Been There... Done That!!!

[Dreamin' Disney]

Well, we finally made it home and I've come up for air since getting back into our crazy life and getting used to doing laundry, cooking and cleaning. Forget that... don't think I'll ever get used to doing the laundry.

I have posted an extensive dining review, "Delicious Disney Dining" under Disney Restaurants. Highlights were dinners at Teppanyaki in Epcot, Spoodles and Flying Fish Cafe on the Boardwalk, buffet dinners at Hollywood & Vine with the Fantasmic Dinner Package and Cinderella's Gala Feast at 1900 Park Fare. My favorite of all was California Grill. We made a PS for every evening and would not have been able to have dinner with such a large group without them. In fact, I heard many people being turned away from restaurants if they did not have a PS.

We pretty much stuck to our plans, which was quite a feat with our large group for 12 (6 adults and 6 kids), with only a few hiccups along the way. It was hard waiting around for everyone to get ready and going in the mornings and whenever we had to be somewhere, especially with 2 seniors in tow. Having the concierge lounge was the way to go with such a large group. You could go as early as 7 am for breakfast

What made it all possible was doing all the pre-planning, making PS's, checking calendars of park times and events, and all the great advice from the DIS boards. Without this, there was no way we could have seen and done all we did.

By the way, Happy Limo was awesome. We were upgraded to larger vehicles on 3 out of 4 trips with them. (Round trip to and from the airport and to shopping mall) It was convenient to have it pre-paid altogether with taxes and tip. We rode in a white 8 seater limo, a black 12 seater limo, a deluxe 14 passenger van and an Ford Excursion SUV. All looked brand new and very clean.

The Boardwalk Inn was beautiful with many Christmas decorations already up. The Inn Keeper's Club was wonderful with delicious food and beverage offerings. Had an awesome view of the Eiffel Tower and the fireworks at Epcot from our room, which was right next door to the club and also overlooked the cottage gardens next to the quiet pool. Our kids even preferred to swim by the quiet pool, which we had mostly to ourselves, as Luna Park was so far away and very busy and noisy.

The Parks were all busy this week (November 6-12) and the weather was warm and pleasant. We went shopping at Millenia Mall - very nice with lots of upscale stores, including DH's favorite, Tommy Bahama. By staying at the Boardwalk, we often left the parks early in the day and did some lounging by the pool, then headed back to the parks or other resorts for dinners.

Best Event: We did a Grand Gatherings event, the Magical Fireworks Voyage which was aweseome! There was a separate reception outside the Contemporary Resort with Captain Hook and Smee along with desserts and coffee, hot chocolate or soft drinks. Then we were on the boat which held about 30 people, hosted by a pirate who entertained us thoroughly throughout the evening, telling jokes, singing songs, prizes for the kids, watching Wishes complete with music piped in, culminated by a visit back at the dock from Peter Pan. It was a great night!

Best Ride: RocknRoller Coaster in MGM - I made it for the first ride, but the kids ended up at least 6 or 7 times!

Best Show: Beauty and the Beast is wonderful, but we all really enjoyed Mickey's PhilharMagic!

Worst Attraction: Stitch's Great Escape. During the whole time, I was thinking how can I make a great escape from this great flop! When we got strapped into the chairs in the round chamber, I thought we were going on a fun ride. We had a fast pass and got in the first row, which was hard to see anything with your neck cranked up and the bars ramming into your shoulder throughout. And that chiliburger belch was the most disgusting thing. However, 8 yr old DS who LOVES Stitch and collected as many Stitch pins as he could find, thought it was the best thing. So go figure.

If I get some more time, I will post a more thorough report, but that's all for now. It was a very magical experience.

 

[llij]

Thanks for the report! Glad to hear that you got a lot accomplished with such a large number of people in your group!

Welcome back!

 

[jeancbpugh]

Originally posted by Dreamin' Disney
[B However, 8 yr old DS who LOVES Stitch and collected as many Stitch pins as he could find, thought it was the best thing. So go figure.[/B]

I'm glad to hear SOMEONE likes it.

Thanks for the mini report.

 

[Dreamin' Disney]

I gotta laugh now when I look back at that Stitch attraction. I was excited when we realized it was open on November 11th, when I thought it wasn't opening until Thanksgiving.

I was with my two daughters, 15 and 12 and my two nieces, 19 and 13 who reluctantly came along as 8 yr old DS tagged along to Minnie's house for them.

I was really dissappointed in this attraction and was hoping for a lot more. I had a better kick out of watching my son ride Indy Speedway all by himself as he was above the height requirement!

 

[dzneelvr]

I've read other posters' comments about Stitch that it was disappointing as well as yours. What exactly didn't hit you right? My family was VERY sad to see Alien go--they loved it.
Thanks.