- Joined
- Oct 25, 2001
- Messages
- 2,888
I'm a big fan of the Christmas decorations, and so I went for a quick trip: last Thursday through today.
Crowd Levels
Light--except for mid afternoon on when I think they were actually manufacturing people backstage. Lines moved (MUCH) faster than posted times, and we flew through most of them.I was skeptical about having to confine myself to the park reservation system, but it was much less of an issue than I feared.
COVID Stuff
People (generally) obeyed the mask rule. These rules have become ubiquitous and I almost never think about them.
Christmas Decorations
Just a little disappointing, and far short of what they had been pre-COVID (or pre Chapek, or whatever). There were whole areas that used to be decorated that are no longer. This is particularly noteworthy as you can't blame this on the supply shortage. What I saw was nice, but it was bit of let down because I had (unreasonably?) expected the former approach. I get it, expenses needed to be cut back, but, well, hmmmph.
Room
I stayed at Saratoga Springs--for the first time in a long while. The room was nice. I thought the dresser was much too large, and the place could have used a desk or small table. But then, I didn't do any work while I was there anyaway. The signage at that resort still needs work. I got off the launch from Disney Springs (I got there by another route) and had no idea where I was.
Cavalcades
Are no parades. Not even close.
Maintenance
On Saturday, three separate rides broke down. Two for short periods, one (Pooh) we had to be "rescued" from the middle of the ride. This is not dispositive, but it sure makes you wonder about maintenance.
New Ride Experiences
Rise of the Resistance, Ratatouille and the Mickey & Minnie train rides were all new experiences for me. Each was excellent. New technology and some real creative thinking made each worthwhile. This is work very well done.
Lightening Experience
For the most part, we didn't--but for the two rides I mentioned at Hollywood Studios, we splurged and went with the advance cash-for-speed option. I can see how this might be very popular. I will use it VERY sparingly.
Meals
Just a few noteworthy points:
Fireworks
This is a big deal for me, and I am glad they are back.
The vote was split on Harmonious--I liked it a lot, and my buddy did not think it was "EPCOT appropriate". It's long, so I think we at least get our money's worth, and I think they did a really nice job.
Over at the Magic Kingdom, we were in complete accord on Disney Enchantment--loved it, and can't wait to see it again.
It was good to be back--even though it is a measurably more expensive experience.
Crowd Levels
Light--except for mid afternoon on when I think they were actually manufacturing people backstage. Lines moved (MUCH) faster than posted times, and we flew through most of them.I was skeptical about having to confine myself to the park reservation system, but it was much less of an issue than I feared.
COVID Stuff
People (generally) obeyed the mask rule. These rules have become ubiquitous and I almost never think about them.
Christmas Decorations
Just a little disappointing, and far short of what they had been pre-COVID (or pre Chapek, or whatever). There were whole areas that used to be decorated that are no longer. This is particularly noteworthy as you can't blame this on the supply shortage. What I saw was nice, but it was bit of let down because I had (unreasonably?) expected the former approach. I get it, expenses needed to be cut back, but, well, hmmmph.
Room
I stayed at Saratoga Springs--for the first time in a long while. The room was nice. I thought the dresser was much too large, and the place could have used a desk or small table. But then, I didn't do any work while I was there anyaway. The signage at that resort still needs work. I got off the launch from Disney Springs (I got there by another route) and had no idea where I was.
Cavalcades
Are no parades. Not even close.
Maintenance
On Saturday, three separate rides broke down. Two for short periods, one (Pooh) we had to be "rescued" from the middle of the ride. This is not dispositive, but it sure makes you wonder about maintenance.
New Ride Experiences
Rise of the Resistance, Ratatouille and the Mickey & Minnie train rides were all new experiences for me. Each was excellent. New technology and some real creative thinking made each worthwhile. This is work very well done.
Lightening Experience
For the most part, we didn't--but for the two rides I mentioned at Hollywood Studios, we splurged and went with the advance cash-for-speed option. I can see how this might be very popular. I will use it VERY sparingly.
Meals
Just a few noteworthy points:
- I can't see any reason to go to Ohana's without the characters. Serious money for breakfast, and although he was charming, our waiter wasn't that charming. I can get the same quality food at a QS location. I won't do that again.
- Braised short ribs came off of the menu at Tratoria al Forno. Whomever made that decision should be sent packing. Really bad call--our waiter said that he had gotten a lot of "feedback" on that.
- Beaches & Cream--I always go because I love the No Way Jose sundae. I miss some of the theming that made the location more special.
- New, at least as far as I have experienced, to the Magic Kingdom was the Skipper Canteen across from the Jungle Cruise ride. Counter to recent trends, the theming was really good (some needs a raise). Food wasn't bad either. It wasn't great, but the Magic Kingdom suffers when it comes to good dining options, so this is a welcome addition.
Fireworks
This is a big deal for me, and I am glad they are back.
The vote was split on Harmonious--I liked it a lot, and my buddy did not think it was "EPCOT appropriate". It's long, so I think we at least get our money's worth, and I think they did a really nice job.
Over at the Magic Kingdom, we were in complete accord on Disney Enchantment--loved it, and can't wait to see it again.
It was good to be back--even though it is a measurably more expensive experience.
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