Trip Report 12/20 - 12/27

[Danaans]

Hi Everyone!

Just returned from Disney and I will tell you that even though I enjoyed the trip, I will avoid Disney at Christmas-time. It was very crowded (which I expected) the Cast Members were all great, (and I give them a great big hug – because it’s difficult to be pleasant when the crowds are massive) but I found the general public to be (and I hate to say this) but rude, obnoxious and pushy. I was pushed, shoved, and butted up in front of by some of the most obnoxious people it’s ever been my occasion to meet. Disney cast members try, but I got to tell you, I couldn’t do their job in a million years. I don’t know why, but the holidays bring out the worse in people.



This is my plea to people in general, and believe me it’s just not the people in the United States. It’s all over the world. Get your manners back!!! Try “please”, and “thank you” for a change, not “gimme” or “I want!” I watched in dismay as Parent’s didn’t mind their children, push and shove into ride lines, butt up in concessions.. like the person in front of them never existed….I was ashamed, to say the least, of the general public.



I did see glimpses of humanity in a lot of people also, there were people who helped, who thanked people who held doors open etc. I actually got tears in my eyes on the bus, to the Animal Kingdom on Christmas morning when the bus broke out into impromptu Christmas songs.



Disney handles things wonderfully, the only issue I have is that if you are staying at the All Star Movies, make sure you return home early from Pleasure island, or Downtown Disney because we waited thru 3 buses for 45 minutes in 42 degree weather, because the busses were full each time they stopped, and believe me….with three children and two strollers, were weren’t able to get on. That was the only Black-eye Disney got in the week. I think they need to purchase more busses to accommodate the people quicker. Disney Transportation people please note!!!



I had reservations to Tony’s Towne magical gathering, and I will tell you it was wonderful!!!! It was worth the extra money!!!! We had breakfast with Pluto, Goofy, Chip & Dale, and Tony himself. (Tony, in case you don’t know is the Tony who sang to Lady and the Tramp, when they ate the spaghetti ) The grandchildren loved it – and all the extra attention. At the end we all got some special time with the Mickey Himself~! I would recommend this to anyone who has a large party of people…it was truly one of those special moments. I will do a write up of the Tony Towne for the Boards.



We also had dinner one night at the Brown Derby, and it was exquisite! I can’t tell you, if you want excellent food and service, make your reservations there…you won’t be disappointed!



So another trip to Disney is over, and I will start planning the new one…Happy New Year Everyone!

 

[LauraAnn630]

Thanks for the report! I was afriad wed be hearing about large rude crowds.

I am interested in Tony’s Towne magical gathering. Were you able to get in
the park early for that? How was the food? What was served...was it a buffet?
I see you plan to write a report on it....cant wait to hear more!

 

[Danaans]

Thanks for the report! I was afriad wed be hearing about large rude crowds.

I am interested in Tony’s Towne magical gathering. Were you able to get in
the park early for that? How was the food? What was served...was it a buffet?
I see you plan to write a report on it....cant wait to hear more!

Tony's town breakfast was wonderful, I plan to have the report up later on this evening...but to make it quick, they served a plated breakfast...it was good food...there was waffles, (Mickey shaped) fruit, bacon, cheese eggs, sausage and hash browns...there was also a yogurt and granola breakfast with a banana nut muffin.. and a basket of pastries on the table. The waiters and waitresses were wonderful,,,,goofy, pluto, chip , dale and tony were there...there was a-little singing, dancing....and then we got a collectable pin, and were ushered into a room where we got some one-on one time with the mick himself....your kids will love it...there was enough one on one time with all the characters.....it was well worth the price....one of the best things in my estimation that Disney has to offer....i will be posting pictures as well as my report later on.....hope this helps you...

 

[kathymc]

thanks for sharing
we had lunch at the brown derby and it was definatly a great meal - will have to try dinner next time

 

[Danaans]

Thanks for the report! I was afriad wed be hearing about large rude crowds.

I am interested in Tony’s Towne magical gathering. Were you able to get in
the park early for that? How was the food? What was served...was it a buffet?
I see you plan to write a report on it....cant wait to hear more!

Laura, I just got done posting the review. Its under Disney Restaurants/tony towne gathering...but here's the direct link

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=970571

~Linda

 

[zmirby]

I have to also reply about the rude people!! We were there the 19-25th and I have never seen so many rude people. Even after the CM's would say something they paid no attention--then they acted like they did not know what the CM was telling them. It got very annoying after about the 3rd day

 

[Danaans]

I have to also reply about the rude people!! We were there the 19-25th and I have never seen so many rude people. Even after the CM's would say something they paid no attention--then they acted like they did not know what the CM was telling them. It got very annoying after about the 3rd day

Zmirby thanks...I was beginning to think I was the only person that noticed....

I think instead of World Peace, we need World Polite, hopefully then, Peace will follow......

 

[budbeerlady]

We were there 12/10-12/17. I dont get people who do the following and suggest they just stay home if they cannot follow simple curteseys!

1) Walk forward on the walkways, treat it like a street! Would you drive 10 cars wide on a two laner and then stop in the middle of the road to talk?!!!! Some days I wish Disney had a recording like at airports that says "Please step forward, continue moving"

2) Wait in line, just like the rest of us who expect it because that is how you get your food at cs, how you get on rides, etc.

3) We all paid alot for our vacation, your money doesnt entitle you to push your child to the front of others and stand in front of other little kids who have been patiently waiting for a parade, a story time, a tea party, etc.

4) Your kids will get tired, whiney, etc. They are excited but they are kids, give them a nap and get over it. Be the parent, dont argue with a three year old who needs a nap!

5) And oh my gosh, if you are in an ECV, why do you let your kids/grand kids drive????!?!?!?!?!??!!!!! I almost was run over twice at epcot!!!!!! I hope you dont let them drive your car all over!

I am done ranting now!

 

[tweck]

I'm surprised about your observation regarding the crowds. We were there 12/22-12/26 and made notice of unexpected light crowds! When we checked in at the VWL the cast member at the desk told us they were only 77% booked. Although she did say they were actually overbooked for 12/26. I guess alot of people arrive after actual Christmas day.
The only problem we had was going to see the Candlelight Processional. There were 2 cast members "working" the end of the line for entry into the pavillion. The problem was they were non verbal & never announced that this was the line. So people (us included) walked all the way up to the pavillion only to be told by actual speaking cast members to go back to the end of the line we just past. We just weren't sure that was the line we were looking for. A heads up would have been nice. Once we were in we really enjoyed the show. It was very entertaining. The quiet of the audience was amazing. Although we did have 2 teen boys next to us who must have received PSP's for Christmas. They never lifted their heads once during the performance. They should have stayed at their resort & given up those seats. Loved our trip.

 

[Danaans]

I'm surprised about your observation regarding the crowds. We were there 12/22-12/26 and made notice of unexpected light crowds! When we checked in at the VWL the cast member at the desk told us they were only 77% booked. Although she did say they were actually overbooked for 12/26. I guess alot of people arrive after actual Christmas day.
The only problem we had was going to see the Candlelight Processional. There were 2 cast members "working" the end of the line for entry into the pavillion. The problem was they were non verbal & never announced that this was the line. So people (us included) walked all the way up to the pavillion only to be told by actual speaking cast members to go back to the end of the line we just past. We just weren't sure that was the line we were looking for. A heads up would have been nice. Once we were in we really enjoyed the show. It was very entertaining. The quiet of the audience was amazing. Although we did have 2 teen boys next to us who must have received PSP's for Christmas. They never lifted their heads once during the performance. They should have stayed at their resort & given up those seats. Loved our trip.

I suppose it depended on where you were...we spent Christmas day in Animal Kingdom and that wasnt crowded by far, but I hear tell that the MK reached max capicity at 10am and thats 50,000 people.....When ever we went into MK it was very crowded.....epcot wasnt as bad.....

 

[GeauxTigger]

I suppose it depended on where you were...wefdd spent Christmas day in Animal Kingdom and that wasnt crowded by far, but I hear tell that the MK reached max capicity at 10am and thats 50,000 people.....When ever we went into MK it was very crowded.....epcot wasnt as bad.....

We just goy back, and my family spent Christmas day atDisney Quest. The crowds weren't bad. We were there from about 11:30 till 4:00. Christmas Eve in MK was fine in the morning...I even found my sister there when I didn't have my cell phone, and the rides weren't running out of fast passes early
(like they did the rest of the week). The crowd on Christmas Eve wasn't "light", but compared to the crowds 12/26 - 12/29 in almost every park we visited, it was great!

 

[Minniespal]

Enjoyed reading your report ~ Thanx for posting.

 

[dzneelvr]

Very realistic review. thanks. glad to hear you enjoyed the Brown Derby. we are trying it for the first time this summer. And the rudenesss....sorry to say it isn't limited to the Christmas crowd. We go in the summer and it's the same way, just add in heat, a daily rain shower, etc. and you get the idea. We've been embarrassed as a family to witness the "meltdowns" that other families are having in full view of everyone. I always wonder how they act behind closed doors if they act like they do in the middle of MGM's Sunset Blvd.

 

[Danaans]

Very realistic review. thanks. glad to hear you enjoyed the Brown Derby. we are trying it for the first time this summer. And the rudenesss....sorry to say it isn't limited to the Christmas crowd. We go in the summer and it's the same way, just add in heat, a daily rain shower, etc. and you get the idea. We've been embarrassed as a family to witness the "meltdowns" that other families are having in full view of everyone. I always wonder how they act behind closed doors if they act like they do in the middle of MGM's Sunset Blvd.

They are people that "thankfully" we can't hear! (when they are in their homes) I think because of the crowds, and because its the time the the year it is, it brings it to the surface. Yes try the Derby, make sure you make your ressie early enough ahead of time so you can pick and choose your time. I find that the Derby gets booked rather quickly.....enjoy!

 

[DisnyMama]

We were at WDW 12/15 - 12/24 and usually are very sad when it is time to return home. This trip we found that although we would miss WDW very much as usual we were definately feeling OK about returning home due to the the awful rude people that we encountered on this particular trip. I don't know why but this particular trip we experienced the worst of humanity when it came to rudeness, people allowing their kids to push and shove and not give a hoot..... I could go on and on.

I know deep down in my heart that none of those people could be Dis'ers!

 

[Danaans]

We were at WDW 12/15 - 12/24 and usually are very sad when it is time to return home. This trip we found that although we would miss WDW very much as usual we were definately feeling OK about returning home due to the the awful rude people that we encountered on this particular trip. I don't know why but this particular trip we experienced the worst of humanity when it came to rudeness, people allowing their kids to push and shove and not give a hoot..... I could go on and on.

I know deep down in my heart that none of those people could be Dis'ers!

Right on!!!!!