Bring me up to date

[Saa62]

We just returned from a 12/3~12/10 vacation. This was the first visit for my parents so I was trying to show them around let them know what to expect, but either poor memory or things have changed alot since Feb 2004

Surprise No. 1: What happened to the inferno barge at the beginning of Reflections of Earth? Watched the show 3 times no ball of fire. The additonal fireworks at the end for the holiday season was good though.

Surprise No.2: When did they change the starting time for Reflections of Earth to 9:30pm?

Surprise No. 3: Not Magical, Not Express would better describe the complimentary transportation to the resort. Arrived 11:10am at MCO on 12/3. It took 45 minutes in line to check in, then an additional 25 minutes to get on the bus. Departing wasn't much better. We were instructed to be waiting of the bus promptly at 5:40pm, after complaining several times it finally arrive at 6:25pm. Lucky for us security was not busy at the airport. Our luggage was in our rooms when were able to get in, but that was 4 hours later since the rooms were not ready until 3:00pm check in time. Yes it was free but not a convenience. I think next time I will pay for the cab. That way I have the control and not wait on Disney.

Surprise No. 4: The first week of December has definately gotten busier since the previous 3 years during that time. I am guessing it is still lighter crowd than the week of Christmas but it was a lot busier than in the past.

Surprise No.5: Went into MK 12/5 evening, No Christmas Tree!!!!!!. However the the tree appeared during MVMCP on 12/6.

The trip was still an overall, success but the surprises kind of threw me off and made me look like a rookie.

 

[philaround]

1. The inferno barge blew up a couple of months ago. They are trying to determine the cause before rebuilding it so it doesn't happen again. Luckily no one was hurt.

2. I don't know.

3. We had great luck with Magical Express in May. The service does seem to have it's ups and downs.

4. The travel industry does seem to have rebounded from the lows from just after 9/11. I think you are comparing the crowds to some of the lowest park attendence levels of the past few years.

5. I don't know why the tree was not there on 12/5.

Does anyone have answers for questions 2 & 5?

 

[LoriMistress]

Do you have pictures to share?

 

[Feralpeg]

The tree was down near the castle by the entrance to Tomorrowland until after the parade taping. Then, they took it down and put it up at the entrance to Main Street.

 

[EpcotKilterFan]

#2 - The time is changed to 9:30 during the holidays due to the Candlelight processional

I think that hits them all!

Debbie