Back from WDW. Any questions?

[meeko_33785]

Hi everyone. Just back from staying at Pop Century for the past few days. I'm going to be starting on writing a trip report soon, but I thought I'd just write a few observations here first.

Weather: Nice, but very hot! Every day the temeperature felt like over 100 degrees when you include the humidity. If you're going soon, be sure to stay hydrated very well and take plenty of breaks in the air conditioning

Crowds: Large but managable. With FastPass and Extra Magic Hour at MK I don't think I waited for anything longer than 20 minutes. And even after hearing so much on the boards about the Brazilian tour groups being back in full force, I never saw one.

New attractions: Soarin' is absolutly amazing and IMO the best ride EPCOT has going. Cinderellabration was cute and very enjoyable, Stitch was not nearly as bad as I expected, and Lights Motors Action was good but just not my thing. I'll be writing more about them in my trip reports.

Dining: Very good! Bomma was as good as always, as was Mama Melrose. Tried Le Cellier for the frist time this trip and it was wonderful as well.

If anyone has any questions, I'll be happy to answer it the best that I can.

 

[Kimberly815]

OH!! (Hand raised and waving wildly in the air.) PICK ME! PICK ME! I HAVE A QUESTION!


Did you have a wonderful vacation??

 

[meeko_33785]

Yes, definatly! Everything was wonderful. Wish I could have stayed longer, but to tell you the truth even after just a few days, I'm exhausted. lol

 

[Mollie Jo]

Did you happen to see any surrey bikes for rent at the Pop?

 

[meeko_33785]

No. There were no surry bikes for rent at Pop Century. I don't believe there was anything available for rent (bikes, boats, etc.).

 

[thelionqueen]

We are staying at POP for the 1st time in Oct. Have heard great and not so great reviews. We are a family of 4 (DS's 4 & 8) and was wondering about the room. Was it terribly crowded or managable? We won't be spending much time in the room except to sleep and get ready, but still curious. How were the buses, food court, parking and pools? Any opinions would be appreciated. thanks

 

[meeko_33785]

The rooms are noticably smaller than those at some of Disney's moderate resorts, but still they were managable. It's about comparable to Holiday Inn or something like that. It seemed to me that it would fit two adults and two children under 10 or so pretty comfortably. The only thing is that the bathroom is pretty small with only one sink so getting ready for the morning will probably take longer.

There was only one bus stop in the front of the resort and it was a large one. It was also pretty much completly in the sun. As far as service goes, it was pretty regular, but it did take longer for the bus to go to and from MK than anywhere else.

The food court was great. Good selection and friendly service. The dining room is pretty loud though since is also connected to the lounge and the gift shop.

Parking was good, about standard to what you would find at a moderate, and the pools were great. Nicely themed and plesant. There aren't any water slides at any of the pools though so if not having one is a deal-killer, you'll have to go to a water park for that.

All in all, I was very happy with Pop Century. It was really fun and nostalgic and the kids will love the bright colors and giant toys and characters.

 

[ljb9539]

Did you see any cool Stitch items around for a guy turning 37? (House flags, Beer mug, Grilling Apron, anything???)

My DH's birthday is in a month - and i need to give my dad a detailed shopping list of what Stitch items I want or I could end up with something that will not help me at all

 

[luv2nascar]

I got the cutest stuffed stitch in MK when you come off of stitch's ride
He is standing size of beanie animal. Has mickey ears on, Stitch's greatest escape tshirt on, mickey bar in one hand. He is awesome.

 

[meeko_33785]

There's tons of Stitch items all over the world, especially at the exit of Stitch's Great Escape at AK. I remember there were some pretty cute stuffed animals of him (tourist Stitch, Elvis Stitch) and toys but I'm having a hard time remembering anything a little more adult besides things like snow globes and pins. They do have Stitch hats though now that are like the big plush charater hats they sell around the park though. I remember that.

 

[llij]

Welcome back! Glad to hear that you had a great trip! We were there the week before you and experienced the same things as you.

 

[HugsForEeyore]

You are skirting around the most important info! What characters did you find????????

See any new ones? See any sign of the new Brer Fox? (if he really is out again, that is!) Did there seem to be as many characters on this trip as your prior ones, or less because of the heat?? How about Chicken Little?

Tell us!! Eager character lovers want to know!!

 

[meeko_33785]

Oh, I can't believe I didn't mention the characters in my first post! Oops.

I did see Chicken Little and Abby Mallard doing meet-and-greets inside the Animation Tour where the Incredibles were before. I didn't have time to see them since by the time they finally came out my FastPass time for Little Mermaid had rolled around, but their line was pretty long considering the movie isn't even out yet.

Brer Fox wasn't out anywhere that I saw, but all Seven Dwarfs were doing meet and greets in front of the Train Station at MK. I saw them while I was on the train but they weren't out when I was on my way in or out of the park. Very VERY long lines for them though.

I did have a chance to meet 3 characters I had never met before- Figment, Prince John (who gets the prize for seeming to be everywhere this trip) and Buzz Lightyear. Yes, I had never met Buzz before! I also met Stitch again who was very mischevious this time around. Not as many meet-and-greets for me as in past years, but it was so hot and lines especially at MK and MGM were so long that waiting in those lines in the heat was almost unbearable. EPCOT was hot but the lines were much shorter there than the other parks.

 

[HugsForEeyore]

Thanks for the character update! I also noticed that Prince John was everywhere! On one recent trip, I saw him at all four parks! Many kids have no idea who he is - I heard him called the "Lion King" many times (but he clearly is no Simba!). Good to know that Chicken Little and Abbey Mallard have started becoming more regular.

Could you see if the seven Dwarves were doing individual meets and autographs, or just group photos? Good that Disney is getting them out more!

You never met Buzz before??? Whoa!

I think I am glad I postponed my summer trip, as the heat sounded absolutely awful this summer!

 

[meeko_33785]

Thw Dwarfs were doing group pictures only it looked like and I could hear the CMs yelling that they were not signing autographs.

Yes, it's hard to believe it took me 10 years to finally meet Buzz. The lines were always so long for him at MGM and since he really wasn't one of my favorites, I just didn't feel it was worth it to wait so long to meet him. I manage to find him in Tomorrowland this trip inside the old Timekeeper queue though and he had absolutly no line at all, so I went for it. It's funny. I've never met Jessie either. :eek

 

[jrjac]

Did you use Disney Magical Express? If yes, please tell how it went! Thanks!
What was the best Counter Service meal you had?


16 days and we are off to DISNEY!

 

[meeko_33785]

I drove instead of flew so I didn't do Magic Express, but I did notice quite a few Magic Express Buses during my stay, so they seemed pretty regular.

As far as the best counter service meal I had, I think I would go with the Cheesesteak Wrap from Everything Pop at Pop Century. It was hot off the grill and very good. I had heard mixed reviews for the place but it was actually a good food court. The only counter service place I went to in the parks was Columbia Harbor House at MK which was very good too. I had the Chicken Basket and substituted fries for carrots. Great to see Disney is offering some healthier options too now.