Today we’re releasing an episode of “Checking In with Robert Dwyer” that’s normally reserved for subscribers of the Milenomics Podcast Network. Robert chats with Joe Cheung about what it’s like to visit Disney Parks these days, and what’s coming in the near future to Disney World.
0:22 What Joe has been up to since Saverocity Observation Deck
Producing Miles to Memories Podcast. Disney Deciphered Podcast. Disney Travel Agent.
1:30 What’s Disney like now, what’s it going to be in this “living with Covid” phase we seem to be in now.
Use my trip report to reflect of what you’re hearing and experiencing with people you talk with. Planning changes (no Fastpass, but Genie+ coming). Dining reservation challenges, dining experience at this time. In-park experience.
28:40 Attractions
- No doubt: Masks in Orlando in 90F can be uncomfortable. But we managed. Current policy is masks indoors and on transportation. Outdoor option, but wore then when crowds were dense.
- No Fastpass seemed to make most wait-times shorter than posted, especially in the morning and evening.
- No Fastpass was also pretty relaxing.
- Flight of Passage was pretty great (rope dropped that w/family this time).
- Mickey & Minney’s Runaway Railway is surprisingly good too (seemed to debut at the worst possible time).
38:20 Dining
- Ohana
Focus was on the return of the noodles, but the real killer is the absence of skewers. The quality of the proteins they dished out there for $55 pp is insulting. Went from being one of our favorites to “Avoid until further notice.” - Skipper Canteen
Best place in Magic Kingdom for lunch in my book. Cold AC, but again – menu items missing. No salads? They can improvise steak on a house salad but the meat was again really terrible. Chewy. Almost inedible. I mean – who goes to these restaurants and eats everything except for the steak? No shame in their game. - Via Napoli
Restaurant closing early at 7p I think (hard to get reservations) and hardly any of the employees are Italian at the moment. Thankfully the pizza is still really good. - Whispering Canyon Cafe
First time there: It was fun. Some gags, but seemed toned down a bit. Just right I’d say. Good food. Menu touts “all you care to enjoy” milkshakes but…the machine was broken and they couldn’t get repair parts…due to Covid. - California Grill
Other than them initially trying to seat us in an “annex” sort of room initially this was a fantastic return to form. Still my favorite Disney restaurant. - See also: Ratings of Disney World restaurants prior to Covid
54:10 Coming Soon
- Ratatouille Attraction primed to open Oct 1
- Space 220 Restaurant in Epcot
- Disney Galactic Starcruiser Immersive Hotel Experience
Contact Joe:
- josephcheung@travelmation.net
- @asthejoefies on Twitter
- Disney Deciphered Podcast
- Miles to Memories Podcast
Disney Not Your Thing?
Podcast subscribers also have a new episode today: An anniversary trip report to Mallorca, the Amalfi Coast, and Rome. Garth Grawburg chats about how he secured Business Class flights to Europe with points & miles and enjoyed boutique hotels is southern Europe.
Subscribers also gain access an active private Slack group, and in-person meetups. We’ll look forward to continuing the conversation. Thanks for listening, and thanks for your support.