Here Now & Just Back WDW Reopening Experiences Including Park Hopping

[davidl81]

So I’m on our flight back after 6 days in the parks and here are my thoughts.
Social distancing was better than anything you could reasonably expect. And mask compliance was very high. Don’t get me wrong if you are trying to find an issue you can find one, but overall my wife and I were beyond pleased with that aspect.

The parks themselves are running I’d guess 20% capacity. So even with the rides not at full capacity wait times are so low. The app does not do justice to how quick the lines are.
Food choices are limited. I’d guess 60% of restaurants are open. And everything has a slightly limited menu. Not a huge deal, but it should be brought up.
I would say that there is less “magic” then normal, but that being said I would go back next week if I could. For people who have been a bunch it’s so nice just to get to ride attractions with out having to plan fast passes like crazy and let that dictate your entire trip. We had a great time and that’s with 90+ deg temps and wearing a mask while pushing a stroller.

 

[The Expert]

HS today was crazy. We got In line for the Skyliner at 8:50am and were sweating bullets (literally and figuratively) trying to get in the park in time. We swiped our Magic Bands at 9:58 because we got lucky and got into a quick moving line to get in. It was a complete zoo. I was shaking (nerves? Adrenaline?) by the time 10am came. We got boarding group 37. It was so crowded we left and went for a swim. Lines and actual wait times are very long. Again, it seems people are masking correctly and are distancing properly but there are far more people than I thought there would be.

I was at Studios today too, and it was nuts. We drove from Kidani. Left the resort at 9:20 and we were in the temp check line at 10. It let me log on for a boarding group even though we weren't tapped in yet, but we missed it. We did get backup group 68 at the 2pm window, but the ride has been down many times today and we have Cali Grill at 7. We won't get on.

The park was definitely busy. Not typical July but not unlike what we see in October. Good mask compliance even in the heat, though.

 

[dachsie]

So for those of you staying at a resort and using the bus system - how early do the busses get you to the parks?

 

[IluvMGM]

This kind of thing is all fine and good for now until Pooh slips and ends up in the water.... but that aside, this has to be one of the best interim character setups in any of the parks (IMO). My kids would have never wanted to meet Pooh in a regular meet and greet format, but they sat there and watched for 5 minutes when we were there earlier this month. Super cute and kudos to Epcot managers for thinking outside the box.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1287458051713359877

I hope we see this when we go. I raise butterflies, I almost want to bring some for poor Winnie to catch since he has no luck. LOL

 

[davidl81]

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So for those of you staying at a resort and using the bus system - how early do the busses get you to the parks?

I know this sounds crazy but with the exception of DHS there is no need to get to the park super early. Seems like pick ups start 1 hour before park opening, so depending on where you are and where you are going you can get to the parks 30 mins before opening. But honestly there is no reason to rush. I do not think I can stress how low the wait time are. We got to DHS yesterday at noon and rode every ride in the park by 7 and that’s with a meal at brown derby and lunch. The waits are crazy low. Walk on TOT, walk on RNRC, 5 min wait TSM. 10 mins maybe for Slinkly dog. It will honestly mess you up about going at a different time.

 

[mu51c10rd]

Anyone can confirm the trams are not running?

I was there a week ago. There were no trams running at any park. However, they were only using the Preferred lot.

 

[kymickeyfan717]

For anyone staying on property, did you notice if the daily security checks are still being done? If so, do they just open the door to the room or do they actually enter the room? Hoping they just look inside.

I’m at SSR for a couple days for a resort only stay. Came back to the room right before it looked like it was going to storm. Heard housekeeping making their rounds for security check. I opened the door when they got to mine and she asked when was a good time to come back. I was like you can come in and get the trash. She said I could not be in the room so I volunteered to wait in the hallway - I was even willing to wear my mask in the room. Apparently I had to wait 15 mins before I could come back after she left. I couldn’t give her a time when I wouldn’t be in the room as I didn’t know when rain was hitting or ending. She said she would have to call her manager. 5 mins later phone rings - I had to be out for them to get trash and they wanted a time. I have not seen or heard that mentioned anywhere. I was well aware that security checks were still happening- just not that I had to leave room for 15 mins so they could do them

 

[GADisneyDad14]

I’m at SSR for a couple days for a resort only stay. Came back to the room right before it looked like it was going to storm. Heard housekeeping making their rounds for security check. I opened the door when they got to mine and she asked when was a good time to come back. I was like you can come in and get the trash. She said I could not be in the room so I volunteered to wait in the hallway - I was even willing to wear my mask in the room. Apparently I had to wait 15 mins before I could come back after she left. I couldn’t give her a time when I wouldn’t be in the room as I didn’t know when rain was hitting or ending. She said she would have to call her manager. 5 mins later phone rings - I had to be out for them to get trash and they wanted a time. I have not seen or heard that mentioned anywhere. I was well aware that security checks were still happening- just not that I had to leave room for 15 mins so they could do them

I think this is one of those situations that may vary by the CM/situation in question. I had several encounters with Mousekeeping/trash/security checks at BLT and Poly, some where I stepped outside for a bit (with no 15 min rule), some I sat on the balcony. Like a lot of Disney resort things, I suspect YMMV (as your situation proves).

 

[OKWFan88]

When I was at Disney for 11 days on 7/12/20 - 7/23/20, I had a DVC split stay at AKL for three nights, Poly one night and OKW twice, one for three days and other for four days ... Housekeeping came every day for both times we were at OKW for trash. They wouldn't come in, so I brought it to them. Never saw trash taken during the AKL or Poly stays. Never encountered a security room check while we were there.

 

[DWillowBay]

I’m at SSR for a couple days for a resort only stay. Came back to the room right before it looked like it was going to storm. Heard housekeeping making their rounds for security check. I opened the door when they got to mine and she asked when was a good time to come back. I was like you can come in and get the trash. She said I could not be in the room so I volunteered to wait in the hallway - I was even willing to wear my mask in the room. Apparently I had to wait 15 mins before I could come back after she left. I couldn’t give her a time when I wouldn’t be in the room as I didn’t know when rain was hitting or ending. She said she would have to call her manager. 5 mins later phone rings - I had to be out for them to get trash and they wanted a time. I have not seen or heard that mentioned anywhere. I was well aware that security checks were still happening- just not that I had to leave room for 15 mins so they could do them

You're right. That's new, at least in my experience. I can see, with the impending rain, why it would be hard to give a precise time. Did they 'get' that? ??? I might talk with a housekeeping manager directly, that I call, not who calls me. I don't know that as a policy. Front desk might be a good Plan B. Anyway, by now the rain probably stopped and you're off having fun and I'm wishing I was you! Enjoy!

 

[crazymomof4]

I think I may send a nicely worded email to Guest Services telling them that I have been reading mixed reports about mask compliance and CM enforcement. I have thusfar kept our plans for Sept trip based on my expectations that WDW will be strictly enforcing masks. My request of WDW, in the email, will be that they KEEP strongly encouraging their CMs to not become lax and frustrated. Guests in Sept deserve the same level of enforcement as guests had the first week after opening. I'm *only* going because my comfort level is based on WDW policy. I will feel safe if a very high % of guests I'm around comply with WDW mask policy. If I see 50% compliance I'm not going to feel safe.

Thanks to all who are taking the time to report what their experiences have been. It is really helpful.

 

[koquinn]

I think I may send a nicely worded email to Guest Services telling them that I have been reading mixed reports about mask compliance and CM enforcement. I have thusfar kept our plans for Sept trip based on my expectations that WDW will be strictly enforcing masks. My request of WDW, in the email, will be that they KEEP strongly encouraging their CMs to not become lax and frustrated. Guests in Sept deserve the same level of enforcement as guests had the first week after opening. I'm *only* going because my comfort level is based on WDW policy. I will feel safe if a very high % of guests I'm around comply with WDW mask policy. If I see 50% compliance I'm not going to feel safe.

Thanks to all who are taking the time to report what their experiences have been. It is really helpful.

I totally agree. I just keep hoping things stay pretty much the same (crowds, mask compliance) for our 8/7 trip. Holding my breath a little!!

 

[runjulesrun]

I think I may send a nicely worded email to Guest Services telling them that I have been reading mixed reports about mask compliance and CM enforcement. I have thusfar kept our plans for Sept trip based on my expectations that WDW will be strictly enforcing masks. My request of WDW, in the email, will be that they KEEP strongly encouraging their CMs to not become lax and frustrated. Guests in Sept deserve the same level of enforcement as guests had the first week after opening. I'm *only* going because my comfort level is based on WDW policy. I will feel safe if a very high % of guests I'm around comply with WDW mask policy. If I see 50% compliance I'm not going to feel safe.

Thanks to all who are taking the time to report what their experiences have been. It is really helpful.

We haven’t been to all the parks yet but at Epcot and at HS, masks were on everyone. I really expected worse than what we have seen. My husband commented today that he couldn’t imagine catching anything at a Disney the way the first 2 days have gone.

 

[crazymomof4]

We haven’t been to all the parks yet but at Epcot and at HS, masks were on everyone. I really expected worse than what we have seen. My husband commented today that he couldn’t imagine catching anything at a Disney the way the first 2 days have gone.

Thats really good to hear! The more posts like your's I read the better I feel. I don't think there's anything wrong with expecting WDW to enforce its own policy. Guests who are compliant shouldn't have to feel at risk bc of guests who are breaking the rules set forth by the owners of the property they are on.

 

[AnaHtDis]

Just got back from a 4 day stay. Mask compliance was very good at the parks, in my opinion. I will say you have to be flexible in some situations.. today it was 104 degrees standing outside (45 minutes,no shade) in line for MMRR at HS. I found it necessary to carefully place a water bottle under my mask to drink water (socially distanced). Another time (i mentioned in a previous post) my blue disposable mask snapped and I quickly pulled another one out and changed it (while I got an evil glare from the lady behind me). I do not think you could/should blame disney for those examples of “non-compliance”. People have to be reasonable and realistic (100%) is impossible. If you are adamant about complete compliance at all times, then I would not go. AND stay away from the resort pools because no one has a mask around or in the pool.

 

[Laura+4]

Longtime lurker here - thought I’d give our first day impressions. We’re a family of 7 - kids are 16, 14, 12, 3 next week, and 10 months. We rented points for a spring break stay, moved it to July, and after much deliberation, decided to go through with our visit. We are staying at BLT, but came in a day early (we were 7 of the 18 people on our Southwest flight) and stayed at the Hilton Bonnet Creek last night. The Hilton wasn’t great. The rooms were loud and, while there was good mask compliance in the hotel, the lazy river was crowded and many people had had way too much to drink.
We went to the MK today around 11:30 (after baby’s morning nap) and had a great day. I hoped to have the littles nap at BLT, but our room wasn’t ready until after 5. We loved the low crowds and thought most (not all) people were very responsible and respectful of the guidelines. We LOVED the cavalcades. My almost 3-yr-old was thrilled - the characters made great eye contact with her and blew kisses. We ate lunch at sleepy hollow and dinner at contempo cafe. Both good. We’re looking forward to HS tomorrow (and probably a good bit of time at the pool).
A note about my toddler and wearing a mask - she has been working on wearing a mask for months. Initially she wouldn’t even put one on her face. We tried lots of different types and figured out the ones that tie at the back of her head work best for her. I secure them with a bow. (Having a well-fitted mask is key.) We let her pick out some from Etsy and had her practice at our (very hot) zoo and botanical garden in the last few weeks. We had no problem at all today. She knows wearing a mask is non-negotiable and she’ll happily do it to get to go to Disney.

 

[monroe18]

We are staying at Pop and got in line for Skyliner at 8:20. The line was out the bridge and around the corner down towards the 50s Based on what I had read I thought they may open up prior to 9 but they didn’t. By 9 the line was all the way down in the 50s section. We got on a few minutes after 9 and was through turnstiles at HS around 9:30ish.
HS was very busy today, well busier than I expected. Mask compliance was very good everywhere as was physical distancing in the lines.it definitely started clearing out after the rain cam through which was nice. That was more of the crowd level I was expecting.

 

[Dismrk155]

We are staying at Pop and got in line for Skyliner at 8:20. The line was out the bridge and around the corner down towards the 50s Based on what I had read I thought they may open up prior to 9 but they didn’t. By 9 the line was all the way down in the 50s section. We got on a few minutes after 9 and was through turnstiles at HS around 9:30ish.
HS was very busy today, well busier than I expected. Mask compliance was very good everywhere as was physical distancing in the lines.it definitely started clearing out after the rain cam through which was nice. That was more of the crowd level I was expecting.

How is the food at pop?

 

[Dismrk155]

Just got back from a 4 day stay. Mask compliance was very good at the parks, in my opinion. I will say you have to be flexible in some situations.. today it was 104 degrees standing outside (45 minutes,no shade) in line for MMRR at HS. I found it necessary to carefully place a water bottle under my mask to drink water (socially distanced). Another time (i mentioned in a previous post) my blue disposable mask snapped and I quickly pulled another one out and changed it (while I got an evil glare from the lady behind me). I do not think you could/should blame disney for those examples of “non-compliance”. People have to be reasonable and realistic (100%) is impossible. If you are adamant about complete compliance at all times, then I would not go. AND stay away from the resort pools because no one has a mask around or in the pool.

Heat not an issue with masks?

 

[crazymomof4]

Longtime lurker here - thought I’d give our first day impressions. We’re a family of 7 - kids are 16, 14, 12, 3 next week, and 10 months. We rented points for a spring break stay, moved it to July, and after much deliberation, decided to go through with our visit. We are staying at BLT, but came in a day early (we were 7 of the 18 people on our Southwest flight) and stayed at the Hilton Bonnet Creek last night. The Hilton wasn’t great. The rooms were loud and, while there was good mask compliance in the hotel, the lazy river was crowded and many people had had way too much to drink.
We went to the MK today around 11:30 (after baby’s morning nap) and had a great day. I hoped to have the littles nap at BLT, but our room wasn’t ready until after 5. We loved the low crowds and thought most (not all) people were very responsible and respectful of the guidelines. We LOVED the cavalcades. My almost 3-yr-old was thrilled - the characters made great eye contact with her and blew kisses. We ate lunch at sleepy hollow and dinner at contempo cafe. Both good. We’re looking forward to HS tomorrow (and probably a good bit of time at the pool).
A note about my toddler and wearing a mask - she has been working on wearing a mask for months. Initially she wouldn’t even put one on her face. We tried lots of different types and figured out the ones that tie at the back of her head work best for her. I secure them with a bow. (Having a well-fitted mask is key.) We let her pick out some from Etsy and had her practice at our (very hot) zoo and botanical garden in the last few weeks. We had no problem at all today. She knows wearing a mask is non-negotiable and she’ll happily do it to get to go to Disney.

Good for you, mom! Getting a less than 3 yr old to wear a mask is not an easy thing but seems like you nailed it!
Thanks for the report.
Enjoy the rest of your vacation.