micksn
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Nov 23, 2010
- Messages
- 1,096
Got back last night from a 2 night stay at the Santa Fe with DD and her BF (Age 17/18) We arrived at 5.30 on Tuesday and left at 2.45 on Thursday so a quick visit. I booked for 1 person and bought 2 Francilian AP's online for myself and DD. This would be our last shareholders visit as I only have 5 shares and bought it using the old 2 year membership.
Highs
The Santa Fe - love the new refurbishment. From the outside the buildings look much prettier with their toned paint work and silhouettes all lit up. The room furnishings, particularly the bathroom were great too. We had a great building in 33 (Mater) on the corner of the river and walkway to the main building so really easy to get about. I love the walk to and from the parks along the river especially in the Autumn.
The Disneyland Park - Looked amazing with it's Autumnal and Halloween decorations in the sunshine. We were last there for Halloween 2 years ago and they've improved since then. I loved the parade, lovely catchy song and great fun. I watched it from outside Pizzeria Bella Notte and standing on a wall at the castle stage. We also watched the villains parade in the morning which was fun.
The Ratatouille area - Wow! This looked great, reminded me of the France area in Epcot. We eventually rode it in single riders line and waited for about 30 minutes. I loved the ride - very clever and great attention to detail. The restaurant looked good - can't wait to try it!
Attractions - Despite it being very very busy we managed to do everything we wanted to. All rollar coasters, TOT, I tried RC Racer for the first time
, Pirates and Phantom Manor, BTM in the dark and most of Fantasyland.
Dreams - Only saw it once from tables outside Plaza Gardens, slightly obscured view but very relaxing.
RS transports - Waiting with board in arrivals earlier than stated on confirmation and very prompt collection. We had booked shared, but didn't share either way.
Lows
AP's - As it was blockout days and we had Francilians we had to explain to CM's on the gates and show EasyPass which was a pain. This was ok most times except morning in Studios when CM had to call for supervisor to confirm. We got in ok but we missed our rope drop advantage and were along way back in queue for Crush.
Studios FP's - There were no FP's for Ratatouille on Wednesday as they had to honour FP's from previous day. Also it wasn't working in the morning. Single rider line was 80 minutes when we went back. We finally rode at night with 35 minute Single rider line. The first issue for other FP's was return after 11.30 so only managed one set. All down to how busy it was.
Crowds - I suppose it's a good thing that DLP is so popular it can only help with future investment. But it would be nice to go at a quieter time. I'm a teacher so no chance for a long time.
We had very little sleep and very sore feet, but had a great time! We ate at Casey's, Blockbuster Cafe, Cafe Mickey and Lucky Nuggett all were fine, but not exceptional. I liked Lucky Nugget best. It was good to use shareholders and AP discount. We used Salon Mickey's both mornings and had lovely muffins, coffee and hot chocolate, it will be sad not to use it next time.
Next trip - Family visit in February at Davy Crockett - Well those AP's don't use themselves
Highs
The Santa Fe - love the new refurbishment. From the outside the buildings look much prettier with their toned paint work and silhouettes all lit up. The room furnishings, particularly the bathroom were great too. We had a great building in 33 (Mater) on the corner of the river and walkway to the main building so really easy to get about. I love the walk to and from the parks along the river especially in the Autumn.
The Disneyland Park - Looked amazing with it's Autumnal and Halloween decorations in the sunshine. We were last there for Halloween 2 years ago and they've improved since then. I loved the parade, lovely catchy song and great fun. I watched it from outside Pizzeria Bella Notte and standing on a wall at the castle stage. We also watched the villains parade in the morning which was fun.
The Ratatouille area - Wow! This looked great, reminded me of the France area in Epcot. We eventually rode it in single riders line and waited for about 30 minutes. I loved the ride - very clever and great attention to detail. The restaurant looked good - can't wait to try it!
Attractions - Despite it being very very busy we managed to do everything we wanted to. All rollar coasters, TOT, I tried RC Racer for the first time
, Pirates and Phantom Manor, BTM in the dark and most of Fantasyland.Dreams - Only saw it once from tables outside Plaza Gardens, slightly obscured view but very relaxing.
RS transports - Waiting with board in arrivals earlier than stated on confirmation and very prompt collection. We had booked shared, but didn't share either way.
Lows
AP's - As it was blockout days and we had Francilians we had to explain to CM's on the gates and show EasyPass which was a pain. This was ok most times except morning in Studios when CM had to call for supervisor to confirm. We got in ok but we missed our rope drop advantage and were along way back in queue for Crush.
Studios FP's - There were no FP's for Ratatouille on Wednesday as they had to honour FP's from previous day. Also it wasn't working in the morning. Single rider line was 80 minutes when we went back. We finally rode at night with 35 minute Single rider line. The first issue for other FP's was return after 11.30 so only managed one set. All down to how busy it was.
Crowds - I suppose it's a good thing that DLP is so popular it can only help with future investment. But it would be nice to go at a quieter time. I'm a teacher so no chance for a long time.
We had very little sleep and very sore feet, but had a great time! We ate at Casey's, Blockbuster Cafe, Cafe Mickey and Lucky Nuggett all were fine, but not exceptional. I liked Lucky Nugget best. It was good to use shareholders and AP discount. We used Salon Mickey's both mornings and had lovely muffins, coffee and hot chocolate, it will be sad not to use it next time.
Next trip - Family visit in February at Davy Crockett - Well those AP's don't use themselves
Thanks for sharing. 
