conandrob240
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Aug 15, 2006
- Messages
- 2,479
Some Disney Thoughts- July 1-9, 2010
About Us- DVC owners. Travel to Disney around 2x per year. Have been 20+ times. This time we invited our whole family- my parents (mid-60s), my sister, her husband and her three kids (11, 3 and 6 months) and my husband and I (early 40s). I was a little leary of this extended family trip but it was really, really nice. Spent more time together than hwe have in years and really enjoyed each others company. The 11 yr old has been 8+ times and each year he finds something new to love. He is very easy going , loves trying new foods and is totally into all the thrill rides now. For those of you who think 3 is too young to bring a kid because they dont remember it- I beg to differ. This almost 3 yr old had the time of her life!!! She was so happy she was near tears with every Mickey, Minnie or Pluto encounter. Even the baby had fun- he is very easy going and just enjoyed looking around and swimming in the pool. My parents were very impressed with the cleanliness, level of service and the magic. They hadnt been in 25+ years. All in all, a great time for all.
Animal Kingdom Lodge- service is wonderful, atmosphere amazing. Daytime (free) kids programs/activities are awesome. This hotel will always feel like home to me. Bus service was very good. Longest we waited for a bus to come either at AKL or anywhere else was 15 minutes and usually 4-7 minutes was a standard wait. Love that the bus makes no other stops. Longest journey is probably to MK or to DTD (depending on time of day) and even those routes never took more than 25 minutes. We had a 2 bedroom villa this time and it was great. Nice layout, great to have 3 balconies and very convenient to have full kitchen, two baths and washer/dryer. Décor is very nice and looked brand new. Beds were very comfortable.
Magical Express- ridiculously long trip from airport- made 4 stops before getting to AKL. That is far too many stops to make people sit through. Ride home was good because we were the last pick up. But, given that we were the last pick-up, 3 ½ hours before flight depart time seemed a bit excessive- we arrived 2 hours and 55 minutes before our flight left. This whole process should be handled a bit better.
Private Magic Kingdom Fireworks Cruise- This was awesome! Well worth every penny of the $292 price tag. We did this July 3rd for the special Salute to America fireworks which made it even more spectacular. Boat was very nice and comfortable, captain was awesome and refused our tip even with repeated attempts to get him to take it. We had 8 people plus an infant and that was not a problem at all even though the boats are billed for 8 people only. Also, this was the non deluxe boat meaning it did NOT have audio so I was concerned. No need to be. There were many other boats in the water and they make sure they are near the ones with audio so we could hear everything perfectly. Fireworks were absolutely incredible. We got a short tour around the lakes/lagoons and also got to see the water parade. Also, sodas, water and snacks were served on the boat. Great, great night!
Crowds- I was ready for unbearable crowds based on all the scary posts on the Disboards. We were pleasantly surprised to find it not that bad at all. It didnt feel much more crowded to me than it does when we normally go end of August. We went with the up early, hit major rides, afternoon break and enjoy leisurely evenings in park method which worked great. Never waited for any rides- used fast pass and early morning method. Also had a GAD fastpass which we used at DHS to get on Toy Story twice and Rockin Rollercoaster & Tower of Terror with no wait.
Parks- all were great and the EMH worked out great for both the am and pm for us. The only EMH pm I would strongly stay away from next time was AK. Nothing stayed open! It was a waste of time. The Playhouse Disney Dance Party held on EMH pm at DHS was AWESOME! A fun family dj, lights, bubbles and Mickey, Minnie, Pluto & Goofy dancing the night away with the kids was an experience we will all remember forever. Not crowded and really, really fun. I liked the new MK fireworks but definitely like Wishes better. The Electric Parade at MK was very cute as was the daytime parade at DHS.
Dining- did the deluxe plan and I think it was too much food BUT we really enjoyed all of our dinners and meals. 4 people were on deluxe plan and when we had a 5th person with us (friends joining us) they did not hesitate to let them use our extra credits (did this on 3 different occasions at 3 diff restaurants- 1st time without asking, other 2 times when asked they said no problem!.
Chef Mickeys- *** stars- did dinner this time and thought it was good-very good. GREAT service and character interaction. Food was much better than I remember it being. Dessert bar is great.
Crystal Palace- ***1/2 stars- both dinner & breakfast were awesome. Food is very, very good at this buffet. Such a nice break from the day with the ac, too!
Boma- ****- only had breakfast here on this trip but it was very good. Scrambled eggs with goat cheese and chives were awesome! Great selection and quality of food. Service always wonderful.
Jiko- ***** stars- Outstanding in every way! Food, service, atmosphere- all impeccable! As a group, we tried Wild Boar, duck, filet and many appetizers all were great. Dessert at this restaurant was outstanding (donuts with coffee ice cream- yum!!!)
Narcoosees- ****1/2 stars- Really great this trip. Lobster was amazing. Side dish of gratin potatoes wonderful. All the appetizers and desserts were top notch! Great view. So-so service.
Flying Fish- ** stars- usually my favorite WDW restaurant. Food was not up to par. Potato encrusted snapper (my fav) was not as good as usual and two different dishes we ordered were downright bad. Service was extremely slow and inattentive.
Calif Grill- *** stars- very good service, good food. Quality of food was good, selection a bit limited and some of the preparation was spotty (too much salt on scallops & overcooked filet, for example). Sushi was outstanding. Views are worth the price of the meal. Came back after dinner for the fireworks and it was lovely. Not too crowded and awesome spot for viewing.
Le Cellier- **** stars- excellent food, incredible service. Nice atmosphere. Try the coffe rubbed steak or the filet- both were outstanding. Desserts great here also. Pretzel bread is amazing!
Le Chefs de France- **** stars- excellent food and service. Bread is out of this world. Crème Brulee was the best I ever had. Tried the escargot- well prepared but not my thing LOL
Two super-cute videos:
Arayla won't let go of Mickey:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7eBC9kDmUjY
Dad says "no" to Minnie:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdhNrya-Afg
About Us- DVC owners. Travel to Disney around 2x per year. Have been 20+ times. This time we invited our whole family- my parents (mid-60s), my sister, her husband and her three kids (11, 3 and 6 months) and my husband and I (early 40s). I was a little leary of this extended family trip but it was really, really nice. Spent more time together than hwe have in years and really enjoyed each others company. The 11 yr old has been 8+ times and each year he finds something new to love. He is very easy going , loves trying new foods and is totally into all the thrill rides now. For those of you who think 3 is too young to bring a kid because they dont remember it- I beg to differ. This almost 3 yr old had the time of her life!!! She was so happy she was near tears with every Mickey, Minnie or Pluto encounter. Even the baby had fun- he is very easy going and just enjoyed looking around and swimming in the pool. My parents were very impressed with the cleanliness, level of service and the magic. They hadnt been in 25+ years. All in all, a great time for all.
Animal Kingdom Lodge- service is wonderful, atmosphere amazing. Daytime (free) kids programs/activities are awesome. This hotel will always feel like home to me. Bus service was very good. Longest we waited for a bus to come either at AKL or anywhere else was 15 minutes and usually 4-7 minutes was a standard wait. Love that the bus makes no other stops. Longest journey is probably to MK or to DTD (depending on time of day) and even those routes never took more than 25 minutes. We had a 2 bedroom villa this time and it was great. Nice layout, great to have 3 balconies and very convenient to have full kitchen, two baths and washer/dryer. Décor is very nice and looked brand new. Beds were very comfortable.
Magical Express- ridiculously long trip from airport- made 4 stops before getting to AKL. That is far too many stops to make people sit through. Ride home was good because we were the last pick up. But, given that we were the last pick-up, 3 ½ hours before flight depart time seemed a bit excessive- we arrived 2 hours and 55 minutes before our flight left. This whole process should be handled a bit better.
Private Magic Kingdom Fireworks Cruise- This was awesome! Well worth every penny of the $292 price tag. We did this July 3rd for the special Salute to America fireworks which made it even more spectacular. Boat was very nice and comfortable, captain was awesome and refused our tip even with repeated attempts to get him to take it. We had 8 people plus an infant and that was not a problem at all even though the boats are billed for 8 people only. Also, this was the non deluxe boat meaning it did NOT have audio so I was concerned. No need to be. There were many other boats in the water and they make sure they are near the ones with audio so we could hear everything perfectly. Fireworks were absolutely incredible. We got a short tour around the lakes/lagoons and also got to see the water parade. Also, sodas, water and snacks were served on the boat. Great, great night!
Crowds- I was ready for unbearable crowds based on all the scary posts on the Disboards. We were pleasantly surprised to find it not that bad at all. It didnt feel much more crowded to me than it does when we normally go end of August. We went with the up early, hit major rides, afternoon break and enjoy leisurely evenings in park method which worked great. Never waited for any rides- used fast pass and early morning method. Also had a GAD fastpass which we used at DHS to get on Toy Story twice and Rockin Rollercoaster & Tower of Terror with no wait.
Parks- all were great and the EMH worked out great for both the am and pm for us. The only EMH pm I would strongly stay away from next time was AK. Nothing stayed open! It was a waste of time. The Playhouse Disney Dance Party held on EMH pm at DHS was AWESOME! A fun family dj, lights, bubbles and Mickey, Minnie, Pluto & Goofy dancing the night away with the kids was an experience we will all remember forever. Not crowded and really, really fun. I liked the new MK fireworks but definitely like Wishes better. The Electric Parade at MK was very cute as was the daytime parade at DHS.
Dining- did the deluxe plan and I think it was too much food BUT we really enjoyed all of our dinners and meals. 4 people were on deluxe plan and when we had a 5th person with us (friends joining us) they did not hesitate to let them use our extra credits (did this on 3 different occasions at 3 diff restaurants- 1st time without asking, other 2 times when asked they said no problem!.
Chef Mickeys- *** stars- did dinner this time and thought it was good-very good. GREAT service and character interaction. Food was much better than I remember it being. Dessert bar is great.
Crystal Palace- ***1/2 stars- both dinner & breakfast were awesome. Food is very, very good at this buffet. Such a nice break from the day with the ac, too!
Boma- ****- only had breakfast here on this trip but it was very good. Scrambled eggs with goat cheese and chives were awesome! Great selection and quality of food. Service always wonderful.
Jiko- ***** stars- Outstanding in every way! Food, service, atmosphere- all impeccable! As a group, we tried Wild Boar, duck, filet and many appetizers all were great. Dessert at this restaurant was outstanding (donuts with coffee ice cream- yum!!!)
Narcoosees- ****1/2 stars- Really great this trip. Lobster was amazing. Side dish of gratin potatoes wonderful. All the appetizers and desserts were top notch! Great view. So-so service.
Flying Fish- ** stars- usually my favorite WDW restaurant. Food was not up to par. Potato encrusted snapper (my fav) was not as good as usual and two different dishes we ordered were downright bad. Service was extremely slow and inattentive.
Calif Grill- *** stars- very good service, good food. Quality of food was good, selection a bit limited and some of the preparation was spotty (too much salt on scallops & overcooked filet, for example). Sushi was outstanding. Views are worth the price of the meal. Came back after dinner for the fireworks and it was lovely. Not too crowded and awesome spot for viewing.
Le Cellier- **** stars- excellent food, incredible service. Nice atmosphere. Try the coffe rubbed steak or the filet- both were outstanding. Desserts great here also. Pretzel bread is amazing!
Le Chefs de France- **** stars- excellent food and service. Bread is out of this world. Crème Brulee was the best I ever had. Tried the escargot- well prepared but not my thing LOL
Two super-cute videos:
Arayla won't let go of Mickey:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7eBC9kDmUjY
Dad says "no" to Minnie:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdhNrya-Afg
