SteamboatStevie
Fellow Adventurer
- Joined
- Apr 30, 2008
- Messages
- 169
Hey, y'all, just returned from a week-long excursion (6 adults, no kids - and the best vacation I've ever had, I might add), figured I'd jump on the bandwagon here and share some thoughts:
* Stayed at POFQ, and not so sure if I'd stay anywhere else again. Not only was the place beautiful, staff extra friendly, and food awesome, but the transportation was the best I've experienced
* Crowds were the smallest I've seen. Only ride we actually waited for was Toy Story. Everything else (even the "e-tickets") were walk-ons
* Weather was beautiful. We usually go in August so it was although it was hot, it was a cold snap in comparison to what we usually go through. Only rained for ten minutes the entire time we were there, and I was in carousel of progress, so it didn't bother me.
* Keys to the Kingdom tour was amazing. We got Matthew as our guide, and he started out by telling us he would someday have a window on main street reading, "best tour guide ever." Later on, he told us, "remember that window? Here's why: I'm taking you on three attractions instead of two." We got to ride jungle cruise, haunted mansion and pirates. He was also very straightforward and unbiased, not like I expected a Disney tour to be. Totally recommend the tour, and totally recommend Matthew.
* Went to my first MNSSHP, which, despite the steep price, was well worth it in MHO. Hallowishes was the best fireworks I've seen EVER (standing in the hub, fireworks surround you on almost all sides), and the parade was adorable. I begrudgingly soon got into the trick or treat spirit, and enjoyed seeing everyone's costumes. Watching little ones at Stich's Dance Party was a hoot, and the haunted mansion seemed to employ only the best cast members for the night (they even had special make-up). Would definately go again, only next time, I might actually dress up
* Our final trip to pleasure island (specifically the adventurer's club) was somewhat marred. While the cast was on top of their game, the club was packed with faithful followers who, most of which, obviously have spent a lot of time at the club. Like every night. For nineteen years. Now, don't get me wrong, I appreciate the loyal following the club has, and while I'm only able to attend once a year, I'm proud to count myself in their ranks. However, some of these individuals were so territorial, they were downright rude to anyone who doesn't spend every night there. Literally pushing and shoving to get into a show first. We went two nights, and both times I had drinks spilled on me. Both times, I was already out of the way, in one case sitting in a corner. I understand that this place means something to these people, but there's no reason to be rude.
* Speaking of rude, I don't know if was the low crowd level, the mild weather, or whatever, but every cast member I encountered, from custodial to service to entertainment, was the NICEST I have ever seen. (With one exception, a lady at Cosmic Ray's, whom I'm ashamed to say was from my hometown) EVERYONE stopped to say hi, even people riding by on segways or golf carts or buses would wave to crowds. It's amazing what constant smiles can do for your trip.
* On the flip side, going along with our pleasure isalnd experience, I have seen some of the NASTIEST guests ever. People were HORRIBLE to some of the cast members, usually because they didn't understand (or didn't read about) the dining plan. I noticed another poster comment on the amount of foreigners not caring about rules on rides, and I wholeheartedly agree. It was very frustrating. We (my entire group) got into an altercation in the Toy story mania line with a woman (who we thought couldn't speak english, but turns out she can swear just fine). She was allowing her kids-all 8 of them
-to climb on EVERYTHING. I was getting nervous watching them balance on the railing, and everyone else in line tried to say something, a cast member even scolded them at one point, but she was too busy talking loudly with her friend to pay attention. Two of the kids pushed open the gate (the one that says cast members only) in front of Mr. Potato Head, and went up to climb on him. This very expensive animatronic. So several of us in my group stopped them and informed them they should not be back there. Well the woman didn't take to kindly to others talking to her kids...but anyway, I digress. Sorry for the rant.
*Anywho, as I said, this was undoubtedly the best vacation I've ever had. Be happy to answer any questions. Kungaloosh!
* Stayed at POFQ, and not so sure if I'd stay anywhere else again. Not only was the place beautiful, staff extra friendly, and food awesome, but the transportation was the best I've experienced
* Crowds were the smallest I've seen. Only ride we actually waited for was Toy Story. Everything else (even the "e-tickets") were walk-ons
* Weather was beautiful. We usually go in August so it was although it was hot, it was a cold snap in comparison to what we usually go through. Only rained for ten minutes the entire time we were there, and I was in carousel of progress, so it didn't bother me.
* Keys to the Kingdom tour was amazing. We got Matthew as our guide, and he started out by telling us he would someday have a window on main street reading, "best tour guide ever." Later on, he told us, "remember that window? Here's why: I'm taking you on three attractions instead of two." We got to ride jungle cruise, haunted mansion and pirates. He was also very straightforward and unbiased, not like I expected a Disney tour to be. Totally recommend the tour, and totally recommend Matthew.
* Went to my first MNSSHP, which, despite the steep price, was well worth it in MHO. Hallowishes was the best fireworks I've seen EVER (standing in the hub, fireworks surround you on almost all sides), and the parade was adorable. I begrudgingly soon got into the trick or treat spirit, and enjoyed seeing everyone's costumes. Watching little ones at Stich's Dance Party was a hoot, and the haunted mansion seemed to employ only the best cast members for the night (they even had special make-up). Would definately go again, only next time, I might actually dress up
* Our final trip to pleasure island (specifically the adventurer's club) was somewhat marred. While the cast was on top of their game, the club was packed with faithful followers who, most of which, obviously have spent a lot of time at the club. Like every night. For nineteen years. Now, don't get me wrong, I appreciate the loyal following the club has, and while I'm only able to attend once a year, I'm proud to count myself in their ranks. However, some of these individuals were so territorial, they were downright rude to anyone who doesn't spend every night there. Literally pushing and shoving to get into a show first. We went two nights, and both times I had drinks spilled on me. Both times, I was already out of the way, in one case sitting in a corner. I understand that this place means something to these people, but there's no reason to be rude.
* Speaking of rude, I don't know if was the low crowd level, the mild weather, or whatever, but every cast member I encountered, from custodial to service to entertainment, was the NICEST I have ever seen. (With one exception, a lady at Cosmic Ray's, whom I'm ashamed to say was from my hometown) EVERYONE stopped to say hi, even people riding by on segways or golf carts or buses would wave to crowds. It's amazing what constant smiles can do for your trip.
* On the flip side, going along with our pleasure isalnd experience, I have seen some of the NASTIEST guests ever. People were HORRIBLE to some of the cast members, usually because they didn't understand (or didn't read about) the dining plan. I noticed another poster comment on the amount of foreigners not caring about rules on rides, and I wholeheartedly agree. It was very frustrating. We (my entire group) got into an altercation in the Toy story mania line with a woman (who we thought couldn't speak english, but turns out she can swear just fine). She was allowing her kids-all 8 of them
-to climb on EVERYTHING. I was getting nervous watching them balance on the railing, and everyone else in line tried to say something, a cast member even scolded them at one point, but she was too busy talking loudly with her friend to pay attention. Two of the kids pushed open the gate (the one that says cast members only) in front of Mr. Potato Head, and went up to climb on him. This very expensive animatronic. So several of us in my group stopped them and informed them they should not be back there. Well the woman didn't take to kindly to others talking to her kids...but anyway, I digress. Sorry for the rant.*Anywho, as I said, this was undoubtedly the best vacation I've ever had. Be happy to answer any questions. Kungaloosh!
