Jules76126
Practically Perfect in Every Way
- Joined
- Apr 3, 2006
- Messages
- 1,368
Hello,
I just returned from my trip which was from November 9 - November 14. I was there with three other girls for my bachelorette party and we had a great time. We stayed at the Beach Club Villas and had absolutely gorgeous weather for most of the trip. The mornings were a little chilly (we are from New England so used to the cold), but usually warmed up by 10:00am. However, the nights were cool once the sun went down and we wished we had packed warmer clothes for nighttime.Nevertheless, we enjoyed the pools during the afternoons and made the most if it. We also ordered from Garden Grocer and it was super easy. Definitely would recommend them. I have not been to Disney since 2009 so Magic Bands, Magical Express, MDE, and FP+ were all new to me. I really enjoyed ME from the airport. It was so convenient. I also liked the MB and having everything in one place. Having the ability to charge back to my credit card was also extremely useful and easy.
A few observations -
The parks were very crowded - more crowded than I have seen them. I do think having Election Day and Veterans Day in the same week, plus the holiday taping added to the craziness. Rope Drop was definitely key. We were able to it TSMM and 7DMT with less than 30 minute waits. I also found that it was fairly easy to make same day FP using MDE while in the parks. I was even able to get Soarin FP the same day. The only rides that were unavailable were TSMM, 7DMT, and Frozen. I know many people don't love the new FP system, but I found it was fine once you got the hang of it. It was nice not having to run to the ride in the morning to get the paper FP. I also found that there were more times available when you check for specific times (like 7:00pm ect) as opposed to morning or evening. And keep checking back. Seems like new times were always being added. We also utilized single rider line EE and TT.
Cast members were all super nice. Didn't encounter any rude people the entire time we were there. We had been wearing t-shirts and headbands that said Bridesmaid on them (I had Mickey ears with a veil attached) and we got tons of congratulation and cute comments. Honestly, fellow guests were the rude ones.
Bag check was fine. The lines moved pretty quickly. I woudl say we waited no more than 5 minutes each time and we went to 2 parks a day. Also many times we were picked to go through the metal detectors and we never had to wait. The parks were also super clean. We always saw someone in the restroom cleaning up and never noticed any trash thrown on the ground.
We did also get lots of pixie dust. We ate the second night at the California grill to watch the MVMCP fireworks and were treated to two free cupcakes for dessert. They were huge. We also received a free cheese plate one afternoon from the Yacht and Beach Club hotel congratulating me on my upcoming wedding. And finally, we were buying a pretzel one night at MK and they gave it to us for free saying it was on Mickey.
Overall, we had a wonderful time and we were very sad to leave. I know some posters have complained about a decline in atmosphere and cleanliness. We didn't notice any of that. However, it may be more noticeable if you go every year or many times a year. Prices have increased but we knew that going in and didn't let it affect us. Everything was perfect and we can't wait to return. If you have any questions, I will be happy to answer them.
I just returned from my trip which was from November 9 - November 14. I was there with three other girls for my bachelorette party and we had a great time. We stayed at the Beach Club Villas and had absolutely gorgeous weather for most of the trip. The mornings were a little chilly (we are from New England so used to the cold), but usually warmed up by 10:00am. However, the nights were cool once the sun went down and we wished we had packed warmer clothes for nighttime.Nevertheless, we enjoyed the pools during the afternoons and made the most if it. We also ordered from Garden Grocer and it was super easy. Definitely would recommend them. I have not been to Disney since 2009 so Magic Bands, Magical Express, MDE, and FP+ were all new to me. I really enjoyed ME from the airport. It was so convenient. I also liked the MB and having everything in one place. Having the ability to charge back to my credit card was also extremely useful and easy.
A few observations -
The parks were very crowded - more crowded than I have seen them. I do think having Election Day and Veterans Day in the same week, plus the holiday taping added to the craziness. Rope Drop was definitely key. We were able to it TSMM and 7DMT with less than 30 minute waits. I also found that it was fairly easy to make same day FP using MDE while in the parks. I was even able to get Soarin FP the same day. The only rides that were unavailable were TSMM, 7DMT, and Frozen. I know many people don't love the new FP system, but I found it was fine once you got the hang of it. It was nice not having to run to the ride in the morning to get the paper FP. I also found that there were more times available when you check for specific times (like 7:00pm ect) as opposed to morning or evening. And keep checking back. Seems like new times were always being added. We also utilized single rider line EE and TT.
Cast members were all super nice. Didn't encounter any rude people the entire time we were there. We had been wearing t-shirts and headbands that said Bridesmaid on them (I had Mickey ears with a veil attached) and we got tons of congratulation and cute comments. Honestly, fellow guests were the rude ones.
Bag check was fine. The lines moved pretty quickly. I woudl say we waited no more than 5 minutes each time and we went to 2 parks a day. Also many times we were picked to go through the metal detectors and we never had to wait. The parks were also super clean. We always saw someone in the restroom cleaning up and never noticed any trash thrown on the ground.
We did also get lots of pixie dust. We ate the second night at the California grill to watch the MVMCP fireworks and were treated to two free cupcakes for dessert. They were huge. We also received a free cheese plate one afternoon from the Yacht and Beach Club hotel congratulating me on my upcoming wedding. And finally, we were buying a pretzel one night at MK and they gave it to us for free saying it was on Mickey.
Overall, we had a wonderful time and we were very sad to leave. I know some posters have complained about a decline in atmosphere and cleanliness. We didn't notice any of that. However, it may be more noticeable if you go every year or many times a year. Prices have increased but we knew that going in and didn't let it affect us. Everything was perfect and we can't wait to return. If you have any questions, I will be happy to answer them.
Thanks for the great report!
