A couple questions about WDW possibilities

[MonorailMan]

Some of these are just semi-random questions that I was curious about, but have always wanted to know....

--How difficult is it this time of year to add an additional night to your hotel stay at the last minute? (Say someone checks in at the Contemporary on Monday and is supposed to check out on Wednesday. Is it likely that this person could add another night if they went to the desk on Tuesday?)

--How likely is it for someone to get a table at any of the table service restaurants without a DDR if they decide to go at an "odd" hour? I was curious because we currently no longer have DDRs. (It's a long story.) However, a couple years ago I managed to get into the Crystal Palace without a DDR the last week of November, but I think it was only because I went at around 1:30 or 2pm. Why do I get the feeling we're going to be eating burgers and chicken strips a lot?

--As far as the WDW resorts are concerned, which bar(s) is your favorite in terms of these 3 criteria...
1. Value/price of drinks
2. Types of drinks
3. Atmosphere


You have no idea how excited I am about going. I really need this vacation.

 

[OrlandoMike]

Have no clue about #1. I do know Beth (Julia's Mom) just extended a day, but she had to change resorts.

#2.....Get there the minute they open. Most people book multiple reservations and then decide last minute where they want to eat and just blow off the other reservation. You would be surprised, I've actually walked right into Chef Mickey's at 5:00.

#3. All resort lounges are now global, same drinks, same prices, so go for atmosphere. I love the bar at Wilderness Lodge, Animal Kingdom Lodge, and the view from California Grill is the best! The lounge at the Polynesian is great also, and you can grab a drink and head out to the beach to catch the fireworks!

 

[mickeyfan1]

Wow, I didn't know about the drinks, but now that you mention it, I seem to recall a lot of the same.

If you really want to have a meal in a certain place, call WDW Dining, every day, someone may cancel . And ask at the guest services desk, er sorry, Concierge desk at your resort, they may be able to get you in. If you are going during non free dining and get there ate opening hours for the meal seating, you should be good.


Pool Bar at AKL, I love it. Victoria Falls, not so much.
Tambu Lounge at the Polynesian, OK, but large screen TV brings out the sports fans, so not my favorite now.

It's all subjective. I think for atmosphere, I like getting a glass of Pom from the French Pavilion and siting outside there for that one, then getting a second and walking more into WS.

 

[OrlandoMike]

Wow, I didn't know about the drinks, but now that you mention it, I seem to recall a lot of the same.

Most resorts were allowed to keep some of their own "orriginal" drinks, and if your lucky to find a bartender who has been at a location for a while, you can still get them to make you some of the drinks that are now gone. Example, you can still get the Lodge Fizz at WL, a Mint Julip at SSR, and all sorts of Polynesian fruity things at the Poly. But every resort now has the dark blue global menu, with the same drinks, at the same prices. Fun huh?

 

[rpmdfw]

Have no clue about #1. I do know Beth (Julia's Mom) just extended a day, but she had to change resorts.

#2.....Get there the minute they open. Most people book multiple reservations and then decide last minute where they want to eat and just blow off the other reservation. You would be surprised, I've actually walked right into Chef Mickey's at 5:00.

#3. All resort lounges are now global, same drinks, same prices, so go for atmosphere. I love the bar at Wilderness Lodge, Animal Kingdom Lodge, and the view from California Grill is the best! The lounge at the Polynesian is great also, and you can grab a drink and head out to the beach to catch the fireworks!

I'd also recomment the Turf Club Bar at Saratoga Springs. They've got a great bartender! But don't plan on staying late, because they'll kick you out at 11pm. (Literally. They did it to us last Thursday night! )

 

[mickeyfan1]

I wish they would bring back the glass birdy swizzle sticks.

I wish they would stock KEY LIME flavor at the bars for better key lime martinis.

I suppose they have to cut cost and one menu printing is cheaper in the long run.

But I think it takes away from the "special drinks" at special places.

Won't stop me from coming back, tho. Unlike the great potato/noodle controversy that has driven so many DISers away from 'Ohana.

 

[OrlandoMike]

I'd also recomment the Turf Club Bar at Saratoga Springs. They've got a great bartender! But don't plan on staying late, because they'll kick you out at 11pm. (Literally. They did it to us last Thursday night! )

For the record, that bartender has never kicked anyone out! (He has people that do that for him!) And I can assure you, that bartender was just as shocked as you when he learned that such things happend on a nightly basis!

And if you ask that bartender nicely, he also knows where to get some Key Lime Juice!

 

[mickeyfan1]

I must be at the wrong bar, Mike.

Next time I PROMISE to visit the Turf Club.