Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer >>>But again, pre eisner they did have a pretty comprehensive plan. Basically what today would be a planned unit development.<<< Shame that didn't get OK'd.
Originally Posted By dagobert I have only been to WDW and DLRP and I don't think WDW is too big. Nevertheless I prefer the compact size of Disneyland Paris where the hotels, Disney Village and both parks are in walking distance. In 2008 the Disney Trasnportation System at WDW worked fine for us and we had never waited that long for a bus or monorail. I do understand that operation the busses gets more expensive from year to year, since the oil prices also rise. Maybe Disney should re-think the busses and replace them with CNG bussus or trolley busses. Both systems are very common over here and only a few busses still run with gas.
Originally Posted By dshyates I believe that Disney is experimenting with CNG busses. If they haven't already switched all of them.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Yes, I do think WDW is too big, and it is why I do not like it much. I would rather go to Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, Tokyo, Universal Studios Orlando, or Europa Park. I prefer my resorts to be compact and easy to get around. But then I always prefer a chef sampler menu to a moderate quality all you can eat buffet. WDW's poor service, huge commutes (for a vacation spot, very poor) and so much spread out (DLR offers 2/3s of WDW's attraction count in a 10th of the space, with the DL versions being better in most cases; also The Grand Californian has better service than any WDW hotel, and the Napa Rose is better than any WDW restaurant inc. V&As.
Originally Posted By dagobert Of course bigger doesn't mean better, but I liked all the lagoons and forests on the property. DLP has a big advantage that everything is in walking distance, but WDW's landscape is really great and beautiful. In my opinion the service at WDW is at least better than at DLRP.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo But that is no excuse either, for the service in Disneyland is even better still, and I hear TDL is the best.
Originally Posted By Bolna I like both kinds of resorts, but after my first trip to WDW its size was one of the few things I did not like about it. I love being able to walk everywhere at DLP (that's the reason why I keep coming back to the overpriced Disney hotels there) and even at DL where I stayed at an offsite hotel in walking distance. But over the years WDW's greenery has really grown on me. It makes the whole place even less like the real world. I just wish there were more chances to actually experience nature at WDW. However, I agree that there seems to be no rhyme and reason to where everything has been placed within the whole resort. So it appears even bigger than it would have with more planning. On the energy issue: Aren't they very proud that they have those solar panels on Universe of Engergy? Why aren't they investing more in renewable energies for their own energy, they would have the space for some serious solar panel fields.
Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer ^ Yes, I really do love the fact that WDW is a expansive place. It's all their own (for now? Hah) and for the most part, things like intrusive hotels are blocked out. >>>But over the years WDW's greenery has really grown on me. It makes the whole place even less like the real world. I just wish there were more chances to actually experience nature at WDW. <<< DAK? We used to have Discovery Island... >>>On the energy issue: Aren't they very proud that they have those solar panels on Universe of Engergy? Why aren't they investing more in renewable energies for their own energy, they would have the space for some serious solar panel fields.<<<< Yeah... a good number of those cells are broken, and even then, only power 50% of the ride. Typical Disney PR fluff.
Originally Posted By Bolna <<DAK? We used to have Discovery Island... >> I would be content with a few more walking paths - for example to walk from AKL to DAK, from WL to MK etc. And bike paths would be nice as well. They could even have a scheme with self-service rental bikes which seems to become common in every European city at the moment. But I think I need to stay at WL some time in the future and experience the possibilities there like the trail over to FW.
Originally Posted By wahooskipper No way in the World I would ride a bike anywhere on Disney property unless it was completely removed from any streets. And, if it was removed from the beaten path then my guess is it would open up a lot of safety/security issues.
Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer >>> I would be content with a few more walking paths - for example to walk from AKL to DAK, from WL to MK etc. And bike paths would be nice as well. They could even have a scheme with self-service rental bikes which seems to become common in every European city at the moment. But I think I need to stay at WL some time in the future and experience the possibilities there like the trail over to FW.<<<< Agreed with this totally. Walk Around The World would have been nice. ...though, there's a ton of walking space around the resorts, like the Poly.
Originally Posted By Christi22222 Yeah, I'm with everyone on the walking. I'm terrible at relaxing enough to stroll through the resorts. But I would absolutely love to be able to choose to walk to the parks or to another resort or to DTD. I am trying an Epcot resort for the first time this fall. Will have to see if that fills the bill a bit.
Originally Posted By Bolna <<I am trying an Epcot resort for the first time this fall. Will have to see if that fills the bill a bit.>> I will be at an Epcot resort for the first time this fall as well. And I am looking forward to walking to DHS and Epcot, but am a bit sad about having to enter Epcot through the back entrance.
Originally Posted By Christi22222 That's funny about the back entrance. For whatever weird reason I think it will be kind of fun. Have never used that entrance. Something new. We are trying Yacht Club in September. What are you trying? BTW, where are you in Germany? We just cancelled a trip to visit our friends in Berlin this summer and are going this Christmas instead. LOVE IT there!
Originally Posted By ChiMike You know that's a love/hate thing for me. I love the access, especially at the end of the night, but upon arriving it really can determine how good of a vibe I have. Not being negative here at all. I really like the gateway. There is something to be said about the approach towards Spaceship Eart. Especially in the monorail. It is one thing to pop in for a quick dinner, but to start an afternoon I tend to feel better walking in the front gate. Kind of like taking the Monorail into Disneyland rather than using Main Street. Appreciate and use the additional access, but even after all these years, allow it to effect me.
Originally Posted By Bolna <<There is something to be said about the approach towards Spaceship Earth. Especially in the monorail.>> That's exactly it. Arriving at Epcot by monorail must be the very best approach to a theme park ever designed. I like the ferry boat to the MK as well, but Epcot is much better. The IG is very practical, I have used it to go to dinner at the Epcot resorts, but there isn't anything that sets the scene. However, it is a lovely entrance and there might be something special about having your own "private" entrance as well. Christi, we will be staying at the Boardwalk in October. Sorry to hear that you had to cancel your trip to Berlin in the summer. Fantastic city! I used to live there until last fall when I moved back to Bavaria where I am from originally. I hope you will enjoy Berlin over Christmas, living there I found winters very dark, cold and grey, but Christmas is a great time. My favourite Christmas market is the one at the Gendarmenmarkt - I used to work not far from there and we would get lunch there regularly. And then there are plenty of things to do indoors as well of course.
Originally Posted By RoadTrip Funny... I've never found getting adequate walking at WDW to be much of a problem!! When staying at the The Boardwalk I frequently walked the path over to Disney Studios in the morning. Don't ever remember taking it back in the evening though! LOL
Originally Posted By HokieSkipper <<Funny... I've never found getting adequate walking at WDW to be much of a problem!! When staying at the The Boardwalk I frequently walked the path over to Disney Studios in the morning. Don't ever remember taking it back in the evening though! LOL>> I consistently walk from DHS to Epcot. I almost never do anything else to get to and from each park. I love that walk.
