We have a trip planned (and booked) for the week before Christmas (12/19-12/25). We are staying at the BWV (not DVC members ... BWI was not scheduled for opening when we booked this trip). We have our park reservations for the week and have park hoppers as well. We always go to WDW during very busy times (school schedules) so crowds do not bother us and we have, to date, been fairly successful in getting the most our of our trips despite crazy crowds. As we plan for this trip, however, so much has changed that we are finding it difficult to know what to expect when we are there. I know that things are "fluid" and there may be many more changes before we get there but we do have some questions about things now ... and perhaps some "predictions" as to whether or not these might change closer to trip time.
1. I know that they are not currently delivering merchandise purchased in the parks to the resorts, but can you still send things to the front of the park for pick up on the way out? We have always made use of this service on our trips, but if they are not offering it we will have to adjust our plans a bit. Not a big deal, it just helps to know.
2. We have park reservations and park hoppers and know that there is always a possibility that parks will reach "capacity" and park hopping will be impossible but if we (for example) have a park reservation for EPCOT and leave for a break and go to our hotel, can we get back into the same park later even if it is "at capacity" or are "all bets off" once we leave? Normally I wouldn't worry about EPCOT reaching "capacity" but nothing is normal now.
3. We are staying at the Villas at the Boardwalk. We are not DVC members, just booked with Disney as we would any other hotel. We love the Boardwalk and they weren't talking about any opening dates when we booked this trip. We have been in BWV before and love them so we didn't feel the need to change when BWI opened. Anyway, when I started the "check in" process it asked if I wanted to opt out of housekeeping services altogether or have the room serviced every other day. Now I know that sometimes housekeeping is handled differently at the DVC properties but we have always had daily service when we have stayed at these properties in the past. Is the "every other day" a new thing at the DVC properties or is this a new "system" at all the hotels? Every other day is probably enough but honestly, when I am paying more than $600 a night for a hotel room I'd kind of like my "pillows fluffed" every day thank you.
4. We have been watching a lot of YouTube videos (DIS, AllEars, and DFB) and it seems like they are, in most cases, letting guests into the parks before the official opening times. Several videos have shown people actually riding multiple rides before the actual opening times. This is great and probably reduces the crowding that can happen around the turnstiles at rope drop but on October 1st they are supposedly starting the newest version of "Extra Magic Hours" which will allow resort guests into the parks a (whopping! Yes, I'm being sarcastic!) half an hour before park opening time. How is this going to work with the rest of those waiting for entrance at rope drop? I'm envisioning crowds and confusion and wondering if it will really be worth working into the plans.
Appreciate any input here ... there are a lot of people here who are smart and experienced so hoping for some wisdom ... but I do know that things are constantly changing and it's probably just a matter of a "best guess" at this point. Thanks in advance!
1. I know that they are not currently delivering merchandise purchased in the parks to the resorts, but can you still send things to the front of the park for pick up on the way out? We have always made use of this service on our trips, but if they are not offering it we will have to adjust our plans a bit. Not a big deal, it just helps to know.
2. We have park reservations and park hoppers and know that there is always a possibility that parks will reach "capacity" and park hopping will be impossible but if we (for example) have a park reservation for EPCOT and leave for a break and go to our hotel, can we get back into the same park later even if it is "at capacity" or are "all bets off" once we leave? Normally I wouldn't worry about EPCOT reaching "capacity" but nothing is normal now.
3. We are staying at the Villas at the Boardwalk. We are not DVC members, just booked with Disney as we would any other hotel. We love the Boardwalk and they weren't talking about any opening dates when we booked this trip. We have been in BWV before and love them so we didn't feel the need to change when BWI opened. Anyway, when I started the "check in" process it asked if I wanted to opt out of housekeeping services altogether or have the room serviced every other day. Now I know that sometimes housekeeping is handled differently at the DVC properties but we have always had daily service when we have stayed at these properties in the past. Is the "every other day" a new thing at the DVC properties or is this a new "system" at all the hotels? Every other day is probably enough but honestly, when I am paying more than $600 a night for a hotel room I'd kind of like my "pillows fluffed" every day thank you.
4. We have been watching a lot of YouTube videos (DIS, AllEars, and DFB) and it seems like they are, in most cases, letting guests into the parks before the official opening times. Several videos have shown people actually riding multiple rides before the actual opening times. This is great and probably reduces the crowding that can happen around the turnstiles at rope drop but on October 1st they are supposedly starting the newest version of "Extra Magic Hours" which will allow resort guests into the parks a (whopping! Yes, I'm being sarcastic!) half an hour before park opening time. How is this going to work with the rest of those waiting for entrance at rope drop? I'm envisioning crowds and confusion and wondering if it will really be worth working into the plans.
Appreciate any input here ... there are a lot of people here who are smart and experienced so hoping for some wisdom ... but I do know that things are constantly changing and it's probably just a matter of a "best guess" at this point. Thanks in advance!
