Originally Posted By vbdad55 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. ----- arrived about 6:30pm for a 7:30 pm reservation. Lots of foot traffic heading to Citywalk which is why it surprised me so much was down
Originally Posted By vbdad55 Sounds like everything met or exceeded your expectations which is great. And it sounds like you had a great time. ----- really one of the better trips albeit too short... but yes most did except the things I called out as jut tired and needing help - badly -Backstage tour -Universe of Energy -CoP -Footlight Parade in GMR which really ticked me off more than usual this time oh yeah, Buzz queue -- first day there it was kind of the sloppy mess with the mulch or whatever the heck ends up in it by late evening-- the second day it was pristine..makes no sense all meals were at or above expectations - and due to light corwds all seating times I had made were easily met except one. There I have a complaint and let a manger know so- that was at Sci Fi. They had 3 teenage girls working the front desk- and they were having a great time giggling and passing notes to each other...and acting the fool-- while people seemingly got passed over in order for tables - and they seemed less than concerned about anything or anyone except whatever game they were playing. I noticed when I left there was a manager at the front desk
Originally Posted By vbdad55 I do have one other complaint- and lodged it in a survey I was given in City Hall... on nights when MK is open to 3 AM-- and it is still very warm outside- how about a few water carts..around the park. That shouldn't be too much to ask
Originally Posted By HokieSkipper Sounds like you had a great time, VB! Getting me excited for my trip to Orlando.
Originally Posted By HokieSkipper Sounds like you had a great time, VB! Getting me excited for my trip to Orlando.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 It sounds like the trip was just the pixie dust you needed and as an (online) friend, I'm happy for you. I know work and life has been stressful for you, just from what you've posted here. So ... well, I am not surprised in the least that you enjoyed WDW as much as you did. BUT ... all the effects were working on Splash Mountain?!??! I mean, seriously dude, maybe you wanted the effects/AAs to be working, maybe you willed them to appear that way in your mind, maybe you just shut it off while riding ... I dunno, but that just isn't reality. I'll go with you enjoying everything ... I'll go with you gushing over the meals (since you steadfastly refuse to dine anywhere but Mickey-owned locales and compare them against Chicago prices, which are not real world ones for most of us)everywhere ... I'll even let you give Disney props for $3.44 'bargain' gas at Hess. But I can't give you that Splash Mountain had everything working or that most attractions did or do because that just isn't the case. Ultimately, though, I'm (truly) glad you had a great time. I would have sat by the pool all day, but that's me ... I think whatever you needed, WDW gave it to you ... and that's what's important.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 BUT ... all the effects were working on Splash Mountain?!??! I mean, seriously dude, maybe you wanted the effects/AAs to be working, maybe you willed them to appear that way in your mind, maybe you just shut it off while riding ... I dunno, but that just isn't reality. ---- I watched for verything I could as we rode it three times there- and theonly one I am aware of that wasn't working was one of the bees/honeycomb-- the middle one od the three. brer rabbit was hopping mightily - etc. SO unless there are things that have been off for years that I can;t remember ( and I suppose that is possible) -that's it
Originally Posted By vbdad55 ... I'll go with you gushing over the meals (since you steadfastly refuse to dine anywhere but Mickey-owned locales and compare them against Chicago prices, which are not real world ones for most of us)everywhere --- I ate at the NBA restaurant at Uni-- I would rate it about on par with Sci Fi.. nothing to write home about and prices right in line with the Disney meals I ate. Also ate at Panera / Sweet Tomatoes with VB team in days before parks. I can only compare my Chicago/suburban costs to the costs there -- those ARE my real world costs on a daily basis so are my baseline. My breakfasts at Kona and Olivia's I could not have purchased for even the same money at home- regardless of quality for the items I ordered-- so that's the way I'll call 'em. Also I find Earl of Sandwhich- picked up stuff there twice- also a decent deal for what received. As for the gas my only surprise is that it wasn't jacked up being captive. Heck on the expressways here they add another 25-30 cents a gallon because they know they have you- but when I am paying 75 cents a gallon less than home - yep, I am thrilled
Originally Posted By vbdad55 I know work and life has been stressful for you, just from what you've posted here. So ... well, I am not surprised in the least that you enjoyed WDW as much as you did. ---------- I am sure the 'down time' aspect did help color some items--but you're right - I really did need the time and WDW filled the bill for us. Perfect- surely not even close--but very enjoyable- yes indeed. also as far as the meals even I was surprised as the quality seemed up a notch-- or else I just got lucky.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<I do have one other complaint- and lodged it in a survey I was given in City Hall... on nights when MK is open to 3 AM-- and it is still very warm outside- how about a few water carts..around the park. That shouldn't be too much to ask>> I noticed the same thing in April and May. I tried to stay at MK until 3 a.m., but when EVERY food location was closed at 1:15 ... well, we left. That's inexcusable, but think of the labor 'savings' involved.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<I watched for verything I could as we rode it three times there- and theonly one I am aware of that wasn't working was one of the bees/honeycomb-- the middle one od the three. brer rabbit was hopping mightily - etc. SO unless there are things that have been off for years that I can;t remember ( and I suppose that is possible) -that's it>> Read Kevin Yee's column on it ... or the discussions that took place here ... but more things aren't working on it than are ... and that's been my experiences this year (and for years back). Yep, rabbit is hopping ... so people don't look and realize how many other things aren't working or working correctly.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<--- I ate at the NBA restaurant at Uni-- I would rate it about on par with Sci Fi.. nothing to write home about and prices right in line with the Disney meals I ate.>> Never been, but it's a typical themed dining locale in a tourist area ... <<Also ate at Panera / Sweet Tomatoes with VB team in days before parks.>> I like the Sweet Tomatoes (or Souplantation) ... but Panera is very overrated. <<I can only compare my Chicago/suburban costs to the costs there -- those ARE my real world costs on a daily basis so are my baseline. >> Yes. But Chicago (along with NYC and SF) is one of the priciest places in the USA. Your real-world costs aren't baseline for Americans in general. That's my point when you compare as I get where you are coming from ... <<My breakfasts at Kona and Olivia's I could not have purchased for even the same money at home- regardless of quality for the items I ordered-- so that's the way I'll call 'em. Also I find Earl of Sandwhich- picked up stuff there twice- also a decent deal for what received. As for the gas my only surprise is that it wasn't jacked up being captive. Heck on the expressways here they add another 25-30 cents a gallon because they know they have you- but when I am paying 75 cents a gallon less than home - yep, I am thrilled>> Hess has an agreement with Disney (partially due to the fact Gulf and then Exxon gouged guests/cast with prices) that they have to be very competitive. Usually, they are the lowest prices in the area.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<I am sure the 'down time' aspect did help color some items--but you're right - I really did need the time and WDW filled the bill for us. Perfect- surely not even close--but very enjoyable- yes indeed.>> I am SURE it did. And I don't mean to take away from your experiences at all. I know you needed a vacation. So, I'm not surprised at all by what you are saying. (I NEED a vacation about now myself ... a non-Disney, far away, mountain type vacation!) <<also as far as the meals even I was surprised as the quality seemed up a notch-- or else I just got lucky.>> I dunno ... I haven't had as much an issue with food quality at WDW (in some areas like those speciality hot dogs at Casey's they are getting much better!) as I do with prices being increased to justify the DDP, choices being cut and portions often cut as well. I haven't had a 'bad' full serve meal at WDW in a long time. I've had some that were just OK, though (The Wave recently comes to mind).
Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer >>>SO unless there are things that have been off for years that I can;t remember ( and I suppose that is possible) -that's it<<<< I'm guessing most of the AAs moved and spoke well?
Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer Speaking of AAs... talk to me about CoP. LOL. Father and Son in the finale were actually moving, and not slumped over?
Originally Posted By vbdad55 I tried to stay at MK until 3 a.m., but when EVERY food location was closed at 1:15 ... well, we left. That's inexcusable, but think of the labor 'savings' involved. --- Cosmic Rays was open after EMH 's started but I do not know what time they shut as we were at the other end of MK for quite a while--- does seem crazy though as plenty of people there and 3 hours is a long time without food and water
Originally Posted By vbdad55 I haven't had a 'bad' full serve meal at WDW in a long time. I've had some that were just OK, though (The Wave recently comes to mind). -------------- I would put Sci Fi in this same category...
Originally Posted By vbdad55 >>>SO unless there are things that have been off for years that I can;t remember ( and I suppose that is possible) -that's it<<<< I'm guessing most of the AAs moved and spoke well? ---- seemed like it to me
Originally Posted By 3disneylocations I know work and life has been stressful for you, just from what you've posted here. So ... well, I am not surprised in the least that you enjoyed WDW as much as you did. BUT ... all the effects were working on Splash Mountain?!??! I mean, seriously dude, maybe you wanted the effects/AAs to be working, maybe you willed them to appear that way in your mind, maybe you just shut it off while riding ... I dunno, but that just isn't reality. I'll go with you enjoying everything ... I'll go with you gushing over the meals (since you steadfastly refuse to dine anywhere but Mickey-owned locales and compare them against Chicago prices, which are not real world ones for most of us)everywhere ... I'll even let you give Disney props for $3.44 'bargain' gas at Hess. >>>But I can't give you that Splash Mountain had everything working or that most attractions did or do because that just isn't the case. Ultimately, though, I'm (truly) glad you had a greatI know work and life has been stressful for you, just from what you've posted here. So ... well, I am not surprised in the least that you enjoyed WDW as much as you did. BUT ... all the effects were working on Splash Mountain?!??! I mean, seriously dude, maybe you wanted the effects/AAs to be working, maybe you willed them to appear that way in your mind, maybe you just shut it off while riding ... I dunno, but that just isn't reality. I'll go with you enjoying everything ... I'll go with you gushing over the meals (since you steadfastly refuse to dine anywhere but Mickey-owned locales and compare them against Chicago prices, which are not real world ones for most of us)everywhere ... I'll even let you give Disney props for $3.44 'bargain' gas at Hess. But I can't give you that Splash Mountain had everything working or that most attractions did or do because that just isn't the case. Ultimately, though, I'm (truly) glad you had a great time. I would have sat by the pool all day, but that's me ... I think whatever you needed, WDW gave it to you ... and that's what's important I know work and life has been stressful for you, just from what you've posted here. So ... well, I am not surprised in the least that you enjoyed WDW as much as you did. BUT ... all the effects were working on Splash Mountain?!??! I mean, seriously dude, maybe you wanted the effects/AAs to be working, maybe you willed them to appear that way in your mind, maybe you just shut it off while riding ... I dunno, but that just isn't reality. I'll go with you enjoying everything ... I'll go with you gushing over the meals (since you steadfastly refuse to dine anywhere but Mickey-owned locales and compare them against Chicago prices, which are not real world ones for most of us)everywhere ... I'll even let you give Disney props for $3.44 'bargain' gas at Hess. But I can't give you that Splash Mountain had everything working or that most attractions did or do because that just isn't the case. Ultimately, though, I'm (truly) glad you had a great time. I would have sat by the pool all day, but that's me ... I think whatever you needed, WDW gave it to you ... and that's what's important. Spirit, why do you have to be such a Buzz Kill?! time. I would have sat by the pool all day, but that's me ... I think whatever you needed, WDW gave it to you ... and that's what's important.
Originally Posted By 3disneylocations Cut n Paste on Iphone can be a hassle... Spirit, why do you have to be such a Buzzkill ?!
