Just Back from Disney - Comments to Disney

[sarah112]

Hi All,

Well we are just back from my family's 1st experience at Disney. We stayed at the Wilderness Lodge, which was just beautiful.

I wanted to share my thoughts and opinions. First, being my family's 1st trip we were just blown away at how large each park is. I knew they would be, but it was just overwhelming. My daughter being 5, I didn't give enough "downtime" and she was completely wiped out by 8-8:30PM each night. We were there for 5 nights, which was not enough time to see all, but it was overall a great vacation......although I also didn't estimate how tired and exhausted I would be. We got back late Sunday night and I had work on Monday....next time I will definitely come home on a Friday or Saturday and leave a day to recover!

There were a couple of things that I was disappointed with. The Wilderness Lodge was beautiful, however, I didn't realize how far it would be from the MK. Waiting for the boat or bus each day was sometimes a pain. As long as 20 minutes sometimes. Also, I had specifically requested a quiet room, which I didn't get. Our room faced the lobby area and near a staircase. When I asked about switching, they said nothing else was available. Thank God I brought ear plugs with me.

We had picked the week of November 27th because I had received advice that it was their off season and not so crowded. Well, it was extremely crowded for our liking. The good rides were 60 minute waits, unless you hit them first thing in the AM. But from what I hear in their peak season it is 3-4hour waits.

Also, I had made dinner reservations at Hoop De Doo, it was a good show, however, we thought not worth 2 table services each. I also thought being that alcohol was included.....it would be worth it, but unfortunately, I forgot my ID back in my other purse at the hotel. Being almost 40 I never thought I would get asked for ID and the waiter refused to serve me.

My other reservations were at the Norway Princess dinner and Cinderella's Royal table for breakfast. The princesses were great.....but we had to wait almost 1 hour for our table. What is the point of a reservation? Also, the meal was terrible. The breakfast at the castle was nice, but again a 40 minute wait.

Lastly, we had tickets for the Very Merry Christmas party from 7-12AM. Well, that was surely poor planning on my part, because my daughter fell asleep by 8:30PM and it started to rain heavy so we ended up leaving. Also, we never saw it snow or never saw any hot chocolate or cookies. I thought that was included?



Besides the above, we had a good time and will go back again. The decorations for Christmas were simply beautiful. I was wondering if anyone knows of a email to send comments to.


Thanks for listening.

Sarah

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

It's good you had fun on you're 1st trip to WDW and here are some of my comments on a few things you were disappointed with.

When it comes to room requests that's all they are, so it's a 50/50 shot that you can get them. In you're case a quiet room was not available.

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.

When it comes to waiting a long time at a restaurant even with an ADR, that happens a lot at almost every restaurant and is guaranteed to happen at the more popular locations during peak dinning times. Plus an ADR is not a typical reservation where you are seated at the time you have. Instead it means you would be seated before anyone else who are there without ADR's, during that time frame and I also think it depends on the number of people in you're party.

 

[Hootch]

1. Most resorts are some distance from different parks. The Magic Kingdom is the most difficult for us because parking is far away and we always have a car. When we went with our oldest and my wife was five months pregnant we stayed at the Contemporary. It works well if your focus is on the Magic Kingdom.

2. I don't know about a 3-4 hour wait. The last two summers we went in June and July and I don't remember waits nearly that long. Pooh is almost always long so we do that in the morning. Soarin' had a two hour wait a couple of times but we fastpass it. I think the longest I waited in June of this year was about 30 minutes for Star Tours.

3. Do give your kid(s) a break in the afternoon and let them stay up later. Last year we had a short stay and tried to do too much. This year we took a break for swimming and nap each afternoon. We generally left the parks about eleven each nigh and the kids behaved better at the end of the night.

 

[monami7]

Hi we went at Christmas last year. I have to say we were quite dissapointed wioth the MVMCP too. However the Hot chocholate and cookies are available (it was a highlight for our family) They are in cosmic rays and inside Columbia harbor house and a few other places. You just walk in and take what you need. It only snows after the parade so if you left early you may have just missed it.
Lastly we found that it was Extremely busy this time of year. With FP's we did OK but it wasn't slow like we had heard.
We average 1-2 trips a year but will not be doing Christmas again. We usually travel in Sept/oct. Or in Jan/Feb. Our average wait for a ride in 20 min max!
I say when you go again plan a longer trip at a slower time of year, and figure in down time. WDW in 5 days will wipe you out!
Heidi

 

[engle]

Hmmmm...I just returned from a trip from 11/25 through 11/30. I don't know HOW you could've waited so long for rides. I did do the parks at peak times and only did FASTPASS twice all week (for Big Thunder Mtn RR and Peter Pan of all things!!). Otherwise, the longest wait I had was 20 mins for Soarin at 4pm in the afternoon!! All of the other headliners were walk ons all day or less than 10 minutes.

I DO agree about the meal wait times...that was the ONLY thing we waited for and it was often VERY long after my ADR.

 

[sarah112]

Hi,

Well, I guess you live and learn. I know what to do and definitely not next time.

When I called to make the ADR they told me that I had to be at the restaurant 15 minutes before my reservation time. And that I would be seated usually within 10 minutes. It just seems unfair to make you wait so long for a reservation. Anyway, I think alot of my problem was that I had too many reservations. Next time I will make only 2 maximum for the stay.

The Cinderella Royal table was excellent though for the all the princesses.....no need to wait on line for autographs as they were all there. My daughter just loved that. The Norway dinner was just overkill.

I also reserved the Alice in Wonderland tea party at the Grand Floridian and it was excellent. My daughter was thrilled. I would do that again for sure.

As far as the crowds, I don't know but I must of hit them just right. We did do the fast pass for a couple of rides. We were there Tuesday night through Saturday night. We hit MK on Tuesday night with the Christmas party, which was a bust, and then MK on Wednesday, Thursday MGM and Ecpot and back to MK on Friday/Saturday.....they were also filming for the Christmas parade, which they had main street blocked off from 8-4PM. I didn't realize that either when I booked my vacation.

I may also look into staying outside the park and renting a car.

 

[Hopefully]

I see you have a low post count. Welcome to the DIS
It seems to me that your expectations may not have been aligned with reality. This is a pretty busy time of the year, although there are no longer the "slow" periods like there once were. Disney does a great job of special promotions during those times which fill up the parks and the resorts.
If you think a 20 minute wait for a bus/boat to the MK from the WL was too long, you will die in off site accomodations!!!!! Don't even consider them. The convenience of the WL vs offsite can not be overstated.
It sounds to me like you do not like to wait. That is a hard thing at Disney where you wait for everything. ADR's are not traditional reservations, although an hour over is a long time indeed. If you were there during the taping of the Christmas Parade, that would have added to congestion/crowds in the MK.
I am glad that your vacation was great just the same.
Please do not consider off site accomodations given your adversity for waiting for things, I think you would be terribly disappoiinted.
JMO

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

If you think a 20 minute wait for a bus/boat to the MK from the WL was too long, you will die in off site accomodations!!!!! Don't even consider them. The convenience of the WL vs offsite can not be overstated.

Please do not consider off site accomodations given your adversity for waiting for things, I think you would be terribly disappoiinted.

I agree 100%. It's much better to stay onsite no matter the time of year, because it gets you to the parks faster then driving somewhere that is offsite.

 

[maxiesmom]

I am glad that your vacation was great just the same.
Please do not consider off site accomodations given your adversity for waiting for things, I think you would be terribly disappoiinted.
JMO

Ditto! If you think it took too long to get to the Magic Kingdom from the Wilderness Lodge, you really do not want to stay off-site. A peak at an Orlando map will show you how close you were when you were at the Lodge, and how far away you will be if you stay off-site. Some people will tell you that it evens out, that by driving you will get there faster, as you do not have to wait for a bus/boat/monorail. Don't believe them! I have stayed both on and off site, and it is much easier to get around to the parks when you stay on site.

 

[Dana49]

We were at WDW from November 25 until November 30, and honestly I didn't think the crowds were that bad. After visiting WDW for 20+ years, we have learned to adjust our park visits according to crowd levels. For example, if a park has an EMH in the morning, we avoid it unless we plan to arrive very early. If the park has an evening EMH, we avoid it because it's always very crowded. Our rule is to always visit the park that had an EMH the day before, and then take advantage of Fast Pass. The longest we waited was 18 minutes on Soarin'. Try this on your next visit and I'll bet you'll see a difference.

 

[NHTikiBeckie]

Agree with previous posters...staying off site does not sound like it would make you happy. It takes 20 minutes to park and get the tram sometimes! Like previous posters said, room requests are only that, a request, so can't say that is something that is fair to complain about. Next time try using Tour Guide Mike for planning, it will help you as far as which parks to go to which days for less crowds.

 

[Dchef]

I agree with all the previous posters--It seems you expected the royal treatment when you went, which you may take offense to me saying that...but all of your complaints are normal for a place as busy as Disney.Everyone wants to feel as though no one else is there, but Disney comes close to making that happen better than anyone I think.

I will agree that 1 hour is a long wait--but considering that I have waited longer on a Sat night at the eatery around the corner..it can be expected. You can' never tell how long it will take people to clear out and if you are a larger table, it would be longer. I doubt that there were empty tables and disney made you wait still

We always stay at the Wilderness Lodge --complaining about waiting 20 minutes for a boat to take you directly to the hotel...... Come on!

The Hotel is very accomidating- We had a room that smelled of smoke and they said they didn't have one right now but would switch us as soon as they did, which was about 2 hours later. You cannot garantee a quiet room in a resort such as that--of course everyone would want this...but not everyone can...it wasn't your turn unfortunetly.



40 Minutes at the Castle--WOW...you are lucky!
Lower your expectations next time and rememeber where you are and you will have a better time. Having no place to be and no one to answer to for 10 days when we went was a dream I can only hope to enjoy every year. DOn't be in a rush and prepare to wait by taking activities for you kids and snacks just like you would do if you were going to a busy restaurant back home.

I don't mean this to be harsh--but when I go to Disney...I am just so doggone happy to be there...the rest is cake. That being said we are about to go at the busiest time of the year.
I understand how you can get the feeling you have because We went to Disneyland during spring break and hated it because we had already been to WDW, it was spring break and we felt that the people there were rude rude rude...there was too much we didn't like. We won't go back there--but you never know- Welcome to the DIS

 

[Luvamouse]

We just returned from WDW from November 19-28. I found the crowds acceptable busy from Monday to Friday-- we used Fast Passes a lot and had some 1/2 hour standby waits on certain rides when it got late in the day. Still, we hit all the big rides and went on plenty of rides. But come Saturday 11/24, it was like 2/3 of the people went home! We never used another Fast Pass and hit eeach park again-- went on several rides like Mission Space, Test Track with a 5 minute wait, Tower of Terror with a 10 minute wait, the longest we waited for Aerosmith was 30 minutes and that was right after Fantasmic got out. We couldn't believe how short all the lines were at any time of day. One thing we did NOT do is to hit any park on an EMH day with the exception of our first full day-- Epcot. That kept us with lower crowds.

I agree 100% on how daunting the whole place can be. That's why we choose a monorail resort-- it helps with at least 2 parks. You did go at a slower time, but it still helps to get out early to hit the good stuff and use Fast Passes to do a great ride later in the day. While it's no fun to over plan, figuring out a good plan of attack is always a good plan.

One good tip is to return to your hotel and come back later to the parks again. That is what onsite gets you-- shorter travel times.

In short-- your expectations weren't so off, it's just that so many people go there to do all the same things you want to do. Chalk it up to a learning experience and do a lot of park/break/eat/park planning for the next trip! And enjoy all the good memories!

 

[Eeyore2003]

Definitely agree with all the previous comments

I think taking and afternoon break would be good for you to relax and your little one to get away from the over stimulation in all the parks. It makes a world of difference between being one of those families arguing and whining and families relaxed and enjoying themselves. Kids especially little ones need it and you'd come home allot less tired.

We go for 9 days 2-3 times a year. Although we've done pretty much, we've not done everything. If that's your goal, you will get pretty frustrated. Disney is a very multi-layered place. Once you've been to the Food and Wine Festival, you all of a sudden realize the awesome special events they have like Party for the Senses, and it's like that with almost everything. There's just more and more and they keep changing too. Take your time, never push yourself and just enjoy what you're doing at the moment. You'll never do it all!!!

As for the restaurants... you're never going to like all of them. The vast majority of the headliner restaurants that are really popular here at the DIS we've tried and have been totally disappointed. To us that's the part of discovery at Disney, is just trying all the different things they offer. Also, the two restaurants you mentioned waiting are probably two of the most popular most crowded places, Le Cellier is another one, one reason we don't eat there anymore. There's plenty of other great restaurants.

I also don't think you can trust anytime during the Christmas festivities to be uncrowded, the cat is out of the bag and I think it's allot more crowded than in years past. Also Disney itself is more crowded in general off season. Again, go with the flow.

I'm not sure what else do to about getting from point A-B at Disney. I think you were very overwhelmed by the size, but waiting for transportation is just a part of it. There's no way of getting around it really. We always have our own car, but still take the bus at times, just depends.

Seems like you've learned a few things which is hopefully just the beginning. There is a certain amount of waiting no matter what you do, also, realize that you can't do it all, so just plan on what you'd like to do and enjoy.

 

[jonestavern]

Hi and

I'm agreeing w/the above posters.
We've just returned from a trip ourselves from Thanksgiving to 2 Dec.
We go three times per year & feel we know our way around. I think it's all a learning curve & you will figure out what works for you a little more each time.
Besides TGM, we use the Unofficial Guide, which has several plans for touring with the children. Also, the Passporter can be of great help.
My personal fave is the UG~ but whatever guide you use be flexible!

When DS was small, we would be at the parks long before rope drop, then out of the parks by noon for lunch, a swim & nap time, followed by a snack. Then back in the parks around 5:30 pm followed by a late dinner & touring until closing. We took a whole day off (but we stay for 9 nights min) in the middle of our stay. This worked well for DS. We just told ourselves the trip was for his enjoyment, so at his pace. We also figured out we weren't going to see & do it all, child or no child, and from then out we became more relaxed & the enjoyment level went way up.

BTW, we avoid MK like the plague on Saturdays--unless it's the rope drop, and then we run do our faves & leave for other parks.
Film days aren't good, but you can cut some of the hassle just by staying away from the Main Street area.

The same way you learn to 'work the parks' you'll learn to work the special events like MVMCP. We went the Sunday after Thanksgiving and while it was busier than the earlier parties, it was very manageable. Remember to get guide maps & an event schedule just like you would when you enter any park on a normal day. If you can't locate something--like the cookie locations--by all means ask a CM & keep asking different CMs until you get an answer

Yes, 1 hr is too long to wait on ADRs, but neither does it shock me.
We usually have good luck in this way.
We had an 8:50 pm ADR @ Boma last Friday, got there early to cocktail & shop & were seated by 8:10 pm and with a window seat!
For the next 10 days our ADRs were oin time--but we eat on off times.

As for the serving of alcohol, I would've requested to see a manager, but then again, I probably don't look as youthful as you do!

The printed matter does state buses, boats about every 15 to 20 minutes.
Now every trip we do experience some glitch, but hey, stuff happens.
This time out DSnow18 & I waited almost 1 hr for a bus from the MGM to SSR.
No kidding, 4 buses came & went to OKW while we were waitng.
Most of that wait involved an ambulance emergency.
One of the kindest things you can do for yourself is to master the WDW transportation system ins & outs. That and leave PLENTY of time for the trip!

We do pack earplugs & a lot of DISers bring along white noise machines.

Jean

 

[Sarubo]

It is true that you live and learn. I don't think any of us knew exactly what to expect on our very first trips. Your expectations may have been a bit high, but you had no previous experiences to base them on. I think you have made a good decision by posting on boards like this. There are alot of veteran Disney-goers that are more than happy to give advice on anything Disney.

From what I've seen, there really isn't a "slow" time anymore. Some weeks are just a bit less crowded than others. And some parks are less crowded on certain days. I think with a little extra planning, your next trip will be fabulous.

 

[sarah112]

Hi,

Thanks to all who responded. Yes, I definitely agree....my expectactions were way TOO HIGH. They have been brought down a few notches......and yes I hate waiting! My family is way too impatient! But again, we were trying to fit everything in a short time and ended up stressed and rushed. The reservations were good but it limits you. I definitely had way too many....again overload.

In my defense though, I have to say that Dining should tell you that there may be long waits and also when I called the Wilderness Lodge the day before we arrived, the person said that 98% of the time requests were granted and she didn't see a problem in getting us a quiet room. I guess we were the unlucky 2%.

Maybe looking into the Contemporary or Poly would be great for my family. The Grand Floridian is gorgegous but seemed alot more expensive.

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.

Bottom line......lessens learned: Less reservations, more downtime, more patience, lower expectations and have more patience, afterall it is supposed to be a vacation!

Thanks again,

Sarah

 

[ebro]

we have stayed off site every year that we have gone, (timeshare)even on the days that traffic has been moderately heavy it hasnt taken us any longer than 15 minutes to get to the parking lot. Granted we are 5 miles from the parks just off of hwy 192.

 

[missypie]

Part of successful touring is to pick the "right day" for each park, which is the day that everyone else is somewhere else. Go at rope drop. Eat an early lunch. Leave by 1 pm for a break. Come back in the evening for parades, etc. Next time, join Tour Guide Mike, or the unofficial guide's site.

We were there Thankgiving Week. Using Tour Guide Mike, we TRULY never waited in a line more than 12-15 minutes and got to ride our favorite rides multiple times. We had afternoon breaks every day except our day at MGM, but that worked out fine because you spend more time sitting in shows there. At MGM, we had a great early dinner at Mama Melrose that served as a nice break.

As for WL: We ate one night at Whispering Canyon. It was so beautifully decorated, we all wanted to stay there...EXCEPT, we hated the idea of only getting places by boat or bus. Can't beat that monorail!

 

[itchin2go]

Some thoughts:

I think you happened to pick some of the worst restaurant offenders as far as waiting. We did CRT in January, and that was the longest we waited for anything the entire trip. I think part of it has to do with the process. Check in at podium. Wait for picture with Cindy. Wait for name to be called. Wait, wait, wait. I enjoyed almost everything about our trip, but I cannot say that I enjoyed that. The hype doesn't help - just gives you unrealistic expectations.

You also did not pick restaurants known for great food. I knew that going in to Cindy's, and I'd say the food was about what I thought it would be. There *are* restaurants with really good food at WDW.

Regarding xmas party and a 5 year old: I hear ya. We had booked the Pirate and Princess Party in January, and my 5 year old was too pooped to pop. She practically slept her way through Cali Grill and the fireworks, and then we dragged her to MK for the party. Too long of a night unless there's been a serious nap. So, we made the same mistake there. Disney keeps emailing me about the P&P party for our next stay. No, thank you. Lesson learned.

I have to say, though, that we loved the WL. I don't think we ever waited more than 15 minutes for a boat or a bus. I'm a bit worried that our upcoming stay at BC will not compare favorably in the transportation department (to MK and AK at least). We'll see!

My one piece of advice would be to buy a noise machine - worth their weight in gold!