KEVD
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jan 6, 2008
- Messages
- 520
Fifth trip to WDW, first time staying on property
Absolutely loved Saratoga Springs
Recommendations to those staying on prop for first time:
Contrary to some negative comments I've been seeing of late, I still find Disney customer service to be second to none.
The weather was awesome!
TTA is no longer a "walk-on".. the queue is long but does move quickly
It's getting more difficult to secure additional FPs for the "good" attractions on the day of
My favorite county in The World Showcase is Mexico
DHS is definitely a park in transition right now. Looking forward to going back in a couple of years when some the new attractions are open... Star Wars land, Toy Story Land etc.
MCO is a great airport... easy to navigate, efficiently run
Visited the water parks for the first time and had a blast:
As heartbreaking as it was having Soarin' closed for refurb while we were there, it made touring EPCOT a lot easier!
I had no idea how enormous the "No Way Jose" sundae was. Speaking of sundaes, the Sea Salt Caramel sundae at Ghiradelli's is amazing!
Second visit using FP+ and I really like it. It's nice to be able to arrive at the parks later and still have FP(s) for your fav(s).
Not sure why but I really enjoyed the animals exhibits at AK this trip... even more than usual.
Pre-park opening ADR at BOG:
Since I love to eat, I'll go ahead and list my food favs:
- Loved Disney transportation to/from the parks... more so that I thought I would!
- Not sure if I could go back to staying off property
- I've heard some say you're "too immersed" in Disney at a WDW resort. I did not find that to be the case at all
Absolutely loved Saratoga Springs
- Gorgeous setting/surroundings... so peaceful and laid back
- Impeccably clean
- Villas are perfectly laid out
- Awesome pools
- Really enjoyed being a stroll or short boat ride away from to Disney Springs
Recommendations to those staying on prop for first time:
- Request a room that is close to the main building, pool, restaurant(s).
- In my opinion, this would trump any other preference such as newer (or larger) rooms, preferred view, etc.
Contrary to some negative comments I've been seeing of late, I still find Disney customer service to be second to none.
- They really go above and beyond to ensure you have a wonderful experience
- The bathrooms were fine, except for one but there was also a CM in the process of cleaning it
- All of the CMs were pleasant and helpful
- The bus drivers are especially nice
The weather was awesome!
TTA is no longer a "walk-on".. the queue is long but does move quickly
It's getting more difficult to secure additional FPs for the "good" attractions on the day of
My favorite county in The World Showcase is Mexico
DHS is definitely a park in transition right now. Looking forward to going back in a couple of years when some the new attractions are open... Star Wars land, Toy Story Land etc.
MCO is a great airport... easy to navigate, efficiently run
Visited the water parks for the first time and had a blast:
- The water slides are longer and smoother at BB
- More elbow room and better layout at TL
- The Shark Reef at TL is really cool
- Loved the wave pool at TL
- Overall, we liked TL slightly better than BB (although with Summit Plummet & Slush Gusher being closed, it was probably not a fair assessment).
As heartbreaking as it was having Soarin' closed for refurb while we were there, it made touring EPCOT a lot easier!
I had no idea how enormous the "No Way Jose" sundae was. Speaking of sundaes, the Sea Salt Caramel sundae at Ghiradelli's is amazing!
Second visit using FP+ and I really like it. It's nice to be able to arrive at the parks later and still have FP(s) for your fav(s).
Not sure why but I really enjoyed the animals exhibits at AK this trip... even more than usual.
Pre-park opening ADR at BOG:
- Worth it to avoid the mob scene and waiting 30+ mins at rope drop.
- Great way to grab some pics by the castle with no crowds.
- Be sure to pre-order your meal.
- Once you wrap up your meal hop in line for Mine Train (we were the second group in line).
- Portions are big... consider splitting. We ordered three entrees for four people, which was plenty.
Since I love to eat, I'll go ahead and list my food favs:
- Meal (overall)- Sanna
- Buffet- Trail's End
- Snack- tie between: Samosas at Mr. Kamals (AK) / Nachos at La Cantina de San Angel (Epcot)
- Dessert- The "No Way Jose" at B&C
- Character Meal- Crystal Palace
- Atmosphere- Sanna
- Park "sweet treat"- Iced Coffee Float at Aunti Gravities
- Bakery item- Cinnamon Roll at Starring Rolls
- Drink- an ice cold Bass Ale in UK, Epcot
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your review! Clear, concise, AND witty!
