25th Anniversary Trip - Lots of fun, laughter, memories and a few issues!

[Jazzerfan]

Just got back from a 5-day stay at PO-Riverside! My hubby and I celebrated our 25th Wedding Anniversary and had a wonderful trip. There were a few minor issues, but overall great time!

DAY 1 - Arrival, Check-In, and Hollywood Studios

• Arrived into MCO approx. 9:53 and quickly was able to be transported by DME within 30mins.
• Check-in was easy breezy and received a text while on DME with our assigned room number (3rd floor Magnolia Bend). Magic bands worked like a charm and we had a "Garden View". It was certainly one of the best view rooms in this category.
• Hollywood studios was goods, used all our FP+ and was able to get our 4rth for TSM which we passed on the last several trips due to ride tiers. Leisurely strolled and did everything else offered as well. Stars Wars launch bay was a hoot - enjoyed and pleasantly surprised how the characters interacted with us just as much as the kids.
• It was a great day until we ate at Mama Melrose for dinner - Ugh!!! Although we've eaten there before and have always had a decent meal, this was by far one of the worst in all our 12+ trips. Service was lousy and both our chicken dishes were like rubber and kinda unidentifiable. Would have said something, but it took forever until our waitress came back and just wanted the check so we could move on. It was even not that crowded as we ate around 5pm. There was nothing special to note on this - NOTHING!
• Day ended great and transportation back to resort took a bit, but overall AOK.

DAY 2 - EPCOT and Shula's for Anniversary Dinner

• Although it was torrential in the AM and we missed our first FP+, it cleared quickly and rest of day was great. First time at F&G Show and some of the scenery was spectacular. Kind of crowded, but managed to do everything and rode Soaring twice.
• Dinner at Shula's SH at the Dolphin resort was beyond great! From check-in, food (best ribeye ever) and special dessert and wait staff. We couldn't ask for more.

DAY 3 - Magic Kingdom and dinner at Grand Floridian

• In general the park was very crowded and most Stand-by lines were long. We did all FP+ and got our 4th with no problem plus managed to do everything on our wish list, but just couldn't walk-on to anything really except for People Mover, Rail Train, and Carousel of Progress - this needs very bad update and referb, but a staple.
• Took a break by 4pm and went by monorail to Grand Floridian. Had dinner the GF Cafe which was good and waitress was super nice, but NO LOBSTER BURGER!!!! This is what we came for - couldn't believe they took this off the menu. Bad decision Disney! Side note - our waitress did say a lot of people had complained and they were looking into putting it back on menu (TBD)
• Saw WISHES and got ice cream. My husband's ice cream was good, but my soft serve vanilla was like ice milk, no taste and not creamy. Should have had my Dole Whip -
• Night was good, but got tired during EMH and went back to resort via bus before mass rush of people

DAY 4 - Disney Springs and Animal Kingdom at night

• It was very hot during the day, but walked around DS and checked out all the updates and build-out. Pretty amazing with expansion and like the add of the additional busing.
• Got to Animal Kingdom around 3 and did our 3 FP+ and some walked on the EE and Dinosaur.
• Then went Rainforest Cafe for an early dinner. It was good meal and always fun!

Day 5 - Last Day Always at Magic Kingdom

• Even more crowded than our day 3 and between cheerleaders, school groups and other groups, it was super busy. Rode everything we wanted and had a great lunch at Plaza Restaurant. We could even see the castle stage from the window.
• Got souvenirs and ice cream one last time and back to PO-RIVERSIDE for our departure.
• Some flight delays in getting home, but got home safe and sound.

Overall a wonderful and memorable trip!!! I do have to say all the special touches that Disney has been known for are gone and everything just seems to be about money. Although I knew things were expensive, the price gouging is just out of control (i.e side eggs, biscuit and small apple juice - $12.02 and my husband paid $4.75 for a Poweraide that he's gotten at home for $1. Also, Mickey waffles just don't taste the same. You can tell these are now made ahead of time and were very doughy. We did pack snacks and extra water in our checked-bags, but still some of the high pricing is a bit ridiculous for smaller items and lack of quality (i.e ice cream @ MK).

Regardless, I am already planning a birthday trip in December for me and my daughter. It's my 50th and her sweet 16 plus we are both Christmas babies. I guess I'm a glutton for more punishment to my pocketbook this year!!!