Noah122898
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Sep 10, 2003
- Messages
- 269
TRIP REPORT WDW ORLANDO
08/28/04 09/09/04
CAST - Me, obsessive planner, DH goes with whatever I plan, DS 5 hates rollercoasters and has meltdowns frequently
Saturday 08/28:
Jetblue flight #31, leave JFK @ 3:40pm and arrive in MCO @ 6:25pm. We left about 45 minutes late and arrived about 7:00pm. Southern Elegance Limousine was waiting for us at the baggage claim. We paid $90 r/t for a town car, but were pleasantly surprised when he brought us to a brand new white stretch limo! What a great way to begin the vacation. Adam was our driver and was very friendly. We stopped at Albertsons for our grocery pick up. I faxed the list the week before and everything was waiting for us, all we needed to do was pay. Arrived at the Wilderness Lodge around 8:00 and a very nice CM named Scott registered us. We were upgraded to courtyard view, room 2158. This room was in a decent location to pool, food and transportation. I asked for a fridge and to be Flag Family. We got Flag Family for Sunday 09/08. We went to our room and quickly unpacked. We grabbed a bite to eat at Roaring Fork (not great food). Then we walked to the boat dock and caught the end of the fireworks and also got to see the Electrical Pageant. It was a nice way to start our vacation. We were too excited to sleep so we went to the pool until midnight. Fell asleep quickly.
Sunday 08/29:
We originally planned on doing EMH at the Magic Kingdom but after traveling and a late night I thought it best if we slept in and visit MK later. This worked out fine. We had a late breakfast/brunch at Trails End Buffet @ Ft. Wilderness, just a quick boat ride away. This meal is an excellent value and had a large selection of quality food. We returned to the WL and swam in the pool for a while. I was anxious to get to the MK, so around 3:30 we took the boat from the WL to the park. We got on Buzz 2xs, Mickeys Philharmagic, Haunted Mansion and Pirates with absolutely NO wait at all! Arrived for our 6:00PS @ Liberty Tree Tavern and had one of the best dinners of our trip. The character interaction was excellent and the food was very good. We stayed for Wishes which was just beautiful, I got a little teary eyed watching the display and DS. We viewed the fireworks from the bridge on the left side of the castle. Returned to the WL and went to bed.
Monday 08/30:
Had breakfast in the room, then went to MGM when they opened at 9:00am. No wait for The Great Movie Ride or Muppets. Right after we got out of Muppets we saw Buzz, Woody & Jessie in front of Als Toy Barn so we ran over and were first in line for photos and autographs. We had a PS for 11:30 @ Sci-Fi Dine In Theatre. Arrived a little early and were seated immediately. Lunch was OK and the atmosphere was cool. We were seated at tables that were actually cars and the big movie screen was playing right in front, kept DS amused. We returned to WL for some pool and rest time, then went back to MGM around 4:00. We were able to see Beauty and the Beast and Mermaid before our 6:30PS @ Hollywood & Vine. I didnt care much for this restaurant. Next we were off to Fantasmic. What an amazing show this was. I would definitely see this again. After the show we went back to WL and went to bed.
Tuesday 08/30:
We had breakfast in the room again then headed off to Typhoon Lagoon for 9:00 opening. We really enjoyed this water park and DS had a ball in the wave pool. We left TL around 1:00 to Downtown Disney. I was impressed with all the shops and restaurants, didnt think I would like this place as much as I did. Lunch was at Earl of Sandwich, which we all really liked. After shopping and eating we grabbed the bus back to WL to swim and relax. Whispering Canyon was our choice for dinner tonight. This restaurant is fun, the servers are obnoxious and the food was good. Swam for a while after dinner and went to bed by 9:00.
Wednesday 09/01:
Ate breakfast in the room and got to MK for 9:00 opening. It was fun to see all the characters on the train and the rope drop. We immediately headed for Fantasyland and did Dumbo, Pooh, Snow White, Peter Pan 2xs, Philharmagic, Indy Speedway and Toontown. We walked on to every ride the crowds were minimal the whole time we were there. Took the train to Main St. and the monorail to the Contemporary. We got to sit in the front with the pilot, very cool. From the CR we took the boat back to WL. Went to the pool for a while. Had dinner at Whispering Canyon, then back to the pool to end the night.
Thursday 09/02:
We had breakfast in the room then were off to Epcot. I originally planned Epcot for Saturday but since Hurricane Frances was approaching the parks would most likely be closed this weekend so we decided to go today. We got there around 11:00 and went right to Test Track, Journey into Imagination, Honey I Shrunk the Audience, Spaceship Earth 2xs (Noah really liked this ride), Living with the Land, The Circle of Life and Living Seas. We walked right on to everything, no waits at all. Had a quick lunch @ Electric Umbrella on our way out then returned to WL for pool time. Returned to Epcot around 4:30 and walked our way around the World Showcase. I really enjoyed all the countries and we rode Maelstrom in Norway. Dinner was at Le Cellier, had a 20 minute wait with no PS. This was the BEST dinner of our trip and the service was great too. We stayed briefly for Illuminations but were so tired from walking all day we decided to catch the bus back to WL and go to sleep.
Friday 09/03:
Had breakfast at Whispering Canyon. Went to the pool this morning then headed over to MK around 3:00. We caught the Parade and Cinderellas Surprise at the castle. Rode Buzz and the Transportation System. We had PS for Hoop Dee Doo tonight but it was cancelled as they had started evacuating FW. I thought we could eat at Tonys but they were closed for dinner too, so we decided on Pecos Bills. Decent burgers and good fixins bar. Went back to WL pool then to bed.
Saturday 09/04:
All of the parks were closed today in anticipation of Frances. We were able to swim for awhile before they closed the pool around 11:00am. WL was great about entertaining everyone in the Lobby. They had Mickey, Minnie, Chip & Dale taking photos and playing with the kids. There were games, music and dancing. It made the day go by quickly. Ate at Artist Point for a buffet dinner. Went back to the room and awaited the hurricane.
Sunday 09/05:
Today was our day to be Flag Family but unfortunately it was cancelled as Frances was in full force. We also had PS for Chef Mickey which was cancelled. All the parks were still closed so we had to stay put. We had lock down in our room for four hours (12-4). Luckily the electric stayed on and we were able to watch tv. All the restaurants were closed until 6:00pm. We went back to Artist Point for dinner. This was the worst day of our trip, long and boring. There was entertainment again in the Lobby for part of the day but we already did that yesterday so we werent interested in it again. I called JetBlue to see about our flight home tomorrow morning and was informed that it was cancelled. They next flight we could get was Thursday 09/09. What are they kidding me? Nope. We were able to arrange to stay for three more nights at WL. I was really upset that DS was going to miss his first few days of kindergarten. Well, we will just have to make the best of it. Disney isnt a bad place to be stuck at.
Monday 09/06:
It was still raining today and the parks were opening later so we decided to revisit Downtown Disney. We did some more shopping (love the Christmas store) and ate lunch at Fultons Crab House. We went back to WL and swam since it stopped raining for a while. Ate a light dinner at Roaring Fork. Went to bed pretty early.
Tuesday 09/07:
The last time we were in Disney we did not enjoy the Animal Kingdom. It was too hot and crowded so we hadnt planned on going there. But, we had a day left on the PHP so we decided to give it another chance. This time was much different and we were glad we had the extra day to get there. We only did the Safari, Bugs Life and Dinosaur. The Rapids were closed and the Tarzan show that we went to see was cancelled until later that day. Saw the Lion King last time and DS didn't want to see it today. Lunch was at Flaming Tree BBQ. Returned to WL around 2:30 and went in the pool until dinner. We ate at Whispering Canyon again for another good meal. Back to the pool then bed.
Wednesday 09/08:
We had to check out of room 2158 this morning and we got room 5041 for the final night. What a great view and location, wish we had this room the entire trip, oh well. Since we used up our PHP we decided to take this day and enjoy the WL. We swam in the pool most of the day then went to Hoop Dee Doo for our 5:00PS. Enjoyed the show and food. When we returned to WL we went to the pool for one last time and got to bed pretty early since we had to get up at 3:45am the next morning.
Thursday 09/09:
Southern Elegance picked us up @ 5:00am in a new town car.
JetBlue flight #80 left MCO @ 7:30am and arrived @ JFK 10:00am. Uneventful flight home.
Restaurant Reviews:
Roaring Fork Fast food, small selection and not very good food. It was quick and convenient for a few breakfasts and lunches and one dinner.
Whispering Canyon Great entertainment (can get on your nerves a bit), excellent food both the all you can eat and individual meals. Had one breakfast and two dinners here.
Trails End Buffet Excellent value and good hot fresh food. Had one breakfast and one dinner here.
Artist Point I was looking forward to the regular dinner menu here but they only offered a buffet because of the hurricane. It was an excellent meal with plenty of choices. Had two dinners here.
Liberty Tree Tavern Our first character dinner and it was a very good meal with great interaction of Minnie, Pluto, Chip, Dale and Meeko. Would definitely do this again.
Caseys Pretty good hot dogs and cheese fries. Nice location to sit and people watch. Would probably go here again.
Pecos Bills Wanted to eat at Tonys but it was closed so we sound up here. Not bad burgers and good fixins bar. No need to return.
Sci-Fi Drive In The atmosphere was good and the food was average. Most likely would not return.
Hollywood & Vine I really didnt like this place at all. Chose it because it was the least expensive Fantasmic package. Will never do it again, next time Mamma Melrose or Brown Derby.
Earl of Sandwich This was a great deal and very good sandwiches, a must do again.
Le Cellier An amazing dinner, the best steak I have ever tasted. Great service and good atmosphere, another must return.
Electric Umbrella OK burgers nothing special. Would not return because there are better places to eat at Epcot.
Hoop dee doo A corny, cute show with really good food. Would probably not do again for a while.
Fultons Crab House Lunch was good, large servings. Most likely would not do again since I would like to try other DTD restaurants.
THOUGHTS:
Next trip I would like to visit the Boardwalk and eat at Beaches n Cream. I would also like to visit the AKL and have dinner at Boma. WE missed out on Chef Mickey because of the hurricane so that is a definite for next time. Since FW was evacuated we didnt get to do Chip n Dales campfire and movie or see the petting zoo which I wanted to do. We received towel animals every day from our housekeeper, Sally. Noah really looked forward to this and it was a nice touch. Every CM we encountered was so nice and eager to help or answer questions. All of the parks were empty and it was great not to have to wait on long lines in the heat. Going this time of year was great but I would hesitate to do it again because of the hurricane season. WL is an absolutely gorgeous hotel, great pool and restaurants, quick and easy trip to MK, and family friendly. I would like to be Flag Family if we ever return. The grocery stop worked out very well and it was nice to have milk, juice, cereal, fruit, cheese, pepperoni, crackers, water, chips and cookies in the room. Two years ago we stayed at All-Star Movies and that was ok but staying at a deluxe was truly amazing, especially the proximity to MK. I wouldnt hesitate to stay here again, but would still like to try the Poly, Grand Floridian or even the Contemporary. Im also thinking of the Animal Kingdom Lodge but it is so far from our favorite parks. Even though we had an unplanned extra three nights, I still didnt want to come home. Im just so happy when Im at Disney, its such an escape from the world.real
08/28/04 09/09/04
CAST - Me, obsessive planner, DH goes with whatever I plan, DS 5 hates rollercoasters and has meltdowns frequently
Saturday 08/28:
Jetblue flight #31, leave JFK @ 3:40pm and arrive in MCO @ 6:25pm. We left about 45 minutes late and arrived about 7:00pm. Southern Elegance Limousine was waiting for us at the baggage claim. We paid $90 r/t for a town car, but were pleasantly surprised when he brought us to a brand new white stretch limo! What a great way to begin the vacation. Adam was our driver and was very friendly. We stopped at Albertsons for our grocery pick up. I faxed the list the week before and everything was waiting for us, all we needed to do was pay. Arrived at the Wilderness Lodge around 8:00 and a very nice CM named Scott registered us. We were upgraded to courtyard view, room 2158. This room was in a decent location to pool, food and transportation. I asked for a fridge and to be Flag Family. We got Flag Family for Sunday 09/08. We went to our room and quickly unpacked. We grabbed a bite to eat at Roaring Fork (not great food). Then we walked to the boat dock and caught the end of the fireworks and also got to see the Electrical Pageant. It was a nice way to start our vacation. We were too excited to sleep so we went to the pool until midnight. Fell asleep quickly.
Sunday 08/29:
We originally planned on doing EMH at the Magic Kingdom but after traveling and a late night I thought it best if we slept in and visit MK later. This worked out fine. We had a late breakfast/brunch at Trails End Buffet @ Ft. Wilderness, just a quick boat ride away. This meal is an excellent value and had a large selection of quality food. We returned to the WL and swam in the pool for a while. I was anxious to get to the MK, so around 3:30 we took the boat from the WL to the park. We got on Buzz 2xs, Mickeys Philharmagic, Haunted Mansion and Pirates with absolutely NO wait at all! Arrived for our 6:00PS @ Liberty Tree Tavern and had one of the best dinners of our trip. The character interaction was excellent and the food was very good. We stayed for Wishes which was just beautiful, I got a little teary eyed watching the display and DS. We viewed the fireworks from the bridge on the left side of the castle. Returned to the WL and went to bed.
Monday 08/30:
Had breakfast in the room, then went to MGM when they opened at 9:00am. No wait for The Great Movie Ride or Muppets. Right after we got out of Muppets we saw Buzz, Woody & Jessie in front of Als Toy Barn so we ran over and were first in line for photos and autographs. We had a PS for 11:30 @ Sci-Fi Dine In Theatre. Arrived a little early and were seated immediately. Lunch was OK and the atmosphere was cool. We were seated at tables that were actually cars and the big movie screen was playing right in front, kept DS amused. We returned to WL for some pool and rest time, then went back to MGM around 4:00. We were able to see Beauty and the Beast and Mermaid before our 6:30PS @ Hollywood & Vine. I didnt care much for this restaurant. Next we were off to Fantasmic. What an amazing show this was. I would definitely see this again. After the show we went back to WL and went to bed.
Tuesday 08/30:
We had breakfast in the room again then headed off to Typhoon Lagoon for 9:00 opening. We really enjoyed this water park and DS had a ball in the wave pool. We left TL around 1:00 to Downtown Disney. I was impressed with all the shops and restaurants, didnt think I would like this place as much as I did. Lunch was at Earl of Sandwich, which we all really liked. After shopping and eating we grabbed the bus back to WL to swim and relax. Whispering Canyon was our choice for dinner tonight. This restaurant is fun, the servers are obnoxious and the food was good. Swam for a while after dinner and went to bed by 9:00.
Wednesday 09/01:
Ate breakfast in the room and got to MK for 9:00 opening. It was fun to see all the characters on the train and the rope drop. We immediately headed for Fantasyland and did Dumbo, Pooh, Snow White, Peter Pan 2xs, Philharmagic, Indy Speedway and Toontown. We walked on to every ride the crowds were minimal the whole time we were there. Took the train to Main St. and the monorail to the Contemporary. We got to sit in the front with the pilot, very cool. From the CR we took the boat back to WL. Went to the pool for a while. Had dinner at Whispering Canyon, then back to the pool to end the night.
Thursday 09/02:
We had breakfast in the room then were off to Epcot. I originally planned Epcot for Saturday but since Hurricane Frances was approaching the parks would most likely be closed this weekend so we decided to go today. We got there around 11:00 and went right to Test Track, Journey into Imagination, Honey I Shrunk the Audience, Spaceship Earth 2xs (Noah really liked this ride), Living with the Land, The Circle of Life and Living Seas. We walked right on to everything, no waits at all. Had a quick lunch @ Electric Umbrella on our way out then returned to WL for pool time. Returned to Epcot around 4:30 and walked our way around the World Showcase. I really enjoyed all the countries and we rode Maelstrom in Norway. Dinner was at Le Cellier, had a 20 minute wait with no PS. This was the BEST dinner of our trip and the service was great too. We stayed briefly for Illuminations but were so tired from walking all day we decided to catch the bus back to WL and go to sleep.
Friday 09/03:
Had breakfast at Whispering Canyon. Went to the pool this morning then headed over to MK around 3:00. We caught the Parade and Cinderellas Surprise at the castle. Rode Buzz and the Transportation System. We had PS for Hoop Dee Doo tonight but it was cancelled as they had started evacuating FW. I thought we could eat at Tonys but they were closed for dinner too, so we decided on Pecos Bills. Decent burgers and good fixins bar. Went back to WL pool then to bed.
Saturday 09/04:
All of the parks were closed today in anticipation of Frances. We were able to swim for awhile before they closed the pool around 11:00am. WL was great about entertaining everyone in the Lobby. They had Mickey, Minnie, Chip & Dale taking photos and playing with the kids. There were games, music and dancing. It made the day go by quickly. Ate at Artist Point for a buffet dinner. Went back to the room and awaited the hurricane.
Sunday 09/05:
Today was our day to be Flag Family but unfortunately it was cancelled as Frances was in full force. We also had PS for Chef Mickey which was cancelled. All the parks were still closed so we had to stay put. We had lock down in our room for four hours (12-4). Luckily the electric stayed on and we were able to watch tv. All the restaurants were closed until 6:00pm. We went back to Artist Point for dinner. This was the worst day of our trip, long and boring. There was entertainment again in the Lobby for part of the day but we already did that yesterday so we werent interested in it again. I called JetBlue to see about our flight home tomorrow morning and was informed that it was cancelled. They next flight we could get was Thursday 09/09. What are they kidding me? Nope. We were able to arrange to stay for three more nights at WL. I was really upset that DS was going to miss his first few days of kindergarten. Well, we will just have to make the best of it. Disney isnt a bad place to be stuck at.
Monday 09/06:
It was still raining today and the parks were opening later so we decided to revisit Downtown Disney. We did some more shopping (love the Christmas store) and ate lunch at Fultons Crab House. We went back to WL and swam since it stopped raining for a while. Ate a light dinner at Roaring Fork. Went to bed pretty early.
Tuesday 09/07:
The last time we were in Disney we did not enjoy the Animal Kingdom. It was too hot and crowded so we hadnt planned on going there. But, we had a day left on the PHP so we decided to give it another chance. This time was much different and we were glad we had the extra day to get there. We only did the Safari, Bugs Life and Dinosaur. The Rapids were closed and the Tarzan show that we went to see was cancelled until later that day. Saw the Lion King last time and DS didn't want to see it today. Lunch was at Flaming Tree BBQ. Returned to WL around 2:30 and went in the pool until dinner. We ate at Whispering Canyon again for another good meal. Back to the pool then bed.
Wednesday 09/08:
We had to check out of room 2158 this morning and we got room 5041 for the final night. What a great view and location, wish we had this room the entire trip, oh well. Since we used up our PHP we decided to take this day and enjoy the WL. We swam in the pool most of the day then went to Hoop Dee Doo for our 5:00PS. Enjoyed the show and food. When we returned to WL we went to the pool for one last time and got to bed pretty early since we had to get up at 3:45am the next morning.
Thursday 09/09:
Southern Elegance picked us up @ 5:00am in a new town car.
JetBlue flight #80 left MCO @ 7:30am and arrived @ JFK 10:00am. Uneventful flight home.
Restaurant Reviews:
Roaring Fork Fast food, small selection and not very good food. It was quick and convenient for a few breakfasts and lunches and one dinner.
Whispering Canyon Great entertainment (can get on your nerves a bit), excellent food both the all you can eat and individual meals. Had one breakfast and two dinners here.
Trails End Buffet Excellent value and good hot fresh food. Had one breakfast and one dinner here.
Artist Point I was looking forward to the regular dinner menu here but they only offered a buffet because of the hurricane. It was an excellent meal with plenty of choices. Had two dinners here.
Liberty Tree Tavern Our first character dinner and it was a very good meal with great interaction of Minnie, Pluto, Chip, Dale and Meeko. Would definitely do this again.
Caseys Pretty good hot dogs and cheese fries. Nice location to sit and people watch. Would probably go here again.
Pecos Bills Wanted to eat at Tonys but it was closed so we sound up here. Not bad burgers and good fixins bar. No need to return.
Sci-Fi Drive In The atmosphere was good and the food was average. Most likely would not return.
Hollywood & Vine I really didnt like this place at all. Chose it because it was the least expensive Fantasmic package. Will never do it again, next time Mamma Melrose or Brown Derby.
Earl of Sandwich This was a great deal and very good sandwiches, a must do again.
Le Cellier An amazing dinner, the best steak I have ever tasted. Great service and good atmosphere, another must return.
Electric Umbrella OK burgers nothing special. Would not return because there are better places to eat at Epcot.
Hoop dee doo A corny, cute show with really good food. Would probably not do again for a while.
Fultons Crab House Lunch was good, large servings. Most likely would not do again since I would like to try other DTD restaurants.
THOUGHTS:
Next trip I would like to visit the Boardwalk and eat at Beaches n Cream. I would also like to visit the AKL and have dinner at Boma. WE missed out on Chef Mickey because of the hurricane so that is a definite for next time. Since FW was evacuated we didnt get to do Chip n Dales campfire and movie or see the petting zoo which I wanted to do. We received towel animals every day from our housekeeper, Sally. Noah really looked forward to this and it was a nice touch. Every CM we encountered was so nice and eager to help or answer questions. All of the parks were empty and it was great not to have to wait on long lines in the heat. Going this time of year was great but I would hesitate to do it again because of the hurricane season. WL is an absolutely gorgeous hotel, great pool and restaurants, quick and easy trip to MK, and family friendly. I would like to be Flag Family if we ever return. The grocery stop worked out very well and it was nice to have milk, juice, cereal, fruit, cheese, pepperoni, crackers, water, chips and cookies in the room. Two years ago we stayed at All-Star Movies and that was ok but staying at a deluxe was truly amazing, especially the proximity to MK. I wouldnt hesitate to stay here again, but would still like to try the Poly, Grand Floridian or even the Contemporary. Im also thinking of the Animal Kingdom Lodge but it is so far from our favorite parks. Even though we had an unplanned extra three nights, I still didnt want to come home. Im just so happy when Im at Disney, its such an escape from the world.real
