I have been reading this board quite frequently for the last month in anticipation for our first trip to Disney. I felt it was appropriate to share my experience.
We flew into orlando on August 7 arriving just before midnight. We left airport and somehow ended up going through an unmanned toll which required a $1.00 and we had no change. We finally dug it up and made it through the toll. Lesson one always bring enough money for tolls.
We booked the first two nights at the quality inn lake cecile, on arrival at midnight we were advised that there was no hot water and hadnt been for two days. They advised us that we could stay in the hotel with no hot water or go down the street to another quality inn where they were expecting us. We chose to go down the street to the quality inn on vine. We checked in and it was a dump. Ants, an air conditioner that didnt work, and late night party animals outside our door at 3 a.m. Don't stay there. I have written a letter to the Quality Inn International advising them of the situation and am awaiting a reply.
The next day we called the Swan and they were able to take us early so we went. The hotel is quite a sight . They let us check in at 9:30 a.m. with no problem and were very friendly and helpful. The hotel pools were great and the transportation to all parks was top notch. No problems. We purchased the 4 day pass and did all 4 parks. With early entry we took advantage of the magic kingdom early morning with no waits. We did most rides and shows in all 4 parks and never waited in a line more than 5 minutes. We used the fastpass which was incredibly efficient. We did the buffet at Chef Mickeys which was excellent. Followed by a trip to the contempory 17 th floor deck to see the excellent view of the fireworks. No problem and could see it all.
The transportation system is a little confusing at first and I was sorry I didnt review it much more closely before venturing out. Once you do it a few times it was very easy. All the shows were excelent and we did the Fantasmik dinner package at hollywood and vine which was worth the tickets to the show. The seats were fine and the staduim was packed. We were out of the stadium and on the boat back to the dolphin within 20 minutes. I must admit we have read alot about the lines and crowds and we just didnt experience it. The Animal Kingdom on the Sunday was the busiest park but we did most of what we wanted to do and left. We finished the trip off with front row curb-side seats to the electric parade. I felt that we got value for our money with the 4 day passes. Even though the $200 a ticket was little hard to swallow initially it was worth it. I have paid much more for a lot less. The Swan was a beautiful hotel with the only problem we encounters was with the food. Very expensive and not very good value. We noticed better deals at the boardwalk but didnt go over until our last night so some good it did us then. No problem with ice for room we also rearranged the mini bar to accomodate some milk for coffee and cereal. We asked to remove the resort fee
on check in and absolutely no problem. Still got paper. We were on the $99 teacher rate and had to show i'd. on check in. If you do not qualify for the discounted rate dont hesitate in booking one of the all star sports resorts they received all of the same benefits we did and from what I understand the rates are lower. I couldnt see staying outside the park with the traffic conjestion and the time taken to get arround. Going back to the hotel in afternoon was another great tip and we did it everyday.
The best tip I received and can only re-inforce is go early, go early and go early. We experienced no line ups and I can only imagine how almost unbearable it would be standing in line for an hour in that florida sun for a 3 minute ride. No thanks.
If your kids want some quality time with the characters do a buffet and if you to do fantasmik without waiting in line for ever do a buffet at mgm.
Enjoy your trip and I hope I have helped.
We flew into orlando on August 7 arriving just before midnight. We left airport and somehow ended up going through an unmanned toll which required a $1.00 and we had no change. We finally dug it up and made it through the toll. Lesson one always bring enough money for tolls.
We booked the first two nights at the quality inn lake cecile, on arrival at midnight we were advised that there was no hot water and hadnt been for two days. They advised us that we could stay in the hotel with no hot water or go down the street to another quality inn where they were expecting us. We chose to go down the street to the quality inn on vine. We checked in and it was a dump. Ants, an air conditioner that didnt work, and late night party animals outside our door at 3 a.m. Don't stay there. I have written a letter to the Quality Inn International advising them of the situation and am awaiting a reply.
The next day we called the Swan and they were able to take us early so we went. The hotel is quite a sight . They let us check in at 9:30 a.m. with no problem and were very friendly and helpful. The hotel pools were great and the transportation to all parks was top notch. No problems. We purchased the 4 day pass and did all 4 parks. With early entry we took advantage of the magic kingdom early morning with no waits. We did most rides and shows in all 4 parks and never waited in a line more than 5 minutes. We used the fastpass which was incredibly efficient. We did the buffet at Chef Mickeys which was excellent. Followed by a trip to the contempory 17 th floor deck to see the excellent view of the fireworks. No problem and could see it all.
The transportation system is a little confusing at first and I was sorry I didnt review it much more closely before venturing out. Once you do it a few times it was very easy. All the shows were excelent and we did the Fantasmik dinner package at hollywood and vine which was worth the tickets to the show. The seats were fine and the staduim was packed. We were out of the stadium and on the boat back to the dolphin within 20 minutes. I must admit we have read alot about the lines and crowds and we just didnt experience it. The Animal Kingdom on the Sunday was the busiest park but we did most of what we wanted to do and left. We finished the trip off with front row curb-side seats to the electric parade. I felt that we got value for our money with the 4 day passes. Even though the $200 a ticket was little hard to swallow initially it was worth it. I have paid much more for a lot less. The Swan was a beautiful hotel with the only problem we encounters was with the food. Very expensive and not very good value. We noticed better deals at the boardwalk but didnt go over until our last night so some good it did us then. No problem with ice for room we also rearranged the mini bar to accomodate some milk for coffee and cereal. We asked to remove the resort fee
on check in and absolutely no problem. Still got paper. We were on the $99 teacher rate and had to show i'd. on check in. If you do not qualify for the discounted rate dont hesitate in booking one of the all star sports resorts they received all of the same benefits we did and from what I understand the rates are lower. I couldnt see staying outside the park with the traffic conjestion and the time taken to get arround. Going back to the hotel in afternoon was another great tip and we did it everyday.
The best tip I received and can only re-inforce is go early, go early and go early. We experienced no line ups and I can only imagine how almost unbearable it would be standing in line for an hour in that florida sun for a 3 minute ride. No thanks.
If your kids want some quality time with the characters do a buffet and if you to do fantasmik without waiting in line for ever do a buffet at mgm.
Enjoy your trip and I hope I have helped.
