Just returned from an 11 day stay -- Please read

[Me!Thatswho]

I don't like Dole Whips either.

I was with you up this point, but now you lost me. Not liking Dole Whips = heresy! If there was an emoticon to mimic the infected humans in the invasion of the body snatchers calling out the non-infected humans, it would be posted after this remark!

This will have to do!

 

[Disgrammy]

Such a refreshing thread! I actually haven't been reading much on the site lately, but this has restored my faith that I may not be so odd after all. I missed the urgent post about the candy apple - glad I did! We have been going to WDW since 1985 and I still love it. My main issues have been mostly with the other guests.
I will now admit that we have NEVER made a rope drop at any park. In the planning stages I always think that the next trip we will, but we're on vacation and I have not felt the need to start a day off rushing around.
Thank you!

 

[dvc at last !]

Subbing - to read later ...

 

[Me!Thatswho]

I'm sure you will have a wonderful trip!!! We want to do less ADR's for our trip in April (we will probably only book Be Our Guest - if we can, and Ohana)...it will be nice not to be tied down to ADR's for once. And, we are not going to use the DDP on next trip. We will use TIW instead. Very interested to see how that goes.

We actually did this on our last trip to DL. With the exception of one resi to supposedly see World of Color up front (same basic idea between the fantasmic package, only for us it didn't work at all) and one for Napa Rose, we went ADR-free and loved it. In fact, we loved it so much that we are doing the same for our trip next month to WDW. For 7 days, we only booked Hoop Dee Doo and San Angel Inn. For the rest, we're going to wing it. And, we're not using the DDP either as it is way too much food! Instead we're POP!

 

[smallworldnh]

I enjoyed your trip report and your perspective on things! We are from Southern NH and you're right, it's been as hot as heck here all summer!! This is a good trial run for my trip at the end of September - between hot flashes and 90 degree temps - WHEW!!! Thanks!!

 

[DisneyFive]

Glad that you can still have so much fun in the peak summer months. Thanks for the post.

Dan

 

[khertz]

Great post, OP! It does get disheartening to read so many horror stories from the parks. Just when I start getting myself worried that we are not going to have a good time, we get to WDW and it always seems to top the last time we were there! I think we are just so happy to be there that we don't notice the little things that seem to bother other posters on the boards. I'm glad your family had such a great time! And 11 days?! Jealous!!

 

[MouseEarsForAll]

Ok, so I promised I wasn't going to do this because I am strongly a believer (especially after this trip) that your experience at Disney is going to be your experience....and that's that.

While it is nice to read "just back" reports....always remember to take them with a grain of salt because you are not the person giving the report and your personal experience will vary.

Anywho....before I left for our trip, I read (and worried) about A/C not being utilized as much...as in attractions and stores being hotter. Well, I can tell you that in our experience...the stores and attractions were freezing as always

And for that matter, not having been in July in quite some time (we usually go in fall or winter)...I was worried about face-melting-off type of heat that our children would be miserable in...well, our first 3 days there, it was hotter in NH (where we come from - WAY up north) than it was in Florida. DD5 even wanted a sweatshirt during Wishes one night. . There were two days that were hot....but we didn't sweat thru our clothes, our deodorant didn't fail...and no one passed out....it was very manageable. . Again, in our
Experience.

Also in July, we worried about hoards of BTG's swooping into line, taking all of the fast passes, chanting in line....well, ok...that DID happen. But, in our experience, on two rides that they had two or three of their representatives jump in front of us....to be quickly followed by 70-100 of the rest of them, CM's saw what happened and quickly escorted us to the front of the tour group.

We also read about rides not working the way they were supposed to...the Splash Mountain boat not running (it was), effects on Kali River Rapids not working (they were). I mean a particular individual could have hit Disney on a bad day where maybe an a/c unit wasn't working, or someone forgot to flip a switch on a ride element.... But sometimes, a poster will take these experiences and come back with a whole "decline of Disney" post....and before you say anything....I have been visiting Disney since 1985 through its sometimes referred to "Hey Days" and I'll tell you what...Disney is still providing magic every day. Really, they are...grounds always clean (my DD5 dropped some popcorn at MK, and a CM appeared out of nowhere with a broom within 45 seconds to sweep it up), the rides are well kept up. The food was mostly excellent (yes, even at Ohana, Le Cellier, and Whispering Canyon Cafe) ...several restaurants that people like to dump on. Again, maybe these folks hit these issues on a bad day, which can happen

My point is, if your going to Disney, GO! Experience the magic yourselves. Don't go looking for problems (which I honestly believe some people do), and create your own experiences. It is indeed a magical and beautiful place (even now).

One other note...I do believe that Disney inflates their ride times...twice we got into a 115 min line for Soarin' and only waited 30 mins...
Similar experiences on Splash Mountain and several other rides.

Sorry for my rant, that is all.

Glad you had a great trip! Thanks for the honest perspective.

 

[Sandi S]

Ok, so I promised I wasn't going to do this because I am strongly a believer (especially after this trip) that your experience at Disney is going to be your experience....and that's that.

While it is nice to read "just back" reports....always remember to take them with a grain of salt because you are not the person giving the report and your personal experience will vary.

Anywho....before I left for our trip, I read (and worried) about A/C not being utilized as much...as in attractions and stores being hotter. Well, I can tell you that in our experience...the stores and attractions were freezing as always

And for that matter, not having been in July in quite some time (we usually go in fall or winter)...I was worried about face-melting-off type of heat that our children would be miserable in...well, our first 3 days there, it was hotter in NH (where we come from - WAY up north) than it was in Florida. DD5 even wanted a sweatshirt during Wishes one night. . There were two days that were hot....but we didn't sweat thru our clothes, our deodorant didn't fail...and no one passed out....it was very manageable. . Again, in our
Experience.

Also in July, we worried about hoards of BTG's swooping into line, taking all of the fast passes, chanting in line....well, ok...that DID happen. But, in our experience, on two rides that they had two or three of their representatives jump in front of us....to be quickly followed by 70-100 of the rest of them, CM's saw what happened and quickly escorted us to the front of the tour group.

We also read about rides not working the way they were supposed to...the Splash Mountain boat not running (it was), effects on Kali River Rapids not working (they were). I mean a particular individual could have hit Disney on a bad day where maybe an a/c unit wasn't working, or someone forgot to flip a switch on a ride element.... But sometimes, a poster will take these experiences and come back with a whole "decline of Disney" post....and before you say anything....I have been visiting Disney since 1985 through its sometimes referred to "Hey Days" and I'll tell you what...Disney is still providing magic every day. Really, they are...grounds always clean (my DD5 dropped some popcorn at MK, and a CM appeared out of nowhere with a broom within 45 seconds to sweep it up), the rides are well kept up. The food was mostly excellent (yes, even at Ohana, Le Cellier, and Whispering Canyon Cafe) ...several restaurants that people like to dump on. Again, maybe these folks hit these issues on a bad day, which can happen

My point is, if your going to Disney, GO! Experience the magic yourselves. Don't go looking for problems (which I honestly believe some people do), and create your own experiences. It is indeed a magical and beautiful place (even now).

One other note...I do believe that Disney inflates their ride times...twice we got into a 115 min line for Soarin' and only waited 30 mins...
Similar experiences on Splash Mountain and several other rides.

Sorry for my rant, that is all.

Awesome!!! I'm heading down there next Saturday for a ten day stay (8/5 - 8/14) and your report has me VERY excited!

 

[lilmakattack]

We are just back too!

July was not horrible like everyone said. It was 20 degrees hotter at home, 14 hours NORTH of Florida

Wait times were normal. We rode everything. Sure we had to be a little die hard but we were able to everything at the world we wanted to.

Ohana was delicious

BTG were everywhere. I know because my 2 year old flirted with every single brazilian girl we saw. And they just ooohed and awwwed over him too. So we made friends with the BTG's and for the most part, they weren't too bad. Only time they stressed me out was when they started camping out by Fantasmic at 6pm for the 9pm show. I thought for sure we wouldn't get in. By 8pm it was full but we had a seat.

Wait times were indeed off. We asked if we could just play in the Dumbo queue since the wait was 110 minutes. The CM laughed and said Oops! It's really only 10 minutes

Rain really clears out a park. I love my poncho more than anything. I was able to ride EE over and over because I had a poncho. And we also got supreme character interaction at the empty parade. Thanks poncho!

So yeah, you won't die in July! You just need to embrace the BTG. You need to get to the parks early and stay late but you'll do everything. Don't be afraid of rain. And please don't skip Ohana

 

[mom2rtk]

I wouldn't ever get into a line that showed a 115 minute wait. I'd be too worried that it was accurate!

Isn't that why they do it?

OP, glad you had a great trip!

 

[nhtinkerbell]

My DS(9) and I also just got back (last nite) and had a great time. The weather we thought was perfect. We did all he rides we wanted to and some we did twice. A lot of the wait times where way off, but didnt mind waiting when it was longer.The food I thought was much better this time then in the past. We didnt do ADR instead just walked up and asked if they had aval. T Rex and rainforest cafe we got right into. No waiting. We found the BTG's to a hassel sometimes but really just went the oppisite way as them. My DS had a blast with all the kids we ment in lines and while we where waking around.
This by far was one of our best trips and can't wait to go back soon.

 

[Mousemommy1]

I enjoyed your trip report and your perspective on things! We are from Southern NH and you're right, it's been as hot as heck here all summer!! This is a good trial run for my trip at the end of September - between hot flashes and 90 degree temps - WHEW!!! Thanks!!

We are southern nh too!

 

[Disneyholic]

Just back reports are my favorite types of threads, but I agree with you that people should take every single thing that is said as reality. It was only that one person's reality.

I can't believe you got into a 115 minute line though. Bad Diser! Bad!

Guess I'm a bad DISer, too. I have gotten in 115 minute lines and have the same experience as OP with only a 30 minute wait. I don't always like to go in the FP line because most by-pass the unique displays that they have in the regular lines. I hate missing this stuff.

 

[Disneyholic]

I'm gonna have to talk to the mods, but honestly I've never seen someone be allowed to keep their membership with all this evidence against them. I'm sorry that it has to be this way.

Then you are going to have to report me, too. I am on vacation & get up when I get up. If I get up in time for EMH, fine, but have never been to ropedrop either. I have stayed for evening EMH, but not till Park closing on those either.

 

[Disneyholic]

I don't like Dole Whips either.

Never had one of these either, so don't know if I would like them or not.

 

[jennyjinx3]

Great post OP!!! Loving the positivity!!!

 

[mommyrosa2]

Thanks Mousemommy for a great report. We are heading to the world in 2 weeks (our first Summer trip with both girls) and after reading so much negative comments about Disney in the summer months, I was getting just a tad anxious. A friend of mine has been in the world since last Wed. and called me to say it was hotter up here then it was in Florida so I'm glad to read that you felt the same way and it now makes me feel a little more at ease for our upcoming trip. Glad you had a great trip and thanks again!

 

[Mousemommy1]

Great post OP!!! Loving the positivity!!!

Hey Jenny!

 

[Murron]

Ok, so I promised I wasn't going to do this because I am strongly a believer (especially after this trip) that your experience at Disney is going to be your experience....and that's that.

While it is nice to read "just back" reports....always remember to take them with a grain of salt because you are not the person giving the report and your personal experience will vary.

Anywho....before I left for our trip, I read (and worried) about A/C not being utilized as much...as in attractions and stores being hotter. Well, I can tell you that in our experience...the stores and attractions were freezing as always

And for that matter, not having been in July in quite some time (we usually go in fall or winter)...I was worried about face-melting-off type of heat that our children would be miserable in...well, our first 3 days there, it was hotter in NH (where we come from - WAY up north) than it was in Florida. DD5 even wanted a sweatshirt during Wishes one night. . There were two days that were hot....but we didn't sweat thru our clothes, our deodorant didn't fail...and no one passed out....it was very manageable. . Again, in our
Experience.

Also in July, we worried about hoards of BTG's swooping into line, taking all of the fast passes, chanting in line....well, ok...that DID happen. But, in our experience, on two rides that they had two or three of their representatives jump in front of us....to be quickly followed by 70-100 of the rest of them, CM's saw what happened and quickly escorted us to the front of the tour group.

We also read about rides not working the way they were supposed to...the Splash Mountain boat not running (it was), effects on Kali River Rapids not working (they were). I mean a particular individual could have hit Disney on a bad day where maybe an a/c unit wasn't working, or someone forgot to flip a switch on a ride element.... But sometimes, a poster will take these experiences and come back with a whole "decline of Disney" post....and before you say anything....I have been visiting Disney since 1985 through its sometimes referred to "Hey Days" and I'll tell you what...Disney is still providing magic every day. Really, they are...grounds always clean (my DD5 dropped some popcorn at MK, and a CM appeared out of nowhere with a broom within 45 seconds to sweep it up), the rides are well kept up. The food was mostly excellent (yes, even at Ohana, Le Cellier, and Whispering Canyon Cafe) ...several restaurants that people like to dump on. Again, maybe these folks hit these issues on a bad day, which can happen

My point is, if your going to Disney, GO! Experience the magic yourselves. Don't go looking for problems (which I honestly believe some people do), and create your own experiences. It is indeed a magical and beautiful place (even now).

One other note...I do believe that Disney inflates their ride times...twice we got into a 115 min line for Soarin' and only waited 30 mins...
Similar experiences on Splash Mountain and several other rides.

Sorry for my rant, that is all.

I'm not even going to read all the other posts here. I give you a big We've been going since '71 (yes ... that old) and you are absolutely right about the experience being in the eyes of the beholder. I have preferences in WDW, but never a bad time...ever. And that's not pixie dust. Maybe my glass is simply half full. Glad you had a good time!