A look back at this latest trip.

[Csaks]

Quick review of our Mar 16 to 22 stay.
Hotel was Pop Century, first time here for us and other than the noise issues I had, great place all around.
Switched to QS dinning on my brother inlaws advice and he wasn't wrong. Great section of food at POP and the Parks, not just burgers and fries. Didn't miss having dinner plans every single night planed ages before. We had two TS we paid out of pocket, Tappan Edo which is always fun and Chefs de France.

I still hate this version of FP. We decided to go, way inside the 180. Getting a FP for FoP or 7DMT was near impossible to find without wasting time on the computer refreshing forever. I managed to finally get one for FoP one night at the hotel after wearing out my fingers refreshing the page. 7DMT, we got lucky in the EMT at night and rode that once the FP were done and the standby line flew. I kept thinking, what if someone was in town and on a spur of the moment decided to drop a $120 to go to the park but then find out you can't ride anything because you will never get a FP for any good rides the day of, generally speaking. Maybe still keep it electronic but have them dispersed the day of or the day before. Something is going on with FP, either they are over booking it or they have understaffed the rides. We did a Universal day and couldn't believe the difference in speed of the loading of guests. But they also seemed to have the employees to accommodate it. We noticed at almost every ride they could have used at least one more person to smooth things out. FP lines were long and those of you that say it was Spring Break. It wasn't that busy, some of our Thanksgiving/Christmas trips were way worse with shorter FP lines.

As for Avatar land or whatever they call it we liked. First visit was later in the day and into the night. It was a sight to see at night. Got into standby for the River Journey, 1 1/2 hours later we were sorely disappointed. We went on Spaceship Earth later that trip and my wife turns to me and says "This ride has more going on for it than that River ride." The area was well done and Flight of Passage was like Soaring on steroids. Very, very well done.
This was the first time back in three years. Overall had a great time but this is the third time where we didn't have that feeling of can't wait to get back like we use to have in our early trips. Even Universal is not getting us excited as it use to. We will be back for Star Wars, can I get a fast pass for that one yet?

 

[bababear_50]

Quick review of our Mar 16 to 22 stay.
Hotel was Pop Century, first time here for us and other than the noise issues I had, great place all around.
Switched to QS dinning on my brother inlaws advice and he wasn't wrong. Great section of food at POP and the Parks, not just burgers and fries. Didn't miss having dinner plans every single night planed ages before. We had two TS we paid out of pocket, Tappan Edo which is always fun and Chefs de France.

I still hate this version of FP. We decided to go, way inside the 180. Getting a FP for FoP or 7DMT was near impossible to find without wasting time on the computer refreshing forever. I managed to finally get one for FoP one night at the hotel after wearing out my fingers refreshing the page. 7DMT, we got lucky in the EMT at night and rode that once the FP were done and the standby line flew. I kept thinking, what if someone was in town and on a spur of the moment decided to drop a $120 to go to the park but then find out you can't ride anything because you will never get a FP for any good rides the day of, generally speaking. Maybe still keep it electronic but have them dispersed the day of or the day before. Something is going on with FP, either they are over booking it or they have understaffed the rides. We did a Universal day and couldn't believe the difference in speed of the loading of guests. But they also seemed to have the employees to accommodate it. We noticed at almost every ride they could have used at least one more person to smooth things out. FP lines were long and those of you that say it was Spring Break. It wasn't that busy, some of our Thanksgiving/Christmas trips were way worse with shorter FP lines.

As for Avatar land or whatever they call it we liked. First visit was later in the day and into the night. It was a sight to see at night. Got into standby for the River Journey, 1 1/2 hours later we were sorely disappointed. We went on Spaceship Earth later that trip and my wife turns to me and says "This ride has more going on for it than that River ride." The area was well done and Flight of Passage was like Soaring on steroids. Very, very well done.
This was the first time back in three years. Overall had a great time but this is the third time where we didn't have that feeling of can't wait to get back like we use to have in our early trips. Even Universal is not getting us excited as it use to. We will be back for Star Wars, can I get a fast pass for that one yet?

Hi
My son and I went this past March Break,,March 12-19
We stayed at OKW/AKV. We did go to Downtown Disney Springs for shopping ,food and a movie.
I was shocked that the Disney resort pools closed at 8 pm--I mean who closes a pool at 8 pm during Spring Break? My son used to love a swim after working out in the morning and now the pools are not open until 10 am.
We decided not to do any of the Disney Parks this time and to be honest we don't feel like we missed anything.

We stayed one night at Royal Pacific Resort and used the one hour early entry and Front Of The Line Pass,
which allowed us to do Universal/Islands of Adventure in one day. We enjoyed all the amenities Royal Pacific Resort offers.
I still do love the Florida weather but some of the Theme Parks are showing their age.
For me I am hoping that Disney Magic comes back to the Parks soon.
Hugs to you
Mel

 

[starvenger]

Well, I’m staying offsite in August so I’ll let you know how things work out booking 30 days after those folks staying onsite.

 

[bankr63]

Well, I’m staying offsite in August so I’ll let you know how things work out booking 30 days after those folks staying onsite.

We did very well with the 30 day FP for our March break trip. The only thing I couldn't get was FoP. Even got 7DMT at 30 days. If you are looking for Princess or other meet and greets, you might be disappointed by FP+. All the popular ones seemed to be gone at 30d, but not an issue for us as we are not meet and greeters.

I agree with OP that FoP was terrific. We waited about 90 minutes (DW says it was about 70m), with a posted time of 180m.

 

[starvenger]

Well fortunately (or unfortunately depending on your POV) the kids are not as big into princesses anymore. But good to know about the other stuff.

 

[Sue M]

How was bus transportation? We had a 10 day stay early Dec, and bus waits were the worst I’ve ever experienced. All 10 days. 30+ min waits were the norm. I hope they’ve fixed the problem.
Did you get a new room?
We didn’t have any noise problem, we were in the back of beyond lol, and neighbours were quiet. But walls are thin. My friend was next door in the connecting room, and when I phoned home one night she said she could hear entire conversation!

 

[bababear_50]

Hi Sue
I'm not the OP but our bus waits were 40 minutes from Disney Springs to AKV.
We used the boat from OKW to Disney Springs and it was (chilly) but at least not a long wait.
This trip we used Lyft and Uber a few times also.
Hugs Mel

 

[mab2012]

We're just back (March 16-25). I thought the crowds were very moderate, especially Monday - Friday. Downright quiet at points. Bus times (to/from SSR, mostly) were normal. Travel time to SSR always sucks, but I don't think we ever waited more than 10-15 minutes to get on a bus. Usually less.

I didn't notice any obvious understaffing, issues with lines not moving efficiently, or any of the cleanliness complaints I've seen in other threads. Maybe I'm just not that observant? We had a great trip on the whole. Weather was a little cool for my taste, but that's hardly Disney's fault.

@bababear_50, I'm surprised your resort pools were closed so early. Maybe weather related? SSR pools closed at 10 pm from March 18 onward. IIRC they opened at 9 am. We were at BWV prior to that - I think the feature pool there was also open until 10, but not certain. Blizzard Beach was closed for several days during our stay due to cool weather, and Typhoon Lagoon was closed for a day or two as well.

 

[Sue M]

Hi Sue
I'm not the OP but our bus waits were 40 minutes from Disney Springs to AKV.
We used the boat from OKW to Disney Springs and it was (chilly) but at least not a long wait.
This trip we used Lyft and Uber a few times also.
Hugs Mel

For some reason DS busses are the worst! But I think there’s been a problem resort wide with busses. Didn’t matter if it was morning resort pick up, park pickup, or from another resort. I hope it’s fixed soon, esp since new resort parking fee will put more people on busses that would normally rent a car.
When we stay at Por I love taking the boat, even if chilly. It’s my fav. Especially going past the Treetop Villas at night. So pretty.

 

[bababear_50]

For some reason DS busses are the worst! But I think there’s been a problem resort wide with busses. Didn’t matter if it was morning resort pick up, park pickup, or from another resort. I hope it’s fixed soon, esp since new resort parking fee will put more people on busses that would normally rent a car.
When we stay at Por I love taking the boat, even if chilly. It’s my fav. Especially going past the Treetop Villas at night. So pretty.

That new resort parking fee is going to hurt alot of Canadians that drive down each year.
I already feel badly for people doing the USD/CAD exchange right now.
I can see people looking to stay off site also.
They are going to have to upgrade their communications system on busing needs,I saw so many large groups of people waiting for buses.
I love the treetop Villas too--maybe someday we will stay there.
Hugs Mel

 

[Sue M]

That new resort parking fee is going to hurt alot of Canadians that drive down each year.
I already feel badly for people doing the USD/CAD exchange right now.
I can see people looking to stay off site also.
They are going to have to upgrade their communications system on busing needs,I saw so many large groups of people waiting for buses.
I love the treetop Villas too--maybe someday we will stay there.
Hugs Mel

Lol, yeah I’m feeling pretty sorry for myself about USD exchange rate! Ouch. I have 2 US trips coming up, DL next month but staying offsite. Canadian ticket offer helps. Made ticket at par. Then in Aug/sept WDW. Got good rate for WL. I have AP because I had 2 trips this year, Dec 2017 and WL Aug. but was able to get daughter Canadian ticket.
I keep hoping exchange will get better.
I’m way too far to drive to WDW. But DL doable. I think it’s cheaper to fly to DL unless it’s more than 2 people, when factoring in overnight hotel, food, gas.

 

[bababear_50]

Lol, yeah I’m feeling pretty sorry for myself about USD exchange rate! Ouch. I have 2 US trips coming up, DL next month but staying offsite. Canadian ticket offer helps. Made ticket at par. Then in Aug/sept WDW. Got good rate for WL. I have AP because I had 2 trips this year, Dec 2017 and WL Aug. but was able to get daughter Canadian ticket.
I keep hoping exchange will get better.
I’m way too far to drive to WDW. But DL doable. I think it’s cheaper to fly to DL unless it’s more than 2 people, when factoring in overnight hotel, food, gas.

I hear you and understand,,I have two trips in the planning for next year.
I am on a waitlist with DVC direct for a small point contract and the exchange is going to be .
Hugs Mel

 

[Sue M]

I hear you and understand,,I have two trips in the planning for next year.
I am on a waitlist with DVC direct for a small point contract and the exchange is going to be .
Hugs Mel

What’s a small points contract? Is that similar to renting points from David’s DVC?

 

[bababear_50]

What’s a small points contract? Is that similar to renting points from David’s DVC?

Hi Hon
When buying into Disney Vacation Club as a new member (direct) you have to buy at least 150 or more points.(sometimes they will allow less).
Years ago I bought a small resale contract at OKW (Old Key West Resort). (39 points)
Since then I have added on with 3 more small point contracts.
The smallest resale point contract you can get is 25 points.
Because small resale point contracts are so popular I decided to add on direct through DVC this time.
Unfortunately the price per point recently went up and the CAD exchange is awful right now.

Hopefully that explains it a bit better.
Hugs Mel

 

[mort1331]

DL has the type of FP you say about getting the day of and electronic. They have both the old paper and the new MaxPass. MP you pay $10/day/person so it could add up depending on how many going for how long. It allows you to pull FP while standing in line at other rides.
All have pluses and minus. But for someone coming on spur of the moment if they are not in the park by 10am then the likely hood of getting a headliner is very low with any of the systems.