Disney Doesn't Need To Be Taxing (hopefully)

[ankersandrew]

Firstly sorry for the lack of pictures in this. I took my video camera out to get some video footage of the Parade and Wishes.

So another relaxing day by the pool catching some rays before it gets too hot, but we wanted to get the hire car back today rather than leaving it on the last day and be a rush.

We decided also we wanted to try that American dream that's called IHOP (international home of pancakes) We have never tried them since starting to visit America. I google the nearest one and off we went.

I knew very little of these apart from its large portions and of course its pancakes.

Julie firstly went for the bottomless coffee pot. She sees this more of a challenge than a statement.



She also went for the steak tips with hash browns and eggs.

Me I went for the brunch choice chicken and waffles ?



Julie is a small eater usually but she finished hers and then helped me out with a quarter of my waffle and some of the chicken.

We slowly went back to the car, and made our way back to the Car Care Centre at Magic Kingdom. We were met and had our car checked and off we went. They gave us a lift back to our resort. Tided the room slightly ready for the packing event in the morning, checked out if we could leave the room later, which they kindly said we could for no additional charge and caught the resort bus to Epcot.

A friend of mine I had not seen in some 22 years was just starting his holiday so we decided to meet up and have a drink - where else but the Rose and Crown. He had already messaged me saying they were there and got seats outside in the beer garden. So we walked round to meet them. Grabbed a drink and passed the time nicely.

Caught up on all things Disney and what we thought about it being our first time, on our lives and families, and of course work. A good hour had passed and I could see my Julie and Andrews partners eyes start to glaze over so we said our goodbyes and promised we would try harder to stay in touch.

We left Epcot for the last time this trip and headed over to the Magic Kingdom

We had decided that because it was our last day we should see the electrical parade followed by Wishes fireworks. But first things first - a smoking area.

Then onwards for supplies as crowds were already forming and still nearly hour and half still to go. We head into Main Street Bakery. Our home stop for coffee in the last two weeks, we also buy water as we could be in for a long wait. Exit the shop to find a space behind a bin. We love these as nobody can then stand in front of you.

We waited and waited, people came and went and slowly time ticked on and more and more people came but we stayed where we were.

We watched both the Parade, Projection Show and Wishes with both a tear in my eye and the song in our heart, not really we were ready for home.

After the fireworks there was a sudden rush to the exit. We battled through it towards Casey's Corner to get food.

We had noticed earlier that they did mini corn dogs and that was it the seed was set we wanted some before we went.

We bought 2 portions of mini corn dogs and a plain hot dog to share. That would be enough right? How wrong we were again, it was to much, far to much. We finished the hot dog no problem, that isn't that big, and we both started on the corn dogs, but they were far to filling and gave up half way and only managed about 1 portion of them. Rubbish

Off to Tomorrowland for a wee and ciggi stop. Maybe just in time for one more ride, something gentle? The People Mover !

Julie finished her ciggi and we head over to the queue entrance, started to climb up to it and once at the top we heard this almighty bang and the Peoplemover stopped. It had Broke Down.

Nobody could get on and nobody could get off. We waited to find out what would happen, nothing did. People in front of me decided they didn't want to wait as the cast members didn't know how long it would be down or what the problem was, we followed them out and decided it wasn't meant to be.

The second Electrical Parade was still happening so we were battling the crowd trying to watch it as they walked out of the park. We twisted and turned in and out of these very slow moving people and out of the park. Phew.

Found our resort bus who was just about to leave more or less empty. The driver shouted did we want that one - we shouted back we did and he waited to zig zag in and out of the queue line onto the bus. We were back in no time at all.

Against my better judgement we decided to start packing. I hate it as I prefer to do it the morning when we wake as then I am more ready to face the issues of closing cases. But we didn't get very far. So decided to do it in the morning when we had more time.

 

[ankersandrew]

We had asked on the Saturday if there was any extra time we could have in our room as our flight wasn't till 8pm and Disney Magical Express wasn't getting us till 4.15. They said although they were full we could leave at 1pm - Fantastic

We packed and er well repacked, sat on each others cases to get them to shut and lock, god help us in the airport. Only just managed to get everything in leaving the usual shampoo, shower gel and other bits behind.

Checked out, and waiting in the café, where we had lunch and of course made full use of the free drinks while we can. I even managed a Mickey Ice Cream Bar. Kept ourselves busy for the rest of the time waiting, but it wasn't that long at all.

Went to our meeting point and waited for the bus



The driver took our bags and told us it was drop 2 for Virgin

We left the resort happy but tired and made our way to pick up and a couple of other resorts before going to the airport.

Once at the airport he announced which airlines would be living from this point, I wasn't really listening as he had told us drop to, but I swear he said Virgin Atlantic?

I went to check and I was right he had got it wrong. Apparently they have moved where Virgin flies from - Really?

No matter we get out our bags, wander inside to ask which way to go, they had no idea so we suddenly see red - Virgin red

The staff welcomed us in and tried to sell us an upgrade, nah your alright. The moment of worry as the suitcases go on. How much is this going to cost us extra.

Julies was 24.7kg mine 24.4kg and waited, she printed our cards and told us which way to go. Confused we walked off and quickly joined the security queue just in case they change there mind about charging us.

We go through security, very calmly, but I get my hands swabbed for drugs. Julies hand luggage (which had a lot of sweets in) set the alarm off and had to be searched. I said good luck with that. The lady searching opened it to find our trick or treat sweets, various gifts for family, and about a pound of fudge. She was amazed we could lift it and of course we had to try and put it all back in to shut it.

As we left security we bump into Lisa and Dave, who we hadn't seen for ages. Part of there holiday was a trip to Miami and a Cruise. They had asked us to get her niece a Flounder fish from Little Mermaid, so we exchanged.

Spoke about each others holiday and shortly after we were on the plane.

Flight was ok nothing to really write home about, the usual food, I managed to watch a few films to pass the time. Quite smooth, and landed on time.

Through security and customs in Manchester quickly, got bags not to bad, and then off to ring the hotel to pick us up to collect our car. By the time we had found and walked to the meeting place for the hotel bus it was there.

The driver remembered us, well how could you not remember me. Took us back, collected our keys from reception and went on our way home.

 

[ankersandrew]

Now before I start here is a disclaimer. These are my own opinions which some might like and some may not. That is your choice but with all the reviews I do I try to be as open and honest as I can be.

Also try and remember I will see things differently than an average family, we don't have children, I also have been bought up in the theatre and entertainment industry, have also worked in the entertainment industry for 2 decades and also worked at 2 different UK theme parks totally 5 years in that style of entertainment.

So here goes.

Magic Bands - I love them, I feel they could be slightly more flexible plastic but the technology is brilliant. It never failed once.

My Disney Experience - on the whole I didn't have that many issues, there were a few days where it was totally messed up and the app and website had totally different information about the day for me. But a quick trip to customer service and it was all sorted. The app I do have an issue with, its needs to work all the time. We only changed a few items before we went out and some days it just wouldn't let you on.

Fast Passes - As a UK theme park goer (in my youth) if you wanted fast passes you paid for them, getting at least 3 a day was brilliant. Although we were very laid back about getting on as many things. But I think over all we did.

All Stars Movie Resort - OK we knew what we were getting when we booked. The room was well maintained and cleaned every day. The usual black marks you get on tiles in UK hotel showers, just wasn't there. Yes the carpet was slightly loosing its life but there were no holes in it. Fridge in room, ample room for 2. Food court - well its ok, not a great menu, but we didn't eat here that often, mainly as we couldn't be bothered to go else where.

Resort Bus - We never waited more than 10mins for a bus, yes some times they were packed but its not that long a journey to anywhere.

Memory Maker / Photopass - This even for a couple is worth its money. We had some amazing pictures taken and truly believe that we did get our moneys worth. The ride pictures, and all the other little shots are great little reminders.

Shipping Shopping - Shipping shopping back to your resort, worth staying on Disney property for this alone, we must have used this most days. Its a god send.

Cast Members - On the whole very good, nothing special though. Maybe I expected something different from them. Or they are made out sometimes to be. Yes the service was generally good, but I expect that when ever I'm in America.

Smoking Areas - Now I'm not a smoker but my partner is. I don't see why they have to be so bloody hard to find them. The hours we sent in various parks trying to find them It is beyond a joke. But then some just don't make sense. The one that goes behind the castle as you walk down to main street when the underpass is blocked due to the show. Making all them non smokers walk through everyone's smoke?

Unhappiness - "The Happiest Place On Earth" is the tagline for Disney. You need to tell some of the guests that. As we were here for 2 weeks we were able to take it more a slower pace than some people. The amount of arguments, crying from both adults and children, was amazing. Now I'm not trying to find glee in peoples misfortune but come on chill out. People rushing from 1 attraction to another, moaning when the line for Its a small world is 15mins long. I even heard 1 guest have an argument with a cast member cause it was raining. We were in what is considered to be a slow time of year (end of Sept beginning October) I would not like to see it when its at its high season.

Universal / Islands of Adventure - Touchy subject I know, but we found we had a better 2 days there, didn't see so many arguments, no crying, not as many mobility scooters. Maybe because its generally seen as a older persons park? Not as many kids?

So yes I had a really good holiday, yes we really enjoyed the experience, but no we will never be Disney fans. We could become very easily Universal fans. We will do this again but not for a good few years. Planning versus not planning, well yes you need to have a rough idea of what you would like to achieve, but keep it in with the world of possibility not fantasy. We picked the right time of year and think we got value for money and got most of what we wanted to do done. We have met some lovely people on our holiday, in ride queues or at smoking areas, and still love to travel across America. We will take away some fantastic memories, and I can understand the appeal that draws you back time after time, but the bug hasn't bitten me.

Hope you have enjoyed my ramblings over the last week or two and will of course take any questions to help anybody plan there trip. We have decided its been 5 years since we have been to New York so that will be next years trip. Thanks for the Dis community, without there help it wouldn't have been as fun.

So does Disney have to be so taxing? I think it shouldn't be but it is

 

[stephensmum]

Thanks for taking the time to do your trip report. I have really enjoyed it

 

[petals]

great trip report. Love the minions photo and the grumpy t-shirt btw

 

[bex7583]

really enjoyed your report

 

[Mrs Doubtfire]

Enjoyed your report and my first thought when i started was i wondered how you would view WDW given your background so it was good to read your final summary. Thanks for sharing