Trip #8; But Was It Great? A WDW MAYcation with a side of LegoLand & Celebration, FL!

[JoBird]

Oh wow, Cypress gardens is just beautiful!! That tree is amazing!! I bet it was at least 10 degrees cooler under it!

LOVED DS10's fun pictures! He was feeling frisky that day!! He's so reserved usually... Makes me laugh.

Now as far as the Alligator sign-- you know what they say--

"If you're not a Gator, you must be GATOR BAIT!!!!"

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

our friends went to LL and Cypress Gardens in Dec last year,..they were totally amazed by that tree and had NO idea what it was or what the name of it was--I Can't believe they didn't ask someone!! It's really amazing!!!

That tree was awesome. The whole way through the gardens there are signs with arrows saying Banyan Tree. I kept thinking we were going to see it around every corner, but it seemed to take forever to get to it!

Love this update! Those pics of your boys are so cute. Hyped up on Mt. Dew! I think he's just wanting to be like his big brudda! Next thing you know, you'll be filming him dancing.

Those pics of Cypress Gardens are beautiful. And that tree is amazing! I can remember seeing water skiing shows at Cypress Gardens on TV when I was a kid (a very, very young child ) and always wanting to go there.

Very cute pic of you and your DH.

I wonder if people ever do see alligators. There would be no need for a sign to tell me not to approach, touch, or feed one!

"Choot 'em!"

Well IDK if DS10 will be jumping in front of the camera dancing anytime soon!! I should have asked him to that day, if there was ever a day he would do it, it would have been that day.

Cypress Gardens was so pretty. And a nice break from the direct sun we had been dealing with all day.

Yes, sadly I'm sure a lot of people need a sign being told not to approach a gator.

Cypress Gardens looks beautiful!. And those pictures of your DS10 are adorable! He looked so happy, so did your DS13!

That tree is so neat too! It looks like you all were having a lot of fun! I'm trying to think of something different to do in August that's not in WDW. I'm thinking of possibly walking around Universal CityWalk, but I'm just not sure yet!

It was very beautiful. I'm so glad they preserved that area when they built LegoLand.

What is Universal CityWalk? Is it like DTD? I know nothing about Universal. I need to start doing some research. We're thinking about trying it out in a few years...

Oh wow, Cypress gardens is just beautiful!! That tree is amazing!! I bet it was at least 10 degrees cooler under it!

LOVED DS10's fun pictures! He was feeling frisky that day!! He's so reserved usually... Makes me laugh.

Now as far as the Alligator sign-- you know what they say--

"If you're not a Gator, you must be GATOR BAIT!!!!"

I think it was at least 10 degrees cooler under that massive tree. We enjoyed it very much!

DS10 was feeling frisky that day. So funny to see him like that.

That gator sign cracked me up. As soon as I saw it I knew I had to have a picture of it!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

I was able to get my December ADR's ONLINE this morning!! I was so happy that I didn't have to call. It took my Poly ressie # and let me book my ADR's with no problem! Must have just been the GF ressie that it could not recognize the other day.

I did not get LeCellier, but I knew I wouldn't be able to. Everyone is talking about it on the boards. It and several other Epcot restaurants (Bistro de Paris, Coral Reef, Garden Grill, La Hacienda, and Rose & Crown) are not releasing ADR's during that time yet. Something about waiting for the Candlelight Processional packages to come out and letting those people book first and then they will be released to the rest of us after that. Sometime later this month I guess.....Kind of stinks. We used to love LC, but then had a bad experience there about 3 trips back and haven't been there since. We were finally wanting to go back and now might not be able to get an ADR because of the CP.

Oh well, I'll keep trying!

So this is what I got:

Ohana (2X) - probably only keeping one
Kona Cafe (2X)
Mama Melrose
Plaza Restaurant
Rainforest Cafe - Not sure about this one....we ate there on our very first trip in 2005 and it was okay. I'm just looking for somewhere for dinner at AK before we head back to the resort for the evening. We may end up cancelling and doing CS...


That's it for now. I'm sure it will change between now and December lots of times though!

Well I said my ADR's would change between now and December....

Just cancelled the Plaza and changed it to Tony's Town Square!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Just cancelled Mama Melrose and changed it to Sci-Fi Dine-In!


Yes, I am out of control.

 

[cyndiloveswalt]

I finally made a couple of ADRs last night, we don't like to plan too much but I wanted to do breakfast at CP before rope drop and wanted to try Le Cellier. So I did those two. Will probably add one for the Plaza because that is one of our new favs. If they release Be Our Guest, I may try for that.
The cypress gardens are cool. Nice they were able to keep all of that.

 

[lala3291]

It was very beautiful. I'm so glad they preserved that area when they built LegoLand.

What is Universal CityWalk? Is it like DTD? I know nothing about Universal. I need to start doing some research. We're thinking about trying it out in a few years...

We have been to Universal CityWalk once. It is kind of like a DTD, but with a different atmosphere. To me, it seemed like a definitely older crowd, but we were also there at night when there were nightclubs open. We didn't eat there- just walked around and shopped. They have some clothing stores, a surf shop, and more. They also have quite a few restaurants. I don't remember much of it, but I do remember being able to see the Islands of Adventure theme park from there---they had some crazy roller coasters!

I think we are going to go there in the early afternoon on our next trip. I will let you know how it is!

And I am a compulsive ADR changer! I have moved things around for our August trip countless times, but I think I'm done changing now! We have:
The Plaza (D)
Kona (B)
Yachtsman (D)
Mama Melrose (D)
Via Napoli (D)

 

[JoBird]

Okay somehow I totally missed your post saying you'd gotten your ADR's this morning!!


Sorry!!!

That was a good list the first time out of the gate.
Then you changed it and it got better!

And now that you've added Sci Fi I think it's GREAT for you!!

Congrats on getting them!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

I finally made a couple of ADRs last night, we don't like to plan too much but I wanted to do breakfast at CP before rope drop and wanted to try Le Cellier. So I did those two. Will probably add one for the Plaza because that is one of our new favs. If they release Be Our Guest, I may try for that.
The cypress gardens are cool. Nice they were able to keep all of that.

CP and LC are both great!! After reading about 3-4 reviews where people are saying that the Plaza (and La Hacienda) don't allow kids older than 9 to order off of the kids menu, I decided to nix it. I guess they are very strict about it and won't bend the rules or even offer the kids meals to older kids for an upcharge. My kids (esp. DS10) just don't like the adult choices at most places.

I have to wonder why 2 restaurants out of all of the WDW restaurants are doing that.

I forgot about Be Our Guest.....Do you know what kind of food they are going to offer?

We have been to Universal CityWalk once. It is kind of like a DTD, but with a different atmosphere. To me, it seemed like a definitely older crowd, but we were also there at night when there were nightclubs open. We didn't eat there- just walked around and shopped. They have some clothing stores, a surf shop, and more. They also have quite a few restaurants. I don't remember much of it, but I do remember being able to see the Islands of Adventure theme park from there---they had some crazy roller coasters!

I think we are going to go there in the early afternoon on our next trip. I will let you know how it is!

And I am a compulsive ADR changer! I have moved things around for our August trip countless times, but I think I'm done changing now! We have:
The Plaza (D)
Kona (B)
Yachtsman (D)
Mama Melrose (D)
Via Napoli (D)

CityWalk sounds fun! You'll have to take a bunch of pics for me.

Your ADR's look great, it's coming up quick!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Okay somehow I totally missed your post saying you'd gotten your ADR's this morning!!


Sorry!!!

That was a good list the first time out of the gate.
Then you changed it and it got better!

And now that you've added Sci Fi I think it's GREAT for you!!

Congrats on getting them!

How could you miss that??? Guess I should have called you when I was done!


Well, after the Plaza became Tony's I didn't want Tony's one night and Mama Melrose the next. So MM then became Sci-Fi. I know they took my steak salad off the menu there, but DS10 really missed not going there last time, so I'm sure I can find something to eat there. And of course a milkshake!!

 

[seacrestpromo]

Nice report on Legoland and Cypress Gardens - it is so pretty there at CG.

Those trees are awesome! Need to check that out some day!

Thanks for sharing!

Sea

 

[Lil'Mermaid75]

I like how they put lego displays throughout CG - keeps the theme there.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Nice report on Legoland and Cypress Gardens - it is so pretty there at CG.

Those trees are awesome! Need to check that out some day!

Thanks for sharing!

Sea

Thanks Sea, glad you are enjoying the report!

I like how they put lego displays throughout CG - keeps the theme there.

Yeah, they didn't want you to forget where you were!!

 

[ddluvsdisney]

That tree at CG was amazing!!!
Glad you got some ADRs. You need to try to get Rose & Crown for Illuminations!!

 

[Dancegrl624]

Universal CityWalk is a lot of fun. Lots of shopping and dining! It's right between the 2 Universal Parks.

http://www.universalorlando.com/Nightlife/Citywalk-Nightlife.aspx

 

[mickeystoontown]

I didn't know that Legoland was in Cypress Gardens. It's nice to see that they kept the Cypress Gardens "feel" to that part of the park but still incorporated the Legos into it. Like you said, they certainly didn't want you to forget where you really were.

 

[Lovemy3babes]

I was able to get my December ADR's ONLINE this morning!! I was so happy that I didn't have to call. It took my Poly ressie # and let me book my ADR's with no problem! Must have just been the GF ressie that it could not recognize the other day.

I did not get LeCellier, but I knew I wouldn't be able to. Everyone is talking about it on the boards. It and several other Epcot restaurants (Bistro de Paris, Coral Reef, Garden Grill, La Hacienda, and Rose & Crown) are not releasing ADR's during that time yet. Something about waiting for the Candlelight Processional packages to come out and letting those people book first and then they will be released to the rest of us after that. Sometime later this month I guess.....Kind of stinks. We used to love LC, but then had a bad experience there about 3 trips back and haven't been there since. We were finally wanting to go back and now might not be able to get an ADR because of the CP.

Oh well, I'll keep trying!

So this is what I got:

Ohana (2X) - probably only keeping one
Kona Cafe (2X)
Mama Melrose
Plaza Restaurant
Rainforest Cafe - Not sure about this one....we ate there on our very first trip in 2005 and it was okay. I'm just looking for somewhere for dinner at AK before we head back to the resort for the evening. We may end up cancelling and doing CS...


That's it for now. I'm sure it will change between now and December lots of times though!

Well I said my ADR's would change between now and December....

Just cancelled the Plaza and changed it to Tony's Town Square!

I like your ADRs Shelly!! A few things for our October trip:

1. I did get LeCellier for lunch but are now thinking of paying OOP instead of using the dining plan. Worth the cost do you think? I wonder if it's overrated? We thought about trying the Mexico CS instead. Have you eaten there Shelly?

2. 'Ohana - got this one too! Yum!

3. I also got The Plaza but see you canceled. Why? Advice on this one?

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

That tree at CG was amazing!!!
Glad you got some ADRs. You need to try to get Rose & Crown for Illuminations!!

It was pretty cool!

Never been to R&C. DH might like it, but I don't think the rest of us would!

Universal CityWalk is a lot of fun. Lots of shopping and dining! It's right between the 2 Universal Parks.

http://www.universalorlando.com/Nightlife/Citywalk-Nightlife.aspx

Looks like a fun place!

I didn't know that Legoland was in Cypress Gardens. It's nice to see that they kept the Cypress Gardens "feel" to that part of the park but still incorporated the Legos into it. Like you said, they certainly didn't want you to forget where you really were.

CG was like you were in a whole different place, until you came upon a Lego woman!

Very nice place and a nice break from the hectic park.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

I like your ADRs Shelly!! A few things for our October trip:

1. I did get LeCellier for lunch but are now thinking of paying OOP instead of using the dining plan. Worth the cost do you think? I wonder if it's overrated? We thought about trying the Mexico CS instead. Have you eaten there Shelly?

2. 'Ohana - got this one too! Yum!

3. I also got The Plaza but see you canceled. Why? Advice on this one?

I'm torn on LC myself. Lately I have read some pretty bad reviews of it. Slow service, poor service, steaks not cooked right, etc. All the stuff we experienced our last time there (about 3 years ago). But prior to that we had excellent experiences there. So I don't know what to tell you on that one.....I am still going to try to get a lunch ADR there (only because we are only going to be at Epcot once this trip and we will probably be gone by dinner time) when they release them, but then I am going to think about it and decide whether or not to keep it as the time gets closer.

We did eat at the Mexico CS once, last summer. It was not great. But it was pouring down rain and we were eating in our wet ponchos and the whole experience was not a good one. I would be willing to try it again someday I suppose.

Are you doing Ohana for breakfast or dinner? We've done both and are doing dinner this time!

The Plaza. Well, this one is tricky. You should be fine as long as your kids who are over 9 will order off the adults menu. They WILL NOT allow anyone over 9 to order off the kids menu. They don't offer it for an upcharge or offer any alternative (such as an adult portion of a kids meal, etc. ) I have read this over and over here on the DIS. Them, as well as La Hacienda (the newer Mexican TS) are like that. While the rest of the WDW restaurants don't care! Weird. Neither of my kids like adult choices yet, so we will stay away from these places.

I knew this prior to yesterday, but booked the Plaza anyway. I thought we would just get the kids something to eat from Casey's and when they were done we would go to the Plaza for DH and I to eat. But then yesterday I read a few more reviews about the Plaza and LH saying they even make a big deal out of people at the table sharing an appetizer and things like that. So I figure they will make a big deal of the kids not ordering anything.

Good grief. I just don't need the hassle while on vacation. We pay OOP and expect to be able to order and eat whatever we want!!



Wow, that got long!! Sorry, but I hope it helped!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

After we were done touring the gardens we just happened to be walking by the Pirate's Cove and noticed that the next show would be starting in about 20 minutes. So we headed in to find a seat. The theater is open air and right along the lake. The show was called Pirates Cove Live Water Ski Show. We didn't know what to expect, but we thought we'd give it a try!

It was a pretty cool water stunt show. A little cheesy maybe and there were about 3 stunts that didn't go as planned. We sure could tell we weren't at Disney, but it was still fun!

It was a neat show and in the end the good guys won the battle for “Captain Brickbeard's” bounty!



Continued in next post.....

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Continued.....


After the pirate adventure DS13 had enough of LegoLand and was ready to go! He kept asking to go and we kept telling him to chill out (although that was kind of hard to do that day ). DS10 was hot and tired too and just wanted to do his shopping!

So we headed up towards the front of the park where all the stores were. We were back up by where we had lunch and there was a 4D theater next to it and one of the shows was about to begin, so we went in. While we waited for it to start they had all kinds of Lego & LegoLand trivia on the screen. It was pretty neat and DS10 enjoyed it a lot!

Then the show began. It was really cute. Lots of action and very neat! DS10 really liked it. I think DS13 even liked it a little!

After the 4D show we came across some of the smaller shops first and went in and took a look. Lego Studios, Pick a Brick, and MiniFigure Market.

He didn't buy anything at those stores. He was waiting for The Big Shop. Yep, that's what it was called – The Big Shop! And he was expecting BIG things out of it. Unfortunately he was pretty disappointed. So was I. The selection there was not very good. The Lego Store in Downtown Disney and even the one we've been to in Charlotte, NC is way better than the one at LegoLand. Go figure. He looked and looked and looked and only came up with a few little items and decided to save the rest of his money for the Lego Store at DTD. So him & I go up to buy his stuff and I hand the lady his Lego Club card. They scan it at every Lego store and you earn rewards for every $100 you spend and things like that. The lady said to me very snotty as she rolled her eyes – We don't take the Lego card here, look at the sign. And she pointed to this little sign by the register. I wanted to reach across the counter and smack her attitude out of her!! There was no reason to be like that. Apparently they get people trying to hand them their Lego card all the time and it is very irritating to her. Well who the heck would think that 'The Big Lego Shop' at LEGOLAND wouldn't accept the Lego Club card??? I looked at DS and said – do you just want to wait and buy your stuff at DISNEY? (Yes, I made sure she could hear me!!) But he had one thing that he wasn't sure if they would have at DTD, so we went ahead with the purchase. DH had been standing over by the door through this whole thing and didn't know exactly what had happened but he could tell I was mad. So when he asked what was wrong I proceeded to tell him very loudly about that lady's rudeness!!

After that we were all ready to leave! But I had heard so much about LegoLand's famous Apple Fries that I just had to go get some. So we had to backtrack a little bit to get there, but in the end it was worth it. Very yummy!

And with that we said our good-byes to LegoLand.

My feelings on the day: I had read a lot and done a lot of research on LegoLand once I realized they had opened in Florida last fall. A lot of what I read was just okay. But a lot of it was people going in expecting it to be WDW, and it's just not. So I went in with the attitude of knowing it's not Disney and only expecting my 10 year old Lego fanatic to have a fun day. And that's just what I got!! I had read that the park was geared mostly for ages 12 and under. And a lot of it is. But DS13 loved the coasters and had a lot of fun as well. Originally the money we spent on this day was going to be used on Cirque de Soleil tickets. That's something I've really been wanting to do. But when I saw that LL had opened up and it was geared for 12 & under I knew that we needed to get there ASAP before the kids got any older. So that's what we did. All in all the day wasn't too awful expensive. We got the kids tix for free with the purchase of 2 adult tix. I think we paid about $70 each for DH and I. And of course $12 to park. About $40 on lunch (we would have had to eat anyway!) and about $40 to rent the car for the day. So I would say it was worth it. Had we paid another $60 each for the kids to get in then I would maybe be thinking differently!

So we had a very nice day and I am really glad we went. And bonus – we had the car for the rest of the day and we were now going to do something we have been wanting to do for awhile – go see Celebration, Florida!


Up Next: Celebration