Belle's World
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Nov 30, 2008
- Messages
- 674
Day 2
June 15th 2009
We didn’t have a very good start to our first full day in the parks; here is what happened copied over from the hotel thread: I had decided to surprise my husband by asking for the Wake Up Call on the telephone which I had heard was done by Goofy. Next morning I wake up and look at my mobile it was 6.50am, I had asked for the wake up call at 6.45, breakfast was at 7.15 (the only day we had got the time I requested). Then my husband looked at his watch it was 7.50am, I had forgotten to change the time and we had not received a wake up call and had missed breakfast. We got ready as quickly as possible and I rang down to reception to advise them we had not received a wake up call and because of this had missed breakfast. At no point did I receive an apology and in fact they hung up on me after saying they were transferring me. I went down to the desk and was given a new breakfast slot but still no apology. Breakfast at 8.20am is horrific we had to queue at the door just to get in. I do not recommend this.
We asked for a wake up call every day of the holiday (We also set our alarm the rest of the time). We never received a wake up call although two mornings a member of staff came and knocked on our door but on each occasion it was 30mins after I had requested the wake up call. We asked every day for a Good Morning Fantasyland breakfast but none ever became available so we ended up having breakfast in Salon Mickey one morning instead.
I was really upset to have missed so much of EMH on our first day but we still made it into the park by 9.20am. We went on Buzz Lightyear, Orbitron, Tea Cups and the Carousel all before 10am. It was our first ever go on Buzz Lightyear and I was pathetic scoring only a few thousand points whereas DH was much better, it was at this point I decided I probably wasn’t going to like this ride much!
We waited for rope drop in Fantasyland at the entrance to Advenureland so we could go on Pirates of the Caribbean but there was a problem and they weren’t opening it so we went over to get Fast passes for Thunder Mountain and then back for Fast passes for Peter Pan it was at this point the heavens opened and the torrential rain started. We looked in the shops before our 2 goes on Big Thunder Mountain and although the rain was coming down it was still really warm and the experience of Big Thunder Mountain with so much rain is amazing. We may have been completely soaked through but we also had massive smiles on our faces. Walking through to Peter Pan the park was practically deserted everyone had run for cover. We went on Peter Pan making sure whoever got on first went on second this time, it was an idea of DH as I normally get on all the rides first but by swapping we saw something new on each ride.
As it was now 11am and we were more than soaked through we decided now would be the ideal time to warm up at Salon Mickey,
I did write a report on this but I have copied it here for ease: After becoming a shareholder in March our recent trip from 14th-19th June was our first experience of Salon Mickey and we were not really sure what to expect. On 15th June at about 11am we decided to visit for first time. We found the entrance very easily and were shocked that we had never noticed it before. It was pouring with rain when we knocked on the brass knocker and waited for the answer and we were shocked at how strict it was about entering. Even with the torrential rain we were not allowed to set foot in the dry until we had showed the shareholders card. Once inside we had to give our park tickets and shareholders card for the duration of our stay. We were told to take pastries, no-one said anything about how many but I knew from previous posts that it was a max of 2 per person. I picked up a cookie and what I thought was a chocolate muffin which turned out to be walnut. DH also picked up a muffin. We were glad of the dry and warmth and I was surprised at how small the lounge area was. I’m not sure what I was expecting as I had read that there was a max of 20 people at a time but I think that would be a squeeze. When we arrived both of the tables were taken so we sat on the chairs opposite the sofa. I tried to get a hot chocolate but the machine did not appear to be working so I settled on a water and DH a juice. The atmosphere inside is very calm and relaxing. You could almost forget where you were, although you wouldn’t want to. After about 30mins we left after being allowed out of the doors straight into the park which we thought was great.
We had booked Lucky Nugget for 12pm so slowly made our way over by now the rain was easing off, there was no queue to be seated here is my review on the restaurant thread copied for ease: We ate here on Monday 15th June at 12pm, we had booked in advance which was needed as the restaurant soon became very full. In the time we were there 6 characters came round although only 5 visited us. Gipetto did not get to our table. Mickey Mouse, The Genie, Pluto, Goofy and Tigger all came round. As with Cafe Mickey it was most annoying when children ran up to the characters when they were across the other side of the restaurant and dragged them back to their table as this meant the character did not make it around the whole restaurant before he had to have a break. As we were leaving the original 3 characters came back out so I do not think you would see more than 6 characters dining here. My DH thought the food was ok but I was less than impressed. We both agreed that there was less variety than previous years and the food which they did have was luke warm at best. The characters did seem to spend a lot of time at certain tables and they didn't seem very organised with sometimes all 3 characters being in the same section. In the past I have always loved this restaurant so it was a little disappointing. Definitely the worst buffet out of 3 we went to, only saved by the characters which I am not sure I would go back for as there are several other places to have the same experience but with better food. The restaurant was full by the time we were left and only families were allowed to sit in the buffet area where the characters spent most of their time. Hopefully things will improve again in the future but it did not score highly with me.
Next we decided it would be nice to see the Studio park so we made our way over and just made the Animagique show which I love, we had a little while to spare before Cinemagique which is DH favourite so we went shopping and found a black over the shoulder bag with Mickey Mouse in crystals on it, I had to get a new bag as the rucksack I had with me zip broke earlier in the day. Whilst waiting for Cinemagique I transferred everything over to my new bag and watched the show. After this we decided to explore the new area of the park Crush had a massive queue but Cars was only 10mins so we decided to do this. I was surprised by how damaged the cars are considering it is quite a new ride it really hasn’t worn well at all. We then went over and watched Stitch Live where I was hoping to be chosen as Stitch’s girlfriend but we were too near the back. The shop is hilarious and a great addition to the park, so glad they replaced the television tour which was a bit of a non starter the only thing I wished they would have kept is the create your own rollercoaster pods which were so much fun. The first time I ever went upside down was one of them where we put the wrong bit in by accident!
We decided we had time to pop back to the hotel have a swim, change clothes and still make it back to the park for the Stars and Cars parade which we did. Here is my review of the swimming pool: On the second day we decided to use the swimming pool, this is quite a trek if you are in the main building and involves going outside so in winter this is less than ideal. When we got to the swimming pool you have to go through the changing rooms and showers before you can get to the pool. You then have to walk through a toddler’s pool to get to the sun loungers. We put our things down and got into the pool it was quite crowded and looks smaller than the pictures in the brochure. I’m sure the Newport Bays pool is bigger. When we got in the swimming pool we found there was a current which was dragging you away from the edge and into the middle of the pool. I am a weak swimmer and really had to battle to reach the side. It also didn’t help that I couldn’t stand up, there is no shallow end and at 5ft 2inches could still not reach the bottom. We stayed in the pool for quite a long time before going to the Jacuzzi which can only be reached through the much cooler swimming pool. Despite the temperature being very high the outside pool was not open. We did not visit the pool again as the next day my legs were killing me after swimming against the current for so long.
We had been in the swimming pool longer than we thought so quickly dashed around getting ready to return as I knew we had to be there at least 30mins early to get a prime spot. We made it in plenty of time and were some of the first people to stand directly in front of the stage. I hadn’t really realised what the parade was as I thought it was literally a parade that maybe stopped a couple of times like the one in the other park. We waited for quite some time and occasionally people would try and push in, not just their children but whole families seemed to think that because they had children they could push in front of people already standing there, if it was just children it would have been alright as at least we would have still been able to see but I stood by ground and said very firmly we haven’t stood here for 40mins for people to come and push in at the last minute so my DH stood still and the people eventually realised and walked away. The parade is really great. We had a really good view of the show but I think to get the best view of the cars coming in you need to stand further away from the stage, it’s a win-win situation or a lose-lose, everybody see’s something really well but no-one sees everything.
After this we had a check to see if Crush’s queue had gone down as it was almost closing time but it still said 45mins so we left the park and headed over to the buses to get a lift to the Cheyenne where we had booked dinner. As this is one of the only hotels we have not stayed at we found it quite difficult to find the entrance and actually ended up walking through the exit and going through the tables to get in the queue. Here is my review copied and pasted for ease from the restaurant thread: After all the positive reviews about this restaurant we decided to travel down to the Cheyenne to try it. We ate here on Monday 15th June at 7.15pm. We had booked for 7.30pm but arrived early which was no problem as there were plenty of seats. We were given orange wrist bands and our drinks orders taken and then we went through to the food. There is a large selection to choose from here which was all really nice especially the salmon, ribs and new potatoes which were fantastic. A couple of the items could have done with being a bit warmer but everything was cooked through. The soup was also really nice with croutons and 2 types of cheese to accompany it. As with all the buffets for pudding they had cheese but no biscuits which I found slightly odd. Drinks were collected on showing your receipt at the end of the food buffet but there was a free water machine located in the restaurant which we thought was good. This buffet definitely had the most variety and choice and the food was good. If you are staying at this hotel or the Santa Fe I would definitely try it. We were at the Sequoia Lodge but were going to the garage next door to the Santa Fe for provisions anyway so it made sense to try the buffet. We are glad we have tried it and would definitely consider this restaurant in the future.
Once we had finished we went around the hotel shop before doing the same at the Hotel Santa Fe and then heading to the garage next door for some drinks and crisps for our room. We were too exhausted to walk back to the hotel so caught the bus from Santa Fe and then made the short walk through the village of course visiting every shop to look for potential pin trades. It was quite embarrassing looking at the CM’S chests although I guess they are used to it and I was wearing my Lanyard although DH wasn’t and he was also looking for me! We made it back to the hotel after another wonderful but exhausting day. I had done a few pin trades and we had been on 2 new rides which was fantastic.
Ro
June 15th 2009
We didn’t have a very good start to our first full day in the parks; here is what happened copied over from the hotel thread: I had decided to surprise my husband by asking for the Wake Up Call on the telephone which I had heard was done by Goofy. Next morning I wake up and look at my mobile it was 6.50am, I had asked for the wake up call at 6.45, breakfast was at 7.15 (the only day we had got the time I requested). Then my husband looked at his watch it was 7.50am, I had forgotten to change the time and we had not received a wake up call and had missed breakfast. We got ready as quickly as possible and I rang down to reception to advise them we had not received a wake up call and because of this had missed breakfast. At no point did I receive an apology and in fact they hung up on me after saying they were transferring me. I went down to the desk and was given a new breakfast slot but still no apology. Breakfast at 8.20am is horrific we had to queue at the door just to get in. I do not recommend this.
We asked for a wake up call every day of the holiday (We also set our alarm the rest of the time). We never received a wake up call although two mornings a member of staff came and knocked on our door but on each occasion it was 30mins after I had requested the wake up call. We asked every day for a Good Morning Fantasyland breakfast but none ever became available so we ended up having breakfast in Salon Mickey one morning instead.
I was really upset to have missed so much of EMH on our first day but we still made it into the park by 9.20am. We went on Buzz Lightyear, Orbitron, Tea Cups and the Carousel all before 10am. It was our first ever go on Buzz Lightyear and I was pathetic scoring only a few thousand points whereas DH was much better, it was at this point I decided I probably wasn’t going to like this ride much!
We waited for rope drop in Fantasyland at the entrance to Advenureland so we could go on Pirates of the Caribbean but there was a problem and they weren’t opening it so we went over to get Fast passes for Thunder Mountain and then back for Fast passes for Peter Pan it was at this point the heavens opened and the torrential rain started. We looked in the shops before our 2 goes on Big Thunder Mountain and although the rain was coming down it was still really warm and the experience of Big Thunder Mountain with so much rain is amazing. We may have been completely soaked through but we also had massive smiles on our faces. Walking through to Peter Pan the park was practically deserted everyone had run for cover. We went on Peter Pan making sure whoever got on first went on second this time, it was an idea of DH as I normally get on all the rides first but by swapping we saw something new on each ride.
As it was now 11am and we were more than soaked through we decided now would be the ideal time to warm up at Salon Mickey,
We had booked Lucky Nugget for 12pm so slowly made our way over by now the rain was easing off, there was no queue to be seated here is my review on the restaurant thread copied for ease: We ate here on Monday 15th June at 12pm, we had booked in advance which was needed as the restaurant soon became very full. In the time we were there 6 characters came round although only 5 visited us. Gipetto did not get to our table. Mickey Mouse, The Genie, Pluto, Goofy and Tigger all came round. As with Cafe Mickey it was most annoying when children ran up to the characters when they were across the other side of the restaurant and dragged them back to their table as this meant the character did not make it around the whole restaurant before he had to have a break. As we were leaving the original 3 characters came back out so I do not think you would see more than 6 characters dining here. My DH thought the food was ok but I was less than impressed. We both agreed that there was less variety than previous years and the food which they did have was luke warm at best. The characters did seem to spend a lot of time at certain tables and they didn't seem very organised with sometimes all 3 characters being in the same section. In the past I have always loved this restaurant so it was a little disappointing. Definitely the worst buffet out of 3 we went to, only saved by the characters which I am not sure I would go back for as there are several other places to have the same experience but with better food. The restaurant was full by the time we were left and only families were allowed to sit in the buffet area where the characters spent most of their time. Hopefully things will improve again in the future but it did not score highly with me.
Next we decided it would be nice to see the Studio park so we made our way over and just made the Animagique show which I love, we had a little while to spare before Cinemagique which is DH favourite so we went shopping and found a black over the shoulder bag with Mickey Mouse in crystals on it, I had to get a new bag as the rucksack I had with me zip broke earlier in the day. Whilst waiting for Cinemagique I transferred everything over to my new bag and watched the show. After this we decided to explore the new area of the park Crush had a massive queue but Cars was only 10mins so we decided to do this. I was surprised by how damaged the cars are considering it is quite a new ride it really hasn’t worn well at all. We then went over and watched Stitch Live where I was hoping to be chosen as Stitch’s girlfriend but we were too near the back. The shop is hilarious and a great addition to the park, so glad they replaced the television tour which was a bit of a non starter the only thing I wished they would have kept is the create your own rollercoaster pods which were so much fun. The first time I ever went upside down was one of them where we put the wrong bit in by accident!
We decided we had time to pop back to the hotel have a swim, change clothes and still make it back to the park for the Stars and Cars parade which we did. Here is my review of the swimming pool: On the second day we decided to use the swimming pool, this is quite a trek if you are in the main building and involves going outside so in winter this is less than ideal. When we got to the swimming pool you have to go through the changing rooms and showers before you can get to the pool. You then have to walk through a toddler’s pool to get to the sun loungers. We put our things down and got into the pool it was quite crowded and looks smaller than the pictures in the brochure. I’m sure the Newport Bays pool is bigger. When we got in the swimming pool we found there was a current which was dragging you away from the edge and into the middle of the pool. I am a weak swimmer and really had to battle to reach the side. It also didn’t help that I couldn’t stand up, there is no shallow end and at 5ft 2inches could still not reach the bottom. We stayed in the pool for quite a long time before going to the Jacuzzi which can only be reached through the much cooler swimming pool. Despite the temperature being very high the outside pool was not open. We did not visit the pool again as the next day my legs were killing me after swimming against the current for so long.
We had been in the swimming pool longer than we thought so quickly dashed around getting ready to return as I knew we had to be there at least 30mins early to get a prime spot. We made it in plenty of time and were some of the first people to stand directly in front of the stage. I hadn’t really realised what the parade was as I thought it was literally a parade that maybe stopped a couple of times like the one in the other park. We waited for quite some time and occasionally people would try and push in, not just their children but whole families seemed to think that because they had children they could push in front of people already standing there, if it was just children it would have been alright as at least we would have still been able to see but I stood by ground and said very firmly we haven’t stood here for 40mins for people to come and push in at the last minute so my DH stood still and the people eventually realised and walked away. The parade is really great. We had a really good view of the show but I think to get the best view of the cars coming in you need to stand further away from the stage, it’s a win-win situation or a lose-lose, everybody see’s something really well but no-one sees everything.
After this we had a check to see if Crush’s queue had gone down as it was almost closing time but it still said 45mins so we left the park and headed over to the buses to get a lift to the Cheyenne where we had booked dinner. As this is one of the only hotels we have not stayed at we found it quite difficult to find the entrance and actually ended up walking through the exit and going through the tables to get in the queue. Here is my review copied and pasted for ease from the restaurant thread: After all the positive reviews about this restaurant we decided to travel down to the Cheyenne to try it. We ate here on Monday 15th June at 7.15pm. We had booked for 7.30pm but arrived early which was no problem as there were plenty of seats. We were given orange wrist bands and our drinks orders taken and then we went through to the food. There is a large selection to choose from here which was all really nice especially the salmon, ribs and new potatoes which were fantastic. A couple of the items could have done with being a bit warmer but everything was cooked through. The soup was also really nice with croutons and 2 types of cheese to accompany it. As with all the buffets for pudding they had cheese but no biscuits which I found slightly odd. Drinks were collected on showing your receipt at the end of the food buffet but there was a free water machine located in the restaurant which we thought was good. This buffet definitely had the most variety and choice and the food was good. If you are staying at this hotel or the Santa Fe I would definitely try it. We were at the Sequoia Lodge but were going to the garage next door to the Santa Fe for provisions anyway so it made sense to try the buffet. We are glad we have tried it and would definitely consider this restaurant in the future.
Once we had finished we went around the hotel shop before doing the same at the Hotel Santa Fe and then heading to the garage next door for some drinks and crisps for our room. We were too exhausted to walk back to the hotel so caught the bus from Santa Fe and then made the short walk through the village of course visiting every shop to look for potential pin trades. It was quite embarrassing looking at the CM’S chests although I guess they are used to it and I was wearing my Lanyard although DH wasn’t and he was also looking for me! We made it back to the hotel after another wonderful but exhausting day. I had done a few pin trades and we had been on 2 new rides which was fantastic.
Ro
