Won't be around for a bit, as I have that post-Disney depression of knowing I have about 15 months before I can go back, but here is a brief synopsis, and happy to answer any questions.
9-night stay at the Beach Club Villas in a studio, Room 469, with a great view of Spaceship Earth and the fireworks, but I must say the rumors are true, that's a long walk after a day at the parks
To me the crowds were about the same as previous years in the last week of August, I honestly didn't see much a difference at all because of the free dining. Used TGM and his best days and did not have a wait of more than 10 minutes the entire week. The only crowded exceptions were...
1) I doubt there will be too many more easy touring days at AK. Everest is just an amazing ride (My first time this week). Disney did a tremendous job with it, and I think lots of people will be spending more time in the park so that they can ride this a few times each day. The run-off of those people into the other attractions is something we may have to deal with.
2) Friday, September 1st was a bit busy at night at the MK, but I think that had more to do with Labor Day crowds/Tom Joyner reunion than anything else.
MGM was empty the two days that we went. TOT was pretty much a walk-on all week. That could also be based on Ernesto one day as well. Or the fact that the Wiggles were playing, I don't know.
We spent most of our time at Epcot, and the lines here the six times we went were always manageable. Even Soarin was only a 20-minute wait Thursday afternoon around 4 p.m.
And Magical Beginnings. Indeed. All those parents worried about jerks like me stealing their magic from the kiddies can zip it. We went Friday, as I said we would, and there were so few people there, CM's were praying people would ride the attractions. The Hide and Seek with Peter Pan and what not was very funny, as was Goofy riding the Carousel, et al...
So yeah, relax, no one was there. Enjoy your time just like the rest of us.
As for dining, we were on the dining plan, but not the free one. The service at some of the places was a little less than the usual exceptional attitude I expect from Disney. Sad to say, but some places knew they were getting 18 percent and were putting in the minimal effort. Sad, because I am more than willing to go higher than that average rate if the service is worth it. But I can answer any questions on these places as well:
San Angel Inn (surprisingly enjoyed it)
Citrico's (very nice)
Boma (continues to get better and better)
Teppanyaki (reduced menu has limited the options on the DP, sad)
Marraskesh (lunch- always a good meal)
Le Cellier (First time for lunch. A nice meal, would go again)
Coral Reef (Love the ambience, food falls short)
Chef Mickey's (an average buffet)
All right, that's all I have for now. Questions I will answer. It was a very entertaining, lovely, and relaxing 9 day getaway.
9-night stay at the Beach Club Villas in a studio, Room 469, with a great view of Spaceship Earth and the fireworks, but I must say the rumors are true, that's a long walk after a day at the parks
To me the crowds were about the same as previous years in the last week of August, I honestly didn't see much a difference at all because of the free dining. Used TGM and his best days and did not have a wait of more than 10 minutes the entire week. The only crowded exceptions were...
1) I doubt there will be too many more easy touring days at AK. Everest is just an amazing ride (My first time this week). Disney did a tremendous job with it, and I think lots of people will be spending more time in the park so that they can ride this a few times each day. The run-off of those people into the other attractions is something we may have to deal with.
2) Friday, September 1st was a bit busy at night at the MK, but I think that had more to do with Labor Day crowds/Tom Joyner reunion than anything else.
MGM was empty the two days that we went. TOT was pretty much a walk-on all week. That could also be based on Ernesto one day as well. Or the fact that the Wiggles were playing, I don't know.
We spent most of our time at Epcot, and the lines here the six times we went were always manageable. Even Soarin was only a 20-minute wait Thursday afternoon around 4 p.m.
And Magical Beginnings. Indeed. All those parents worried about jerks like me stealing their magic from the kiddies can zip it. We went Friday, as I said we would, and there were so few people there, CM's were praying people would ride the attractions. The Hide and Seek with Peter Pan and what not was very funny, as was Goofy riding the Carousel, et al...
So yeah, relax, no one was there. Enjoy your time just like the rest of us.
As for dining, we were on the dining plan, but not the free one. The service at some of the places was a little less than the usual exceptional attitude I expect from Disney. Sad to say, but some places knew they were getting 18 percent and were putting in the minimal effort. Sad, because I am more than willing to go higher than that average rate if the service is worth it. But I can answer any questions on these places as well:
San Angel Inn (surprisingly enjoyed it)
Citrico's (very nice)
Boma (continues to get better and better)
Teppanyaki (reduced menu has limited the options on the DP, sad)
Marraskesh (lunch- always a good meal)
Le Cellier (First time for lunch. A nice meal, would go again)
Coral Reef (Love the ambience, food falls short)
Chef Mickey's (an average buffet)
All right, that's all I have for now. Questions I will answer. It was a very entertaining, lovely, and relaxing 9 day getaway.
