Hello Nobster,
Yes, everyone has been told to arrive at the gondola early, and by 9.2Oam the que has been out to the road and up the hill !!!.
If more runs get opened, it won't be so bad.
The Rila is great, fantastic view from slope-facing rooms,
perfect location in front of main chairlift, rooms comfortable and warm, loads of hot water, shops, bank,
haven't used pool, breakfasts good, evening meals ok -all the hotels have rather strange food in evenings! Its very big and not like a cosy chalet, but there are loads of places just outside the Rila to drink, eat, or whatever - have stayed there four times and going soon