Just Back, Some Observations

[Revf]

1. Security Everywhere. Uniformed and Plain clothes security everywhere. Disney Springs, Typhoon Lagoon (counted 10 full uniformed officers), MK (using bag checks and metal detectors for everyone and pulling suspicious people). Be prepared for extra time going through metal detectors. My wife asked if we should be worried that there are so many security personnel. I wondered if this is the new normal.

2. MK was woefully understaffed. There were school groups everywhere and yet CMs were few and far between. Last year we counted 10 photo pass workers down Main Street. This year we counted 5. QS restaurants were slammed. The Citrus Swirl booth had 1 worker trying to meet the demand of a line of people. Restrooms were disgusting. At least three different restrooms had no soap in the soap dispensers. Shanghai or time of year?

3. Epcot on the other hand was in perfect condition. Restrooms were clean, workers were everywhere. Got to experience Soarin in the new theater bay with the digital image. Very clean and nice even with the old film.

4. I finally found what I dislike about under the sea voyage of the little mermaid. It shows the magic. You can see the controls, the lights, everything. My wife said why didn't they make it like the seas with Nemo and friends. Similar ride but doesn't show the magic.

Some random recommendations:
1. Stay in MK after the 1st wishes rush. You will not be going anywhere anyway. The push to the ferries/monorail is too much especially if there are people pushing and shoving and line jumping. (All these things happened)
2. Non planning is still possible. I booked three FP for MK and only used one of them. Forgot about one and skipped one. We still had a good time. Relax and enjoy the park. Don't try to do it all.
3. Some rides I would never do without a FP. I would never ride standby for Splash Mountain, Peter Pan, or 7DMT. These rides are way too short to stand in line for an hour and a half or more!

 

[Nancyg56]

1. Security Everywhere. Uniformed and Plain clothes security everywhere. Disney Springs, Typhoon Lagoon (counted 10 full uniformed officers), MK (using bag checks and metal detectors for everyone and pulling suspicious people). Be prepared for extra time going through metal detectors. My wife asked if we should be worried that there are so many security personnel. I wondered if this is the new normal.

2. MK was woefully understaffed. There were school groups everywhere and yet CMs were few and far between. Last year we counted 10 photo pass workers down Main Street. This year we counted 5. QS restaurants were slammed. The Citrus Swirl booth had 1 worker trying to meet the demand of a line of people. Restrooms were disgusting. At least three different restrooms had no soap in the soap dispensers. Shanghai or time of year?

3. Epcot on the other hand was in perfect condition. Restrooms were clean, workers were everywhere. Got to experience Soarin in the new theater bay with the digital image. Very clean and nice even with the old film.

4. I finally found what I dislike about under the sea voyage of the little mermaid. It shows the magic. You can see the controls, the lights, everything. My wife said why didn't they make it like the seas with Nemo and friends. Similar ride but doesn't show the magic.

Some random recommendations:
1. Stay in MK after the 1st wishes rush. You will not be going anywhere anyway. The push to the ferries/monorail is too much especially if there are people pushing and shoving and line jumping. (All these things happened)
2. Non planning is still possible. I booked three FP for MK and only used one of them. Forgot about one and skipped one. We still had a good time. Relax and enjoy the park. Don't try to do it all.
3. Some rides I would never do without a FP. I would never ride standby for Splash Mountain, Peter Pan, or 7DMT. These rides are way too short to stand in line for an hour and a half or more!

LOL! We feel the opposite in regards to some SB attraction queues. I love the PP SB queue and make sure that we are in the MK early enough to get through without a 90 minute wait. THis is my favorite queue.

I agree about getting the heck out of Dodge after Wishes. You cannot.

I think that the MK issue is more complicated than Shanghai effect. This is one busy park and as parks go, it is pretty compact when compared to Epcot or DAK. SO you have a lot of people packed into limited space with not anywhere near enough options to accomodate everyone all at the same time. I also think the cutbacks in staffing when combined not enough dining options and then with some guests who behave like animals, well.....you experienced the results.

I think that the increased security is not a bad thing. With the exception of the metal detectors and the bag checks that are more focused, I am not sure that there is more security. Rather than more, perhaps it is moe visible. I always saw dogs at DAK, especiall around the perimeter, but I bet they were used in evey park. I think that even if there is more security, DIsney is also allowing guests to see what has always been in place to ease nerves.

 

[crazycatlady]

Thanks for the report! Glad to hear that Soarin' looked great and am super excited that I get to see the old movie a few more times.

 

[pd1138]

i appreciate your thoughts. We are headed down in August and this gives us a heads up. Each time we go we notice more and more differences from when we started going in 2001. Disney has aged a bit in 15 years.....

 

[ash901]

Just back as well, and I will agree with you on MK being understaffed, at least in comparison to the other parks. We had a fabulous trip, but the end of the week was jam packed with school groups at MK. Suprisiingly, I found AK staff to be on point!

 

[Andrew_Animatronic]

Yes, MK has always seemed to have a problem in the staff-tour group ratio. However, I am happy to hear that AK and EPCOT are still pristine.