DisneyAnytime
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- May 29, 2010
- Messages
- 293
We have just returned from enjoying my Christmas present from DH... 5 days/4 nights at the Happiest Place on Earth!
The short version is that we loved Magic Bands, FP+ worked great for us, stand-by lines weren't that bad (we never waited more than 25 mins. standby), weather was nice (mostly overcast and breezy, only rained one day), and our room was fabulous (the only disappointment was no towelgami).
Now for the details:
We began driving down on Friday morning, arriving at POR around 5:00 that afternoon. We had a room only for a Royal Room this night. I'd wanted to stay here for quite some time and almost changed our package stay from CBR when DH surprised me. However, I'm glad that I didn't.
POR is just fine and lovely in its own way, however, it's just not my personal favorite. The room was very neat for about 10 minutes, while we checked out all the Princess touches including the fireworks in the headboard. Once we settled in the room, we headed over to the food court to grab some dinner. The food was ok but not the best. DH, DD, and DS couldn't figure out how to order a single serve soft drink and almost ended up buying the resort mugs (which we were getting the next day with our meal plan). You just have to ask the cashier for a single drink and be sure she gives you the cup.
Next, we took the ferry over to DTD for a little shopping. I was able to find a plentiful supply of the three older Vera Bradley bags in World of Disney, but the new print is sold out everywhere.
We took the bus back to POR and took the kiddos to the pool for a late evening swim. We really liked Ol Man Island and the kids did not want to leave to go to bed. However, we had an early morning to get ready for.
The next morning, we drove over to CBR bright and early (7:00am) to check in so that we could make rope drop at MK. We expected to just drop our luggage with Bell Services but SURPRISE! our room was ready; Jamaica 44, room 4444! We went to the room, dropped our stuff and headed to MK.
Rope Drop was fabulous and we were able to get in several rides (Space Mountain, Tea Cups, Pirates, Dumbo, Barnstormer, Haunted Mansion, and FP for a second Space Mountain for DH & DS, Pooh for DD & me, Peter Pan, and Pirates) before the crowds got too bad. We had already resigned ourselves to the fact that we weren't going to meet Anna and Elsa or ride Mine Train since I didn't snag a FP+ for those before we left home. Wait times for both of these attractions were well over 2 hours pretty much our entire time there.
Lunch was Columbia Harbour House and is my new favorite Quick Service on property. For dinner, we hit Pecos Bills which was rather disappointing for all of us.
Speaking of FP+, it worked great for us. The MDE app worked best when not using Disney wifi and we were not able to switch fastpasses using the app. We were able to use the full Disney site and make a few changes, though so it wasn't horrible. The Magic Bands were FABULOUS! It was soooo convenient to have everything right on our wrists!
This night we did the Pirates & Pals Fireworks Voyage and it was so much fun! We got to the Contemporary around 8:15 and just hung out until it was time to join the reception about 8:45. Captain Hook and Smee were at the reception with a Photopass Photographer. There was cake, bags of popcorn and pretzels, ice cream, a variety of juices, coffee, and hot chocolate. After a few minutes, we walked down to the boat dock and boarded our vessel for our voyage out on the Seven Seas Lagoon. We had a fabulous view of the Electric Water Pagent and Wishes, although you aren't able to see the castle show (before or during). At the end, we docked to meet Peter Pan and a Disney Photographer.
Our next day, we hit DHS for SWW. We FP+ Toy Story Mania, Star Tours, and ToT. We had lunch in ABC Commissary which we all enjoyed, especially the special Darth Vader cupcake! After lunch, we hit Muppets since it looked like the bottom was about to fall out. Then we ended up skipping out early because of rain and DH wasn't feeling so well. The day before had really worn him out. The kids and I hit up Old Port Royal for a snack and to grab our resort mugs. We had planned on taking a swim in the feature pool but it was closed due to weather. The kids opted to play in the quiet pool instead since it was no longer storming.
Later that night, we went to 1900 Park Fare for dinner with Cinderella, Charming, Lady Tremaine and the Step-Sisters. The food was very good and the characters were highly entertaining. Anastasia and Druscilla both fawned over DS 14 much to his dismay (and our enjoyment)!
Monday morning found us on our way to EPCOT. We arrived a little after park opening, paused for the picture in front of the ball, and headed to Soarin'. However, since someone was directionally challenged
blush: me) by the time we reached the ride, there was already a 30-40 minute wait. Thank goodness we had a FP+ for later that afternoon! We explored Future World until World Showcase opened then walked around the world and experienced La Gran Fiesta and Malestrom for the first time. Our soccer player DD12 really enjoyed all the World Cup theming around the showcase. We had lunch at Katsura Grill. The teriyaki chicken was very good but the sushi was mediocre.
We had dinner at Coral Reef which is one of our favorites. We were able to snag a tank table and had a great show by all the fish while we were dining. We left the restaurant and found our spot for Illuminations.
Tuesday morning we arrived at Animal Kingdom just in time for our 9:15 FP for Kilamanjaro Safari and saw many active animals. Next we wandered the trails for a bit, and basically killed time until our FOTLK FP at 11:30. (I was able to snag this FP while on property after seeing the re-opening announcement). The boys had hoped to make it on Everest while we were waiting but there was some sort of malfunction and it was temporarily closed during their available time.
The new FOTLK show was fabulous! I hadn't seen the prior show so I can't comment on how it has changed but it was very energetic and lively. After we used our FP for Kali River Rapids. I had our rain ponchos in my bag and we all opted to use these after watching the people coming off the ride. DD, DS, and I stayed nice and dry but poor DH had a poncho malfunction and ended up getting soaked! He blames the poncho, I don't think he had it on correctly
.
After Kali, we had pretty much done all we wanted in AK and headed back to CBR to let DH change and grab lunch at the food court. We really enjoyed our lunch, then the kids finally got to swim in the feature pool. There was a pool party going on led by some cast members that was very entertaining to the younger guests. After our swim, we went back to the room to get ready for our dinner at BOG!!!
I just have to say I LOVE THIS PLACE! Of course, Beauty and the Beast is my all time favorite Disney Animated Classic, so I was so excited to get to try this restaurant. The food was very good, possibly the best meal we had. DH and DS both had the steak which was so tender and juicy, DH rated it in his top 5 (and he is a bit of a foodie). I had the thyme scented pork chop which was huge and delicious. DD had the grilled cheese and tomato soup from the kids menu and she ate every bite. The desserts were fabulous as well. DH had "the grey stuff", DS chose the chocolate cream puff, DD the chocolate cupcake and I chose the strawberry cupcake. No one was disappointed. We were seated in the grand ballroom but also peeked in the other rooms and took a few pictures as well. After dinner, we were ushered into the Master's Study for pics with our host, Beast. Then we found a spot for MSEP and Wishes. DH preferred Wishes from the lagoon but I like being in the park for the Castle show.
Wednesday, aka departure day
, found us packing up the car before taking the bus to EPCOT for a late breakfast at Akeshurs. We arrived a little early for our reservation so took advantage of the extra time to ride Living with the Land again. After breakfast, we hopped the monorail to MK and hit our favorites again. We had FP for Haunted Mansion, Pirates, and Barnstormer but ended up just waiting standby for all but Haunted Mansion because of timing.
When we left MK we took the bus back to CBR to pick up our car and then drove over to DTD for a late lunch/early dinner and some final shopping before hitting the road for home.
Parking at DTD is a nightmare. I highly recommend avoiding it at all costs, unless you want to go valet. Even then I don't know that it's worth it. However, after we FINALLY made it inside, we ate at Earl of Sandwich (which was great), used our final snack credits, and finished our shopping at World of Disney. By the time we got on the road, it was 7:00pm so we hit up our fabulous TA to find us a room about half way home.
All in all, we had a WONDERFUL trip and cannot wait to go back!!
The short version is that we loved Magic Bands, FP+ worked great for us, stand-by lines weren't that bad (we never waited more than 25 mins. standby), weather was nice (mostly overcast and breezy, only rained one day), and our room was fabulous (the only disappointment was no towelgami).
Now for the details:
We began driving down on Friday morning, arriving at POR around 5:00 that afternoon. We had a room only for a Royal Room this night. I'd wanted to stay here for quite some time and almost changed our package stay from CBR when DH surprised me. However, I'm glad that I didn't.
POR is just fine and lovely in its own way, however, it's just not my personal favorite. The room was very neat for about 10 minutes, while we checked out all the Princess touches including the fireworks in the headboard. Once we settled in the room, we headed over to the food court to grab some dinner. The food was ok but not the best. DH, DD, and DS couldn't figure out how to order a single serve soft drink and almost ended up buying the resort mugs (which we were getting the next day with our meal plan). You just have to ask the cashier for a single drink and be sure she gives you the cup.
Next, we took the ferry over to DTD for a little shopping. I was able to find a plentiful supply of the three older Vera Bradley bags in World of Disney, but the new print is sold out everywhere.
We took the bus back to POR and took the kiddos to the pool for a late evening swim. We really liked Ol Man Island and the kids did not want to leave to go to bed. However, we had an early morning to get ready for.
The next morning, we drove over to CBR bright and early (7:00am) to check in so that we could make rope drop at MK. We expected to just drop our luggage with Bell Services but SURPRISE! our room was ready; Jamaica 44, room 4444! We went to the room, dropped our stuff and headed to MK.
Rope Drop was fabulous and we were able to get in several rides (Space Mountain, Tea Cups, Pirates, Dumbo, Barnstormer, Haunted Mansion, and FP for a second Space Mountain for DH & DS, Pooh for DD & me, Peter Pan, and Pirates) before the crowds got too bad. We had already resigned ourselves to the fact that we weren't going to meet Anna and Elsa or ride Mine Train since I didn't snag a FP+ for those before we left home. Wait times for both of these attractions were well over 2 hours pretty much our entire time there.
Lunch was Columbia Harbour House and is my new favorite Quick Service on property. For dinner, we hit Pecos Bills which was rather disappointing for all of us.
Speaking of FP+, it worked great for us. The MDE app worked best when not using Disney wifi and we were not able to switch fastpasses using the app. We were able to use the full Disney site and make a few changes, though so it wasn't horrible. The Magic Bands were FABULOUS! It was soooo convenient to have everything right on our wrists!
This night we did the Pirates & Pals Fireworks Voyage and it was so much fun! We got to the Contemporary around 8:15 and just hung out until it was time to join the reception about 8:45. Captain Hook and Smee were at the reception with a Photopass Photographer. There was cake, bags of popcorn and pretzels, ice cream, a variety of juices, coffee, and hot chocolate. After a few minutes, we walked down to the boat dock and boarded our vessel for our voyage out on the Seven Seas Lagoon. We had a fabulous view of the Electric Water Pagent and Wishes, although you aren't able to see the castle show (before or during). At the end, we docked to meet Peter Pan and a Disney Photographer.
Our next day, we hit DHS for SWW. We FP+ Toy Story Mania, Star Tours, and ToT. We had lunch in ABC Commissary which we all enjoyed, especially the special Darth Vader cupcake! After lunch, we hit Muppets since it looked like the bottom was about to fall out. Then we ended up skipping out early because of rain and DH wasn't feeling so well. The day before had really worn him out. The kids and I hit up Old Port Royal for a snack and to grab our resort mugs. We had planned on taking a swim in the feature pool but it was closed due to weather. The kids opted to play in the quiet pool instead since it was no longer storming.
Later that night, we went to 1900 Park Fare for dinner with Cinderella, Charming, Lady Tremaine and the Step-Sisters. The food was very good and the characters were highly entertaining. Anastasia and Druscilla both fawned over DS 14 much to his dismay (and our enjoyment)!
Monday morning found us on our way to EPCOT. We arrived a little after park opening, paused for the picture in front of the ball, and headed to Soarin'. However, since someone was directionally challenged
blush: me) by the time we reached the ride, there was already a 30-40 minute wait. Thank goodness we had a FP+ for later that afternoon! We explored Future World until World Showcase opened then walked around the world and experienced La Gran Fiesta and Malestrom for the first time. Our soccer player DD12 really enjoyed all the World Cup theming around the showcase. We had lunch at Katsura Grill. The teriyaki chicken was very good but the sushi was mediocre. We had dinner at Coral Reef which is one of our favorites. We were able to snag a tank table and had a great show by all the fish while we were dining. We left the restaurant and found our spot for Illuminations.
Tuesday morning we arrived at Animal Kingdom just in time for our 9:15 FP for Kilamanjaro Safari and saw many active animals. Next we wandered the trails for a bit, and basically killed time until our FOTLK FP at 11:30. (I was able to snag this FP while on property after seeing the re-opening announcement). The boys had hoped to make it on Everest while we were waiting but there was some sort of malfunction and it was temporarily closed during their available time.
The new FOTLK show was fabulous! I hadn't seen the prior show so I can't comment on how it has changed but it was very energetic and lively. After we used our FP for Kali River Rapids. I had our rain ponchos in my bag and we all opted to use these after watching the people coming off the ride. DD, DS, and I stayed nice and dry but poor DH had a poncho malfunction and ended up getting soaked! He blames the poncho, I don't think he had it on correctly
. After Kali, we had pretty much done all we wanted in AK and headed back to CBR to let DH change and grab lunch at the food court. We really enjoyed our lunch, then the kids finally got to swim in the feature pool. There was a pool party going on led by some cast members that was very entertaining to the younger guests. After our swim, we went back to the room to get ready for our dinner at BOG!!!
I just have to say I LOVE THIS PLACE! Of course, Beauty and the Beast is my all time favorite Disney Animated Classic, so I was so excited to get to try this restaurant. The food was very good, possibly the best meal we had. DH and DS both had the steak which was so tender and juicy, DH rated it in his top 5 (and he is a bit of a foodie). I had the thyme scented pork chop which was huge and delicious. DD had the grilled cheese and tomato soup from the kids menu and she ate every bite. The desserts were fabulous as well. DH had "the grey stuff", DS chose the chocolate cream puff, DD the chocolate cupcake and I chose the strawberry cupcake. No one was disappointed. We were seated in the grand ballroom but also peeked in the other rooms and took a few pictures as well. After dinner, we were ushered into the Master's Study for pics with our host, Beast. Then we found a spot for MSEP and Wishes. DH preferred Wishes from the lagoon but I like being in the park for the Castle show.
Wednesday, aka departure day
, found us packing up the car before taking the bus to EPCOT for a late breakfast at Akeshurs. We arrived a little early for our reservation so took advantage of the extra time to ride Living with the Land again. After breakfast, we hopped the monorail to MK and hit our favorites again. We had FP for Haunted Mansion, Pirates, and Barnstormer but ended up just waiting standby for all but Haunted Mansion because of timing.When we left MK we took the bus back to CBR to pick up our car and then drove over to DTD for a late lunch/early dinner and some final shopping before hitting the road for home.
Parking at DTD is a nightmare. I highly recommend avoiding it at all costs, unless you want to go valet. Even then I don't know that it's worth it. However, after we FINALLY made it inside, we ate at Earl of Sandwich (which was great), used our final snack credits, and finished our shopping at World of Disney. By the time we got on the road, it was 7:00pm so we hit up our fabulous TA to find us a room about half way home.
All in all, we had a WONDERFUL trip and cannot wait to go back!!
