Mummycat
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Apr 12, 2012
- Messages
- 281
Well we arrived back from an amazing trip on Tuesday and I thought I'd write down some highs and lows. Due to our eldest (Kate 11 nearly 12) starting senior school this year (yesterday!) we now will be restricted to the holidays. So after some research we went for the last 3 weeks of August as most of the American school children go back around that time we thought it might be a bit quieter. This did actually work and we found the first week was quite busy but we were expecting it, the second week a bit quieter but think loads of other Brits had the same idea (less American and more Brit accents around!) and the third week even quieter. When we went 2 years ago in September we noticed a high volume of South American visitors, which although I'm sure it wasn't the general intention we did find it a problem with the lack of queuing, invading personal body space and lack of respect to Disney staff. On this trip we only noticed this again on the last few days. We would definitely go agin at this time of year.
We had the most amazing time starting off with 4 nights at HRH so we could get the front of the line passes and be close to Universal, then 3 nights at Longboat Key resort Sarrasota and then finally 2 weeks at Disneys Old Key West.
HIGHS (not really any lows)
-Flights
Really smooth flights (direct with Virgin) both ways. Customs (both ends) only took around 20 minutes then sailed through to pick up our hire car after doing online check in. Loved extra leg room seats too. Thankfully the kids were well behaved both ways!!
-The weather
We were ready for high humidity and everyday rain showers. We did get some rain and this did mean our favourite show at the Polynesian Liua was cancelled and a few other evenings but not bad at all. We saw the most spectacular lightening displays, even one that delayed our flight home (the next plane load in of holiday makers were stuck on the airfield unable to disembark though it!) but this didn't really bother us (whoops that sounds mean-not what I meant!).
The daily average temp got up to around 100 degrees most days and with plenty of water we coped really well. Most days we went early for park opening, got loads done, had lunch then came home in the afternoon for a swim before going out for dinner. In a nutshell we loved the heat and found it no harder to manage then our usual September.
-Longboat Key Resort
We love this place. It's our second trip, last time we only did one night but loved it so much this time we stayed for 3 nights. The beaches and sunsets in the area are amazing. Kate and I got up at dawn one day to dolphin watch on the beach-typically they were shy and we didn't see any but got loads of stunning pictures-there's always a bird that wants to star in the pictures! We were amazingly lucky to be swimming in the sea one morning and realise that there was a manatee swimming really closely to us-such a strangely beautiful creature with the cutest nose that would emerge every so often-what an honour.
It was busy at the resort on the Saturday but by Sunday it was much quieter and then by Monday almost empty. Cocktail Pina Colada by the pool was definitely a daily highlight!
We had meals out at different beach side restaurants and one at the hotel where we were entertained by a great couple who sang and played the guitar-very relaxing. I ate loads of fresh sea food which was yummy whilst my unadventurous husband and kids stuck to burgers/steak!
It was lovely to relax for a few days. We had a good time at Universal and liked HRH but it was very hectic so this mini break was perfect. Next time (I try and stay positive with the 'next times' ha ha) we'd like to stay even longer.
-OKW
when the children were younger we would always hire a private villa to give them room to spread out but last trip we decided to try staying on site and loved it. We fell in love with OKW then and were very happy to return again this time to a 1 bed villa. Last time we had building 45 and this time requested the same area and got building 46 ground floor. Again a fab room-peaceful and with the most stunning views of the river. We always have a car so getting to the pool and facilities is never a problem and we prefer this peaceful end.
The room is such a good size and feels nice not to be on top of each other. I know it's sad but a real favourite part for me is having a washing machine and tumble dryer in the room-can't stand the thought of dirty washing!!
Last trip we used the quieter pools but this time we embraced the main pool. The kids loved all the poolside activities and the ice cream. I embraced the sun lounger and for the first time in many years actually finished a book this holiday-bliss. We definitely enjoyed the structure of our days more and didn't really feel it a struggle to get up in the mornings for the early starts (except maybe the last couple!). By lunchtime in the parks we would all be looking forward to our pool time. We managed to get everything done and it felt so much more relaxed.
We love this resort as it feels so relaxed and the right vibe for us so I hope we'll be back again there soon.
-Food
We had some lovely meals and ate far too much. Some restaurants we've done a few times now and feel we don't need to go back to again-nothing wrong with the food just feel it's lost it's unique sparkle this time-this includes Chef Mickey (actually the food had gone down hill a bit here), Rise and Crown (could be to do with my son having a small tantrum over the wholewheat spaghetti here!), whispering canyon (we were in a quieter area so the call of the ketchup was quieter and not enough wooden horses for my kids so they had to do a second lap). Highlights were 1900 park Fayre (first visit for us). My 9 year old son Sam was a target for the ugly step sisters and they were so funny with him and despite his protests he love it. The food choice was lovely and to a high standard. The food remains at a very high standard at Crystal palace and we always enjoy our traditional last meal there. California grill was lovely again and a magical memory is dancing with my daughter on the terrace to the fireworks music.
-Bibbiddi Bobbodi
As a surprise I booked the experience for both children. They only found out when I popped into the castle for some pixie dust and said suprise. I had sounded them out casually at home so knew they would both be up for it but they had no idea! Sam usually goes to the pirate league but we didn't fancy the idea of dragging a sweaty pirate around with face paint running down his face so instead he had the 'Prince Charming' treatment-hair gel, sprinkles and a sword and shield-he was very happy with this and wasn't bothered about the pirate league. Kate thought she would be too old so wasn't expecting it. She's 12 in Novemeber so we know this would be her last chance. Her favourite character has always been Belle and she usually gets the full package with the Belle dress but this time she decided on the tutu and t shirt. We decided to spend the day celebrating her birthday as she's never at Disney for her birthday so they gave her a special birthday sash and later a happy birthday candle cake at dinner in cinderellas castle.
Kate loved the Bibbiddi experience and at the end was given a certificate by the fairy godmothers of a 'forever princess' as they knew it was her last time-I rally wasn't expecting it and it made me cry as my baby girl is growing up very quickly...
-Magic bands
The amount of extra planning this took at home before we left was a bit unnerving but they worked so smoothly and we found the new system much simpler. Early starts plus the fast passes meant we got loads done every day.
-Voices of Liberty
Always lovely to hear them at Epcot-def bring a smile to the face. I will always cherish the memory from a previous trip of hearing them sing 'a dream is a wish the heart makes'.
One negative was seeing the villas that have been built at the Polynesian. We got married at sunset point and it had now been ruined with rather ugly looking buildings. The rebuild inside the hotel and at the front have been done brilliantly but the villas are def not our favourite :-(
We loved our trip so much this time we are considering looking into the Disney Vacation club-any tips or advice on this most welcome.
I'm sure there's loads more I could add but at the moment these are the real highlights. Of course it wasn't all perfect as I did take a 9 year old boy and an 11 year old girl with me who did moan and fight on a tag team basis for the full 3 weeks but we all still had fun. Thanks to all for the tips and keep the trip reports co I got so I can live vicariously for a while.
Thanks for reading
We had the most amazing time starting off with 4 nights at HRH so we could get the front of the line passes and be close to Universal, then 3 nights at Longboat Key resort Sarrasota and then finally 2 weeks at Disneys Old Key West.
HIGHS (not really any lows)
-Flights
Really smooth flights (direct with Virgin) both ways. Customs (both ends) only took around 20 minutes then sailed through to pick up our hire car after doing online check in. Loved extra leg room seats too. Thankfully the kids were well behaved both ways!!
-The weather
We were ready for high humidity and everyday rain showers. We did get some rain and this did mean our favourite show at the Polynesian Liua was cancelled and a few other evenings but not bad at all. We saw the most spectacular lightening displays, even one that delayed our flight home (the next plane load in of holiday makers were stuck on the airfield unable to disembark though it!) but this didn't really bother us (whoops that sounds mean-not what I meant!).
The daily average temp got up to around 100 degrees most days and with plenty of water we coped really well. Most days we went early for park opening, got loads done, had lunch then came home in the afternoon for a swim before going out for dinner. In a nutshell we loved the heat and found it no harder to manage then our usual September.
-Longboat Key Resort
We love this place. It's our second trip, last time we only did one night but loved it so much this time we stayed for 3 nights. The beaches and sunsets in the area are amazing. Kate and I got up at dawn one day to dolphin watch on the beach-typically they were shy and we didn't see any but got loads of stunning pictures-there's always a bird that wants to star in the pictures! We were amazingly lucky to be swimming in the sea one morning and realise that there was a manatee swimming really closely to us-such a strangely beautiful creature with the cutest nose that would emerge every so often-what an honour.
It was busy at the resort on the Saturday but by Sunday it was much quieter and then by Monday almost empty. Cocktail Pina Colada by the pool was definitely a daily highlight!
We had meals out at different beach side restaurants and one at the hotel where we were entertained by a great couple who sang and played the guitar-very relaxing. I ate loads of fresh sea food which was yummy whilst my unadventurous husband and kids stuck to burgers/steak!
It was lovely to relax for a few days. We had a good time at Universal and liked HRH but it was very hectic so this mini break was perfect. Next time (I try and stay positive with the 'next times' ha ha) we'd like to stay even longer.
-OKW
when the children were younger we would always hire a private villa to give them room to spread out but last trip we decided to try staying on site and loved it. We fell in love with OKW then and were very happy to return again this time to a 1 bed villa. Last time we had building 45 and this time requested the same area and got building 46 ground floor. Again a fab room-peaceful and with the most stunning views of the river. We always have a car so getting to the pool and facilities is never a problem and we prefer this peaceful end.
The room is such a good size and feels nice not to be on top of each other. I know it's sad but a real favourite part for me is having a washing machine and tumble dryer in the room-can't stand the thought of dirty washing!!
Last trip we used the quieter pools but this time we embraced the main pool. The kids loved all the poolside activities and the ice cream. I embraced the sun lounger and for the first time in many years actually finished a book this holiday-bliss. We definitely enjoyed the structure of our days more and didn't really feel it a struggle to get up in the mornings for the early starts (except maybe the last couple!). By lunchtime in the parks we would all be looking forward to our pool time. We managed to get everything done and it felt so much more relaxed.
We love this resort as it feels so relaxed and the right vibe for us so I hope we'll be back again there soon.
-Food
We had some lovely meals and ate far too much. Some restaurants we've done a few times now and feel we don't need to go back to again-nothing wrong with the food just feel it's lost it's unique sparkle this time-this includes Chef Mickey (actually the food had gone down hill a bit here), Rise and Crown (could be to do with my son having a small tantrum over the wholewheat spaghetti here!), whispering canyon (we were in a quieter area so the call of the ketchup was quieter and not enough wooden horses for my kids so they had to do a second lap). Highlights were 1900 park Fayre (first visit for us). My 9 year old son Sam was a target for the ugly step sisters and they were so funny with him and despite his protests he love it. The food choice was lovely and to a high standard. The food remains at a very high standard at Crystal palace and we always enjoy our traditional last meal there. California grill was lovely again and a magical memory is dancing with my daughter on the terrace to the fireworks music.
-Bibbiddi Bobbodi
As a surprise I booked the experience for both children. They only found out when I popped into the castle for some pixie dust and said suprise. I had sounded them out casually at home so knew they would both be up for it but they had no idea! Sam usually goes to the pirate league but we didn't fancy the idea of dragging a sweaty pirate around with face paint running down his face so instead he had the 'Prince Charming' treatment-hair gel, sprinkles and a sword and shield-he was very happy with this and wasn't bothered about the pirate league. Kate thought she would be too old so wasn't expecting it. She's 12 in Novemeber so we know this would be her last chance. Her favourite character has always been Belle and she usually gets the full package with the Belle dress but this time she decided on the tutu and t shirt. We decided to spend the day celebrating her birthday as she's never at Disney for her birthday so they gave her a special birthday sash and later a happy birthday candle cake at dinner in cinderellas castle.
Kate loved the Bibbiddi experience and at the end was given a certificate by the fairy godmothers of a 'forever princess' as they knew it was her last time-I rally wasn't expecting it and it made me cry as my baby girl is growing up very quickly...
-Magic bands
The amount of extra planning this took at home before we left was a bit unnerving but they worked so smoothly and we found the new system much simpler. Early starts plus the fast passes meant we got loads done every day.
-Voices of Liberty
Always lovely to hear them at Epcot-def bring a smile to the face. I will always cherish the memory from a previous trip of hearing them sing 'a dream is a wish the heart makes'.
One negative was seeing the villas that have been built at the Polynesian. We got married at sunset point and it had now been ruined with rather ugly looking buildings. The rebuild inside the hotel and at the front have been done brilliantly but the villas are def not our favourite :-(
We loved our trip so much this time we are considering looking into the Disney Vacation club-any tips or advice on this most welcome.
I'm sure there's loads more I could add but at the moment these are the real highlights. Of course it wasn't all perfect as I did take a 9 year old boy and an 11 year old girl with me who did moan and fight on a tag team basis for the full 3 weeks but we all still had fun. Thanks to all for the tips and keep the trip reports co I got so I can live vicariously for a while.
Thanks for reading
Last edited:
I know what you mean about them growing up too fast.
