Here Now & Just Back WDW Reopening Experiences Including Park Hopping

[dreamer17555]

What is the best way to get to Epcot in the AM to be at the park as early as possible? Drive\Main Entrance or Uber\Mobile Order Boardwalk to International Gateway? With a noon opening what time should we plan on being outside the gates?

 

[brockash]

I know of one in the hub on the way to Liberty Square. I don't know where else they may be right now.

They were also selling them at the cart in frontierland across from pecos bill lsst week - it was not opened during our Sept trip though.

 

[Grumpy by Birth]

Here now.

Crowds... Maybe not helpful to say, but whether or not it seems crowded this week probably depends on your comfort level and/or how risk averse you are. Most of the time, we felt there was PLENTY of room to remain far enough away from others. But in a few choke points, we felt crowded and unable to stay as far away. But we were moving and only took about one minute to get past the logjam.

Wait times... overall good. I did notice high wait times on many attractions on MDE at various times throughout the day, but we just kept checking and went when times dropped (with a few exceptions).

Monday, Oct 19th - Animal Kingdom

At rope drop, we went on other rides first before Pandora.
Safari: 15 minutes posted - walk-on.
Everest: 20 minutes posted - waited 16 minutes (glad we did this early, it was down the rest of the day).
Dinosaur: 25 minutes posted (jumped to 45 right after we got in line) - waited 25 minutes.
TTBAB: 15 minutes posted - walk-on to the "lobby" and just had to wait about 10 minutes for the next show to start.
Picked up mobile order lunch at Satuli Canteen around 12:30 (waited maybe 5 minutes after clicking "I'm here").

It started raining pretty heavily, but fortunately we were sitting under the covered area eating. It let up to a sprinkle by the time we finished eating.

Flight of Passage: 80 minutes posted (decided to chance it taking less and it looked like some people got out of line because of the earlier monsoon) - we waited 55 minutes and didn't mind... always rode it with FP before and we really enjoyed seeing the rest of the queue. It didn't seem like an hour to us because we entertained ourselves in line.

Gorilla Trail: not crowded at all, got a great view of the whole family (including baby) sitting right next to the glass because it was raining lightly again.

When we exited the trail (around 4pm) the monsoon started again and we got soaked. Navi was posted as 35 minutes, but we opted to leave early instead of standing in the rain. We also skipped the Tiger trail because of the rain, but we'll be back at AK on Saturday.

Heading out for a relaxing resort day now, but will provide a summary of Tuesday (DHS) and Wednesday (EPCOT) when I have some more time tonight.

Here's how the rest of our week went:

Tuesday, October 20th - DHS
MF:SR at RD - 10 minutes posted, walk on
Got BG 9 for ROTR (called around 11 am)
MF:SR - 25 minutes posted, waited 15 minutes
TSMM - 30 minutes posted, waited 10 minutes
Swirling Saucers - 30 minutes posted, waited 7 minutes
Tower of Terror - 45 minutes posted, waited 25 minutes
Lightning McQueen Racing Academy - 15 minutes posted, walk on
MMRR - 90 minutes posted, waited 50 minutes
RnRC - 45 minutes posted, waited 30 minutes
Star Tours - 35 minutes posted, waited 15 minutes

Wednesday, October 21st - EPCOT
Soarin' - 65 minutes posted, waited 30 minutes
Food & Wine - short waits (1-4 people in line) at all food booths
Mission Space Orange - 20 minutes posted, waited 5 minutes
Mission Space Green - 10 minutes posted, walk on
Spaceship Earth - 15 minutes posted, walk on
Test Track went down a little while before we got there and remained down the rest of the day, so we missed out on riding this time.

Friday, October 23rd - Magic Kingdom
By the time we got to 7DMT at RD, the line was already posted as 65 minutes.
Plan B: Haunted Mansion - walk on
Pirates - 15 minutes posted, walk on
Jungle Cruise - 30 minutes posted. They gave us a return time for ECV, so we had a Dole Whip and came back in 30 minutes... might have taken less time if we were standing in line, but we got to relax and have a Dole Whip during that 30 minutes. We could have done Magic Carpets as a walk-on while we waited, but opted not to.
Splash Mountain - 45 minutes posted, waited 45 minutes
Space Mountain - 50 minutes posted, waited 30 minutes
7DMT (take two in the afternoon) - 65 minutes posted, waited 60 minutes
BTMRR was posted at 60 minutes and we needed to leave sooner than that to freshen up for dinner reservations at DS, so skipped it.

Saturday, October 24th - Animal Kingdom
FOP at RD - 35 minutes posted, waited 30 minutes
NRJ - 25 minutes posted, waited 15 minutes
Safari - 15 minutes posted, waited 15 minutes
Everest - 45 minutes posted, waited 25 minutes
We spent time on the Gorilla and Tiger trails, as well as Conservation Station
Departed around 2 pm to relax at the resort the rest of the afternoon

Sunday, October 25th - DHS
MF:SR at RD - 10 minutes posted, walk on
MF:SR - 15 minutes posted, waited 15 minutes (should have played it safe and waited to get back in line until after BGs at 10 am, but was overconfident that we'd either be off the ride by then or still waiting. Got BG 18 from INSIDE the cockpit of the MF!)
TSMM - 30 minutes posted, waited 15 minutes
ROTR BG called around noon
Tower of Terror - 35 minutes posted, waited 15 minutes
Slinky Dog - 50 minutes posted, 35 minutes
Saucers - 5 minutes posted, walk on
MF:SR - 25 minutes posted, waited 15 minutes

Overall, a great trip despite heat (did someone forget to tell Florida it's October?), masks, some crowded areas and a few long lines, but no worse than we are used to.

 

[lorileahb]

Here's how the rest of our week went:

Tuesday, October 20th - DHS
MF:SR at RD - 10 minutes posted, walk on
Got BG 9 for ROTR (called around 11 am)
MF:SR - 25 minutes posted, waited 15 minutes
TSMM - 30 minutes posted, waited 10 minutes
Swirling Saucers - 30 minutes posted, waited 7 minutes
Tower of Terror - 45 minutes posted, waited 25 minutes
Lightning McQueen Racing Academy - 15 minutes posted, walk on
MMRR - 90 minutes posted, waited 50 minutes
RnRC - 45 minutes posted, waited 30 minutes
Star Tours - 35 minutes posted, waited 15 minutes

Wednesday, October 21st - EPCOT
Soarin' - 65 minutes posted, waited 30 minutes
Food & Wine - short waits (1-4 people in line) at all food booths
Mission Space Orange - 20 minutes posted, waited 5 minutes
Mission Space Green - 10 minutes posted, walk on
Spaceship Earth - 15 minutes posted, walk on
Test Track went down a little while before we got there and remained down the rest of the day, so we missed out on riding this time.

Friday, October 23rd - Magic Kingdom
By the time we got to 7DMT at RD, the line was already posted as 65 minutes.
Plan B: Haunted Mansion - walk on
Pirates - 15 minutes posted, walk on
Jungle Cruise - 30 minutes posted. They gave us a return time for ECV, so we had a Dole Whip and came back in 30 minutes... might have taken less time if we were standing in line, but we got to relax and have a Dole Whip during that 30 minutes. We could have done Magic Carpets as a walk-on while we waited, but opted not to.
Splash Mountain - 45 minutes posted, waited 45 minutes
Space Mountain - 50 minutes posted, waited 30 minutes
7DMT (take two in the afternoon) - 65 minutes posted, waited 60 minutes
BTMRR was posted at 60 minutes and we needed to leave sooner than that to freshen up for dinner reservations at DS, so skipped it.

Saturday, October 24th - Animal Kingdom
FOP at RD - 35 minutes posted, waited 30 minutes
NRJ - 25 minutes posted, waited 15 minutes
Safari - 15 minutes posted, waited 15 minutes
Everest - 45 minutes posted, waited 25 minutes
We spent time on the Gorilla and Tiger trails, as well as Conservation Station
Departed around 2 pm to relax at the resort the rest of the afternoon

Sunday, October 25th - DHS
MF:SR at RD - 10 minutes posted, walk on
MF:SR - 15 minutes posted, waited 15 minutes (should have played it safe and waited to get back in line until after BGs at 10 am, but was overconfident that we'd either be off the ride by then or still waiting. Got BG 18 from INSIDE the cockpit of the MF!)
TSMM - 30 minutes posted, waited 15 minutes
ROTR BG called around noon
Tower of Terror - 35 minutes posted, waited 15 minutes
Slinky Dog - 50 minutes posted, 35 minutes
Saucers - 5 minutes posted, walk on
MF:SR - 25 minutes posted, waited 15 minutes

Overall, a great trip despite heat (did someone forget to tell Florida it's October?), masks, some crowded areas and a few long lines, but no worse than we are used to.

How early did you get to the parks each day? So glad you all had a great trip.

 

[ten6mom]

Driving questions:

We are flying in... never been to Florida before and staying for 7 nights November 17- 24. Considering the issues with transportation to/from some areas, we might consider renting a car.

If we rent, I know we will have to pay a daily rate at Caribbean Beach. Will we ALSO have to pay a separate parking charge for any park(s) if we drive there?

 

[Broncho52]

Driving questions:

We are flying in... never been to Florida before and staying for 7 nights November 17- 24. Considering the issues with transportation to/from some areas, we might consider renting a car.

If we rent, I know we will have to pay a daily rate at Caribbean Beach. Will we ALSO have to pay a separate parking charge for any park(s) if we drive there?

No

 

[Beachmom0317]

I’ve been following along and trying to sum up all the details I’ve read about rope dropping magic kingdom. We will have a car and will be staying on property at boulder ridge so we could use the boats. But from what I am understanding: is the best way to get to magic kingdom as early as possible to walk from the contemporary? If park opening is at 9 it sounds like the boats at wilderness lodge start around 8:20?

 

[Beachmom0317]

I walked to the TTC from the Poly at 7:55 this morning. They opened the temp tents at 8:05 just as I saw people emerging from the parking lot walkway. I took the first monorail running on the non-resort loop and it left around 8:10. When I arrived that there was no backup on the walkway from BLT or at the turnstiles. 7DMT started running shortly after I got in line, probably around 8:30. After 7DMT, I rode BTMR twice, POC and JC by 9:45; all were basically walk-ons.

What was the official opening time for MK? 9am?

 

[dolewhipdreams]

I have a somewhat specific (and kind of gross) situation that I'm looking for some feedback on - hopefully from someone who has had this experience since the parks reopened.

I wear Invisalign and am supposed to brush my teeth after eating before I put the trays back in. I know masks need to stay on in the bathroom so I'm wondering if there's been anyone else in this group who has gone and found a good way to brush their teeth while obeying the rules and staying safe. I'm kind of thinking I could find a lonely corner outside somewhere and just use a spare cup and water to brush them quickly while staying away from others. Just curious if there's a better option that I just haven't thought of.

Note (because I feel like I need it?): My first priority is respecting the cast members and other guests at WDW by following the rules and guidelines. If I can't find a way to clean my teeth and still follow the rules, then I'll just deal with dirty teeth (oral health be darned).

 

[LizzyDragon]

@RedK - What all did you have at Jaleo? I have an ADR there soon. Although, I just saw a pic of crab legs and thought about changing to my fave - Paddlefish. I'm not going to, though. Been wanting to try Jaleo for a while. Do you know if they still serve the paella? I don't see it on the menu.

The paella is still being offered. The flavor of paella changes each day. I usually do various small plates when I go- it's a tapas place. Some of my favorite items include the chorizo and the hams.

 

[Turk February]

I’ve been following along and trying to sum up all the details I’ve read about rope dropping magic kingdom. We will have a car and will be staying on property at boulder ridge so we could use the boats. But from what I am understanding: is the best way to get to magic kingdom as early as possible to walk from the contemporary? If park opening is at 9 it sounds like the boats at wilderness lodge start around 8:20?

Yes. Right now the best way to be at MK as early as possible is to walk from Contemporary.

 

[LizzyDragon]

I wear Invisalign and am supposed to brush my teeth after eating before I put the trays back in. I know masks need to stay on in the bathroom so I'm wondering if there's been anyone else in this group who has gone and found a good way to brush their teeth while obeying the rules and staying safe. I'm kind of thinking I could find a lonely corner outside somewhere and just use a spare cup and water to brush them quickly while staying away from others. Just curious if there's a better option that I just haven't thought of.

I'd just brush your teeth in the bathroom. Pick the sink farthest from the entrance. You're brushing your teeth, so I doubt CMs/guests would say anything.

 

[FinallyFL]

What was the official opening time for MK? 9am?

Yes, 9am

 

[dachsie]

Driving questions:

We are flying in... never been to Florida before and staying for 7 nights November 17- 24. Considering the issues with transportation to/from some areas, we might consider renting a car.

If we rent, I know we will have to pay a daily rate at Caribbean Beach. Will we ALSO have to pay a separate parking charge for any park(s) if we drive there?

it would be more economical to Uber each day to parks

 

[scrappinginontario]

I’ve been following along and trying to sum up all the details I’ve read about rope dropping magic kingdom. We will have a car and will be staying on property at boulder ridge so we could use the boats. But from what I am understanding: is the best way to get to magic kingdom as early as possible to walk from the contemporary? If park opening is at 9 it sounds like the boats at wilderness lodge start around 8:20?

The challenge is you need to get from Bolder Ridge to the Contemporary so would need to take an Uber/Lyft and pre-order breakfast as well. Some guards do not ask for a reservation confirmation but some do so you may not be allowed to be dropped off without one.

 

[RedFive]

What was the official opening time for MK? 9am?

9am was official, but the parks and queues were filling up, what seemed was, well prior to 9am. (From my experience last week)

 

[julietsstars]

Here's how the rest of our week went:.....

We were the week before you and it was awful! We had one walk on and that was for The Land. Everything else was 45+. Mansion was absolutely the worst. Shoulder to shoulder in MK in most places. The crowd at night for closing was body to body in front of the castle.

 

[Kaarup]

I have a somewhat specific (and kind of gross) situation that I'm looking for some feedback on - hopefully from someone who has had this experience since the parks reopened.

I wear Invisalign and am supposed to brush my teeth after eating before I put the trays back in. I know masks need to stay on in the bathroom so I'm wondering if there's been anyone else in this group who has gone and found a good way to brush their teeth while obeying the rules and staying safe. I'm kind of thinking I could find a lonely corner outside somewhere and just use a spare cup and water to brush them quickly while staying away from others. Just curious if there's a better option that I just haven't thought of.

Note (because I feel like I need it?): My first priority is respecting the cast members and other guests at WDW by following the rules and guidelines. If I can't find a way to clean my teeth and still follow the rules, then I'll just deal with dirty teeth (oral health be darned).

Don't most bathrooms have a companion option, where you would be the only one in the room?

 

[Sarahslay]

No - DFB posted the picture of the Breakfast menu that has the Nutella waffle, mickey waffle with powdered sugar and funnel cake as breakfast items

https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020...alloween-and-an-update-on-the-nutella-waffle/

I remember now it was Allears that had said about it leaving. But, I texted my friend who was just there and asked her about it, this is her reply to me this morning:

"We went all three magic kingdom days to try and get one for the girls to share, every day between 10 & 10:30. Each day we were told they were no longer serving them. I didn't know if that meant they were off the menu or what, could be that they were just done serving for the day. I don't know. One of the girls lost her band....ok, I lost her band.....and we had to go to the guest relations office thing, and I asked them about it. I was told it was a supply chain issue and they can't guarantee that they will serve them that day which si why it's not on the menu. The lady told me they usually have it, but once they're gone they're gone. I don't know, my girls were really sad about it. You might have better luck when you go"

So that's what I know, they just got back a couple of days ago, so I guess if you want one get there early.

 

[LSUfan4444]

Arrived at toll booths at 7:10. Shocked to find out that they were already letting people through!!!

Straight into Pandora to FOP in line at 7:35 and line started moving immediately. No clear posted time. Wife took kids and I did swap. Took them 50 to totally through and off.

25 minutes to get from the parking toll booth, to park, walk to the entrance, go through security, enter the park and walk to Pandora?