Hi Everyone. Here's a short trip report on our December 19-26 trip to DisneyWorld and Universal Studios. The crew included DW and myself and our four children. Like the title implies, there was the good, the bad and the ugly on this trip.
The Good
1) Le Cellier at Epcot. Had the best steak and cream cheese mashed potatoes. The best meal we had all week.
2) Soarin', Test Track, Splash Mountain, Expedition Everest, Tower of Terror and the Lights, Motor, Action stunt show. These were our favorite rides.
3) Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. Attended this on Thursday, Dec. 21, and although it is a little expensive, especially for a family of six, getting to ride splash mountain three times in a row with no wait made it worth it. The cookies and hot chocolate were very good, and we loved the fireworks and parade at night. Waits for rides were minimal.
4) Fast passes. Definitely make use of them. We were able to ride Soarin' and Test Track numerous times on Saturday, Dec. 22, as we got there early and got fast passes after we initially rode the rides.
5) Disney's Magical Express. Quick ride to the resort, even at 11 p.m. when we arrived.
6) Chef Mickey's. Good character meal, got lots of photos.
7) Universal Studio rides...some are amazing. Enjoyed the thrill rides here.
The Bad
1) Christmas Eve Day at Magic Kingdom. They said they were expecting up to 75,000 people that day, and it looked like it. We were glad this was our extra day that we could go anywhere and people watch.
2) Bus lines. From Pop Century and back to Pop Century from the parks, the lines were huge because there were never enough busses. You'd think Disney would plan better for this, or hire more bus drivers.
3) Animal Kingdom. Besides Everest, didn't think much of this park. Too small for the number of people going there now. Got there in the early morning and our fast pass for Everest wasn't until 5-6 p.m.!
4) Flame Tree Barbecue at Animal Kingdom. God awful barbecued pork sandwich, soggy corn and cold baked beans. Save your money.
5) The Beverly. It was still fun to try it
6) It rained on Christmas and turned cold. There were tornados that rolled through that caused damage in Tampa and then in Daytona Beach. It just poured in Orlando
7) The queues at Universal and some at Magic Kingdom, such as Earthquake at Universal and Philharmagic at MK. Getting herded like cattle into a room to watch a movie, then move to another room, and sometimes another, with hundreds of people, was unnerving. I'd rather wait a little longer outside then be in a hot room with sweaty people pushing to get nowhere.
The Ugly
1) Psycho stroller moms. I can't tell you how many times I was hit in the shins from people attempting to get there quicker, pushing my family out of the way. I think I still have bruises!
2) Families who try to sit in front of you to watch the parade after you've already staked our your spot. Had it happen...and they didn't understand us because they didn't speak english. They also dripped ice cream all over the back of our son's shirt, and didn't tell us. Another family told us...no apology, nothing.
3) Cab scam at Pop Century. Had a shuttle from Mears set up Christmas Day to Universal. It didn't show on time. Had another van pull up, and this guy said he was contacted by the other driver to take us. I was skeptical, and asked to call Mears to verify. This guy didn't have our confirmation number. He was getting miffed, but I called anyway. Halfway through my call he was in his van and off he went. I'm going to turn him in. His van said Quality Transport. Another cab driver told me they call this guy the Gypsy as he does this all the time. I would think Pop Century wouldn't allow him around, or his company
That's about it. Was a great trip overall. Glad we went Dec. 20 and had a few days of peace before the real crowds came. Any questions, and I'll be happy to answer them. Please reply, I'd love to hear anyone's thoughts.
The Good
1) Le Cellier at Epcot. Had the best steak and cream cheese mashed potatoes. The best meal we had all week.
2) Soarin', Test Track, Splash Mountain, Expedition Everest, Tower of Terror and the Lights, Motor, Action stunt show. These were our favorite rides.
3) Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. Attended this on Thursday, Dec. 21, and although it is a little expensive, especially for a family of six, getting to ride splash mountain three times in a row with no wait made it worth it. The cookies and hot chocolate were very good, and we loved the fireworks and parade at night. Waits for rides were minimal.
4) Fast passes. Definitely make use of them. We were able to ride Soarin' and Test Track numerous times on Saturday, Dec. 22, as we got there early and got fast passes after we initially rode the rides.
5) Disney's Magical Express. Quick ride to the resort, even at 11 p.m. when we arrived.
6) Chef Mickey's. Good character meal, got lots of photos.
7) Universal Studio rides...some are amazing. Enjoyed the thrill rides here.
The Bad
1) Christmas Eve Day at Magic Kingdom. They said they were expecting up to 75,000 people that day, and it looked like it. We were glad this was our extra day that we could go anywhere and people watch.
2) Bus lines. From Pop Century and back to Pop Century from the parks, the lines were huge because there were never enough busses. You'd think Disney would plan better for this, or hire more bus drivers.
3) Animal Kingdom. Besides Everest, didn't think much of this park. Too small for the number of people going there now. Got there in the early morning and our fast pass for Everest wasn't until 5-6 p.m.!
4) Flame Tree Barbecue at Animal Kingdom. God awful barbecued pork sandwich, soggy corn and cold baked beans. Save your money.
5) The Beverly. It was still fun to try it
6) It rained on Christmas and turned cold. There were tornados that rolled through that caused damage in Tampa and then in Daytona Beach. It just poured in Orlando
7) The queues at Universal and some at Magic Kingdom, such as Earthquake at Universal and Philharmagic at MK. Getting herded like cattle into a room to watch a movie, then move to another room, and sometimes another, with hundreds of people, was unnerving. I'd rather wait a little longer outside then be in a hot room with sweaty people pushing to get nowhere.
The Ugly
1) Psycho stroller moms. I can't tell you how many times I was hit in the shins from people attempting to get there quicker, pushing my family out of the way. I think I still have bruises!
2) Families who try to sit in front of you to watch the parade after you've already staked our your spot. Had it happen...and they didn't understand us because they didn't speak english. They also dripped ice cream all over the back of our son's shirt, and didn't tell us. Another family told us...no apology, nothing.
3) Cab scam at Pop Century. Had a shuttle from Mears set up Christmas Day to Universal. It didn't show on time. Had another van pull up, and this guy said he was contacted by the other driver to take us. I was skeptical, and asked to call Mears to verify. This guy didn't have our confirmation number. He was getting miffed, but I called anyway. Halfway through my call he was in his van and off he went. I'm going to turn him in. His van said Quality Transport. Another cab driver told me they call this guy the Gypsy as he does this all the time. I would think Pop Century wouldn't allow him around, or his company
That's about it. Was a great trip overall. Glad we went Dec. 20 and had a few days of peace before the real crowds came. Any questions, and I'll be happy to answer them. Please reply, I'd love to hear anyone's thoughts.
