Winter Weather Escape to WDW and the WL ~ A January 2014 Trip Report

[Momof2Disneyboys]

OOOH I have heard of the dreaded FP line for Safari being quite bad lately. That's nuts. Sorry that you guys had to miss one of your fastpasses. If they are going to limit people to only 3 per day they should really make it easier for people IMO.

You are right!!

Primeval Hurl..... You and my DH seem to be the same with twirly rides. This was the first year that he was finally able to be talked into getting on this ride and he loved it! Glad to see that you did not absolutely hate it lol

I love fast and I don't mind high, but I can definitely do without spiny!!

P...D...A...ugh I hate this so much! Seriously people get a room. No one enjoys seeing that

It was gross!!

"And there was a party of 5 behind us. The one lady insisted on being in my space. As in right up against my back. With each step I took, so did she. I was about to scream!!! When we got up to the front the CM asked if there were 3 in our party. Yeah, he thought she was with us!!! And, to top it all off – we ended up having to ride with her. "

This seriously made me snort with laughter. Oh my goodness you poor dear! Personal space people! I have a bubble. I get upset when people get in it without permission. Drives me crazy. Maybe you should have passed gas or something and then she would have backed up a bit Just kidding that would be crud

Makes me laugh now too, but I sure wasn't laughing then!!!!

I guess I should have tried that -- could have gotten DS to do it, he seems to love doing that these days!!

We encountered one long fp+ line on our trip. It was for BTMRR and there must have been fifty people in line when we walked up. But it was mostly comprised of confused people who didn't understand that they needed to have a reserved fp+ in order to go in the fp lane. Once they weeded out those people, the fp line was really short. Most of our fp+ lines were very short. It seemed like later in the day or evening had the shortest fp+ return lines.


Most of our FP return lines were pretty short too. We only encountered a problem at the safari and then one day we went to use our FP for BTMRR and it was closed. We ended up switching it to something else.

We found that if you miss a fp+ time you can still make another fp+ for that day. You don't lose the chance to have 3 fp+'s per day. The most popular rides might not be available, but lots of other ones are open.

That's good to know!

I've noticed so often that a bad experience will just turn a person off from a resort - sometimes forever. The last time we stayed at the Poly was in Jan 2002. My sister and I were running the half-marathon and we had a race package that put us at the Poly. We were in Tahiti with a theme park view, which I know is considered great. Well, we loved the fact it was so close to the TTC that we almost never had to go to the GH to get on the monorail. But, unfortunately, we hit a very cold and rainy period. There was frost a few mornings and walking to the GH and back for a hot cup of coffee early in the morning was just torture. It seemed to take forever in the cold rain. And our room, although huge, was terrible in need of a refurb. I know if it had been nice and warm, I wouldn't have minded so much. But the separate buildings and dark woods are not appealing to me.

We also had a bad room location at BWI and another freezing cold trip and we aren't planning any more trips there.

That is true. A bad room or view can really make or break a resort for you. We try not to let weather affect our opinions on a resort, because that can happen anywhere. But I can see what you mean - with the Poly having separate buildings you do have to go outside to get to different places. Where at the WL you don't have to go outside to get something to eat.

I really thought I would hate the Poly rooms with them being so dark. But I ended up loving them!!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

In the meantime, DH and DS12 had gone off to Epcot! I have to admit, I was a little jealous. I’d rather be in Epcot than AK any day of the week!!

After the whole cookie thing at the Roaring Fork and with their bus stopping at Fort Wilderness before going to Epcot, they weren’t even close to making their first FP for Mission Space. So they headed right for their second FP, which was Soarin! So jealous!!

Next, they went over and rode TT. I guess the line was fairly long, so they did the Single Rider line. They ended up riding in the same car though. And I guess DS got to sit by 2 very pretty teenage girls, so he was thrilled!

They made a quick trek around WS, but this is all I got:

DS loves the American Dream drink!!

I think they also hit Club Cool. Not sure what else went on. And then they did their last FP for Spaceship Earth.

And that’s all I got!


Up Next: Back to the WL and Chef Mickey’s Dinner

 

[ddluvsdisney]

It's really nice that you and your DH can split up like that w the boys. That wouldn't work for us bc unfortunately me, DH, and DS12 all like the same rides, it's DS16 who's the odd one out. Lol
If I went to AK w DS12, DH would be missing EE.
Sounds like they had fun though. I really don't like the whole scheduling FP thing. Not much control over getting there on time.

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[monica23535]

Looks like they had a ton of fun at Epcot, I would have been jealous too lol

I need to put that American Dream slushie on my list to get for DS in October, he would like it too!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

It's really nice that you and your DH can split up like that w the boys. That wouldn't work for us bc unfortunately me, DH, and DS12 all like the same rides, it's DS16 who's the odd one out. Lol
If I went to AK w DS12, DH would be missing EE.
Sounds like they had fun though. I really don't like the whole scheduling FP thing. Not much control over getting there on time.

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Yes, it works out well. DH & DS12 like the same things and DS14 & I like the same things!

I don't really mind the scheduling of the FP ahead of time. We've been there so many times that we know what we are going to do and when anyway!!

Looks like they had a ton of fun at Epcot, I would have been jealous too lol

I need to put that American Dream slushie on my list to get for DS in October, he would like it too!

They had a good time!

The American Dream slushy is very good!! It's strawberry slushy, vanilla ice cream, and blue-raspberry slushy. I don't care for raspberry, so when I got one later in the week I got strawberry slushy, vanilla ice cream, and more strawberry slushy! The girl suggested strawberry slushy and chocolate ice cream - I might try that next time!

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

Hey, I think your DH is pretty good with the pictures, considering! My DH would've come back with 2 pics and thought that to be overdoing it!

That American Dream looks good! I said I was going to get one last time but didn't. Is it in the little kiosk thing in America or the QS place?

That's too bad that they missed a FP because of cookie lady...

 

[disny_luvr]

It looks like your DH and DS had fun at Epcot. I'm sure you were wishing you were there. I'll have to try the American Dream slushy sometime. I don't like raspberry either so I'll probably double up on the strawberry, too. Good to know I can do that.

Kudos to your DH for taking pictures. I can guarantee that my DH wouldn't have even thought about taking pictures. I'm usually the camera/camcorder person. That's why I'm hardly ever in any pictures or videos. If it wasn't for my voice in home videos people wouldn't know I was even there. Oh well!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Hey, I think your DH is pretty good with the pictures, considering! My DH would've come back with 2 pics and thought that to be overdoing it!

That American Dream looks good! I said I was going to get one last time but didn't. Is it in the little kiosk thing in America or the QS place?

That's too bad that they missed a FP because of cookie lady...

Yeah, he did pretty well! He was instructed to take lots of pics!! I guess that's "lots" to him. I would have taken 4X that many!

Yep - it's in that little building in front of the American QS. They have lots of little yummy snacks. That's where I got my cream cheese pretzel last summer!

It looks like your DH and DS had fun at Epcot. I'm sure you were wishing you were there. I'll have to try the American Dream slushy sometime. I don't like raspberry either so I'll probably double up on the strawberry, too. Good to know I can do that.

Kudos to your DH for taking pictures. I can guarantee that my DH wouldn't have even thought about taking pictures. I'm usually the camera/camcorder person. That's why I'm hardly ever in any pictures or videos. If it wasn't for my voice in home videos people wouldn't know I was even there. Oh well!

I was a bit jealous!! But DS and I had a nice time in AK.

Yep, you can mix the slushy any way you want!

That's the same thing that usually happens to me. He's gotten better about it over the years though. There used to be trips and birthday parties that you wouldn't even know I was at!!

 

[thornton0511]

Wow it looks like you other DS and DH got a lot done! I hear ya I would much rather be in Epcot than AK any day lol! The Test Track pics are really good and that's funny that you only got one pic out of their WS adventure....ha! Can't wait to hear about the rest of your day and dinner

 

[jbmom]

It looks like dh and ds had a lot of fun at Epcot. I would be jealous too. I love AK, but Epcot is such a great way to begin a vacation. Love those slushies from America, but not as much as the grey goose ones from France.

 

[ddluvsdisney]

Well Shelly, we leave tomorrow so if I don't reply much this week you know why. The forecast looks fabulous!!!! Better than I expected.
We are off to EP tomorrow after dinner (we land around 5) then over for a late night at MK. can't wait!!!

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[WDWaddictt]

Great TR so far...joining in...

 

[DisneyJo]

Looks like your DH and DS had lots of fun on TT, it's my families favourite ride and I'm hoping we'll still love it with the changes

 

[JoBird]

Oh my! The bit about DS12 riding with pretty teen girls has me laughing. He's so sweet. Look at that face on that ride! Looks like the cat that just ate the canary!!

I've never even seen the American slushy drink. Must try it, hold the raspberry!


Nothing like a great ride on Soarin to make life just wonderful!!!

Glad they had fun and it worked out for all of you to do what you wanted to.

 

[mickeyplanner]

The week before your trip, we had the same experience with FP return lines being out of control. At HS, they actually had a CM with a make shift sign showing guest where the FP return was for Star Tours past the Jedi stage. At AK for EE, there was no CM with a sign which made for mass confusion.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Wow it looks like you other DS and DH got a lot done! I hear ya I would much rather be in Epcot than AK any day lol! The Test Track pics are really good and that's funny that you only got one pic out of their WS adventure....ha! Can't wait to hear about the rest of your day and dinner

They had a good day!

I know, all those TT pics and only one WS pic!

It looks like dh and ds had a lot of fun at Epcot. I would be jealous too. I love AK, but Epcot is such a great way to begin a vacation. Love those slushies from America, but not as much as the grey goose ones from France.

They had a good time.

We often begin the trip with Epcot, so it was weird going to AK first!!

I've had the grey goose slushy too!!

Well Shelly, we leave tomorrow so if I don't reply much this week you know why. The forecast looks fabulous!!!! Better than I expected.
We are off to EP tomorrow after dinner (we land around 5) then over for a late night at MK. can't wait!!!

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Have a great time!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Great TR so far...joining in...

Hope you enjoy! Feel free to post anytime.

Looks like your DH and DS had lots of fun on TT, it's my families favourite ride and I'm hoping we'll still love it with the changes

They LOVE that ride!

I don't love it as much with the changes. Preferred it much better before. The track/ride is exactly the same, it's just the theming that is different.

Oh my! The bit about DS12 riding with pretty teen girls has me laughing. He's so sweet. Look at that face on that ride! Looks like the cat that just ate the canary!!

I've never even seen the American slushy drink. Must try it, hold the raspberry!


Nothing like a great ride on Soarin to make life just wonderful!!!

Glad they had fun and it worked out for all of you to do what you wanted to.

I know!! Apparently DH was put in the line with the 2 girls, but he switched DS!!

The American Dream is yummy, you should try it. The kids would probably love it!

Soarin Best. Ride. Ever. That is all.

The week before your trip, we had the same experience with FP return lines being out of control. At HS, they actually had a CM with a make shift sign showing guest where the FP return was for Star Tours past the Jedi stage. At AK for EE, there was no CM with a sign which made for mass confusion.

Wow that is crazy. I wonder why that is happening?? You would think there would be a cap on the number of FP's for any given time. There has to be, because sometimes you can't get the times you want because they are out. So I just don't understand!!

 

[Lovemy3babes]

Oh my gosh, your experience in AK! Why would anyone feel the need to make out in Disney World for crying out loud?! In Animal Kingdom, around children? That is nasty. I would have ripped his tongue out too! And the lady up in your personal space? Um, no. I have severe issues with that kind of stuff. How did you keep your lips sealed?!

Morghan and I adore Dinosaur too! It is sooooo FUN!

It looks like your husband and son had fun in Epcot too!

 

[mickeyplanner]

Tour groups all using their FP+ at the same time, was a big part of the problem. EE went down for the morning and really backed up the FP return lines. I have no idea other than the tour groups for Star Tours.

 

[PrincessPaczki]

Shelly, Hi. I can't believe my family has never seen the American dream dessert! It looks so good! I made sure I showed my sons and my DH and their like, we are def. getting that on our next trip. Any news on free dining for the month of October yet? The weather for this week looks amazing. Can't wait to see and hear more about your last trip.