Just back, My thoughts and observations

[LBS]

We spent the week of May 23 at the world. Here are some of my thoughts.

1. It was more crowded than I expected. Nothing was unmanageable, but especially MK during the afternoon was terrible. Needless to say we went to the pool then. MGM and AK were somewhat crowded but easy to manage, while EPCOT seemed positively empty at times. We have previously been in early May and October, which are far better times imo.

2. Mission Space is great. Don't let all of the warnings turn you off, this is the best ride in the world.

3. My children, 11, 9, 6 loved EPCOT. That is our favorite park now.

4. Pin trading is wonderful for the children to do.

5. By arriving at the parks at opening and using fast pass, we rode all that we wanted and never waited more than 20 minutes. Why anyone would go to DW and not arrive early is beyond me. We competed Fantasyland in less than an hour last Tuesday morning.

6. Everything was clean, including the bathrooms.

7. The more I am at AK the more I like it.

8. Festival of the Lion King is the best show on property, but my children loved Tarzan Rocks and would rather see it than LK.

It was hot, but we had a great time. However, there is no way I could imagine going in the middle of summer. We were blown away by crowds but most cast members said this was maybe half of what the high season was like.

I'll be happy to answer any questions.

 

[danny1649]

For sharing,where did you have your favorite meal?Did you use EMH or fast pass?Where did you stay?Were you happy with your resort?Thank you Danny

 

[tar heel]

Glad you had a great trip!

We've been several times at the end of May/first of June and I agree with almost everything you say.

We ALWAYS leave MK by 2 p.m., usually earlier. In 7 trips, we have seen the afternoon parade one time.

We also like AK better each time we go although it's still in fourth place. We hated Tarzan Rocks, so we probably need to try it again sometime. Our AK rule is that we don't stay longer than four hours at a time b/c the whole family melted down the last time we did, and Tarzan was our last attraction that day -- may have colored our opinion.

We also LOVE Epcot. Once you discover the wonderful shows in the countries, there is so much to do in that park. Next trip, I recommend that you consider staying at an Epcot resort. It is so nice to just walk over there whenever you want. We end up there almost every day when we stay at our favorite resort, YC.

I disagree about Mission Space, though. I think ToT is the best attraction at Disney. I like to ride it over and over and I would never do that with Mission Space.

 

[DWSCLS]

We just got back too and I have to agree with you about the crowds. This is the time of year we go every year and I was surprised at how crowded it was this time.

Our big disappointment: I had read on one of these boards that "It's a Small World" was scheduled to close on June the 5th for refurbishments. Was sad to find out when we got there that it closed on May 2nd. My 3 year old was disappointed.

Our best moments: We enjoyed a dinner at 1900 Park Fare with Cinderella and her friends and it was awesome. We still enjoy Chef Mickey the best but this was a close 2nd. Also, we saw "Mickey's Philharmagic" for the first time and it was great! We really enjoyed the show.

Can't wait to go again!!!!

 

[RC Fan]

Hi LBS!

It sure was crowded!

My best day was at IOA. It was not crowded, and was excellent!

 

[marijeff]

hi! we are just back - same week as you. I agree that it was terribly crowded! We just cant seem to get to the parks at opening - usually we are there within the hour. Tot fastpasses at 11:15 were for 4:45! Too hot for us too. Our best time was at Epcot - loved it! our kids loved it! we went for afternoons and stayed until it closed. I think our next visit will be in off season though!

 

[minnieandme]

Just got back as well and I couldn't believe how crowded MK was. We tried to go when it was "least" crowded, but I'm guessing it was close to if not 10,000 people. After Wishes, we waited around about 30 minutes, strolled along and even stopped in the gift shop and it still took us 45 minutes to even get on the monorail!!! Overall, I had fun and trying to figure out when will be the next time we'll be able to go.

ToT and Mission Space were on the top of my list. Oh yeah, can't forget Rock n Roller coaster.

 

[eleanor]

The 1/2 Triathalon was on last week-end . Perhaps that accounted for some of the crowds.

 

[LBS]

Danny,
We didn't have a favorite type meal as we mostly ate counter service. What I did enjoy the most was walking around the World Showcase and sampling everything. That is awesome.

WE stayed at the Marriott Village, SPringhill SUites. It served our purpose very well. From the EPCOT parking lot to the hotel parking lot took 8 minutes. The room was nice and the kids loved the free breakfast and the pool.

I forgot to mention it but Mickey's Philharmagic is great. I am glad to see Disney do a 3-d/4-d show that doesn't frighten children at all. And adults love it too.

The worse crowd was by far last Tuesday evening at the MK. In Frontierland the parade route was pretty full at 8:15. We were able to find a good spot though. Here is a crowd comparison: on Monday, we saw Illuminations, had a leisurely stroll on our way out and watched the fountain and the lighted sidewalk. We were back in our hotel room by 10:00. After Wishes on Tuesday we waited 45 minutes before exiting the park and still waited 30 minutes for the monorail. It was after midnight before we were at the hotel. That alone will probably get me to stay on site for our next visit.