This was a quickly planned trip to WDW to celebrate my Christmas baby's (Dec. 21) 7th birthday. We like to do something seperate and apart for her birthday since it gets kind of lost with all the holiday plans. We are eligible for the Shades of Green resort and at $106 per night it is a bargain. I was making dining reservations when the cast member told me about a $67 per night rate for the value resorts, so I booked the Pop Century. Since it would just be me and my daughter I felt it was a great way to try the resort. (I am glad I did). We had two full days at WDW and it was amazing.
Hotel: I had requested a non-smoking room on the first floor. I did not pay the preferred rate. We were assigned to the 50's building on the ground floor. The location of the room was great, right near the food court and parking. The room was very clean (I am picky) and although small it was great for two people. I liked the little table and the nice television. I did not hear too much noise from other rooms, occasionally a noise from above but not too frequently. The beds were very comfortable, although they were small. I can't imagine sleeping with four people in those two beds. The staff in the lobby were very nice and the short line to check in moved very quickly. ON the second day they left a balloon bouquet in our room with a princess card and signature for my daughters birthday. This was a nice and unexpected touch.
We loved the food court and gift shop because of the large selection (more about our meal choices later). On Wednesday and Thursday the hotel was quiet but on Friday night and Saturday morning it was packed to the rafters! Huge crowds that I expect will only get worse as the holidays approach
Meals: We began our trip with lunch at the Norway restuarant with the princesses. I was nervous about this lunch because the menu did not appeal to me. I was pleasantly surprised! Check in at this place is a little bit unorganized (well... a LOT unorganized). There were about 30 people milling about by the podium. You have to wait on line to check in and then just stand there until they call your name. There is no where to sit or walk around. No beepers either. So the crowd grew a little restless (I won't say rude...but) and my 1:20 reservation turned into 1:50. Anyone who tried to walk in without a reservation was turned away. Once in the place it was great. The service was very nice and it was cool to be able to get some food from the cold board buffet right away. I actually liked the food, the shrimp, crab and chicken salads were really good as was the bread and cucumbers. I ordered the pasta with chicken as my main meal and it was great too. My daughter ate about three bites of food (too busy hamming it up with the princesses!). The princesses were very patient and kind. Each one took a few moments to wish her a happy birthday and to make her feel special. I got some great pictures too. Dessert was wonderful but I was too full to eat more than a bite. This is a place I will go back to.
That night we had a "sleigh" ride reserved at the Wildnerness Lodge. We arrived early but the people who had the slot before us did not show up so we got to ride a bit early. The sleigh ride was so much fun. The carriage was very comfortable and they had blankets to use if you were cold. They took us around the resort and into the woods for a half hour. It was peacefull and beautiful. After the ride (40 with tip) we ate at the Whispering Canyon at the lodge. It was okay, the roast chicken was adequate. Our server was hysterical though...her name was head of lettuce. Huh? They did not play the regular games because they had entertainment in the lobby (bell ringers..very nice)
On our last full day we had breakfast in the Pop Century food court. They have a breakfast pizza which, although not on my usual diet
is delicious. (who counts fat grams at WDW anyway?) Fresh fruit and tea and we were happy and ready to roll to the parks. HA!
Lunch was at a counter service near tomorrow land (can't remember the name). It was pretty awful, the hotdog was boiled and low quality. Skipped this and made up for the extra breakfast calories! Walked fast too!
We had an early dinner reservation at Liberty Tree Tavern. This has always been one of my favorite places but it was not that great this time. The waiter had what we term LOE. Lack of Enthusiasm. He did the minimum possible and was either shy or snotty...not sure which. We were there at 4 p.m. and the food seemed dry so I wonder if it was left over from lunch? Oh well, my daughter LOVED the characters so it was still a good thing.
Late night snack of chicken soup back at the POP was horrible! It was just plain awful. (saved more calories...but then bought those amazing scottish butter cookies and ate four
. Walked really, really fast back to my room!
On our last day I made it my goal to try Earl of Sandwich because of the wonderful things I have read about it. It was great but way too crowded and rushed. We will try this one again on a more relaxed day. (pushy people and no tables...took a bit away from the wonderful food).
Overall: My daughter and I had a magical time. The crowds on the 15th and 16th were great, we never waited more than 15 minutes for a ride. She loved Soarin and Thunder Railroad (five times in a row for the Thunder railroad ride and I begged for mercy).
I am glad we left today because the crowds at the POP doubled overnight. It was CRAZY, although whenever I leave I have to book another trip before I get on the road. In March we are going to try a Fort Wilderness adventure (okay..in the cabins with a golf cart..but this city mom is TRYING).
So the planning begins again....sigh!
