Even though this was our fifth yearly trip in a row as a family and we've become seasoned vets at this WDW stuff, there were still quite a few firsts for us. Here are some of them:
- First trip with just us
This was our first shot at a full trip without the support of any family members. We missed them dearly, but we did pretty well on our own. Kristin and I are about 98% on the same page when it comes to this vacation, and we're the perfect team. The kids can be a bit of a roadblock at times, but for the most part are extremely agreeable and easy when we're here. Let me emphasize "when we're here"
- First direct flight from Allentown
It sucks having to drive home for over an hour after a long flight, following a long vacation. This year, we were able to get dropped off and picked up at an airport 10 minutes from our house. Much, much easier, and alleviated a lot of the aggravation of other trips.
- First stay at Coronado Springs
What can I say that I didn't say already? After staying at both Port Orleans and Wilderness Lodge, CSR is our hands-down favorite. Not enough good I can say about it, and really nothing negative. The conventioners weren't really any issue, and actually a source of human when viewed with fabricated disgust. We'll be here again next year without a question, and possibly even beyond that.
- First time purchasing the Photo Pass CD
I think the amount of pictures I posted says it all, and that's not even a quarter of them! We were EXTREMELY pleased with this and will certainly get it again next year.
Restaurants:
- Grand Floridian Cafe
Not as good as expected. The food was decent, but not great. It was nice, too, but not really anything out of the ordinary.
- Jiko
AWESOME food and a really nice atmosphere, though it'll be tough to justify the double Dining Plan hit it requires. I can't say anything bad about it, but we won't rush to go back there. If you don't mind using two full service meals on it, definitely give it a go.
- Cape May Clambake
I liked it, Kristin loved it. She already decided we'll be back there next year. Not may favorite, but still really good.
- Toy Story Pizza Planet
Pizza: great. Atmosphere: no. I said it before, but really, how hard would it have been to put in a rocket-shaped crane game filled with little green aliens??
- Pepper Market
TONS of variety, though we always got the same thing - steak burritos. Very, very good. I don't quite get the whole "server brings your drinks" thing, though. What's the point? Make it a standard counter service, IMO.
Shows:
- Fantasmic
Bleh. It was cool, but not really worth the overhead (the wait, the hype, the crowds) it required. We'll be hitting Hollywood Studios on non-Fantasmic days for the next few years.
Attractions:
Animal Kingdom
- Flights of Wonder
Amazing! Really educational, and very interesting what those birds can do. Highly recommended. We'll be back there next year, no doubt.
Hollywood Studios
- Lights, Motor, Action! Stunt Show
Very cool! I think Dylan will demand it again next year.
Emily, having reached some height marks, also rode Tower of Terror for the very first time. She seemed to enjoy it when she was on it, but did not want to ride it again. Of course, she had her hands up during the drop. We'll see how she does next year.
Epcot
- Mission Space: Orange Team
The ONLY way to ride this ride, IMO, now that I've done it. Truly an experience!
- Sum of All Thrills
A very cool gimmick attraction, and lots of fun, too. We'll definitely hit this every year.
- Other Innoventions Stuff
We spent much more time in both Innoventions buildings this year, and probably will for years to come. Great interactive fun, and you learn something, too. A nice break from simply sitting on rides.
Magic Kingdom
- Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor
Kristin and Dylan saw this before; Emily and I did not. Hilarious! Sort of like Turtle Talk with Crush, but a much bigger audience and much less child-centric humor. We'll definitely make it a point to see this every year.
Emily also got the sword out of the stone for a family first. Also a family second, when she got it out a second time later in the trip
Characters:
- White Rabbit, Sorcerer Mickey, Marie, Green Army Men, The Beast, Fairies I don't know the names of, and Stitch. We also saw DeVine for the first time.
As you can see, there's always something new to do at WDW, even if you do visit yearly. We have some new restaurant visits planned for next year, but I won't let the cat out of the bag until next year's Pre-Trip Report
