subtchr
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Dec 31, 2005
- Messages
- 3,851
Hi, All,
I have the best job ever, tour director for high school music groups. March is our busiest month because of spring break trips, and this March was my favorite in many years. I took one group from Texas to California March 5-10, and that included two days at DLR. Then March 13-19 I took another Texas group to WDW. After a quick turnaround, I took an Indiana group to WDW March 22-27. All were great groups, with polite, enthusiastic students and wonderful staff and parents.
Before anyone gets TOO jealous, I did have to spend 70+ hours on charter buses, including 4 overnights, to get the last two groups to and from WDW. For the CA trip, the group flew, but even that had its challenges, including the hassle of getting 150 people on three different flights on three different airlines! But the trips were definitely worth the loss of sleep and the hassles. I mean, when it comes down to it, I get paid to go to Disney!
A few random thoughts, some pertaining to group travel, some to solo touring, and some just general observations…
DLR was a lot of fun, but there are many attraction closures right now to prepare for the 60th anniversary coming up in May. Knowing that going in, I enjoyed what was open! DLR notes:
- Fantasmic! at DL is amazing, quite a bit more enjoyable than at DHS. Same story, but some different elements, and when the boats come by, it’s as if you can touch them! It’s a much more intimate experience than the huge amphitheater at DHS. And we used FP for the show, so we had fantastic seats. I also LOVED how they required the first few rows in our FP area to sit on the ground. If you wanted to stand, you had to go toward the back of the area. Made the viewing so much more pleasurable!
Untitled by suegee57, on Flickr
Untitled by suegee57, on Flickr
Untitled by suegee57, on Flickr
Unfortunately, World of Color was still closed when we were there. I adore that show and look forward to seeing it again next time.
- It was fun using FP- again, especially since you could double them up between the two parks (the parks are disconnected in the FP system). With only a 100 yard walk between gates, going back and forth is manageable!
- I didn’t like that the only character they draw for the Animation Academy at DCA is Olaf. I mean, I enjoyed drawing him, but I like to go several times during a visit.
Untitled by suegee57, on Flickr
DCA is becoming one of my favorite parks. Aladdin is a fantastic musical show, and Carsland is masterfully themed. Churro bites with Mexican chocolate dipping sauce = perfection.
Untitled by suegee57, on Flickr
Untitled by suegee57, on Flickr
Untitled by suegee57, on Flickr
WDW Notes:
- I stayed at Pop with the first group and ASMu with the second. I enjoy both resorts, and the kids love the pools and food courts. Pop gets the nod as my favorite, though, because of the dedicated bus service to and from all parks. Sorry, but there are just too many people staying at the All Stars to have shared buses.
- Overall, Disney transportation was fine. Mostly friendly drivers, only a couple of longish waits.
- This was my first time using Magic Bands. I took several groups last year, but they all stayed offsite. They are still working out the kinks with using MBs for large groups; they received gray ones as their room keys, but are not yet able to link to their MDX. For park entry and FP+ they have to use the cards. We are hoping they have that worked out by next spring. Luckily, as an individual booking, I was able to link and use my MB.
- As a solo traveler, I had great luck with FP+. I didn’t book until 2 or 3 weeks out, and got everything I wanted, which included TSMM, 7DMT & Soarin’, but not A&E. I also ended up adjusting many of my FP+ the day of or the day before, because of changing plans with the group. No problems. There were times that the app wasn’t working well, in which case I just used my browser to access the site.
- For my 4th and subsequent FP+ some days, I had some good luck also. I’m a big Buzz fan, can usually max my score once or twice on a trip. So a couple of nights I was late in the MK, I could get a FP+ for Buzz for within a few minutes of the time I was at the kiosk, ride the ride, then go back to the kiosk and get another. At Epcot, I had even better luck. My last day, I used my 3 DHS FP+ between 10 and 1, then went to Epcot and was able to get a LWtL FP+ for 5 minutes later. On a whim, I went back to the kiosk after that to see what was available, and I was able to get a Soarin’ FP for 10 minutes later! It was funny, the CM at the kiosk and I were both quick to snatch that one! She was funny, said not many people would realize how quickly they have to act to get that before it disappears.
- I know many people are sick of Frozen, but I admit that I went to the sing-along at both DCA and DHS (once each week). I highly recommend it for any age. The “historians” are hilarious, and the best part is watching the little girls “living their dream” — I especially love the ones who know not only all the words, but also every gesture. So much positive energy, what’s not to like?
Untitled by suegee57, on Flickr
- Festival of the Lion King remains the best live show on Disney property. Period.
Untitled by suegee57, on Flickr
Untitled by suegee57, on Flickr
- Part of my group went to La Nouba last Wednesday. I had stressed that they had to give themselves plenty of time to get there, and I am glad I did. DTD buses were few and far between, the traffic and roundabout routes they take to get there meant a 45 minute drive from ASMu, and the walk from the Marketplace bus stop to the La Nouba theater is long. Yes, I could have told them to go to SSR and take the boat, or numerous other options, but giving a group too many options just leads to confusion! There are now glimpses of how cool Disney Springs is going to be in a couple years, but it’s still a bit of a mess.
- I am often in Epcot during F&G, since it is our busiest season. I was disappointed with the special food offerings this year; there seemed to be more emphasis on drinks, and unfortunately, when I am at WDW for work, I can’t exactly imbibe! I did love the lavender lemonade slushie at International Gateway:
Untitled by suegee57, on Flickr
LARGE GROUP NOTES
(I’ll do this in a separate section, because I realize it may have a limited audience.)
- I am never disappointed with the Disney Performing Arts folks. Their genuine enthusiasm and expertise ensure that every student who participates has an experience that is a memory of a lifetime. I had a concert band that participated in a workshop at DL, a concert band that performed at Epcot, a handbell choir who performed at Epcot, and a musical theater group who had a workshop at Saratoga Springs. All had a blast!
- We did some terrific special activities, organized through the special event folks at Disney, who are wonderful. This included a 7:30 am buffet breakfast in Backlot Express, followed by a ride on TSMM before the park was open. We were even able to hop back in line and get a second ride before the park opened and the crowd filled the line. So much fun! We capped the final night with a buffet dinner on a patio near the bridge between France and the UK, a special viewing of Illuminations from there, and a final ride on Soarin’ after park closing before boarding our bus to head back to Indiana. Needless to say, the group loved it!
Untitled by suegee57, on Flickr
Untitled by suegee57, on Flickr
Untitled by suegee57, on Flickr
- I tried a few different restaurants this time, especially during my middle trip. I rarely do TS, because our meal “plans” involve receiving either Disney dining gift cards or student meal vouchers, and TS are not exactly within either budget! There are times I splurge out of my own pocket, of course, but I go often enough that I know I can get some great meals at QS places. When we get the Dining cards, which are good at any dining location, I mix it up. But when we get the vouchers, which are good for an entree, drink, and dessert at designated restaurants, I make it my mission to maximize the value! This often means going to a resort, and this time I did Boardwalk Bakery and Contempo Cafe, where I had lobster rolls and cupcakes both places. (Not the same day, I promise!) Another fave is Tamu Tamu Refreshments at AK, for the chicken curry and chocolate milkshake (that tastes just like a Wendy’s frosty!)
I could write forever (obviously), and I’d be happy to answer any questions anyone has. It has been a fun spring! I’ll be back to WDW in May and again in June and November. I love my job!
I have the best job ever, tour director for high school music groups. March is our busiest month because of spring break trips, and this March was my favorite in many years. I took one group from Texas to California March 5-10, and that included two days at DLR. Then March 13-19 I took another Texas group to WDW. After a quick turnaround, I took an Indiana group to WDW March 22-27. All were great groups, with polite, enthusiastic students and wonderful staff and parents.
Before anyone gets TOO jealous, I did have to spend 70+ hours on charter buses, including 4 overnights, to get the last two groups to and from WDW. For the CA trip, the group flew, but even that had its challenges, including the hassle of getting 150 people on three different flights on three different airlines! But the trips were definitely worth the loss of sleep and the hassles. I mean, when it comes down to it, I get paid to go to Disney!
A few random thoughts, some pertaining to group travel, some to solo touring, and some just general observations…
DLR was a lot of fun, but there are many attraction closures right now to prepare for the 60th anniversary coming up in May. Knowing that going in, I enjoyed what was open! DLR notes:
- Fantasmic! at DL is amazing, quite a bit more enjoyable than at DHS. Same story, but some different elements, and when the boats come by, it’s as if you can touch them! It’s a much more intimate experience than the huge amphitheater at DHS. And we used FP for the show, so we had fantastic seats. I also LOVED how they required the first few rows in our FP area to sit on the ground. If you wanted to stand, you had to go toward the back of the area. Made the viewing so much more pleasurable!
Untitled by suegee57, on FlickrUntitled by suegee57, on FlickrUntitled by suegee57, on FlickrUnfortunately, World of Color was still closed when we were there. I adore that show and look forward to seeing it again next time.
- It was fun using FP- again, especially since you could double them up between the two parks (the parks are disconnected in the FP system). With only a 100 yard walk between gates, going back and forth is manageable!
- I didn’t like that the only character they draw for the Animation Academy at DCA is Olaf. I mean, I enjoyed drawing him, but I like to go several times during a visit.
Untitled by suegee57, on FlickrDCA is becoming one of my favorite parks. Aladdin is a fantastic musical show, and Carsland is masterfully themed. Churro bites with Mexican chocolate dipping sauce = perfection.
Untitled by suegee57, on FlickrUntitled by suegee57, on FlickrUntitled by suegee57, on FlickrWDW Notes:
- I stayed at Pop with the first group and ASMu with the second. I enjoy both resorts, and the kids love the pools and food courts. Pop gets the nod as my favorite, though, because of the dedicated bus service to and from all parks. Sorry, but there are just too many people staying at the All Stars to have shared buses.
- Overall, Disney transportation was fine. Mostly friendly drivers, only a couple of longish waits.
- This was my first time using Magic Bands. I took several groups last year, but they all stayed offsite. They are still working out the kinks with using MBs for large groups; they received gray ones as their room keys, but are not yet able to link to their MDX. For park entry and FP+ they have to use the cards. We are hoping they have that worked out by next spring. Luckily, as an individual booking, I was able to link and use my MB.
- As a solo traveler, I had great luck with FP+. I didn’t book until 2 or 3 weeks out, and got everything I wanted, which included TSMM, 7DMT & Soarin’, but not A&E. I also ended up adjusting many of my FP+ the day of or the day before, because of changing plans with the group. No problems. There were times that the app wasn’t working well, in which case I just used my browser to access the site.
- For my 4th and subsequent FP+ some days, I had some good luck also. I’m a big Buzz fan, can usually max my score once or twice on a trip. So a couple of nights I was late in the MK, I could get a FP+ for Buzz for within a few minutes of the time I was at the kiosk, ride the ride, then go back to the kiosk and get another. At Epcot, I had even better luck. My last day, I used my 3 DHS FP+ between 10 and 1, then went to Epcot and was able to get a LWtL FP+ for 5 minutes later. On a whim, I went back to the kiosk after that to see what was available, and I was able to get a Soarin’ FP for 10 minutes later! It was funny, the CM at the kiosk and I were both quick to snatch that one! She was funny, said not many people would realize how quickly they have to act to get that before it disappears.
- I know many people are sick of Frozen, but I admit that I went to the sing-along at both DCA and DHS (once each week). I highly recommend it for any age. The “historians” are hilarious, and the best part is watching the little girls “living their dream” — I especially love the ones who know not only all the words, but also every gesture. So much positive energy, what’s not to like?
Untitled by suegee57, on Flickr- Festival of the Lion King remains the best live show on Disney property. Period.
Untitled by suegee57, on FlickrUntitled by suegee57, on Flickr- Part of my group went to La Nouba last Wednesday. I had stressed that they had to give themselves plenty of time to get there, and I am glad I did. DTD buses were few and far between, the traffic and roundabout routes they take to get there meant a 45 minute drive from ASMu, and the walk from the Marketplace bus stop to the La Nouba theater is long. Yes, I could have told them to go to SSR and take the boat, or numerous other options, but giving a group too many options just leads to confusion! There are now glimpses of how cool Disney Springs is going to be in a couple years, but it’s still a bit of a mess.
- I am often in Epcot during F&G, since it is our busiest season. I was disappointed with the special food offerings this year; there seemed to be more emphasis on drinks, and unfortunately, when I am at WDW for work, I can’t exactly imbibe! I did love the lavender lemonade slushie at International Gateway:
Untitled by suegee57, on FlickrLARGE GROUP NOTES
(I’ll do this in a separate section, because I realize it may have a limited audience.)
- I am never disappointed with the Disney Performing Arts folks. Their genuine enthusiasm and expertise ensure that every student who participates has an experience that is a memory of a lifetime. I had a concert band that participated in a workshop at DL, a concert band that performed at Epcot, a handbell choir who performed at Epcot, and a musical theater group who had a workshop at Saratoga Springs. All had a blast!
- We did some terrific special activities, organized through the special event folks at Disney, who are wonderful. This included a 7:30 am buffet breakfast in Backlot Express, followed by a ride on TSMM before the park was open. We were even able to hop back in line and get a second ride before the park opened and the crowd filled the line. So much fun! We capped the final night with a buffet dinner on a patio near the bridge between France and the UK, a special viewing of Illuminations from there, and a final ride on Soarin’ after park closing before boarding our bus to head back to Indiana. Needless to say, the group loved it!
Untitled by suegee57, on FlickrUntitled by suegee57, on FlickrUntitled by suegee57, on Flickr- I tried a few different restaurants this time, especially during my middle trip. I rarely do TS, because our meal “plans” involve receiving either Disney dining gift cards or student meal vouchers, and TS are not exactly within either budget! There are times I splurge out of my own pocket, of course, but I go often enough that I know I can get some great meals at QS places. When we get the Dining cards, which are good at any dining location, I mix it up. But when we get the vouchers, which are good for an entree, drink, and dessert at designated restaurants, I make it my mission to maximize the value! This often means going to a resort, and this time I did Boardwalk Bakery and Contempo Cafe, where I had lobster rolls and cupcakes both places. (Not the same day, I promise!) Another fave is Tamu Tamu Refreshments at AK, for the chicken curry and chocolate milkshake (that tastes just like a Wendy’s frosty!)
I could write forever (obviously), and I’d be happy to answer any questions anyone has. It has been a fun spring! I’ll be back to WDW in May and again in June and November. I love my job!
