Our family of five just completed a 5-day tour of the Disney Parks (Aug. 9-13). It was our third consecutive summer trip to the world. Here are some of my observations:
1. "EMH" is not Extra MAGIC Hour it is Extra MAYHEM Hour! We did not enjoy nearly the advantage EE offered us two summers ago. Not even close. Lines formed quickly. At MGM, there was a 40-minute wait posted for Tower of Terror just minutes after opening the gates. MK was ok, but there was no quick "double-dipping" like EE when we went on Pooh and Dumbo twice with NO waits. By contrast, when we returned to MK on Wed (a non- EMH day) we found the crowds much more manageable and the waits much more tolerable.
2. MISSION SPACE: This is a great addition to EPCOT, but take heed of the warning. I "tested" the ride for my wife with my two daughters and said, Wow! Fun, piece of cake. You don't notice the spins--my wife can handle this easy. Wrong. She went on it and thought she was going to pass out. She was nauseated the rest of the day. On the upside, the kids and I loved it. Well worth your time.
3. GRATUITIES AT BUFFETS? GIVE ME A BREAK! We went to Chef Mickey's for the 2nd time and it was ok. Food was marginal, atmosphere was fun. (We were also there in 2001). I noticed on my $125 bill that the server would appreciate a 15-20% gratuity. Excuse me, this is a SELF-SERVE Buffet. Oh yes, she did bring us our beverages, but 20%--FORGET IT!
4. DISNEYED OUT: As I mentioned earlier, this was our third straight summer at the World. While it's still lots of fun, we find ourselves envious of first-timers who find everything so magical. We remember that feeling from our first trip. You can't beat it. We will definitely go back, but it may be awhile. But I don't think we will go in August again. The heat and crowds are wearing me out.
1. "EMH" is not Extra MAGIC Hour it is Extra MAYHEM Hour! We did not enjoy nearly the advantage EE offered us two summers ago. Not even close. Lines formed quickly. At MGM, there was a 40-minute wait posted for Tower of Terror just minutes after opening the gates. MK was ok, but there was no quick "double-dipping" like EE when we went on Pooh and Dumbo twice with NO waits. By contrast, when we returned to MK on Wed (a non- EMH day) we found the crowds much more manageable and the waits much more tolerable.
2. MISSION SPACE: This is a great addition to EPCOT, but take heed of the warning. I "tested" the ride for my wife with my two daughters and said, Wow! Fun, piece of cake. You don't notice the spins--my wife can handle this easy. Wrong. She went on it and thought she was going to pass out. She was nauseated the rest of the day. On the upside, the kids and I loved it. Well worth your time.
3. GRATUITIES AT BUFFETS? GIVE ME A BREAK! We went to Chef Mickey's for the 2nd time and it was ok. Food was marginal, atmosphere was fun. (We were also there in 2001). I noticed on my $125 bill that the server would appreciate a 15-20% gratuity. Excuse me, this is a SELF-SERVE Buffet. Oh yes, she did bring us our beverages, but 20%--FORGET IT!
4. DISNEYED OUT: As I mentioned earlier, this was our third straight summer at the World. While it's still lots of fun, we find ourselves envious of first-timers who find everything so magical. We remember that feeling from our first trip. You can't beat it. We will definitely go back, but it may be awhile. But I don't think we will go in August again. The heat and crowds are wearing me out.