I go often, have been 4 times since the parks re-opened and have a trip planned for August.
I was there April of 21 (solo) when Covid was still a pretty big deal and you had to wear a mask everywhere. There were limited restaurants open, not fully staffed parks and limited things in shops. I loved every minute of it.
I was back in Sept. that year with my son, his SO and their 5 month old daughter. It was the SO's second time ever being there, her first was as a teenager with only 2 days there and she never stepped foot in Epcot. We all had park hoppers, it was hot, it was rainy, it was crowded, you still had to wear masks indoors, Epcot was (and is to some extent) under serious construction. Because of the baby we had limited time in the parks and they really couldn't ride a lot of rides. She fell in love with it and they have a trip planned for this Sept.
I was back in Dec. (solo) for a shorter trip, 5 nights. Masks still required indoors, things opening up a bit more, still crowded and under staffed. Loved it.
I was back this last April (solo) no masks required except on transportation and that stopped mid-trip. Still crowded and understaffed. I caught a cold on Wens so Thurs and Fri. I spent most of the time in my room and masked up when I went out. Still loved it.
Each trip had it's challenges, the trip in April seemed to be my trip for everything to go wrong. In addition to the cold, 3 rides broke down after I stood in line for a hour waiting. On Easter Sunday there was a massive storm and MK was like wading through a creek. After the storm, the booths at Epcot couldn't scan the little wrist gift cards they sell, I had spent $300 on one but after the first day, they did figure out how to key in the number.
Even with all that, there were pockets of experiences which made up for it. Little things like when I arrived early to check in at the resort, the CM took her time and found me a room that was ready in the preferred section that I hadn't paid for. I staked out a spot for the show at Epcot and a family with 3 youngish boys arrived about 10 min. before the show. I told their parents the kids were more than welcome to stand in front of me. The sheer joy on their faces as they sang along with the songs and exclaimed over everything was worth it. Despite feeling like crap I wanted to see the parade at MK since I hadn't seen it since it had been back. I double masked (yes outdoors but I wasn't taking any chances on anyone catching what I had) found a spot where no one could stand on one side of me and turned facing that side and cried my eyes out when Tinkerbell came by. I sat for a hour at Nomad Lounge in AK just enjoying the day with a waiter who knew exactly when to ask me things and when to leave me alone. Got to AK early on a coolish morning and all the animals on the safari were out and doing their thing - lion was walking around and roaring, baby rhino was frolicking around jumping and running, two young male elephants were play fighting. Rode SDD one night with a family of two parents and a young boy. Despite waiting in line for a hour, the boy was so excited. He sat in the car in front of me with Dad and Mom sat with me. The boy was laughing and throwing his arms up, Mom was halfway scared and halfway having a blast, screaming one minute and laughing the next. I did not buy Genie +, I have the advantage of going often and have never needed to ride all the rides. I did wait in some long lines but I was o.k. with that, between having park hoppers (an AP) and going early morning and late afternoon, I rode every ride I wanted to. I saw lots of shows, I took my time and just let the atmosphere soak in.
