The weather started out in the mid 70s during the day but was in the mid 80s by yesterday (2/19). 40s-50s at night so bring a sweatshirt and capris/pants/jeans. The main pool was definitely warmer yesterday, but I still don't think the heater was working. Someone said it would be fixed this weekend. The Paddock Pool area was very crowded as a result (and I didn't even know about the problems with the Grandstand area...ugh).
The construction is, well, construction. We rented a bike and took it past Congress Park. Cranes (I think I counted 4) were clearly visible as were the walls and construction debris across the way. DTD has several crowded funneled walk ways as a result of the construction that make it seem even more crowded. We actually had a pretty cool view of the tops of Cirque and Characters in Flight from our "water view" Paddock area room. For us, it was an ideal room. We had a great view and it was a quick trip down the stairs to the Paddock Pool. 1 br, Room 5303, btw.
We had some more issues with charging priv. on magic bands not working. Also, fyi, you still need to carry around your DVC card for discounts which is really silly and a pain considering all the stuff stored on that band.
On a side note, we had no dinner reservations this trip. We ate some counter service, Earl of Sandwich, Wolf Gang Pucks Cafe and Whispering Canyon. Both reservations were made within an hour of getting there. Ok, one night we ate Wetzels Pretzels and other snacks for dinner, but hey, vacations have there own set of rules, right?! I loved not having any reservations. Sooooo much less stress!
Also, we got Cirque tix the night of with the DVC discount...awesome show!l And massages at the spa.. wonderful.
Overall, although we had a very short almost no parks trip (5 nights)(only one DD went to two parks with a friend), and we all had a blast. Drinks, pools, hot tubs, surrey bikes, crafts, games, hula hoops, shopping, massages and Cirque tix.... But it would have been much better if Hard Rock pool heater was working for sure.
