Here Now & Just Back WDW Reopening Experiences Including Park Hopping

[chuwy9]

Remainder of the trip:

10/8 - Changed park reservation at last minute, went to Hollywood Studios instead. Went straight to Resistance once the park opened, remained in line for under an hour. Got to the end of the line at 8:07, got on the ride right round 9a.

Next longest wait was Slinky at 40 minutes, then 35 minutes for Mickeys Runaway train. Everything else was a wait of 30 minutes or less.

Crowd level was high so it proved difficult to socially distance. A woman in line, who identified herself as a frequent visitor to WDW, said that the crowd throughout the day was starting to feel like the pre COVID days for her.

Got rained out, luckily we had finished everything we wanted to do though. **Don't forget your ponchos**

Headed over to Disney Springs around 8pm. It was PACKED. This being only the 4th ever I go to the bubble, it struck me how many police officers I saw around. In previous visits, I recall not seeing much if not at all.

10/9 - Started the day with breakfast at Ohana. With out a doubt best meal my group experienced the entire trip. Server was outstanding and the Polynesian struck a chord with my group. Long story short, it was decided that our next visit will include a stay at the resort.

Headed to EPCOT. Entering the park proved to be time consuming for some reason (this proved to be the longest it took to get into a park all week) Rode all the rides in the front before heading to the World Showcase.

AT 1pm, managed to snag a spot in the virtual Q for Remy. However, a technical error left a member of our group out. As a result, 2 of the adults went over to guest relations to get it fixed. They estimate it took them about 45 minutes to get the issue sorted out.

Finally got to World Showcase. Since I started visiting WDW, I always wanted to go during Wine/Food festival time. Happy to report that my group and I very much enjoyed it. The fig cider from Morocco and Baileys/Guiness shake were the stand out drinks for me. The cheddar/potato soup and chicken kebabs from Morocco were the best food items. Everything I ate/drank was good.

Remy ride was cute, everyone in the group, in particular the kids, very much enjoyed it.

Stayed until close. The fireworks were impressive and my group very much enjoyed it.

The crowd level was the highest I experienced the entire trip. Touring plans said it was a crowd level of 1, but it did not feel like that at all once we were in WS. Similar to Disney Springs the night before, I noticed more locals in the crowd. A lot of bachelorette parties and even a wedding party as well.

10/10 - Managed to get home in one piece, without any delays and cancellations despite flying Southwest. (The other family in my group proved to not be so lucky.)

Overall great trip. Stayed at the Caribbean Beach, no complaints about the property other than everything being so spread out. Transportation was good, was not late to anything due to it. My kids loved the Skyliners.

Overall, CMs were great with 2 exceptions at MK during Boo Bash. (CMs got smart alecky with me after asking about kids riding together and if they needed an adult with them.)

Mask compliance indoors was very good, only noticed a few who didn't comply. CMs were quick to ask people to put them on.

Back home, so far no symptoms of COVID or any other ailment. Will be getting tested within the next 24 hours.

Arrived 10/5, staying at Caribbean Beach. Part of a travel party consisting of 9 people - 4 adults, 5 kids.

10/5, played golf at Palm golf course in the AM. Great course. Last minute thing so I didn’t bring my own clubs, so rental was quick and easy.

In the PM, attended Boo Bash. Arrived around 7p, got in around 8. (Issues with tickets)

Witnessed my first ever physical altercation at WDW. Two adults got into a shoving match due to firework watchers blocking the pathway of non watchers in Tomorrowland. No CMs anywhere to be found to deescalate the situation. Luckily other adults stepped in and got the line moving.

Boo Bash was my first ever after hours, ticketed event. While I very much enjoyed being able to walk on to the rides and all the sodas they were handing out, didn’t really think BB was worth it. Members of my travel party agreed as well.

10/6, full day at MK. Longest wait time was about 20 minutes for Space Mountain. For most of the day, my group found that wait times were half of what was advertised on signs/apps.

10/7, full day at AK. Longest wait was Flight/Avatar at 40 minutes. Everything else was 10 minutes or less.

Mask compliance indoors has been good, better than I expected.

Leave 10/10, so a couple more days to go.

 

[GBRforWDW]

I used this board for months to plan this trip and today was the big day! 18 family members traveling from Omaha to Disney.

Magical Express- The line was huge to check-in, but individual busses to each resort were fast and fun. 50 minutes to get our bags and get to the resort. Our driver slowed down so that we can take pics of the entryway.

We got to All-Star music around 1. We have stayed at All-star music in the past and we were okay with it, but it was always packed and just too hectic for our liking. However, this place was dead there were maybe 5 people in the pool so we decided to do the pool. The cafeteria was empty as well very weird. After the pool, we broke up into two groups. One had reservations at Sanaa while the other at Homecomin.

Homecomin was really good! They sat 9 of us together outside I had the chicken and doughnuts. It was a great family meal and the best part of the trip so far. After dinner, we all met up for some shopping. The other group really enjoyed Sanaa and raved about the bread service and atmosphere. I can't wait to try it on Tuesday.

At this point, the first curveball came. One of the families that are traveling with us asked if there was a way that they could join us at EPCOT tomorrow. This really made me mad because for months I had told them to change their 3-day park pass to a four day so they can go with us and it was always "Nah Epcot is not our thing it looks like its a giant mall and there are no rides" My assumption is that they got intrigued by all our talk about food and wine festival. No big deal off to guest relations.

Guest relations - My sister-in-law and I went to GR so I can help her add the fourth-day ticket. I told the front lady what I was trying to do and she put me on the list (90-minute wait). No biggie we waited, but after two hours we went back because they had not called us and right away escorted us to an employee to help. The employee said that because our tickets were not active and tied to our WL room they could not add it, but All-star music can (I smelt BS), but we took the explanation and left. Everyone got on the bus and headed back to All-star music. We waited in line at the front desk for 30 minutes and explained what we were trying to do. I told the lady the same thing that guest relations told us and the front desk lady made a face as to say (never heard of that). However, after a few minutes, the front desk told us the same thing. We could not change the tickets because they were inactive mode.

Back in the room, I was trying to figure out what to do. I decided to cancel their reservation for Animal kingdom and book them Epcot for tomorrow. Once their tickets are active I will go with her to guest relations at WL to add the fourth day. Back at the hotel, my wife started giving me a lecture about how she understands I want to make everyone happy and explained how she was a little PO that I spent 3 hours on this ticket thing and not with her and the girls. She said that they had months to follow my advice and if they missed out because of it it's on them. She just asked me to make sure I'm not making this a habit the rest of the trip.

Random observations:

World of Disney had very little 50th-anniversary stuff and selection overall.
Disney Springs was super packed.
Buses to and from all star were empty
Lots of police presence at Disney Springs.

Tomorrow we all check out and go to WL for the rest of the stay.

Tomorrow is Epcot


If I hear my brother say one more time "This is $5 (as he holds a soda)? back home this cost like $1" I'm going to lose it lol

I barely survived maneuvering everyone through Disney Springs not sure how I'm going to do it tomorrow.

Looks like you've gotten some good advice already, just wanted to say hello from a fellow Nebraskan! Enjoy your trip!

 

[Looper]

We were at Epcot on the night of the 9th also. I expected it to be crowded since it was a holiday weekend evening, but goodness, I’ve never seen it so crowded. We’re staying at boardwalk, so we just left. I don’t know how Touring Plans thought it would be a 1.

 

[Farro]

Since all you have been there recently, can you help me figure out mobile ordering?

If I use my credit card linked to my checking account for Mobile Order (not my magic band) - they won't be placing the $100 holds like they do when you use your Magic Band to pay for things? It just charges the card directly like a normal charge? I have another card linked to my magic bands on MDE.

That's what I'm trying to avoid when utilizing mobile ordering. If mobile ordering does require holds, then I would use a different cc with a bigger spending limit.

 

[BroadwayHermione5]

I just did a trip with unseasoned family members and told them “I will be your travel agent for pre-planning, but once we get there, I am not your tour guide.” It was a great trip.

Where were you in 2019 when I needed this statement.

 

[Turksmom]

Since all you have been there recently, can you help me figure out mobile ordering?

If I use my credit card linked to my checking account for Mobile Order (not my magic band) - they won't be placing the $100 holds like they do when you use your Magic Band to pay for things? It just charges the card directly like a normal charge? I have another card linked to my magic bands on MDE.

That's what I'm trying to avoid when utilizing mobile ordering. If mobile ordering does require holds, then I would use a different cc with a bigger spending limit.

Correct- card is charged directly, no additional hold. You can choose to pay with a different card or gift card, also. It does not have to be the card connected to MDE, although it will default to that.

 

[Farro]

Correct- card is charged directly, no additional hold. You can choose to pay with a different card or gift card, also. It does not have to be the card connected to MDE, although it will default to that.

Thank you so much!

 

[srauseo]

sounds like a great morning.

It was just what we wanted for our last morning in Disney. Now we are in the lobby waiting for the tragical express.

 

[srauseo]

We were at Epcot on the night of the 9th also. I expected it to be crowded since it was a holiday weekend evening, but goodness, I’ve never seen it so crowded. We’re staying at boardwalk, so we just left. I don’t know how Touring Plans thought it would be a 1.

We were also there that day and it was definitely crowded. We called an audible and got walk-up seating at Le Cellier for lunch to get out of the heat and the mass of humanity. Also took a ride on the Skyliner and a late afternoon break back at Yacht Club.

But we still got a lot accomplished. Did Test Track during morning half hour with a short wait and then Frozen at about 20 minutes. Then probably the longest line we waited in was Les Halles for breakfast.

Got boarding group 46 for the Rat and were called around 11. Also did Soarin twice, Figment, LwtL, Nemo, Spaceship Earth and lots of shopping.

 

[gottalovepluto]

I used this board for months to plan this trip and today was the big day! 18 family members traveling from Omaha to Disney.

Magical Express- The line was huge to check-in, but individual busses to each resort were fast and fun. 50 minutes to get our bags and get to the resort. Our driver slowed down so that we can take pics of the entryway.

We got to All-Star music around 1. We have stayed at All-star music in the past and we were okay with it, but it was always packed and just too hectic for our liking. However, this place was dead there were maybe 5 people in the pool so we decided to do the pool. The cafeteria was empty as well very weird. After the pool, we broke up into two groups. One had reservations at Sanaa while the other at Homecomin.

Homecomin was really good! They sat 9 of us together outside I had the chicken and doughnuts. It was a great family meal and the best part of the trip so far. After dinner, we all met up for some shopping. The other group really enjoyed Sanaa and raved about the bread service and atmosphere. I can't wait to try it on Tuesday.

At this point, the first curveball came. One of the families that are traveling with us asked if there was a way that they could join us at EPCOT tomorrow. This really made me mad because for months I had told them to change their 3-day park pass to a four day so they can go with us and it was always "Nah Epcot is not our thing it looks like its a giant mall and there are no rides" My assumption is that they got intrigued by all our talk about food and wine festival. No big deal off to guest relations.

Guest relations - My sister-in-law and I went to GR so I can help her add the fourth-day ticket. I told the front lady what I was trying to do and she put me on the list (90-minute wait). No biggie we waited, but after two hours we went back because they had not called us and right away escorted us to an employee to help. The employee said that because our tickets were not active and tied to our WL room they could not add it, but All-star music can (I smelt BS), but we took the explanation and left. Everyone got on the bus and headed back to All-star music. We waited in line at the front desk for 30 minutes and explained what we were trying to do. I told the lady the same thing that guest relations told us and the front desk lady made a face as to say (never heard of that). However, after a few minutes, the front desk told us the same thing. We could not change the tickets because they were inactive mode.

Back in the room, I was trying to figure out what to do. I decided to cancel their reservation for Animal kingdom and book them Epcot for tomorrow. Once their tickets are active I will go with her to guest relations at WL to add the fourth day. Back at the hotel, my wife started giving me a lecture about how she understands I want to make everyone happy and explained how she was a little PO that I spent 3 hours on this ticket thing and not with her and the girls. She said that they had months to follow my advice and if they missed out because of it it's on them. She just asked me to make sure I'm not making this a habit the rest of the trip.

Random observations:

World of Disney had very little 50th-anniversary stuff and selection overall.
Disney Springs was super packed.
Buses to and from all star were empty
Lots of police presence at Disney Springs.

Tomorrow we all check out and go to WL for the rest of the stay.

Tomorrow is Epcot


If I hear my brother say one more time "This is $5 (as he holds a soda)? back home this cost like $1" I'm going to lose it lol

I barely survived maneuvering everyone through Disney Springs not sure how I'm going to do it tomorrow.

If you get roped into helping with the ticket upgrade again after they go active maybe try it in the app? Tickets>change ticket. IDK if that will work being part of a package it might be worth a shot?

Oof! The price comparisons would drive me insane. I sincerely hope you get time in the parks away from the extraneous family!

 

[kmrobins03]

I swear I saw discussion somewhere on this topic, but now I can’t find it.
Success stories with early entry on check in day? We’re staying offsite for a few days then going to AKL the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Hoping to enjoy early entry to AK that morning.

We did something similar in July. Check in on the app (pre arrival day) and indicate your check in time to be early. I think there is an option for before 7am. I also selected an option (in the app) to prioritize check in (for any room in our room category) over any specific room requests. Our room was ready by 1230pm. We got a ground level room at the Riviera- but I didn't care. For us, it was more important to have our room ready so we could relax in the room early afternoon. It worked out perfectly.

 

[Shughart]

What is the merch situation like? Easy to get stuff? Or hopping from park to park, shop to shop? I had a heck of a time in December 2019 (second week) trying to get any Christmas merch because they could hardly keep it stocked at that point. We're going to same time next year and I'm worried about both Christmas merch and 50th merch. SO much of it online for resale and so many things I want, and I hope they are still stocking 14 months from now :/

 

[Bobobob]

Visited EPCOT on Monday, 10/11. Touring Plans predicted a 1, but this morning they say crowd level was 5, which was much more accurate. Surprised they would predict a crowd level of one on a holiday weekend.

Left AKL around 8:10, arrived and although many people ahead of us, we were still in first 25% of crowd by the time they let us tap in around 9, then led us near Test Track and we were held to almost 9:30. We were able to finish Test Track and head over to Soarin just in time to beat the regular crowds. Posted time was 10 minutes at 10:00, but jumped to 70 by the time we were off the ride. The extra 30 minutes is a killer for offsite guests.

Rest of ride waits were not bad, except Frozen, which had a line all day. Space 220 was worth the visit, but probably not returning any time soon.

Remy boarding group 99 was not called until around 4:30, but great little ride enjoyed by kids and adults.

it felt very busy all afternoon and World Showcase was crowded!

 

[Cj2017]

Thanks, everyone for the suggestions.

Yesterday was day 2 Epcot (18 travelers see my previous post)


We started the morning eating in the hotel at Whispering canyon cafe. This place is always good and they sat all of us together. Then we all headed to Epcot

We got to Epcot at 9 am and lined up for EMH. Everything was going great! I had all the families together and boom! My immediate family gets held back and the rest of the group goes in for EMH. I'm told my family's tickets are not activated or there is a technical glitch and I need to go to guest relations to get it fixed. I go to guest relations and there is a huge line and I'm told it's about a 45-minute wait. I just lost out on EMH. I told the rest of the group to just go without us and they made me so happy "No, bro we stick together".

Finally got through the gates at 10:30 am and met up with the group. We got on Ratatouille and decided to spend the rest of the day walking and eating go back to the hotel around 3 pm and then back to Epcot for Harmonious and EMH from 10-12 am. The rest of the day worked as planned. We did have an encounter with a couple of individuals during the harmonious show but I tried to not let it ruin the night.

Observations

1. Epcot was packed but everyone was moving along. Most of the food kiosks were really busy and only had two and in some cases one person working to take orders. At one line there was even one cast member that looked like she had been crying.

2. Buses were fast and efficient. We only waited maybe 10 minutes ever for a bus.

3. Extended hours were awesome and we rode everything twice.

4. Harmonius was just okay to me but the family all loved it

5. Test track kept breaking down.

6. Cast members were on it about masks and most people seemed to comply.

7. All cast members I have encountered have been amazing.

8. Get a spot for Harmonius early! It was packed

 

[PrincessJasmine88]

Hi can you tell more about the extended evening hours? Were lines extremely short, and what kind of snack carts were open? I’m going in December and am so excited! Thanks

 

[Cj2017]

Hi can you tell more about the extended evening hours? Were lines extremely short, and what kind of snack carts were open? I’m going in December and am so excited! Thanks

Yes, the lines were really short. We were able to get on all the attractions twice except for living with the land.

 

[Cj2017]

Thanks, everyone for the suggestions.

Yesterday was day 2 Epcot (18 travelers see my previous post)


We started the morning eating in the hotel at Whispering canyon cafe. This place is always good and they sat all of us together. Then we all headed to Epcot

We got to Epcot at 9 am and lined up for EMH. Everything was going great! I had all the families together and boom! My immediate family gets held back and the rest of the group goes in for EMH. I'm told my family's tickets are not activated or there is a technical glitch and I need to go to guest relations to get it fixed. I go to guest relations and there is a huge line and I'm told it's about a 45-minute wait. I just lost out on EMH. I told the rest of the group to just go without us and they made me so happy "No, bro we stick together".

Finally got through the gates at 10:30 am and met up with the group. We got on Ratatouille and decided to spend the rest of the day walking and eating go back to the hotel around 3 pm and then back to Epcot for Harmonious and EMH from 10-12 am. The rest of the day worked as planned. We did have an encounter with a couple of individuals during the harmonious show but I tried to not let it ruin the night.

Observations

1. Epcot was packed but everyone was moving along. Most of the food kiosks were really busy and only had two and in some cases one person working to take orders. At one line there was even one cast member that looked like she had been crying.

2. Buses were fast and efficient. We only waited maybe 10 minutes ever for a bus.

3. Extended hours were awesome and we rode everything twice.

4. Harmonius was just okay to me but the family all loved it

5. Test track kept breaking down.

6. Cast members were on it about masks and most people seemed to comply.

7. All cast members I have encountered have been amazing.

8. Get a spot for Harmonius early! It was packed

I wanted to follow up on this because I just went downstairs to pay off my charges for yesterday. The manager asked how everything was going and I told them that everything was amazing at the hotel and mentioned the experience from yesterday at Epcot. She said sometimes when you check-in online that happens on the first day and she gave me a $200 credit. I didn't even ask she just offered it. This is why I love staying WL.

 

[Violet Parr]

Touring plans has dropped almost all of the rest of October to 1s. Can anyone there now confirm that we're talking about real 1s? Days that were listed as 5s and 6s in the last week of October are now all 1s.

I'm semi excited but also a bit concerned that Disney will understaff even more.

 

[SkyGuy]

Touring plans has dropped almost all of the rest of October to 1s. Can anyone there now confirm that we're talking about real 1s? Days that were listed as 5s and 6s in the last week of October are now all 1s.

I'm semi excited but also a bit concerned that Disney will understaff even more.

HS is listed as a 1 today. I’m not there but have a friend who is. She’s a seasoned traveler and says it’s very busy. Slinky is posted at almost a 2 hour wait and TP has it at an 80 minute wait. Even Star Tours, which I’ve done as a walk on on every trip I’ve taken since last July, is posted 40 minutes by TP. I suppose this could still be considered part of the extended holiday.

 

[Dakota731]

Do you have to mobile order at quick service restaurants?