What has changed?

[peedeejones]

Hi all. I haven't been on these boards in a LONG time. I used to post here all the time but I have to tell you, since September 11 my mind hasn't been on WDW. My family and I took 5 trips to WDW from 1993 to July 2001. After Setember 11th I just could not bring myself to go back fearing that things would have changed so drastically from that last wonderful vacation and the memories I will always treasure of my daughter's fist time in the ocean. But now I am starting to get that feeling to just break out and have a great time like we always used to at WDW. My questions are: Have things changed overall? Is there any difference in the atmosphere with security? What about the resorts- we have stayed at CR, CBR, WL, DXL in the past.
Have there been any drastic changes for the better or worse at any of the resorts? Thanks for the help. It is so good to visit this site again. It makes me happy.

Jennifer

 

[Michelemouse]

Aside from having your bags checked when you enter the parks absolutely nothing has changed, IMO.

We arrived at WDW on 9/15/01. It was, understandably, like a ghost town. Very sad. We had debated whether we should even go or not but I felt very strongly that we could not alter our lives because of terrorist's actions or they would get exactly what they wanted. Since then we have been back to WDW 3 times, with another trip coming up in 10 days. Each trip has been as magical as those taken before 9/11. Go, enjoy and make some more great family memories.

 

[dansyr]

I agree... nothing has really changed except the bag checks. We did see a bit more security on our last trip....although the war was just about to start..but that is the only thing we noticed.

 

[eeyore0062]

Nope, I have to agree... nothing has really changed except getting your bags checked, but it is really a painless process, and the security people are good at making you feel comfortable.

Other minor changes you might notice are that there are:
1) more characters in the parks,
2) AK has been added to what is now known as Extra Magic Hour, instead of EE morning, and Epcot only has Extra Magic Hour one day a week, instead of 2. The days have changed for each park, too.
3) you will have to show your resort ID or drivers license to enter the gates at your resort if you are driving
4) Disney Institute is closed and being redone as Sarasota Springs DVC.
5) PO-FQ is closed starting May 4th for refurbishment, and some of the buildings at PO-R may be too, in the next 2 years.
6) more attractions utilizing fastpass
7) Pop Century will open December 14th to become the 2nd value resort on property.
8) Horizons is in the process of becoming Mission Space, and the soft opening is set for mid August.
9) Hunchback of Notre Dame show is closed
10) The Doug Show has closed
11) Bear in the Big Blue House is now Playhouse Disney
12) There is a new area called Dinorama with 2 new rides and carny games in AK.
13) The boats that ran in the rivers in AK are no longer operating.
14) Mickey's Philharmagic is slated to open in what was the Lion King Show in Fantasyland.
15) Aladdin's Magic Carpet Ride has now opened in Adventureland.
16) Carousel of Progress and Timekeeper are now only open during peak times.
17) Figment is now a large part of the Journey To Your Imagination Ride.

The Magic is still there, the CM's are still wonderful and you will have a wonderful time!

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

7) Pop Century will open December 14th to become the 2nd value resort on property.


Oh bummer. I was really hoping they'd have it open in time for us to change our ressies to be there instead of ASSp.... end of august/September.
*sigh*
Is that a definite opening at Dec 14th or might that be postponed even further?

 

[eeyore0062]

Is that a definite opening at Dec 14th or might that be postponed even further?

According to all of the annoucements and headlines in the papers it is DEFINITE.

I guess they can do it at that time, since they won't have full use of the Port Orleans Properties and they will be gearing up for the Christmas Rush. Also, it will help bring guests on property who could otherwise not afford it.