Just back... any questions?

[Zippa D Doodah]

We spent 5 days in the parks (11/20-11/24). We stayed at AS Music, and it sure is showing some signs of wear and tear. DS and I did Stitch and thought it was OK but not great. We all LOVED Turtle Talk w/ Crush. Weather was just great the whole time -maybe a tad on the hot side. Didn't think there were as many characters out as we had seen on previous trips.

I will be working on trip reports, but will be glad to answer any questions as best and fast as I can.

A belated Happy Thanksgiving to all!!!

 

[Tigger&Belle]

What is Turtle Talk?

T&B

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

I guess one could describe Turtle Talk as a small-scale attraction located at Seabase Alpha within the Living Seas pavilion. There is a theater that seats about 50 guests (kids are encouraged to sit on the floor up front). Front wall is glass of an aquarium. Crush comes swimming up and talks to the kids. For example, he talked to our DD (Grace). He asked who that girl was in the pink "shell". She answered and then he said "Ooooo..... it's Grace! Grace with the pretty face!" There is lots of neat interaction. Crush goes on to field questions from the kids about turtles. It is lots of fun and I wouldn't want to spoil any surprises for anyone.

I was personally amazed at the technology involved. I would like to know how they made Crush seem so real. It was definitely one of our unexpected pleasures on the recent trip.

 

[danny1649]

Looking forward to your trip report.Happy holidays to you also

 

[Tigger&Belle]

I'll check Turtle Talk out. When we were at Living Seas in February it was SO crowded that we must have missed it. Sounds cute and my son loves anything that interacts with him!

As a matter of fact, he's dragging me to the mall today to see the "talking bear". Joy of all joys...

T&B

 

[bjakmom]

ZippaDD - did they allow video cameras to film during TTw/Crush?

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

If I remember correctly, a CM made an announcement saying there was no video recording allowed in Turtle Talk. Too bad, cuz it would be really cute.

 

[Eeyore's Girl]

Lucky you - so glad you had a good trip!

My question - How were the crowds? I'm trying to keep an eye on things this year in planning for next year. Based on your experience, would you say Thanksgiving week would be okay? Or would you say we should wait until the week after? Obviously the week after would be less crowded, but I'm interested in knowing just how managable Thanksgiving week may be.

Thanks!

 

[Slacking]

I'll check Turtle Talk out. When we were at Living Seas in February it was SO crowded that we must have missed it. Sounds cute and my son loves anything that interacts with him!

As a matter of fact, he's dragging me to the mall today to see the "talking bear". Joy of all joys...

T&B

You missed it because it was just added a couple weeks back.

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

Lucky you - so glad you had a good trip!

My question - How were the crowds? I'm trying to keep an eye on things this year in planning for next year. Based on your experience, would you say Thanksgiving week would be okay? Or would you say we should wait until the week after? Obviously the week after would be less crowded, but I'm interested in knowing just how managable Thanksgiving week may be.

Thanks!

Our trips in previous years had been in second week of June, Mother's Day weekend, mid-March, and mid-April. I have NEVER seen crowds like I saw, especially Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving. Crowds were fine Saturday - Monday, but it really started getting tight on Tuesday. I think if you go on Thanksgiving week it would be best to get out of there by Wednesday at the latest. The crowds were rough, but we managed just fine by using two principles: 1) maximize FP usage 2) do standby lines at times while most other guests are eating or parade-watching. By using these two principles we did everything we wanted to do (and some things twice), and never waited more than 25 minutes fro a ride except for one where wait time was posted incorrectly (at Living with the Land of all places)

On Wednesday it was hard to walk around in the center of Tomorrowland. We were waiting around for Space Mountain FP time; I was relieved when it was time to leave MK (never thought I'd say that ). We went to Epcot about 6pm and it was relatively quiet. I supsect everyone was at MK or MGM for first night of Osborne lights.

FWIW, I overheard a bus driver talking to a food service CM on Wednesday about how they wree preparing for all of WDW to be absolutely nuts on Thanksgiving Day and beyond. If MK was any busier than it was on Wednesday, I'll pass.

 

[mickey0216]

ZippaDD - We may have crossed paths. We stayed at ASMu from the 20th to the 26th...

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

Cool! I was the big guy with the bum ankle, a prettier-and-sweeter-than-I-deserve DW, a 7yo DD, a 5yo DS, and a big grin plastered on my face. We stayed in Jazz bldg #2.

 

[Eeyore's Girl]

Thanks so much! DH & I have pretty much decided on the week after Thanksgiving. However, this means we'll have to buck the in-laws. Because of school, they can only go Thanksgiving week. We're home schoolers and would rather take advantage of our flexibility and go when it's less crowded.

 

[mickey0216]

WOW! We were in Jazz #2 too. Room 2426.

It was DW, DD19, DS16 and I.

 

[princessknb]

Welcome back!!! Looking forward to your trip report.

 

[Poohbear123]

I was at Music around the 11-14th and I agree, ASM needs refurbishing BAD! Glad you had a good time!

 

[cra-z-4-dizney]

I just got back as well....11/18-11/22....parks seemed extremely busy. Anyone else think so?????