Just back - 5 nights/6 days split between Disney Institute and Port Orleans Riverside (Dixie Landing

[Dodie]

We were there because I was attending a professional program at the Disney Institute, with a couple of additional nights added for vacation.

We had stayed at DI Bungalows before, so there were no surprises. This is not a "themed" resort - so don't stay there if that's what you're looking for. It is nice to have a separate living space and bedroom (suite), but it's nothing "fancy" and at $200+ per night, it's certainly not inexpensive. The resort is nicely laid out, there are multiple bus stops. We never waited more than 10 minutes for a bus. DH took full advantage of the health club facilities while I was in my sessions. He gave them two thumbs up!

As you know, Dixie Landings is now Port Orleans Riverside. It will always be Dixie Landings to us. All traces of the Dixie Landings are gone from signs, etc., but the mugs in the food court still say "Dixie Landings" and there are a few items on clearance in the gift shop.

We had a nice time. The weather wasn't very cooperative - low 60's, but sunny. We didn't do any character meals or eat any fancy meals, but visited all four parks. I'll provide some impressions here, and then offer to answer any specific questions that you may have:

I know I'm going to get slammed for this, but the parks just aren't as clean as they used to be. There was a time when you would NEVER see litter on the street or sidewalk (which I noted several times) or restrooms in the poor condition we experienced. I will note that it wasn't particularly busy, so you can't blame the slips in cleanliness on that.

There were cranes everywhere. A lot of work seems to be going on in a lot of different places, particularly on the edges of Epcot. I know it has to be done...but cranes are ugly in vacation photos.

There were huge groups of South American teenagers touring the parks, which made the waits a little long for some of the rides. However, hey were very well-behaved and didn't cut in line or cause the problems I've seen mentioned before on these boards.

We had a very good bacon cheeseburger at the Sci-Fi Dine-In. We hadn't had good experience there food-wise in the past, so I thought I would mention the improvement here. I still think that you should stick to the burgers here. It's a drive-in...

The grilled chicken sandwhich at Tusker House in AK is awesome!

I'm sure there is more. I'll add it as I think of it.

<font size=4 face="Comic Sans MS" color = blue>D°o°die</font>
<font size=1 color = blue>March 2001 - WDW Surprise!! (Disney Institute & Dixie Landings)
March 2001 - Our first trip to Disneyland!! (Grand Californian)
March 2000 - WDW (All Star Music)
May 1998 - WDW (Dixie Landings)
March 1997 - WDW (Dixie Landings)
May 1996 - WDW (Dixie Landings)
March 1995 - WDW (Dixie Landings)
March 1994 - WDW (Honeymoon! Dixie Landings)</

 

[snuggles]

Sounds like you had a good trip. Thanks for the info on DI. I know theming means a lot to some people. You were lucky to "have" to go to Disney Thanks for posting.

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[nutz4dzny]

Thanks for Posting. I am sorry the weather was not that warm. It's a shame that Disney couldn't use it's magic to make repairs or build new additions overnight but Oh Well....I guess after the cranes are gone the improvement will be worth it!

 

[Marla Hellwig]

I know what you mean about the cranes and construction. When we were there last July could see the old Horizon building coming down - something you aren't used to seeing. Sounds like a good time was had by all. Thanks for posting!