Originally Posted By vbdad55 Okay, so just back after a quick 5 day visit after my daughter finished playing in the National AAU volleyball championships. btw- kudo's to ESPN 3 for carrying each age group's open division championships live ...her team did not make it but 2 from her club did. Wife and I stayed at Saratoga Springs in a studio for 5 days while she played- then moved to OKW when she joined us afterwards. NOTE: I still like Old Key West far more than SSR..just a different feel to go along with the roominess. And the room updates at OKW- loved them- the wood floors took a bit to get used to change wise- but really like them and granite counters the right update from the original tiles. Day 1- EPCOT Arrived at opening since one of her teammates and her Dad also stayed for 2 days and the kids wanted to 'max' out their time together. Headed right to Soarin' for FP ( around 11 Am return) - and headed for Test Track ( 20 minute stand by )- and then Mission Space. Disclaimer- crowds all week were very very light until PM last day- and since my oldest daughter was there the week before and it was jammed I hear-- wonder why? Test track wait time was pretty much right on- and rode non weenie version of Mission Space- and have to admit it still gives me a headache-- no more for me. Kids loved it though. I passed on Soarin' as quite frankly I find the ride seats uncomfortable for people of my height ( God help those taller )- and the seat benches are too short and I have to lean back fully to not feel as though your going to take a header out of the chair. SO while they rode I walked on JII. And when I say I walked on- I literally mean it-- walked though the open door and through an empty queue to get my own ride car through. Yikes does no one ride this any more ? I still enjoy it as I love the whole ' figment of imagination' concept- even though it has been neutered since the re do's and the after ride aea about 1/2 as full as before. Sad-- I hope someone goes back to the drawing board and gets this right. -- after a quick ice cream bar ( yeah the diet took a beating )- the four of us headed to Captain EO as my daughters friend had never seen it. She totally enjoyed and it still has a certain retro charm..but can see it not being run for too much longer either - seats about 1/2 full. Off to living seas and Nemo and the still so much fun Turtle talk. I don't know why but I really enjoy this show..so muchmore than Laugh Floor. Off to lunch at Teppan Edo - a place that over the years I have never eaten at. Had a very entertaining chef and had the Sea Scallops which were done to perfection. Very happy with meal and experience. Price was not much different than Domo 77 similar restaurants here.. did notice much like the parks restaurants also not full by any stretch. Did the lands - with a beer stop @ Rose & Crown / adult slushie stop @ France cart - etc. Decent mime/juggler @ Italy, street show in UK ( King Arthur bit)- but missed the new UK area band all day so can't comment on them. Did notice the shop in UK that used to sell Beatles only merchandise ( or at least mainly Bealtes) now carries Who / Stones etc. to match new bands music. Saw movie in France for first time on maybe a decade- and did American Adventure. "Sounds like' band that day was of Bee Gee's and they did a pretty nice job for the 20-25 mins we watched them. THe Werther's Shop in Germany needs to be shut down. Not because it isn't good, but it killed my already weak diet as Werther's has been a favorite of mine since my days with Grandma who had them- 50 years ago. Made numerous stops in Club Cool - Beverly still sucks and Mezzo Mix is great..and on a warm day as most of last week was , can be a great place to hit a few times- and we did. Dinner @ Via Napoli . I was somewhat taken aback as I am not ure what I was expecting in my mind for decor but the real casualness of it was not it. It was fine but I guess I wanted something more 'old world'. The pizza itself was great and I can tell you the large that serves 2-3...is way too big for 2 even when one of them is me. Had a white pizza with truffle oil and artichoke and it was tasty and the crust done very nicely in the brick ovens.. just oo much food. An individual will serve 2..no issue. The minestrone was average.. and even for me $6.95 was quite a stretch and I would skip next time..but the pizza's all around the table were good. A nice addition to the dining. Also there was this tall - handsome waiter named David that caught the eye ofmy daughter and her friends. He was not waiting our table but the Dad who joined me there isn;t in sales for nothing- he let the guy know and he gladly came to the table to take pictures with the two girls ( 17 year olds)- who were mildly embarassed ( what every Dad should be able to do)- but when he started talking to them they were thrilled. Nice kid, and a nice experience for them to giggle a bit also. by this time it was time for Reflections- ( is there a better show anywhere ?)- and the crowd was still so light the people were no more than 2 deep around anywhere -- ....then off to get ready for the MK-- 8 Am- 3 Am Marathon day 2.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 Day 2- MK-- @ light speed. Posted hours were 9 AM and yet they opened at 8 AM ? Missed the rope drop the girls wanted and still not sure why. A few CM's I asked said they were notified late of earlier opening and were surprised since this was Friday and a 3 AM close with EMH. Funny how when you attend with new people as opposed to those you go with all the time- your routine changes. The girl and her Dad are also 15+ visit WDWers so while not as many times as us- no rookies here. We headed to Buzz first (after getting FP for Space Mountain). 25 minute posted stand by for Buzz was more like 15 mins in reality. Laugh Floor is till entertaining but I find it much weaker than Turtle Talk... attraction was about 1/2 full. A spin on CoP which was inbetter shape then last August when I rode it but God yes it needs to be updated, and I love the ride. 4th scene still incredibly weak compared to others for me.. Off to Pooh and happily they found a better use for the tree. That would have been a nice addition to queue for me, but maybe it's because I do not have little kids any more- the rest of all the stuff that now makes up the queue for me doesn't work. Then a ride on Dumbo that I also haven't been on in years- mainly due to lines in June-July. 20 minute standby at 11 AM ? I told you crowds were thin. After a quick childhood reflection I used it to get some peeks over the fences to see what I could see construction wise. Stilla long way to go is the best I can say. Skipped Peter Pan at this time as 45 minute stand by was longest wait in the park- saved for EMH. Off to view the queue that 'destroyed' HM to some here... I found it a fun addition. Did the ride need this added- no it didn't. Did I have some fun with the 'stuff' while waiting - yes I admit I did. It did not ruin the ride aura for me. Now that being said, after taking the time to play with all the new toys there, we ended up about the same place in line as there was little queue in the bypass line. If the queue cost me an extra 20 minutes to do the attraction, next time, not sure I wouldn't skip - and if I did the ride twice in a day as I usually do.. I would only do the interactive queue once. Lunch @ Liberty Tree is still a treat for me as I think their lunch menu is really good. The William Penn pasta gone from the menu after years on it - replaced by another pasta that had items I didn;t care for in it- so went healthy witht he Colonial Salad. Again restaurant also not entirely full..but ressies still got you seatd right away..was a 40 minute stand by wait. Off to a 25 minute queue for Splash as we got FP's for BTMRR that had a return time only 40 mins in the future. Perfect timing. I like the new lap bars in Splash as I agree I think they allow more room than the bulky ( and many times musty ) pad on top used to. All items were working except for one of the honey pot bees..although it was working later at night. Back to hotel as they had been predicitng rain all week- 60% chances = 80% chances etc..- and finally had a storm go thru- but much heavier in Orlando proper than at WDW. A little shopping at the OKW general store and a quick rest/nap was well deserved. No pool that day as it was still storming some. We headed back @ 8 PM- and after buying ponchos at OKW gen store arrived at MK to find no rain..was pouring yet at resort. Go figure. Loved the Castle display show before wished--and some of the effects in it like the turret taking off as if a rocket etc. We were at the far end of Main Street near the train station though, and hile pretty you really need to be closer to see the details well..as we found out last day. Wishes still moving..love it. Before you knew it we were close to EMH.. and already light crowds got even sparser. Rode Buzz 7 straight times at around midnight-- actually got the CM's to allow us not to leave cars at all the last few times as we battled to max out scores. Then back to Space Mountain which I still have fond memories of-- but my back hates..once more and that was it for me. WAlked on Philharmagic - HM - Pirates -.. Carpets was about a 15 minute wait. No signs of anything I could see at Tiki -- just a built in construction wall. Pirates line didn't stop until you were 2 car loads from getting on. All effects working and I like Blackbeard where he is... Jungle Cruise was open after EMH started which last year it was not..lots of fun with Australian female skipper..but also needs update some, but still very cool at night. Anyone know wht Space Mountain stand by lines always the longest in MK during EMH hours ? and they stay so until the end of the day At 3 PM the girls were on the carousel when Donald and his CM handler stopped by and waiting for the 'princesses' to exit the ride..played up to them and they reciprocated..took some candid photoos- then an impromptu character meeting- 7 characters between Dumbo and Castle. All posing for pix ( no young kids no ride operators except so far two days of total fun, doing park with friends we had never gone with..but this worked out so well. Last ride of night Peer Pan- now a walk on will cover other 3 days after somemuch needed rest after 18 hours of driving
Originally Posted By dshyates Thanks for the report. I too really enjoyed Via Napoli. I agree that it is a welcome addition to the casual dining scene. And the story about embarassing your daughter. I did the exact same thing at Bucca di Beppo this past Saterday. Haha, being a Dad is fun.
Originally Posted By -em Glad to hear you had fun- I worked the merch area at the Conv Center the first day of competition and thought of you -em
Originally Posted By vbdad55 Glad to hear you had fun- I worked the merch area at the Conv Center the first day of competition and thought of you -em ------------------------- Oh I was there buying t shirts- a magnet and a pin... merchandise was well run, unlike the AAU who ran the entrance to the tournament first day and had 1 hour waits to get in for frantic parents. I would tell you I was the large Dad with the tall daughter- but then that covers just about everyone there - LOL ! The event is a great one though
Originally Posted By vbdad55 Day 3 - DHS and my first shot at Star Tours 2. Get there early and first thought is what to FP-- looking at the iphone apps for wait times this decision becomes easy- TSM. return time was already 7:30 PM-- geez Louise- I thought Star Tours would take some of that away. So FP it is and hit Great Movie ride on way over. I love this ride but someone please either fix Footlight Parade of change it--it irritates me more every time. All items working on Gangster scene and had way above average CM performing- what a differece it makes. Over to Stat Tours and 35 minute stand by. I can't remember last time I waited outside...and the 35 minutes was about dead on. Got C3PO pilot - Vader interruption with great suspension then backwards excape - went Pod racing. Later in day had same opening sequence but went to Hoth instead. Ride is silky smooth while seemingly greater range of motion, especially on downward dives. Nice job. Daughter wanted to do backstage tour because we have skipped last 5 years or so..so we did. Got there just in time as it was raining and they had it closed down and was just re opening. However no longer using live people in opening sequence ? Didn't this time..very disappointing. They should just call it Catastrophe Canyon and Walt's plane tour. Re work the Canyon scene and leave it at that. Lots of live music at huge stage was good for the kids.. however is large stage and hat now both necessary to block Chinese Theatre. Someone needs to figure this out. Lunch @ Prime Time was very good ( food in general this trip was very satisfying) - I had the Chicken Pot Pie that I love and I think someone got carried away as it appeared to be twice the chicken in gravy with vegies it was supposed to be- I couldn't finish whch speaks volumes. Others had fried chicken and meatlof dishes..all very good. Waitress was exact combo of in character and not yet over the top I like. -- RnRC and ToT were both 30 minute stand bys so was able to puck up FP for Tot later in evening. Mermaid show was packed for the first time in years and is still a nice show -- Muppets 3D was about 1/2 full. Had picture taken with cartoon heroes Phineas and Ferb - LOL--however i was left asking "where's Perry " ? attended 10:30 Fantasmic - which with light crowds was about 1/2 full -- earlier show was full. We got to the theatre entrance walkway about 10:15 and were able to walk all the way in. Last year we waited in the long walkway which wqas hot and steamy - and jammed. I will never do that again, this was the way to see it without melting beforehand. oh yeah- dinner was at Sci Fi because DD loves it. I prefer the lunchmenu because to me it is just a burger shake kind of place. Burgers not on the menu at night but I asked the waiter and they gladly accomodated with a very goo dburger with thick cut bacon and cheddar-- which is exactly all I wanted at that time. Day 4 - AK -- Enter park and straight to Everest - 20 minute stand by- -- picked up Safari FP's for right before lunch time as stand by there was 50 minutes already. Did the birds flight show-- was glad to see the 'walking stick' character back in the park and ITTBaB before dining at Yak & Yeti for first time. For a Landry restaurant it was a cut above Trex and Rainforest IMHO. Restaurant nicely themed and fits in well. Off to Dinosaur ( 25 minute wait) - which this time seemed faster / darker and threw us aroundmore than I remember the last few years. Has it been down for any maintenance since last August ? Anyway- good show and all effects working and loud as they should be. Rode Kai ( picked up FP's after lunch) - and were done with park by 4ish--back to resort for swimming and relaxing Dinner @ Boma and that place never fails to deliver. I could eat there just for the soups/stews of which the carrot - ginger was the star this time. Day 5 - EPCOT am to ride SSE and UoE that we missed the first day. UoE needs an update to at least the game sequence. I love Ellen but for repeat visitors too long a sequence to be a 10 year + repeat. One more test track that the whole family enjoys and it was back to the lands for exploring in Japan and China shops especially. Lunch at Biergarten which I noticed has less tables now - not as crowded together. Food was very good and is much better bargain at lunch than dinner. Had a beer flight for $10 which I thought a very good value. Back for more caramel and some shopping in Germany -- then took the monorail to Magic Kingdom since my wife did not join the other 4 of us for the 3 AM fest 3 days earlier. Hit all of the main attractions- weather was very nice- high 80's that day with a breeze and what's this ? By afternoon in MK the tour groups were there in force and crowds increased significantly. Luckily for us we were just meandering without a lot of purpse but to get a hot dog at Casey's - a Dole Float and ride some rides as we felt like it. Last day there and enjoying the ambience - The 'slide show' on the castle before wishes was again great and fireworks. Watched about 1/2 of MSEP .... All in all recap -- 1/ very very light crowds made maneuvering all week very easy 2/ weather was supposedly very hot but with breezes was only 'bad; one day - and for those who ask why summer is bearable- today in Chicago it is going to be 101 with a heat index of 112 -- hotter than anything I experienced in Florida '3/ Restaurants were spot on this trip- disappointed in none of them. Pricing not outrageous by Chicago standards and hit a few where DVC got me 10%-20% which since my AP lapsed and I did not have TiW card was nice. 4/ price for gas at Hess on the grounds was $3.44 - compared to $4.11 still when I returned home. Ridiculous here in Chi town 5/ very few issues with any rides/attractions and yes I was watching after reading some doom and gloom. Main issues are needs for updates for rides too long in the tooth like UoE / backstage / CoP / etc. These really have to be addressed as they are in either sad states of irrelevance or disinteresting. Either way this is bad. 6/ doors on trams -- when did this happen ? Not as limiting as I thought they'd be but still- are people that stupid that these were necessary ? Okay- after watching people all week that answer may be yes-I wish the driver could lock them however so that when they say no further boarding they wouldnot open and then would say to the goofs trying to ram on-- thismeans you idiot ! 7/ back to stupid people - at Teppan Edo it was distracting to be told NOT to touch the cooking surface like 5 times during the pre meal and early meal-- as well as on the menu. I asked the hostess does anyone really do that - she told me - more than I would beleve. geez people 8/ tied a few restaurants I have not in the past - high marks for Yak & Yeti - also highly recommend Olivia's for breakfast. Has a shrimp ( tons of shrimp) avocado and jack cheese omelet with fruit and au gratin potatoes for $12.95 that was a bargain IMHO. excellent and if DVC member another 10% off. Also had breakfast at Kona Cafe during the volleyball torunament and it was wonderful. 9/ticket prices had just increased but I had already reconciled to that.... 10/ no real time to get to Universal- will ensure I get there next trip. We did take the volleyball team to the NBA restaurant one night for dinner - they preferred T Rex that they did the first nite. They had little time before having to get back and to sleep to play- so didn't get a chance to really compare the two shopping areas per se..although I must say the walk from the parking lot at Uni to the restaurant was brutally long ( from t rex 5 I think it was) and no fewer than 3 moving sidewalks and 1 escalator were not operating on the way..down. One elevator out of order also as one couple with us has need of a wheelchair and this was inconvenient at best..Not a good first impression coming in.
Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer Sounds like you had fun, VB! How tall are you? I'm 6'2/3ish and I've never had a problem on Soarin'. Also.... What days was it packed? I think that's when I was there, and lines were never too bad. ...Though, I don't see myself waiting for Dumbo, anyway. ;-)
Originally Posted By leobloom >> Off to living seas and Nemo and the still so much fun Turtle talk. I don't know why but I really enjoy this show..so muchmore than Laugh Floor. << Absolutely agree with this. I think the size of the theater has something to do with how charming Turtle Talk is. All I know is Laugh Floor is skippable for us, but more often than now we'll see Turtle Talk if we're spending the day at Epcot.
Originally Posted By leobloom >> I love this ride but someone please either fix Footlight Parade of change it--it irritates me more every time. All items working on Gangster scene and had way above average CM performing- what a differece it makes. << When was the last time Footlight Parade spun and worked? 1990? Had a really good couple of CMs last time I was on the ride, too, and it does make a world of difference.
Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer >>>Absolutely agree with this. I think the size of the theater has something to do with how charming Turtle Talk is. All I know is Laugh Floor is skippable for us, but more often than now we'll see Turtle Talk if we're spending the day at Epcot.><< Even though I DESPISE the Nemo overlay... ...I have to give some credit to Turtle Talk. Fun show.
Originally Posted By leobloom Glad you had fun, Vbdad. Sounds to me like you lucked up with the crowds and the weather. Amazing that you were in the parks for 5 days and you only had one "bad" day with the heat! (It's not usually the temp itself that people object to, it's the humidity/heat index.) I'll leave the parks with you and EE and all the other soccer moms and pin traders for the summer and keep Dec-Feb for myself.
Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer >>>'ll leave the parks with you and EE and all the other soccer moms and pin traders for the summer and keep Dec-Feb for myself<<<< I go in December, too, you know... LOL
Originally Posted By A Happy Haunt << was glad to see the 'walking stick' character back in the park >> - "DaVine" Thanks for the update!
Originally Posted By dshyates Sounds like everything met or exceeded your expectations which is great. And it sounds like you had a great time. One thing about Universal's moving walkways. What time dis you guys arrive? I know in the morning all but one will be headed to the parks but by mid afternoon they turn them off because it is pretty even flow to and from the garages. Early evening they run more towards CityWalk. Park closing they have more towards the garage on. But the broken elevator is bad show.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 Sounds like you had fun, VB! How tall are you? I'm 6'2/3ish and I've never had a problem on Soarin'. Also.... What days was it packed? I think that's when I was there, and lines were never too bad. ...Though, I don't see myself waiting for Dumbo, anyway. ;-) ----- I really did, I think some of that was due to the fact it was a last minute decision to go. I was going to stay home and work then I figured it cost me less to buy 5 day tickets and drive - then fly my wife and daughter down and pay for wifes 6 noghts in Marriott--so I went. Had DVC points anyway- why notuse them. I'm a shade under 6'4" with long legs. The issue I have is with how much leg hands off the seat compared to how much is on-- always feel like I'm leaning forward --even attach the stupid kid ( crotch killer) connection and it doesn't help. wear a 36 length in pants so maybe it's my proportions My first day in the parks was the 23rd and it was never crowded until the afternoon of the last day 6/28 in MK. I heard it was much more crowded the weeks before
Originally Posted By DDMAN26 My parents where just there two weeks ago. Needless to say I was disappointed I wasn't.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 I'll leave the parks with you and EE and all the other soccer moms and pin traders for the summer and keep Dec-Feb for myself. --- as my kids finish school and I retire-- I'll be doing the same. June-Aug out of necessity, not desire
