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

[blrem]

I had the Corvina (Fish of the Day) and my daughter had the Taste's like Chicken because it is! I am an "adventurous" eater but my family is not which is why we haven't tried this place before but my daughter really liked the Chicken. It's basically a piece of fried chicken with rice. The sauce was on the side mostly. The desserts were amazing. I had the Kungaloosh and she got the coconut bar. Both were delicious and very nicely presented. You could always go and just order the dessert!!

I am channeling your daughter's palate - the chicken is what I was thinking about and that coconut bar......oh yah, gotta try it! Thanks for making this decision easy for me!

 

[blrem]

Ive had the orinoco cachapas ( I'm from Venezuela so these were a nice taste from my country), the pork and the coconut bar. All delicious

Second endorsement for that coconut bar - now I can't wait! Ty!

 

[blrem]

current hours
Disney’s Hollywood Studios 8 a.m.–8:30 p.m.
Disney’s Pop Century/Art of Animation Resorts 8 a.m.–9:30 p.m.
EPCOT International Gateway One way flight to Caribbean Beach until 10 a.m. 8 am.- 9:30 pm.

Thanks for your most thorough reply - we are staying in the Crescent Lake area this month and have a 9AM breakfast ressie at Riviera before Epcot opening - was wondering if we could get the skyliner over from IG since the Epcot doesn't open until 11AM - which you answered as well. Many thanks for all your great posts - I see your name often and you are always most helpful!

 

[blrem]

My mom and I went 1/25 - 1/29 - stayed at The Swan. LOVED being at the Epcot Resort area again. I used to stay at the Beach Club a lot back when it didn't cost your first born and I didn't realize how much I missed the area. Loved walking around Crescent Lake and having a waterfront dining experience at Boardwalk Bakery in the morning. So special ! We did MK, Epcot and AK - only had 3 days in parks, 2 days were for travel because we drove down from NC. MK crowds were very low in the mornings but picked up by early to mid afternoon, especially in and around Fantasyland. The line at Splash said 50 minutes, but I counted and it was only 20. Pirates said 25 and it was spot on. Great weather - low 80's. Epcot - same thing very low crowds but it got busier in World Showcase in the afternoons, still not bad at all though for a festival. Epcot was scheduled to open at 11 but we got in at 10:30. Soarin had a 5 minute wait, and everything in Future World was basically a walk on. I loved the Festival of the Arts, it was my first time. Animal Kingdom ... very low crowds. Got there about 10 and FOP wait was posted 25 minutes, it was more like 15. Skipped River Journey because the line was insane. 5 minute wait at the safari. 10 at Everest. Just easy peeezy. The CM's were wonderful all the way around! It was a good trip. now, I am suffering the post-Disney blues.

Great report - thanks for the details! Staying at Crescent Lake and I'm now going to make it a point to have breakfast at Boardwalk Bakery as well - had been thinking about it but your comments helped solidify the plans!

 

[GBRforWDW]

Day 1: AK/Epcot/HS

AK was fantastic in the morning. We rode in our own train on Expedition Everest and our own vehicle in Dinosaur. When walking from EE to Dinosaur we didn’t see a single person. It was crazy. Flight of Passage was posted at 30 but we waited only 20. We did the animation experience and loved it. I finally saw It’s Tough to Be a Bug...so many crying children.

We got back to Yacht Club and took a nap before stopping by Epcot. We did a couple of the food booths and completed the Figment painting scavenger hunt. This is a tough park with social distancing and mask compliance when it’s busy. Too many people and not enough spots to appropriately social distance while eating and drinking. Too many individuals walking and consuming food and beverage. We found China and Canada to be much quieter and enjoyed sitting in there to eat something.

Saw some low waits at HS and decided to ride the skyliner over to HS and did MFSR and MMRR before heading back. Both attractions we a 20 minute wait. This will make rope dropping HS tomorrow so much easier. Stopped by Riveria and picked up a mobile order at Primo Piatto on the way back. It was fine, not amazing. But I would try it again for sure.

Tomorrow we will rope drop HS to ride RnRC, ToT and hopefully get a BG for RotR. From there we might go back to Epcot or decide to head over to MK.

Side note: we absolutely adore Yacht Club. We both agreed we would stay here again in a heartbeat. The location, the room, the amenities, that lobby scent, the pool, the view of the Boardwalk. It’s incredible!

Sounds like you had a pretty awesome day with all the park hopping. Mtfbwy getting the boarding group this morning.

 

[OKWFan88]

Drove 9 hours and arrived early this morning. I couldn't sleep so I woke up at midnight and just decided to not wait till 4am to leave. So, immediately went to Disney Springs and parked in Orange garage as my sole goal was to get Gideon's cookies. I got thru temp and security really quickly, not a very long line with that. I walked to Gideon's and the line was past Morimito. I got in line and found out that they don't do the queue unless it's going to be an hour or longer wait. Well It took 45 min to get me to the front but I got me some cookies and very unique inside. Very cool. Fav cookies were the Cookies and Cream and the Coffee Crumb Cake. SO GOOD. They are huge and if you like the taste of cookie dough then this will be perfect for you. After I left there, I headed over to Goofy's candy shop and no cake pops Then checked into Saratoga Springs and got pixie dusted to a 2 bedroom preferred section when there is only two of us. lol. Then headed on a bus over to MK about 11AM, only took 10 min for a bus to come by and then had to go to guest relations to activate my AP. The line was LONG, but it moved quickly and it only looked long because of social distancing. Within 10 minutes my AP was activated and I was inside MK. It was insanely busy. What I mean by that was the sheer amount of people on Main St. I went in July 2020 and this was significantly busier and hard to social distance, but once you got past that, then there was more areas to social distance. I didn't go on any rides as again my sole goal was to see if the Confectionary had cake pops lol. You sense a theme here? Anyway they didn't due to the pandemic and their kitchen is closed so they can't make them. Blah. I walked around and did my first mobile order. I am in love with mobile ordering, so easy and quick. Ate the pulled pork sandwich at the Lunching Pad (only open on weekends) and it was good. Also got a MIckey Pretzel but it was cold. Will try to get another one tomorrow in the morning. Going back to Disney Springs tonight to have dinner and then HS tomorrow.

 

[DisneyJade]

Day 1: AK/Epcot/HS

AK was fantastic in the morning. We rode in our own train on Expedition Everest and our own vehicle in Dinosaur. When walking from EE to Dinosaur we didn’t see a single person. It was crazy. Flight of Passage was posted at 30 but we waited only 20. We did the animation experience and loved it. I finally saw It’s Tough to Be a Bug...so many crying children.

Those would definitely be my kids on ITTBAB, which is why we are NOT doing it. LOL.

 

[cjlong88]

Day 2: HS/MK

Grabbed breakfast at Ale & Compass. Amazing! We used mobile order and ate on the beach before walking to HS. We were in the park by 8:30 am and headed straight for ToT.

As soon as we got to the hotel part of the queue, we were stopped and told it was down. There were only two other parties and all of us looked confused because we could hear the ride still working as elevators reached the top and would drop. We slowly made our way out, the other parties leaving ahead of us. Just as we were about to exit the queue they said it was a false alarm, so we walked back up the queue, but because no one else was with us we got the entire elevator to ourselves. It was AMAZING. We walked onto RnRC, TSM, and had a short wait at MFSR before heading back to Yacht Club. Boarding Group for RotR was called at 12:20 so we walked back, rode it, then took a boat back to the resort to hang out and relax.

Took a bus to MK at 4:00. Rode Space Mountain and HM without a wait. Grabbed a reusable bag and walked over to Enchanted Rose Lounge. The brisket sliders...WOW! I could eat an entire plate of them by myself. The food and cocktails were great. The bill came and we both winced a little. Oops! But we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

We are heading back to Yacht Club now. We have a late night reservation at Beaches & Cream. We have had a wonderful trip. We will relax at the resort a bit tomorrow and then we take the DME at 11am.

Yacht Club might be our new favorite resort. The vibe suits us perfectly, and walkability to two parks is pretty amazing. The refurbished lobby and rooms look beautiful. It’s quiet and spacious. The view of the boardwalk at night is spectacular. Can’t wait to stay there again!

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

Day 2: HS/MK

Grabbed breakfast at Ale & Compass. Amazing! We used mobile order and ate on the beach before walking to HS. We were in the park by 8:30 am and headed straight for ToT.

As soon as we got to the hotel part of the queue, we were stopped and told it was down. There were only two other parties and all of us looked confused because we could hear the ride still working as elevators reached the top and would drop. We slowly made our way out, the other parties leaving ahead of us. Just as we were about to exit the queue they said it was a false alarm, so we walked back up the queue, but because no one else was with us we got the entire elevator to ourselves. It was AMAZING. We walked onto RnRC, TSM, and had a short wait at MFSR before heading back to Yacht Club. Boarding Group for RotR was called at 12:20 so we walked back, rode it, then took a boat back to the resort to hang out and relax.

Took a bus to MK at 4:00. Rode Space Mountain and HM without a wait. Grabbed a reusable bag and walked over to Enchanted Rose Lounge. The brisket sliders...WOW! I could eat an entire plate of them by myself. The food and cocktails were great. The bill came and we both winced a little. Oops! But we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

We are heading back to Yacht Club now. We have a late night reservation at Beaches & Cream. We have had a wonderful trip. We will relax at the resort a bit tomorrow and then we take the DME at 11am.

Yacht Club might be our new favorite resort. The vibe suits us perfectly, and walkability to two parks is pretty amazing. The refurbished lobby and rooms look beautiful. It’s quiet and spacious. The view of the boardwalk at night is spectacular. Can’t wait to stay there again!

Yacht Club is our fave too! It's funny, the Boardwalk is fun... but the Yacht Club to me seems better because you get the awesome view OF the BW at night - especially if you get a water view room!

 

[cjlong88]

Yacht Club is our fave too! It's funny, the Boardwalk is fun... but the Yacht Club to me seems better because you get the awesome view OF the BW at night - especially if you get a water view room!

We said the exact same thing as we were walking around the boardwalk today!

 

[Wood Nymph]

Then checked into Saratoga Springs and got pixie dusted to a 2 bedroom preferred section when there is only two of us. lol. Then headed on a bus over to MK about 11AM, only took 10 min for a bus to come by and then had to go to guest relations to activate my AP. The line was LONG, but it moved quickly and it only looked long because of social distancing. Within 10 minutes my AP was activated and I was inside MK. It was insanely busy.

That's a very nice upgrade. We were at MK last Saturday and it was very busy that day, too.

 

[only hope]

HS today. Tapped in just after 8:30. Walked right up to the temp screening. Walked onto Smugglers Run twice, not placed with strangers. It was so empty. Star Tours next- a walk on also. Asked to be distanced from others. CM was hesitant giving me the spiel about plexiglass, then when I explained I'm not comfortable with that he gave me a different row number. I was the first one there; only two other small groups ended up on the flight, so we were very well spaced anyways.

Next was MMRR, posted 30mn wait, actual 25. However, the CM refused to allow me to socially distance from other groups. Insisted the plexiglass made it safe and said unfortunately they were unable to make accommodations. I was very upset and politely complained at guest services, who didn't seem to care; promised to pass it along but did not make an official recording of it like has been done for all my previous compliments/complaints. I wish they had been upfront about their plan to eliminate safe distancing on rides and in queues before the deadline to cancel annual passes was past. I will certainly not be renewing and probably will never go back. Same with Universal.

BG called for Rise and inquired outside about being able to distance on the ride; CM said it shouldn't be a problem. People were literally next to each other in the

Spoiler

briefing room with plexiglass in between; luckily our spot was by the door and we weren't next to others, or I would've asked to skip it. Same for the transport, some groups were literally next to each other but our spot was not. We purposefully hung back and were the second to last group to exit the stormtrooper room. I asked the FO officer to be distanced and was ignored; maybe he didn't hear me? Asked the next one and was ignored again, but because we had hung back it was only us and the one group we had left behind, so both our groups rode in our own transport.

At this point BSO was quite crowded and it was difficult to distance. Ate at DB7 outside, not many people out there. The tables at the far left against the rail are literally adjacent with tables on the other side of the wall. Someone didn't think that through.

TSM posted 30, actual 20. Line was halfway down the entrance to TSL, to the gate on the left. They don't distance here either, groups are placed back to back but since mom needs the accessible vehicle it is not an issue for us.

The park was pretty empty until about 10:00. I think the rain chance kept people away. Later it was difficult to dodge people no matter where you were. We left just after 2 since it was too crowded and we had done everything we wanted to except Muppets and ToT.

Mask compliance was shockingly high, highest I've seen. Saw very few noses and only a few people eating/drinking while walking. I heard CM correcting a few people. However, far more people are not bothering to even try to keep distanced while walking. Too many people also don't pay attention to the markers and end up side by side with people as a result. Some cm's got really close to us while talking too, backed up when I could. Worst one was MFSR, plenty of room for them to stand back while explaining the ride but they get right next to you...

The Disney Visa photo op CM was really bored I think, didn't even look to make sure I had a card. They don't tell you what characters you're getting. We got stormtroopers and K-2SO, I should've figured the second one out when were told to look up. We then wandered around what I think was the relaxation area on the left- tons of beautiful painting replicas there, at least half by Ralph MacQuarrie. No one was relaxing so we took our time appreciating the art. The famous C3PO painting is there. Somehow we never walked that way to see the paintings in the years since Launch Bay was launched.

Asked about pin trading- def at Crossroads and MMRR shop, we went to those; I think he also said near RnR and one of the main stores.

Updated my iphone to newest software last night and today had issues with the MDE app and Play Disney app. Mobile ordered on MDE but when wanted to click I'm here it said MO was down; logged in on my mom's phone and it worked. Play Disney didn't recognize that I'm in the park (location and blutooth on for that app) and it worked on my mom's phone. She has not updated to the latest version. I was really glad the Play Disney app is account based and not device!

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

HS today. Tapped in just after 8:30. Walked right up to the temp screening. Walked onto Smugglers Run twice, not placed with strangers. It was so empty. Star Tours next- a walk on also. Asked to be distanced from others. CM was hesitant giving me the spiel about plexiglass, then when I explained I'm not comfortable with that he gave me a different row number. I was the first one there; only two other small groups ended up on the flight, so we were very well spaced anyways.

Next was MMRR, posted 30mn wait, actual 25. However, the CM refused to allow me to socially distance from other groups. Insisted the plexiglass made it safe and said unfortunately they were unable to make accommodations. I was very upset and politely complained at guest services, who didn't seem to care; promised to pass it along but did not make an official recording of it like has been done for all my previous compliments/complaints. I wish they had been upfront about their plan to eliminate safe distancing on rides and in queues before the deadline to cancel annual passes was past. I will certainly not be renewing and probably will never go back. Same with Universal.

BG called for Rise and inquired outside about being able to distance on the ride; CM said it shouldn't be a problem. People were literally next to each other in the

Spoiler

briefing room with plexiglass in between; luckily our spot was by the door and we weren't next to others, or I would've asked to skip it. Same for the transport, some groups were literally next to each other but our spot was not. We purposefully hung back and were the second to last group to exit the stormtrooper room. I asked the FO officer to be distanced and was ignored; maybe he didn't hear me? Asked the next one and was ignored again, but because we had hung back it was only us and the one group we had left behind, so both our groups rode in our own transport.

At this point BSO was quite crowded and it was difficult to distance. Ate at DB7 outside, not many people out there. The tables at the far left against the rail are literally adjacent with tables on the other side of the wall. Someone didn't think that through.

TSM posted 30, actual 20. Line was halfway down the entrance to TSL, to the gate on the left. They don't distance here either, groups are placed back to back but since mom needs the accessible vehicle it is not an issue for us.

The park was pretty empty until about 10:00. I think the rain chance kept people away. Later it was difficult to dodge people no matter where you were. We left just after 2 since it was too crowded and we had done everything we wanted to except Muppets and ToT.

Mask compliance was shockingly high, highest I've seen. Saw very few noses and only a few people eating/drinking while walking. I heard CM correcting a few people. However, far more people are not bothering to even try to keep distanced while walking. Too many people also don't pay attention to the markers and end up side by side with people as a result. Some cm's got really close to us while talking too, backed up when I could. Worst one was MFSR, plenty of room for them to stand back while explaining the ride but they get right next to you...

The Disney Visa photo op CM was really bored I think, didn't even look to make sure I had a card. They don't tell you what characters you're getting. We got stormtroopers and K-2SO, I should've figured the second one out when were told to look up. We then wandered around what I think was the relaxation area on the left- tons of beautiful painting replicas there, at least half by Ralph MacQuarrie. No one was relaxing so we took our time appreciating the art. The famous C3PO painting is there. Somehow we never walked that way to see the paintings in the years since Launch Bay was launched.

Asked about pin trading- def at Crossroads and MMRR shop, we went to those; I think he also said near RnR and one of the main stores.

Updated my iphone to newest software last night and today had issues with the MDE app and Play Disney app. Mobile ordered on MDE but when wanted to click I'm here it said MO was down; logged in on my mom's phone and it worked. Play Disney didn't recognize that I'm in the park (location and blutooth on for that app) and it worked on my mom's phone. She has not updated to the latest version. I was really glad the Play Disney app is account based and not device!

If you think that being back to back on TSMM poses a COVID risk I’d say that WDW parks are probably not the place for you right now. I think WDW is doing everything they can right now to balance ride capacity and distancing in a safe manner. We felt safe at all times on our trip the last week of January - and the only times that we even faced something that some people may have considered an issue was as a result of other guests’ idiocy, NOT Disney’s procedures.

I’m also not sure what you want guest services to do... can you imagine if every guest requested special treatment on each ride? Those wait times would be 3-4x what they are. It’s just not feasible. At the end of the day it comes down to Sustained Close Contact, right? And Disney (IMO) has done everything they can to help people avoid that!

 

[only hope]

When they first reopened, every ride and queue was distanced. They should not have deviated from that. Capacity should not have been increased- that’s when they made these changes. The only reason I kept my pass was because distancing was in place everywhere and I’m local, so pre-covid Disney was a normal part of my life. Went 15+ times a year. With the new more contagious strains starting to spread, it’s even more important to keep people apart. The website still states that physical distancing is in place even though it’s not in some places- I’m just asking to follow what is on their website and to keep the distance all the studies say we should.

 

[Aimeedyan]

To be fair, they have changed some of their safety procedures as time has gone by and IMO best practices have not changed that much.

For instance, I've not seen a single "cleaning cycle" in a couple of months. I can't even remember the last time I saw one and we hit them ALL THE TIME back in the fall. Maybe they do them but not as frequently? Or did they quietly go away?

Now, I'm not concerned about surface transmission but it's a change from the beginning.

They used to space out parties on things like HM, Buzz, Nemo, LM, etc. Not anymore. It helps with capacity, no doubt, but you are quite close to those parties at some points and it's esp troublesome when the group next to you promptly lowers their mask when the ride begins or when the ride stops for a long while.

I think the crowds in WS on the weekends has been downright irresponsible, personally, especially in World Showplace where the vast majority are unmasked and it was shoulder to shoulder at points.

All that to say - we are AP's, semi-local, and go a lot. I have noticed lots of changes since July and we pivot when we're faced with those changes we aren't comfortable with. I do think Disney has been a bit sly in not sharing "safety" changes when they made them... but as long as people continue to come, I guess they figure it's okay.

We all have different levels of comfort and it doesn't mean the person that's more cautious should just stay locked inside until this whole thing is over. I think we CAN do "life" safely and it's important that potential guests know what situations have changed so they can make their own decision in their park plans (esp helpful to know in advance that CM's may refuse to accommodate you when you ask about spacing so you aren't caught off guard since that is often suggested).

 

[scrappinginontario]

When they first reopened, every ride and queue was distanced. They should not have deviated from that. Capacity should not have been increased- that’s when they made these changes. The only reason I kept my pass was because distancing was in place everywhere and I’m local, so pre-covid Disney was a normal part of my life. Went 15+ times a year. With the new more contagious strains starting to spread, it’s even more important to keep people apart. The website still states that physical distancing is in place even though it’s not in some places- I’m just asking to follow what is on their website and to keep the distance all the studies say we should.

Its been widely shared here what capacity is like and what social distancing is/is not happening right now. Disney is doing a great job of keeping people as safe as they can. Each person needs to decide if they’re comfortable going with rides set up as they are right now. It’s unfair to go and ask Disney to do something special for those who are more comfortable with things differently.

As much as I love Disney and feel they’re doing a great job, I wouldn’t feel comfortable thus I stay home. Even if I has an AP, I wouldn’t go. Each person must decide what their comfort level is and if they should go now.

 

[Malestrom Troll]

If you feel Disney should reduce capacity to what it was when they first opened, then local AP would not be able to get park passes. There are more resort guests right now then what the capacity of the parks were in July and August.

 

[MomOTwins]

Disney was always clear that they expected capacity to go up as time goes on.

 

[ENJDisneyFan]

To be fair, they have changed some of their safety procedures as time has gone by and IMO best practices have not changed that much.

For instance, I've not seen a single "cleaning cycle" in a couple of months. I can't even remember the last time I saw one and we hit them ALL THE TIME back in the fall. Maybe they do them but not as frequently? Or did they quietly go away?

Now, I'm not concerned about surface transmission but it's a change from the beginning.

They used to space out parties on things like HM, Buzz, Nemo, LM, etc. Not anymore. It helps with capacity, no doubt, but you are quite close to those parties at some points and it's esp troublesome when the group next to you promptly lowers their mask when the ride begins or when the ride stops for a long while.

I think the crowds in WS on the weekends has been downright irresponsible, personally, especially in World Showplace where the vast majority are unmasked and it was shoulder to shoulder at points.

All that to say - we are AP's, semi-local, and go a lot. I have noticed lots of changes since July and we pivot when we're faced with those changes we aren't comfortable with. I do think Disney has been a bit sly in not sharing "safety" changes when they made them... but as long as people continue to come, I guess they figure it's okay.

We all have different levels of comfort and it doesn't mean the person that's more cautious should just stay locked inside until this whole thing is over. I think we CAN do "life" safely and it's important that potential guests know what situations have changed so they can make their own decision in their park plans (esp helpful to know in advance that CM's may refuse to accommodate you when you ask about spacing so you aren't caught off guard since that is often suggested).

I think it's unrealistic to expect that things won't change over time as the virus situation changes, as Disney comes up with new ways to balance safety and capacity, and as the comfort level of the general population changes. In an ideal world they would make formal announcements in advance of when and specifically what the changes will be, but that would be a PR and a logistical nightmare. I feel that anyone traveling during a pandemic should be prepared for last minute changes that may or may not effect your comfort level. I also think it's unreasonable to expect that every guest feeling uncomfortable should be given special treatment.

 

[Just654]

I am sure this had been answered before. But are most Disney World Parks opening parking lots about an hour before park open? Then letting in about 45-30mins before actual open time? I know rides may or may not be running.