We just returned from WDW. Here are the details. Wife had to attend a convention there, (at Dolphin 10/4 - 10/7, so since Son had no school on 10/4 and 10/5, we decided to make a quick family trip. Her 3rd - ('97and '99), our son's third ('97 and '99) and my 4th ('75 (4 hours at MK), '97 and '99). Son is a "Disney adult" at age 10. Flew SW Airlines.
10/1:
Arrived from KS via KC International at 11:00 PM. Took towncar service to All Star Sport. No problem on check in. Got room 7235 in Touchdown section, (we requested that building through Dreams Unlimited) short walk to buses and main building. 11:45 PM. Went to sleep.
10/2:
Caught 2nd bus to MGM/Studios which was the early opening park. Arrived there and joined rope line. Small crowd. Went straight to Star Tours, walked in no waiting and did ride. Decided to do it again, no line again. Then went to Muppet Theatre show. Grabbed rolls and drinks at All Star Rolls. Did Great Movie Ride. Left park and went to AK.
At AK, did the Rapids Ride three times. First time, had 25 minute wait in line, second time, 15 minutes, third time, just walked back on. Enjoyed the Festival of the Lion King. Took Disney Bus to Animal Kingdom Lodge when park closed.
Met my Father, Brother and future sister in law at Boma for dinner. Highly recommend this restuarant. Afterwards, looked at what a Disney Deluxe Resort looks like on the main floor - very impressive details. Went out onto the viewing rock overlooking the Savanna and saw Zebra, Wildebeast and other antelope.
Discovered what I had been told was correct, no way to get from AKL to All Star Sport without either a private vehicle, taxi or taking Disney Bus to Downtown Disney or other park and grabbing bus back to All Star Sport. Made it back to All Star Sport by brother making two trips.
10/3:
At All Star Sports, arranged to have Disney transport luggage for us to the Dolphin. No difficulties with that.
We then were picked up by my Father and we all met brother and future sister in law at Bob Evens Resturaunt off world for breakfast. About 10:30, breakfast broke up and brother and future sister in law went home while my Father and us went to Epcot. We did Spaceship Earth and the Coca Cola exhibit. WARNING: Do not try the BEVERLY. We then went to the Lion King movie at the Land exhibit. We went to Norway and did the boat ride and make our PS for lunch. We enjoyed the restuarant. Walked down and did the river ride at Mexico and walked through the new China Exhibit.
It was extremely hot and Father decided to call it a day and head back to his home in FL.
We went to the Imagination ride and found Figment. We did this ride twice without any lines. We also did the Imagine Works.
We continued on and enjoyed Beaver Tails at Canada and took in the Movie as we moved toward the International Gateway. From the International Gateway, we took the boat to the Dolphin and checked in.
The Dolphin room was set up through the convention. I was able to obtain a free ice cream certificate and hat for my son due to his school grades. He really liked that surprise. He got a free hat and 20% off a meal at the resort. I just asked about the "straight A club" program. Our luggage had arrived without any problems.
However, we did have problems at the Dolphin with our room. Upon taking our luggage to the room, we discovered our keys did not work. The bell man had to open the door. The room had a "Murphy" style bed and a pull out sofa bed. We were told that the room key problem would be fixed.
We took the boat from the Dolphin to MGM/Studios to eat at Hollywood and Vine as part of the Fantasmic program. We really enjoyed Fantasmic. DO NOT MISS THIS SHOW. It appeared it was sold out and we were early enough to get seat almost any where we wanted in the reserve section and we choose the back as close to the center as possible. After the show, we made our way back to the boat and returned to the Dolphin.
We went to the front desk and got new keys. They didn't work either. We went back and was told the keys were good and maintenance would get on the problem right away. The Dolphin gave us a credit on the room and free ice cream certificates. We went and ate ice cream and then went back to the room. Still no luck. I left wife and son there and went back down. On the way, I tried the phone at the elevator and found it had no dial tone. Once at the desk, I demanded that security come and open up the room so we could get inside.
Security showed up right away. Went into the room and discovered no linen on the hide a bed. The "Murphy" bed was too soft. Security agreed that Maintenaince should had been there. He helped us get relocated to a new room.
Then next day, I talked to a supervisor and complemented the security man for his assistance. Morale of the Story, accept that it may not be perfect the first time and give them time to fix it, but if that doesn't work, try the theory that it is the squeeky wheel that gets the grease.
From that point on, the Dolphin was great.
10/4:
Caught the second bus to AK which opened early. got into rope line. went to safari ride. Was the third lorry to leave the station. Animals were very active. Upon returning, decided to do ride again, but had to use Fast Pass system. Went to Tough to Be a Bug and then back to Safari. Animals not as active this time. Went to see Tarzan Rocks and then took bus back to Dolphin. Ate Lunch and Son and I went onto MK while wife went to convention.
At MK:
It was very hot and crowded, at least based on our past experiences, but the crowds did not compare to what you would expect during the summer or other peak periods.
Went to Buzz Lightyear and obtained fast pass. did Mad Tea Party while waiting. Rode Buzz Lightyear. Did Haunted Mansion while parade was ongoing, no waiting. Rode the Liberty Belle and obtained Pilot's Certificate for Son from the Captian "allowing" him to pilot the Liberty Belle. Certicate "signed" by Roy Disney. Walked along the water way and saw real, not "Disney", Alligator in the water. Made our way to City Hall and met Wife. Took train to Frontier land and obtained fast pass for Splash Mountain. Went to Mickey's Philamagic, saw it twice without any lines. DONT MISS THIS SHOW. Went back to Splash Mountain. Wife decided to buy the picutre. DON'T MISS THIS RIDE.
Stayed for Wishes and left for Dolphin.
10/5:
Wife to convention, Son and I went to Spoodles for breakfast. He swam at pool. We left for airport at 11:30 AM.
I used Dreams Unlimited to obtain Room only reservations at All Star Sports and priority seating at Boma and the Norway restuarant. Obtained 4 day pass hoppers from local AAA office. Used wdwinfo.com, mickeysave.com, mickeynews.com and allearsnet.com as well as the unofficial guide to WDW for info and ideas.
As always, WDW was too expensive and there was not enough time. Due to short notice of trip, I was not able to get my feet into shape and I paid for that oversight. All Stars Sports was alot quieter than I remembered. We did buy 1 all you can drink mug, used for soda and coffee. We obtained milk from the store at All Star Sports and did not use the food court for any meals. Final Room at Dolphin was extremely nice and room at All Stars Sports was adequate.
Wife isn't sure we will go back. We still have one day left on each park hopper. She has had conventions there in Sept '97, Oct '99 and Oct '04, I have relatives in Fl, I think we will make it back but don't know when.
Let me know if you have any questions I can help answer.
10/1:
Arrived from KS via KC International at 11:00 PM. Took towncar service to All Star Sport. No problem on check in. Got room 7235 in Touchdown section, (we requested that building through Dreams Unlimited) short walk to buses and main building. 11:45 PM. Went to sleep.
10/2:
Caught 2nd bus to MGM/Studios which was the early opening park. Arrived there and joined rope line. Small crowd. Went straight to Star Tours, walked in no waiting and did ride. Decided to do it again, no line again. Then went to Muppet Theatre show. Grabbed rolls and drinks at All Star Rolls. Did Great Movie Ride. Left park and went to AK.
At AK, did the Rapids Ride three times. First time, had 25 minute wait in line, second time, 15 minutes, third time, just walked back on. Enjoyed the Festival of the Lion King. Took Disney Bus to Animal Kingdom Lodge when park closed.
Met my Father, Brother and future sister in law at Boma for dinner. Highly recommend this restuarant. Afterwards, looked at what a Disney Deluxe Resort looks like on the main floor - very impressive details. Went out onto the viewing rock overlooking the Savanna and saw Zebra, Wildebeast and other antelope.
Discovered what I had been told was correct, no way to get from AKL to All Star Sport without either a private vehicle, taxi or taking Disney Bus to Downtown Disney or other park and grabbing bus back to All Star Sport. Made it back to All Star Sport by brother making two trips.
10/3:
At All Star Sports, arranged to have Disney transport luggage for us to the Dolphin. No difficulties with that.
We then were picked up by my Father and we all met brother and future sister in law at Bob Evens Resturaunt off world for breakfast. About 10:30, breakfast broke up and brother and future sister in law went home while my Father and us went to Epcot. We did Spaceship Earth and the Coca Cola exhibit. WARNING: Do not try the BEVERLY. We then went to the Lion King movie at the Land exhibit. We went to Norway and did the boat ride and make our PS for lunch. We enjoyed the restuarant. Walked down and did the river ride at Mexico and walked through the new China Exhibit.
It was extremely hot and Father decided to call it a day and head back to his home in FL.
We went to the Imagination ride and found Figment. We did this ride twice without any lines. We also did the Imagine Works.
We continued on and enjoyed Beaver Tails at Canada and took in the Movie as we moved toward the International Gateway. From the International Gateway, we took the boat to the Dolphin and checked in.
The Dolphin room was set up through the convention. I was able to obtain a free ice cream certificate and hat for my son due to his school grades. He really liked that surprise. He got a free hat and 20% off a meal at the resort. I just asked about the "straight A club" program. Our luggage had arrived without any problems.
However, we did have problems at the Dolphin with our room. Upon taking our luggage to the room, we discovered our keys did not work. The bell man had to open the door. The room had a "Murphy" style bed and a pull out sofa bed. We were told that the room key problem would be fixed.
We took the boat from the Dolphin to MGM/Studios to eat at Hollywood and Vine as part of the Fantasmic program. We really enjoyed Fantasmic. DO NOT MISS THIS SHOW. It appeared it was sold out and we were early enough to get seat almost any where we wanted in the reserve section and we choose the back as close to the center as possible. After the show, we made our way back to the boat and returned to the Dolphin.
We went to the front desk and got new keys. They didn't work either. We went back and was told the keys were good and maintenance would get on the problem right away. The Dolphin gave us a credit on the room and free ice cream certificates. We went and ate ice cream and then went back to the room. Still no luck. I left wife and son there and went back down. On the way, I tried the phone at the elevator and found it had no dial tone. Once at the desk, I demanded that security come and open up the room so we could get inside.
Security showed up right away. Went into the room and discovered no linen on the hide a bed. The "Murphy" bed was too soft. Security agreed that Maintenaince should had been there. He helped us get relocated to a new room.
Then next day, I talked to a supervisor and complemented the security man for his assistance. Morale of the Story, accept that it may not be perfect the first time and give them time to fix it, but if that doesn't work, try the theory that it is the squeeky wheel that gets the grease.
From that point on, the Dolphin was great.
10/4:
Caught the second bus to AK which opened early. got into rope line. went to safari ride. Was the third lorry to leave the station. Animals were very active. Upon returning, decided to do ride again, but had to use Fast Pass system. Went to Tough to Be a Bug and then back to Safari. Animals not as active this time. Went to see Tarzan Rocks and then took bus back to Dolphin. Ate Lunch and Son and I went onto MK while wife went to convention.
At MK:
It was very hot and crowded, at least based on our past experiences, but the crowds did not compare to what you would expect during the summer or other peak periods.
Went to Buzz Lightyear and obtained fast pass. did Mad Tea Party while waiting. Rode Buzz Lightyear. Did Haunted Mansion while parade was ongoing, no waiting. Rode the Liberty Belle and obtained Pilot's Certificate for Son from the Captian "allowing" him to pilot the Liberty Belle. Certicate "signed" by Roy Disney. Walked along the water way and saw real, not "Disney", Alligator in the water. Made our way to City Hall and met Wife. Took train to Frontier land and obtained fast pass for Splash Mountain. Went to Mickey's Philamagic, saw it twice without any lines. DONT MISS THIS SHOW. Went back to Splash Mountain. Wife decided to buy the picutre. DON'T MISS THIS RIDE.
Stayed for Wishes and left for Dolphin.
10/5:
Wife to convention, Son and I went to Spoodles for breakfast. He swam at pool. We left for airport at 11:30 AM.
I used Dreams Unlimited to obtain Room only reservations at All Star Sports and priority seating at Boma and the Norway restuarant. Obtained 4 day pass hoppers from local AAA office. Used wdwinfo.com, mickeysave.com, mickeynews.com and allearsnet.com as well as the unofficial guide to WDW for info and ideas.
As always, WDW was too expensive and there was not enough time. Due to short notice of trip, I was not able to get my feet into shape and I paid for that oversight. All Stars Sports was alot quieter than I remembered. We did buy 1 all you can drink mug, used for soda and coffee. We obtained milk from the store at All Star Sports and did not use the food court for any meals. Final Room at Dolphin was extremely nice and room at All Stars Sports was adequate.
Wife isn't sure we will go back. We still have one day left on each park hopper. She has had conventions there in Sept '97, Oct '99 and Oct '04, I have relatives in Fl, I think we will make it back but don't know when.
Let me know if you have any questions I can help answer.
