This is the "Not Really a Trip Report" trip report

[nurse.darcy]

So, My trip was August 15 to August 22. After tossing about the deluxe resort idea (which is usually the only way I travel) and watching the discounts come out, we decided to stay at the All Star Music Resort. WHAT A GREAT SURPRISE. This is by far above and beyond what I was lead to expect in a value resort. Here in my home state of California, a "value" resort for $80 + dollars a night is a Super 8 motel, Days Inn, or Motel 6. We got the passholder discount rate of (I believe) $69 a night. This room was clean, beautiful, quiet, connected to the next room where my stepdaughter and her boyfriend were sleeping and absolutely wonderful. We paid for a standard room and were put in the Calypso building and on the side facing the inner courtyard and pool. The front desk staff was awesome and everyone made us feel very special. If you are hesitant at staying at a value, I STRONGLY recommend the ALLSTAR MUSIC resort.

Okay, for the parks. . .everyone told me that the parks would be EXTREMELY crowded. . .heck, I am from California and used to Disneyland being EXTREMELY CROWDED all summer. Florida crowds are NOTHING like California crowds. . .sorry Florida but people disperse better in Florida - maybe its because there is ACTUALLY more square footage of land in Florida per park than in California. . .

I traveled with a TEEN. Horrible I know, but believe it or not, he actually had a GREAT time. He loved Downtown Disney and Disney Interactive. He swallowed up MGM and Epcot. and he loved the thrills at Animal Kingdom. Magic Kingdom was nice but typical since we have Disneyland here in California. He actually thought the rides were LONGER in Disneyland California than they were in Magic Kingdom Florida. But he is a teen and FIERCELY loyal to the local crowd. My take was that most are about the same as DLC but contain just a few twists that are different. For example, ToT at DCA has huge, fast and LONG drops. . .the MGM version is MUCH tamer, in our opinion. We LOVE Mission Space and RNR. They are favorites and not available in California - though years and years ago there was a ride called "mission to mars". . .imagine?

Sorry I have no pictures of food. Believe it or not (remember, I am the parent of a TEEN) food was not a focus for us. It was a means to an end. . .meaning we got hungry, ate somewhere near where we were and then went on our way.

THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE DOWNRIGHT UGLY. . .Okay, so we spent some time visiting VARIOUS resorts. Here are my son's opinions on the ones we visited. . .

Wilderness Lodge. . .my son's quote. . ."I'll die if I don't stay here. . .guess this is info for the NEXT trip.

Grand Floridian. . .my son's quote. . ."why oh why did they bother to put this on a Monorail stop. . .The POFQ would have been a better choice. . .certainly one with more leverage".

Boardwalk, Swan, Dolphin, Yacht Club and Beach Club resorts. For my son, nothing can top the Wilderness Lodge; Me personally, well, I think there is no better avenue than desserts at Topoblano Restaurant in Chicago.

 

[HappyTrouble]

Myself, my Mother and my 2 DD's (ages 15 and 12 1/2) were at DW the exact same dates (Aug. 15 - 22) but we were at the Poly!!! It was wonderful but I am looking forward to hearing more about Allstar Music because my younger DD is wanting to stay there next time!! She was a bit upset that her sister was at DW for her 15th b-day so in the back of my mind I am planning a trip for her and I for her 15th b-day. Which gives me a few years but I know she would like to stay at Music so your trip report is a must read for my "secret Mission".