Recent Trip - Observations and Opinions

[coachjoe92]

The basics. Me, wife, son (17). Spring Break March 25-30. Old Key West Studio. Turtle Pond.

Seamless check-in. Actually got a room before lunch. Nice surprise.

They were changing the room door locks during our stay. They gave us adequate notice, but were very noisy and left quite a mess. We did not have to get new key cards upon completion.

High crowds but not unmanageable. Fantasyland construction creates quite a bottleneck. A 7 crowd day quickly seems like a 10+ in that area. But I expect the end result will be well worth it.

Segway Tour at EPCOT is fantastic. Heard a rumor it might be going away, so definitely take advantage if you have a chance.

New Fastpass rules did not really affect us too much. We usually return within our window anyway. The FP return lines did seem longer overall, but not sure if that is connected to the new rules. Depends on who you ask.

Tried the dining plan for the first time. Gained 7 pounds in one week.

We felt the bus service was sub-par on this trip. Could have just been bad timing on our part, but it was that way all week. I really hope that is not a trend.

I was "That guy" at the Monster's Inc. Laugh Floor.

On our check-out day, we like to sleep in for our trip home. (Yes, we are always out by 11:00.) First time this ever happened, but housekeeping was knocking on our door at 7:15. I opened it and they said, "Just Checking". I was not happy and REALLY hope that is not a trend.

I wish they could fix the Yeti.

Already miss it and looking forward to our next visit.

 

[toocherie]

On our check-out day, we like to sleep in for our trip home. (Yes, we are always out by 11:00.) First time this ever happened, but housekeeping was knocking on our door at 7:15. I opened it and they said, "Just Checking". I was not happy and REALLY hope that is not a trend.

Housekeeping has done that to me on occassion too. Really annoying. Did you have a DO NOT DISTURB out? If you did, I would have complained. There was a reason it was out, KWIM?

My other trick (if you need bell service) is to call the night before and schedule them for 10:45 a.m. Otherwise, if you call in the morning you might have a long wait.

 

[RobOnDisney]

I wish they could fix the Yeti.

Can we donate some DVC points to the cause???

 

[permavac]

Can we donate some DVC points to the cause???

Yikes! You better take that back - we don't want them to get any ideas Lately, Disney has ingeniously been able to get even more money out of people by setting experiences in "tiers". Based on your suggestion they may start disabling rides on purpose and charging those who want the "full experience" more! Man do they know how to make money!

OP - thanks for your trip report!

Terri

 

[mlittig]

Glad you had a magical trip I love Monsters, Inc Congrats on being "that guy"

 

[smidgy]

hubby has been SULLY, and been asked to "dance", but never been THAT GUY! congrats!!

glad you had fun.

often, when I hang the "do not disturb " sign, the maid knocks to make sure I don't want to be disturbed!. really. Tried the dining plan for the first time. Gained 7 pounds in one week. how funny!!!!


I will miss being allowed to use the fastpasses later in the day. oh well, we'll adjust.

was the turtle pond very busy? how often was the snack bar open?

 

[Donut23]

Nice to hear things went well.

Our DVC-aholic friend is taking DH and myself to OKW in May - just decided today.

The last 15 months I have been caring for my elderly mother - away from DH in NYC. Last week, on a beautiful spring day and with the help of hospice, she took her leave. She is now hugging Daddy and playing with all those crazy terriers who have gone on ahead. It's been noisy in heaven the last few days!

Our friend is taking us to OKW so I can........find my smile again.

I have stayed there before but it will be new for DH. I have always considered a car a necessity at that resort. I can't wait - it's so peaceful there. Tucked in a corner - somewhere at WDW - is my smile.

 

[Missyrose]

Nice to hear things went well.

Our DVC-aholic friend is taking DH and myself to OKW in May - just decided today.

The last 15 months I have been caring for my elderly mother - away from DH in NYC. Last week, on a beautiful spring day and with the help of hospice, she took her leave. She is now hugging Daddy and playing with all those crazy terriers who have gone on ahead. It's been noisy in heaven the last few days!

Our friend is taking us to OKW so I can........find my smile again.

I have stayed there before but it will be new for DH. I have always considered a car a necessity at that resort. I can't wait - it's so peaceful there. Tucked in a corner - somewhere at WDW - is my smile.

I'm so sorry for your loss. Hope Mickey helps you find your smile.

 

[Sammie]

On our check-out day, we like to sleep in for our trip home. (Yes, we are always out by 11:00.) First time this ever happened, but housekeeping was knocking on our door at 7:15. I opened it and they said, "Just Checking". I was not happy and REALLY hope that is not a trend.

I would gotten the person's name and reported it. I would have definitely asked,
"Checking for what" Check out is 11am.

Did you have the Do Not Disturb sign out.

 

[FigmentLady]

Nice to hear things went well.

Our DVC-aholic friend is taking DH and myself to OKW in May - just decided today.

The last 15 months I have been caring for my elderly mother - away from DH in NYC. Last week, on a beautiful spring day and with the help of hospice, she took her leave. She is now hugging Daddy and playing with all those crazy terriers who have gone on ahead. It's been noisy in heaven the last few days!

Our friend is taking us to OKW so I can........find my smile again.

I have stayed there before but it will be new for DH. I have always considered a car a necessity at that resort. I can't wait - it's so peaceful there. Tucked in a corner - somewhere at WDW - is my smile.

I am so sorry for your loss. I found my smile hiding in a corner of WDW after my mom passed this past June. I'm sure you will find yours there too.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I've never had the "housekeeping knock" at OKW, but I have had at other resorts. I sure hope THAT doesn't get a foothold at our home!

 

[coachjoe92]

For those that have asked, yes the DND sign was on the door. I was sleepy and confused when I opened the door and did not think to check for the housekeepers name. I probably should have said something to management, but I didn't think it would do any good without the name.

Turtle Pond seemed relatively full based on the foot traffic, parking spaces, and bus stop crowds. But we never went to the snack bar so I am not sure how much it was open.

Overall the resort appears to be in great shape. Several buildings in the South Pointe area are closed for refurb.

 

[BEASLYBOO]

Thanks for the TR!

Ist, love OKW, still my favorite after all these years, June is getting closer and closer!

Early on in my DVC ownership I would not put out the sign and they would knock and once even entered (BWV), early! Now, immediately upon entering the villa , the sign goes on! DO NOT DISTURB, it works for all of the resorts.

As far as the Fastpass changes, won't affect me, I've only ever returned within my window of opportunity! I would guess that you found it worse than before because you went during a time I choose not to travel to Disney!

Fantasyland improvements, this February, the train, well it wasn't made quite clear that there are just two stops, so we had to go around a second time but this too shall pass!

DP, once only , too much of the same food, too restricting! Sometimes I just want an appetizer and most of the time I don't want dessert, and best of all, other than Boma, no buffets (Yuck) So, no need!

Glad you enjoyed OKW,come on June!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[BEASLYBOO]

Our friend is taking us to OKW so I can........find my smile again. Tucked in a corner - somewhere at WDW - is my smile.

A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance! OKW puts a smile on my face just at the gate when I hear, "Welcome Home" Here's to good friends and that smile and joy that's just around the corner waiting for you!