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

[FinallyFL]

I was in Epcot yesterday and they didn't enforce masks in the outdoor portion of the TT queue. However, they did have the queue arranged so that you were 6 feet away from the neighboring section.

 

[Grumpy by Birth]

We seemed to always be behind nice, courteous people who practiced social distance while the ones behind us were stepping on our shoes.

Us too! Funny how it always works out that those people in front of us are so courteous and properly distancing.

 

[starryagain]

We are going next week and I realize it can change rapidly. Are there any queues that are mainly indoors? I know normally many of the queues are inside but most have been moved outside with distancing. Not sure if the CDC updates have impacted that yet. Next week will be so hot!

 

[corinne025]

Thanks for the report? How are the pools at SSR? We arrive Friday and p,an on a lot of pool time...wondering if they are crowded and you have to wait.

They are not crowded!! For us we have never had an issue walking up randomly and having multiple sets of chairs to choose from. The afternoon entertainment has been a hit with the toddler and adults alike. We have used the main pool and the Congress Park pool - my daughter really enjoys the little playground next to Congress Park pool. I don’t know what material it it made off but even in the blazing sun the surfaces remain cool to the touch.

I bet You’re so excited

 

[corinne025]

I cheer for the grapefruit cake too . I'm glad your group was able to be seated, it's rough right now with those ADRs!

It is REALLY rough! We got a bit of Disney Magic to snag that - I think the manager took pity on us

 

[stephnerninnie1984]

Wanted to just do a little post about ride times. Everytime we entered a queue, my husband would start his watch. This is what we experienced this last weekend (5/14-5/15).

Est.Time ride/posted time/actual time

9:00 am Runaway Railway/35/20
10:00 am Toy Story Mania/45/20
6:30 pm Smugglers/40/35
11:00 am Star Tours/25/10
7:00 pm Toy Story Mania/25/10

5:30 pm Living with the Land/5/0
6:30 pm Test Track/45/22

12:45 pm Buzz/35/6
1:10 pm People Mover/25/12
1:40 pm Dumbo/10/5
2:05 pm Little Mermaid/30/15
2:45 pm Philharmagic/30/35
3:45 pm Small World/25/14
4:30 pm Peter Pan/35/35
5:15 pm Haunted Mansion/20/3
6:00 pm Big Thunder/25/10
6:30 pm Pirates/40/40

As you can see, USUALLY the wait time was significantly lower then posted.

 

[tigertides]

Predictions on this summer (June-)???

 

[CampbellzSoup]

Here now 95% no mask! Beautiful to see happy faces

 

[Mr. Drauer]

they haven't been "moved" anywhere. The lines just extend further from the normal entrance to each attraction due to the social distance markers and the inability to utilzed switchbacks in some places. With those being reduced from 6 to 3 feet, some (many?) lines will not extend as far outside the actual attraction entrance. As far as pleasant goes, I don't think anyone likes standing in lines, but since there is no fast pass, all of the lines move along at a steady rate and you don't have the standing in one spot type of scenario anymore.

 

[DisneyFive]

Wanted to just do a little post about ride times. Everytime we entered a queue, my husband would start his watch. This is what we experienced this last weekend (5/14-5/15).

Ride/posted time/actual time

Runaway Railway/35/20
Toy Story Mania/45/20
Smugglers/40/35
Star Tours/25/10
Toy Story Mania/25/10

Living with the Land/5/0
Test Track/45/22

Buzz/35/6
People Mover/25/12
Dumbo/10/5
Little Mermaid/30/15
Philharmagic/30/35
Small World/25/14
Peter Pan/35/35
Haunted Mansion/20/3
Big Thunder/25/10
Pirates/40/40

As you can see, USUALLY the wait time was significantly lower then posted.

Honestly, even those posted standby times don’t seem that long. What time of the day were those at?

Dan

 

[kevgraub]

Been here since 5/12. Reallllly missing the FPs. Cannot understand those who think this is so much better. I understand the stand by lines move better without it, but we’re all DISers, we all knew how to use the FP system so I’m just baffled that people prefer to go without it.

Our first trip without FP is coming up in a couple of weeks. It will be interesting to see which camp we fall in.

On one hand, you are correct, we know how to use FP and last time we went we hit all of the headliners several times using probably 8-10 FPs per day. It was nice not to wait in line often. I think the only line we waiting in more than 20 minutes was TT, and I just could not get a FP for it, so we waiting in line for about an hour.

On the other hand, I remember feeling like I spent my entire vacation with my nose buried in my phone constantly checking and rechecking for that next available FP. Then running back and forth across the parks trying to make the best use of the FP system. I remember one time actually in the boat in the middle of Splash Mountain on my phone trying to find our next FP. Not everyone gets that nuts about it, but I did. And probably would again if it was an option.

I also realized how much of the queues we were missing out on, some of which are pretty cool to check out. Now, do I want to wait in line just for the sake of checking out the queue - uh, no. But standing in line for a ride at WDW is an entirely different experience than standing in line at Six Flags or somewhere like that. My oldest does not really care for ToT ride itself, but wants to go on it because he has great memories of how cool the queue was when we waiting in line in the past.

Hitting the rides multiple times without much of a wait was great - but at the same time it was pretty hectic and kind of took away from the whole "being on vacation" thing we were going for. I think for those who are just there for the rides, and no so much the "Disney magic" (whatever that is exactly), the loss of FP is a much bigger deal. For those who don't mind only hitting the headliners once or twice a trip, and would rather have their face buried in a turkey leg than their phones, or those that get a kick out of the detail that goes into the queues, going without FP is probably a more enjoyable experience.

 

[sophy1996]

I also realized how much of the queues we were missing out on, some of which are pretty cool to check out. Now, do I want to wait in line just for the sake of checking out the queue - uh, no. But standing in line for a ride at WDW is an entirely different experience than standing in line at Six Flags or somewhere like that. My oldest does not really care for ToT ride itself, but wants to go on it because he has great memories of how cool the queue was when we waiting in line in the past.

This trip we realized that we had never actually seen the Peter Pan queue, and it was really cool!

 

[epcotobsessed]

Our first trip without FP is coming up in a couple of weeks. It will be interesting to see which camp we fall in.

On one hand, you are correct, we know how to use FP and last time we went we hit all of the headliners several times using probably 8-10 FPs per day. It was nice not to wait in line often. I think the only line we waiting in more than 20 minutes was TT, and I just could not get a FP for it, so we waiting in line for about an hour.

On the other hand, I remember feeling like I spent my entire vacation with my nose buried in my phone constantly checking and rechecking for that next available FP. Then running back and forth across the parks trying to make the best use of the FP system. I remember one time actually in the boat in the middle of Splash Mountain on my phone trying to find our next FP. Not everyone gets that nuts about it, but I did. And probably would again if it was an option.

I also realized how much of the queues we were missing out on, some of which are pretty cool to check out. Now, do I want to wait in line just for the sake of checking out the queue - uh, no. But standing in line for a ride at WDW is an entirely different experience than standing in line at Six Flags or somewhere like that. My oldest does not really care for ToT ride itself, but wants to go on it because he has great memories of how cool the queue was when we waiting in line in the past.

Hitting the rides multiple times without much of a wait was great - but at the same time it was pretty hectic and kind of took away from the whole "being on vacation" thing we were going for. I think for those who are just there for the rides, and no so much the "Disney magic" (whatever that is exactly), the loss of FP is a much bigger deal. For those who don't mind only hitting the headliners once or twice a trip, and would rather have their face buried in a turkey leg than their phones, or those that get a kick out of the detail that goes into the queues, going without FP is probably a more enjoyable experience.

Thank you for this perspective. We are going in July and have thought about cancelling a million times because of the lack of FPs but we are going, and this is the best way to look at it. I hope that we will have as positive an experience as this projects - I know it is all in your perspective, and we were masters of getting additional FPs that day, thanks to this board. There is an element of excitement that we haven't had in a long time because we truly have no idea what to expect.

 

[SwanVT2]

Been here since 5/12. Reallllly missing the FPs. Cannot understand those who think this is so much better. I understand the stand by lines move better without it, but we’re all DISers, we all knew how to use the FP system so I’m just baffled that people prefer to go without it. Hour plus waits are NOT fun. We get very little done without them. For those who don’t like the planning for them, you didn’t have to plan much, just use up your three and keep refreshing for whatever you want to ride next. It’s greatly missed and mourned.
Weather has been FABULOUS. No love bugs, yay! Rode Smugglers Run for the first time and thought it was fantastic. Not able to get a Studios ressie so no chance for Rise. Waited more than half an hour hoping for Runaway Railway to get fixed before bailing so still haven’t ridden that. Haven’t done Slinky yet, either due to crazy wait times (and no chance to rope drop cause no Studio ressie). Really hate having to book and commit to a first park. Talk about lack of spontaneity!! Being unable to change your mind about which park to go to in the morning stinks. And they make it that you can’t modify what you have, you can only cancel which means you can’t gamble on the park you want actually being available when the calendar shows it’s not.
We seemed to always be behind nice, courteous people who practiced social distance while the ones behind us were stepping on our shoes. Was wishing little clear glass, air conditioned pods would swallow each family and move us all along a conveyor belt through the loooong lines. Again, waiting in these lines is no fun and I don’t understand how the lack of FP can be a good thing.
The crowds are intense with so many things still closed. The lack of open restaurants and the food variety is poor.
Buses have been mostly pretty awful. We’ve had to wait an hour at times because they can’t fill them and if you have a bus with two scooters that eats up seats, too.
Cast members have all been lovely, although I saw a security guard at AK this morning sneeze put into the air with no mask on. Really?!?! Even without covid that’s disgusting. He was in a green security outfit. Is that real Disney security? I assumed so and figured he was in green for AK theming. No idea why no mask nor how he could be so rude and careless with his sneeze. My daughter saw a little boy urinating next to the carousel in MK while his parents watched. No words. I do understand why Michael Jackson rented out all of Disneyland though…
Helicopters have been super prevalent over Saratoga Springs this week. Do not understand the hype over Disney Springs but I’m not a shopper. DO understand the hype over Earl of Sandwich though!!! Oh my gosh, AMAAZING. Twice in a row, even calling from the bus last night asking if they can hold my order past ten cause my bus had JUST gotten to the MK to take us to Congress Park where we could walk. They said they’d hold it til they left at 10:15 or so. We made it but we had to RUN. But soooo worth it.
People continue to take their masks off or wear them on their chin in the lines as soon as they’re beyond the CM. These same people let their kids roam the line and duck under ropes to play with the currently off limit queue stuff.
Epcot is a mess with the construction. Makes getting where you need to go so hard. Living with the Land and AK’s Safari still have vinyl between rows. Not sure about Frozen cause again, lines.
Having fun, super grateful for the fabulous weather (and continued favorable outlook), the two bedroom villa I was gifted by a friend (although the food and gift shop grocery/toiletries at SSR, along with limited hours, makes me very much miss my simple single Wilderness Lodge and Poly rooms of yore), just wish people were more courteous, more aware, and that there were far fewer of them in the parks…and of course wish there were FPs!

Oh my gosh..a boy peeing next to the carousel? Unbelievable!!! At that point, I don't know if I could have stuck out the day at MK.

 

[Jason2015]

Been here since 5/12. Reallllly missing the FPs.

My family of four was there the week before and we LOVED the no fast passes. We easily got everything we wanted to ride done earlier than excepted each day and were looking for things to do. We missed the parades, fireworks, and some shows which would have helped to spread out the crowd a bit more, but didn't miss Fast passes on bit. (On that note we have always liked Maxpass a lot better than fast passes and never loved having to plan 60/120 days in advance for what we might feel like riding.) Fast Passes make standby lines interminable.

 

[SwanVT2]

Wanted to just do a little post about ride times. Everytime we entered a queue, my husband would start his watch. This is what we experienced this last weekend (5/14-5/15).

Ride/posted time/actual time

Runaway Railway/35/20
Toy Story Mania/45/20
Smugglers/40/35
Star Tours/25/10
Toy Story Mania/25/10

Living with the Land/5/0
Test Track/45/22

Buzz/35/6
People Mover/25/12
Dumbo/10/5
Little Mermaid/30/15
Philharmagic/30/35
Small World/25/14
Peter Pan/35/35
Haunted Mansion/20/3
Big Thunder/25/10
Pirates/40/40

As you can see, USUALLY the wait time was significantly lower then posted.

What time of day was this roughly?

 

[corinne025]

Quick update about our Second Park Day at EPCOT today May 17th.

EPCOT didn’t open until 11 but we were in line outside at 10:05. They started letting people through the gate at 10:10. We walked straight over to Frozen but they had a “delayed opening” (the ride was broken and didn’t open until sometime past noon)

They also held the Mexico Pyramid close until 11AM exactly and immediately let in a very large tour group - think 50+ people, so the Three Caballaros was backed up for a brief period at open.

Walked from Mexico toward Germany and hit up several food booths, never any line. Mexico food booth hands down the favorite of all with The Vampirio Taco and pork tostada.

Was hot today but not crowded and nice in the shade. They let us take up three white benches in the shade at the top of the American Theater to listen to the bands, no mask required (if you sat in the main arena area they wanted a mask)

Will echo what others have said about people not paying attention to social distancing markers in the queue.

Rode Nemo with a posted wait time of 20 but was a walk on, then Soarin with a posted of 60 minutes and it took every minute of an hour.

Highly recommend the Butterfly house (between Imagination and Land Pavilions) and the Honey Bee garden as a place to sit down and eat festival food. Very cute well done area!!

Saw the Princesses three times but truly missed seeing Mickey and the Fab Five.


The heat beat us down, despite intermittent breeze and we left shortly after 2pm.

Picture below of the little Honey Bee Garden with seating, umbrellas and nice shade.

 

[KrazeeK120]

Oh my gosh..a boy peeing next to the carousel? Unbelievable!!! At that point, I don't know if I could have stuck out the day at MK.

I know, right? I don’t understand that kind of thing. At all. Disgusting.

 

[stephnerninnie1984]

What time of day was this roughly?

HS we were there from 9-12, and again from 6:30-8:00
EP we were there from 3:30-9:00
MK we were there from 12:30-7:00

 

[stephnerninnie1984]

Honestly, even those posted standby times don’t seem that long. What time of the day were those at?

Dan

I just updated my post with the times added!