jimbostacks
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Feb 19, 2007
- Messages
- 141
Hey Guys:
Just back from a totally spontaneous 2 day trip without the 4 boys. Called 2 weeks ago and was able to get one of the last Studios available. First time flying out of Midway and Airtran - both Great!!! This was the first time flying out of Midway (instead of Ohare) and was a ton easier. Flight was fine and we checked in at midnight. Magical Express was fine, no problems at all.
This was our first time home at SSR (did WLV last October). My wife and I loved the resort, very nice. We had a Studio at the Springs on the 3rd floor with our balacony over looking the pond and fountain - very relaxing in the morning reading and having a cup of coffee. Facilites all fantastic - pool Artist pallette, CM's all very friendly and helpful. The studio was great with us, but could see how it would be tight with 2 other people in the room. Room very clean, would stay here anytime going Disney.
Very tired, but hit Epcot first thing in the morning. We were nervous about Summer crowds as we usually go in the off-season. We took off to Soarin, FP's for later in the day, Nemo - loved Turtle talk with Crush - even without kids. Headed over to Figment - I do not get the attraction here, this is definitely not a "must do" for me, and it is time to get a new update on the Honey I shrunk the audience 3D movie. Movie still good, but would love an update. Some of those actors look so young compared to today. I actually enjoyed the Living with the land tour too, usually skip this...but was interesting.
Headed over to the Test track side and got fast passes for later as TT, and Mission Space were both over an hour wait. So we ended up at Spaceship Earth, and thought the update was cool and look forward to the kids riding it this Fall. Headed over to Mexico for Counter Service - ok. This was the first time without the kids, so we spent more time in each country and really enjoyed the movies in China/Canada. The crowds in the "world showcase" were very manageable. We usually go in October and the crowds seem much worse during the Food and Wine festival. Saw American adventure and saw the Bon Jovi cover band - felt old, but was cool as we sang along.
My wife had reservations at Le Cellier in Canada - AWESOME!!!!! Cheddar Cheese Soup and the Pretzel bread would have been plenty, but topped it off with a Filet that was very tasty. My wife has steak once every 10 years, and could not stop talking about the meal. The server was very welcoming and had great friendly service. It is wierd having a nice steak and looking around at tables full of tank tops, t-shirts, shorts....my kind of crowd! goofed around and watched the fireworks show. So far all great, except never got back to test track.
After reading all kinds of tips, we tried a new one and regretted it. instead of taking the normal exit. We walked to Beach Club and were going to take a bus to Down town disney to get back to SSR to avoid crowds. Got to Beach Club bus stop in 10 minutes...but then waited forever......by that time we were too tired to walk from DDD, so we took the bus from there...took about an hour and 15 minutes to get home. I will stick to the normal plan next time.
Friday was a fool around day. Relaxed by the pool and had a blast, great pool for adults and kids. We had a late flight and left our carry ons at the bell service and took the boat to OKW. In October we are staying in OKW in a 2 BR, and 2 studios and wanted to look around to get an idea for the Fall. We were blown away with the "laid back" feel of the resort - after a nice boat ride.
I asked to see if there were any open rooms to "look at" since we never stayed there. UNBELIEVABLE SERVICE - within 5 minutes we were riding in a golf cart with an escorted tour of a 2 bedroom and studio. Could not believe the SIZE of the 2 bedroom. We stayed at WLV and the living room is really too small for a get-together. We are traveling with 13 people in Fall, and the OKW 2 bedroom with patio - will be plenty of room and a blast to share meals, etc... The Cm also took us to the likely place we would stay (HH reservation), and I just could not get over how nice everyone was.
Had a good lunch at Olivias - pictures on wall is a great "homey" touch. Tookthe boat to down town Disney and was very relaxing and beautifull. Spent the rest of the day shopping and catching the bus back to the airport. The only bus issue I had was leaving the marketplace, which I never seem to have luck catching a bus quickly.
Looking forward to OKW in the Fall, and would not mind SSr either. The size of the rooms may be a tie breaker if traveling in "packs".
See ya, Jimbo
Just back from a totally spontaneous 2 day trip without the 4 boys. Called 2 weeks ago and was able to get one of the last Studios available. First time flying out of Midway and Airtran - both Great!!! This was the first time flying out of Midway (instead of Ohare) and was a ton easier. Flight was fine and we checked in at midnight. Magical Express was fine, no problems at all.
This was our first time home at SSR (did WLV last October). My wife and I loved the resort, very nice. We had a Studio at the Springs on the 3rd floor with our balacony over looking the pond and fountain - very relaxing in the morning reading and having a cup of coffee. Facilites all fantastic - pool Artist pallette, CM's all very friendly and helpful. The studio was great with us, but could see how it would be tight with 2 other people in the room. Room very clean, would stay here anytime going Disney.
Very tired, but hit Epcot first thing in the morning. We were nervous about Summer crowds as we usually go in the off-season. We took off to Soarin, FP's for later in the day, Nemo - loved Turtle talk with Crush - even without kids. Headed over to Figment - I do not get the attraction here, this is definitely not a "must do" for me, and it is time to get a new update on the Honey I shrunk the audience 3D movie. Movie still good, but would love an update. Some of those actors look so young compared to today. I actually enjoyed the Living with the land tour too, usually skip this...but was interesting.
Headed over to the Test track side and got fast passes for later as TT, and Mission Space were both over an hour wait. So we ended up at Spaceship Earth, and thought the update was cool and look forward to the kids riding it this Fall. Headed over to Mexico for Counter Service - ok. This was the first time without the kids, so we spent more time in each country and really enjoyed the movies in China/Canada. The crowds in the "world showcase" were very manageable. We usually go in October and the crowds seem much worse during the Food and Wine festival. Saw American adventure and saw the Bon Jovi cover band - felt old, but was cool as we sang along.
My wife had reservations at Le Cellier in Canada - AWESOME!!!!! Cheddar Cheese Soup and the Pretzel bread would have been plenty, but topped it off with a Filet that was very tasty. My wife has steak once every 10 years, and could not stop talking about the meal. The server was very welcoming and had great friendly service. It is wierd having a nice steak and looking around at tables full of tank tops, t-shirts, shorts....my kind of crowd! goofed around and watched the fireworks show. So far all great, except never got back to test track.
After reading all kinds of tips, we tried a new one and regretted it. instead of taking the normal exit. We walked to Beach Club and were going to take a bus to Down town disney to get back to SSR to avoid crowds. Got to Beach Club bus stop in 10 minutes...but then waited forever......by that time we were too tired to walk from DDD, so we took the bus from there...took about an hour and 15 minutes to get home. I will stick to the normal plan next time.
Friday was a fool around day. Relaxed by the pool and had a blast, great pool for adults and kids. We had a late flight and left our carry ons at the bell service and took the boat to OKW. In October we are staying in OKW in a 2 BR, and 2 studios and wanted to look around to get an idea for the Fall. We were blown away with the "laid back" feel of the resort - after a nice boat ride.
I asked to see if there were any open rooms to "look at" since we never stayed there. UNBELIEVABLE SERVICE - within 5 minutes we were riding in a golf cart with an escorted tour of a 2 bedroom and studio. Could not believe the SIZE of the 2 bedroom. We stayed at WLV and the living room is really too small for a get-together. We are traveling with 13 people in Fall, and the OKW 2 bedroom with patio - will be plenty of room and a blast to share meals, etc... The Cm also took us to the likely place we would stay (HH reservation), and I just could not get over how nice everyone was.
Had a good lunch at Olivias - pictures on wall is a great "homey" touch. Tookthe boat to down town Disney and was very relaxing and beautifull. Spent the rest of the day shopping and catching the bus back to the airport. The only bus issue I had was leaving the marketplace, which I never seem to have luck catching a bus quickly.
Looking forward to OKW in the Fall, and would not mind SSr either. The size of the rooms may be a tie breaker if traveling in "packs".
See ya, Jimbo
as we rarely travel with less than 4 and LOVE using the balcony several times a day!! Most notably, HAPPY HOUR!!
