Few questions about January trip

[ELG13]

Hey guys! So while the kids don't know we are going in January, and it's only two days, I still want to make sure I have all my ducks in a row before we go. I figure especially since it's only 2 days I want to make sure it goes smoothly since we don't have a lot of extra time. I apologize in advance for all the questions I have so many different types that trying to track down the most accurate, up-to-date answers was proving to be difficult!!
1) we are driving straight to MK that day from our home and will be activating our APs. I know we can do it there but is there anything I need to bring aside from our license to verify? What should I expect to get (do we get our magnet there? Do they still give the discount cards? ) ?
2) we've never parked at the parks before. What should I know? APs are free parking I believe, but if we won't have it activated until we leave will that be a problem(I wasn't sure if you pay on arrival or departure for parking).
3) How do the ride lines work now? Since we have the kids with us we probably won't be doing the big rides unless we can convince out 9yo to do splash with me and mine train with her dad
4) Is Starbucks on MS open and does the confectionary have rice krispies? I remember hearing that when everything opened the rice krispies were hard to find due to supply issues.
5) I have an ADR for whispering canyon. This will be our first time eating in a restaurant since last March (oh how I've missed eating in restaurants). It's always one of our favorites. Has anyone been that can vouch for the safety of it as an indoor dining experience? I figured out of all the places we frequent down there that seemed to be the most open, indoor dining and we never felt crowded even during a full dinner service in precovid days.
6) we are staying at Pop for the first time. Anything special I should know? We've always stayed at the campgrounds. We thought the first night we could just do dinner at the bar next to the pool while the kids swam(heated pool I assume). Is this an option right now??
If you've made it this far THANK YOU!!!!! So excited to get back to the world but still nervous that it will not happen. After cancelling 3 trips I've become a bit of a pessimist with my Disney trips.

 

[Zé_Carioca]

Hope my answers can be helpful, I'm a local so I've been able to experience the new Orlando normal and can hopefully help you plan for your trip.

1) I activated my AP years ago at this point but all I needed was proof of FL residency (you ID should be fine) and I didn't get a magnet that day, it was mailed later. They also don't do discount cards, you use your actual AP for discounts, and you will get pamphlets in the mail or emails announcing new discounts etc.
2) They usually scan your AP for free parking. I think two things might happen on your first time parking before you get your card: you tell them you are getting your AP, show your purchase etc, and they wave you through. Or they make you pay and you get it refunded at Guest Relations when activating your AP. You mentioned you're staying at Pop, that should also cover your park parking, they can scan your magic band etc. Please note that with an AP you still have to pay parking at the resort, which will be billed in your hotel folio.
3) The lines work the same, but with distancing. You get to the lines and wait like normal. The only exception is Rise, which requires an online boarding group. You can always do Child Swap for rides where your kids can't ride.
4) Starbucks is open, I don't know about Rice Krispies but by now any supply issue should have been solved.
5) I had lunch at Whispering Canyon recently, indoor dining is still considered a risky activity so I wouldn't say its safe but its as safe as they can make it: guests do an online check-in to the restaurant instead of having to speak with the host, temperatures are checked before entering and tables are spaced though whispering canyon is still relatively popular so the restaurant isn't empty by any means.
6) Pop is a great resort, rooms are recently renovated and there is the skyline access to DHS and Epcot. Pools are open and so should the pool bar, just be sure to double check hours, many places have reduced hours right now.

 

[ELG13]

Hope my answers can be helpful, I'm a local so I've been able to experience the new Orlando normal and can hopefully help you plan for your trip.

1) I activated my AP years ago at this point but all I needed was proof of FL residency (you ID should be fine) and I didn't get a magnet that day, it was mailed later. They also don't do discount cards, you use your actual AP for discounts, and you will get pamphlets in the mail or emails announcing new discounts etc.
2) They usually scan your AP for free parking. I think two things might happen on your first time parking before you get your card: you tell them you are getting your AP, show your purchase etc, and they wave you through. Or they make you pay and you get it refunded at Guest Relations when activating your AP. You mentioned you're staying at Pop, that should also cover your park parking, they can scan your magic band etc. Please note that with an AP you still have to pay parking at the resort, which will be billed in your hotel folio.
3) The lines work the same, but with distancing. You get to the lines and wait like normal. The only exception is Rise, which requires an online boarding group. You can always do Child Swap for rides where your kids can't ride.
4) Starbucks is open, I don't know about Rice Krispies but by now any supply issue should have been solved.
5) I had lunch at Whispering Canyon recently, indoor dining is still considered a risky activity so I wouldn't say its safe but its as safe as they can make it: guests do an online check-in to the restaurant instead of having to speak with the host, temperatures are checked before entering and tables are spaced though whispering canyon is still relatively popular so the restaurant isn't empty by any means.
6) Pop is a great resort, rooms are recently renovated and there is the skyline access to DHS and Epcot. Pools are open and so should the pool bar, just be sure to double check hours, many places have reduced hours right now.

Ok thank you! That was all very helpful. The indoor dining is definitely my biggest concern of our whole trip but I wasn't sure of any outdoor dining that would be comfortable if it got cold.
Also, what's the quick service dining like in the parks? Is the plenty of seating?

 

[Zé_Carioca]

Ok thank you! That was all very helpful. The indoor dining is definitely my biggest concern of our whole trip but I wasn't sure of any outdoor dining that would be comfortable if it got cold.
Also, what's the quick service dining like in the parks? Is the plenty of seating?

Quick service takes a bit longer now because you have to order online, wait to be called and then enter the venue, but, because of that it has been easier to find seating! Not all locations are open but at this point, most should be!

 

[JohnD]

Hey guys! So while the kids don't know we are going in January, and it's only two days, I still want to make sure I have all my ducks in a row before we go. I figure especially since it's only 2 days I want to make sure it goes smoothly since we don't have a lot of extra time. I apologize in advance for all the questions I have so many different types that trying to track down the most accurate, up-to-date answers was proving to be difficult!!
1) we are driving straight to MK that day from our home and will be activating our APs. I know we can do it there but is there anything I need to bring aside from our license to verify? What should I expect to get (do we get our magnet there? Do they still give the discount cards? ) ?
2) we've never parked at the parks before. What should I know? APs are free parking I believe, but if we won't have it activated until we leave will that be a problem(I wasn't sure if you pay on arrival or departure for parking).
3) How do the ride lines work now? Since we have the kids with us we probably won't be doing the big rides unless we can convince out 9yo to do splash with me and mine train with her dad
4) Is Starbucks on MS open and does the confectionary have rice krispies? I remember hearing that when everything opened the rice krispies were hard to find due to supply issues.
5) I have an ADR for whispering canyon. This will be our first time eating in a restaurant since last March (oh how I've missed eating in restaurants). It's always one of our favorites. Has anyone been that can vouch for the safety of it as an indoor dining experience? I figured out of all the places we frequent down there that seemed to be the most open, indoor dining and we never felt crowded even during a full dinner service in precovid days.
6) we are staying at Pop for the first time. Anything special I should know? We've always stayed at the campgrounds. We thought the first night we could just do dinner at the bar next to the pool while the kids swam(heated pool I assume). Is this an option right now??
If you've made it this far THANK YOU!!!!! So excited to get back to the world but still nervous that it will not happen. After cancelling 3 trips I've become a bit of a pessimist with my Disney trips.

Answering anything not yet already addressed above.

1) we are driving straight to MK that day from our home and will be activating our APs. I know we can do it there but is there anything I need to bring aside from our license to verify? What should I expect to get (do we get our magnet there? Do they still give the discount cards? ) ?
Your new magnet will be mailed to you. Not sure what you mean by "discount cards" but you do receive at least a 10% discount on food purchases (excluding alcohol) at "select locations." Same goes for discounts on merchandise.

2) we've never parked at the parks before. What should I know? APs are free parking I believe, but if we won't have it activated until we leave will that be a problem(I wasn't sure if you pay on arrival or departure for parking).
At lower capacity, you'll be parked closer to the TTC. However, at least when I was there in October, they weren't yet running the trams. You'll have to walk to the monorail or ferry. But again, it's not very far. You'll go through security at the TTC, meaning you won't have to at MK.

3) How do the ride lines work now? Since we have the kids with us we probably won't be doing the big rides unless we can convince out 9yo to do splash with me and mine train with her dad
There is no FP+. It's all standby line and socially distanced as already mentioned. So don't be fooled by the size of the line. That's by design. Also, I found that posted wait times were on average 20 minutes longer than actual.

4) Is Starbucks on MS open and does the confectionary have rice krispies? I remember hearing that when everything opened the rice krispies were hard to find due to supply issues.
Yes.

5) I have an ADR for whispering canyon. This will be our first time eating in a restaurant since last March (oh how I've missed eating in restaurants). It's always one of our favorites. Has anyone been that can vouch for the safety of it as an indoor dining experience? I figured out of all the places we frequent down there that seemed to be the most open, indoor dining and we never felt crowded even during a full dinner service in precovid days.
You'll find no safer place than WDW. As you may already know Whispering Canyon isn't inside a closed-in room but is open to the lobby already.

6) we are staying at Pop for the first time. Anything special I should know? We've always stayed at the campgrounds. We thought the first night we could just do dinner at the bar next to the pool while the kids swam(heated pool I assume). Is this an option right now??
If you've made it this far THANK YOU!!!!! So excited to get back to the world but still nervous that it will not happen. After cancelling 3 trips I've become a bit of a pessimist with my Disney trips.
I usually prefer the 60s because those rooms are closest to the food court and buses. However, if you're driving, you may want to have your car in a parking lot as close to your building as possible for less walking to the car, especially if you plan on driving to the parks. Yes, you can do food court as mobile ordering for all food to go so you can take your food out to tables near the pool to watch the kids.

 

[Club Cooloholic]

Ok thank you! That was all very helpful. The indoor dining is definitely my biggest concern of our whole trip but I wasn't sure of any outdoor dining that would be comfortable if it got cold.
Also, what's the quick service dining like in the parks? Is the plenty of seating?

I should warn, the MK Starbucks seemed to have a huge line no matter what time of day. The wait was about as long as it was to ride HM.

 

[Schweino]

Coming back from a 8 night stay last week, can confirm the following:

1. All Starbucks are packed and the line is freakin huge. Until like the afternoon.

2. The only time we had problems with seating was actually at Epcot around their holiday booths. All the other QS we had at HS/MK we didn't have a problem. People are hogging the spacing around the snack parlors because few are open, which pushes everyone to the ones that are open, leaving little space directly around them,

3. The ride lines will look intimidating because of the 6 ft distancing. It makes the normal line appear 3/4 times longer The wait times for the rides in the morning have generally been off and we waited less then what the app said. However, in the afternoon and evening we found it to be more accurate, plus/minus 5-10 mins. Some people had said that the wait times are half of what is posted, but I only found that true the first hour or so after park opens, and my wife and myself made it a game every ride we went on and I stand by my 5-10 statement

Hope that helps some!

 

[ELG13]

Quick service takes a bit longer now because you have to order online, wait to be called and then enter the venue, but, because of that it has been easier to find seating! Not all locations are open but at this point, most should be!

At this point as long as casey's corner is open I'm fine lol. We were thinking about sleepy hallow for some treats and maybe trying pinocchios for lunch the second day just because we've never eaten there and aside from casey's, everything seems to be burgers and fries. Lunch in the mk for us is ways the most blah part of our trip.

 

[ELG13]

I should warn, the MK Starbucks seemed to have a huge line no matter what time of day. The wait was about as long as it was to ride HM.

I wonder if it's because people are spaced more in the line?? I assume they don't do mobil ordering.... truthfully, I'm just as ok with a jofferys as well...it's actually become a tradition that I'll get a jofferys iced coffee around 2 . Every time we've gone I haven't wanted to wait at Starbucks. I've only done it once and it moved rather quickly which was a surprise. I wish there was a line for those that want their coffee for photos and then another for people like me that require it in order to function

 

[Club Cooloholic]

I wonder if it's because people are spaced more in the line?? I assume they don't do mobil ordering.... truthfully, I'm just as ok with a jofferys as well...it's actually become a tradition that I'll get a jofferys iced coffee around 2 . Every time we've gone I haven't wanted to wait at Starbucks. I've only done it once and it moved rather quickly which was a surprise. I wish there was a line for those that want their coffee for photos and then another for people like me that require it in order to function

I waited it out and it really was as long as a wait for HM that day. What is frustrating is that I don't even want anything special, just a tall black coffee! I walked around hoping there would be a Joffery's cart set up near the Castle but alas no luck. Honestly I would take a vending machine to avoid that line again, lol.

 

[Zé_Carioca]

At this point as long as casey's corner is open I'm fine lol. We were thinking about sleepy hallow for some treats and maybe trying pinocchios for lunch the second day just because we've never eaten there and aside from casey's, everything seems to be burgers and fries. Lunch in the mk for us is ways the most blah part of our trip.

They are not open currently, I am sorry. They might re-open soon, I have seen the distancing markers near it, making it seem like they are getting ready for distanced operations.

Edit to add: Casey's corner isn't open. Sleepy Hollow and Pinocchio's Village Haus are! For a non burger option, Tomorrowland Terrace recently opened with a menu similar to the one Columbia Harbor House had (seafood) since CHH is closed.

 

[ELG13]

Answering anything not yet already addressed above.

1) we are driving straight to MK that day from our home and will be activating our APs. I know we can do it there but is there anything I need to bring aside from our license to verify? What should I expect to get (do we get our magnet there? Do they still give the discount cards? ) ?
Your new magnet will be mailed to you. Not sure what you mean by "discount cards" but you do receive at least a 10% discount on food purchases (excluding alcohol) at "select locations." Same goes for discounts on merchandise.

2) we've never parked at the parks before. What should I know? APs are free parking I believe, but if we won't have it activated until we leave will that be a problem(I wasn't sure if you pay on arrival or departure for parking).
At lower capacity, you'll be parked closer to the TTC. However, at least when I was there in October, they weren't yet running the trams. You'll have to walk to the monorail or ferry. But again, it's not very far. You'll go through security at the TTC, meaning you won't have to at MK.

3) How do the ride lines work now? Since we have the kids with us we probably won't be doing the big rides unless we can convince out 9yo to do splash with me and mine train with her dad
There is no FP+. It's all standby line and socially distanced as already mentioned. So don't be fooled by the size of the line. That's by design. Also, I found that posted wait times were on average 20 minutes longer than actual.

4) Is Starbucks on MS open and does the confectionary have rice krispies? I remember hearing that when everything opened the rice krispies were hard to find due to supply issues.
Yes.

5) I have an ADR for whispering canyon. This will be our first time eating in a restaurant since last March (oh how I've missed eating in restaurants). It's always one of our favorites. Has anyone been that can vouch for the safety of it as an indoor dining experience? I figured out of all the places we frequent down there that seemed to be the most open, indoor dining and we never felt crowded even during a full dinner service in precovid days.
You'll find no safer place than WDW. As you may already know Whispering Canyon isn't inside a closed-in room but is open to the lobby already.

6) we are staying at Pop for the first time. Anything special I should know? We've always stayed at the campgrounds. We thought the first night we could just do dinner at the bar next to the pool while the kids swam(heated pool I assume). Is this an option right now??
If you've made it this far THANK YOU!!!!! So excited to get back to the world but still nervous that it will not happen. After cancelling 3 trips I've become a bit of a pessimist with my Disney trips.
I usually prefer the 60s because those rooms are closest to the food court and buses. However, if you're driving, you may want to have your car in a parking lot as close to your building as possible for less walking to the car, especially if you plan on driving to the parks. Yes, you can do food court as mobile ordering for all food to go so you can take your food out to tables near the pool to watch the kids.

Thank you for the details!! Did you find the wait for rides was long? Since we have the bigger kids, waiting won't be so bad but I'm going in to this trip as a trial run for our big April trip with the little one and my mom. I am working off the assumption that protocols will be the same (masks, no fp+ etc) so I'm curious what real wait times are like now because I do think they will be higher in April as we get closer to what people consider "safe" and as people get completely fed up with it all and say screw it we are going to Disney before it's too hot to wear masks.

 

[Zé_Carioca]

I waited it out and it really was as long as a wait for HM that day. What is frustrating is that I don't even want anything special, just a tall black coffee! I walked around hoping there would be a Joffery's cart set up near the Castle but alas no luck. Honestly I would take a vending machine to avoid that line again, lol.

There is a Joffreys near Space Mountain if you want to try that out next time, or one in the TTC (there might be others escaping my memory right now).

But yes, the Starbucks lines have been crazy and not only because of distancing. I constantly see them stretch out the whole Main Street block and around the corner too! I always avoid it and try to stop at a Starbucks outside the parks for this reason.

 

[Zé_Carioca]

Thank you for the details!! Did you find the wait for rides was long? Since we have the bigger kids, waiting won't be so bad but I'm going in to this trip as a trial run for our big April trip with the little one and my mom. I am working off the assumption that protocols will be the same (masks, no fp+ etc) so I'm curious what real wait times are like now because I do think they will be higher in April as we get closer to what people consider "safe" and as people get completely fed up with it all and say screw it we are going to Disney before it's too hot to wear masks.

Wait times have already gone considerably up since reopening. The whole "go now because wait times are super low" isn't true anymore and hasn't been for months. The lines do move fast, and I agree that they always look way longer than they actually are because of distancing. That being said, wait times now, while not necessarily short, aren't as long as they used to be during pre-covid holiday season so it is still a win. Keep in mind too, that every 20 mins or so they close the ride for cleaning so that might make the wait seem longer.

 

[ELG13]

They are not open currently, I am sorry. They might re-open soon, I have seen the distancing markers near it, making it seem like they are getting ready for distanced operations.

Edit to add: Casey's corner isn't open. Sleepy Hollow and Pinocchio's Village Haus are! For a non burger option, Tomorrowland Terrace recently opened with a menu similar to the one Columbia Harbor House had (seafood) since CHH is closed.

Uhhhh say what? Casey's isn't open?!

 

[Zé_Carioca]

Uhhhh say what? Casey's isn't open?!

No, sadly. I believe it is because the space is just so small and there barely is any seating, it doesn't make sense at the moment. They are offering the corn dog at Sleepy Hollow.

 

[ELG13]

Wait times have already gone considerably up since reopening. The whole "go now because wait times are super low" isn't true anymore and hasn't been for months. The lines do move fast, and I agree that they always look way longer than they actually are because of distancing. That being said, wait times now, while not necessarily short, aren't as long as they used to be during pre-covid holiday season so it is still a win. Keep in mind too, that every 20 mins or so they close the ride for cleaning so that might make the wait seem longer.

Ok that's all doable for us. It may be a slight problem in April just because we don't want to wait in line for an hour and a half with a baby but we will obviously worry about that later. I kinda knew that lines were getting lengthy but I was hoping they were still shorter than before and I'm hoping that we may have timed January correctly with lowers crowds since it's right after kids go back from Christmas break. Also I did not know they stopped the ride every 20 minutes to clean. I guess I assumed cast members wiped them down as people exited.

 

[ELG13]

Uhhhh say what? Casey's isn't open?!

Ok well at least we have a few options. And we still have little over a month so who knows what can change by then. You'd think they would want more options to keep people spread out.

 

[ELG13]

Is there a link to see what exactly is opened and what is being offered. We have fairly low expectations but I'd like to have a general plan of what we can eat where, etc.
Also, since we will be activating our APs at MK, how does that work with parking??

 

[Zé_Carioca]

Is there a link to see what exactly is opened and what is being offered. We have fairly low expectations but I'd like to have a general plan of what we can eat where, etc.
Also, since we will be activating our APs at MK, how does that work with parking??

The My Disney Experience App is great and shows what is open in the map. The website should also be accurate, restaurants that aren't open will say not currently available and won't show hours.

I think I said this before but for all the parks there are booths before entering the parking lots. There they charge for parking or scan your magic bands/card etc. Since you won't have your AP card yet, they will probably charge you and then you can ask for a receipt and show it to guest relations to be reimbursed. You can also explain your situation and they might wave you through once you show proof of purchase. HOWEVER I believe you are staying at Pop correct? If so, you don't need to pay for parking at the parks, tell them you are a hotel guest ( I don't know how they will be doing the hotel guest check now, before they used to scan the magic bands hotel guests got but the complimentary ones are being discontinued).