Post 30 - Highs and Lows (quick recap)

[eeyorefanuk]

Welcome back! Sorry about your flight. It's already over 9 hours so no, nobody wants to be left sitting on the runway for an extra 90 minutes! That's quite a thought though: 5 people denied entry. Must have been a group of them who arrived together and they wanted them all on the first available flight back.

Back to work tomorrow? YOu are as much of a sucker as I am going back straight away Get some sleep tonight. Part if how you feel is Disney Blues but a lot of it is sheer tiredness and you will need several days to catch up. It usually takes me a good week to get back to normal. It's a good sign though - I take it you loved it! We'll torture you with questions when you are feeling up to it.

Yes we all loved it, but the heat and tiredness did get to us. Even though there 3 weeks did still not manage to do it all I knew nothing was near each other but was amazed how far away each of the disney parks are to each other - Did not post when I left but the day I travelled to airport hotel had to go to emergency doctor - had nasty ear infection so the first few days were fun. One best things we did was book the night at royal pacific at universal, worked out briliant for fast passes and early entry into harry potter. Had few extra things that did not have booked. Do not want to go to work tomorrow but no choice, not allowed any more time off

 

[2Tiggies]

Nobody ever manages to do everything they want to do on one trip, whether it's your first or 5th! Everyone is somewhat amazed the first time by the sheer size of the resort. I know when I try and explain to friends and family members I can see that they hear me, but it just doesn't sink in. Another shock is the amount of walking you do in the parks (and even in some of the resorts, depending where your room is located). It takes a lot of phsyical energy, add to that the absolute sensory overload and it can be somewhat exhausting. Having watched you plan every detail of this trip over the last year it would be interesting to hear a first timer's perspective from someone who really did do their homework.

I am keen to hear your biggest highs of the trip, what you would have skipped if you had known any different and what you thought you knew thoroughly through all your research, but were still taken aback at.

I am trying not to bombard you with questions and clearly not trying hard enough

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

Not impressed though, got on plane, and just before they shut the door pilot was told 5 people from gatwick flight had been refused entry into the US, and they had to come back on our plane. Had to wait over an hour and a half. OK if plane not working etc ok, but how can they allow a whole plane for wait that length of time - if I had arrived late for check in they would have not done that for me, and they were not even supposed to be on our plane - letter going complaining. Shame, after a great holiday but hey ho!

Most likely has to do with airline economics. If YOU are late, it costs the airline big $ to have the plane waiting. Thus no good incentive to wait for a single or few pax.

In this situation however, the airline is responsable for getting those pax back home, or at least off of US soils -eventhough they're still in secured area-. I'm not totally into the US details anymore with regards to this subject, but many countries put a nice high fine on this for airlines. And that can result in the longer the airline takes to get those folks back home, the more they'll have to pay in fines. Has to do with those countries stating the airline shouldn't have let anybody on board that didn't have a visa for that country. US does require a visa/waiver or alike before getting onto the flight. In that light, it might very well have been a financial move for the airline. Either to reduce the fine they might've been facing and/or to reduce the costs and/or risks involved with having those denied pax stranded at MCO cleared area before getting them back on a later flight.



First up; I'm not saying this with ANY bad intentions. Please realise english is not my antive tongue and thus some things may be meant another way as read. I'ld say; focus on yourself now. Relax, get some sleep, do the wash, remember al the great things, organise all of the pics, get passed the jetlag etc. And after all that, and a couple of days, or even weeks; pick it back up. IF it even is still a 'thing' for you by then. Being tired, having faced a downer already with no prem available etc. emotions can run up easier than they'ld normally do. You might find you'll look at this different when some time passes and you're back to your normal not jetlagged sad-to-have-left-WDW self. If not; you still have time enough to fire of a complaint. Added bonus of waiting for some time before firing off a complaint is that emotions have time to settle back in. A complaint that is more compact and to the point rather than emotional -even if that is understandable sometimes- tend to have a better result in 'getting heard and resolved where possible'. Allthough I wouldn't get my expectations up when firing off a complaint.

Now, if your flight arrived with a significant delay; you might be in title to compensation for that under EU legislation. Their website is very informative about this, including how long the delay has to be, which reasons are valid for no compensation and which deserve compensation, how high the compensation should be etc.

And of course; welcome back home.

 

[cannp123165]

Sounds like you had a great time!

 

[eeyorefanuk]

Did you survive your first day back? Great to hear that you all had a good time.

Now Eeyorefan, when you post on here again I have 1000 questions for you Hopefully you are catching up on some sleep. The jetlag on the return is just wicked!

Ask away, will try to answer as best I can.

 

[eeyorefanuk]

I do not know whether to do just a quick recap of my highs and lows now, and then do a trip report when feel better.

What would you like me to do?

 

[2Tiggies]

I do not know whether to do just a quick recap of my highs and lows now, and then do a trip report when feel better.

What would you like me to do?

Considering I know how rubbish I feel for the first week back (especially those of us who fly in and go back to work the next day, ) I think a recap to start (like an appetiser ) would be great. Once you are feeling better you will be able to focus on a more detailed TR - and probably want to relive your memories in doing so.

I am curious about so many things. I was fascinated watching you planning over the past months. You just covered every base! Do you feel you planned too much, i.e. if you had a do-over, would you stress less about it all? How did your CS meals work out? I remember one particular thread you posted about meals at the waterparks and several people replied ..... saying they would love to have some feedback too I was interested in the response as we have never eaten at a waterpark - usually out by around 3 pm and eat elsewhere.

 

[eeyorefanuk]

Considering I know how rubbish I feel for the first week back (especially those of us who fly in and go back to work the next day, ) I think a recap to start (like an appetiser ) would be great. Once you are feeling better you will be able to focus on a more detailed TR - and probably want to relive your memories in doing so.

I am curious about so many things. I was fascinated watching you planning over the past months. You just covered every base! Do you feel you planned too much, i.e. if you had a do-over, would you stress less about it all? How did your CS meals work out? I remember one particular thread you posted about meals at the waterparks and several people replied ..... saying they would love to have some feedback too I was interested in the response as we have never eaten at a waterpark - usually out by around 3 pm and eat elsewhere.

OK off to bed now - cream crackered but will do my highs and lows tomorrow. Been discussing my holiday all day in work today

For the water park, the usual chicken wrap and chips, pepperoni pizza and chips, chicken nuggets and chips etc. Not bad, filled a gap for the children and the men At Typhoon Lagoon, which I thought was a nice CS if sick of the above was a huge bowl of fresh fruit which you could choose what you want (to pay OOP 10 dollars), an ice cream sundae, and a drink of your choice, DH had frozen cappuchino smoothie - very nice in the heat. Think the total would have cost 19 dollars Sure got photos of these.

I do not think I over researched, I went very prepared, and think that was the best way what with the humidity, heat and our tiredness.

I did go with an open mind though, that if did not do a CS wanted etc, no big deal, just had the info we needed. To make you go shock, horror, we did not end up going to Wolfgang Puck Disappointed but they opened too late for us for breakfast, and when we were eating at disney, we used TS.

 

[2Tiggies]

I bet the people at work were itching to hear all about it - especially after you faithfully sat down to make your ADRs in February

I think you were smart. You researched well and you were realistic in your expectations. I doubt many, if any, people actually get to do everything they plan on any trip. I learned very quickly about the importance of flexibility. I plan a lot, but like you, much of it is gathering information so I can go informed and keep my options open. There are 3 principles to my list of things to do:

1. Must do's
2. Really want to do and will make a plan if at all possible
3. Would love to do, but if something has to give, this will be it this trip

For the most part it works out great.


Sweet dreams. Looking forward to some more tomorrow.

 

[eeyorefanuk]

Well as requested will give quick recap of my highs and lows of our dream trip. When back to "normal" will try to do trip report with photos (that will be a laugh). Here goes.

Lows First (Not many and to get it out of the way)

Waiter service - was not sure what was expecting but only a handful of waiting staff were we impressed with for the 18% tip.

FC/Thomson flight - as the doors were just about to close on our way home, we were told by the pilot, 5 people had been refused entry into the UK on a gatwick flight, but they were coming back on our flight - made us wait hour and a half.

The weather on the day we went to discovery cove - we had wait nearly hour after our dolphin swim time because of the rain/thunder etc - it was just one of those days you dread, rain, miserable, thundery for alot of the day.

The heat and humidity - we were up early which was great but did not manage to stay at extra hours at the parks - we were just too shattered.


Highs

Loads and loads - just loved our dream trip.

Saratoga was just gorgeous and very spacious - took me a couple of days to work my way around the main bedroom/bathroom part of the two bed villa . Mum loved the fact you had a washing machine and tumble dryer and did not have to pay for it.

Water taxi at saratoga - the first time we tried to go to DTD we drove around and struggled to get a parking space - we left and the next time took the water taxi - brilliant and beautiful views.

Dining plan - We would def do this again. We were at universal for two days, and discovery cove for one day so did not have TS that day, so we were lucky enough to have a couple of character breakfasts. We only paid out for three meals, one for breakfast and two for dinner. Most of the family had steak most nights, which we certainly would not have had if we did not have the dining plan.

We loved seaworld - loved the whale show and the dolphin show - brought tears to my eyes.

Shark Dive at Seaworld - DH did the shark dive - he loved it, said one of the best things he had done on the holiday.

Dolphin Swim at Discovery Cove - a few of us adults were slightly unsure about swimming with the dolphins but booked it anyway - we all loved it - my mum was so impressed and the look on my niece and nephew faces when we surprised them the day before, it was totally priceless. Their faces were beaming on the day.

Royal Pacific Hotel - I originally looked at the prices of express passes for two days, and it was cheaper for us to stay at the hotel for one night and get unlimited express passes for two days and an hour early entry into HP - most people adored the HP park and it was great hardly any wait time. DH had to admit I did good (he was moaning when I booked it originally )

FC/Thomson Premium - apart from one of the lows above I could not fault their premium service. The seats were so comfortable, large and nice lot of legroom. Also you got so much during the flight - will go into detail on my trip report. Would fly premium with them again. It was great we got free access into royal palm lounge as we could go on internet free, watch films, and play station for the children.

Sanford airport - because we were flying FC had to fly into this airport. The incoming and outgoing was a breeze, and dropping off of the hire car took minutes.

Fireworks and parades - no one can touch disney in my eyes for this. Both brought a tear to my eye.

Fantasmic show - really glad we did the fantasmic package - and what a beautiful show - nothing made me more happy than the look on my mum's and niece and nephew's faces after all the hours of researching when they looked on in wonder.

Beluga Experience - Sea World - I looked at this before we went but left it to make up my mind when we got there. The first time we went to Sea World they had a DVD about the different experiences and the beluga experience was on. That was it, the children were so excited when I asked if they wanted to do it, so me, niece, nephew, sister and sister boyfriend did this - a wonderful experience - makes you feel very emotional being so close to this huge but gentle and cute belugas. For me I would do this again without any hesitation, and my nephew who went before me came out beaming - his smile could not have been any larger.

Disney magic - just walking around DTD and the disney hotels/parks etc, it is just magic - I love the disney feel and could have stayed there forever.

I am sure there is more and I will add if think of it, but this is my highs and lows.

One of the most tiring holidays ever in my life but one of the best, most magical and special experiences I have ever done. I genuinely think that staying on disney made this one of the best experiences and would have no hesitation staying at saratoga again if we went with the free dining. We went to quite a few different restaurants based at hotels and the only other hotel we liked the look of was the beach club when we went to cape may.

I am so sad it is all over and can quite understand people feeling depressed when they come back.

Hopefully a full trip report will be on its way shortly.

I have to sort out my photopass over the next few days, so might have a few questions to ask (yeah, I did not think I could ask anymore questions anymore !)

 

[2Tiggies]

Thank you so much for your update. I couldn't help smiling when you said the look on other family members' faces made you feel all the planning was worthwhile. To me that is the ulitmate appreciation.

I know that you said once in a lifetime, but now that you have experienced it all for yourself, do you think in a few years you might have a look at making a way to go back, even if you did it a bit more low key?

My trip of a lifetime turned into a lifetime of trips

 

[eeyorefanuk]

Thank you so much for your update. I couldn't help smiling when you said the look on other family members' faces made you feel all the planning was worthwhile. To me that is the ulitmate appreciation.

I know that you said once in a lifetime, but now that you have experienced it all for yourself, do you think in a few years you might have a look at making a way to go back, even if you did it a bit more low key?

My trip of a lifetime turned into a lifetime of trips

I would love to, but only if stayed at disney. Not sure if could do it without rest of the family though, so alot of pennies to find.

 

[2Tiggies]

I would love to, but only if stayed at disney. Not sure if could do it without rest of the family though, so alot of pennies to find.

I am an onsite girl too. Would you not do one with just your immediate family (as in you and your DH and kids)?

 

[eeyorefanuk]

I don't know. We always do family holidays together, unless like for example DH took me away abroad as a surprise for my bday last year - my sister text me today she wants to go back - trying to work out how much need to save if do in say 4 years. Trouble with me is do not want to give up "normal" yearly abroad holidays, I did not go abroad for around 5 years plus because of the fear of flying, now back into it (still hate flying), do not want to give it up.

Thought of another high ............ did the sunrise safari at busch gardens - fed becka the giraffe, dolly (who people have mentioned in their trip reports in the past) has retired.

 

[2Tiggies]

Thought of another high ............ did the sunrise safari at busch gardens - fed becka the giraffe, dolly (who people have mentioned in their trip reports in the past) has retired.

Oh that is awesome! Did you take lots of photos?

 

[eeyorefanuk]

Oh that is awesome! Did you take lots of photos?

yes managed to get some good ones, it was quite a nice tour, saw the other animals as we went around. Do not think there is anything we booked that we did not enjoy.

 

[2Tiggies]

How did your Photopass pics turn out? Did you get a lot of them? Did the kids get lots of autographs? I seem to remember you made your own auto books.

I did warn you I had loads of questions.

 

[eeyorefanuk]

How did your Photopass pics turn out? Did you get a lot of them? Did the kids get lots of autographs? I seem to remember you made your own auto books.

I did warn you I had loads of questions.

I did not do autograph books, they thought they were too old

I did invites and some t shirts for all their suprises, which is nice, as my niece is doing a scrap book of keepsakes

Do not think we used the photopass to its full potential, we had problems finding the photographers, or if we saw some, it was the time we were rushing to a meal or a show etc Got to log on to register, then get 30 days from that date, am looking forward to seeing the special effect photos.

 

[Marks281172]

Sounds like you had a great time apart from that return journey.. i look forward to the TR

Any idea why there was no premium seating on the return? That worries me a little, ive specifically booked premium as both myself and my partner arent exactly tiddlers so the thought of us being both squished into regular seats when weve paid for larger is not a good one.

 

[2Tiggies]

Oooh did you ger special effects too? Did you ask for them or did they offer? You know I don't think we have ever been offered the option - always had to ask. It takes a bit of work to use PP to it's fullest so it's a case of finding the balance between using it well and not letting it drive your movements around the parks. Once you have edited your pics with borders etc you will probably have about 3 times more pics than you have now. Remember to load all your cards to your one account if you have more than one card, so you don't have to pay for extra CDs. There is no limit to how many you can add.