Just Back, Quick Review

[AJM53]

The Cast:

Marie, my wife
Sarah, my daughter
Me ( AL) all round good guy


Our Priors: 1980 - Off - Site

1983 - Contemporary

1987 - Polynesian

1989 - Grand Floridian

1992 - Beach Club

1994 - Beach Club

1995 - Dixie Landings / Beach Club / Vero Beach

1996 - Boardwalk

1997 - Wilderness Lodge / Beach Club

1999 - Disney Paris

2000 - Boardwalk

2003 - Polynesian / Boardwalk

2004 - Boardwalk

2005 - Yacht Club

2005 - The Swan


Just back from a 5 day, 4 night trip. A brief rundown.


Flew Southwest out of Philadelphia. Departing and return flight left on time and arrived early. Excellent service.


FL Tours was waiting with our limo arriving and departing. Excellent service.


Stayed at the Swan. Room was clean and comfortable with a nice marina view. Staff members were friendly and helpful. My wife and daughter thought it was lacking in ambiance, not Disney enough. Then again, we didn't pay a Disney price. Overall, very nice, we'd stay there again.


The only "new" things we saw were the Stunt Show and the Halloween Parade and Fireworks. The Stunt Show was pretty cool and very loud. The parade was alright if you like parades. Unlike my wife and daughter, I refuse to stand in a crowd fighting off over-zealous parents trying to make sure their little darlings get a good view when they show up at the last minute. I'd rather stand back and see what I can see. The fireworks were awesome. Dare I say, better than Wishes.


The Food: * = Poor ***** = Excellent

Breakfast:

Fresh - ** Mediocre food and over-priced

Spoodles - *** Always good

Garden Grill - ** Good but pricy, breakfast for 3 shouldn't cost $50.


Lunch:


Brown Derby - ** Good but nothing spectacular

Food & Wine Fest. **** Sampled a wide variety, all good

Garden Grill - ** Good, again, nothing special

Beaches & Cream - **** Love them burgers...and the 16oz Heineken



Dinners:


BlueZoo - **** Delicious food, good service, nice decor

California Grill - ***** Excellent meal, still our favorite

Palios - *** Loved it last time, dropped a notch this time

Bistro de Paris - **** Very good, little expensive with drinks


That's it till next time. Any questions?

 

[pumba]

thanks also for the reviews on food.....always nice to get views from other people. Did you do Soaring this time too...thanks again

 

[airplane]

How were the crowds?
How was the wx?
Were there a lot of conventions?

 

[AJM53]

Pumba - Yes, we fast passed Soarin' and waited less than ten minutes. We hit most of the usual rides, I only mentioned the new stuff.


Airplane - We arrived on Thursday 9/29 and the crowds weren't that bad. It seemed to get more crowded over the weekend. The night of the Halloween party was crowded of course but other then that, not bad. I waited longer at some of the stands at the Food & Wine Fest than I did for any ride.

I'm not sure what "wx" is. Maybe weather?? Hot and Humid, 90's....Rained some every day but not for long. If this isn't what you're asking, let me know.

Yes, there was an Amway convention in town. That was a big part of the ambiance problem. There seemed to be more of a business atmosphere. While we ate lunch one day the people at the next table talked business the entire time.

I have a brother-in-law who lives near AC, in Cologne. I'm in Hamilton, outside of Trenton.