Just back - some yay! - some 'not-so-much'

[Lady Hiss]

We stayed at BCV for 2 weeks (2 adults, WDW vets). We went to the parks 10 days. Trying to be brief, but probably won't be successful, here are a few impressions of our visit to the parks:

Epcot - Yay for the Pixar/Disney Shorts movie; TT; Fountain & music; SSE; Illuminations; QS Germany; QS Japan; France movie, American pavilion movie; musical performance in America bandstand area (forgot the name of the group)
- We were disappointed in Liberty Inn (loud, dirty; slow service, boring selection - wishing for some different regional U. S. offerings like KC chili, Idaho/Maine baked potato, corn, angus beef sliders, decent salad, local strawberries & shortcake, etc.); were amazed at the rude people at the musical performance (talking/yelling across the aisle to each other during the singing; using their phones for shopping, phone calls); Innoventions needs some new offerings; Ellen needs an upgrade/update

Magic Kingdom - We enjoyed 7DMT (with FP+); PoC; Space Mtn; BTTR; train; HM; flag ceremony on the Main Street plaza; Columbia Harbor House
- We found the park to be crazy crowded after 10:30 AM; the Starbucks/Main Street Bakery was nuts (20 minutes to get through the line and get my purchase - wish they'd put another one elsewhere in the park to ease the crowding); lines for TTA on Saturday were worst I've ever seen; missed Buzz & Aladdin (but am happy they're refurbing Buzz - it needs it badly).

Hollywood Studios - Thumbs up for Star Tours; TTM (with FP+); RnR (ditto); Star Wars feature in Animation area; Muppets 3D (an update would be nice); Writers' Stop (so sad this is on the chopping block); Symphony of the Stars fireworks.
- Didn't enjoy the DJ/dance show (long and just meh - nothing magical there at all, a lot of music I can get on my phone with some characters dancing); felt like we were being rushed at 7 PM QS when park closed at 8 PM (most meal places closed by 7 - annoying); area by RnR is too congested with all the extra stuff they've put in back there - looks cheap

Animal Kingdom - Yay for the Safari (FP+); bird presentation by Tree of Life; Pangani Forest Trail (baby gorillas!); EE (single rider); Maharaja Jungle Trek; Pizzafari QS; Creature Comforts/Starbucks (friendly CMs, manageable lines); candy store (finally found a box of Mickey rice krispie treats, other unique offerings-chocolate covered pineapple); Primeval Whirl (wish they'd make an area where you could take pictures of people on the left side, too); peeking boxes in fabric barriers so we could see the new area being built for nighttime show; great theme-ing throughout this park.
- Didn't enjoy the walls everywhere; wished for more benches in Dinoland (so much space yet so uncomfortable due to the blacktop, lack of attractions - few people are ever playing those carnival games); missed seeing DeVine (is she still there?)

We used FP+ for every park and it worked fine. I miss the days when you could wing it and still get on rides. Nope, we elected not to do rope drop. Bus transportation was awesome (short waits every day though I wish they'd turn down the AC). CMs were okay, few were cheerful or magical. Security was ramped up, a few spoke, many others didn't. Magic Kingdom was our least favorite park - just too congested (can't imagine how those who must navigate using wheelchairs do it), and the castle shows seem lame to us. AK was our favorite park this trip and we're eager to see what Disney has come up with for Avatarland, as well as new stuff at HS. Epcot needs the next big upgrade - without the festivals/shows, it's just okay. We missed some of the WS performers so perhaps that influences our perception.

Our plan - maybe go back in 3 years to see the new stuff and re-evaluate our DVC ownership.

Sorry this is so dang long - I don't know where to cut it!

 

[goofy4tink]

I was there for a week....last week. I had many of the exact same feelings!

 

[L&Lfan]

After this fall's trip we won't be back for several years. Never thought I'd say that. We've been going to Disney parks regularly since 1968, but we're finally burned out and no longer find the parks in their current states worth the expense.

 

[TeamSy]

I totally get where you are coming from! We kind of keep going back and forth! After our Jan. 2014 trip we felt DONE, over it. Worst Disney experience ever. Then, a deal that was too good to pass up came out and we caved and booked for Aug/Sep 2015, so a pretty significant time had passed. We went to the Disney in CA in the meantime, and I have to say we loved it. Anyway, our 2015 trip back to the World was a much better experience than the last, so much so that we're going this year too (and are excited about it!). It's weird how things can change - how one week it can be one amazing experience after the next, and the next week not up to par! I'm hoping in the coming years, once all the construction dies down and new things make their appearances, everything will even out to a steady, pleasant experience for all!

 

[lovethattink]

Thanks for sharing. My family will miss Writer's Stop too.

 

[a742246]

They are doing a very good job at Disney Springs did you go there?

 

[mickeyschickie]

Ooh, baby gorillas! I the AK!

 

[connie1042]

I don't have a trip planned right now. I said no more until things are done. Too much money for all the construction. I feel really bad, but I am hoping in a few years things will be exciting again.

 

[Planogirl]

I agree with so much of what you said and you just reminded me of something. We couldn't find anywhere decent to get something to eat at dinnertime at DHS either so we just decided to leave. I don't understand why so much would close by 7.

 

[FantasiaMagic]

Thanks for the report. Overall it sounds like you had a nice trip!

 

[Lady Hiss]

They are doing a very good job at Disney Springs did you go there?

Yes, forgot to mention DS! WDW bus area is a crowded mess, but we persevered. Lol. We went to a movie one rainy day, then shopped another day. We liked what they've done so far and look forward to the completed project. I was expecting a glorified outdoor mall, but found the shops interesting (though some are very, very small) and the food choices good. One highlight: chocolate at The Ganachery - YUM!

 

[Travis B]

Devine is still there - or at least was in October 2015.

 

[HopperFan]

Just back from 9 days. You made some good constructive points.

I think biggest issue for us ... it was much more crowded than we usually see this time of year. Whether that was the reason or not, I've never in all my years seen so much hostility and awful behavior by guests. Some was directed at CMs and some at other guests. And I mean awful.

 

[PlutoFan10]

DeVine was there mid December 2015.

 

[PlutoFan10]

Any sign of renovations starting at BCV?

 

[farlinm1]

Thanks for the good and honest reviews Going to miss the Writers Shop too!! Of course it closes the day before I arrive in April!!!

 

[cmash95]

wonder what is going in its place since I have heard they are creating a new meet and greet not far from there and since its right next to sci fi. It's a nice place kind of away from everything but really a very small place. It was opened years ago when Ellen had her show on abc and has changed names over the years but basically it was a glorified version of what became starbucks. It's possible they just didnt want competition.

 

[ArwenMarie]

I agree about the congestion in MK, it's just awful in certain parts especially. I am looking forward to DAK's new stuff as well over the next few years. Thanks for the report, very interesting! Liked to hear the yays and nays

 

[Lady Hiss]

Any sign of renovations starting at BCV?

Yes, they've started refurbishing BCV. It appears they started on a 5th floor wing. Our room was on another floor and, though a little beat up, was okay. Won't it be interesting to see what the new rooms look like? I'm hoping for a little bit of 'beachy' decor, but am not optimistic.

 

[AJA]

We just got back on Monday and feel the same way. The magic was not there for us this time. We are big time Disney lovers but are not planning another trip for a few years. Way too many negatives for the price.