Here Now & Just Back WDW Reopening Experiences Including Park Hopping

[only hope]

I’m wondering how large a number of guests are testing positive for COVID after returning from Disney...I’m still going and planning to be very cautious...if I’m in a line with people who pull down their masks I will definitely say something Or get out of the line. Re-thinking some our ADRs as well...
...I know it’s unrealistic to think for a minute that COVID is not a danger in the parks as it is everywhere else!

Guests can remove masks in line while stationary and distanced to take a quick sip of water or pop something to eat in their mouth, if they’re in the extended portion of the line. Once you enter the normal part of the line (where the normal entrance is with standby and fp signs above the walkway), masks are to be on the entire time. There’s trashcans at the entrances with signs and overhead announcements.

Keep an eye on Orange and Osceola county covid numbers as your trip nears to get an idea of community spread in the area. If you want to be cautious and lower your chance of getting covid as much as possible, patio dining is your friend. I wish more ts in the parks had it. QS nearly everything does.

 

[Desiree1972]

Would love to know if there are any dining experiences that have outdoor seating at any of the parks or resorts that you recommend. Looking for a meal or two that aren't counter service - but we aren't willing to eat indoors. thanks!

 

[NJlauren]

Would love to know if there are any dining experiences that have outdoor seating at any of the parks or resorts that you recommend. Looking for a meal or two that aren't counter service - but we aren't willing to eat indoors. thanks!

I am sure there are more, but house of blues had outside seating, and Via Napoli in Epcot, but it was limited so no guarantee you’ll be seated there. It I am sure you can request it.

ETA I noticed a lot of outside seating at Disney springs but don’t recall which restaurants, I would check open table they sometimes have an outside seating option when making a reservation.

Pretty sure homecoming has outside too

 

[Sarahslay]

So my DH and I just got back from our first kid free trip over thanksgiving week. I won't give a daily report but will leave everyone with my final thoughts and feelings. We stayed at YC which proved to be very nice with walking to Epcot and HS, were able to get in to both parks early and get on a ton of rides before lines got long, then take a really nice break. My DH had never stayed at an Epcot area resort, and hates spending money on deluxe resorts, but he said they were well worth the money (I have stayed at YC and BWI several times and have loved it every time, pre and post covid). Rope drop, for the love of all things Disney, rope drop. Seriously, it's worth it at every park. We were finishing all the rides we wanted to ride and leaving the park when the crowds and lines were growing and others were just entering the park. We had a glorious time and only waited in line at maybe 5 or 6 rides all week, longest wait was for 7DMT on thanksgiving day at an hour (posted 70 minutes) and the rest were around 30 minutes with all posting much longer waits. We felt safe at every single TS we ate at, aside from Le Cellier (but that wasn't covid related, just don't order the mussles appetizer! I'm begging you.....), I still haven't eaten at a restaurant outside of Disney since March and have zero issues eating at WDW. Mask compliance was REALLY good during the day, but at night (and especially at Epcot) it starts getting much worse along with distancing. If that's something that bugs you then I would suggest hitting the parks early in the day and then saving the evenings for a movie in your room, a relaxing resort dinner, or pool time.

We did have to remove ourself from two situations, and both were made right by CMs. One gentleman thought it would be good to put a big wad of chewing tobacco in his mouth, and leave his mask off while he spit like a camel everywhere, while we were in line for Dinosaur. We walked out past a CM who had just seen us and she seemed surprised to see us walking away, we told her what happened and she went to find them, came back and got us, and walked us to the building and let us in the FP line. Those folks were still in line when we exited, but he had his mask on. The other time was on Living with the Land when the lady in front of us decided to drink water with her mask down the entire ride, reach out of the boat and touch stuff, and naturally had a CM waiting for her when the ride ended. I couldn't get off the boat fast enough. They let us ride again on a boat alone, but that situation wasn't fun. Epcot at night right now in WS just isn't fun at night in general, I'd probably enjoy DS more at this point. Overall, we had a great time, and will be doing it again with the kids Christmas week with a lot more knowledge of knowing what we're comfortable with and how we want to tour the parks, it's all in doing what makes you feel the most comfortable and safe to have the best vacation.

 

[Sarahslay]

Also, we did have instances on thanksgiving day in that long wait at 7DMT where people were eating and drinking heavily past the "no food and drink beyond this point" sign. The CM at the front did not care and was stopping no one. I took pictures of some pretty bad offenders and sent an email with them voicing my displeasure, thankfully that was the only thing in the whole trip that really boiled my blood. Why on earth have a rule if the CMs aren't going to enforce it? (I did see many more handling the rule properly in other parks though, most were good)

 

[scjm222]

Also, we did have instances on thanksgiving day in that long wait at 7DMT where people were eating and drinking heavily past the "no food and drink beyond this point" sign. The CM at the front did not care and was stopping no one. I took pictures of some pretty bad offenders and sent an email with them voicing my displeasure, thankfully that was the only thing in the whole trip that really boiled my blood. Why on earth have a rule if the CMs aren't going to enforce it? (I did see many more handling the rule properly in other parks though, most were good)

So my DH and I just got back from our first kid free trip over thanksgiving week. I won't give a daily report but will leave everyone with my final thoughts and feelings. We stayed at YC which proved to be very nice with walking to Epcot and HS, were able to get in to both parks early and get on a ton of rides before lines got long, then take a really nice break. My DH had never stayed at an Epcot area resort, and hates spending money on deluxe resorts, but he said they were well worth the money (I have stayed at YC and BWI several times and have loved it every time, pre and post covid). Rope drop, for the love of all things Disney, rope drop. Seriously, it's worth it at every park. We were finishing all the rides we wanted to ride and leaving the park when the crowds and lines were growing and others were just entering the park. We had a glorious time and only waited in line at maybe 5 or 6 rides all week, longest wait was for 7DMT on thanksgiving day at an hour (posted 70 minutes) and the rest were around 30 minutes with all posting much longer waits. We felt safe at every single TS we ate at, aside from Le Cellier (but that wasn't covid related, just don't order the mussles appetizer! I'm begging you.....), I still haven't eaten at a restaurant outside of Disney since March and have zero issues eating at WDW. Mask compliance was REALLY good during the day, but at night (and especially at Epcot) it starts getting much worse along with distancing. If that's something that bugs you then I would suggest hitting the parks early in the day and then saving the evenings for a movie in your room, a relaxing resort dinner, or pool time.

We did have to remove ourself from two situations, and both were made right by CMs. One gentleman thought it would be good to put a big wad of chewing tobacco in his mouth, and leave his mask off while he spit like a camel everywhere, while we were in line for Dinosaur. We walked out past a CM who had just seen us and she seemed surprised to see us walking away, we told her what happened and she went to find them, came back and got us, and walked us to the building and let us in the FP line. Those folks were still in line when we exited, but he had his mask on. The other time was on Living with the Land when the lady in front of us decided to drink water with her mask down the entire ride, reach out of the boat and touch stuff, and naturally had a CM waiting for her when the ride ended. I couldn't get off the boat fast enough. They let us ride again on a boat alone, but that situation wasn't fun. Epcot at night right now in WS just isn't fun at night in general, I'd probably enjoy DS more at this point. Overall, we had a great time, and will be doing it again with the kids Christmas week with a lot more knowledge of knowing what we're comfortable with and how we want to tour the parks, it's all in doing what makes you feel the most comfortable and safe to have the best vacation.

THIS! We, too, had experiences similar to your Living with the land experience where we were beyond a point of return of telling someone to put their mask on or get out of line.

 

[Sarahslay]

Would love to know if there are any dining experiences that have outdoor seating at any of the parks or resorts that you recommend. Looking for a meal or two that aren't counter service - but we aren't willing to eat indoors. thanks!

The only places I can think of in the parks is Spice Road table and that is closing in about another week (re-opening TBD I suppose), and Rose & Crown; aside from Nomad Lounge which is attached to Tiffins I can't think of anything else. Of course a lot of QS have outdoor dining, but TS is a whole different story.

 

[Aela]

The only places I can think of in the parks is Spice Road table and that is closing in about another week (re-opening TBD I suppose), and Rose & Crown; aside from Nomad Lounge which is attached to Tiffins I can't think of anything else. Of course a lot of QS have outdoor dining, but TS is a whole different story.

I wish spice road table wasn’t closing over the holidays.

We have reservations at Tony’s town square. Hoping for outdoor dining there.

 

[karmacats]

Would love to know if there are any dining experiences that have outdoor seating at any of the parks or resorts that you recommend. Looking for a meal or two that aren't counter service - but we aren't willing to eat indoors. thanks!

The only outdoor full service i can think of are Tonys in MK and Rose and Crown in Epcot. The epcot italy restaurants have outdoor areas but haven't always been allowing seating there lately. Nomad lounge in AK has small plates but enough you may be able to make a meal of. I think you're out of luck at HS.

At resorts, coronado has 3 bridges and wilderness lodge has geyser point, but to get to either you'd need to take a bus (or a boat to WL); if you are not comfortable eating inside, idk how you feel about that. (I just cancelled all my indoor dining for next week, and we are driving so we don't have to take busses, so i would totally understand not wanting to get on a bus.)

There are quite a few disney springs table service restaurants with outdoor seating. If you reserve through open table rather than disney you can include a note that you plan to sit outside. I'd recommend jaleo - not the cheapest, but the food is incredible.

 

[CLE2WDW07]

This may have already been asked and I apologize if this is the wrong thread, but what is currently the best time to get in line for a bus to the Magic Kingdom from Pop if we want to make the “unofficial” rope drop? The park opens at 9 tomorrow. Thank you in advance!

 

[only hope]

Would love to know if there are any dining experiences that have outdoor seating at any of the parks or resorts that you recommend. Looking for a meal or two that aren't counter service - but we aren't willing to eat indoors. thanks!

AK:
Nomad lounge (attached to Tiffins)

MK:
Tonys

HS:
Brown Derby Lounge. Food menu not available as of July


Epcot:
Rose and Crown
Spice Road- closing soon
Tutto Italia
Via Napoli- patio not open in July
La Hacienda de San Angel

 

[ambula603]

We just returned from our trip Nov 20-27. Like so many others have said, it is all about your perspective and your own comfort zone. We had a WONDERFUL trip. We smiled, laughed, relaxed and ATE SO MUCH GOOD FOOD. We did have a few bad apples around us on occasion, but we are surrounded by tons more here at home so it was actually an improvement.

The masks didn't bother us because the weather was amazing (70s and 80s) but I couldn't do it if it were any hotter. We took fabric masks and changed out to black disposable that I bought online midday. I am sad that we have no great photos without them, but it is what it is. A memory!

We stayed at BWV and it is by far my favorite resort now. I loved the ease of transportation to Epcot and HS and we especially loved the relaxing Skyliner rides! (edited to add: didn't know we couldn't remove masks, sorry.) Loved the Friendship boats, glad they were back in service. We also had several busses to ourselves or with just a few others which was a nice surprise.

Rope Drop. It is your best option if you want to ride more rides. Then leave midday when it is most crowded. Go back at night and enjoy the ambiance and some near-empty park areas.

Every single restaurant was amazing and I am already sad to be cooking and eating at home forevermore.

Plan some things you don't normally do - for us, we tried Horseback Riding at Fort Wilderness. So relaxing! We also ate at some other resorts so we could explore their lobby areas (using Disney transportation to get there).

We plan to stay home for 2 weeks as we virtual school (aside from my husband who has an office to himself and wears a mask religiously) but so far no symptoms or sickness!

Finally, find the magic. It is there! I saw so many friendly CM (despite not being able to see their smiles, I could feel it) and other people that were just happy to be in the Disney Bubble. Sure...you can spot the rule breakers and be panicked the entire time, or you can try to find the goodness all around you!

 

[guynhawaii]

Thanks for your report!

I'm a little confused though, why this day was a train wreck for you. If I'm reading it correctly, you experienced 6 attractions, repeated two of them, and never waited more than 35 minutes. You had a nice lunch at Disney Springs and a rest at your resort - that sounds like a really successful day to me, especially during a holiday week!

Aloha,

Understand. Everything is relative. My family and I are use to attending DLR which IMHO is greatly more efficient in ride quantities and time to relax and enjoy the parks. DLR allows us to say on property and enjoy EMH and Fastpass Plus. We can enjoy six rides (DCA or DL) by the official opening time, another three by the end of the first hour and basically knockout the park by lunch. CA is generally cooler and less humid than FL. So...comparing DHS to DL or DCA, all things considered, relatively speaking, we hit the wall at DHS and left the park by 11:30 tired and exhausted with less than eight rides. I hope I am making sense.

 

[Sarahslay]

I wish spice road table wasn’t closing over the holidays.

We have reservations at Tony’s town square. Hoping for outdoor dining there.

I didn’t see anyone sitting outside while I was there, could have just been coincidence

 

[Sarahslay]

We just returned from our trip Nov 20-27. Like so many others have said, it is all about your perspective and your own comfort zone. We had a WONDERFUL trip. We smiled, laughed, relaxed and ATE SO MUCH GOOD FOOD. We did have a few bad apples around us on occasion, but we are surrounded by tons more here at home so it was actually an improvement.

The masks didn't bother us because the weather was amazing (70s and 80s) but I couldn't do it if it were any hotter. We took fabric masks and changed out to black disposable that I bought online midday. I am sad that we have no great photos without them, but it is what it is. A memory!

We stayed at BWV and it is by far my favorite resort now. I loved the ease of transportation to Epcot and HS and we especially loved the relaxing, mask-free Skyliner rides! Loved the Friendship boats, glad they were back in service. We also had several busses to ourselves or with just a few others, which was a nice surprise.

Rope Drop. It is your best option if you want to ride more rides. Then leave midday when it is most crowded. Go back at night and enjoy the ambiance and some near-empty park areas.

Every single restaurant was amazing and I am already sad to be cooking and eating at home forevermore.

Plan some things you don't normally do - for us, we tried Horseback Riding at Fort Wilderness. So relaxing! We also ate at some other resorts so we could explore their lobby areas (using Disney transportation to get there).

We plan to stay home for 2 weeks as we virtual school (aside from my husband who has an office to himself and wears a mask religiously) but so far no symptoms or sickness!

Finally, find the magic. It is there! I saw so many friendly CM (despite not being able to see their smiles, I could feel it) and other people that were just happy to be in the Disney Bubble. Sure...you can spot the rule breakers and be panicked the entire time, or you can try to find the goodness all around you!

I didn’t think we were supposed to/allowed to take masks off on the skyliner . We had a great week too, even with the few bad apples (which only dampened things for a moment), and even with my food poisoning on the first night we had a great time. Probably the most relaxing trip we’ve ever taken.

edit to add: I only felt panicked twice, which is way better than I thought I would be (I did go in August but it was less crowded so I didn’t know how I would feel). I do think people are allowed to feel a bit panicked, kinda lets you know you should probably get out of that particular situation. My two were not great and I felt much better getting out, and had great CM encounters because of them. CMs were great all around aside from maybe 2 we ran in to, I wrote that off as holiday stress.

 

[Aela]

It would definitely make sense to leave the masks on when in the Skyliner. They don’t exactly air them out really well between riders. No way I am taking my mask off. It will only give a touch of safety if the previous person took theirs off, but it is at least better then nothing.

 

[jemtx]

Would love to know if there are any dining experiences that have outdoor seating at any of the parks or resorts that you recommend. Looking for a meal or two that aren't counter service - but we aren't willing to eat indoors. thanks!

Tony’s in MK has a porch/patio out front.

 

[only hope]

Yeah, masks are supposed to stay on when on the Skyliner. If someone has covid and takes their mask off, the next people to ride it are being exposed...and probably the people after that...

 

[ambula603]

I honestly had no idea about the rule concerning masks during the skyliner ride, so whoops if we broke that rule! We did keep them on when the doors opened up and the CMs were standing there (and obviously in the station getting on and off).

 

[dachsie]

Need advice. Tomorrow is my AK day and the rain is supposed to hit right at opening then taper off around 10:30. Should I delayngetting there or go ahead on poncho and try to hit as much as I can?