Just Back from Disney - Comments to Disney

[robinb]

My family and I have never done the DDP so we don't know anything about alcohol not being included. I do find it weird that you were asked to show ID considering how old you claim you are.

Alcohol is included in the dinner shows like HDD and the Luau and the DDP covers dinner shows at 2 credits each. I am older than the OP (in my *gasp* mid-late 40's) and I always get "carded" at least once per trip, usually at the walk-up bars in Epcot. I don't recall the last time I was carded at dinner but I wouldn't be surprised if they did in a all-you-can drink type of atmosphere. If it were me, I probably would have escalated the ID business up the food chain as I would also be disappointed in not being able to have a beer or two at the HDD.

 

[jarrdisney]

The Wilderness Lodge was beautiful and the boat ride was very pretty......but I didn't leave enough time in for transportation back and forth.

Try taking the bus to the MK next time. It's 5 minutes in transit and there's usually no wait.

 

[PlutoLuvr]

Regarding getting carded, I've noticed a real change in the last year or so with getting carded everywhere in Orlando. DH & I were carded at every booth at F&W this past trip, as well as our dinner at Jiko.

My mother, DH & I were sitting at the bar at Finnegan's over at Universal, enjoying our fish & chips and pints (same trip as the F&W). My mother was carded, BTW -- she's almost 60. Well, while we were there, it started pouring and the bar became packed with folks wanting a drink and wait for the rain to end. The bartenders carded every single person, whether they looked 21, 51 or 71. "New policy," they said to a few angry folks who didn't have their ID on them.

We also stay offsite (we feel trapped onsite) and were carded literally everywhere we bought alcohol, Walgreens, Publix and 7-11.

We always carry our ID, and carding me at my age is a huge compliment, IMO, so I personally love it, but there is something going in O-Town with WDW, USO and even liquor/convenience stores carding everyone, no exceptions. Lesson to everyone: Keep your ID handy!!!

OP: Glad you had a good time overall

 

[sarah112]

Hi,

Your post made me think that actually I was NOT carded at any other time other than Hoop Dee Do. Nor was my husband.

I purchased wine coolers at the Grand Floridian, my husband had beers at the Norway Storybook dinner, Cinderella & Prince Charming meal at the Grand Floridian, Mamma Melrose - NEVER carded.

I purchased a margarita at a stand at Epcot - not carded again.

Only at the event in which it was already included - hmmmmm wonder if that was why.

You would think if Disney has this policy, they would be very strict at ALL their locations. I could see if maybe we just got lucky at 1 place, but it was several occassions at different locations.

In any event, I am not a big drinker, and only wanted a glass of wine with dinner, but it is the prinicipal.

Sarah

 

[UBSHANG]

...The Wilderness Lodge was beautiful, however, I didn't realize how far it would be from the MK...

The boat ride between WL and MK takes approximately 10 minutes. How much closer did you want to be?

 

[sarah112]

Hi,

Yeah on a good day it is 10 minutes it is wonderful and close.....we happen to miss the boat or bus and it would take up to 20 minutes or more. Especially going to MGM or Epcot.....was longer. The bus has to first stop at Fort Wilderness to pickup and then go on.

I have heard from friends who pay alot less and stay outside the park, like 1 mile out and they swear it takes them 10 minutes to get the MK.

Anyway, overall was great. Like I said it was our 1st experience and I guess I thought it would be as close as the Poly or Grand Floridian....

Now I know better for next time.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Alcohol is included in the dinner shows like HDD and the Luau and the DDP covers dinner shows at 2 credits each. I am older than the OP (in my *gasp* mid-late 40's) and I always get "carded" at least once per trip, usually at the walk-up bars in Epcot. I don't recall the last time I was carded at dinner but I wouldn't be surprised if they did in a all-you-can drink type of atmosphere. If it were me, I probably would have escalated the ID business up the food chain as I would also be disappointed in not being able to have a beer or two at the HDD.

Thanks for that info.

 

[J.C.&ALI'SMOM]

If you ever decide to return and stay onsite you may want to consider renting a car. We do not care for the bus service and like to go offsite to shop, eat, etc once in a while and find the car is worth it.

We stay in MK area resorts and use monorail, boat to get to MK and Epcot and the car to go to MGM, and AK. To us it is just easier.

And those attraction wait times don't sound very bad to me. I don't think the time between Thanksgiving and the Christmas parade taping is quiet anymore.

You might want to try late Jan/early Feb for lower crowds.

I would also suggest becoming more familiar in how to use FastPass to your best advantage and use it more frequently. When we are in the parks we pretty much keep a FP at all times.

Sounds like some first-time mistakes. Now you know and, if you want to return, have the ability to plan a better trip next time.

PS.. You didn't mention a stroller so I was going to suggest that you use one next time. They have saved many a WDW day for us! We would not use a stroller in any other place and then go to WDW and rent one because I was protecting my vacation investment I would not spend all that money and have an evening ruined because my little one was so tired that she had a fit or fell asleep at dinner time.

 

[Brian Noble]

hmmmmm wonder if that was why.

I doubt it's much of a conspiracy. The included beverages are, to put it bluntly, cheap: bud light and vat wine. It probably costs them less than the iced tea.

 

[lovemickeyshouse]

No business not even Disney can please every customer and a side note my dad when he goes eats every dinner at the parks he won't travel away from the parks to eat dinner me on the other hand loves many different spots for dinner.

 

[720L]

Sorry you were so disappointed...but it sounds like maybe you didn't use fastpasses as much as you could. They help so much! I really don't think staying offsite would make you happier. Do you really want to leave the magic? I bet your next trip goes better. And we can help you with your plans here on the DIS! Oh and a nap for the kids is a must!!!