Home again

[hdrolfe]

Well almost home. We are in Montreal Airport waiting for our flight to Ottawa. All in all it was a good, but far too short, trip.

Testing in the way there we did at Costco, no one asked to see it but we had it and the US attestation form. We used BeeperMD for testing in the way home. Counter wasn't open yet when we got to the airport so we got called to show our passports and test results at the gate. I had a hard time getting the pdfs to open but managed.

Landing in Montreal was much better than the lines I TO. We cleared customs quickly, didn't even have to use our Nexus. No second security screening which was nice.

The trip was nice, it wasn't too busy until yesterday when MK was nuts. I was wishing we had purchased genie+. We did end up buying 7DMT at 9:20pm as the line was crazy all day and we had missed rope drop. We managed to squeeze in another ride on Space, but it was the least number of rides we did in a day. We also paid for Rise once and FOP. I never felt the full day genie+ was worth it until that last day.

We felt pretty safe, wore mask more than we needed to, used lots of sanitizer, and tried to avoid those who don't seem to understand how a mask works. We liked POP, but had a room on the 4th floor of building 2, and a broken elevator the first couple days. Skyliner was nice, no standing like on a bus. Busses were very slow a few times. We got no sleep last night and are in rough shape today. My left foot feels bruised or something. And I need to lose a few pounds before we go again! It is hard on my feet.

Can't wait to get home, see the kitties. We will pick up the dog from my parents tomorrow. I think he is being spoiled, and probably gained a bit of weight in a week lol.

It was a good trip, masks are annoying when you spend 12+ hours traveling, but I feel safe knowing most on the plane were vaccinated and everyone tested. Looking forward to cruising in March, we both agree barely a week was not enough time. But how the tune has changed, our last trip two years ago, kiddo said it was all too rushed and we needed to do less. Thus time he feels we should have done more, so we will need park hoppers next time. And a bigger food budget lol.

 

[pigletto]

Well almost home. We are in Montreal Airport waiting for our flight to Ottawa. All in all it was a good, but far too short, trip.

Testing in the way there we did at Costco, no one asked to see it but we had it and the US attestation form. We used BeeperMD for testing in the way home. Counter wasn't open yet when we got to the airport so we got called to show our passports and test results at the gate. I had a hard time getting the pdfs to open but managed.

Landing in Montreal was much better than the lines I TO. We cleared customs quickly, didn't even have to use our Nexus. No second security screening which was nice.

The trip was nice, it wasn't too busy until yesterday when MK was nuts. I was wishing we had purchased genie+. We did end up buying 7DMT at 9:20pm as the line was crazy all day and we had missed rope drop. We managed to squeeze in another ride on Space, but it was the least number of rides we did in a day. We also paid for Rise once and FOP. I never felt the full day genie+ was worth it until that last day.

We felt pretty safe, wore mask more than we needed to, used lots of sanitizer, and tried to avoid those who don't seem to understand how a mask works. We liked POP, but had a room on the 4th floor of building 2, and a broken elevator the first couple days. Skyliner was nice, no standing like on a bus. Busses were very slow a few times. We got no sleep last night and are in rough shape today. My left foot feels bruised or something. And I need to lose a few pounds before we go again! It is hard on my feet.

Can't wait to get home, see the kitties. We will pick up the dog from my parents tomorrow. I think he is being spoiled, and probably gained a bit of weight in a week lol.

It was a good trip, masks are annoying when you spend 12+ hours traveling, but I feel safe knowing most on the plane were vaccinated and everyone tested. Looking forward to cruising in March, we both agree barely a week was not enough time. But how the tune has changed, our last trip two years ago, kiddo said it was all too rushed and we needed to do less. Thus time he feels we should have done more, so we will need park hoppers next time. And a bigger food budget lol.

Welcome back !! I’m glad you had such a nice time . Thanks for your thoughts on Genie + . I think it will likely become more and more necessary as people start catching on and using it. We will see in January. I think we probably only plan to use it for DHS and MK.

 

[bababear_50]

Welcome Home!!
Sounds like you had a lot of fun and are already gearing up for your next adventure. Just a warning from a mom of 3 sons..... the grocery bill only goes up ,,,ask the grandparents for Disney gift cards. lol
Hugs
Mel

 

[hdrolfe]

Welcome back !! I’m glad you had such a nice time . Thanks for your thoughts on Genie + . I think it will likely become more and more necessary as people start catching on and using it. We will see in January. I think we probably only plan to use it for DHS and MK.

MK was a 7 according to touring plans, I think HS was a 6 one day we were there but we only went in the evening and managed to still ride everything we wanted except Rise, it went down around 8 with park closing at 9 and we didn't feel it was worth the wait if it came back up. MK was just crowded, I jave never been there like that. We normally go end of August so we weren't prepared I guess. We did manage to do Splash 3 times, Big Thunder twice, Space 3 times and 7DMT the one time. We got to the park around 11, left at 2 and went back just before 7. It was too many people for me (with covid and eveything). I can see how genie+ will be appealing in MK, especially when it is busy. We did MK on Wednesday and rode Space 5 times 7DMT 5 times, buzz, people mover and big Thunder with no real waits. We didn't get to do Jungle Cruise, an hour wait wasn't worth it to us.

 

[HappilyEverAfter80]

Well almost home. We are in Montreal Airport waiting for our flight to Ottawa. All in all it was a good, but far too short, trip.

Testing in the way there we did at Costco, no one asked to see it but we had it and the US attestation form. We used BeeperMD for testing in the way home. Counter wasn't open yet when we got to the airport so we got called to show our passports and test results at the gate. I had a hard time getting the pdfs to open but managed.

Landing in Montreal was much better than the lines I TO. We cleared customs quickly, didn't even have to use our Nexus. No second security screening which was nice.

The trip was nice, it wasn't too busy until yesterday when MK was nuts. I was wishing we had purchased genie+. We did end up buying 7DMT at 9:20pm as the line was crazy all day and we had missed rope drop. We managed to squeeze in another ride on Space, but it was the least number of rides we did in a day. We also paid for Rise once and FOP. I never felt the full day genie+ was worth it until that last day.

We felt pretty safe, wore mask more than we needed to, used lots of sanitizer, and tried to avoid those who don't seem to understand how a mask works. We liked POP, but had a room on the 4th floor of building 2, and a broken elevator the first couple days. Skyliner was nice, no standing like on a bus. Busses were very slow a few times. We got no sleep last night and are in rough shape today. My left foot feels bruised or something. And I need to lose a few pounds before we go again! It is hard on my feet.

Can't wait to get home, see the kitties. We will pick up the dog from my parents tomorrow. I think he is being spoiled, and probably gained a bit of weight in a week lol.

It was a good trip, masks are annoying when you spend 12+ hours traveling, but I feel safe knowing most on the plane were vaccinated and everyone tested. Looking forward to cruising in March, we both agree barely a week was not enough time. But how the tune has changed, our last trip two years ago, kiddo said it was all too rushed and we needed to do less. Thus time he feels we should have done more, so we will need park hoppers next time. And a bigger food budget lol.

Welcome home! Glad to hear the trip was went great.
We are going over Christmas (20-26) so I’m sure it will be nuts. We decided to splurge on the Christmas after hours party for our MK day (Dec 21), I figured this is the only way to enjoy MK that week.
I have not read up on Genie+ yet, do you think it might be a good week use it at HS, AK & EP? I have not decided yet if we will do park hoppers or not.
Also, if I understood you correctly, you can purchase individual attractions lighting lane without buying Genie+?
I can’t wait for our Christmas trip, first time during the holidays though I have mixed feelings about missing Christmas at home.
We also have a cruise for mid January and no clue if that will happen, but it’s fully paid for (moved from 2020). K
Anyway, enjoy reading others’ experiences and isn’t it just wonderful to travel again?

 

[hdrolfe]

Welcome home! Glad to hear the trip was went great.
We are going over Christmas (20-26) so I’m sure it will be nuts. We decided to splurge on the Christmas after hours party for our MK day (Dec 21), I figured this is the only way to enjoy MK that week.
I have not read up on Genie+ yet, do you think it might be a good week use it at HS, AK & EP? I have not decided yet if we will do park hoppers or not.
Also, if I understood you correctly, you can purchase individual attractions lighting lane without buying Genie+?
I can’t wait for our Christmas trip, first time during the holidays though I have mixed feelings about missing Christmas at home.
We also have a cruise for mid January and no clue if that will happen, but it’s fully paid for (moved from 2020). K
Anyway, enjoy reading others’ experiences and isn’t it just wonderful to travel again?

You can buy the ILL$ without buying the genie+, that's what we did for the rides we knew would have really long waits but we really wanted to ride. Some sell out faster than others (Rise for example). If I was going that week, I'd probably get genie+ just to be able to ride things at least once. The exception would be Epcot, but we aren't really keen on a lot of rides there (though kiddo did love the lobster tail at food and wine, so I guess we just eat there now). I would have done the party while we were there but it was all sold out

I can't believe we are home, this time last night we were running for one more ride on Space. Travelling was fun but also a little strange. And the mask wearing, all day, I don't even know how many hours straight, was a bit much for me.

 

[HappilyEverAfter80]

You can buy the ILL$ without buying the genie+, that's what we did for the rides we knew would have really long waits but we really wanted to ride. Some sell out faster than others (Rise for example). If I was going that week, I'd probably get genie+ just to be able to ride things at least once. The exception would be Epcot, but we aren't really keen on a lot of rides there (though kiddo did love the lobster tail at food and wine, so I guess we just eat there now). I would have done the party while we were there but it was all sold out

I can't believe we are home, this time last night we were running for one more ride on Space. Travelling was fun but also a little strange. And the mask wearing, all day, I don't even know how many hours straight, was a bit much for me.

Thank you - maybe we’ll get the Genie+ for 3 days…
The only ride that we’d currently buy lighting lane for is FoP, Rise would be one too but we rode it multiple times in Disneyland in August so if we couldn’t… well actually I don’t know, I shouldn’t speak for my 12 yo It all depends how much it will cost the week we are there.
I do hear you on the strange part - we felt that way to an extent when we traveled for the first time since covid in August. We wore masks indoors only (except for the odd time it got crowded outside) but yes it’s different.
Grateful to have the opportunity nevertheless I had the same feelings coming back… thinking “last night at this time we were having dinner at Trader Sam’s…, and now we’re home”.
It’s nice to have that next trip on the horizon though

 

[mevelandry]

Well almost home. We are in Montreal Airport waiting for our flight to Ottawa. All in all it was a good, but far too short, trip.

Testing in the way there we did at Costco, no one asked to see it but we had it and the US attestation form. We used BeeperMD for testing in the way home. Counter wasn't open yet when we got to the airport so we got called to show our passports and test results at the gate. I had a hard time getting the pdfs to open but managed.

Landing in Montreal was much better than the lines I TO. We cleared customs quickly, didn't even have to use our Nexus. No second security screening which was nice.

The trip was nice, it wasn't too busy until yesterday when MK was nuts. I was wishing we had purchased genie+. We did end up buying 7DMT at 9:20pm as the line was crazy all day and we had missed rope drop. We managed to squeeze in another ride on Space, but it was the least number of rides we did in a day. We also paid for Rise once and FOP. I never felt the full day genie+ was worth it until that last day.

We felt pretty safe, wore mask more than we needed to, used lots of sanitizer, and tried to avoid those who don't seem to understand how a mask works. We liked POP, but had a room on the 4th floor of building 2, and a broken elevator the first couple days. Skyliner was nice, no standing like on a bus. Busses were very slow a few times. We got no sleep last night and are in rough shape today. My left foot feels bruised or something. And I need to lose a few pounds before we go again! It is hard on my feet.

Can't wait to get home, see the kitties. We will pick up the dog from my parents tomorrow. I think he is being spoiled, and probably gained a bit of weight in a week lol.

It was a good trip, masks are annoying when you spend 12+ hours traveling, but I feel safe knowing most on the plane were vaccinated and everyone tested. Looking forward to cruising in March, we both agree barely a week was not enough time. But how the tune has changed, our last trip two years ago, kiddo said it was all too rushed and we needed to do less. Thus time he feels we should have done more, so we will need park hoppers next time. And a bigger food budget lol.

I’ve been so out of loop since April 2019 (our last visit in WDW)… I had to google Genie+ to know what it was. So now you can pay to do attractions faster?

Glad you had a nice trip.

 

[hdrolfe]

I’ve been so out of loop since April 2019 (our last visit in WDW)… I had to google Genie+ to know what it was. So now you can pay to do attractions faster?

Glad you had a nice trip.

Yes, it's like paying for fast passes. There is genie + that is basically pay for one FP per ride except for the two individual ones at each park, which you buy separately. I can certainly see the appeal when it's busy.

 

[bcwife76]

Sounds like a great trip, so glad you two were able to get away!

 

[ottawamom]

Happy to read about your trip sounds like you had a much needed break to recharge. Glad you're home safe and sound. Interesting that your waits at customs in Montreal were so short. I'll definitely think of that option moving forward (over the long waits in Toronto).

 

[hdrolfe]

Happy to read about your trip sounds like you had a much needed break to recharge. Glad you're home safe and sound. Interesting that your waits at customs in Montreal were so short. I'll definitely think of that option moving forward (over the long waits in Toronto).

Do not go through Toronto if you can avoid it... even with Nexus, it was a long wait (though not the hours others had behind us, causing the delay to our departure). We were supposed to land at 1 pm in Orlando, but it was close to 3 by the time we got there. It made for an extra long day. I am not sure when it will get better either. Our March Break flights are direct to/from Ottawa so that will be really nice, just nice to get off the plane and go right home, not have to wait and take another short flight.

 

[Jo-Anne]

Do not go through Toronto if you can avoid it... even with Nexus, it was a long wait (though not the hours others had behind us, causing the delay to our departure). We were supposed to land at 1 pm in Orlando, but it was close to 3 by the time we got there. It made for an extra long day. I am not sure when it will get better either. Our March Break flights are direct to/from Ottawa so that will be really nice, just nice to get off the plane and go right home, not have to wait and take another short flight.

I live in Toronto and we leave from Pearson this Thursday night (6pm flight) and arrive back following Sunday (4pm). We will arrive at Pearson 3 hours in advance but am hoping our outbound on a weeknight might be not as bad but I do worry about our flight back on Sunday - I'll pack my patience. I have Nexus but my husband's expired and he didn't renew in time so I doubt i can sneak him through Nexus line Do we need to arrive at MCO 3 hours before flights - it it just as bad as Pearson???

 

[hdrolfe]

I live in Toronto and we leave from Pearson this Thursday night (6pm flight) and arrive back following Sunday (4pm). We will arrive at Pearson 3 hours in advance but am hoping our outbound on a weeknight might be not as bad but I do worry about our flight back on Sunday - I'll pack my patience. I have Nexus but my husband's expired and he didn't renew in time so I doubt i can sneak him through Nexus line Do we need to arrive at MCO 3 hours before flights - it it just as bad as Pearson???

MCO was fine, but we were there at 6 AM The check in desk for AC wasn't even open yet when we arrived. We didn't have bags to check so we printed boarding passes and then just went through security. We did get called to the desk to show the negative test results and get blue stickers on our passports since we hadn't done that at the check in desk.

Honestly, 3 hours to get through security/customs may not be enough time at Pearson. We landed in Toronto just after 7 AM and our flight was to leave at 10:15, we left around noon. Nexus is the only reason we were able to get to the boarding gate just after 9 AM ourselves, there were people going through security at the same time who didn't make it to the gate until much later. It was a Monday morning for what that's worth. Maybe by then it will be better. I think if you have checked in, and they have your bags, they will wait for you to board (at least that is what happened to us, people were going through customs still but we had to wait because their bags were onboard). We were told there weren't enough customs officers, not sure how accurate that is. I had heard horror stories of people sitting on the plane for hours waiting to debark so I didn't want to risk it and came back through Montreal even though it meant catching the Tragic Express at 5 AM.

 

[damo]

MCO was fine, but we were there at 6 AM The check in desk for AC wasn't even open yet when we arrived. We didn't have bags to check so we printed boarding passes and then just went through security. We did get called to the desk to show the negative test results and get blue stickers on our passports since we hadn't done that at the check in desk.

Honestly, 3 hours to get through security/customs may not be enough time at Pearson. We landed in Toronto just after 7 AM and our flight was to leave at 10:15, we left around noon. Nexus is the only reason we were able to get to the boarding gate just after 9 AM ourselves, there were people going through security at the same time who didn't make it to the gate until much later. It was a Monday morning for what that's worth. Maybe by then it will be better. I think if you have checked in, and they have your bags, they will wait for you to board (at least that is what happened to us, people were going through customs still but we had to wait because their bags were onboard). We were told there weren't enough customs officers, not sure how accurate that is. I had heard horror stories of people sitting on the plane for hours waiting to debark so I didn't want to risk it and came back through Montreal even though it meant catching the Tragic Express at 5 AM.

The plane can't fly if a passenger's luggage is on a plane but the passenger isn't. It's a security thing. So as long as you get your luggage checked in early, that plane is going to wait for you.

You would honestly think they would have these employee shortages figured out by now.

 

[hdrolfe]

The plane can't fly if a passenger's luggage is on a plane but the passenger isn't. It's a security thing. So as long as you get your luggage checked in early, that plane is going to wait for you.

You would honestly think they would have these employee shortages figured out by now.

They implied it was faster to wait for the people to get through security/customs than try and find/remove their bags from the plane. It does feel like they should have more staff in place though. Hopefully they will get it sorted soon!

 

[seadragon]

The plane can't fly if a passenger's luggage is on a plane but the passenger isn't. It's a security thing. So as long as you get your luggage checked in early, that plane is going to wait for you.

You would honestly think they would have these employee shortages figured out by now.

I wonder if it's different for connecting flights. About 5 years ago, my wife and I flew from Toronto to Denver with a connection in Detroit. Our flight was delayed out of Toronto and when we got to Detroit, we were the furthest away possible in the terminals from the connecting flight to Denver. However, our baggage went straight from the first place to the next across the tarmac. When we arrived at the connecting gate after a very fast walk, the plane to Denver was pushing back with our luggage onboard. We ended up staying overnight at the airport hotel and got to Denver the next morning. Our luggage was waiting for us at Denver.

Having said that, there was another time we were flying from MCO to YYZ and a little girl was screaming at the top of her lungs as we pushed back that she wanted off of the plane. They actually moved back to the bridge and the father and daughter got off. Then we had a 2 hour wait as they went searching for their luggage to remove it from the plane.

So, its strange how that rule is applied sometimes.

 

[bababear_50]

So I went to my next door neighbor ,,, who just happens to work for AC, and asked her what is creating the hold ups at the airport.

She told me during the Pandemic many many people were just laid off by AC / Airport Services and quite a few of them have found other jobs.

She also said many staff are dropping like flies due to being overworked and understaffing issues. Many staff can't get their Daycare back right now.

A BIG group of staff decided to retire early. Many staff are leaving because of the change in public behaviors towards them (absolutely atrocious).

She made a deal to go Part Time instead of retiring BUT she said even that is taking it's toll because she is trying to do 5 different jobs and train new staff.

I hope people traveling begin to realize that their actions and behavior can have negative consequences.

*** I must say I am even more appalled that every day I see adults/parents behaving in ways that they pay me to teach their kids never to do!
J.M.H.O.

Hugs
Mel

 

[Pumpkin1172]

So I went to my next door neighbor ,,, who just happens to work for AC, and asked her what is creating the hold ups at the airport.

She told me during the Pandemic many many people were just laid off by AC / Airport Services and quite a few of them have found other jobs.

She also said many staff are dropping like flies due to being overworked and understaffing issues. Many staff can't get their Daycare back right now.

A BIG group of staff decided to retire early. Many staff are leaving because of the change in public behaviors towards them (absolutely atrocious).

She made a deal to go Part Time instead of retiring BUT she said even that is taking it's toll because she is trying to do 5 different jobs and train new staff.

I hope people traveling begin to realize that their actions and behavior can have negative consequences.

*** I must say I am even more appalled that every day I see adults/parents behaving in ways that they pay me to teach their kids never to do!
J.M.H.O.

Hugs
Mel

YES!!!! Anyone working in the service industry right now is finding the same issues. I know at my " fun job" @ HomeSense, they are not finding the staff and more so the extra seasonal staff for the up coming holiday season for the EXACT SAME REASON. We live in a very blue collar red/neck area and yes I have had my share of run ins with people over the last 18 months. My "fun job" won't be extending past xmas this year. People have sucked the fun out of it.

I can't even imagine how it is for those working in travel, hotels, theme parks, restaurants in a travel hub like Florida. I have enough in just my 12 hours a week - for our fun/travel fund.

 

[tlcdoula]

YES!!!! Anyone working in the service industry right now is finding the same issues. I know at my " fun job" @ HomeSense, they are not finding the staff and more so the extra seasonal staff for the up coming holiday season for the EXACT SAME REASON. We live in a very blue collar red/neck area and yes I have had my share of run ins with people over the last 18 months. My "fun job" won't be extending past xmas this year. People have sucked the fun out of it.

I can't even imagine how it is for those working in travel, hotels, theme parks, restaurants in a travel hub like Florida. I have enough in just my 12 hours a week - for our fun/travel fund.

I agree totally with this. I also have a second "Fun job" that has turned in to more of a nightmare dealing with people in retail. My 16 hours a week now is more of a dread to goto. Hopefully this trip we have planned will make it worth it.

We are short staffed to start with then people calling in sick or just plain not showing up is a hard one.