Last summer, I took you on a fun adventure showcasing the best way to Play All Day. Since then, we’ve entered a global pandemic which has drastically changed the world as we know it. What worked last year may not work the same this year. But that’s okay, I like a challenge. In the name of science, I took on the task of Playing All Day in a post-pandemic world. Well, maybe not science. Maybe more like anthropology? It doesn’t have the same ring to it. Anyways, before I go off too hard on a tangent let us begin.
They say the early bird gets the worm so I went online and pre-purchased my Pass about 3 days before I was going to visit. Why did I do this? Well:
- it is the cheapest option, and I don’t know about you but if I can find a deal, I’m cashing in on those savings.
- Due to Covid-19, the resort has limited capacity. I wasn’t about to drive all the way there with the possibility of being turned away at the gates.
- How am I supposed to write about the process if I don’t experience it like you. I didn’t want any special staff treatment. This is for
ScienceAnthropology!
Since I wanted to get the most value, I showed up early so that I could book in with Ropes and Segway (both which have limited numbers). I arrived on resort shortly after 9:30am and went right to Guest Services. There was a short line that moved quickly and I was inside within 15 minutes. I picked up my Pass from the “pre purchased” line and was able to book an 11:00am ropes time slot.
I had some time to kill, so I went down to the Coca-Cola Millpond Activity Centre first for a wee little paddle. There are new Aqua Trikes that are super fun, and a pretty good leg work out. The pond is so tranquil and quiet compared to the hustle and bustle of the village. I went out for about 20 minutes and kept to the Westin shore line where I saw a variety of frogs, a snake (yes I SCREAMED) and so many birds. I take for granted how lucky we are to have so much wildlife in the area.
After the Millpond, I went to Ground school for my ropes appointment. A mask is necessary as you are not always 6 feet from the guides. We have disposable masks if you do not have one, but retail also has some nice cotton masks for sale as well. The camo is my fav! I spent the next hour and a half up in the canopies reminiscing of my childhood playing in treehouses. I was also reminded that the Black Course is so freaking high off the ground and that ladder really messes with my jelly legs. I’ve done the ropes course probably 4 or 5 times now and it’s always a different experience. Every time it pushes me out of my comfort zone and I go a little bit farther or try a little more challenging route.
After I finished the ropes course, I grabbed some McFadden’s Ice cream from the GCL and went to enjoy it from the Gondola. If you haven’t enjoyed your ice cream this way you are missing out. I like to lean on the back wall of the Gondola and watch the Bay as I go up.
From the top, I decided to wander over to the new hiking trails and gently meandered my way down Ebb & Flow. I’ve ridden it on a Mountain Bike before and went OTB on a panicked corner, so I felt I needed closure and wanted to take a nice walk down. The trail has shale rock, roots, bridges, some ups and downs. It was slightly more challenging than I had thought, but really a nice trail. There is tons of shade, and tons of Poison Ivy (watch out for leaves of three). There are passing zones which I highly recommend that you use. Only pass where it is safe. Don’t blaze a new trail through the greens because you’re not going to have a good time. One more Ivy point: most people think it is ankle high but our shade and clay soil make for the ideal breeding ground and by mid-summer it can be waist high or taller. There have been many times where I’ve stopped some Instagram photoshoots from happening in a giant patch of Ivy. Just stay on the trail and take photos at the scenic look-outs.
After the hike down the Mountain I was feeling pretty gassed from a big day on hill. I was really hot and sweaty, so I made an impromptu stop at my car to search for anything that would resemble a bathing suit. As luck would have it, I didn’t unpack my bag from the weekend so I grabbed my towel and bathing suit and headed to Plunge! Aquatic Centre I was able to go inside and take a swim. I wasn’t prepared for a full day by the pool, but I spent maybe 30 minutes there which was more than enough to cool down. The main indoor/outdoor pool is open, but the waterslides, rope swings, splash pad and hot tubs (which are too hot for me in the summer anyways) are not open yet, and that status might change with Phase 3. I was just thankful to have some water to cool off and enjoy.
I left Plunge! and headed to my last stop of the day, The Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster. Is it really a trip to Blue if you don’t use the mountain coaster? Once again masks are mandatory as the attendants have to buckle you in. The line-up was likely 5 minutes long, but at the end of the maze. I think this may deter people into thinking it’s going to be forever, but appearances can be deceiving when everyone is so spaced out. The Ridge Runner is still filled with laughs, and it’s always fun to watch the goats as you leave the station.
After that it was around 3:45pm and I was HANGRY so I it was time to head to Jozo’s patio for a plate of Nachos and an adult beverage.
If I had done this by attraction ticket, I would have paid around $107+HST for everything. If I bought the Pass at the Resort I would have paid $64+HST. But I pre-purchased online so I paid $59+HST all taxes in. Also, when you buy online it gives you the option to add on a neck tube (which can be used as a mask) for $5. Either way you add it up, I saved at least $10 AND was guaranteed access to the resort. I will mention that there is a Play All Day Getaway, which gives you exclusive access to our private beach, as well as attractions. Who wouldn’t want to spend a few hours on this beach?
I’ve played all day before Covid and I’ve played all day during Covid. Weirdly enough, I preferred the latter as there are fewer people on Resort, and I didn’t have to wait for anyone slow on the ropes course and everything else was less than a 5 minute wait to enjoy.
