Walt Disney World is not what it used to be..

[webmomom]

We did the breakdfast at Ohana's and it was great. the interaction with the charcters is wonderful. Also the food. The waiter staff that waited on our table went out of their way to make everything a good as it could be for us.

The Luau we did a long time ago and I did not like it. I understand it has gone under refurb, but still have not done the new one. It was the one show type thing that we never really liked.

 

[brunette8706]

We get FREE breakfast at our hotel...I wonder if O'hana's would be good for lunch or dinner!? I would think so, if you say the breakfast is good...

I understand the Trails End Buffett is really good too! Since we have annual passes we get 10 percent off. We also get 10 percent off EPCOT restaurants and boating and various other things. They also give you I think 40 % off their (WDW) resorts.

Thanks Again!
Brunette

 

[MELSMICE]

Originally posted by brunette8706
I understand the Trails End Buffett is really good too! Since we have annual passes we get 10 percent off. We also get 10 percent off EPCOT restaurants and boating and various other things. They also give you I think 40 % off their (WDW) resorts.

Trail's End Buffet is very good. Make sure you check your AP sleeve, as most of the discounts are for certain restaurants at certain times of the day (ie: lunch only or from 1-3 type of thing).

The 40% off resorts is only if they have AP rates avaiilable. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think every AP holder gets a 40% off rooms - at least we never have - we have always had to wait for AP rates to come out.

BTW - I am one of those people that would stay on-site at a value instead of a 5 star off-site I don't want to miss out on any of the magic!

 

[brunette8706]

BTW - I am one of those people that would stay on-site at a value instead of a 5 star off-site I don't want to miss out on any of the magic!

That's great if it works for you....but in my mind when I saw those room pictures of the All American Sports Value hotel it put me in the mind of a small motel room....Extremely basic....Where as the 5 star is more luxurious...What Magic will I be missing by staying at All Star Sports with very minimal surroundings and very small rooms...? Is there a view of MK or any park? Can you see the fireworks??? Just curious that's all....I looked at All Ears website and saw the pictures and the reviews...ONce I saw the room pictures I knew we were not going to be staying there...I will say though, I saw the POP budget hotel in Disney and their rooms look much much nicer...and it was the same price as the All Star Sports. Also the POP budget hotel is newer. Anyway just curious..

So you like the Trails End Buffett?? They say that's the best value in WDW! It seems like a lot of people rave about the Hoopy Dee Do Review....

Thanks again for your comments Mel!

Brunette

 

[brunette8706]

I just remembered...the issue with the monorails extension....Come to think of it, the monorail goes right past the Wilderness lodge....As a matter of fact it's nearly on top of it...They should definitely do something such as make a stop which would be very minimal since it passes right by it... Just a thought. One woman mentioned earlier when she and her husband took the bus he had to put the stroller on his lap because the buses were so crowded...and what WDW spend on buses and maintenance and gas and the pollution... I'm sure is very expensive. I love the monorail I personally think it's fun to ride. YOu can ride a bus at home...

brunette

 

[MELSMICE]

Originally posted by brunette8706
when I saw those room pictures of the All American Sports Value hotel it put me in the mind of a small motel room....Extremely basic....Where as the 5 star is more luxurious...What Magic will I be missing by staying at All Star Sports with very minimal surroundings and very small rooms...? Is there a view of MK or any park? Can you see the fireworks???




So you like the Trails End Buffett?? They say that's the best value in WDW!

JMO, but when I leave WDW property I feel like I could be in "anywhere USA". The strip with all the neon lights, etc. just doesn't appeal to me (I know - that's so caddy - again, JMO) I've stayed off-site enough times to know that I'm much happier & enjoy my vacation much more on-site. I guess that's why we became DVC members!!!

We have enjoyed Trail's End many times. The meal is nothing special - just chicken, meat & potatoes kind of thing. Good value. FYI - You can't park at Trail's End. You need to park in the main parking lot of FW & take a boat to Pioneer Hall.

 

[brunette8706]

(I know - that's so caddy - again, JMO)

********************************

Hi Melsmice..

You're not caddy at all!! That route 192 was hideous, in my opinion. It's looked like a bad circus very unkept and filty and overwhelming and chaotic. NO THANKS! That's why we like the Hyatt Grand Cypress it's far from all the riff raff. It's right there by downtown disney, close to the cross roads.

Here's the link for you to check out...if you like. You should also look at the accommodations on the left side of the screen. It shows you great pictures of the rooms...

http://grandcypress.hyatt.com/property/index.jhtml

Thanks for the Trails Buffet tip! Is it a big hassel with the boat? How far is the boat from the parking? Did you ever check out the horse back riding there? I can't wait to go..

talk with ya later

brunette

 

[MELSMICE]

Originally posted by brunette8706
Thanks for the Trails Buffet tip! Is it a big hassel with the boat? How far is the boat from the parking? Did you ever check out the horse back riding there?

From the FW parking lot you get the BUS to Pioneer Hall - I'm sorry - not the boat. We don't find the bus to be a hassle. You can take the boat from Pioneer Hall over to the MK or from MK to Pioneer Hall if you are at the MK & then wanted to go to dinner at Trail's End. You can also get the boat from the TTC to Trail's End.

Sorry for the confusion.

 

[brunette8706]

Wow, thanks for your great input! I would have never know that!

So if we're at MK, and we want to eat at Trails how do we do that? Where do we go once we're in MK? Sorry bout all the questions....

Thanks a bunch!
brunette

 

[MELSMICE]

Originally posted by brunette8706
So if we're at MK, and we want to eat at Trails how do we do that? Where do we go once we're in MK?

The boat launch to the MK is right next to all the bus stops. When you exit the MK just follow the signs to the boat launch to FW. This will take you right to the Pioneer Hall area & Trail's End Buffet.

 

[disneymom3]

Originally posted by brunette8706


Each person that enters WDW will cost them $120 a day on average (this includes food, misc. items and a ticket)

Did I miss this somewhere? Where did this $120 come from? My family and I don't come anywhere near that. Not even close.

I have to say that yes, there are some disappointing things going on in WDW, some of it makes me sad, some of it makes my frustrated. But as another poster pointed out, my kids don't see any of the stuff I notice. They do however notice when a ride they want to go on is closed. For instance, would they rather go on what to me is a somewhat rundown IASW or not get to go on because it is closed for refurbishment? Hands down, they want to go on it and guaranteed that my two year old will say "OH LOOK! A hippo!" Every darn time we go through that section. LOL! So, I understand that each thing takes time and they can't do everything at once and thankfully, in the last couple of years, park condition is definitely looking up.

I totally agree about MGM--for us it is a waste of a day. Plus our experience was that when we went there in the evening ot see the Osborne lights a few years ago, EVERYTHING was closed! Shows, counter service, several stores. Thankfully, the lights were incredible and we had APs and didn't feel we had wasted a day.

We have stayed onsite and offsite and there are perks to both. Doubtful if we will ever stay onsite again unless our financial situation improves drastically (one can always hope!!) as we have three kids and accomodations are pretty pricey at that point.

 

[brunette8706]

Thanks Mel!

We'll definitely try that out when we're there! You have some great suggestions....

Thanks again!

brunette

 

[brunette8706]

Hey Mel!

I just pm'ed you! I noticed your counter said you were at WDW is that right?? or maybe I'm reading something wrong...?

Hope you have a great time!

PS ..I was playing around with the PM thing...I'm still not sure how to get messages back...LOL!

Anyway have fun!

Brunette

 

[brunette8706]

I think the average people spend...is $120 a day. The tickets are about $60 a day plus a dinner buffet is about $24.00 plus tip, plus lunch $10.00.., drinks and snacks another $10.00 and souveniers another $10.00....Some people I'm sure spend way more than that....

I'm with you though, I don't spend that either. We try to eat breakfast at home, split a lunch, and bring our own snacks. We also sometimes get something quick to eat back at the hotel....

Brunette

 

[MELSMICE]

Originally posted by brunette8706
I just pm'ed you! I noticed your counter said you were at WDW is that right?? or maybe I'm reading something wrong...?

No, I'm not at WDW, although I wish I was. I just have not removed my countdown timer yet. I guess I should - those 15 glorious days were this past April!

 

[WDSearcher]

Originally posted by brunette8706
Anyone been to Beaches and Cream? how bout the Sci Fi Dinner place? I heard rave reviews....anyone else have a review of those two places...?

IMO, Beaches & Cream is a great place -- an outstanding place -- for ice cream, but the rest of the menu isn't that remarkable. It's all good, but nothing special. And I didn't like Sci Fi at all. I think it was the seating -- the whole looking straight ahead thing, not really being able to chat with the people you were eating with! And, well ... eating shrimp pasta while sitting in a car at a drive in movie didn't work for me. Give me hot dogs, fries and popcorn, and THAT makes sense! We much preferred Hollywood & Vine and Prime Time.

 

[djm99]

The OP opinion is not too shocking to me. I went to both Disneyland and Disney world a total of 3 times (as a child) and hated every minute of it. I just wasn't a Disney child/teen. It wasn't until I became a mom, and was "forced" to fall in love with Disney movies, and characters that I would learn to appreciate it. I've walked thru the parks over the last two years and I've seen nothing but pure "magic". I think (this is my opinion) that some people over time love Disney so much and put in on such a high "pedestal" that your expectation can't go anywhere but down.

IMHO, it is like going to see a movie or reading a book that’s a part 2 of something that you thought the 1st was perfect. The sequel (or in the OP case, your next visit) has too much to live up to and unfortunately lets you down. Just a few thoughts!

 

[djm99]

Originally posted by Tron72
I do agree about the Star Wars Ride that they need to update the movie, I think Disney will only gain by spending money to update the movie and its ride technology, Everyone knows they make a killing during their Star Wars Weekends. But come one change the movie, get with George Lucus and create a more update film, and they can even created multiple movies and programs that the computer randomly cycles through so that it is not the same film everytime (kind of like how TOT has multiple drop sequences) I have read they are finally bringing the Indiana Jones thrill ride (that is in Disneyland California) to MGM in the near future, about time.

As my mother sat on what we thought was going to be her death bed (she pull thru perfectly) being the jokester that she is said, "Don't worry, I'm not dying, the new Stars Wars is coming in 2006 and I'll be here to watch it". It is true a new Star Wars will hit the theaters in 2006. She is a real Sci Fi nut!!!!

 

[djm99]

Originally posted by brunette8706
So you like Universal huh?? I just looked at the Universal thread on this board...It seems like you can get unbeatable prices on tickets and nice discounts 20 percent on merchandise etc, if you have the AAA card...Doesn't Universal have 2 parks? Which one is better???

Thanks for your comments and suggestions!

Brunette

Both parks are absolutely wonderful!!! But if you want thrill rides NO ONE does it better than Universal Islands of Adventures. Thrill ride after thrill ride. And its more boyish (all superheros) Disney tends to be more girlish.

 

[djm99]

Originally posted by cooldisneymom
Just back today from 4 days in the world - must say I have to disagree with original poster. Disney to me is like looking at yourself or your children - yea, there are imperfections, but if you love something that much you have to look at the whole picture and not just the flaws!!! IMHO!! I LOVE THE MOUSE!!!!

I don't know what your talking about My DD4 IS PERFECT!!!!!!!