Final Thoughts

[cazzie]

Some final comments on the holiday.

Radisson Barcelo

This was a good hotel but like most of the hotels on the I Drive it is a bit tired looking. The room was clean and the service was excellent. We thought the pool was small for the size of the hotel but did have nice gardens. It had a pool bar but this rarely opened which could be frustrating. As a base it was good enough and I would stay there again.

The hotel is not in a good position for using the I Trolley as it normally fills up at the top of the drive and so you are either squeezed on (literally) or end up waiting for another. We used to wait for the Lynx bus as it was never as packed and more comfortable.


International Drive

I love staying on the drive. The only down side for us is not driving which meant that some days getting to Disney could be testing. We did think about staying on site next time but unless we drive I think we would be better here as it means we can get to the outlets etc easier. We found the Drive a lot busier than earlier in the year and therefore the I trolley could be packed, one day it was so bad you could hardly move an inch and although people were complaining the driver still let people on.

Best Bits

Definitely the water parks I am not normally a big fan of these and avoid them like the plague but I not only found them fun but relaxing too. The parades / shows, I don’t know if I have a favourite as they are all different, I loved Stars and Motors Parade and Fantasmic and Spectromagic and Wishes…..


Worst Bits

The heat, it was a little too hot for me and I don’t think I would go this time of year again, when we went in April / May it was hot but not uncomfortable which I sometimes found this was.
Taking 2 hours to get to Disney one day.
Of course I cannot close this bit without adding the dreaded Revenge of the Mummy and the Chair Lifts at Blizzard Beach; for shear fright I think that maybe the chair lifts could win it.


Thanks for taking the time to read and comment.

This is my favorite photo.

 

[wilma-bride]

Thanks for your final thoughts Cazzie. That is an absolutely fantastic photo - was that taken in the underwater tank at the Shamu Stadium or somewhere else?

I agree with your sentiments on the I-Ride trolley, although DH and I found it frustrating when everyone would congregate at the front of the bus, leaving loads of room at the back and then not move up when more people got on. Loads of people were moaning at the driver for letting people on but one of the drivers told us that they know how many people they can hold, both sitting and standing and until they really are full they have to keep letting people on. We actually didn't mind when the trolleys were packed as long as the driver had a sense of humour, which they generally do.

 

[cazzie]

Joh the photo was taken in the underwater viewing area at the Shamu stadium.

I agree about the trolley, it was so frustrating sometimes especially when one driver wouldn't let anyone on after us but when we looked there was loads of space at the back the people just wouldn't move back. One time coming back from SW was the worst we were at the back and you literally couldn't move and in the end people were getting a bit tetchy. I cannot understand why they don't put a few more on as they must know the busy times. The drivers on the trolleys are much friendlier than the Lynx bus drivers.

 

[wilma-bride]

They do put more trolleys on at the busy times - usually they run every 15 minutes but at busy times, they are normally every 5 minutes. The trouble is, people are impatient and always want to get on the first bus they see. When coming back from Sea World, we always let everyone pile on the first one and just wait another 5 minutes for the next, so we are first in line and get to sit down - crafty eh?

 

[Minniespal]

Thanx Cazzie ~ I have really enjoyed reading your reviews.

 

[mandymouse]

Cazzie, thank you for taking the time to write your trip reports, they have been great to read and the photos have been fab

 

[carolfoy]

Wonderful last piccie Cazzie, thank you

 

[Cyrano]

Cazzie great final update.
I agree that is a brillant photograph. My DS (5) loves it

Reid

 

[wicket2005]

Thanks Cazzie. It must have been dreadful taking 2 hours to get to Disney one day, what a nightmare.

 

[KayleeUK]

Cazzie I love that piccie too !!! Thanks for sharing.