Spirited WDW Observations ...

Originally Posted By Spirit of 74

Yeah, it's that time again ... you know 'em, you love 'em, they make you feel all warm and tingly down in your nether regions ... it's a whole new world of quick (actually, long) WDW observations from a Spirit in town to celebrate EPCOT Center's 25th.

So with some major celebrating, commemorating and commiserating coming, here's a hit and run of some Spirited observations.

Let's start with the really good ... actually, borderline great.

The Haunted Mansion. All that's been said by others is true and then some. To have ridden the final day before it closed in June in its pitiful condition and now is like the difference between driving a beat up Ford and a new Benz.

WDI did a masterful job of not only cleaning things up, but boy did they PLUS this baby. I'd go so far to say that the MK's Mansion (my fave attraction since I was but a wittle Spirit who thought Disney could do no wrong -- really!) is now the equal if not superior to the DL and DLP versions with some very kewl unique touches and some things imported from Anaheim.

I just hope they keep this baby up.

I took a respite from some rain to quickly duck into Small World and, maybe it was the sheer high of the Mansion dancing in my head, but I noticed little things that were fixed in its recent redo and was very impressed by this as well.

Amazing how much just simple TLC and plussing can do for attractions that are older than me (wow, that is very old!)

More good news ... the MK fall seasonal/Halloween decorations really are terrific and so much better than anything they've attempted before. Judging by the Pumpkinmen/women in Town Square and the statues in the Hub, along with the bunting up and down Main Street and the pumpkin/gourd Mickey floral, I was highly impressed. I'd say they let Phil fill up the Escalade four times at SuperWalMart and not two as I said earlier.

Heck, with the cloudy weather, I even appreciated Cindy's new pain palette a bit more too.

All around a great three hours were had in the MK.

Do you guys see/understand how the little things can make a huge difference?

I can't speak to cleanliness ... the rain made the pavement look clean all over. Is that reality? Probably not. I did notice a trash can overflowing onto the ground in Mansion's queue (wait was a legit 20 minutes, BTW) but there was custodial CM elsewhere in the queue so hopefully it was cleaned up. Also saw a few bottles floating in the RoA while waiting to get into Mansion. Not good.

Worse. It appears that Aunt Polly's on TSI is now a part of Yesterland. It is all boarded up and there have been two lightly themed Coke machines (yeah, they really belong!)added next to what was the serving counter.

Moving on to the park formerly (and likely soon to be again) known as EPCOT Center.

I wish I could be positive about the new Canada film, but I can't. And I like Martin Short ... a lot. He was very good in The Making of Me and absolutely terrific in Cinemagique. Not here. This film sucks. Really. I hate Disney attractions that show self-awareness and try to be hip by making fun of themselves ... this one does, a lot. It also fills screen time with inane photos of Canadian celebs (that live and work in the USA) from Mike Myers to William Shatner to Matt LeBlanc. Much of the rest of the film is simply cobbled stuff from the prior film (even worse than China) ... you could tell Disney went the VERY cheap route and filmed the smallest amount of footage possible with a CircleVision system (much of it on Niagara Falls, which most people associate with the USA, and Toronto, which is the most US-like city) ... when Disney filmed other footage, they largely went with a single camera, so you see the same image on nine screens. Uhm, doesn't that defeat the purpose? I also didn't need a Canadian Idol Finalist redoing 'Canada, You're a Lifetime Journey' ... while not bad, she doesn't have the voice of the original. I'm glad Marty is heading to Soarin for a FastPass because after seeing this once, that's what I'll be doing!

Had my second spin on The Gran Fiesta Tour. I maintain my earlier position. The attraction is no worse, but no better than what was there before. It was just a freshening and adding the Duck (and I won't be a hypocrite because I love Donald, but does Mexico really need cartoon characters to show off its country?)

American Adventure redo really wasn't. It's a cleaned up audio and video -- again, what used to regularly happen to all attractions pre-mid-90s and was called plussing. Yeah, they added some scenes in the Golden Dreams montage (from Bush and Clinton doing tsunami relief to 9/11 and rescue workers to adding personalities from Tiger Woods -- from Golden Dreams at DCA no doubt -- to Oprah to Peter Jennings). Then they covered up the World Trade Center in the final scene with extra fireworks. All in all the attraction looks great, but to say this was a redo in any real sense just isn't true at all.

Contemporary Resort is a bit of a mess with walls up everywhere in the lobby. Part of the front desk is up (as Denise has shown in her photos) and looks great. They have also moved Contemporary Grounds to almost as soon as you walk in the front door, I'm not sure if that's permament or not but having a coffee bar at the entrance isn't unusual. The Tempo Grab and Go really looks shoehorned in on the Grand Canyon Concourse and the selection is very limited. The new shop continues construction ... and, well, I think it's tacky looking. But God knows if there's one thing WDW lacks its shopping. I also remain completely baffled by whatever is being built by two huge (they look to be at least 17 story) cranes on the former site of the North Garden Wing. I'm sure it couldn't be a DVC Tower because Disney would have told us.

Well, speaking of DVC ... I guess it's time I trash it again for ruining yet another resort.

Spent a large chunk of today at DAK Lodge and even, accidentally of course, wandered onto the construction on the fifth floor. It appears as if a HUGE portion of the hotel is transitioning to DVC ... and the hotel is a mess (don't let the black tarps that cover 2-3 stories from the lobby fool you). I can't imagine it being a pleasant place to stay right now. BTW, it appears from my wandering around and getting lost on one of the under construction levels that many of the units will be studios, with the others one-bedrooms connected. But this project will go well into 2008. Just an FYI for anyone considering staying there.

In the meantime, there appears to be a new Food and Beverage manager at DAK Lodge (looks like a typical 20-year Disney veteran who has no business in his business, but maybe it was just his very unfriendly look to everyone that makes me rush to judgment). As I mentioned in June, Jiko not only has a new chef but its menu's pricepoints have been pushed higher.

But this time my meals were at The Mara and Boma. And, sadly, they've both taken that 'DVC nosedive.' And, yeah (and I know some of our classy DVCers will be angered here and pipe in) but boy there seemed to be an awful lot of PWT in the resort. No, it isn't OK to put your filthy shoes on the tables and sofas in the lobby, let your kids jump on the chairs and watch grown adults lifting pieces of prime rib with their hands and eat it ... again, I'm not saying it's all DVC, but I've noticed similar trends at both the WL and BC when DVC was added.

Back to the food ... the Mara's menu has become a complete joke. There is no semblance of an African menu whatsoever ... burgers, plain flatbreads, chicken, grilled ham and cheese sandwhich, chicken fingers and fried shrimp. The great food they once had from the Durban chicken to the tandoori chicken pizza to the African House Salad to the amazing smoked tomato soup are as ancient as Michael Eisner's leadership. Oh, they also replaced the great crinkle cut fries with generic (lousy) Disney fries (also at Boma).

Also, noticed that while the food at Boma was still quite good, they seem to be transitioning to a less authentic menu ... again does this have to do with the DVC crowd? I don't know, but locals who pack the place on weekends were quite scarce this time. Maybe adding BBQ Ribs and whole chicken and taking away things like the Coca-Cola marinated pork loin and the grapefruit-and-radish salad is keeping the foodies home.

I'm sure the fact you can now buy DVC chow like 'Tombstone pizzas, Oscar Meyer Bologna and frozen dinners' has nothing to do with WalMarting the cuisine there.

Well, let's wrap up on some more positives ... the International Gateway area looks better than it has in years, all the neglected foliage has been ripped out and replaced. Everything is clean, including the walkways. Perhaps, some of the VIPs there this weekend for EC's 25th and staying at the Epcot Resorts were the impetus behind this. Not sure.

Two monorails had working AC, were trash free (albeit dirty) and didn't ever go into holding.

The new rooms at the All Star Music are terrific and the most 'upscale' by far of the 'value' resorts. I know a lot of folks prefer POP -- and I did too -- but no more. You go where the best rooms are and right now, that's Music.

FYI, Sports is up next and is currently being renovated one building at a time. So in 2008 that'll be the 'value resort' to stay at. There are no plans currently to renovate the rooms at Movies, which are now eight years old, so you decide if you want to stay there. The POP rooms are now six years old, albeit they weren't occupied the first three years so in reality they have three years of wear and tear, but still feature the old style room.

Also, the Grand Floridian is the final monorail resort to be updated (which I find odd since it is the flagship resort). When it is finished, look for the Boardwalk Inn rooms to undergo their first total redo in 2008.

The DDP is way too much food and a GREAT value -- when it is free -- and only then.

There's still too much sameness in menus across property, although some seem to have been tweaked. Coral Reef, which had a pathetic six entrees recently on the dinner menu (only three of which were seafood) has added some items (still no lobster, which is absurd). And Narcoosee's has greatly expanded their offerings to include surf and turf, both individually and together (albeit at price points between $50-60 ... OK on the DDP, forgetaboutit in the real world).

OK ... busy, busy day tomorrow ... so to wrap up on one GREAT NOTE!

Boy, does SSE look great again. It's amazing, almost like the last 7 1/2 years were just a bad dream. Without the very tacky wand and hand and lettering, the geosphere looks huge and awe-inspiring again ... from almost every angle, it's just so amazing. Now, as this Spirit's father said 'they need to get rid of the gravestones and bring back some greenery.' Couldn't agree more.
And the postshow is very kewl and even uses the old Earth Station screens.

Finally, I'll leave you with a very hot rumor ... and what do people like to do when they're hot (well, not hot in that way!)? They like to cool off ... and it appears that EPCOT Center's next major addition may well be a cool, wet experience.

Spirit out ...

 

Originally Posted By Spirit of 74

<<The POP rooms are now six years old, albeit they weren't occupied the first three years so in reality they have three years of wear and tear, but still feature the old style room.>>

Quickee correction ... the rooms are indeed six years old, but the resort opened in 12/03, so in reality they're almost four years old.

Without facts, we are just like the folks at FOX and CNN.

 

Originally Posted By TDLFAN

Nice update Spirit...

 

Originally Posted By Spirit of 74

^^I do my best ... if only you could phtograph my observations and put up your great captions we would rule the WDW Internet Geek Community!

 

Originally Posted By pheneix

Someone's really teasing us with his EPCOT Center speak...

What sir, do you know that hasn't been passed on to the peons out in the parks yet? I'm almost optimistic that this name change will happen. Is my hope not misplaced after all?

 

Originally Posted By nbodyhome

I have photos of the coffee bar, mentioning it isn't the permanent location. However, the coffee bar WILL be in the front, just to the right as you walk in (once that area is set up for it). That should be by the end of the year.

 

Originally Posted By TDLFAN

>>if only you could phtograph my observations and put up your great captions we would rule the WDW Internet Geek Community!<<

I thought we did already... no? They don't call us the "Voices of reason" for nothing at that other site..

 

Originally Posted By TDLFAN

>>and it appears that EPCOT Center's next major addition may well be a cool, wet experience.<<

Oh gee, a new water fountain for kids to play in.

 

Originally Posted By RoadTrip

<<And, yeah (and I know some of our classy DVCers will be angered here and pipe in) but boy there seemed to be an awful lot of PWT in the resort. No, it isn't OK to put your filthy shoes on the tables and sofas in the lobby, let your kids jump on the chairs and watch grown adults lifting pieces of prime rib with their hands and eat it ... again, I'm not saying it's all DVC, but I've noticed similar trends at both the WL and BC when DVC was added.>>

And of course you know for a fact that they were DVC'ers and not people staying at the AK on the typically hugely discounted nightly rates.

If the AK had ever been able to fill their rooms at the rack rate they wouldn't have DVC'ed it, would they? Any time DVC was added to other resorts it was an ADDITION; they never repurposed existing space.

You’ll just never get over having been turned down for that DVC loan, will you?

;-)

 

Originally Posted By Skellington88

At the last minute they will decide not to rename it "Epcot Center" but rather "Epcot-Hollywood Center" instead.

 

Originally Posted By SuperDry

<<< WDI did a masterful job of not only cleaning things up, but boy did they PLUS this baby. I'd go so far to say that the MK's Mansion (my fave attraction since I was but a wittle Spirit who thought Disney could do no wrong -- really!) is now the equal if not superior to the DL and DLP versions with some very kewl unique touches and some things imported from Anaheim. >>>

That just about perfectly describes my views on the newly-redone WDW HM, and the Mansion in general, including thoughts about it left over from childhood.

 

Originally Posted By smeeeko

^that's a great recap of your experiences Spirit. I'm kind of depressed about the AKL experience you had. AKL is my favorite resort of all the WDW resorts. We're staying at POP! this time (for food & wine fest x14 days I guess doing AKL isn't really a smart option food-wise) but we are going to be eating at Boma at least 2x (dinner and breakfast) It's tradition! But maybe if it stinks we may have to come up with a new 'getaway' day tradtion..

sign me
*bummed out in LA*

ps: all this DVCing is making the on property resorts a not so fun place to stay, IMHO.. of course...

 

Originally Posted By smeeeko

also wanted to add it sounds like I will *NEVER* be eating at the Mara again, unless they take their menu back to some semblance of its former yumminess. One can get fries and burgers anywhere on property or off. Just another letdown.. =(

 

Originally Posted By SuperDry

I recently stayed at AKL, and was surprised that when I reached the reception counter to check in, that I was greeted with "Welcome Home." I though that that was the DVC greeting, and I can see how it makes sense in that context. But for a standard WDW resort to say "welcome home" seemed very strange to me. Then they proceeded to ask me if I had been there before, so it's not as if they even knew I was a repeat guest.

I would think that most first-time visitors to WDW would be as baffled as I was with a "Welcome home" greeting at a resort front desk.

 

Originally Posted By RoadTrip

<<ps: all this DVCing is making the on property resorts a not so fun place to stay, IMHO.. of course... >>

Why is that? I would seriously like to know.

The people I've seen at the DVC resorts are about the same as I've seen at other WDW resorts. Walking around a Disney Deluxe you would never know a DVC resort from a Non DVC resort by looking at the people.

The only places I've seen a higher than usual percentage of people I would rather not be around are at the All Stars (too many young children) and at the Swan, Dolphin and the Yacht Club. Sorry, but nothing puts a damper on a vacation like a bunch of drunken conventioneers.

We DO NOT participate in either the Disney Dining Plan or the Magical Express. We would rather pay our own way for a higher quality experience. In addition to lodging and park tickets, we spend about $300+ per day on food, entertainment and shopping.

Having spent approximately $24,000 on DVC points and spending more than the average WDW visitor on a daily basis, I'd be quite interested in knowing how I qualify as Poor White Trash.

The only people at WDW who REALLY bother me are those bottom feeders holding a Florida Residents AP.

 

Originally Posted By vbdad55

<Also, noticed that while the food at Boma was still quite good, they seem to be transitioning to a less authentic menu ... again does this have to do with the DVC crowd<

if this wasn't so good a review I'd hit this harder - but again, maybe the menu hits are from free dining plans - but ALL DVC'ers I know - and that's plenty - are very demanding and adventurous, likely to a fault, in what they expect not only from their Disney vacations, but other vacations as well. SO yeah, I do disagree strongly.

 

Originally Posted By vbdad55

<We DO NOT participate in either the Disney Dining Plan or the Magical Express. We would rather pay our own way for a higher quality experience. In addition to lodging and park tickets, we spend about $300+ per day on food, entertainment and shopping.

Having spent approximately $24,000 on DVC points and spending more than the average WDW visitor on a daily basis, I'd be quite interested in knowing how I qualify as Poor White Trash.

The only people at WDW who REALLY bother me are those bottom feeders holding a Florida Residents AP.
<

it's misdirected anger -- we are not the ones only visiting when something is free. many of us are AP holders even though we likely visit 2 times a year max.

WE actually put our money where our mouths are in support of Disney and it's future - and the cash cow that is DVC.

Seriously, the rant just doesn't fit.

 

Originally Posted By nbodyhome

It looks like there is a water play area over by The Land, I noticed that the ther day.

Denise

 

Originally Posted By nbodyhome

I am not DVC, nor do I think it is an overall good value. But it's fine for those who want to take part. I wish Disney didn't have booth everywhere, but I don't see a difference with the people in a DVC resort vs. non-DVC either. People are people everywhere, DVC and non-DVC.

We were at Boma last weekend, and didn't notice any major changes since I last went (a couple of years ago). I like it still very much.

Denise

 

Originally Posted By TDLFAN

Gee Spirit... you called that one quite correctly.