner there if they have something to offer!

ADRs for Oga's at dinner time are still labeled as a "dinner" reservation in the system even though they only have drinks and a few snack items.

Agree, it would be great if they offered something with a little more substance. Even if it was just a Ronto Wrap or one or two of the entrees from DB7.

But that would probably get in the way of consistently turning over tables every 45 minutes.

 

[Berger1]

I just got back on Monday 9/7. We were at BCV 8/30 - 9/2, BWV 9/2 - 9/4 and AK Jambo 9/4 - 9/6.

The positives -

The crowds were very light at all 3 resorts and the pools were very enjoyable. The parks were great on the week days and you were pretty much able to walk on everything FOP 10mins, got ROR both times we went to HS, Mickey RARW was the longest all week with an actual wait time of about 40 min. You could tell the parks were significantly busier on the weekends when you don't have any FP's. We drove so used our car for most of our transportation. We did take the bus to MK and back from BCV one day. The buses were also very empty and easy to use if you didn't mind waiting for the bus.

The negatives -

It was sad not having the parks open later to go in the evening and not being able to park hop to Epcot from BCV and BWV. The food was also challenging. BC market place was closed and they didn't offer drink refills at the temporary location in the solarium. AK Jambo had none of their regular restaurants open. They did open of the pool bar for labor day weekend because they were fully booked, but said they would close it again after labor day. The food options were also very limited at the places that were open. The pool at Kidani was crazy packed and actually reached capacity on Saturday and Sunday that weekend so we didn't spend much time there even though they had the few food options.

The heat over labor day weekend was crazy too so we spent the majority of those days at the pool to be mask free. 99 degrees with a feels like 110 actually feels pretty good when you take your mask off after walking around the parks in that heat.


We did have another trip scheduled in October before our season passes expire, but have decided to cancel it. It was definitely worth going once during this time for us to experience the lower crowds, but unless they open up park hours later and allow park hopping, it wasn't worth paying for the rooms again as things stand now.

 

[ghtx]

ADRs for Oga's at dinner time are still labeled as a "dinner" reservation in the system even though they only have drinks and a few snack items.

Agree, it would be great if they offered something with a little more substance. Even if it was just a Ronto Wrap or one or two of the entrees from DB7.

But that would probably get in the way of consistently turning over tables every 45 minutes.

And also as I found out the hard way, having a reservation doesn't even guarantee you a seat! They have several standing-room-only tables that you might get assigned to if you get unlucky.

 

[yulilin3]

And also as I found out the hard way, having a reservation doesn't even guarantee you a seat! They have several standing-room-only tables that you might get assigned to if you get unlucky.

This has always been the case. There's always been more standing tables an and counter space than tables

 

[bucation]

Finally some action on the resort TV.

View attachment 508579

miss this! it really is the little things we miss the most like the toiletries, the resort TV, STACY!!!!

 

[Cliff Secord]

I just got back on Monday 9/7. We were at BCV 8/30 - 9/2, BWV 9/2 - 9/4 and AK Jambo 9/4 - 9/6.

We drove so used our car for most of our transportation.

Good stuff, thanks. We are going in 10 days, and will be driving to the parks, too.

How was it driving to HS to make it in before 10? What time did you arrive? Any issues or anxiety?

 

[ars0525]

Went to AK on Saturday (9-5). AP who drives over. This was my last park to visit since re-opening having been to the other 3 already.

They have definitely streamlined the whole temperature check, security, getting you in the park entrance part every time I visit.

Left my car in the parking lot at 7:30am (park opened at 8am). Went to FOP after getting inside. It was steady continuous walking the whole way. No crowds or running. Went thru the "official" stand by entrance & it was maybe 10 minutes til I was on the ride (before 8am). Just walking the whole way looking at things until we got in the laboratory room & then it was a little stop & go. Next was the Safari which was pretty much a walk on still. I meandered thru exhibits looking at animals & slowly made my way to EE. That said 20 minute wait, but it was way less than that. Meandered around more, took some pics, shopped, watched characters go by in the River & got a Dole whip in Africa so I sat down to eat & charge my phone for 20 minutes. Rode the Safari again. Line was like 15 minutes but it was close to 11am & getting warm so less animals to see. Started heading to the front of the park, stopped at Guest Relations for an issue & was back at my car by noon. Day complete in 4.5 hours.

I know all the parks had no availability that day so wasn't sure what to expect. As I pulled up to the AK parking lot the electric sign was flashing that no park reservations were available. And the parking person asked if I had a park reservation (I don't recall the other times anyone asking). Crowd wise I noticed it filling up later (park opened at 8am) like 10:30/11ish but in that park it seems pretty spread out.

ETA: I did notice when I rode Safari early & wasn't any line they sat us with empty rows between the parties on the truck. When I rode 2 hours later they were no longer leaving the empty row between groups. I was seated in the last row which was nice cause then it was open air behind me. I only rode EE once & they had empty rows between parties. And on FOP I was the end seat & an empty spot between me & the other group.

 

[yulilin3]

Good stuff, thanks. We are going in 10 days, and will be driving to the parks, too.

How was it driving to HS to make it in before 10? What time did you arrive? Any issues or anxiety?

Parking opens at 9am, don't arrive earlier cause you'll have to circle around

 

[Berger1]

Parking opens at 9am, don't arrive earlier cause you'll have to circle around

Good stuff, thanks. We are going in 10 days, and will be driving to the parks, too.

How was it driving to HS to make it in before 10? What time did you arrive? Any issues or anxiety?

We got to the Parking lot at about 9:30 both days, drove once and walked from BWV once. We were already through security and in the park by about 9:35. That process was great and didn't give us any anxiety. We didn't try the skyliner because we wanted to keep the transportation in our hands.

The tricky part was once you were in the park trying to pick what to do so you'd be able to make your ROR reservation at 10. They were pretty much running all the rides by 9:35 or 9:40 so it was extremely tempting to get started on some rides while the lines were short. They were warning people that there could be internet issues if you were inside M&M RARW that could cause reservation challenges. Timing worked out the first day where I was grabbing my reservation while on Slinky Dog the first day. We literally were getting on the ride at 9:58.

 

[yulilin3]

So just a heads up cause it's the first time I've seen this enforced
Im eating at Rosie's at dhs, it's pretty empty, anyways there are some people sitting but not eating and the cm went table to table telling them to put masks on unless they're eating.
First time ive seen this enforced im such an empty, open space. So remember just because it looks empty and technically you can take the mask off you have to be actively eating

 

[Shacka1]

I just got back on Monday 9/7. We were at BCV 8/30 - 9/2, BWV 9/2 - 9/4 and AK Jambo 9/4 - 9/6.

The positives -

The crowds were very light at all 3 resorts and the pools were very enjoyable. The parks were great on the week days and you were pretty much able to walk on everything FOP 10mins, got ROR both times we went to HS, Mickey RARW was the longest all week with an actual wait time of about 40 min. You could tell the parks were significantly busier on the weekends when you don't have any FP's. We drove so used our car for most of our transportation. We did take the bus to MK and back from BCV one day. The buses were also very empty and easy to use if you didn't mind waiting for the bus.

The negatives -

It was sad not having the parks open later to go in the evening and not being able to park hop to Epcot from BCV and BWV. The food was also challenging. BC market place was closed and they didn't offer drink refills at the temporary location in the solarium. AK Jambo had none of their regular restaurants open. They did open of the pool bar for labor day weekend because they were fully booked, but said they would close it again after labor day. The food options were also very limited at the places that were open. The pool at Kidani was crazy packed and actually reached capacity on Saturday and Sunday that weekend so we didn't spend much time there even though they had the few food options.

The heat over labor day weekend was crazy too so we spent the majority of those days at the pool to be mask free. 99 degrees with a feels like 110 actually feels pretty good when you take your mask off after walking around the parks in that heat.


We did have another trip scheduled in October before our season passes expire, but have decided to cancel it. It was definitely worth going once during this time for us to experience the lower crowds, but unless they open up park hours later and allow park hopping, it wasn't worth paying for the rooms again as things stand now.

We are staying at Kidani for NYE week and I'm so nervous about that small pool being packed. Are you allowed to have your mask off if your laying on a chair at the pool? Or do you have to be in it?

 

[soniam]

And also as I found out the hard way, having a reservation doesn't even guarantee you a seat! They have several standing-room-only tables that you might get assigned to if you get unlucky.

Heck you weren’t even guaranteed a table last summer at Disneyland. I saw people stacked 2 deep at the bar. Wouldn’t happen anytime soon now though.

 

[Tinksbff]

What time (EST) in the middle of the night/morning can you start booking an adr that is 60 days away? I need an Oga’s reservation to surprise DD so I’m willing to wake up extra early (and then go right back to sleep).

 

[karma459]

What time (EST) in the middle of the night/morning can you start booking an adr that is 60 days away? I need an Oga’s reservation to surprise DD so I’m willing to wake up extra early (and then go right back to sleep).

6am EST online/7am EST via phone
check out this thread: https://www.disboards.com/threads/what-time-can-i-start-booking-adrs-online.3776121/

 

[chicagoshannon]

So just a heads up cause it's the first time I've seen this enforced
Im eating at Rosie's at dhs, it's pretty empty, anyways there are some people sitting but not eating and the cm went table to table telling them to put masks on unless they're eating.
First time ive seen this enforced im such an empty, open space. So remember just because it looks empty and technically you can take the mask off you have to be actively eating

Wow. This wasn't an issue yesterday. Maybe too many people doing it now.

 

[summerw]

So just a heads up cause it's the first time I've seen this enforced
Im eating at Rosie's at dhs, it's pretty empty, anyways there are some people sitting but not eating and the cm went table to table telling them to put masks on unless they're eating.
First time ive seen this enforced im such an empty, open space. So remember just because it looks empty and technically you can take the mask off you have to be actively eating

As in you need to be actively taking a bite or just having food in front of you would be enough?

 

[sweetyk83]

Has anyone that is here now seen the Together Again tee anywhere in the parks?
I would love to get one but I think they may be sold out. Haven’t seen them at HS,EP, or MK yet.