Just Back..Mostly Good, Some Bad

[WDWBOB1]

Well, I can't believe our 8 day visit to WDW is already over...here's a few thoughts. First the positives...Man did we luck out in the weather department..low 80's the whole time and a passing shower only on our final evening. The entire property was magnificently decorated for Christmas. And for the most part the lines for many attractions were either short or non-existent. The posted wait times at some rides like Splash and Peter Pan were greatly exaggerated..practically walked right on. The new pools at Poly & GF look like a lot of fun. And boy did we luck out on room placement at BWV. We were right on the Boardwalk on the same floor as the lobby, so the only time we used the elevator was to go to the first level where the the hotel pool is located. We even experienced a little bit of that ol' Disney magic when Eeyore rode the Pooh ride our last morning at MK. All in all, we had a great trip....one we'll cherish for a long time to come. However in the pursuit of fairness I feel compelled to mention a few not so good memories. I still cannot believe I was at WDW for Walt's actual 100th birthday. There were virtually no outward signs of what could have been a huge celebration.We missed out on the measly 500 special pins that were allegedly sold... I say measly because we lined up at 9:00 AM to get one, only to be told they were already sold out.(Rumour had it they were given out to the Press Corps attending that week) Since we our not big on parades,(I think it's a Canadian thing) there was little indication we were there for anything special besides the Christmas celebrations. Now here's where I may be the only person on this planet with this opinion...I definately would never do the Candlelight Processional or Mickey's Xmas Party again. If you're not into this type of music, stay away from CP...let alone stand in line for quite a while for it. The highlight was the meal at Teppanyaki, but I sure got an earful from certain family members that their favourite comic Wayne Brady was well, let's say boring. Hey, these were 2 preteens talking...don't blame me! And MVMCP is one of those things your glad you tried once, but will pass up next time.(Osborne lights were much better...and not at an extra cost!) In an attempt to not sound too negative, let me say I've seen almost every type of behaviour from WDW guests and CMs through the years. After hearing how 'good' the CMs have been lately, I was genuinely suprised at the attitude of some CMs. I've never heard CMs openly complaining about other CMs until this trip. My wife had at least one very negative encounter with a CM. Enough said...I don't want the tone of this post to be negative...We had a wonderful trip and am already day- dreaming about the next.

 

[Doctor P]

Glad you enjoyed your trip.

 

[snuggles]

This would be great on Trip Reports. I'll move it over for you. Thanks for posting.

 

[ContempoSMT]

wayne brady Isss funny.. but still a good trip

 

[Kallison]

I agree with you on MVMCP and CP, did them once but never again.

That is a bummer about Walt's birthday, you think something really really special would have happened.

 

[TimNDansMom]

Glad you had such a great time! I too am surprised that there's not more going on for Walt's birthday. Thanks for posting!

 

[DeeP]

What didn't you like about CP? We are going on Christmas Eve for the first time and are really looking forward to it, will we be disappointed? I also have teenagers.

 

[WDWBOB1]

Chances are DeeP your family will enjoy CP, it really gets down to personal preferences. When I think of Xmas music, I tend to lean more towards the classic songs that came out of the WWII era that stressed the return to one's home to be with loved ones(like I'll Be Home For Christmas). I found the CP music a little too religious for my liking which most people I'm sure will enjoy. My DW definitely liked the music more than I having sung in many a choir in her youth. But my 2 DDs were not impressed in the least. First they share their father's taste in Xmas music and second, I think they thought Wayne Brady was going to ad-lib his way through the performance, whereas it is tightly scripted. We all thoroughly enjoyed our dinner at Teppanyaki(sure was fun ordering anything at all on the regular menu) but this restaurant is a must stop for us on any trip and we likely would have spent about the same money. I should mention the 15% discount was already available to us because we had the Amex discount anyway. All in all I really didn't mind doing it once but I'll probably pass it up next time. Looking around at the many smiling faces during the performance indicated my way of thinking was most likely in the minority.

 

[yepod]

Thanks for the report. Agree about MVMCP, did it 4 years ago & this year & enjoyed it 4 years ago much better!

 

[kozmo]

great trip report,isnt it worth seeing all the decorations around the world?

 

[nativetxn]

I love the Boardwalk area the best I think. I'm not much of a parade person, myself but I thought the parade at MVMCP was very sweet. I attended my first and probably my last MVMCP on 12/2. It was nice, but not having small children, I don't think I will fight that crowd again. Although....the lines for the rides were almost nonexistent and that was nice.

Welcome back, and thanks for telling us about your trip

Katholyn

 

[Quasiboato]

The entire reason for the Christmas season is to celebrate the birth of Christ - how can you have music that is too religious?

You may indeed be the only person with this opinion.

 

[Donna]

<I think they thought Wayne Brady was going to ad-lib his way through the performance, whereas it is tightly scripted. >

tightly scripted? This is THE CHRISTmas story we're talking about, not something you can make up along the way or change in any way. I thought this was the most beautiful part of all the holiday celebrations going on in WDW, there wasn't a dry eye in the place when they sang Let There Be Peace on Earth. If you're looking for Rudolph and Frosty, definitely do not go to this show. Apparently, judging from the crowds and standing room only, it is enjoyed by ALOT of people.

 

[Misti]

What a GREAT location for your villa! So convenient.
Thanks for sharing your report with us!

 

[Misti]

What a GREAT location for your villa! So convenient. Thanks for sharing your report with us!