Just back...Thoughts and observations.

[ITALIANNYC]

Miss the place

 

[Shoshana]

1. My family was slightly perplexed at the increase in elderly folks there – especially since it was on the hot side. Several days we seen elderly (and I mean over 75/80) in wheelchairs that were kicked back with blankets on them and obviously sleeping – think what you would see in nursing homes/rehabs. They had to be burning up and these folks did not appear to be enjoying this experience at all. I get there are some folks that have a dying wish to see the world for a last trip and all but was just surprised at the number of these we saw and the fact that none of them could be in the health to ride a ride for sure. Totally not judging, just not sure it was something I would want to put a family member thru without a reason.

You'll see in my signature that my daughter and I went to Disney twice with my mother. Your post does sound like you're judging - you mentioned they didn't seem to be enjoying the experience, couldn't ride a ride, etc. My mother needed a wheelchair both visits. A power wheel chair that she couldn't drive. I had to walk next to her to use the joystick. She rode Small World. She watched a parade or two, she joined us for a couple of character meals. She sat in her rented recliner and watched Wishes from the Contemporary and she slept most the time, just like she did at home. Most importantly, she was there because she wanted to be with us -- she wanted to participate to the best of her ability -- she wanted to see her granddaughter enjoy the World, and stay in the same resort she brought me to in the 70s. She was there because she wanted to be with her family. We didn't "put her through" anything she didn't choose to go through. It was *enormously* difficult on her caregiver (me) to make those trips happen, and to make her happy. She died 6 weeks ago after living with us for 6 years. We're going back to Contemporary, MK view, but she's not with us. I'm grateful we have those memories and that we made those trips a reality. Even if old folks are sleeping and seem to be "not enjoying", you really don't know, do you... Their families would move a lot more quickly without their elder. I look at those families and I feel an enormous amount of empathy and pride.

 

[TXAKDisneyFan]

Maybe a few but not most...Seen several moms pushing strollers with dresses and heels or wedges. Or whole families together.

More recently, I wear flip flops or sandals like Tevas to the parks. But I used to own a pair of dressy-looking wedges (granted they only had about a 2" heel) that were the most comfortable shoes I've ever owned. I'd wear them to the parks from open til close every day and never got so much as a single blister.

 

[Delphinidae]

We enjoyed our stay there; not sure it's our favorite moderate though. It's a pretty large resort so be prepared to do some walking no matter where your room is. We ate lunch one day at the Pepper Market food court and was not impressed. The service there was slower than any other Disney food court we have used before - but there are some decent selections. We also ate breakfast one morning at the Siesta Cantina by the pool. Service was super fast and the CM there very friendly. We made that our place of choice to get drink refills as well since it was closer to our room than the main area. Any questions about the resort you have just let me know and I'll try to answer!!
Oh and I was surprised by how clear you could see Wishes from there. We just happened to catch it one night by accident. You could also kind of see the Star Wars fireworks from DHS but not as well from the location we were in.

We did dinner at CRT. We had a 7:10 ADR and I believe it was like 8:55 when we finally got up and left.

I didn't know you could see Wishes from anywhere over there! Maybe we will get lucky. I was worried about the size of the resort, mainly because our moderate of choice is POFQ and it is small. The kids think the pool looks fun though!

I have read the same thing about Pepper Market a few times. Hoping it's not too terrible, although I don't know how often we will even eat at the resort. Poolside cantinas sound nice though, I'll check that out. What section did you stay in? I'm hoping for either Casitas or Cabanas (Ranchos look too much like what I see all the time where we live lol).

I'm sure I'll think of something else to ask you but my brain is too exhausted at the moment

 

[ajwolfe]

@ajwolfe How was the crowds? Can you tell me more about what you liked from CRT? Also, did you try any other new food options?

Crowds were definitely manageable. There were a few days during the middle of the day where they were pretty thick but if you had a plan and knew where you were going it really wasn't a big deal at all.

Two of us had the steak and shrimp at CRT and enjoyed that - the scallop appetizer was delicious as well. We just enjoyed the fact that it felt laid back and calm - which I know is the polar opposite of some of the other reviews I've seen so I don't know if we just got lucky or what.
Also new to us was trying San Angel Inn and we loved it!! Ended up with a table right by the water from the right so it was a perfect view and all 4 of us were thrilled with our dishes.

 

[ajwolfe]

What is the chocolate sink?

It's a huge ice cream sundae over at beaches and cream. Delicious!!

 

[ajwolfe]

Where is the dole whip with rum ? It's ok ..I'm going as jack sparrow to mnsshp in sept ..thanks

You can find one at Tamu Tamu Refreshments in Animal Kingdom.

 

[disnut8]

I wonder if you saw people dressed up who may have been going to or coming from some of the fancier signature restaurants?
We often have dinner at Cali Grill or Narcoossees then spend the night at Magic Kingdom. However we also bring a change of shoes or clothes as well.

When I worked and lived in the DC area (Alexandria), I wore tennis shoes to work and had an assortment of shoes there to change into. At my lunch time, I changed back into tennis shoes and again when I went home. Most people (women) in big cities will do the same.

 

[maryj11]

Maybe a few but not most...Seen several moms pushing strollers with dresses and heels or wedges. Or whole families together.

That makes my feet hurt just thinking about it.

 

[warrenz1963]

Dresscode: I wonder if you were seeing people who were Disney Bounding, or doing their own Dapper Day thing? Also, if you saw dressy people in Epcot it might have been for F&G. I know lots of local peeps and CMs who like to dress up when they hit the food booths at the Epcot festivals.

Elderly folks: Florida is the retirement/old folks capital of the US! lol

 

[Shanti]

Whenever I see people in heels or fancy shoes at amusement parks I just don't get it. You're walking all day long, playing with your kids etc. Why in the world wear dressy clothes. Unless you're there for a special event and have to. But Ive seen so many people like that and its the oddest thing. My feet would die.

In the 50's and early 60's, people would dress nicely to go to an amusement park, just like you would to go to the theatre. Watch the Disneyland scene in "Saving Mr. Banks" and you'll notice this. Today that is no longer common, but some people try to keep the tradition alive, particularly "Dappers" who celebrate various Dapper Days in snappy and/or vintage clothing at WDW and DLR a few times throughout the year. I haven't done that, but I do typically wear a cute & comfy blouse & skirt or dress (definitely not heels, though).

I think being nicely dressed & seeing others nicely dressed adds to the festivity.

 

[Cee]

You'll see in my signature that my daughter and I went to Disney twice with my mother. Your post does sound like you're judging - you mentioned they didn't seem to be enjoying the experience, couldn't ride a ride, etc. My mother needed a wheelchair both visits. A power wheel chair that she couldn't drive. I had to walk next to her to use the joystick. She rode Small World. She watched a parade or two, she joined us for a couple of character meals. She sat in her rented recliner and watched Wishes from the Contemporary and she slept most the time, just like she did at home. Most importantly, she was there because she wanted to be with us -- she wanted to participate to the best of her ability -- she wanted to see her granddaughter enjoy the World, and stay in the same resort she brought me to in the 70s. She was there because she wanted to be with her family. We didn't "put her through" anything she didn't choose to go through. It was *enormously* difficult on her caregiver (me) to make those trips happen, and to make her happy. She died 6 weeks ago after living with us for 6 years. We're going back to Contemporary, MK view, but she's not with us. I'm grateful we have those memories and that we made those trips a reality. Even if old folks are sleeping and seem to be "not enjoying", you really don't know, do you... Their families would move a lot more quickly without their elder. I look at those families and I feel an enormous amount of empathy and pride.

 

[Cee]

Shoshana, I'm so sorry for your loss and know how important it was to have your Mom share those experiences with you. I can feel the grief in your post. All the best to you and your family.

 

[DVCcurious]

1. What is with all the hair bands at the top of EE? I’ve never noticed this before or maybe never paid attention.

You know all those sneakers from telephone wires? It's a similar deal. When you lose your virginity you're supposed to throw something away up in a high place. So that's what the sneakers and the hair bands are all about: former virgins celebrating their "transformation"

 

[momof2gr8kids]

You know all those sneakers from telephone wires? It's a similar deal. When you lose your virginity you're supposed to throw something away up in a high place. So that's what the sneakers and the hair bands are all about: former virgins celebrating their "transformation"

Really?? I thought those sneakers were from kids just being jerks to other kids and throwing their shoes there. I am so out of the loop.

 

[kayteekt]

We've been to disney probably 10 times and we always see women overdressed. Didn't even think it was debatable, there out there lol. I'm talking heels, wedges, tight mini skirts, many that look like their going out for the evening...at a night club. From my experiences, alot of these ladies tend to be latina. I could care less how other people dressed, as long as their dressed just can't imagine they're comfortable....but maybe they are, i don't know?

 

[JustMeFran]

Really?? I thought those sneakers were from kids just being jerks to other kids and throwing their shoes there. I am so out of the loop.

Yea, I didn't know that either.
I think the hairbands have another meaning...

 

[ssreward]

You know all those sneakers from telephone wires? It's a similar deal. When you lose your virginity you're supposed to throw something away up in a high place. So that's what the sneakers and the hair bands are all about: former virgins celebrating their "transformation"

Best explanation I've ever heard for either one, roflmao!!!

 

[JustMeFran]

Quick Google for "Hairbands on Expedition Everest""
http://www.disboards.com/threads/wh...ds-that-are-thrown-on-top-of-everest.3360960/
http://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/hair-bands-on-everest.902202/
http://www.wdwforgrownups.com/forum/hair-ties-expedition-everest

 

[scrhsa]

Some times I think the dressed up people may be locals with APs going to dinner or lunch. That's the only reason I can find My sister does have a friend that can't wear flats. She has to at least have a 2 in heel.