Been back a few days, some ramblings

[disneyAndi14]

I agree totally about the keys tour it was so awesome! We did it in April and loved it. We are doing the Marceline to Magic tour in August, a shorter tour but we are excited. I have been hearing from others how hot and humid June was this year! We are going the end of August like last year and we are prepared for the heat, I hope yikes. Thanks for your thoughts!

 

[Luckybee]

The not as good - nighttime safari. Didn't really see much, the sunset effect looked ok if you squinted. Otherwise it just looked like Christmas lights. And the dusk effect was little more than muted spotlights in the trees. It was something I'd skip the next time. The dance parties didn't look like they were too well attended in AK either. I imagine that a lot of that will change when Pandora opens, but right now...

I'd really like to hear a little more about this if you could pls. Dh and I are waiting to finalize our Nov Orlando stopover and the only thing we're waiting to hear about is whether Savor the Savanna evening Safari experience is going to be offered then. Is this what you were talking about ? If it is we were actually hoping to see a greater proliferation of animals not very little so we'd probably then pass unless your tour was a one off ?

 

[amycakes]

We are going to Tutto Italia this August. Glad to hear that you enjoyed it. Any entrees that you recommend?

Happy Anniversary!

 

[quinnc19]

I also just returned and agree with much of what you said. I did really enjoy the safari at true sunset - the animals were more active then I have ever seen and the landscape looked beautiful. Can't wait to return to after dark AK to catch more performances and more Tree of Life awakenings. And return to Tiffins. We also really enjoyed FEA, the Star Wars fireworks, new Soarin, etc.

DW and I just celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary with a 3night/4 day, no kids trip to the World. We stayed at CR Tower Theme Park View. A few thoughts about our trip:

1. I thought I was prepared for the June heat and humidity. I wasn't. We'd been in late August before and handled it really well, but we weren't prepared for June. Maybe the previous August trip we were more prepared because we'd already endured summer in NJ? We ended up seeking out shade and A/C a lot and taking shorter stays than we wanted to. We managed, but it was rougher than we expected.

2. If you have not done the Keys to the Kingdom tour, and you consider yourself a big fan or even a Disnerd, you really, really need to do this tour. We had a great tour guide (Thank you Nicholas!) and the itinerary is outstanding. I could do a really extensive and descriptive post about the tour, but that would really just spoil it for those who haven't done it. Trust me when I say, it is worth every penny.

3. Some of the new stuff is great and some of it is just meh. Great - the new Soarin' film was awesome! Tiffins Restaurant - the service and the food were superlative. Try the octopus and the seared duck breast. The Kungaloosh Ale was also very good. The Jungle Book show was better than I expected it to be after reading reviews. Overall, we liked it. The Star Wars fireworks were so much more than fireworks - projections on the buildings, lasers, flame geysers! definitely catch that show.
The not as good - nighttime safari. Didn't really see much, the sunset effect looked ok if you squinted. Otherwise it just looked like Christmas lights. And the dusk effect was little more than muted spotlights in the trees. It was something I'd skip the next time. The dance parties didn't look like they were too well attended in AK either. I imagine that a lot of that will change when Pandora opens, but right now...

4. We were warned and it's true. We've now been spoiled for anything less than deluxe resorts and the best restaurants. We ate at Brown Derby, Cali Grill, Tutto Italia, Sanaa, and Tiffins. Not one bad meal... not even a mediocre meal. At all of those the food was just delicious. My faves were the Wagyu Stripand Spicy Kazan Roll at California Grill, and the Grilled Octopus and Seared Duck Breast with Duck Leg Confit at Tiffins. Although, the Butter Chicken at Sanaa is another standout. The food was so good, I didn't want to go "just to IHOP" for breakfast after we got home.

Lots of stuff packed into a short trip, and that isn't all we did. I'll take questions!

 

[msk]

Happy anniversary! We have Keys to the Kingdom booked for our Nov. trip. Your review has me very excited that we are getting to do it. - Thanks!

 

[JerseyJanice]

I think a reason that the heat is harder to take in June than in August is the length of the day. When we went in June, it could still be sunny at 7:00 PM whereas in August, the sun is down by then.

Glad you enjoyed your trip. Happy anniversary!

 

[revdon64]

First off, thanks everyone for the congratulations. Lots of people on our trip asked us what our secret was. It's communication. We talk about everything. That said:

We're in very south NY (5 minutes from NJ) and we get some pretty sweltering days here; looking at some later this week in fact. It's interesting that you point out that it was harder on you in June than in late August (which we do mid to late August in Disney) and I suspect you're right - no conditioning from our summer heat waves. I've just accepted that it's hot, so we deal. I'd rather have sweat dripping off of me in Disney than anywhere else.
How were the crowds?

The crowds seemed to be up a little from what Josh at EZWDW was showing for the week before, but we're probably not the best ones to estimate that. Normally we travel with three little ones and a stroller making the crowds seem less manageable. This trip was just the two of us and no kid agendas, so it was much more manageable than we were used to even though there were more people than we were used to as well.

Congratulations on your anniversary! We're going to be there on July 9th for four days, so this is a short trip for us too. I am concerned about the heat so I'm hoping the crowds are manageable. How were the crowds and viewing at the Star Wars fireworks. I'm getting ready to book the dessert party to hopefully get a good viewing area. I'm not overly thrilled about the price as we are having dinner at Yachtsman prior and I know we will be pretty full for the desserts but I really want to see the fireworks.
I've read that the new Soarin' ride has an additional line to help with the wait time. Did the line move any quicker than previously. We have a fastpass scheduled but I'd love to go on several times. TIA

We caught the Star Wars fireworks after skipping out on the finale of Fantasmic, so we were kind of off to the side. If you can secure a spot in the center courtyard toward the back, you're golden. It was pretty crowded though. We did Soarin' with an early FP. The third theater definitely lowers the wait times, but they were still hitting 60-90 minutes in the afternoon on the 29th.

So you found it easier to deal with heat/humidity late August than June? I thought August tended to be worse. I've been considering August 15th-26th next year, thinking we can catch the lower crowds after the 20th. But was worried about the extra heat/humidity. (We did late June last year).

Like I said, I think that my body may have been more acclimated to the summer heat in August of 2013 than in June of 2016. I think everyone's experiences will differ to some degree.

How was the view? When I look at booking it, it says Theme Park/Parking Lot view. Maybe I'm looking at the wrong thing.
Happy Anniversary!

We absolutely loved the view. We were in room 4538 in the center of the building on the 9th floor. I'll try to post some pictures in a bit.

Keys to the Kingdom Tour is a must! Great way to spend a day in one of the best Disney parks! We go in August. Love the heat!! Is AK in the evening worth it right now? I have fps for Jungle Book and reviews look good but I was thinking the night safari didn't look like too much fun and seriously the sunset look a bit theatrical to me. This was what I saw on youtube, though. Worth it?

I think AK at night is worth it just for the atmosphere. I don't know if I'd wait in line for the night safari other than to say that I did it once. We saw very few animals and they weren't terribly active - in fact could have been statues for all you can really see. Keep your FP for Jungle Book - it might be Rivers of Light by then and even if it isn't, the show is worth it.

I'd really like to hear a little more about this if you could pls. Dh and I are waiting to finalize our Nov Orlando stopover and the only thing we're waiting to hear about is whether Savor the Savanna evening Safari experience is going to be offered then. Is this what you were talking about ? If it is we were actually hoping to see a greater proliferation of animals not very little so we'd probably then pass unless your tour was a one off ?

We didn't do a special tour, just the night safari. I couldn't tell you if the special tour is worth it, but I can say that a lot of the animals are either completely inactive or not present at night. No elephants or rhinos. A few giraffes, some sleeping zebras and watusi cattle and gnus. I'd say if you're willing to pay extra for a safari do it during the day when you can see everything.

We are going to Tutto Italia this August. Glad to hear that you enjoyed it. Any entrees that you recommend? Happy Anniversary!

I had the calamari appetizer and the shrimp risotto - both outstanding. DW had eggplant parm and loved it. Also try the lemon sorbet - perfect ender.

I also just returned and agree with much of what you said. I did really enjoy the safari at true sunset - the animals were more active then I have ever seen and the landscape looked beautiful. Can't wait to return to after dark AK to catch more performances and more Tree of Life awakenings. And return to Tiffins. We also really enjoyed FEA, the Star Wars fireworks, new Soarin, etc.

I hadn't mentioned Tree of Life Awakenings! We only caught a few seconds of one of those as we were leaving the park, but it looked really good. Another thing to take in at night in AK.

 

[mshanson3121]

I think a reason that the heat is harder to take in June than in August is the length of the day. When we went in June, it could still be sunny at 7:00 PM whereas in August, the sun is down by then.

I never thought of that!

 

[katiz]

All good info. We'll check it out. Have to! First time at AK in the evening. Looking forward to the Jungle Book, Tree, and performances. Think we'll do the safari a little earlier so we can see the animals and they may be more active.

 

[momjkm]

KTTK question- at what point in the 5 hours is lunch? For medical reasons I am not suppose to go more than 3 hrs between meals/snacks. Could I take an easily eaten snack with me (like protein bar) and a water bottle? TIA- Jill
PS have the tour already booked for our August trip

 

[katiz]

For us, but this was a couple of years ago, we had a short break but not for food in the morning and lunch at noon. I would definitely recommend a protein bar just in case. I do remember lunch being very prompt and waiting for us when we arrived. Have a great time. You will love this tour.

 

[bsb]

How was the room?! I have this room booked for September and I keep going back and forth because how expensive it is. It is totally true what they say about getting "disney spoiled". We ended up at the GF last year (by complete luck) and now I can't imagine going back to value or moderate haha. I have never actually been in the CR so I don't know what to expect. Was this your first trip in that room?

 

[NH-to-FL]

Congratulations on your 25th! Wishing you many more!

How was your Theme Park view room at the CR? Was it as magical as you hoped?

 

[revdon64]

KTTK question- at what point in the 5 hours is lunch? For medical reasons I am not suppose to go more than 3 hrs between meals/snacks. Could I take an easily eaten snack with me (like protein bar) and a water bottle? TIA- Jill
PS have the tour already booked for our August trip

You can certainly bring a snack like a protein bar. They gave out bottles of water when we checked in and picked out our lunch. Keeping hydrated is absolutely encouraged. Tour started at 830am and we ate lunch between 1130 and 12 or so.

How was the room?! I have this room booked for September and I keep going back and forth because how expensive it is. It is totally true what they say about getting "disney spoiled". We ended up at the GF last year (by complete luck) and now I can't imagine going back to value or moderate haha. I have never actually been in the CR so I don't know what to expect. Was this your first trip in that room?

Congratulations on your 25th! Wishing you many more!

How was your Theme Park view room at the CR? Was it as magical as you hoped?

The room was great! Disney-spoiled is absolutely how we feel. We will have to go mod or value on future trips because that's what we can afford, but this was a wonderful splurge. It was not just our first stay in CR, it was our first ever stay in a Disney Deluxe. There's really nothing like waking up to that view of Seven Seas Lagoon, Magic Kingdom, and the other resorts. We even went as far as to order room service breakfast and eat out on the balcony just to take in more of that view.