Random Thoughts

[old lost boy]

DW and I just (2 hours ago) returned from 11 days at WDW. I have several thoughts, some good, some bad and some just thoughts.

BAD

Either the parks were more crowded than expected or many restaurants were grossly under-staffed. Waiting 20 minutes for coffee and a bagel at EPCOT for example. At counter service.

We spent a lot of time (no FastPasses the day we were there) to see the Stunt Spectacular. It certainly wasn't worth it.

As best I can figure Disney doesn't run buses from the parks to DTD. Makes going out to eat from the park tough.

The food court at Pop Century should have "Abandon Hope Ye Who Enter Here" above the door.

GOOD

We have made 35+ pilgrimages to WDW. On most of them we stayed at WL. We've also stayed at Boardwalk, CB, and both parts of PO. This time we decided to try a Value and stayed at Pop. Granted we got lucky with our room assignment (60's) but for the money it was a great deal. We were very close to the food court (see above) and bus stop. Our room was quiet, big enough and had a view of the lake.
For the price it was a wonderful deal.

We got into line for "Turtle Talk" by accident. It was awesome. I don't begin to grasp the technology but it was great.

While eating at Boma we were approached by a man dressed in chef's attire. He asked if we had been there before, our favorite items, and made small talk. He then left and returned with something that looked almost like a hush-puppy covered with chocolate. They were to die for. After talking to the waiter we found the man was named TJ, he is the executive chef and what he brought over were breaded, deep-fried, Oreos. While probably not great for your health they were great.

We got on the bus to go to Animal Kingdom so we could then catch the bus to AKL We were the only people on the bus. The driver asked where we were headed. He continued to drive and chit-chat with us. Right before we got to AK he said "Oh darn, I'm in the wrong lane. I guess I'll have to drive to AKL to turnaround."

Thanks to him.

Just Thoughts

What are people talking about on cell phones at the parks that is so important.

Seems like lots of folks have water bottles surgically attached to their hands.

Soarin' was good. Not good enough for a 70 minutes wait though. Get the FastPass.

Seems like attention to detail is lacking. There were lights out on several "floats" at Spectromagic, dirt towels from Monday were still around the pool on Tuesday and the restrooms at the parks could use some refurbishment (as they say).

After 12 years the lobby at WL is still breath-taking.

 

[old lost boy]

One more for good measure. We had never been to Jellyrolls before. We won't make that mistake again. Went twice and had great fun both times. For those of you traveling without childen or who have older ones make sure you go.

 

[OhMari]

Thanks for sharing.

You asked why busses don't run from DTD to parks? DTD has free parking, and if busses ran back and forth, people would park at DTD and not have to pay the parking fee.

I was confused with your opinion of counter service at Pop, did you like it or not.

 

[SandraVB79]

I had a water bottle constantly attached to my hands because I am not at all used to the warm weather, and if I dn't constantly drink, I get the worst migraines EVER!

I don't see however how that can influence anyone else's stay at WDW

 

[lakoda]

The food court at Pop Century - YIKES! I agree with you on that one. It was a complete madhouse the three times we went. Even early in the morning.

Cell Phones - My husband carried his at all times. His brother was pet sitting our 12 year old dog (and our 2 year old dog), and he called occasionally to let us know how she was doing. So you may have seen DH on his cell phone

I also agree with you on the restroom issue at the parks - EWWWWW.

 

[mikymouse]

We also had a chance to meet "TJ" at Bomas and he made us a wonderful shrimp dish and deep fried Oreos for dessert. The Oreos must be the absoute worse thing you could do for your heart but boy they were yummy. We liked the entire friendly staff at Boma's... the server talked our ears off but he was so friendly we didn't mind and liked hearing about his home in Africa. I bet TJ is one of the reasons that Boma's gets such good reviews... he obviously loves his job, cooks up delicious treats and treats the guests with special attention.Too bad they don't have more TJ in the other WDW restrauants.

 

[old lost boy]

The food court is a mad house. Noise and rudeness.

I understand that some folks have real needs for the cell phone but I'd say at any one time 10% of the people I saw had a phone to their ears. You are on vacation at the most wonderful place in the world. Enjoy it.


Sandra please note my comments about water bottles weren't posted as good or bad. Just an observation. What I wonder is 10 years ago, before bottled water was everywhere how did all the water drinkers survive?

 

[boxer]

I had to laugh at the cell phone comment........I hate cell phones, and hate mine even worse (mine is work). When on vacation, I got about 30 work-related voicemails with greetings such as "why don't you have your phone on" or my favorite "as soon as you get this message, call me right back".


Yeah, I'm on vacation and I don't think I'll be carrying/talking/dialing that stupid cell phone. I mean I don't work WHILE at work, so what makes people think I will work during vacation?

 

[MOmousefan]

Enjoyed your views. We were there a year ago this week and really enjoyed the POP resort. The foodcourt could get crowded.
I have been reading posts regarding the lack of buses throughout the parks, did you experience this? We thought the bus service was great. Post a longer report!!

 

[old lost boy]

MoMouse I didn't find the bus service to be any worse than usual. We left EPCOT after the fireworks and there was a huge crowd at the bus stop. BUt the buses ran frequently enough that I don't think it was more than 20 minutes before we were on our way.

I didn't take notes to do a through trip report. Went on the Magical Express an thought it was wonderful. Check in was a breeze. Picked up our AP at EPCOT. Seems the lines getting in there are always the worst. Don't know if it was school groups or just theset up for security and finger scanning.

We always enjoy the Voices of Liberty. Kinda corny but those folks can sing.

The films in Canada and Mexico are 22 years old. Maybe time for a little update.

We enjoy going "Around the World" having a little bite and a drink at some of the pavillions. This year we hit Germany, JApan and the Rose and Crown.

"Ellen" reopened while we were there. If there we changes we didn't see then.

For those trying without success to book Le Cellier. We tried to book and failed. Walked to the podium at 5PM on Sunday and were seated right away. Great steak.

Star Wars weekend at MGM was a hoot. Had no idea what to expect. Then we got on the resort bus with Princess Laya. 50 year old women dressed as Obi Wan Kenobi, carrying 4 foot long light sabres.

Ate at Sci-fi, a must for DW.

Seems MK has the worst (IMHO) choices for sit down dining. Tony's is a boo.

Pirates being closed was a downer. I guess we'll check out the differences in October.

I wonder if or when the other half of POP will open. The main building and one of the "decades" look finished but they just sit.

 

[Peg]

I had to laugh at the cell phone comment........I hate cell phones, and hate mine even worse (mine is work). When on vacation, I got about 30 work-related voicemails with greetings such as "why don't you have your phone on" or my favorite "as soon as you get this message, call me right back".


Yeah, I'm on vacation and I don't think I'll be carrying/talking/dialing that stupid cell phone. I mean I don't work WHILE at work, so what makes people think I will work during vacation?

My feelings exactly!!!
Peg

 

[tc]

I am also one who has a water bottle attached. I drink a ton here in Colorado, and I drink even more in Florida.

As for the cell phones? I don't talk to work on it, but our last trip was a girls only trip (my two grown daughters and two grandaughters), so I talked to my husband often. I wanted to share with him what we were experiencing. He really missed being there the first time with the grandkids, so I wanted to share as much as I could, in the moment.

On other trips, it's usually my husband and I, so I talk to my girls, but only once a day, and usually from the room. Never, ever do I work on vacation!

I've always wanted to try Boma and never have. Your review makes me want to make it a priority. As for Le Cellier, we love that place and, for two people, it's pretty easy to walk up, as long as you go at a non-peak time.

Thanks for your comments.

 

[dwmlaf]

I mean I don't work WHILE at work, so what makes people think I will work during vacation?

Now I truly believe you are a project manager

 

[boxer]

Now I truly believe you are a project manager

I'm guessing you know our breed? LOL.