We arrived around 7pm on 12/16. The outside of the resort was pretty but not quite the awe inspiring sight that it had been billed to be. We had the car valet parked and luggage sent inside without incident. Checkin was very quick and took only 5-10 minutes. The inside of the resort was also nice but again not exactly what I would describe as a must see (in regards to decorations). The hand bell choir was good and helped with the overall atmosphere. We did enjoy the overall theming of the resort. My wife initially stated it was OK but later warmed and by the end of the trip stated she would definitely stay there again. My DD and DS were impressed with the stream that ran through part of the lobby and out into the courtyard. After ckeckin we rushed to our room to await luggage which arrived 15 minutes later. The room itself was SMALL!! I had anticipated this but must say that it still caught me be surprise when entering the room. Thank goodness we had bunkbeds or I feel the room would have been too small for a family of 4. We do pack heavily so that may have played a role. Storage space is scarce with one closet and a small dresser with 4 drawers. We utilized the space beneath the beds to store some items. By the end of the trip we were tripping over one another. We did however purchase a lot of Christmas gifts which added to the clutter. I would advise using the hotel drop off for purchases in the park. You could leave all items in the gift shop until ready to check out. Our room was on the 2nd floor with a courtyard view overlooking the pool and stream. We could not see the fireworks but could see parts of the electric light parade. The fireworks could be easily heard and we were aroused on several nights around 11 or 12 pm with loud burst. The fireworks at MK were tremendous and "wishes" is definitely a must see.
After the shock of the small room we headed down the "whispering canyon" for our 7:30 PS. We were seated fairly quickly and had a wonderful time. My kids got to pony race several times. I got an napkin and straw headdress. We also ended up with about 21 bottles of ketchup. The food was good and service outstanding. They did have to stay relatively quiet because of the hand bell choir. Unfortunately we did not get to return for another meal but plan to on our next trip. The hotel did have seveal outstanding dining options. We had breakfast every morning at the small grill which was quick and very good. We also ate several late evening meals there and were satisfied except for one burnt pizza. A lounge was also located and enjoyed on several nights for late evening drinks and appetizers. I reccomend the wings and apple martini.
Transportation was acceptable. We did have to wait around 30 minutes for a boat for MVMCP on the 16th but that was understandable given the large crowds. The boat does may a stop at Camp Wilderness and that further adds to the trip time. Smaller boats (open and cold) go directly to MK and Contemp. Look for the color of the flag to know the boat's destination. Buses were also available and were reasonably quick with no wait over 10-15 minutes.
The small mercantile store was well stocked with food and drink as well as the usual disney merchandise. They did have lots of neat christmas stuff such as sweaters, some ornaments, and sweatshirts. They also had a small selection of medicine products for cough/cold etc.
The pool was pretty with several brave souls swimming. It was heated. It was also inhabited with ducks trying to stay warm. My kids loved watching the ducks swim in the morning before people arrived. We also got to see the geyser in back of the pool erupt several times.
As mentioned above we would stay there again with AP rates. We felt that the Christmas decorations were Ok but were more impressed by the Poly and GF. I would consider the GF a must see. We have stayed at every resort on property except for PO and Coronado springs. Our personal favorite still remains the Contemporary. If only the rooms were larger I feel the dining and theming of the WL would make a strong push for the top spot.
I'll do my best to answer any questions about the parks or resort.
Merry Christmas,
Jeff and family
After the shock of the small room we headed down the "whispering canyon" for our 7:30 PS. We were seated fairly quickly and had a wonderful time. My kids got to pony race several times. I got an napkin and straw headdress. We also ended up with about 21 bottles of ketchup. The food was good and service outstanding. They did have to stay relatively quiet because of the hand bell choir. Unfortunately we did not get to return for another meal but plan to on our next trip. The hotel did have seveal outstanding dining options. We had breakfast every morning at the small grill which was quick and very good. We also ate several late evening meals there and were satisfied except for one burnt pizza. A lounge was also located and enjoyed on several nights for late evening drinks and appetizers. I reccomend the wings and apple martini.
Transportation was acceptable. We did have to wait around 30 minutes for a boat for MVMCP on the 16th but that was understandable given the large crowds. The boat does may a stop at Camp Wilderness and that further adds to the trip time. Smaller boats (open and cold) go directly to MK and Contemp. Look for the color of the flag to know the boat's destination. Buses were also available and were reasonably quick with no wait over 10-15 minutes.
The small mercantile store was well stocked with food and drink as well as the usual disney merchandise. They did have lots of neat christmas stuff such as sweaters, some ornaments, and sweatshirts. They also had a small selection of medicine products for cough/cold etc.
The pool was pretty with several brave souls swimming. It was heated. It was also inhabited with ducks trying to stay warm. My kids loved watching the ducks swim in the morning before people arrived. We also got to see the geyser in back of the pool erupt several times.
As mentioned above we would stay there again with AP rates. We felt that the Christmas decorations were Ok but were more impressed by the Poly and GF. I would consider the GF a must see. We have stayed at every resort on property except for PO and Coronado springs. Our personal favorite still remains the Contemporary. If only the rooms were larger I feel the dining and theming of the WL would make a strong push for the top spot.
I'll do my best to answer any questions about the parks or resort.
Merry Christmas,
Jeff and family
