teentoddlermom
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Sep 9, 2003
- Messages
- 944
This was our third trip in a row in August. This was the earliest week we went, the other 2 years it was about 10 days later. This year it was BW, last year YC, 2003 GF. I don't know if the earlier week made a difference in crowds, or tourism has picked up, but boy, was it crowded!
After spending 2 days in Universal at the RPR with the amazing front of the line perk, it was somewhat depressing to pay a premium price for a vacation at Disney (rack rate, no discounts available for MYW Package), and still be like a hot pack rat in the parks with 90 minute waits for all the headliner attractions and the limitations of the fastpass window. I think Disney could do a better job with these waits. Maybe they could give you a book of Fastpasses when you book your vacation and don't get any discounts. Even staying at a deluxe resort, the bus transportation left a lot to be desired. We had to share our bus to MK and AK with Swan, Dolphin, YC, and BC. Almost unendurable commuting time to these parks. Are there any more benefits to staying deluxe than larger rooms/beds? I bet when you stay at Pop or All Star you get better bus service, I assume they have to offer many more busses to/from these resorts because of the volume.
I absolutely love Disney World and think that Universal leaves a bit to be desired, but they are doing a lot right. Their parks were as clean, if not cleaner than Disney, and the help there was extremely friendly, as good as Disney. Just not as much magic, and weaker theming of attractions at Universal.
We did almost all of the EMH evenings, but noticed it was REALLY crowded then too and we couldn't get much done. But it was great. Finally saw Spectromagic, and loved it! Best parade ever. We say Wishes twice from the exit of Thunder Mountain, good spot for fireworks, but couldn't hear the music. MK was ALWAYS crowded, why not, it is Disney's crown jewel. The castle decorations were different, but nice. Disappointed that Tomorrowland is looking a little dated, COP was so raggy; carpet, curtain and seats need to be replaced. (Also on that theme, many seats in HOP and American Adventure in EPCOT need to be replaced too!) Waits were always too long to see Stitch, but I haven't heard too many good things about it anyway. Timekeeper is never open, why do they even keep it on the map?!
MGM was great, love all the variety there, and the new Motor stunt show is awesome! Again, really crowded!
AK is a wonderful park, finally got on Kali, and was slightly disappointed, it was too short!
Went to BB this year instead of TL. I love the wave pool at TL. Think we like TL better, although the family raft ride at BB is worth the wait. Love the view of the area from the top waiting area.
EPCOT is terrific as usual, Illuminations is wonderful in every way. Soarin' was a real nice surprise, but boy, again waits so long, It was the first thing we raced to at 9pm during evening EMH, and still had a 45 minute wait. It is hard to get a fastpass for this at all, it is such a long walk from other parts of EPCOT, and you have to go all the way into the land pavilion down to the first floor to get it. They should the fastpass machines outside like TT and MS.
We had the Dining plan and had no trouble using it, all CM's knew how to process it. It is too much food though. I felt compelled to order and eat the appetizer and dessert at each meal to get my money's worth! What I pig I was, I would never eat that much food if I wasn't on the plan. Was able to use it for Fantasmic Dining Package at Mama Melrose. Meal was great there, also ate at Tony's (believe it or not, best steak I've ever had!), 50's Prime Time (great!), Alfredo's (overrated), Chef's de France (very good), Plaza Restaurant in MK (best kept secret), Princess Norway Breakfast ( good food and princess interaction) and another Table service but I forget where! Best Counter Service quality and bang for your buck on the Dining Plan is the new food court in the Land. We love the Tusker house in AK! Went off the dining plan to eat at Beaches and Cream which was a long wait as usual, but worth it!
Had decadent fattening sweets for breakfast every day at the Boardwalk Bakery. Loved walking to EPCOT, and always walked and beat the boat back from MGM. I would go to WDW every year at least if I could, but I think the family is ready for a change next year
Maybe Disneyland! 
We got the room we requested, on the third floor near the elevator and laundry, beautiful courtyard garden view, disappointed in the tiny balcony though. Wonderful staff at BW, the check in associate was so animated and had my daughter's room key imprinted with her name and the title of "Princess"
Was amazed at the number of visitors from the UK! I guess most people are lucky to have a long August Holiday, and they are all so nice and polite!
Thanks for reading, sorry if it was a little wordy, and let me know if I can answer any questions.
After spending 2 days in Universal at the RPR with the amazing front of the line perk, it was somewhat depressing to pay a premium price for a vacation at Disney (rack rate, no discounts available for MYW Package), and still be like a hot pack rat in the parks with 90 minute waits for all the headliner attractions and the limitations of the fastpass window. I think Disney could do a better job with these waits. Maybe they could give you a book of Fastpasses when you book your vacation and don't get any discounts. Even staying at a deluxe resort, the bus transportation left a lot to be desired. We had to share our bus to MK and AK with Swan, Dolphin, YC, and BC. Almost unendurable commuting time to these parks. Are there any more benefits to staying deluxe than larger rooms/beds? I bet when you stay at Pop or All Star you get better bus service, I assume they have to offer many more busses to/from these resorts because of the volume.
I absolutely love Disney World and think that Universal leaves a bit to be desired, but they are doing a lot right. Their parks were as clean, if not cleaner than Disney, and the help there was extremely friendly, as good as Disney. Just not as much magic, and weaker theming of attractions at Universal.
We did almost all of the EMH evenings, but noticed it was REALLY crowded then too and we couldn't get much done. But it was great. Finally saw Spectromagic, and loved it! Best parade ever. We say Wishes twice from the exit of Thunder Mountain, good spot for fireworks, but couldn't hear the music. MK was ALWAYS crowded, why not, it is Disney's crown jewel. The castle decorations were different, but nice. Disappointed that Tomorrowland is looking a little dated, COP was so raggy; carpet, curtain and seats need to be replaced. (Also on that theme, many seats in HOP and American Adventure in EPCOT need to be replaced too!) Waits were always too long to see Stitch, but I haven't heard too many good things about it anyway. Timekeeper is never open, why do they even keep it on the map?!
MGM was great, love all the variety there, and the new Motor stunt show is awesome! Again, really crowded!
AK is a wonderful park, finally got on Kali, and was slightly disappointed, it was too short!
Went to BB this year instead of TL. I love the wave pool at TL. Think we like TL better, although the family raft ride at BB is worth the wait. Love the view of the area from the top waiting area.
EPCOT is terrific as usual, Illuminations is wonderful in every way. Soarin' was a real nice surprise, but boy, again waits so long, It was the first thing we raced to at 9pm during evening EMH, and still had a 45 minute wait. It is hard to get a fastpass for this at all, it is such a long walk from other parts of EPCOT, and you have to go all the way into the land pavilion down to the first floor to get it. They should the fastpass machines outside like TT and MS.
We had the Dining plan and had no trouble using it, all CM's knew how to process it. It is too much food though. I felt compelled to order and eat the appetizer and dessert at each meal to get my money's worth! What I pig I was, I would never eat that much food if I wasn't on the plan. Was able to use it for Fantasmic Dining Package at Mama Melrose. Meal was great there, also ate at Tony's (believe it or not, best steak I've ever had!), 50's Prime Time (great!), Alfredo's (overrated), Chef's de France (very good), Plaza Restaurant in MK (best kept secret), Princess Norway Breakfast ( good food and princess interaction) and another Table service but I forget where! Best Counter Service quality and bang for your buck on the Dining Plan is the new food court in the Land. We love the Tusker house in AK! Went off the dining plan to eat at Beaches and Cream which was a long wait as usual, but worth it!
Had decadent fattening sweets for breakfast every day at the Boardwalk Bakery. Loved walking to EPCOT, and always walked and beat the boat back from MGM. I would go to WDW every year at least if I could, but I think the family is ready for a change next year
Maybe Disneyland! We got the room we requested, on the third floor near the elevator and laundry, beautiful courtyard garden view, disappointed in the tiny balcony though. Wonderful staff at BW, the check in associate was so animated and had my daughter's room key imprinted with her name and the title of "Princess"
Was amazed at the number of visitors from the UK! I guess most people are lucky to have a long August Holiday, and they are all so nice and polite!
Thanks for reading, sorry if it was a little wordy, and let me know if I can answer any questions.
