Thoughts from 8/25-9/3 trip

[bizeemom4]

This is very true. 50-years-old may be pushing it. It really only bothers me when teenagers and 20-somethings do it.

It's so hard to text and stand up on a moving bus though!

Haha.

Loved your post. I agree 100% on everything.

BTW-I had 4 kids and would never, ever buy those ridiculous double strollers nor allow my angels to push them in circles bothering other people.

 

[SarahJN]

May you be blessed with triplets...

In all seriousness, we were there last week with a double (back to back, not a side-by-side) and a single stroller. Our double is kind of a piece of crap and heavy so when someone suddenly steps in front of me, I can't just stop it.

 

[heather13]

Congratulations on your marriage!

I also agree with almost everything you said. (of course people will nit pick the areas of disagreement!)
Your comment about cell phones was really interesting. It seems in the last year or two everywhere the use of smart phones & ipads has increased so much that it's almost become a nuisance. Will be interested to see how that impacts our upcoming trip (and note to self - wait until we've moved off to the side to check our touring plans schedule on my smart phone!!! )

I have a double stroller which I hate using, but am forced to because otherwise I'd be carrying two children by the end of the day, and that extra 70 lbs would require me to sit on pubic transport (see below). Yeah, I agree that they're a major PITA, and that kids shouldn't be allowed to push them. But I'm plenty guilty of that despite my best intentions when i had only one kid to never be that parent. It happens to the best of us

I think I get your gist when it comes to transportation. Certainly not everyone who is sitting NEEDS to sit. When there's a busload of 40 people, and maybe 10 of them must sit for various reasons that might not be obvious, that leaves a whole lot of folks who are physically capable of giving up their seat to someone like my mom who quite obviously cannot stand for long periods. Yet it amazes me who will give up their seat and who will not. Usually it's the person who also has some physical limitation (visible or not) who stands. Go figure. Maybe it's correlated to that common sense test you suggested!

 

[highlander]

Just curious to know what didn't you like about Artist Point? We've been a number of times and have enjoyed it, but had an off night once. Try the Yachtsman Steak House next time.

 

[Wendy31]

We just got back from our Honeymoon this past week and I figured I would share my thoughts on the trip starting with the positives and quickly spiraling out of control.

1) Port Orleans French Quarter is amazing. First time staying there but the resort is SO nice. The small size is wonderful when you want to get to the bus stop or fill up your mug.

2) Bus services seemed good for all resorts. We did a lot of hotel hopping because of dining reservations and besides the bus to DTD I don't think we waited more than 15 minutes for a bus going anywhere. I think we got lucky though because there were a lot of times we were leaving the park and ended up running to the bus stop to catch the already parked bus before it left.

3) First time on the Dining Plan as well and I'm not convinced. Obviously if we go again and it's free we are going to get it but I don't think I would pay for it. I got tired of the dessert included with every meal after the first couple days (especially with the QS meals) and half of the TS places we went just weren't that outstanding.

4) Restaurants we enjoyed: California Grille, Le Cellier and Artist Point for TS and Tangerine Cafe, Columbia Harbour House and Earl of Sandwich for QS. Obviously these are all Signature spots but if we went again on the dining plan we decided we would probably only spend the 2 credits on Cali Grille; the other two don't seem worth it. Maybe it exposes our lack of taste but one of my favorite meals of the trip was Cosmic Rays on our last night. Had the lamb platter at Tangerine Cafe the first day for lunch and it was amazing. Columbia Harbour House has a great selection and Earl of Sandwich has the best sandwiches and brownie pies.

5) Restaurants we were less than impressed with: Narcoossee's, San Angel Inn and Sci-Fi Dine-In. Narcoossee's had some shining moments (crab bisque, almond cheesecake) but overall wasn't that grealt and certainly not worth the 2 dining credits in DW and my opinions. I certainly wouldn't pay OOP for it. San Angel and Sci-Fi both had wonderful atmospheres but the food wasn't anything to write home about. It wasn't bad but we could been just as satisfied eating at a QS location.

6) Fireworks Dessert Party: I enjoyed most of the desserts (there were about 15-20 to choose from) but DW did not. We went on a day it was raining so Tinker Bell didn't fly from the castle. Also, for the price, I don't think we would do it again. I'm glad that we did it once because it was nice having a reserved table and a spot to watch the fireworks from but I think we will save the $80 next time.

7) EasyWDW suggestions were spot on. We never waited for more than 15 minutes for anything when we went to a Recommended park. We went to a few Non Recommended parks because of dining reservations and you could definitely tell the difference. Our last night (Sept. 2) we went to MK and it was an absolute mad house.

8) Crowd levels overall seemed to be somewhat low. We are used to going in June and March so the crowds the last week of August were very manageable.

**Here is where I complain**

9) HOT! HOT! HOT! We were disappointed by the rain the first few days but began to wish for more of it after the sun came out. Holy Hades was it hot down there. And the humidity was killer. By 10 a.m. I felt like I was walking around in a sweat suit.

10) Double strollers should be outlawed. It's bad enough that a parent is trying to make their spoiled child stop screaming because it didn't get a Donald Duck keychain and push a stroller at the same time but when the darn thing is four feet wide it becomes comically absurd. People should either be forced to use the "hot dog style" double stroller as I like to call it (one kid in front of the other) or use two single strollers. Oh, and don't let your kid push the stroller around when you are waiting to eat or use the bathroom; they tend to not be aware of their surroundings.

11) Cell phones should also be outlawed in the park. You are on vacation people! What need do you have to be calling somebody or checking your stocks? Put the stupid thing away and PAY ATTENTION TO WHERE YOU ARE WALKING. DW and I felt invisible the entire time we were there. By the last day I was ready to tackle the next person that cut me off talking on their phone or ran into me with their monster-truck-stroller.

12) If you are between the ages of 20 and 50 and have a seat on a crowded bus, get your butt up and offer your seat to a child or older person. Yeah, it sucks having to walk around the park all day then stand for 15 more minutes while the bus driver tries to roll the bus the entire trip back but suck it up and do it. I saw WAY too many able bodied people sitting on the bus while less able bodied people stood up.

13) Ticket prices should be based on IQ. When a family books a trip to Disney, all members over the age of 18 should be required to take an IQ test. The higher you score on the test, the lower your admissions price and vice versa. I realize everybody is there to have a great time and make memories but if you can't figure out how to put your ticket in the machine, place your finger on the hot blue light until it turns green, grab your ticket and walk through the turnstile then you should have to pay more $$ to make up for my wasted time.

Ha!

I do have kids, & I feel the same way about strollers. And, no matter how many times you ram your stroller into my ankle, I still can't go any faster walking out of the MK after "Wishes!".

I've been twice when our older 2 were in strollers, & we used 2 umbrella strollers.

I also love your #13. DH & the kids go through the bagless line, & I seem to always get stuck behind the slowest people in the bag-check lines. And the ticket turnstiles would be hilarious if it weren't for the fact that I'm really just wanting to get in the parks! I feel like Bill Engvall should be there to hand out "Here's your sign!" signs.

 

[Melissa8905]

You want people to take an IQ test to enter WDW, and yet you're the one complaining of how un-godly HOT and HUMID it is in FLORIDA the END of AUGUST??? Hellooo, did you know where you were going?

And take it easy on the kids. I'm sure someone even as intelligent as you had some less- than-awesome moments as a child.

 

[blessedby3]

May you be blessed with triplets...

I agree...I was with other posters...I was the perfect parent until I had kids (especially my #3 kid). I could parent everyone elses kids like a pro
It is a much different situation once you have your own. I feel bad for some of the parents I see at WDW (or even the malls around here). I have been there, done that...parenting is not for wimps!

 

[bwang123]

**Here is where I complain**

9) HOT! HOT! HOT! We were disappointed by the rain the first few days but began to wish for more of it after the sun came out. Holy Hades was it hot down there. And the humidity was killer. By 10 a.m. I felt like I was walking around in a sweat suit.

10) Double strollers should be outlawed. It's bad enough that a parent is trying to make their spoiled child stop screaming because it didn't get a Donald Duck keychain and push a stroller at the same time but when the darn thing is four feet wide it becomes comically absurd. People should either be forced to use the "hot dog style" double stroller as I like to call it (one kid in front of the other) or use two single strollers. Oh, and don't let your kid push the stroller around when you are waiting to eat or use the bathroom; they tend to not be aware of their surroundings.

11) Cell phones should also be outlawed in the park. You are on vacation people! What need do you have to be calling somebody or checking your stocks? Put the stupid thing away and PAY ATTENTION TO WHERE YOU ARE WALKING. DW and I felt invisible the entire time we were there. By the last day I was ready to tackle the next person that cut me off talking on their phone or ran into me with their monster-truck-stroller.

12) If you are between the ages of 20 and 50 and have a seat on a crowded bus, get your butt up and offer your seat to a child or older person. Yeah, it sucks having to walk around the park all day then stand for 15 more minutes while the bus driver tries to roll the bus the entire trip back but suck it up and do it. I saw WAY too many able bodied people sitting on the bus while less able bodied people stood up.

13) Ticket prices should be based on IQ. When a family books a trip to Disney, all members over the age of 18 should be required to take an IQ test. The higher you score on the test, the lower your admissions price and vice versa. I realize everybody is there to have a great time and make memories but if you can't figure out how to put your ticket in the machine, place your finger on the hot blue light until it turns green, grab your ticket and walk through the turnstile then you should have to pay more $$ to make up for my wasted time.

It sounds like your dream vacation would be an adult only indoor resort for perfectably abled MENSA members who are anti-technology and have strollerphobia.

 

[gwmort]

It is a much different situation once you have your own. I feel bad for some of the parents I see at WDW (or even the malls around here). I have been there, done that...parenting is not for wimps!

Same here. I had a parent apologize to me because her son was acting up in a store. I was only looking because I was reminiscing about how I actually miss having little ones. I told her to please not worry about it, and tried to tell her she would miss this one day.

 

[20yBWDW]

A few questions:

Hypothetically, let's say I have a giant blister on the heel of my foot from walking around all week. I know from past experience that this blister could lead to an infection that could lead to the need for treatment. I intentionally wait through the first bus, which is crowded, in order to be able to get a seat on the second bus. Why am I now obligated to give up my seat to someone who wants a seat, but does not want to wait for one? Even when I was 8 months pregnant and had a recommendation to not be on my feet, I would never accept a seat from someone who was there first without a whole lot of encouragement. I would sit at the bus stop and wait for the next bus. And while I will gladly stand and give up my seat when I feel capable of doing so, I do not consider it my place to determine who else should.

Second, should WDW be reserved for only those children who are guaranteed to behave 100% of the time? Or did you follow these children around all week to witness enough of their behavior to make the assessment that they were, indeed, rotten children, as opposed to good children having their rotten moment in front of you? You sound pretty anti-child, or at least, pretty unrealistic in your views, if you think that double strollers should be outlawed and that any child who acts up at Disney World (with or without a stroller) is deserving of the title of "rotten" based on that single slice of their life that you witnessed. A tired child without a stroller is more likely to have a rotten moment than one who has a stroller in which they can nap. I hate side-by-side doubles, but I would never prefer children to be forced to walk, or be excluded from Disney World, of all places, if they are of an age when sudden moments of fatigue are likely.

 

[kydisfan]

Congratulations on your marriage. It's all about common sense. The general public doesn't think anymore.

I can see both sides of the coin. I have a four year old and she had her share of melt downs last year at Disney World. You never know how things are until you are a parent but how true are some of your statements in the original post.

 

[minnie mum]

Pass on the IQ test... maybe a common sense test instead. I know people who scored high on the SAT's and every IQ test they ever took that have a hard time with simple concepts.

I'm not going to bother commenting on the OP's points- they're his opinion and it's really immaterial whether I agree with any of them.

However- this whole IQ/ common sense thing made me stop and think. It is my considered opinion that Disney's evil imagineers have installed an IQ sapping, common sense blocking brain filter that we all must pass through when entering the parks. How else can you explain the behavior of some of the guests? Just a thought..

This may explain some of the souvenirs I come home with and DH is all "WTH??"

 

[highlander]

I now know why so many people have left DIS. I'm on their heels. This board has become a bully pulpit. This string has gone over the edge.

 

[Bellabully]

Congrats on your marriage! I enjoyed your post, LMAO at some of it! I have 1 child and waited until she was 7 before taking her to Disney exactly for the reasons stated in your post. I wanted to make sure she could handle all aspects of Disney, i. e. physical, heat, stimulation, sleep disruptions, etc. It made a huge difference in enjoying out trip. LOL at the IQ part, I myself seem to manage to consistently get caught behind someone who can't follow commands of insert ticket/card, place finger, wait for light and collect ticket, perplexes them beyond belief

 

[Missytara]

I love how people start out talking about what is great about their trip; and then suddenly it is the opportunity to jump on a soapbox to complain about their trip.

It is a common way of roping you into reading their post, then a chance to get some obviously needed attention.

He lost me at the complaint about the weather. Really......it is Disney's fault it is the end of summer in Florida that it is hot and humid. God forbid - you do realize you are also there at the height of hurricane season???? You are lucky the weather was not worse. Talk about taking an IQ test before entering the parks?

 

[ttintagel]

12) If you are between the ages of 20 and 50 and have a seat on a crowded bus, get your butt up and offer your seat to a child

A disabled child? Sure. A healthy child? For Pete's sake, why?

 

[disnut8]

**Here is where I complain**

9) HOT! HOT! HOT! We were disappointed by the rain the first few days but began to wish for more of it after the sun came out. Holy Hades was it hot down there. And the humidity was killer. By 10 a.m. I felt like I was walking around in a sweat suit.

10) Double strollers should be outlawed. It's bad enough that a parent is trying to make their spoiled child stop screaming because it didn't get a Donald Duck keychain and push a stroller at the same time but when the darn thing is four feet wide it becomes comically absurd. People should either be forced to use the "hot dog style" double stroller as I like to call it (one kid in front of the other) or use two single strollers. Oh, and don't let your kid push the stroller around when you are waiting to eat or use the bathroom; they tend to not be aware of their surroundings.

11) Cell phones should also be outlawed in the park. You are on vacation people! What need do you have to be calling somebody or checking your stocks? Put the stupid thing away and PAY ATTENTION TO WHERE YOU ARE WALKING. DW and I felt invisible the entire time we were there. By the last day I was ready to tackle the next person that cut me off talking on their phone or ran into me with their monster-truck-stroller.

12) If you are between the ages of 20 and 50 and have a seat on a crowded bus, get your butt up and offer your seat to a child or older person. Yeah, it sucks having to walk around the park all day then stand for 15 more minutes while the bus driver tries to roll the bus the entire trip back but suck it up and do it. I saw WAY too many able bodied people sitting on the bus while less able bodied people stood up.

13) Ticket prices should be based on IQ. When a family books a trip to Disney, all members over the age of 18 should be required to take an IQ test. The higher you score on the test, the lower your admissions price and vice versa. I realize everybody is there to have a great time and make memories but if you can't figure out how to put your ticket in the machine, place your finger on the hot blue light until it turns green, grab your ticket and walk through the turnstile then you should have to pay more $$ to make up for my wasted time.

I love the poster who said "The general public doesn't think anymore." So very true.

OP - we were there when you were and some of your points are valid, some not so much.

#9 with the weather - can't do anything about it. We suffered through it as we always do at Labor Day. It's Florida, it's hot and it's going to be hot no matter what. Mother Nature is a fickle witch.

#10 - I don't really like double strollers in the gift shops and I 100% agree with not having another child push ANY stroller at ANY time. But - kids are kids and while I've seen tons of children *I* think are too old for a stroller, I realize my son and his kids were stroller free extremely early. My son at the age of 14 months, my granddaughter at the age of five and my grandson before that age. It's just what parents do. Heck - we have parents around here who drive their kids five houses just to get a school bus.

#11 - 100% agree on this one. If you HAVE to talk on a cellphone, move to the side and STOP! Then make your call.

#12 - sorry - 100% disagree. My husband has gout and a bunch of other things, I have a broken neck. I ain't getting up for anyone if I have a seat. If I have to stand, fine, but if I have a seat, I ain't getting up. If you looked at the two of us, you would never know our "limitations" but I'm not getting up for a child who can stand. And the aforementioned grandson stood plenty of times on a Disney World bus and he didn't complain (we were also standing).

#13 - yes, it's a pain to wait for people to figure out the ticket machines but Disney does have Cast Members at the turnstiles to deal with that. I do roll my eyes at some people but I usually just try and avoid people who look like deer in headlights.

 

[minnie mum]

I now know why so many people have left DIS. I'm on their heels. This board has become a bully pulpit. This string has gone over the edge.

Did you mean that this THREAD has gone over the edge? Really? Sweetie you ain't seen nothin'. But if we've offended..... buh bye.

 

[Iwant2BAprincess]

I absolutely love 13!!!! And yes vacationing in August or sept is kinda like vacationing on the surface of the sun.

 

[nkereina]

9) HOT! HOT! HOT! We were disappointed by the rain the first few days but began to wish for more of it after the sun came out. Holy Hades was it hot down there. And the humidity was killer. By 10 a.m. I felt like I was walking around in a sweat suit.

We go in September when it's not any better, so I can relate. I presume you expected this, though, having been in June. The low crowds and the hot weather are surely trade offs.

10) Double strollers should be outlawed. It's bad enough that a parent is trying to make their spoiled child stop screaming because it didn't get a Donald Duck keychain and push a stroller at the same time but when the darn thing is four feet wide it becomes comically absurd. People should either be forced to use the "hot dog style" double stroller as I like to call it (one kid in front of the other) or use two single strollers. Oh, and don't let your kid push the stroller around when you are waiting to eat or use the bathroom; they tend to not be aware of their surroundings.

I have to agree that the double wides shouldn't be allowed. It's the same as if a family is walking three abreast down the sidewalk which makes the crowds worse. Many people are never aware of their surroundings or just don't care - kids and adults alike.

11) Cell phones should also be outlawed in the park. You are on vacation people! What need do you have to be calling somebody or checking your stocks? Put the stupid thing away and PAY ATTENTION TO WHERE YOU ARE WALKING. DW and I felt invisible the entire time we were there. By the last day I was ready to tackle the next person that cut me off talking on their phone or ran into me with their monster-truck-stroller.

Ehhh disagree.. evidently you don't have a smart phone. My fiance and I relied heavily on our phones using them as cameras, posting pics to FB and emailing to family, using the lines apps, etc. I do agree though that people need to pull off to the side or wait until you get in line to text or look at your phone. Nothing worse than someone stopping in front of you to text.

12) If you are between the ages of 20 and 50 and have a seat on a crowded bus, get your butt up and offer your seat to a child or older person. Yeah, it sucks having to walk around the park all day then stand for 15 more minutes while the bus driver tries to roll the bus the entire trip back but suck it up and do it. I saw WAY too many able bodied people sitting on the bus while less able bodied people stood up.

Absolutely disagree. For one, you don't know who is able bodied and who isn't. You don't know if a woman is pregnant and not showing yet, if a person has had a surgery and can't stand, etc. Not something you can assume. Not to mention, those that are "less able bodied" have several options if they don't feel they can stand on a 15 minute bus ride. They can wait for the next bus, drive, rent a scooter, etc. And as for offering your seat to a child... would you really call a child "less able bodied"? If parents take their toddlers to Disney, they should expect to be in uncomfortable situations that require standing in closed spaces like a bus. If a toddler can't handle that, it is not my problem. And really, a healthy child should be able to tolerate standing better than most adults. So the child argument doesn't make sense. Perhaps an elderly person would have been a better one.


I agree with PP that these are your opinions which is fine, but felt like the last one in particular should be addressed due to its ignorance.