Just back from 10 nights at "the world" + trip report!

[two*little*birds]

We got back late last night, after spending 10 nights at "the world".

Some quick observations:

1. Crowds were higher than expected for this time of year.
2. We canceled most of our ADR's as service/food levels have gone way down in our opinion, but we had some amazing meals outside the world.
3. There seemed to be far less photopass photographers around, but noticed more character meet n' greets.
4. Less CM's around than usual.
5. MNSSHP was amazing, but ride waits were longer than our previous MNSSHP in 2007.

Otherwise we had an amazing trip. Windsor Hills was great, our house was awesome. The weather was fantastic and almost perfect (hottest October in 20+ years). Both flights (AirTran and JetBlue) were smooth and on-time. We even opted for the business class upgrade with AirTran.

We didn't have time to do Universal this year, or SeaWorld as planned - we opted for some R&R time instead.

LINK to trip report... http://disboards.com/showthread.php?p=34135850#post34135850

 

[two*little*birds]

Forgot to mention a few things...

1. There were lots of visitors from the UK (schools there have a fall break during this time of the year). Everyone we met was extremely nice though.
2. For our third time in a row, we never made it to Fantasmic! None of us wanted to wait in line for 2 hours. I was disappointed, but will survive. LOL 3 trips and I still haven't seen this show!
3. Poor DS started to get a fever 2 days before we left, he still has it now. Honestly I noticed quite a few people sneezing and coughing. This H1N1 is scaring everyone - me included now since DS is sick.

I know a lot of people have been complaining about Disney lately, but nothing on this trip hampered anything for us. The "magic" is still very much there.

 

[grover]

welcome back!
So where did you eat off-site?
Had you stayed at Windsor Hills before?

 

[two*little*birds]

So where did you eat off-site?
Had you stayed at Windsor Hills before?

Off-site we ate at:
Black Angus (2 times for us, 4 times for DFIL and his fiancé)
T-REX (2 times)
Golden Coral
Flippers (pizza delivery)
KFC (tried the grilled chicken, it was alright)
Chick-fil-A

I know Black Angus has gotten some bad reviews, but we're a BIG meat eating family and DFIL knows his beef (LOL). We thought they were excellent and well priced for what you got. Service was amazing too, and the place was always busy. So thumbs up from us...

This was our second stay at Windsor Hills. In 2008 we rented a townhome, this year we rented a 6 bedroom house. I can't say enough about WH, we've converted to off-site only (or at least until we can do a solo trip without the kids).

 

[snickerboo]

Glad your trip was great and hope your ds only has a little cold and not H1N1.

We're WH converts, too. Love it there. We're staying in hotels in DL and I know I'll find it small, even though we booked full-sized suites. Never tried Black Angus last visit so we'll have to do it next time. It's hard not to wonder what it's like if you're staying at WH since you pass Black Angus several times a day! LOL

 

[claycrazy]

Great report.

We are leaving next Saturday and staying a week at Windsor Hills. We will be a group of nine (4 adults, 5 children) and have never been to Disney World. Any tips? Driving, what not to miss? Also how long a wait did you have at the T-Rex?

 

[two*little*birds]

Great report.

We are leaving next Saturday and staying a week at Windsor Hills. We will be a group of nine (4 adults, 5 children) and have never been to Disney World. Any tips? Driving, what not to miss? Also how long a wait did you have at the T-Rex?

Awesome, you'll love WH!

Driving at this time of the year is fine, from our door to the MK parking lot (right up front) was 8 miles, and took about 12 minutes. It takes about 5/6 minutes before you see the big "welcome" sign. So believe me, it takes no time at all to get to the parks.

Our first ADR at T-Rex we waited about 15 minutes. They hadn't opened the entire dining room yet, so they asked us to come back in 10 minutes. Then we still had to wait a few minutes. The second time we went without an ADR, there was a long line to get in (about 10 minutes) but were seated right away. Let the kids go into the section off the gift shop of T-Rex where they can dig for dinosaur bones.

It's hard to say what not to miss, especially since this is your first trip. You won't be able to do it all, especially with only a week. But this gives you a reason to come back right?

 

[Jackie Psarianos]

Glad to hear you had a good time. Crowds are up now with all the resort specials, such as the buy four get three.

Sorry to hear your son got sick. Hope all is well.