Returned from our trip Saturday and below are some random thoughts (especially on thread topics from the last few days):
ADRs – don’t lose hope if you’re unable to secure a reservation before your trip. I found everything I wanted the night before between 8-10p. Also, I found searching specific times opened up additional options that didn’t automatically show under the time category (i.e. “lunch). Literally restaurants that showed no availability. Loop hole? Also note – most ADRs now have mobile check-in. I always forgot to do this, so learn from my mistakes! You can check in 20 minutes prior to your arrival time to help reduce your wait.
Rope Drop – this can’t be overstated. We grabbed the first bus from AKL and arrived at MK @8:13a where they allowed people to enter @8:15a. We were able to ride 9 (!!) rides before 10:30a since we weren’t going on “big-hitters,” but then things became sluggish. We rode 4 rides the remainder of the day (note: we did leave for an afternoon nap). 30+ minute lines everywhere all day, including Tom Sawyer island – phew! Note: our day @MK was a 4 out of 10 day per TP. But we walked around and enjoyed just being in the park which was lovely….I’m normally a go-go-goer.
Covid measures – I didn’t notice anyone in the park abusing mask guidelines…maybe I wasn’t paying attention? The weather was so pleasant and it never bothered me to wear one. As others have mentioned, the que markers aren’t always adhered to, but they can also be very confusing (I assume to properly space out people horizontally). I just always made a note to follow them, even if it meant looking stupid because the next marker was 5 yards away. The people behind me would usually get the hint. Disney Springs was a little more of a bear. If you’re Covid sensitive I would not recommend visiting this trip. Everywhere else felt completely safe and well thought out. Rooms were very clean.
Mobile Orders – this was such a great addition. We took someone’s tip to plan out our in-park meals that morning on the bus so all we had to do was click “I’m Here” when ready to eat. Because of the reduced options in MK, you really need to plan to eat as early as possible. Our order was for 11:30a and by the time we finished at noon it was a mad house.
Weather – absolutely gorgeous…if not a little cold for the pools. But we braved them. Most highs under 75 and I wish I had brought more pants and loose layers. Wearing a mask was a piece of cake in that weather. Our last day was 85 and it was significantly more difficult.
AKL (4 nights) – this was our first time staying here and it was lots of fun. I was concerned staying at Jambo we would miss amenities, but my husband said he was SO glad we weren’t
@kidani. It was much more packed and we didn’t miss the lack of restaurant options. Having the large gathering area to ourselves was so cool! Buses were prevalent and empty…we never waited more than 15 minutes.
SSR (2 nights) – we stayed in a renovated room in the Paddock area and it was beautiful. Very light and airy…though going forward we would splurge for a preferred room to be closer to the Springs. Bus wait times were awful, but we knew that going in since it’s such a big resort. We waited 40 minutes both times we took a bus. The Paddock pool was perfect for kids as well as the adorable playground near DS. We were surprised to have trash service on our one full day?
This was our first time renting DVC points and we had so much fun trying it out! Who knows…maybe we’ll take the plunge
that type of thing is my worst nightmare. i hope they can fix it for you or do *something*!
