Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 Just back from a quick, long weekend at The Timeshare Kingdom of the World AKA Disney's best-kept secret (other than the fact that on any given day the Mickey hugging your little Republican child just might be gay!) Yet, before I start ranting about WDW, I must put something out here for all LP.ers to see. And that is that there are some phenomenal people on this site. People that I'm proud to call friends in the real world. Folks like our own Ann 'Iggy' Labuda. I spent some time with my fave Texan during her recent too-short sojourn to WDW. THAT was the highlight of my trip. Spending time with a real friend, eating a great meal, talking, catching up ... that to me is the essence of why I go to WDW. I spent much of Saturday with one of my dearest friends, someone who I often rag on but would be lost without her kindness, understanding and friendship. I didn't go on one single attraction with either ... yet it was a love for what's best about Disney that brought us together. When I think of what it is that Disney does right, does best, does second to none (despite many of the morons who drive the Escalades) it's bringing family and friends together. No, not for cheap magical gathering marketing campaigns to mask a lack of fresh offerings, but on the small scale. Two friends having an amazing French dinner (I have no clue why it's been two decades since I last dined at the Bistro de Paris, but it won't take me two trips to go back!) ... or two friends so caught up in just being together at Disney that they forget where they are going and just do a loop on the old monorail ... or maybe a mother and son riding the 'new' Mexican boat ride together for the first time. Or maybe even making new friends on Main Street as you put them in perfect position for their first ever viewing of Wishes. People often ask why I go to WDW when I find so many faults with the way it's run these days ... well, that's why. Everyone goes for different reasons, but I think at the core it's simply to share some fun times with the people who they cherish. ... For some that may mean spending 12 hours park-hopping, for others taking a behind-the-scenes tour of Epcot's gardens followed by a lunch in World Showcase, or for others taking as many pictures of the grandkids with the characters as they want. But the basic pull is largely the same. OK, anyone want to bash Al 'Whitebread' Weiss or Inoverherheadmeg Crofton now? Actually, this post will be short of much of that because the trip was short. I never even set foot inside my beloved DAK. Just no time. My MGM time consisted of a meal at the Brown Derby (still great) and a showing of Fantasmic (still not). This trip was centered around Epcot and the Flower and Garden Fest and other than some time on Friday at the MK, almost the entire trip was spent there. OK ... in no particular order, some observations ... Epcot looked wonderful. The fest always brings out the inate beauty of this spectacular park. Displays seemed a bit fresher than in years past, with the exception of the topiares, which get recycled more than a bad Disney exec or a bad baseball manager. The soundtrack of Princess and Pirate themed music at Epcot was jarring, though, to me. ... parks were packed with MANY Massachusetts accents heard all around (can't miss 'em ... they're wicked easy to spot). I've bashed food and beverage of late, but every full-serve meal I had was good to amazing. Coral Reef has a new chef, new menu and improved cuisine. There was no comparison between this meal and my last visit last fall. As I mentioned, Ann and I had a great, amazing dinner at Bistro ... that's where you should go if you desire real French cuisine, wonderful service, quiet (mostly child-free) atmosphere and not $23 hamburgers. ... SSE postshow walls keep getting pushed back further. Interesting how they recently uncovered the 1982-era benches that had been walled up as well as the giant screens from when the post-show was Earth Station (EPCOT Center's City Hall from 1982-93). Gran Fiesta Tour isn't really grand at all ... maybe that's why it's missing the 'd' ;-) ... It's not bad. The kiddies will like it. And anything that adds the Duck can't be awful. But it's a very cheap overlay. One with surprisingly good animation, yet huge dustballs on the film behind it (Soarin anyone?). Surprisingly, I didn't see any merchandise for sale. Perhaps, I missed it or they just don't have any yet. Couldn't sit through Tony Orlando's concert ... bad memories ...a few years back he almost ran me down in a Ralph's in 90210 around midnight. But I heard from an excellent source that he put on quite the shows. Did lots of Beatles stuff too. I wonder if Teppanyaki will ever close for its constantly pushed back rehab that was supposed to start today (even though I saw folks walking out of there with pagers in hand). Did some real shopping and bought all non-Disney items at Epcot. Amazing some of the quality things you can pick up around the World Showcase. The more I go on The Seas with Nemo, the more I really like it. I would now classify it as a high quality C-Ticket. The more I visit the upstairs/main tank of the Seas, the more depressed I get. Can't Disney clean/rehab/refresh/fix a whole pavillion anymore all at once? Brad Rex needs to wake up and get that park's hours extended. 9 p.m. park is crowded with guests eating, drinking and shopping and then it's 'you leave now!' How about the MK? Ah ... well, at least the walkways were much cleaner than in past visits as were the restrooms. But despite a lack of garbage, the food and drink stains really are ... well, icky. Remember when Disney used to pressure-clean the park's walkways nightly? What's that? You've only been visiting since 2002? Nevermind. I could complain about the sound and effects on Mansion, or the dirty queues for Buzz and Peter Pan and Pooh ... but you've heard it all before and nothing has changed. I did go to see Stitch because I was with someone who had never seen it before. I didn't say anything in advance. Afterward their response was 'that was awful ... a total waste.' Yeah, I agree. Worst show of the trip was at 11:35 Friday night right after SpectroMagic wrapped up. I joined about two dozen other folks in Pecos Bill's for vittles. The leaflets handed out for EMH stated that Pecos Bill's would be serving until 12:40 a.m. (park was open until 2 for resort guests) ... well, we entered to find one CM cleaning up the fixing bar, one cleaning a trash can. no one at any registers and 3-4 behind the serving area. No one said a word to any of us. Finally a man went over and asked and was told 'we're closed' by a kid who looked to be no older than 16. The man became quite irate and pointed out the hours. The CM just said sorry. He had no clue what was open. Had no clue where a manager/lead might be. Nothing. Turns out the food options were chicken counter only at Cosmic Ray's until 1 a.m. or Casey's until 1:30. I opted to just leave the park. ... BTW, I felt bad for those kids at Pecos Bill's they were put in a no-win situation by folks way above them. Hey, Phil Holmes, if you're going to keep a park open to visitors you need to staff some food locations. It was in Theme Park Management 101, guess you were home sick that day. Maybe you could go take some remedial courses at UCF? See, and you all thought I had gone soft ... hahhahhahhhahha. I suppose I could also complain about how filthy the monorails are on the inside, but again, you already know that so why bother. The last remnants of the Contemporary Garden North Wing are history. Some trees have also been removed along with the tennis center. Piping for the new DVC Tower is already onsite. I know they haven't announced this yet, but unless they plan on just putting in all the underground infrastructure and then paving it over for parking for 18 months or two years, which I seriously doubt, this thing will start vertical construction in mere weeks. Disney is preening over the fact Contemporary and Poly have both been awarded four diamond ratings by AAA following their massive rehabs. While I agree they are now deserving, how sad is it that resorts that commanded such premiums could only muster 3 diamonds before? Poly has gotten some more finishing touches recently including all new furniture and carpeting in lobby. Captain Cook's has reopened and looks great, although menu selection is very limited (although sushi is in the grab and go area). The arcade has moved in next door as well. At the Contemporary work continues on moving the arcade up to the shopping promenade area. As soon as work is completed look for the Fiesta Fun Center to head into the sunset to make way for a new dining concept. Concourse Steakhouse will close at some point in late 07 or early 08 because apparently Chef Mickey's needs even more space for screaming brats. Got a pleasant surprise last night when traveling from Epcot to Disney-MGM. Disney is outsourcing to local bus companies because (who could have ever seen this coming?) they don't have enough buses and qualified drivers. So instead of standing on one of those horrible Disney buses, I got to sit in a comfortable, cushy seat on a luxury, well AC'd motor coach with a great driver too. This is one outsourcing project I can get behind! Oh, and Bob Iger was at WDW recently where he met with DCL officials regarding expansion plans. I'm trying to find out what if anything was decided.
Originally Posted By bobbelee9 Wow, that was good to read, and it didn't seem prejudiced at all. Some very good points. Thank you Spirit.
Originally Posted By TDLFAN Great TR Mr. Espiritud del 74. I am sorry I missed you this week, since I have been busy at TDR and HKDLR (read my mini teaser reports..) Maybe I will see you the first weekend in June... right?
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Dude, I thought you had gone soft at first (even though I fully agree with your sentiments about Disney being a cool place to hang with those you most care about). Glad you had a great time.
Originally Posted By RoadTrip <<Everyone goes for different reasons, but I think at the core it's simply to share some fun times with the people who they cherish.>> EXACTLY! And that largely contributes to WDW becoming the "Timeshare Kingdom of the World". Like it or not, the DVC program and DVC "Home away from Home" accommodations make it easier to do that regularly than any other Disney accommodation.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 <And anything that adds the Duck can't be awful< Exactly !!!!! <"Timeshare Kingdom of the World". < without going into this, the feeling you describe of being able to connect with others as the main reason for being there, for many DVC owners the accomodations at DVC also provide this same atmosphere..which is why I bought 15 years ago. Carries over into places like Vero ( you really have to visit there) -
Originally Posted By vbdad55 ^^^^^^^^^^ btw -- great review - and I am especially pleased to hear about the dining - as one who east his way thru the world each visit, that is encouraging
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<Wow, that was good to read, and it didn't seem prejudiced at all. Some very good points. Thank you Spirit.>> You're welcome. Everyone has bias, but I am trained to look for details and to get them right. What I read into those details is then a matter of interpretation.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<Great TR Mr. Espiritud del 74. I am sorry I missed you this week, since I have been busy at TDR and HKDLR (read my mini teaser reports..)>> I just read your HK report. <<Maybe I will see you the first weekend in June... right?>> I am planning on being there ...
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<Dude, I thought you had gone soft at first (even though I fully agree with your sentiments about Disney being a cool place to hang with those you most care about).>> Never. I was just trying to distill my quickee visit down to its most basic because I thought it answered two criticisms I often get for visiting so often -- from my non-Disney friends who seem to picture me spending hours riding Small World and Space Mountain and are quite ignorant to all that Disney offers and (more importantly here in this forum) for all the people who feel I am a Disney basher and want to know why I subject myself to visiting a resort that is so badly mismanaged so often. I think, and hope, I did answer those points here. <<Glad you had a great time.>> Me too. Life is very stressful right now, so a bit of Disney can only help!
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 From my two fave DVCers ... Trippy .. <<EXACTLY! And that largely contributes to WDW becoming the "Timeshare Kingdom of the World". Like it or not, the DVC program and DVC "Home away from Home" accommodations make it easier to do that regularly than any other Disney accommodation.>> and ... tiara-wearing VBDAD: <<without going into this, the feeling you describe of being able to connect with others as the main reason for being there, for many DVC owners the accomodations at DVC also provide this same atmosphere..which is why I bought 15 years ago. Carries over into places like Vero ( you really have to visit there) - >> I understand what you guys are saying. I think you often misinterpret my DVC-bashing. My complaint as you guys should know by now is that DVC is being overbuilt at WDW (much like ALL resort accommodations have been). I certainly agree it is easier for a large family to come together at WDW when they can stay in a two-bedroom villa. I have stayed at the Boardwalk Villas, Saratoga Springs, Vero Beach and Hilton Head and have loved all of them. But when I see them added to WL and now DAK Lodge and Contemporary, it just reeks of greed and overbuilding to me. Although I've said it before but it bears repeating, DVCers may well be WDW's best hope for changes in management and future improvement to the parks. I can't imagine folks who have been DVCers since the mid-90s being thrilled with the staleness of the MK and Disney-MGM. I doubt that people who bought in back in 1991 thought that the MK wouldn't have a new E-Ticket after the then-under-construction Splash Mountain opened. I think vocal, active, quality demanding DVCers are the best hope for change. You guys happy now?
Originally Posted By RoadTrip <<You guys happy now?>> Sure!! I'm split about the add-on DVC resorts. In principle I agree with you. In reality, I LOVE the Villas at Wilderness Lodge and I'm glad they are there. I have not noticed that the Villas put an undue burden on either the WL’s dining facilities or the pool. I recognize that I usually go to WDW during slow periods so that my experience may not be typical. I must agree with you that I think the Beach Club add-on was a poor decision, and have serious questions about the AK addition. I still don’t believe they will add a DVC tower at the Contemporary. They really couldn’t be that stupid, could they? I like to think that they are rebuilding the North Wing to provide substantially more upscale Garden Rooms so that the experience there is closer to what you get in the tower rooms. Nope. No DVC there!
Originally Posted By vbdad55 <I think vocal, active, quality demanding DVCers are the best hope for change. You guys happy now?< Happy as can be , as I know what you are saying in general, and the growth master plan ( from buildings to staffing them) could have been a lot crisper. Also I too prefer the stand alone DVC resorts vs. the add ons. I am not sure all the add ons are horrid, although i do not want to see a 14 story tower next to the Contemporary and the Beach Club was cramming the proverbial 10 pounds into a 5 pound bag... I also agree that DVCers do expect certain standards to be maintained - and hopefully will never accept the state of the Studios or parts of the MK. I would hope that Disney wants more than the initial investment from the DVC ers - and signs like offered the DDE card shows they know the dining habits etc...( maybe giving them too much credit,maybe not) -
Originally Posted By NikkiLOVESMickey Thanks for the report Spirit. You're right - WDW is a place to gather with friends and family. It's a place where I've spent some of my happiest moments with my mom, sister and nieces and nephews. I can't wait to return in November/December with my mom and my nephew to enjoy the Christmas season at WDW for the first time. It is very sad that WDW is no longer the paragon of cleanliness and guest service that it once was. I think Walt would be very upset to see what has happened to his parks. While I'm not going to say that WDW is filthy, it certainly isn't up to the standards it was in the 80s. Regardless, I still love the parks and love spending my vacations there. I love boards like this because it allows me to discuss my favorite place with people who love it, and see its problems, as well.
Originally Posted By jkayjs Top notch report Spirit. Your comment about Bistro is right on the money. I was glad to read your review of Coral Reef. This has always been one of our faves and has taken somewhat of a beating of late over on the Dining treads. You know Spirit I have always loved your writing style and as I've said before it is one of the things I missed most during your "hiatus". Your five opening paragraphs speaks to the core of every true Disney lover not to mention it is perhaps the best ad campaign I've ever seen for WDW/Disney Parks. I think we got a glimps of "The Spirit's" soft underbelly but I dare say those that know you well are not surprised. Thanks for the read Spirit keep'em coming.
Originally Posted By Labuda "It is very sad that WDW is no longer the paragon of cleanliness and guest service that it once was." Right before going into dinner at the Bistro, I'd remarked to the Spirit how I'd not seen any overflowing trashcans when we spotted one just about to overflow. And 30 seconds later, there was a CM emptying it. I actually saw this happen a few times during my trip.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<I'm split about the add-on DVC resorts. In principle I agree with you. In reality, I LOVE the Villas at Wilderness Lodge and I'm glad they are there. I have not noticed that the Villas put an undue burden on either the WL’s dining facilities or the pool.>> I admit that I love the look of the WLV. They integrated that building into the property masterfully. And if I ever stayed in one of those units, you might never see me again. But I still feel something was lost at the WL when that building was added. And as a frequent WL visitor, I can tell you the facilities have been stretched greatly by adding the villas. <<I recognize that I usually go to WDW during slow periods so that my experience may not be typical.>> Trippy, you're just not a typical dude ... that's part of your ... uhm ... ah ... ah ... charm. yeah, that's it! <<I must agree with you that I think the Beach Club add-on was a poor decision, and have serious questions about the AK addition. I still don’t believe they will add a DVC tower at the Contemporary. They really couldn’t be that stupid, could they? >> They could even be stupider. BTW, screamscape.com has art of the new tower and its almost the exact same as the stuff the architects had on their website before Disney Legal ordered it taken down. Just an ugly 14-story U-shaped tower with a fourth story walkway connecting to the Grand Canyon Concourse.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<Thanks for the report Spirit. You're right - WDW is a place to gather with friends and family. It's a place where I've spent some of my happiest moments with my mom, sister and nieces and nephews. I can't wait to return in November/December with my mom and my nephew to enjoy the Christmas season at WDW for the first time.>> That's great, Nikki. You'll see the place in a whole new light (actually lots of lights!) And even the tired decorations at the MK ought to look nice to you since you haven't ever seen them. <<It is very sad that WDW is no longer the paragon of cleanliness and guest service that it once was. I think Walt would be very upset to see what has happened to his parks. While I'm not going to say that WDW is filthy, it certainly isn't up to the standards it was in the 80s.>> Walt doesn't matter at all to the company now unless they can use his image to shill for marketing campaigns like 100 Years of Parades or to sell timeshares. Sad. But true. And, no, WDW isn't filthy. Most parts aren't even dirty. But to compare cleanliness now to 1987 would be laughable. They'd be firing so many managers and execs it would be crazy. <<Regardless, I still love the parks and love spending my vacations there. I love boards like this because it allows me to discuss my favorite place with people who love it, and see its problems, as well.>> I wouldn't be here if I didn't agree with those sentiments.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<Top notch report Spirit. Your comment about Bistro is right on the money. I was glad to read your review of Coral Reef. This has always been one of our faves and has taken somewhat of a beating of late over on the Dining treads.>> Yeah. I've seen that. I had dinner there last Sept. during the waning days of free dining and the meal was fine. But it wasn't exceptional in any way. Service was OK, but that's about it. Now, it's starting to cautiously remind me of better days. The menu is new (I think I was told it was started last week). There are more choices. More creativity. The food wasn't just thrown on a plate ... it was displayed. Everything tasted wonderful. From the fresh, hot bread ... to the chocolate wave for dessert, which CAN NOT be missed! <<You know Spirit I have always loved your writing style and as I've said before it is one of the things I missed most during your "hiatus".>> Who knows? I may have a future career as a writer <<Your five opening paragraphs speaks to the core of every true Disney lover not to mention it is perhaps the best ad campaign I've ever seen for WDW/Disney Parks.>> Thanks. I appreciate the kind words. Really. I just wrote what I felt. Because I did have a great weekend ... and because I am so very tired of defending my well-founded criticism when I post it. <<I think we got a glimps of "The Spirit's" soft underbelly but I dare say those that know you well are not surprised.>> Hey. Leave my soft belly out of this. The way I like to eat at WDW, what were you expecting? ;-) <<Thanks for the read Spirit keep'em coming.>> I sure will. And I do hope we get to see you in July! I'm really not THAT scary!
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<Right before going into dinner at the Bistro, I'd remarked to the Spirit how I'd not seen any overflowing trashcans when we spotted one just about to overflow. And 30 seconds later, there was a CM emptying it. >> That was definitely weird timing ... magical maybe? ;-) Too bad we couldn't connect with TDLFAN and go on a quality control walk, especially at the MK ... those can be fun, especially when the CMs see/hear you pointing things out. Maybe we can do one this summer and then we can go drink at Pleasure Island to make the memories disappear?
