Just back from VWL!

[skorpie]

Wow, what a great trip! We really lucked out with the weather in Orlando, mostly sunny and in the 70's. Just great for a New Yorker! We arrived at 12:30 but our room wasn't ready. We went over to SOG to renew annual passes. By the time we had eaten (at Roaring Forks) and gotten done at SOG, our room was ready, #3544. Even though at check in I had asked to verify if the room was non-smoking, upper floor and not handicapped, we did end up with a handicapped, accessible room. The shower area was more easily adaptable than the kitchen. There as very little counter space because the cabinets were lower, the micro wave and dish drain trying to use the same space for easier handicapped accessiblity. It gave me no room to prepare the foods ! I felt that because 2 of our requests were honored, we'd just deal with the handicapped room, especially since it was New Years week!

Funny, but the room bothered my DH more than me, and I was doing all of the cooking!

Even though it was a very busy week, the best advice anyone could ever follow is-Get To The Parks EARLY! We were at the parks before the scheduled opening. For example, if the official openning is 8 AM get there for 7:30. We were often in a park on the attractions by 7:45 AM. We were able to tour Fantasy Land and be done by 8:45 if not a lot sooner!

Our afternoons were usually spent by the pool. DD (age 12) usually found a friend to play with.

We are really boring people, so we all fell asleep befor 10 PM on New Year's Eve. I did set the alarm for 11:45. I woke up, and managed to rouse the rest of the family to open there eyes to watch the NYC Times Square ball fall down. I was able to watch an incredible fire works show from our balcony. And I didn't even have to deal with the crowds!

We had a few incredibly good meals! We ate at Aritist's Point on the evening of our arrival (our anniversary- Dec 28th) WOW!!!!!
On the expensive side, but quite delicious! I had the Buffalo steak, DH had the tenderloin (He's not worried about Mad Cow disease) and DD had the salmon.

We also had lunch at DH favorite, Akershus. As usual, we were very pleased!

Our new experience, thanks to these boards, was Boma. What a truly great treat! We took everyone's advice and tried the soups and made sure we saved room for the Zebra Domes. DH has now decreed that he would "go back again in a heartbeat!" In our family that means success!

As usual, I'm back at home, putting all our "stuff" away. Can't wait until our next trip this coming June!

I'm alreay thinking about next year at WDW for the holidays!

 

[Paula H]

Sounds like you had a great trip - we're heading home to VWL for the holidays next year and can't wait. We share the same wedding anniversary, and how I'd love to celebrate it at AP!

 

[Northwoods]

How bad were the crowds? Is it a lot worse than Easter time?

Just thinking about going next year between Christmas and New Years.

 

[caskar]

skorpie, I have to agree with you on getting to the parks early. We experience what your family did. We did most of Fantasyland, Splash Mountain, Big Canyon Run and The Haunted Mansion before 11. We fast passed only Splash Mountain as we waited in line for Big Canyon Run (20 min. wait).

 

[Simba's Mom]

Did I read right here? They told you at the front desk that the room was not handicapped and when you got there it was? If so, Grrrr!!! I had a major problem with that 1 1/2 years ago (same room, coincidently) and I got called by Jackie Leuders, the front desk manager at VWL (can't remember her name now), and the "Disney executive offices". Each one insisted that when VWL did that to me it was wrong and "we'll make sure it never happens again". Sounds like someone didn't do what they promised!

 

[MJTinNH]

Sounds like a great trip! Thank you for posting!

 

[dizneeluvr]

Our anniversary, and DD birthday are on the 28th as well! We actually made our first trip to WDW to celebrate her 5th and our 10th! That trip led to finally purchasing DVC and 2 subsequent add ons!!!

Glad you had a great trip! We are heading "home" in January and can't wait!

Mike

 

[lenshanem]

Glad you had a nice time and thanks for sharing.

Even though at check in I had asked to verify if the room was non-smoking, upper floor and not handicapped, we did end up with a handicapped, accessible room.

This concerns me. I would think in the least VWL could verify non-smoking and not handiapped. When I was there a couple weeks ago they woudl not confirm this with me or give me a general idea as to where our room might end up. I understand locations and views not being given at checkin if your room isn't ready (although thsi was the first time they woudln't evn circle an area on a map.), but non-smoking and not handicapped shoudl be.
I'm not too sure I like where the policies are leading...

 

[TDERadulski]

Originally posted by skorpie
We went over to SOG to renew annual passes.

I didn't know that you could get an AP through SOG. I have never used them for our park admission tickets - we always had admission through a WDW package stay and most recently through Disney's Armed Forces Salute offer. But now that we are DVC owners I am looking for other options to get our tickets at reasonable prices. Do you mind if I ask how much the AP's are through SOG? Also, do you know if I can buy admission tickets through SOG for my parents (who are joining us on our next trip to the world) even though they are not ID card holders?

 

[tinkgrl]

Hi,

Thanks for posting!!!

Allison an associate

 

[Coastie]

Northwoods... the crowds were absolutely amazing! I went July 4th week of '02 and it was jammed. However, this did not compare to the crowds on Christmas Day, and after! The festivities were fantastic, but I can always do without the crowds. Our future plans will always be for after or before the holidays!! Please don't get me wrong, everyone should experence the holidays at least once at WDW.

Our days at the park before Christmas were fine. The Christmas Candle Light Processional is something everyone should experience! It is well worth reserving seats with the dinner package. Disney, with their imaginative ways, made it snow during and after the last song!

 

[skorpie]

Dear TDERadulski! If I remember correctly, the price for an adult AP was $362 with no tax added. This was the best deal for us since once I decide on something, I look no farther! If you go on the SOG web site and look under ticket attraction prices, you will get a list of all pass prices.

Northwoods- We've never been at Easter, but the crowds during NYE week were huge. Luckily for us, we were at all parks before the scheduled opening time and the parks were usually already open! That meant early mornings for us but also almost no crowds. By the time we were ready to leave,usually by 10;30, the hoards of people were just arriving. Always get to a park early!!!

We're back at the usual routine today with wonderful memories of our trip!