Just back from a great 15 day trip. No full trip report Im afraid, but here some highlights that might be of interest.
We flew American Airlines from Heathrow via Miami. Excellent service in both directions, and for us, cheaper than BA or Virgin as well. Customs in Miami was nice and quick, leaving us with about 90 mins before the short hop to Orlando (45 mins) time to stretch our legs, grab a snack, etc. When we got to MCO it was just a stroll to baggage reclaim where our bags were just appearing! The transatlantic flights were about 30% full going out, and maybe 60% coming back, so we had loads of space. The amount of legroom on these flights is just wonderful once youve experienced it you will question normal economy conditions in future, I promise you.
We decided to rent a car for the first week, as we were going to visit Seaworld and Busch Gardens on this trip. Decided to use National for the first time as they had such a great deal if youre a Disney club member we got a compact for 7 days for £85 (we already had CDW/SLI from the UK). Returning the car after 7 days was simple just drove to the Car Care centre at the Magic Kingdom, and took the National shuttle van to MGM afterwards took maybe 30 mins from the resort hotel to the park, including the car return! Used Disney transportation after this, and then Tiffany for the trip to the airport at the end. By the way, I can confirm that Alamo is now sharing counters with National at the airport and car care centre, so if you can get a great Alamo deal then dont be put off by the shuttle ride at MCO.
Seaworld and Busch were both pretty good staff seem to be more attentive at these parks, and closer to the Disney standard than wed found in the past. Lots of new building work at Seaworld, although I think this will be completed by mid-2003. The SkyTower and water-ski attraction were both closed, at least for the present time. Coasters at Busch were great as usual, and no lines at this time of the year. The new Rhino Rally wasnt really worth the lines however not really up to the safari at Animal Kingdom in my opinion.
Did the Candlelight Processional package when Edward James Olmos (of Miami Vice/Blade Runner fame) was the narrator he was excellent, and seemed to really enter into the spirit of the whole thing. Topped this off with a wonderful meal at Le Cellier. Had great meals at Big River Grille (Ribs were superb, as was New York Cheesecake), and Nine Dragons in Epcot their lunch sampler for $14 is excellent value with unlimited refills of the 7 or so dishes they include. If you have annual passes you get 10% off the price, too! Great meals too at Spoodles, Olivias (Old Key West), Boma, and off-site at Landrys.
Worst meal was at Marrakesh in Epcot
restaurant was like a freezer with the air-con working overtime. Not necessary as temperatures havent been that high over the past couple of weeks. Food was ok, but not really worth the price, we felt. At Jungle Jims the burgers were good, but the service was pretty poor starters arrived after the main courses, and drink refills took ages.
Hotel-wise the Animal Kingdom lodge was very nice indeed, as was Port Orleans Riverside. We bought some soft toys as Christmas presents for nephew and nieces after a couple of days, and maids at both hotels always found new methods of displaying these. Most effective was a complete indoor swimming pool for Pooh, Tigger and Eeyore at the AK Lodge
What else well, after two warm December trips in the past few years, we finally hit some cooler weather Never mind though apart from the torrential rain all day last Monday it wasnt a problem.
Im sure there are other things that havent sprung to mind yet jet-lag still kicking in! If anyone is off soon and has any questions, please ask away.
Peebee
We flew American Airlines from Heathrow via Miami. Excellent service in both directions, and for us, cheaper than BA or Virgin as well. Customs in Miami was nice and quick, leaving us with about 90 mins before the short hop to Orlando (45 mins) time to stretch our legs, grab a snack, etc. When we got to MCO it was just a stroll to baggage reclaim where our bags were just appearing! The transatlantic flights were about 30% full going out, and maybe 60% coming back, so we had loads of space. The amount of legroom on these flights is just wonderful once youve experienced it you will question normal economy conditions in future, I promise you.
We decided to rent a car for the first week, as we were going to visit Seaworld and Busch Gardens on this trip. Decided to use National for the first time as they had such a great deal if youre a Disney club member we got a compact for 7 days for £85 (we already had CDW/SLI from the UK). Returning the car after 7 days was simple just drove to the Car Care centre at the Magic Kingdom, and took the National shuttle van to MGM afterwards took maybe 30 mins from the resort hotel to the park, including the car return! Used Disney transportation after this, and then Tiffany for the trip to the airport at the end. By the way, I can confirm that Alamo is now sharing counters with National at the airport and car care centre, so if you can get a great Alamo deal then dont be put off by the shuttle ride at MCO.
Seaworld and Busch were both pretty good staff seem to be more attentive at these parks, and closer to the Disney standard than wed found in the past. Lots of new building work at Seaworld, although I think this will be completed by mid-2003. The SkyTower and water-ski attraction were both closed, at least for the present time. Coasters at Busch were great as usual, and no lines at this time of the year. The new Rhino Rally wasnt really worth the lines however not really up to the safari at Animal Kingdom in my opinion.
Did the Candlelight Processional package when Edward James Olmos (of Miami Vice/Blade Runner fame) was the narrator he was excellent, and seemed to really enter into the spirit of the whole thing. Topped this off with a wonderful meal at Le Cellier. Had great meals at Big River Grille (Ribs were superb, as was New York Cheesecake), and Nine Dragons in Epcot their lunch sampler for $14 is excellent value with unlimited refills of the 7 or so dishes they include. If you have annual passes you get 10% off the price, too! Great meals too at Spoodles, Olivias (Old Key West), Boma, and off-site at Landrys.
Worst meal was at Marrakesh in Epcot
restaurant was like a freezer with the air-con working overtime. Not necessary as temperatures havent been that high over the past couple of weeks. Food was ok, but not really worth the price, we felt. At Jungle Jims the burgers were good, but the service was pretty poor starters arrived after the main courses, and drink refills took ages.Hotel-wise the Animal Kingdom lodge was very nice indeed, as was Port Orleans Riverside. We bought some soft toys as Christmas presents for nephew and nieces after a couple of days, and maids at both hotels always found new methods of displaying these. Most effective was a complete indoor swimming pool for Pooh, Tigger and Eeyore at the AK Lodge
What else well, after two warm December trips in the past few years, we finally hit some cooler weather
Never mind though apart from the torrential rain all day last Monday it wasnt a problem.Im sure there are other things that havent sprung to mind yet jet-lag still kicking in! If anyone is off soon and has any questions, please ask away.
Peebee
?
). I think we had Yolanda Adams (?) doing our CP at Epcot and we weren't over-impressed with her, but the rest of the concert was outstanding. 
