Just back, a few observations....crowds, shop app, Osborne, etc

[nemodeb]

Just returned from 12/14-12/21 trip. Seven wonderful nights at French Quarter. I just wanted to share a few things we did/observed/experienced that might help others.

1) Still good/nice/positive CMs. There will probably always be a couple who are having a bad day, but most were still in the spirit of their roles.

2) MVMCP, went 12/18. Didn't think it was too crowded, walkways were manageable. Just the hub was busy. I think it was sold out that night. We were at MK from 6-ish to after closing. Fireworks were great.

3) Shop Parks App. Avoid this for now. Still lots of bugs. If you have a PO box, even for a billing address, it won't accept it. I ended up having to call in my order, and had to read off each SKU number to the very nice gal to place my order. I had about 14 items, got everything ordered, but man, what a pain that was to have to do. The app was a little slow loading and scanning barcodes while in the parks. I thought it was kind of a handy thing to have to make shopping easier, can send stuff home instead of worrying about luggage space. But it probably shouldn't have been rolled out yet, especially before Christmas.

4) The week we were there was great as far as both weather and crowds. Not too crowded. Didn't feel crowded until about Saturday.

5) Had the bbq ribs at Harambe Marketplace. OMG. You don't just get a couple ribs, you get a huge chunk of moist, meaty pork. Was fun having a couple of the Club Cool drink choices here as well.

6) Holiday/StarWars fireworks. Another OMG. Love love love the holiday tag to Illuminations (our favorite show). We were absolutely amazed at the Star Wars fireworks at DHS.

7) Farewell Osborne Lights. We maximized our time here, seeing it 6 of the 7 nights we were there. The only night we missed was because we were at MVMCP. The other nights we were at DHS or we walked back and forth between DHS and Epcot to see both Illuminations and Osborne. This closing will leave a huge hole in the holiday happenings at WDW. Loved every minute we got to spend here.

 

[butterfly71076]

Thanks for the review! We will miss the Osborne lights too! I am jealous you got to see them this year!

 

[epcotty]

Was it super rainy on the 18th? If not maybe it was earlier that day. That's why we avoided going that day, the insanely rainy forecast (80-90%). We were at HS Sunday, still didn't feel too crowded and I agree on the fireworks . It was good to see the Star Wars one and also recently (12/5) went to EP and saw Illuminations with holiday tag. We were at the Osborne lights for more than an hour, was wonderful.

 

[chloelovesdisney]

Mmm, might check out Harambe, thanks!

 

[KaptKaveman]

We were there from 12/17 until check out this morning

On the 18th it threatened quite a bit but was more nuisance than anything. We never got the ponchos out of my backpack. It did get a little chilly that night and the following day.

Concerning the Osborne lights. I had plans to see them last year but they were overridden by the family. This year I forced everyone to go to Hollywood Studios on the night of 12/19. Both sons and wife carped about taking time out to go see the the lights. Especially having to get their from Disney Springs after a dinner reservations. However when we rounded the corner into the Christmas lights everyone's(including my) jaw hit the ground. It was literally one of the highlights of the trip. So much so that we dumped our plans for last night to see it again. The lights, the atmosphere, the music. It is hard to believe that they are not going to find a spot for this. My wife had tears in here eyes when the lights went out at 10 last night.

 

[piccolopat]

Was it super rainy on the 18th? If not maybe it was earlier that day. That's why we avoided going that day, the insanely rainy forecast (80-90%). We were at HS Sunday, still didn't feel too crowded and I agree on the fireworks . It was good to see the Star Wars one and also recently (12/5) went to EP and saw Illuminations with holiday tag. We were at the Osborne lights for more than an hour, was wonderful.

It poured at Epcot during the morning of the 18th. We sat under the overhang by the lockers waiting to go to spaceship earth.

 

[maryj11]

The Osborne lights are really awesome! I cant believe they are getting rid of them either

 

[lovethattink]

Sounds like you had a wonderful vacation! Thanks for the rib tips. Will definitely make it a point to try them.

 

[csmith041177]

Thank you for that update! Love that you hit the Osborne lights so often...I would have done the exact same thing!

 

[pampam]

I'm glad you reported. Thank you.

 

[nemodeb]

Was it super rainy on the 18th? If not maybe it was earlier that day. That's why we avoided going that day, the insanely rainy forecast (80-90%). We were at HS Sunday, still didn't feel too crowded and I agree on the fireworks . It was good to see the Star Wars one and also recently (12/5) went to EP and saw Illuminations with holiday tag. We were at the Osborne lights for more than an hour, was wonderful.

No, it only rained that morning for a bit. The rest of the day was fine. We were at DS (Springs) during the rain, so didn't get too wet. Friday and Saturday were a bit cool, which was a bit of a relief. I neglected to pack my shorts, so last week was a little warm for jeans.

 

[nemodeb]

We were there from 12/17 until check out this morning

On the 18th it threatened quite a bit but was more nuisance than anything. We never got the ponchos out of my backpack. It did get a little chilly that night and the following day.

Concerning the Osborne lights. I had plans to see them last year but they were overridden by the family. This year I forced everyone to go to Hollywood Studios on the night of 12/19. Both sons and wife carped about taking time out to go see the the lights. Especially having to get their from Disney Springs after a dinner reservations. However when we rounded the corner into the Christmas lights everyone's(including my) jaw hit the ground. It was literally one of the highlights of the trip. So much so that we dumped our plans for last night to see it again. The lights, the atmosphere, the music. It is hard to believe that they are not going to find a spot for this. My wife had tears in here eyes when the lights went out at 10 last night.

I totally agree. We just HAD to keep going back every night. Even though there were a lot of people, everyone had the same thought: to enjoy and soak in the atmosphere for all it was worth. There was dancing and smiles and probably even some tears for the loss that will be when it finally ends. We were in awe of the canopy. The technology that went into creating that effect is astounding to us. Every individual light changes color and intensity so the effects of flashing, shimmering, flowing color and light is amazing. Now every time I hear the music they played, visions of Osborne will dance in my head.

 

[nemodeb]

Thank you for that update! Love that you hit the Osborne lights so often...I would have done the exact same thing!

Thanks. Yeah, it was the final straw in the decision to go this time of year. Normally we go in the spring to F&G. We'd kind of talked about doing a winter trip cause it was our 25th anniversary. But this time of year is hard for both of us to get off work so we weren't sure. When I heard it was the final year for Osborne, I just knew we had to go. We'd seen it once on residential street and then 5 years ago. So we made it happen, and glad we were able to.

 

[epcotty]

Surprised it didn't rain more on the 18th, it seemed it was supposed to rain consistently through most of the day

 

[Shanti]

Great info- thanks!

 

[keishashadow]

We've greatly enjoyed them over the years, was thrilled to be able to see them one more time this year

I don't understand why they can't work out an arrangement to put them up somewhere else onsite, even if they need to build fake exteriors somewhere down the road.

 

[A Mickeyfan]

Not sure how true but I heard a rumor that Disney is considering the possibility of eventually opening up Osborne Lights somewhere in Disney Springs. Iwould bet they are too, just to charge lol

 

[jerseygal]

Not sure how true but I heard a rumor that Disney is considering the possibility of eventually opening up Osborne Lights somewhere in Disney Springs. Iwould bet they are too, just to charge lol

Read some posts on the same rumor! HOPE SO! LOVE the Osborne lights! SO FESTIVE!

 

[nemodeb]

Would be very cool to have them somewhere else. I'm not sure I like the idea of having to pay extra to see them, as we know how prices just keep going up and up every year for hard ticket events. Would be kinda fun to see them on the countries at Epcot. But I would not want it to compete with Illuminations. Time will tell whether they go up somewhere else.

 

[Cee]

We were there the same week and also had a great time. We slept in on Friday, hung out awhile and by noon the rain had stopped. Much cooler for the last few days. Lights were wonderful. Happy New Year!