Highs and lows of recent trip

[Happy Tappy]

We got back on Sunday from an excellent trip to the magic.

We (me, gf, DS4, DD2) stayed in Coronado Springs for 2 weeks. Our trip was mainly for Disney but we did manage a day at Sea World and lots of shopping! We took things a lot slower than most due to the ages of our kids.

Highs:

• Just being there! - I've wanted to go for so long and we were very lucky to finally have the chance to go.
• Thomas Cook - We flew on the new (ex-BMI) plane and it was excellent, lots of leg room and decent IFE. No complaints.
• Fastpass+ - I know a lot of people don't like it but I thought it was amazing. We didn't really queue for anything! We really took advantage of the additional rolling FP. A typical day would see us get 5 or 6 FP's. I loved the flexibility and would often change our FP's on the go from my phone.
• Anna & Elsa M&G - My daughter is Frozen mad! We were lucky to get a FP for this which meant we could see them with only a 2 minute wait, the standby line was 4.5 hours!!!
• Memory Maker - We got some amazing pictures. I'd certainly buy it again.
• Chef Mickey - We visited on the morning of our first full day. It was the perfect start to the holiday. We got a table with an MK view which made it extra special! The interaction with the characters was fantastic.
• Pirates League - My son got the Jake package and he absolutely loved it. At $45 (including a T-Shirt) I actually thought it was pretty good value (for Disney!
• Celebration - We made a quick unplanned stop in Celebration that we all really enjoyed. It's soooo pretty! We walked around the lake, got ice creams and then let the kids play in the fountain. It was a very nice night and made a nice change to the chaos of the parks!
• Shopping - I've pretty much got myself a whole new wardrobe! Converse were doing t-shirts for $5 each, also got a nice new pair of trainers, new jeans and more tops than I can count!
• T-Rex - My kids absolutely love it, my son hasn't stopped telling his friends that he ate with dinosaurs! Really good experience.
• Resort busses - We had a car but decided to make use of the resort busses to get to the parks. We never waited more than 10 minutes and were always able to get a seat. Only problem was Downtown Disney bus (see lows!)

Lows:

• Stupid CM - He was trying to control the crowd before wishes to keep a path clear, he fell back and landed on my daughter in her pram. He didn't even offer an apology or check how she was, he just walked off. I was absolutely fuming.
• Weather - We had 2 days of very poor weather. One day it rained constantly but we had the Anna & Elsa FP at 3pm so we couldn't leave the park
• Sci-Fi Diner - I thought this would be a highlight but we were really disappointed. The food was average (at best) the server wasn't great and there was no atmosphere in there whatsoever.
• Downtown Disney - Where to start! The place is like a building site at them moment. The first time we tried to visit it was impossible to get a parking space. We tried for 20 minutes but couldn't get one. On our next visit we got the bus. All the park buses were quiet so we thought it'd be ok, it wasn't! The buses come full! It was hard just to get on one. Once on, it seemed to take an eternity to get there despite the fact it was only a 5 minute drive normally. The queue at Downtown for the bus back was a nightmare and not easy with 2 very sleepy kids!
• Having to go home

All in all, it was a great trip and we've got enough memories to last a lifetime.

 

[disneyholic family]

welcome back!!
sounds like a wonderful holiday!!!!

glad to hear FP+ worked so well for you!!

as for your lows - DTD is notorious for bad bus service - and it doesn't matter which resort you're in. One year, we waited an hour and a half to get on a bus to POR-riverside!!

i'm really surprised at the CM. They're usually so good at times like that. At the very least apologising profusely, and sometimes offering some sort of little gift (be it a FP or a sticker or something). surprising!
but good you didn't let it ruin your stay.

 

[wilma-bride]

Welcome back. Glad to see so many 'highs' on your list.

The Downtown Disney buses are a complete nightmare. When I went in March, we frequently waited almost an hour for a bus to our resort and, sharing with four other resorts meant that often the journey back from DTD would take well over 90 minutes. Luckily, we were just two adults, no small children in tow, however not very pleasant even for us. And only part of it is to do with the building work. The buses are taking a back route to bypass the roadworks, which does make the journey ther longer but, even so, as Beth has said the DTD buses are notoriously bad - always!

 

[Linda67]

Thanks for you highs and lows - sounds like a great trip

 

[Julia Ann]

Welcome home.

Glad you had a good flight with TC, we are booked as package so was good to hear positive feedback about the flight.

Sorry to hear about the cast member falling on your daughter, an apology takes nothing!

Top of my list is to obtain the Frozen sisters meet and greet fast pass, wish me luck on day 60 to go!

Hmmmmm interesting feedback about the bus to/from DTD, we were hoping to use the transport (as not driving) from/to Art of Animation. Lets hope there's some improvement come October!

 

[DLPDreams]

Sounds like a great trip overall. Will you be going back? Or, was it a once in a lifetime trip? I am fairly sure ours will be, but I know what I'm like, and once I've been, I'll probably want to go back. Considering the amount of times we've done DLP - it will be hard not to want to return!!

Glad to hear Chef Mickey was good - we've decided to give it a miss - think I've been scarred by too many terrible Cafe Mickey experiences at DLP . But it does look a fun place. I might change my mind nearer the time

Probably more a qu for the return visitors on here - do you think the boat from OKW will be a better bet for DTD? I have read they take it off frequently if they think it will be stormy - which clearly happens a lot in August! So, I'm worried our only choice will be the resort bus!?

When is the work scheduled to be finished - we go August 2015, so hoping the majority is done by then!

 

[Happy Tappy]

Sounds like a great trip overall. Will you be going back? Or, was it a once in a lifetime trip? I am fairly sure ours will be, but I know what I'm like, and once I've been, I'll probably want to go back. Considering the amount of times we've done DLP - it will be hard not to want to return!!

We were extreme lucky to get the trip, we won it in a magazine! We had been planning to go for some time but had failed to save enough. A week before we won I'd actually been pricing up a trip and had nearly pulled the trigger!

We'll almost certainly go again but when the kids are a bit older, probably in 4 or 5 years. In the meantime we'll stick with our annual trips to DLP - or little Disney as my son now calls it

Glad to hear Chef Mickey was good - we've decided to give it a miss - think I've been scarred by too many terrible Cafe Mickey experiences at DLP . But it does look a fun place. I might change my mind nearer the time

Chef Mickey is a million times better than Cafe Mickey! It's supremely organised!

They seem to have split the restaurant into about 5 sections and they fill each section in order (so fill one then move to the next one). They then send the characters around that section to meet the guests. It seemed like most families got to see their first character around 10 minutes after sitting down. This was just enough time to get your first plate of food. There's 5 characters in total and they'll come at 5-10 minute intervals. Each character will stay at a table for around a minute.

Disney must have spent some time orchestrating it all because it worked perfectly. They must have calculated the average visit time and how long it takes for a character to do a lap. Each character followed the same path which helped it feel less like a free for all.

I've made it sound like a military operation but it works so well and the process is seamless to the average guest.

I've lost count of the amount of times a character has bypassed our table at Cafe Mickey! Kids also seem more respectful and wait for the characters to come to their table. So you don't get loads of kids eating into your time with the characters.

We really enjoyed it.

 

[Elise79]

We got back on Sunday from an excellent trip to the magic.

We (me, gf, DS4, DD2) stayed in Coronado Springs for 2 weeks. Our trip was mainly for Disney but we did manage a day at Sea World and lots of shopping! We took things a lot slower than most due to the ages of our kids.

Highs:

• Just being there! - I've wanted to go for so long and we were very lucky to finally have the chance to go.
• Thomas Cook - We flew on the new (ex-BMI) plane and it was excellent, lots of leg room and decent IFE. No complaints.
• Fastpass+ - I know a lot of people don't like it but I thought it was amazing. We didn't really queue for anything! We really took advantage of the additional rolling FP. A typical day would see us get 5 or 6 FP's. I loved the flexibility and would often change our FP's on the go from my phone.
• Anna & Elsa M&G - My daughter is Frozen mad! We were lucky to get a FP for this which meant we could see them with only a 2 minute wait, the standby line was 4.5 hours!!!
• Memory Maker - We got some amazing pictures. I'd certainly buy it again.
• Chef Mickey - We visited on the morning of our first full day. It was the perfect start to the holiday. We got a table with an MK view which made it extra special! The interaction with the characters was fantastic.
• Pirates League - My son got the Jake package and he absolutely loved it. At $45 (including a T-Shirt) I actually thought it was pretty good value (for Disney!
• Celebration - We made a quick unplanned stop in Celebration that we all really enjoyed. It's soooo pretty! We walked around the lake, got ice creams and then let the kids play in the fountain. It was a very nice night and made a nice change to the chaos of the parks!
• Shopping - I've pretty much got myself a whole new wardrobe! Converse were doing t-shirts for $5 each, also got a nice new pair of trainers, new jeans and more tops than I can count!
• T-Rex - My kids absolutely love it, my son hasn't stopped telling his friends that he ate with dinosaurs! Really good experience.
• Resort busses - We had a car but decided to make use of the resort busses to get to the parks. We never waited more than 10 minutes and were always able to get a seat. Only problem was Downtown Disney bus (see lows!)

Lows:

• Stupid CM - He was trying to control the crowd before wishes to keep a path clear, he fell back and landed on my daughter in her pram. He didn't even offer an apology or check how she was, he just walked off. I was absolutely fuming.
• Weather - We had 2 days of very poor weather. One day it rained constantly but we had the Anna & Elsa FP at 3pm so we couldn't leave the park
• Sci-Fi Diner - I thought this would be a highlight but we were really disappointed. The food was average (at best) the server wasn't great and there was no atmosphere in there whatsoever.
• Downtown Disney - Where to start! The place is like a building site at them moment. The first time we tried to visit it was impossible to get a parking space. We tried for 20 minutes but couldn't get one. On our next visit we got the bus. All the park buses were quiet so we thought it'd be ok, it wasn't! The buses come full! It was hard just to get on one. Once on, it seemed to take an eternity to get there despite the fact it was only a 5 minute drive normally. The queue at Downtown for the bus back was a nightmare and not easy with 2 very sleepy kids!
• Having to go home

All in all, it was a great trip and we've got enough memories to last a lifetime.

Lots of highs - sounds like you had a great time. CSR was our favourite resort for a long while before we bought DVC.

Welcome home.

Glad you had a good flight with TC, we are booked as package so was good to hear positive feedback about the flight.

Sorry to hear about the cast member falling on your daughter, an apology takes nothing!

Top of my list is to obtain the Frozen sisters meet and greet fast pass, wish me luck on day 60 to go!

Hmmmmm interesting feedback about the bus to/from DTD, we were hoping to use the transport (as not driving) from/to Art of Animation. Lets hope there's some improvement come October!

Buses to DTD have been bad since we started staying onsite in 2006 so it's not a new problem and one that is unlikely to be fixed anytime soon

Sounds like a great trip overall. Will you be going back? Or, was it a once in a lifetime trip? I am fairly sure ours will be, but I know what I'm like, and once I've been, I'll probably want to go back. Considering the amount of times we've done DLP - it will be hard not to want to return!!

Glad to hear Chef Mickey was good - we've decided to give it a miss - think I've been scarred by too many terrible Cafe Mickey experiences at DLP . But it does look a fun place. I might change my mind nearer the time

Probably more a qu for the return visitors on here - do you think the boat from OKW will be a better bet for DTD? I have read they take it off frequently if they think it will be stormy - which clearly happens a lot in August! So, I'm worried our only choice will be the resort bus!?

When is the work scheduled to be finished - we go August 2015, so hoping the majority is done by then!

Building work is expected at DTD into 2016 although some will be finished by next August I am sure other bits will be started!

We have used the bus from OKW to DTD as we wanted the Market place (boat drops at West side which is to opposite side completely - it was fine. Buses to. DTD only run about every 30 minutes so you just expect a wait. Boat is nice if it's running about again I think it's only every 30 minutes (not sure though as I gave never bothered to check as we hardly visit DTD)

 

[MrsWoody]

Thanks for sharing, glad there were so many highs

 

[DLPDreams]

We were extreme lucky to get the trip, we won it in a magazine! We had been planning to go for some time but had failed to save enough. A week before we won I'd actually been pricing up a trip and had nearly pulled the trigger!

We'll almost certainly go again but when the kids are a bit older, probably in 4 or 5 years. In the meantime we'll stick with our annual trips to DLP - or little Disney as my son now calls it



Chef Mickey is a million times better than Cafe Mickey! It's supremely organised!

They seem to have split the restaurant into about 5 sections and they fill each section in order (so fill one then move to the next one). They then send the characters around that section to meet the guests. It seemed like most families got to see their first character around 10 minutes after sitting down. This was just enough time to get your first plate of food. There's 5 characters in total and they'll come at 5-10 minute intervals. Each character will stay at a table for around a minute.

Disney must have spent some time orchestrating it all because it worked perfectly. They must have calculated the average visit time and how long it takes for a character to do a lap. Each character followed the same path which helped it feel less like a free for all.

I've made it sound like a military operation but it works so well and the process is seamless to the average guest.

I've lost count of the amount of times a character has bypassed our table at Cafe Mickey! Kids also seem more respectful and wait for the characters to come to their table. So you don't get loads of kids eating into your time with the characters.

We really enjoyed it.

Wow - how lucky to win the trip!! That would be like a dream come true!

We have waited and waited to visit WDW, mainly because we enjoyed our trips to DLP and that was long enough flight etc for our family. But my children are growing up fast (will be 10 and 7 next year on our trip), and so we've decided the time is right for our family. In addition, it's a special birthday trip for myself and my Mum . I think if you aren't going to go every year (or every other year etc) then you do have to pick an 'optimum' time for your family - and I stress it is for 'your' family so everyone will have a different view on this. My youngest has been a terrible traveller until the last 18 months or so, so I never would have considered a 9 hour + trip with her until now. In addition, oldest will be able to ride everything and youngest most things, so that is a bonus to us. Finally, as a surprise we are booking dolphin swim at DC, children have to be 6 to do this and tbh I will feel happier that they are both of an age where they can swim well.

This trip is a one off - at least it is with this kind of budget!

I *think* I may have one TS credit left (yes, I have them roughly planned already ) so we may go for CM but we have down Tusker House and a few other character meals so I don't know.

Out of interest who did you see there?

Put it this way, it really couldn't get worse than Cafe Mickey could it - really, that place lets DLP down . But I also agree with you - the children there (and their parents) could do with some lessons in respect/privacy/space etc!

I'd love to know how you found WDW compared to DLP but that is a whole different thread and I read so often that you shouldn't compare - but it is only natural!!

DH has vetoed DLP for a few years (think it was the two trips in one year that finished him off ). But I expect we'll get back at some point - busy saving for WDW though, so that is our priority for the next year or so!!

I bet your DS, being the eldest, was in awe!

Building work is expected at DTD into 2016 although some will be finished by next August I am sure other bits will be started!

We have used the bus from OKW to DTD as we wanted the Market place (boat drops at West side which is to opposite side completely - it was fine. Buses to. DTD only run about every 30 minutes so you just expect a wait. Boat is nice if it's running about again I think it's only every 30 minutes (not sure though as I gave never bothered to check as we hardly visit DTD)

Thank you Elise - looks like there is no avoiding the bus to DTD then! Will be nice to try the boat if it is on though.

 

[Elise79]

Chef Mickeys has Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Donald & Goofy

 

[DLPDreams]

Chef Mickeys has Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Donald & Goofy

Thank you . I am still unsure about it, but have a fair amount of time to decide .

 

[Mrs Doubtfire]

I loved reading you highs and lows Wow, congratulations on winning

The only time we caught the bus from CSR was to DTD and it took FOREVER!! The drive was much quicker but we were lucky in getting a parking space near the marketplace each time.

Did you like the resort and pool, my DD enjoyed toasting marshmallows

 

[Happy Tappy]

I'd love to know how you found WDW compared to DLP but that is a whole different thread and I read so often that you shouldn't compare - but it is only natural!!

It's a very different holiday to DLP. You spend far more time outside of the parks (shopping, pool etc...). When I'm at DLP, it's all about the parks!

Almost without exception, if a ride is in both parks it will be better at DLP. E.g. Thunder mountain isn't on an island, guns on Buzz aren't as good, Space Mountain isn't as extreme.

The only ride that I preferred at WDW was Haunted Mansion.

But there's just so many more rides at WDW! Splash Mountain is amazing, the kids love the Little Mermaid ride and Pooh was another favourite.

Then there's Epcot... Truly an amazing place and probably my favourite theme park in the world! I was surprised that it was even my kids favourite park. Every morning my son said he wanted to go to Epcot!

I found it hard to walk around not comparing! As a holiday, WDW is much better but it hasn't lessened my opinion of DLP.

I loved reading you highs and lows Wow, congratulations on winning

The only time we caught the bus from CSR was to DTD and it took FOREVER!! The drive was much quicker but we were lucky in getting a parking space near the marketplace each time.

Did you like the resort and pool, my DD enjoyed toasting marshmallows

Thanks.

We loved CSR. It's a beautiful resort and were really happy with our choice. It's very peaceful and the pool is amazing. We only did the marshmallows once but it was fun. It was also good watching Frozen on the big screen beside the pool.

We were originally booked for AoA but were allowed to upgrade at the last minute. I'm glad we did because we really enjoyed it.

I'm sure AoA is great but there's lots of little things that CSR has over it that make a big difference. Small things like the bus stops being a lot closer (both to your room and the park entrances)

 

[DLPDreams]

It's a very different holiday to DLP. You spend far more time outside of the parks (shopping, pool etc...). When I'm at DLP, it's all about the parks!

Almost without exception, if a ride is in both parks it will be better at DLP. E.g. Thunder mountain isn't on an island, guns on Buzz aren't as good, Space Mountain isn't as extreme.

The only ride that I preferred at WDW was Haunted Mansion.

But there's just so many more rides at WDW! Splash Mountain is amazing, the kids love the Little Mermaid ride and Pooh was another favourite.

Then there's Epcot... Truly an amazing place and probably my favourite theme park in the world! I was surprised that it was even my kids favourite park. Every morning my son said he wanted to go to Epcot!

I found it hard to walk around not comparing! As a holiday, WDW is much better but it hasn't lessened my opinion of DLP.

Thanks for the reply .

Yes, I've seen people mention that before about rides. BTM is probably our favourite family ride at DLP (our record is about 15 times in one day! - VIP FPs!), so I am bracing myself for it not being as good at WDW. But as you say, there are others that aren't at DLP that will be better.

Looking forward to HM as I really don't think it hangs together in French . My children have never been on it in DLP, we'll see if we get them on in WDW. I am also looking forward to their version of Star Tours as the DLP one is so old now!

I think you do compare but come away with the opinion that they are different - European Disney is different but not wrong iyswim. I think it will be a while before we visit DLP again (it will probably take a new attraction to get DH back there ).

So pleased we have WDW to look forward to - just wish we were going this year. But next year means we have more time to save .

 

[penlanspice]

Glad you had a fantastic time, it's always great to hear first timers views as most are amazed at what a great experience it was.
We got back a few days ago and had the same rain, one day it was crazy and didn't let up all day.

 

[disneyholic family]

This trip is a one off - at least it is with this kind of budget!

I *think* I may have one TS credit left (yes, I have them roughly planned already ) so we may go for CM but we have down Tusker House and a few other character meals so I don't know.

Out of interest who did you see there?

Put it this way, it really couldn't get worse than Cafe Mickey could it - really, that place lets DLP down . But I also agree with you - the children there (and their parents) could do with some lessons in respect/privacy/space etc!

I'd love to know how you found WDW compared to DLP but that is a whole different thread and I read so often that you shouldn't compare - but it is only natural!!

It's a very different holiday to DLP. You spend far more time outside of the parks (shopping, pool etc...). When I'm at DLP, it's all about the parks!

Almost without exception, if a ride is in both parks it will be better at DLP. E.g. Thunder mountain isn't on an island, guns on Buzz aren't as good, Space Mountain isn't as extreme.

The only ride that I preferred at WDW was Haunted Mansion.

But there's just so many more rides at WDW! Splash Mountain is amazing, the kids love the Little Mermaid ride and Pooh was another favourite.

Then there's Epcot... Truly an amazing place and probably my favourite theme park in the world! I was surprised that it was even my kids favourite park. Every morning my son said he wanted to go to Epcot!

I found it hard to walk around not comparing! As a holiday, WDW is much better but it hasn't lessened my opinion of DLP.

we love all the parks.....each has something different that we love...
AK is stunningly gorgeous - the landscaping is breathtaking...we just walk through the gates and are already smiling from the beauty of it. And it has our two favorite shows: Festival of the Lion King and Finding Nemo the Musical. And so much else to do.

We also love Epcot - my kids end up spending a huge amount of time in the two Innoventions (east and west). They always have, from when they were very young and still today. also inside The Sea with Nemo & Friends (they love all the science stuff in there and of course, Crush!!).

and the Magic Kingdom is the Magic Kingdom. By the way, we prefer the WDW version of Space Mountain to the one in DLP (if you like the one in DLP, you'll probably like the one in Disneyland in California - it's a lot more extreme). My favorite ride in all WDW is in MK - Splash Mountain.

and Disney Hollywood Studios has my second favorite ride in all WDW - Tower of Terror. We once went on it 17 times in a row!!!!!! Of course, that was when it only had one drop - i doubt i'd be able to do anything close to that the way they have it now!!!!!!!! We did 5 in a row last year and that was pushing it for us!! We also love the street theatre in DHS!! the actors are hysterical!! If you see something going on, stop to listen. They are really very talented!! And if they interact with you, play along!!! they're nuts!!

as for Chef Mickey's - we had dinner there two years ago, when it was all 6 of us. We really enjoyed it! We thought the food was good and we had lots of character time.
But i can't compare it to the Tusker House character meal, as we only had lunch there, not the character breakfast.
by the way, i prefer to have either character lunch or dinner, so as not to 'waste' morning time on a character breakfast. Morning is when the lines are a tad easier. Plus it's so hot, we like to take a very long air conditioned lunch to cool down. It makes it easier to make it through the rest of the day.

We have a quickie breakfast in our rooms (cereal and milk or a bagel, etc.) and then a snack at around 11 or so. And then lunch at 1:30 or 2 and we sit there for a good amount of time (certainly over an hour), drinking our bottomless soft drinks to cool down and replenish the liquids. It's VERYVERY VERY VERY VERY important to drink in orlando if you're there in hot weather!!!!! One lunch we each drank 7 soft drinks we were so hot and thirsty. The drinks are bottomless in the table service restaurants - drink as much as you like. And we did!!

 

[Disneymad]

I haven't done DLP in forever, now you guys are making me want to go back

Glad to hear you enjoyed WDW! Not so nice about the CM :-/

 

[Chilly]

Congrats on winning a holiday, lucky you. Sounds like a great trip. We'll be taking our little girl for the first time next year and she'll be 2 when we go.

Thank you . I am still unsure about it, but have a fair amount of time to decide .

We had great character interaction at Chef Mickeys.