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

[disneylover102]

On Wednesday and Saturday last week when official park opening was at 8, the monorails started a little after 7:30 and the park was open for entry by 7:45 (idk when it started though)

 

[MissBritt]

Just back. Did MK with a 4 y/o. As above, parking opened at 815, monorail was not running at that time, we were in gate at 9. Walked on to Pooh, then got in line for Mine Train. App said 75m, the CM scrolled her sign to 65 the second we got in line, and we were in a seat in 45 on the nose. Walked on to Dumbo and Barnstormer and Dumbo again. Lots of waits under 5 minutes. Pirates wait was a bit shorter than expected, 25 or 30 vs the posted 40. Astro Orbiter was just shy of the 40m posted. Saw Captain Jack on his platform multiple times, Buzz on his once. No wait for food at Cosmic Ray's or Pecos Bill's or Aloha Isle (did not preorder on app). Long line in confectionery an hour prior to close. Monorail loading to TTC was super efficient around 640.

 

[stitchfan18]

We’re checking out tomorrow after 11 nights. We spent yesterday & today at Epcot & it was pretty quiet there both days. We arrived between 9:45-10:00 each of our Epcot days (walking from the BW) and this was the latest day that they opened the ticket scanners (around 10:20ish today.) They also held off opening TT until about 10:40. The cars were running, but the announcement they made said they were waiting until closer to the park opening time of 11 to begin allowing guests to ride. I noticed they took down a lot of the ropes for the extended queues since yesterday, and most rides didn’t make you loop through the extended part of the regular queues either.

I’ve tried to keep up with daily park reports during our trip, so these are just some final things to be aware of in no particular order:
-Getting to the parks early can make or break your day. We ended up spending 6 of our 9 park days at HS and Epcot simply because we could walk to those parks from the BWV and were there when they opened. We couldn’t manage to get to AK or MK early enough the days we were there to beat the crowds. We drove to MK & AK, so maybe we would have done better using the buses, but after our 2nd MK day we decided to stick with the parks that we were having a better time with and switched our park passes.
-stroller parking seems to change almost daily, and most stroller parking isn’t where it used to be pre-covid since the queues are now super stretched out. Be prepared to ask a CM or hunt around for the correct place to park.
-Wait times are almost always posted as longer than they really are, sometimes the CM at the end can give a better estimated time.
-The plexiglass dividers on rides weren’t as bad as I expected.
-Mobile ordering worked out really well for us overall. One time the app was apparently having issues and never notified us that our order was ready. DH finally asked after we had waited half an hour and the CM at the door saw on their iPad that our order had been marked as ‘not picked up.’ They sent us right in and had a new tray of food ready quickly. If your order seems to be taking a lot longer than normal, definitely check the status with the CM at the door just to verify nothing funky is going on with the app.
- For a family that works from home and home schools, so we are rarely out in public to wear masks at home much, we didn’t have any issues with wearing masks all day during our trip. The weather was mild which helped a lot for sure. Our kids had no issues, and we lucked out with bringing masks that worked well for long term wear (kids & I had disposables and DH had a couple fabric masks.) I admittedly lost sleep worrying about how mask wearing would go and shouldn’t have.
- Buy souvenirs during the week if you can, especially those without the price on the tag. The doll my daughter bought yesterday, and didn’t even open yet, was $3 cheaper today Also light up toys and bubble wands are on sale right now, I’m not sure if there is an end date, but they were either $10 or $15 depending on their original price. And princess dresses were BOGO, which I think might have started today.
-Mask enforcement wasn’t quite as intense as I expected. I saw quite a few noses and many walking snackers. Occasionally we saw a CM make a comment, but no one was jumping out of the shadows and correcting people as quickly as I had expected from reports on this thread. We didn’t hang around people who weren’t wearing their mask properly, so I’m sure they fixed it themselves or were eventually corrected by a CM.
-I packed a lot of hand sanitizer, Clorox wipes, Lysol spray, etc and hardly used it. The parks had sanitizer everywhere and our room felt very clean.

Overall, we felt the precautions in place were well thought out and we felt comfortable being around others in this setting. We missed the nighttime shows and characters, but we know we’ll be back. I was supposed to run over marathon weekend, and I’m glad we decided to still make the trip. I would have considered upgrading our tickets to AP’s if they were selling them so we could come in the summer or fall again. We definitely plan to be back next January!

 

[MissBritt]

- Buy souvenirs during the week if you can, especially those without the price on the tag. The doll my daughter bought yesterday, and didn’t even open yet, was $3 cheaper today Also light up toys and bubble wands are on sale right now, I’m not sure if there is an end date, but they were either $10 or $15 depending on their original price. And princess dresses were BOGO, which I think might have started today.
-Mask enforcement wasn’t quite as intense as I expected. I saw quite a few noses and many walking snackers. Occasionally we saw a CM make a comment, but no one was jumping out of the shadows and correcting people as quickly as I had expected from reports on this thread. We didn’t hang around people who weren’t wearing their mask properly, so I’m sure they fixed it themselves or were eventually corrected by a CM.

In regards to these points... we got the nice light up, clanging sound pirate swords today and the CM said he has just marked them down to $10. I also saw some heavily reduced ornaments.

Masks... I saw a couple tiny kids with them hanging a bit low and no one said anything but I also saw a 5 or 6 year old with hers on her chin and the CM practically chased the dad, telling him to make her pull her mask up over the nose. This was MK, today only.

 

[stitchfan18]

In regards to these points... we got the nice light up, clanging sound pirate swords today and the CM said he has just marked them down to $10. I also saw some heavily reduced ornaments.

Masks... I saw a couple tiny kids with them hanging a bit low and no one said anything but I also saw a 5 or 6 year old with hers on her chin and the CM practically chased the dad, telling him to make her pull her mask up over the nose. This was MK, today only.

I didn’t see the ornaments, but we weren’t particularly looking at those. I did buy a couple Christmas shirts for the kids that were 70% off! There are definitely more merchandise sales than I’ve seen Disney offer in the past!

Most of the kids we saw with their masks hanging low seemed to be due to ill fitting masks, but we most were in strollers and no one was correcting them. We saw lots of strollers draped with blankets or jackets, I’m assuming to camouflage a child inside without a mask on. Main Street seemed to be the most heavily enforced location for masks, there were CMs with mask reminder signs lining the street.

 

[MomOTwins]

We saw lots of strollers draped with blankets or jackets, I’m assuming to camouflage a child inside without a mask on.

Not sure that would be my first assumption. When ours were little, we would do that when they were napping to create a darker/quieter nap zone and also used stroller covers on chilly days to keep them warmer.

 

[stitchfan18]

Not sure that would be my first assumption. When ours were little, we would do that when they were napping to create a darker/quieter nap zone and also used stroller covers on chilly days to keep them warmer.

We definitely do that too, so maybe! I was more referring to strollers with bigger kids legs sticking out and could see the cover moving, so not kids actually napping, but maybe that was the goal and the kids weren’t on board I never saw a CM ask a kid in a stroller to fix a mask issue, so even if they weren’t covered all the way, It didn’t seem like anything was said. We accidentally went half way around WS with our toddler still wearing his mask as a chin strap after a drink break because we were distracted mobile ordering lunch and he was facing forward in the stroller. I was shocked when we noticed that a CM hadn’t pointed it out to us during our walk.

 

[MomOTwins]

We definitely do that too, so maybe! I was more referring to strollers with bigger kids legs sticking out and could see the cover moving, so not kids actually napping, but maybe that was the goal and the kids weren’t on board I never saw a CM ask a kid in a stroller to fix a mask issue, so even if they weren’t covered all the way, It didn’t seem like anything was said. We accidentally went half way around WS with our toddler still wearing his mask as a chin strap after a drink break because we were distracted mobile ordering lunch and he was facing forward in the stroller. I was shocked when we noticed that a CM hadn’t pointed it out to us during our walk.

Always possible. Though if they really were older kids seems less likely they would be having trouble with masks (every school here requires masks all day).

I do feel bad for CMs as enforcement is such a mess. We definitely saw CMs or guests try to tell other guests to pull up a mask and were treated badly in response, so I wonder if some of them are just getting worn down and aren't up to it any more. It may also be they are "picking their battles" to only enforce when someone is not outdoors and keeping a safe distance from staff or other guests.

I definitely would appreciate if CMs were to say something if my youngest accidentally left his mask down--but others are definitely less receptive. We heard a lot of people on our trip voice the sentiment "if people are so scared they shouldn't come." Very irritating.

 

[stitchfan18]

Always possible. Though if they really were older kids seems less likely they would be having trouble with masks (every school here requires masks all day).

I do feel bad for CMs as enforcement is such a mess. We definitely saw CMs or guests try to tell other guests to pull up a mask and were treated badly in response, so I wonder if some of them are just getting worn down and aren't up to it any more. It may also be they are "picking their battles" to only enforce when someone is not outdoors and keeping a safe distance from staff or other guests.

I definitely would appreciate if CMs were to say something if my youngest accidentally left his mask down--but others are definitely less receptive. We heard a lot of people on our trip voice the sentiment "if people are so scared they shouldn't come." Very irritating.

I agree that CMs are probably getting tired of the battles with some on wearing masks properly. I can’t think of a time I saw a CM go out of their way to approach a guest with a mask correction. Most of the correction I saw were people passing by a CM with their mask down snacking or on incorrectly.

 

[scrappinginontario]

A friend was there 2 weeks ago and the teen behind them (who also bumped into them more than once) was asked by the same CM to fix their mask 3 different times. Sadly that was as far as it went. I wish a more senior CM/security would have removed the person from the line as he'd fix his mask then the moment the CM left he'd pull it back down again. The parent was totally ignoring the entire situation and said nothing to her son.

 

[Raemama]

Here right now (week of January 11) with my son for his first time ever trip to WDW. Let me say up front that he has autism and bipolar disorder and everyone in our family was very worried about us going on this trip in that regard. However, I had a very strong motherly instinct about what this trip might do for him. And for someone who suffers from not understanding social/facial cues, I have to say that WDW is a perfect time right now to go. The masks are actually making it easier for him as he doesn’t have try so hard to figure out what how he’s supposed to respond to others’ facial gestures! Staying away from people is also very very helpful for my son.

Yes, I miss the parades and fanfare of the nighttime spectaculars, all the interactions with characters, and watching performers. But we would have had to steer clear from most of these activities on this special trip. The magic is definitely definitely still here for my son, and for me as I see how much he’s enjoying himself. Like, really smiling (I can tell in his eyes!), being more confident (he went into a store...by....himself!! And he asked a cast member a question!!) and expressing happiness in his own special way.

We are using a car, and we seemed to have a little oops yesterday as we missed the real Rope Drop window in MK because we drove. I think we should have taken the bus. But driving is better for us as we have more freedom to leave or just go sit in the car if we need to. Mobile order is—wow—very easy as long as you get that window early on. Cast members seem truly happy to be making the magic happen. Epcot is hard to deal with and confusing in FW, but can’t be helped right now.

I’ve only seen one non-compliant person regarding masks... it was an elderly gentleman who was using the phone and obviously the party on the other end couldn’t understand him with his mask on or something. A couple of CMs went over to him, but I didn’t stick around long enough to see what happened next. Other than that, everyone was masking it up.

Like someone else said, I took a lot of hand sani with me, but didn’t need to. Disney has us covered (see what I did there? Haha). I think the better thing to do is to bring a large batch of disposable masks. I can’t wear the fabric ones personally without blinding myself from fogging my glasses. Regardless, I need to change my mask frequently to feel comfortable.

 

[Goldilocks07]

I'm going to WDW tomorrow, Friday we are in EPCOT. It's showing an 11am opening. What time do they actually let you in the park, and are there any rides open at that time?
Same with MK. We are going Saturday. I keep reading that people are allowed into the park prior to opening times listed- but HOW EARLY? We want to get in as soon as possible.

Thanks!

 

[yulilin3]

I'm going to WDW tomorrow, Friday we are in EPCOT. It's showing an 11am opening. What time do they actually let you in the park, and are there any rides open at that time?
Same with MK. We are going Saturday. I keep reading that people are allowed into the park prior to opening times listed- but HOW EARLY? We want to get in as soon as possible.

Thanks!

merged you to the just back thread because opening times have been all over the place. But generally they open about 45 min before official time, with the parking lots opening anywhere from an hour to 45 minutes before official time

 

[Naomeri]

I can’t wear the fabric ones personally without blinding myself from fogging my glasses.

Look for anti-fog stuff such as this:

It worked wonders for me on my October trip, it even stopped them fogging up when walking from AC into 90+ heat.

Glad the trip worked so well for your son!!

 

[Goldilocks07]

*I'm not referring to the new 30 min MH starting at the end of the month- I keep reading that people are entering the parks before opening hours. Can you tell me what time to get there? EPCOT calls for an 11 am opening, how early can we walk in? And are rides open or is it like before, where you can just stroll through? AK calls for an 8am opening, and read of guests walking in before 7:30.

*side note I posted something like this earlier and can't find it. And I even looked for it under my profile/posts. Apologies if this is a repeat.

 

[yulilin3]

*I'm not referring to the new 30 min MH starting at the end of the month- I keep reading that people are entering the parks before opening hours. Can you tell me what time to get there? EPCOT calls for an 11 am opening, how early can we walk in? And are rides open or is it like before, where you can just stroll through? AK calls for an 8am opening, and read of guests walking in before 7:30.

*side note I posted something like this earlier and can't find it. And I even looked for it under my profile/posts. Apologies if this is a repeat.

Merged you again. Check the answer above

 

[slindzy]

Has anyone park hopped since re-allowing?
1. Are they really making people wait until 2:00 PM or permitting in a little earlier than 2:00?
2. Anyone not been able to get into another park at 2:00 due to full capacity?
3. How have the park entrance lines been at 2:00 entry?

 

[stitchfan18]

*I'm not referring to the new 30 min MH starting at the end of the month- I keep reading that people are entering the parks before opening hours. Can you tell me what time to get there? EPCOT calls for an 11 am opening, how early can we walk in? And are rides open or is it like before, where you can just stroll through? AK calls for an 8am opening, and read of guests walking in before 7:30.

*side note I posted something like this earlier and can't find it. And I even looked for it under my profile/posts. Apologies if this is a repeat.

We just got back and rope dropped 4 days at Epcot, the gates opened for us between 10:10-10:20 each day. Usually rides were starting by 10:30-10:40 (we did Frozen the first day & Test Track the other 3.) CMs will probably tell you when you get in the queue that the rides won't start until closer to official park opening at 11, but they all started early. We came in through the IG, so I don't know how the parking lot opening and front turnstiles worked, but we always met people walking in from the front, so the timelines seemed to be synced between the 2 entrances.

 

[GBRforWDW]

*I'm not referring to the new 30 min MH starting at the end of the month- I keep reading that people are entering the parks before opening hours. Can you tell me what time to get there? EPCOT calls for an 11 am opening, how early can we walk in? And are rides open or is it like before, where you can just stroll through? AK calls for an 8am opening, and read of guests walking in before 7:30.

*side note I posted something like this earlier and can't find it. And I even looked for it under my profile/posts. Apologies if this is a repeat.

We just got back and rope dropped 4 days at Epcot, the gates opened for us between 10:10-10:20 each day. Usually rides were starting by 10:30-10:40 (we did Frozen the first day & Test Track the other 3.) CMs will probably tell you when you get in the queue that the rides won't start until closer to official park opening at 11, but they all started early. We came in through the IG, so I don't know how the parking lot opening and front turnstiles worked, but we always met people walking in from the front, so the timelines seemed to be synced between the 2 entrances.

For perspective, we were at Epcot festival of the arts Day 2 and didn’t make it in until about 1115. We took our time getting to Frozen Ever After, probably got to the ride at 1145 and the line was still only 10-15 minute wait. Doesn’t mean every day will be the same, but does seem like FEA stays slow for awhile after open.

 

[cindianne320]

Look for anti-fog stuff such as this:

It worked wonders for me on my October trip, it even stopped them fogging up when walking from AC into 90+ heat.

Glad the trip worked so well for your son!!

Thank you for this- my son wears glasses and has stopped wearing them at school, because of the mask fog. We are headed to WDW in April, and this will be a game changer!