Long Weekend getaway... a local's point of view... 7/31 -8/2 - Updated 8/12

[LovesTimone]

Hi everyone,

I'm a local, I live in Winter Garden, AP holder.... and true Florida and Disney girl...

It was just DH and I for this getaway...

We stayed at the Hilton Bonnet Creek on points which was really nice a free stay for the most part the resort fee was 30.00 a day so just over 60.00 for a 2 night stay... We had a room on a high floor and it faced Disney Springs...

So a quick run through on the Hotel.... The luggage handlers, are wearing mask upon arrival, we went in and checked, there are hand sanitizing stations at the door when you enter, and all over the lobby... Check in was simple and to the point... the bellman helped us unload the car at this point DH said they put on gloves to handle your luggage, and we decided to self-park, and we were not charged to park or the 30.00 a day cover it, or because we are Hilton members... I don't really know, as it was so hard to understand the person behind the desk, between the mask, and the plexi-glass divider... DH was just like okay... They brought the luggage up to the room, tip all done...
As for the room itself, it was clean... clean, spotless... There is this tape on the door so that you know once it was cleaned from the last guest, that no has entered it... so when you open the door it breaks the tape.. the bed was very comfortable, the bathroom was large, single sink, and well stocked with towels, you can get daily cleaning if you wish... We did not need it... So I did notice the housekeeper on the floor, and she was kind enough to give me a couple extra towels, which I thought worked out better for us, and them... no need to call later on for more... I wanted to add about the bathroom the lighting in here was great, the mirror was lighted and it was bright so that you could put on your make-up, and such, as well there is a night night built into the switch... which was nice as I had forgot our plug in night light... There were people moving around, in the pool areas, and well in the lobby and people dinning in La Luce...
Overall it was a really wonderful stay... the first night at 2:00 am there was a family returning with kids that were running up and down the hall, laughing, and talking really loudly and playing, it only last a couple of minutes, then back to quite again... this is no reflection on Hilton in away... just people with kids, running amok at 2:00 am... there was a safe, fridge, and the iron worked sooooo great... it was nice to use a iron in a hotel, that worked... even the ironing board was sturdy...
As far as other guest, everyone for the most part was wearing mask, except in the pool area... I did see some people in the lobby watching soccer, and they looked to be eating food from La Luce, and they were having a good time, and were not wearing their mask... We did pass one family where the child was crying and did not have on a mask... but that was it... pretty much everyone was social distancing, and wearing a mask...

We have stayed here several times, and we will be back for sure...

Next up MK, and ADR's -
if you have any questions I would be happy to answer them if I can...

 

[DeeBee3]

How is the environment generally in the greater Orlando area? I know know Florida is having it rough in general. I'm from NY so right now we are doing "well" considering what happened here in March/April.

 

[LovesTimone]

How is the environment generally in the greater Orlando area? I know know Florida is having it rough in general. I'm from NY so right now we are doing "well" considering what happened here in March/April.

OP here...

For the most part people are returning to normal as much as possible... We miss our visitors, and are ready to welcome you back...

I will say that most people are wearing mask in stores, restaurants, hotels, and are maintaining social distancing ... and for sure in the parks.

All of the stores in my area are open, and really have been for weeks now... Just so you know, the Mall at Millennia is open, and all the surrounding stores and restaurants in that area are open, both the outlet malls are open and busy as all get out. Florida mall is opened as well, I don't shop here, to far for me to go and it's a tourist mall ( locals steer clear of it for the most part). I have been out shopping and I am noticing, that most stores, there is signage to wear a mask... and are just offering you a wipe for your cart, and the directional signs on the floors are disappearing. In most stores I am still seeing them count the number of customers coming and going...

The traffic has picked up alot, and I-4 is really getting back to the normal rush of traffic... We are noticing lots of out of state tags.. including NY and NJ.. lots of vehicles with toppers, and you can see suitcases, and travel gear in the back... DH works in essential services and they stopped on the turnpike at a rest stop, and he said that there were lots of cars, compared to 3 or 4 weeks ago when there was only a handful on on both sides.

There are going to be alot of restaurants on I -drive that might not make it, if we don't see and uptick in tourist in that area... I know for sure Sweet Tomatoes is not reopening. Rumors are some of the Dennys', and IHOP are not going to re-open... Golden Corral is another one that is rumored not to re-open.. a couple mores places on I-drive...

You can't believe everything you see and hear on the news...

 

[LovesTimone]

OP here,

Once we put the drinks in the mini fridge. We were ready to go, we just missed the bus to MK, so we decided to use Uber, and it was quick and easy as always, the driver had on a mask, and offered us hand sanitizer... this was the first of several Uber rides that we took...

We arrived at the transportation station at 10:35 am, we walked directly to have our temperature taken, by the good folks from Advent healthcare systems.. we did not have to wait in line... thru security, I just held my purse in front of me, and of course my Pandora bracelets set off the bell. DH was through... we walked to the monorail, there was a small line, there are marking where to stand... a CM directs down to your car, and we were the only ones on our side of the car, so one family per side. We down the walk way, touch our bands and we were inside MK at 11:00 am... We took a few pictures, then through the tunnel and we were there... We just stood there for a couple of minutes, and just took it all in... The sights, the smell, the music... we had come home.... I will say, I did have a bit of something in my eyes, as they did start to tear up... We walk through the store we wanted to check on a couple of things, to pick up later on. Then out on to main street... I know that there has been alot of discussion on the paint choices on the castle, I love it, it has that real story book feeling. We headed down main street, stopped for some pictures, then turned right at the ice cream shop, which is sad to say is closed as well as Casey across the street... We were headed to challenge Emperor Zurg. The pavilion were they have the dessert party is a relaxation station, and there is a drink and Ice cream cart right there, the tables are all marked, and there were several families using this area... we did around 6 rides and made it all the way to Under the Sea, Journey of the little Mermaid. We stopped in Star Traders and shopped around, and purchased a couple mask for DH and our Grandson, took 2 breaks and hydrated and people watched DH and I are not into commando style touring, we have the meandering wandering type of style and we did all this before our lunch ADR at the Plaza at 1:30...

We decide on TS for this trip, due to a food allergy that I have, and its not very common "coconut" of all things, and since coconut is so popular right now, I have to double check, to be sure. So here's how check in worked, You have to take a picture of the square code box thingy ( I can not think of what it's called... I need more coffee) and a link popped up on my phone, and linked to my Disney app. and then just follow the prompts, then you get a text when your table is ready... we were sitting at the table at 1:25 so pretty dang good...

Review of the Plaza- The table are moved around and there is way more than 6 foot rule being followed... We thought this was great not to being on top of the next table. You are given a paper menu, and I think it was pretty close to the full menu, some things were missing... DH wanted a cheeseburger, and there was not one on the menu, when he asked she said yes, We have them, so DH went with a cheeseburger and fries, diet coke and water... For myself, Club Sandwich and fries, coke and water... we each drank 3 glasses of water... We had thought about getting shakes, in the end we decided to forgo them, the meal was good, filling and hit the spot... Our server was very good, kept our water glasses full, and even gave us drinks to go... I will say, that I was glad that I drank a coke, I really needed the caffeine and sugar, with the heat and humidity.. it kept us going... I think lunch was around 50.00 dollars.. We enjoy having lunch here every time... It reminds us of times that each spent with our grandmothers, I would go with my Granny to town...as she put it... She would take me to Sears, and Belk's, then to Woolworth shop and then we would sit at the lunch counter, and we would get lunch and a shake, I thought it was just something else to get to sit at the counter, and with all the grown ups...then to the Green Stamp store, and finally we would by grocery at Publix before heading home.. For DH it's the same, his Grandmother would take him and his brother to Woolworth to sit at the counter and have lunch and a shake... Simpler times...

After lunch we head over to adventure land... We got about 8 more rides done... There were plenty of breaks, staying hydrated is really important, and because we were hydrating constantly, there were more bathroom breaks... and we did check out a couple of the stores... when we realized what time it was... It was like 6:00 at we had ADR's at 7:30 at Disney Springs at Terralina... so we hurried over and picked up Baby Yoda, the one that make sounds and another mask for our grandson "Star Wars"... he is 5 and we got the medium size mask, and they fit him perfectly...

So at this point decided to walk over to the Contemporary and use Uber to get us to Disney Springs... and I am going to stop here...

Overall thoughts on our day at MK... Disney is doing a great job, staying within the guidelines, and still keeping the magic alive. I would say most people are following the rules... sitting or being stationary when drinking and eating, wearing their mask, and seeking out the relaxation stations for a break... So with us living here, we know just how hot and humid it can get... So we hydrated constantly, lots and lots of water... and we did not push ourselves we took lots of breaks and got in the shade, or popped into a store for some cooler air... We did use the chilly neck wraps, We keep re-wetting them all day.. Sunscreen folks, please use it... this is one area I can not stress enough, and one area not to skimp on the product... We use Coppertone, Sports 50+ spray or higher when I can get it, and I use on my face Neutrogena 100+... as well I took a couple of neutrogena hydro boost face wipes in a ziploc, which I ended up using on my body to just get the sweat and stickiness off with and they worked great... You will want some type of mints to help with the mask mouth, I like the cough drop with the liquid center, and the mint lifesavers, and we used carmex to help with the dry lips... and some lotion behind the ears helps with the mask rubbing.. especially with little kids.. Lighter color and breathable clothing... lightweight shoes and good socks, I really suggest staying away from sandals or flip flops for the parks...

I will pick again from this point... next post... Dinner at Disney Springs and the 30 wait to get into the World of Disney...

 

[erinch]

Following! Thank you so much.,

 

[DLo]

Following along. Thanks for taking the time to report

 

[DeeBee3]

Love your summaries. Looking forward to the next one. Get a piece of "home" while waiting for our trip.

 

[LovesTimone]

OP here... I have coffee life is soooo good!


Okay so where did I leave off.... Scroll up, Okay got it...

So we came out of MK, we had planned to ride a bus to Disney Springs, then we found out that option was not available yet... So we decided to walk over to the Contemporary and catch a bus from there... We could have ridden the monorail over but that line was kinda long, and not worth the wait. So the walk wasn't to bad... We did take our mask off to walk, there was no-one else even walking that way, actually we were the only people walking on the walk-way over there and it was nice to have them off... Just so you know there is a tent set up on the sidewalk for temperature checks... As we approached the tent we did put our mask back on, then we passed the security tent which is the first time I have ever seen security on the walkway to the Contemporary... So finally we made it to the bus stop over at the Contemporary... It was a madhouse... there were about 50 to 60 people milling around all waiting for the bus to Disney Springs... DH looked at me and said Uber, and without hesitation I said Yep... we only had like a 4 or 5 minute wait for the car, the driver jumped out and he was wearing his mask, and wiped the door handles, and interior on the back seat off, door handle, seat-belt, he did have a towel that he was drying with at the same time, it took like minute or two, and off we went... Our driver was so funny, we talked the whole way... Nice ride... We did arrive a few minutes early for our ADR at Terralina... We checked in at the hostess stand inside, and were seated right away...

Review of Terralina - First off we have eaten here several times, and we always bring family and friends here,and everyone had always enjoyed it... I am happy to say, it was really good, and we really enjoyed our server, and our meal... Everyone was wearing mask, and the tables were spaced according to the guidelines. We order a couple of adult beverages and even had a second round and water, and some Calamari to share... I like the fact that they bring you 2 full glasses of ice water, and flask of ice water for the table to serve yourself, which we did often, and she filled it up twice for us... The Calamari was very tasty, the dipping sauce was like a remoulade sauce... there were some other fried veggies with it... the breading was nice and very light, it really did not stick to the calamari very well, but did not really bother us... DH ordered Chicken Parm, and it is served with pasta, and red sauce... DH did enjoy it, he said the sauce was really flavorful, and the chicken was moist and the breading wasn't to heavy, his only complaint if you could call it that, was the pasta was just a bit over cooked, DH like his pasta just right at al dente'. I did not want to eat anything really heavy, and have it weighing me down.. so I went we the catch of the day, which was Salmon, with cheese and mushroom risotto, and it was perfect... the fish was cooked perfectly, and the risotto was flavorful, and cooked perfectly...DH tasted it, and like it much better than the pasta on his plate... so I shared with him... We were debating on dessert, and our server talk us into the Chocolate cake, to share... and all I can say... WOW... and YUM... the portion size is just huge, and really should be shared... It is a chocolate lover dream cake... it was moist, and gooey and super rich and above all chocolate goodness, yet not to the point of being to much... Dinner and Drinks came to around 150.00.. We were not disappointed at all with our server she was amazing, and kept the water filled, and check on us just the right amount of times, very personable... The food was on point from start to finish... We will be back for sure...

So it was around 8:45 when we step back out into Disney Springs, and it was busy, it was so nice to see people moving around, laughing and enjoying the evening... We milled around for a bit, then decided to go into the world of Disney... the line was crazy, and it was a 30 minute wait... So the line when we got in it - started at the doors between world of Disney and the Lego Store, it went in front of the world of Disney, all the way past Stitch, and angled out over by Basin, behind Basin, down the side walk behind Basin to about I think were the bathrooms would be near once a upon a toy...then looped back down the walkway, following it to behind the garage, to a back door, all in all it was about 30 minutes... The family behind us, the husband said to his wife, I know we just got here, but get everything that you want or get it in the park as we are not standing in line like this again... this is ridiculous. When we step inside the store.... It was absolute chaos in there... It was like a black friday before on line shopping and the bride run at Neimum Marcus... DH was like what the heck is going on, we have been in there during peak times, and this was nothing like that... it was worse.. People were buying like crazy... and the store had alot of empty shelves, and the CM were working as fast as the could refilling them... I was so glad that we went ahead and got Baby Yoda at MK, we watched a CM fill a whole the shelf unit, and it like a couple of minutes it was empty again.. We were looking for a Disney Calendar for next year, I had heard that they were putting out a poster art one... and we looked and looked, and asked and no-one could tell us if they had it, or where to find one at... We also were looking for a Star Wars T-shirt again a certain shirt, and they had them unfortunately wrong size, I wanted to look for some coffee cups for a gift and it was so crowded over there, you could hardly get around... so we waited 30 minutes for nothing... we did not buy one thing...

After all that we were tired, and decided to call it a night... So we went over to ride share area, and Uber picked us up, and back to the Hilton we went... Again the driver was wearing his mask, it was a nice cool ride over back to the hotel...

Overall thoughts for the evening... We really enjoyed our evening... The only tip I can really give you if you see something in the parks get it... and if you are going into the World of Disney have a list or some type of plan on what you want... like divide and conquer...

Next up... Breakfast at Chef Mickeys.

 

[LovesTimone]

OP here... another wonderful day in Florida... and I have coffee... so Yay!!!

Once back at the Hilton, there were alot more people milling about, watching some soccer game on big TV in the lobby, as well and using alot of the other seating, with what looked like some type of take out food from somewhere... I forgot to look to see it the pool was still open or if there were people in the pool area...

Once we got into the room, the first thing we did was to down a bottle of Gatorade each and start on a second bottle each... then showers, and off to bed... at 2:00 am we were awoken to kids tearing up and down the hallway, and laughing and yelling, just being kids, and mom and dad loudly telling them to be quite.. ... it only lasted a couple of minutes and then silence.. and back to sleep we went...

We did sleep in ... for us, all in all we were up, refreshed, and dressed and heading down stairs by 10:15, so we called on Uber again, to take us over to have breakfast at the Contemporary at Chef Mickeys... We arrived at 10:45 so about 15 minutes to be able to check in... So we shopped around, and I found some really cute things, but I did not pull the trigger as I did not want to carry them around all day... So I decide to make a restroom stop. I had to have my temp taken to use the restroom, well that's a first for me... LOL .. It is way that it is set up, in order to access the monorail, you have to go through were they are taking the temp's and security .. no big deal... DH got us checked in and we found a spot to sit while we waited. We did some people watching... watching the monorail move through up above is always a treat... then we got our text... We approached the host stand, we were directed to use the hand sanitizer, and they took our temp, before let us move to the next host stand, and finally to our table...

Chef Mickey's review... I will say that some of the people that we know had mixed reviews of breakfast here without the characters... So we put that aside and decided to try for ourselves. Here's our thought on our visit... Our server was on point... She explained the process and made sure to let us know that there would not be any characters, and made sure to tell us that it was all we can eat, and the let her know... took our drink order, and coke, diet coke and water... We did tell her that we were not in a big hurry... Now instead of you going to the buffet bar, they bring it to you... We started with a basket of bread and pastry, fruit which we declined as it had what looked like coconut shaving's on top so we skipped it and a yogurt parfait which I enjoyed very much, DH isn't a yogurt kinda guy, that is brought to the table straight away... Then we were asked if we wanted to start with the salmon and the set up that goes with it, cream cheese, lemon, capers, and thinly sliced red onions, as well as other deli meats and cheese, which was a big yes... There was one roll of salmon, and the condiments that go along in one container, we did asked for another one for each of us... the deli meat comes rolled and wedges of cheese, there is a garnish of pickled jalapenos, which took DH by surprise in the heat department... DH did order another one for himself... Then she asked if we were ready for the hot dishes... She brought us a container, of scrambled eggs, ham, bacon, sausage, and kielbasa, another container of tater tots, and potato casserole, as well a container of pancakes, french toast sticks and Mickey waffles... then she popped another basket of bread and pastry's on the table.. the ham was soooo good, sweet and not overly salty.. we did ask for more of this, and the bacon... the bacon was nice and crispy... okay and we had to have more of the potato casserole it was just divine.. Our server kept a eye on us, and would check on us, keep the drinks refilled, and clear effortlessly... Our bill was all in all with tax and tip, 70.00 bucks.. On our way out... we stopped in front of the Buffet, not on the buffet on the carpet, where all the CM's were working at and we loudly said Thank you... Glad your here and waved at all of them... and CM's respond back quickly saying we are glad your back, your welcome and welcome home... you could see it in their eyes that were smiling... they really appreciated being appreciated and the were all waving as well.

Overall - we loved it... it was a really nice and relaxing breakfast, and we got plenty to eat...we were stuffed. Did we miss the character's? yes and no... We missed the opportunity to get our pictures taken with the fab 5... What he did not miss is over zealous parents, that seem to think that their child or children or table is the only one in the whole restaurant... and will not wait their turn for the characters to come to the table. I also think that this way, there is so much less food waste... We were a party of 2 so the portions that we were brought were generous and in line for a table of 2, the larger table where given larger containers, to match the table size... Would we come back again?... Yes most definitely...

We then made our way down and headed for the bus stop, and the bus stop god's were smiling on us.. There was a Epcot bus waiting... Yay doing the happy dance... As you get on the bus, please pay attention the the driver he or she will tell you were to sit, and follow his or her instructions... There are divider between groups of seats, as well there are not longer other guest standing in the aisle, and the hand hold have been wrapped and taped so that no-one can touch them... this was our only bus ride for this trip.. and it was fine, I felt safe... everyone was wearing their mask, and I did notice alot of people putting on hand sanitizer, and using wipes around were they were sitting... While I really don't know if that was necessary or not... If it make you feel more comfortable then by all means do what you think is appropriate for your family...

Next up a wonderful day and evening at Epcot...

 

[LovesTimone]

OP here...

Good Morning everyone... it's actually a nice morning.. only 73 at 7:04 - with 50% chance of rain starting at 1:00 so we will see how that goes... with living in Florida, you just prepare for rain everyday.. Okay enough of that... On to our day at Epcot...

So after our only bus ride, which I will say good... and I did not feel like I should not have been on riding the bus, DH and I both felt safe.. as well all the seat had other guest sitting in them, so people are using the buses...

Upon arrival... Temperature checks were first up on the agenda... Next security, and magic band check and we were in... It is sooo open now with the "Stones" as DH calls them gone... It does seem strange with out them... I can see where this area is going to really be nice once everything is finished... We decided to hit the restroom first, I will say that it dawned on my that every-time I went into the restroom that someone was in there cleaning, so another good job...

We had decided to just take it easy this day and it was hot and thankfully it was overcast and windy...

We started with Spaceship Earth... Which I will say is one of my absolute favorite rides of all times... It was sad that all the inter-active stuff at the end is not available at this point... which is understandable... so I will just have to look forward to checking it out later. I will say that there were alot of other guest sitting around inside, this area cooling it..

We decided to head for the Sea Base Alpha... Let me back track for just a second... Right behind Spaceship earth everything is blocked off, they have 2 gates and walkways on each side of Spaceship Earth leading into the park... so following the walkway on the right if you are standing in facing Spaceship earth, you end up at Sea Base Alpha... So we decided to ride Nemo and Friends, which was a nice and cool in there, and I love the que, it's just so cute ( and cool and dark) ...the wait time said 30 minutes... it was about 15, the line was steady moving... Then we spent at least a hour after the ride, just really getting to check things out... they had divers in the tank, so that was interesting to see... and also CM's talking and answering questions, and really being able to chat with them was nice... we did spend quite a bit of time with the manatee's...We see them all the time up on the St. Johns river, and well as Crystal River, and Homosassa River... The CM that was present was really knowledgeable and really friendly... we talked to him for a while.. then it was time to move on... We moved on to the Soarin pavilion... We watched Awesome Planet, which I thought was really well done, this was our first time seeing it... as far as seating the chairs are marked for social distancing, and yet people will stop in the middle and sit down...and expect you to crawl over them, and the whole time the CM is telling everyone to move the to end of the row... I guess that this is something that will never change.. LOL . Next up living with the Land... another favorite of our... they have plastic see through shields in the boats between the seat... Then we decide we where thirsty... and this is where this mobile ordering falters... We just wanted 2 drinks.. no food... so the time for your food pick up was 45 mins... I was like hummmm ... and the poor CM that they had helping the guest, in all fairness most likely should not have been the person out there trying to help... as she had absolutely had no idea of what was going on... So in the end she sent us down to this other CM who was like I can take care of you... So he rung us up, and we walk straight to get our drinks... and back out to find a table... and sit down for a bit and enjoy our drinks.. I will say that they are cleaning constantly... and hand sanitizer stations everywhere... I will say that they need a proper size restroom in here they one they have just doesn't get it... After our break we rode Soarin... it said 25 minutes and it was like 40... when we left the pavilion I check my phone and we had been in there for over 2 hours... I was kinda shocked.. It had rained, and we did not even realize it.. at this point... We decide to head over to Mouse Gears, I did not want to be standing in line at park close.. I am happy to say, that I found the new calendars for next year, there were 2 different ones, and I knew I wanted the Poster art one. They were behind the check out counter... we picked up a couple other small items... then on to test track... at this point DH started having problems with his contacts, wearing the mask tend's to dry out his eyes, and he did not have his eye drops.. So we went around to the first aid station...and they had eye drops, problem solved... We went back into that round building and watched the Epcot renovation film, it is so exciting to see whats coming... as well this is another good spot to take a break in... We headed into the World Showcase, Mexico - beer and a margarita where needed... lol We did go into the Mexican pavilion to check things out... and we decided to ride the 3 caballeros, and there was a line... which I haven't seen a line in here in a long time... the tequila bar was doing a brisk business... and the restaurant was full, as the restrictions allow... at this time we realize that it was all most time for our ADR, over at Spice road Table... so we meandered around some more and headed that way....

I going to stop here for now... next up Spice Road Table review

 

[LovesTimone]

OP here...

Spice Road Tables review...

Let me start with the this is one of our favorite spots to eat, we have dined here several times, lunch, dinner, and just for appetizers and cocktails.... We always book it with the Candlelight processional package... The food here has never let us down... It is really good, so flavorful and the spice selection is always on point.... We love the atmosphere here, and the service it's absolutely some of the best at Disney. It is a very small space inside, and has that intimate feeling almost like you are having dinner at someone's house...
DH - loves the Mix Grill - Beef and Chicken - with green beans and rosemary potatoes ( rosemary fries). DH asked that the steak be medium rare, and the chicken not over cooked... our server made sure this did not happen both were cooked perfect...the sauce's that are on brought on the side are very good...DH loves the harissa sauce ( this is a spicy condiment and it is very good, it was little to hot for me this time) he asked for a extra one.. For Myself I went with the lamb slider, I requested rosemary potatoes as well, it normally comes with Hummus fries which are not my fav. which is strange as I love hummus... There are 3 slider and I could only eat 1 1/2 they are huge, they are like giant meatballs... and ohhh sooooo good... the mint tzatziki is really good, so good that I asked for more and dipped my fries in it... I am going to have to learn how to make this... DH help me out, and ate the meat out of the them, and he really like it, and he is not a big lamb guy... I also had mint iced tea... it was so light and refreshing... We were so full that we skipped dessert even though we both were looking forward to the chocolate pyramid which is our favorite dessert there... We fully enjoyed our meal here... and will be back soon...

After dinner we walked around some and check out a couple of store's, they we decide to go out the back gate to and head over to the Beach Club and call for Uber from there to take us back to the Hilton Bonnet Creek...

Next up - Overall thoughts on our visit... We had planned to go the DHS due to the storm we decided not to go, and head home after check-out...

 

[LovesTimone]

OP here...

So originally we had planned to go to DHS for a couple of hours, before heading home... What we ended up doing is sleeping in a bit, and checking out and just heading home... because of the storm. Which missed our area... Thankfully...

We really had a great time, and really enjoyed ourselves... We both felt safe the whole time. It was just what we both needed, some Disney magic, and to recharge our Disney batteries...We both felt the magic seeping in... and we are looking to go for another long weekend in Sept.

We both thought that Disney and all the Cast Members are doing an amazing job.. We tried to Thank every CM we came in contact with for just being there... I think that they are totally working within the guidelines, really I think that they are going above and beyond what the guidelines require...

First off you have to realize that this will not be a normal "Disney" trip when you come visit... meaning that how you normally do Disney might not be a option. with wearing the mask, with the way the hours are right now, and that's perfectly okay... with lower guest number being in the parks, you can still get a lot of stuff done, and stop and smell the rose's, and maybe discover something that you have not seen or been able to squeeze into your trips in the past. Being flexible and trying something different is fun... The thing is that in your daily life and routine for most people are not back to normal, shopping hours, and whats available has changed, or you might even have to wait to go into your favorite store, dressing rooms are closed, restaurants are open and only at half capacity and limited menu and we make those adjustment without any qualms.

Dealing with the heat - First off we live right out the back gate, and the heat and humidity are real... and we deal with it everyday... so when I say to hydrate hydrate hydrate... I am really very serious about it, you can quickly dehydrate and not even know what is happening until it to late... have asthma and allergies, and the medications that I take really dry everything out, so I fight with this all the time... I think starting your trip hydrated is a plus for sure... drinking lots of water, and things like gatorade or even pedialyte for the kids... if you are flying, drink lots of water, the plane always dehydrates you. Choosing foods that help with dehydration - eating things like grapes, pickles/cucumbers, lettuce, celery, watermelon/ other melon, berries, tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower and baby carrots. So eating a salad is not only something lighter to eat, it helps keep you hydrated as well... I found that the chilly neck wrap worked really great, I found a mini one that worked pretty great, and it was easier to slip under the neck of whatever shirt that I was wearing... so the chilly got A+ from us... We did take our fan, and it really did not do anything... I am curious about the neck ones the we saw people wearing... I might take a look at them, might be a good stocking stuffer for this year...

Mask wearing - I prefer the disposable ones for sure... DH like the cloth ones... before we left I tried several different options to help my poor ear's, and in the end I found for myself and DH, using some of my face cream behind the ears worked the best... Neutrogena hydro-boost... It's what I normally use so we had it on hand. You will need something for your lips... I tried, chap stick, burts bees, and carmex... and they all worked about the same. I did notice that if I applied the carmex, and let it soak in a few minutes then put on my mask, it seemed to last longer, and not rub off on the mask... and last but not least "Mask Mouth"... I brought, cough drops with the liquid centers, it helped with dry mouth, and help keep my sinus open to help me breathe easier... mint life savers... listerine tabs... no gum for us, it makes your mask rub.

A odds and end items - I did bring a couple of face wipes with me in a ziploc, and I ended up using them on my body.. which was really nice to be able to wipe down, and it was nice to be able to refresh myself, and get the sweaty sticky yucky feeling wiped away... Some type of body glide is another thing you might want to think about.. not just for the chub rub, like for under your bra, and the straps... especially for ladies that are like me and are top heavy... It works great... my friend use's some type of runners chaffing gel, I really don't like the way it smells, like a wet dog, it just has a funky odor to it, but to each his own... I brought my own hand soap, I have super sensitive skin and I am allergic to coconut, and I am finding that alot of soap in the dispenser now break out my hands, I re-used a hand sanitizer bottle and filled it with my hand soap from home, this way I know what I am using, and this is the first time that my hands did not break out...

Plan on taking more breaks than normal, use the relaxation stations, make the time to hydrate, and with that you will have to take more restroom breaks... we did not feel like it cut into our ride time at all...

The only real problems that we saw, is that people want to stop, and mess with their phones when in line, from what we experienced the lines are constantly moving, and you need to pay attention to the floor on where to stand, and because the line moves quickly you don't have time to be taking a horde of selfies, and holding up the line... CM's where constantly having to tell people to move up... as well other guest where calling people out, telling them to move on... As well if you get in line, please have your whole party together, and stop dragging your feet waiting for whoever to catch up... Not Cool..

Lastly - if you want something buy it when you see it... don't wait till almost park closing time.. you might have to wait in line to get in the store, or it might not be available...

Looking forward to our next trip...

If you have any questions I'm always happy to help if I can...

 

[erinch]

Fabulous report! Thank you!

 

[vinmar4]

Thank you very much for your report with such detail! I also love all the tips about how to make things more comfortable. Some of those things, I would of never though about!.

We are planning a last minute trip for our DD 18th birthday. We were going to drive from TX to Chicago initially because she wanted to celebrate with her 2 closets cousins, but due to the current situation in Chicago and just thinking that some family members may not react as well as we would to a visit, we decided to go to our happy place instead! She did not get to get a proper graduation party , so we want her to definitely have a better 18th birthday celebration.
We have some points that we can use, so we may stay 3 days at RR in a studio and then 4 more at a one bedroom at the BWV. We are not crazy about indoor dining since we don't even do it here at home,, instead we do a lot of take out to help the local restaurants, however, we are really thinking of doing Topolinos for her birthday. Our DS wants to stay at CC instead of BW, but we still have to do some research as to where we could more things outside and still social distance. We were there when they announced the closing of the parks in March and kind of saw the difference from before and after the announcement. In March we stayed some days at RR and loved that we could walk to CBR and have all that area to walk by the sand, we also loved the Banana Cabana bar!
I'm glad that you had such great time!

 

[LovesTimone]

Thank you very much for your report with such detail! I also love all the tips about how to make things more comfortable. Some of those things, I would of never though about!.

We are planning a last minute trip for our DD 18th birthday. We were going to drive from TX to Chicago initially because she wanted to celebrate with her 2 closets cousins, but due to the current situation in Chicago and just thinking that some family members may not react as well as we would to a visit, we decided to go to our happy place instead! She did not get to get a proper graduation party , so we want her to definitely have a better 18th birthday celebration.
We have some points that we can use, so we may stay 3 days at RR in a studio and then 4 more at a one bedroom at the BWV. We are not crazy about indoor dining since we don't even do it here at home,, instead we do a lot of take out to help the local restaurants, however, we are really thinking of doing Topolinos for her birthday. Our DS wants to stay at CC instead of BW, but we still have to do some research as to where we could more things outside and still social distance. We were there when they announced the closing of the parks in March and kind of saw the difference from before and after the announcement. In March we stayed some days at RR and loved that we could walk to CBR and have all that area to walk by the sand, we also loved the Banana Cabana bar!
I'm glad that you had such great time!

OP here,

That sounds like such a fun trip... I totally think that is sucks that all these kids did not get a proper graduation with all the trimmings... That right of passage is so important, I think back to my own graduation eons ago, and I still can remember thinking sitting in that arena.... okay now what, it was a little unnerving knowing that this part of my life was over, and now a new chapter was opening up... and it was up to me to get where I wanted to go. I totally understand that we need to follow the guidelines... It still sucks...

Thanks for the kind words as well... I really like to try to be detailed in my reports, so that other readers can get a better idea of what it is really like, and what to expect... I am a planner and very detailed oriented person, especially when it come to travel... LOL...

On the indoor dinning, you have to do what you feel is right for your family... For DH and I we have been eating out, since the day they said we could go back to indoor dinning. As well DH works in essential services, so if he felt it was safe for us. Then I was good with it... I will tell you, going inside to eat the first time was kinda strange, once we sat down and started, and I saw first hand how things were being handled... I was good to go, even excited about dinning out. Disney is following the guidelines, and social distancing is everywhere, and we felt very safe...

I hope you will share you trip with all of us... Pixie dust away...

 

[vinmar4]

OP here,

That sounds like such a fun trip... I totally think that is sucks that all these kids did not get a proper graduation with all the trimmings... That right of passage is so important, I think back to my own graduation eons ago, and I still can remember thinking sitting in that arena.... okay now what, it was a little unnerving knowing that this part of my life was over, and now a new chapter was opening up... and it was up to me to get where I wanted to go. I totally understand that we need to follow the guidelines... It still sucks...

Thanks for the kind words as well... I really like to try to be detailed in my reports, so that other readers can get a better idea of what it is really like, and what to expect... I am a planner and very detailed oriented person, especially when it come to travel... LOL...

On the indoor dinning, you have to do what you feel is right for your family... For DH and I we have been eating out, since the day they said we could go back to indoor dinning. As well DH works in essential services, so if he felt it was safe for us. Then I was good with it... I will tell you, going inside to eat the first time was kinda strange, once we sat down and started, and I saw first hand how things were being handled... I was good to go, even excited about dinning out. Disney is following the guidelines, and social distancing is everywhere, and we felt very safe...

I hope you will share you trip with all of us... Pixie dust away...

Thank you so much!
So we are getting excited!
it's a mix or worry and excitement ! It changes , but looking at reports like yours and video reports of trips, it really helps with the questions and stress, I think.
For us it helps that our kids are almost 18 and 24, so they know what to do and. not to do. I'm a nurse so sometimes is a mix or over doing it and sometimes of a more lay back response.
We will probably go and take a look at Topolinos and then make the decision if we will eat indoor or not. We don't mind eating at restaurants outdoor, so we will see what happens. We are staying 2 nights at CC, new resort for us, 3 nights at RR and 3 at one bedroom BW so we can cook and have more room.