Just returned - observations!

[Grumpy John]

Got back this morning after another trip to see the Mouse - think that may be number 24!!

One or two observations from this one.

Flew Virgin as we are big Virgin fans.

Did twilight checkin as normal. Noticed this time that the staff at the desks were less than happy. Major operation to raise a smile. Took out a case and a holdall as checked in luggage. Holdall was OK for weight but the case was 24kg. Snotty miss behind the desk remarked that it was heavy and from May 1 when flying out of Orlando the luggage allowance was dropping to 23kg and she suggested we buy another case whilst on holiday. Did not see the funny side when I told her that inside the case was an empty one plus another holdall!!

She then made me put the checked in bags on a caged carrier with all the other checked in luggage from that day. First time for this operation. Surely Virgin are not cutting back on handling staff?

Excellent flight out although a bit bumpy - does not bother us though.

Only did Disney parks as we bought APs as we are going back in November and then hopefully taking dear two year old grand daughter Caitlin next February/March.

On several days we went to the parks found them very quiet. Went to Magic Kingdom one day just before the 3 p.m. parade - which I find extremely boring after 6 years - to find there were very few people sitting around waiting for it. In the past the kerbs have been packed at least an hour before it starts.

Also did Wishes one night - which we think is great - and once again it was not that busy.

Also staff seemed to be more miserable than in past visits. It was a struggle to get even a smile out of some of them.

Finally when are Disney going to change the fireworks at Epcot. Another 6 year thing. The fireworks I find excellent but it is the whole rotating globe bit in the middle that drives me nuts.

Otherwise good trip. Spent plenty. Brought more t-shirts and polo shirts and young Caitlin got spoiled rotten.

Also had a superb drive up to St. Augustine and returned via Daytona Beach and those fabulous high rise hotels.

Roll on November!!

 

[Miffy2003]

Welcome home John

It's always good when the parks are quiet!

I keep meaning to go to Daytona Beach - would you recommend a day trip there? I know the Gulf coast pretty well but we've never got to the Atlantic side.

 

[cannp123165]

It sounds like you had a lovely trip

 

[traceycooper]

Finally when are Disney going to change the fireworks at Epcot. Another 6 year thing. The fireworks I find excellent but it is the whole rotating globe bit in the middle that drives me nuts.

I thought it was just me that got bored with that globe

 

[princess jackson]

We returned Thursday morning, and we found the disney bus drivers very down this time, we maybe had 3 drivers that spoke on the tanoy, 1 driver had a joke on with us.

I remember 1 driver in particular, driving was bad, even told 1 passenger to get of the bus and walk to boardwalk from the swan hotel.

The gentleman did not speak english and asked where to get off, the bus stop at swan and the driver mumbled on the tanoy swan swan swan this is swan and it was hard to understand so the passenger went to the front and asked.

The driver started to shout i said swan did you not understand, you can walk from here go that way.

I was gobsmacked and thought, when i get off i gonna tell the driver you are not clear on the tanoy.

But the bus became packed to the point i could not get off, had to try and push way through the middle door.

 

[Ali and boyz]

Welcome home John

It's always good when the parks are quiet!

I keep meaning to go to Daytona Beach - would you recommend a day trip there? I know the Gulf coast pretty well but we've never got to the Atlantic side.

we quite often go for the day, you can drive your car right onto the beach and on a clear day see The Kennedy space centre. takes just over an hour and there is some nice restaurants on the way into Daytona so you can stop off on the way home for dinner.

 

[Miffy2003]

Thanks for the feedback Ali

 

[Scottish-Helen]

We just got back this morning and found that we walked onto most of the rides or used fastpass with short return times. It was a bit hot for me (never happy!) to do my usual commando touring so we found we were spending mornings doing the parks and then going back in the evenings for fireworks.

Overall I thought it was a good time to go but I think I preferred the very end of October or early December (mostly because it was too hot)

 

[Cyrano]

Welcome home everyone
Sounds like you had a great time

 

[Miffy2003]

Welcome home Helen

The tactics you used are what we always employ too (in August, so even hotter!!)