Returned late Sunday from a Friday October 6th to Sunday October 15 trip to DW. Actually our flight was over 5 hours late so we did not check into our hotel by MCO until about 5 am (Embassy Suites--would recommend).
After the rough and late start we checked into the VWL prior to an afternoon/evening at EPCOT. Our initial impression of the VWL was very favorable. It looks better in person than many of the pictures I had seen and the room was spacious and well thought out. The property itself is as advertised and has a lot of fun options for recreation and also at nearby Fort Wilderness (where we enjoyed the campfire and movie). Our room was on the bus stop side of the building near the elevators so we could here some noise from there but it was not too bad. I tried to get a room on the other side of the building but traded the ability to check in early for that side of the building. Tough call whether I made the right decision. I would definitely return and so would the kids but they say they prefer AKL to WL.
After 6 nights at VWL we spent the last two nights and three days at the Beach Club. We stayed at the end near EPCOT which made it just a short walk to the International Gateway. We really enjoyed Stormalong Bay but noted that the water was not heated as warmly as the other pools I have been in at Disney (WL/AKL/POLY). We also enjoyed Spoodles piazza window at the Boardwalk. The theming is nice but not really special like the AKL or WL. The cast members were the most friendly of any resort I have stayed in (at Disney or otherwise). I would return as would the kids but they still prefer AKL.
I was surprised at the level of crowding at the parks and otherwise. Our last Disney trip was in October 2004 and it was significantly more crowded this time. Overall, it was still fine and with some sound touring plans and use of Fastpass, we did not have too much standing around.
By far the best meal of the week was at BOMA. The food was great and the service was efficient.
As far as the new rides are concerned, Expedition Everest scored a home run with our family. As a side benefit the mountain provides a beautiful backdrop for many areas of the park including, for example, Kali River Rapids. We didn't ride Soarin because of long lines and the FASTPASSES being gone fairly early in the day but we have experienced it many times at California Adventure and love the ride. We also enjoyed the preview of the new Nemo ride. It is quite cute and a big hit with our almost 3 year old. It is not a big deal ride however so it is best not to have high expectations.
Isn't it about time they redid some of the movies in International Showcase?--they are looking pretty dated.
Disney Studios should definitely be first in line for the next big attraction.
We visited Blizzard Beach for the first time this trip and it was a big hit. Despite what I had read, we thought the children's areas were far superior to Typhoon Lagoon and it had significantly better slides overall.
Overall, we had a great trip. Thinking about a Disney Cruise with some time at DW at either end for our next trip.
After the rough and late start we checked into the VWL prior to an afternoon/evening at EPCOT. Our initial impression of the VWL was very favorable. It looks better in person than many of the pictures I had seen and the room was spacious and well thought out. The property itself is as advertised and has a lot of fun options for recreation and also at nearby Fort Wilderness (where we enjoyed the campfire and movie). Our room was on the bus stop side of the building near the elevators so we could here some noise from there but it was not too bad. I tried to get a room on the other side of the building but traded the ability to check in early for that side of the building. Tough call whether I made the right decision. I would definitely return and so would the kids but they say they prefer AKL to WL.
After 6 nights at VWL we spent the last two nights and three days at the Beach Club. We stayed at the end near EPCOT which made it just a short walk to the International Gateway. We really enjoyed Stormalong Bay but noted that the water was not heated as warmly as the other pools I have been in at Disney (WL/AKL/POLY). We also enjoyed Spoodles piazza window at the Boardwalk. The theming is nice but not really special like the AKL or WL. The cast members were the most friendly of any resort I have stayed in (at Disney or otherwise). I would return as would the kids but they still prefer AKL.
I was surprised at the level of crowding at the parks and otherwise. Our last Disney trip was in October 2004 and it was significantly more crowded this time. Overall, it was still fine and with some sound touring plans and use of Fastpass, we did not have too much standing around.
By far the best meal of the week was at BOMA. The food was great and the service was efficient.
As far as the new rides are concerned, Expedition Everest scored a home run with our family. As a side benefit the mountain provides a beautiful backdrop for many areas of the park including, for example, Kali River Rapids. We didn't ride Soarin because of long lines and the FASTPASSES being gone fairly early in the day but we have experienced it many times at California Adventure and love the ride. We also enjoyed the preview of the new Nemo ride. It is quite cute and a big hit with our almost 3 year old. It is not a big deal ride however so it is best not to have high expectations.
Isn't it about time they redid some of the movies in International Showcase?--they are looking pretty dated.
Disney Studios should definitely be first in line for the next big attraction.
We visited Blizzard Beach for the first time this trip and it was a big hit. Despite what I had read, we thought the children's areas were far superior to Typhoon Lagoon and it had significantly better slides overall.
Overall, we had a great trip. Thinking about a Disney Cruise with some time at DW at either end for our next trip.
