Originally Posted By vbdad55 Okay - after a very quick 6 days @ WDW- dodging work at every turn but still being pulled away more than I would have liked I thought I'd throw some things out for discussion... starting with, I can't wait until next June when I can spend the full 2 weeks there and a few more days @ Vero to be able to relax and not rush at all. This trip included 2 nieces and my oldest daughters boyfriend - who had not been to WDW sine he was 2 - but more on that elsewhere. MK - Finally got to see HM re do and I wish all things liked this turned out so good- bravo Went to HOP - again another very well done re do - sound was great, and proved one does not need to be an Obama fan to want to see this... Pirates was a walk on or 5 minutes each time we went there ( ?) - however first time thru Davy Jones effect was not working 2 thins about Mickey's Philharmagic okay 3 things 1/ show is still very good 2/ people stop poking holes in the wire mesh where the pie scent comes out- what the hell is wrong with you ? 3/ Disney, please replace these ripped screens with ones that won't tear open the fingers of an 8 year old girl when she runs them over the grates Did EMH the first nite - until 2 AM. -- learned never schedule a character breakfast @ 7:15 Am the next day when you do this... most rides were very short waits except Peter Pans flight that for some reason they issued Fast passes with 1 AM times on them.. Also please, for the sake of all that is holy, please bring back wrist bands...having 5 kids with you, and each being asked for their room card on every damn ride is insane for guest and CM 's alike. Had my usual hot dog with sauerkraut @ Casey's listening to piano chops - still a low tech highlight for me 3 O clock parade - please put this to rest - snooze a rama Had the best Jungle Cruise skipper in years ( Sean) - which makes all the difference in the world. Had to ask him why his name tag said Chris - he said because he lost his name tag so was borrowing one as they get ripped badly for losing name tags. Dole whips - still not over rated - yummo Did the treehouse for the first time in years since we had a newbie with us who wanted to see everything - some great camera shots from up there Still wondering why the idiot 3 people in front of me @ bag check thought it was OK to have a 10 blade Swiss Army knife in his bag -- when he protested vehemently - he was escorted away -- Ate at Liberty tree for lunch ( excellent w/o characters) - and Tony's for Dinner ( good) - Did not miss Space Mountain as much as I missed TTA.... CoP still a great show IMHO Laugh Floor - seemed funnier this time around than the first time...always helps when they choose audience members who play along spent total of 1.5 days in MK -- and maybe because I missed it last year - had a very good time
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Lol Dave, glad you had a good time. It could be the missing factor, but I have heard great things about both the HM and HoP refurbs that make me think maybe the place could be turning around. Love to hear your Daughter's BF's impressions as a young adult who likely does not remember much from their childhood.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 This is a 25 year old guy who has basically no ties to Disney except the fact my oldest watches Disney movies - and talks about the parks a lot. He told me that WDW exceeded his wildest expectations and that he never would have guessed he'd have as much fun as he did. He said he felt like a kid again which almost brought tears to my eyes as I think all too often we take that part for granted. The closest he had ever been ws he had played the Lake Buene Vista golf course but said never felt the need to go into a park. Because he was with us we went to attractions I sometimes pass by like the Swiss Family Treehouse which he liked because he remembered the movies from being a kid... He had been at Six Flags great America a few weeks earlier here with both my kids and some other friends. He said he thought WDW was immaculate- that the people working there were amazingly friendly. Found the restaurants amazing and heck, even liked the bus service ( he's kind of a laid back - no hurry kinda guy). When asked for his favorite things he mentioned these - the OKW resort in general / the Kilamanjaro Safaris / Everest / Haunted Mansion & Pirates and Splash / SSE and Soarin' / All the countries in EPCOT / RNRC - LMA Stunt Show and Midway Madness. Again, we thought he could be completely bored out of his mind - yet instead he wants to go again next year....great to hear comments from a newbie ( he actually wore a 1st visit button the whole time)
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Sounds like in addition to the taste he has already displayed by dating your daughter, he has great taste in attractions (and let's face it, he was led to restaurants by a cullinary pro, what's not to like?). I am so glad he liked it. The newbies really do help put a great spin on it.
Originally Posted By Disneymom443 How can someone be so crazy to bring a 10in knife. So the parade is not to be missed,HAhAhA,so if I'm elsewere I don't need to run back to see the parade. Good to know. Listening to the piano @ Casey's, the simple joys in life. I'm happy to hear that you had a good time.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 Sounds like in addition to the taste he has already displayed by dating your daughter, he has great taste in attractions (and let's face it, he was led to restaurants by a cullinary pro, what's not to like?). I am so glad he liked it. The newbies really do help put a great spin on it. and he was led to the restaurants by someone who was paying - LOL !
Originally Posted By vbdad55 <How can someone be so crazy to bring a 10in knife. So the parade is not to be missed,HAhAhA,so if I'm elsewere I don't need to run back to see the parade. Good to know. Listening to the piano @ Casey's, the simple joys in life. I'm happy to hear that you had a good time. < one of my favorite trips ever - I think missing last year had a lot to do with that also-- already working on '10 trip
Originally Posted By bobbelee9 I'm betting having a newbie along helped too. As an oldtimer seeing it though the eyes of my 3 grandchildren the first time each of them went... Very refreshing.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 I'm glad you enjoyed yourself, old tiara-wearer. Even if ya STILL owe me a meal at the California Grill! ;-) I'm sure having the large group and the first-timer certainly added to your enjoyment. When I take people to WDW with me I tend to focus more on the positives and see things through their eyes. I'd also surmise that being away for a few years and working your arse off of late were much more conducive to putting you in the right mood. This year has been VERY stressful for me and I am sure that played a factor in my having such a great time at WDW last month. Anyway, some comments on yours: <<Finally got to see HM re do and I wish all things liked this turned out so good- bravo>> Yeah. No doubt that was a plussing! <<Went to HOP - again another very well done re do - sound was great, and proved one does not need to be an Obama fan to want to see this...>> I don't think it matters one bit whether you're a 'fan' of da man. I certainly like him a whole lot more than his predecessor, but the show isn't about any President ... but the office and the history of it. And again, they did a terrific job on it. <<Pirates was a walk on or 5 minutes each time we went there ( ?) - however first time thru Davy Jones effect was not working>> It's hit or miss, like most show effects at WDW. <<2 thins about Mickey's Philharmagic okay 3 things 1/ show is still very good 2/ people stop poking holes in the wire mesh where the pie scent comes out- what the hell is wrong with you ? 3/ Disney, please replace these ripped screens with ones that won't tear open the fingers of an 8 year old girl when she runs them over the grates >> That's terrible. I didn't do PhilharMagic this time and haven't noticed that, but I do hope you brought it to someone's attention that will actually do something about it! <<Did EMH the first nite - until 2 AM. -- learned never schedule a character breakfast @ 7:15 Am the next day when you do this... most rides were very short waits except Peter Pans flight that for some reason they issued Fast passes with 1 AM times on them..>> Well, I think anyone who would do a 7:15 breakfast on vacation is nuts to begin with! And Pan always has the longest lines on EMH nights ... but I have seen them use FP on many attractions for it too. <<Also please, for the sake of all that is holy, please bring back wrist bands...having 5 kids with you, and each being asked for their room card on every damn ride is insane for guest and CM 's alike.>> That's completely different from what I experienced. I'd be out with 3-4 people and many times they didn't even check and the others it ALWAYS was one card for the group. I guess Phil Holmes has been reading my threads again! <<Dole whips - still not over rated - yummo>> Did you notice they're about a third smaller now? <<Still wondering why the idiot 3 people in front of me @ bag check thought it was OK to have a 10 blade Swiss Army knife in his bag -- when he protested vehemently - he was escorted away -- >> They were probably just concerned that the great Socialist Healthcare masses were gonna take over the MK and they had to protect the Constitution! ;-) <<Ate at Liberty tree for lunch ( excellent w/o characters) - and Tony's for Dinner ( good) ->> LTT for lunch is always a great choice. <<Did not miss Space Mountain as much as I missed TTA....>> Same here. <<Laugh Floor - seemed funnier this time around than the first time...always helps when they choose audience members who play along>> I gave it two chances prior to this trip. I have no desire to return. It has business existing where it does. <<spent total of 1.5 days in MK -- and maybe because I missed it last year - had a very good time>> Glad to hear it!
Originally Posted By MPierce I definetly believe the old saying, absense makes the heart grow fonder, applies in this case. That, and seeing the Park through the eyes of a newbie. Especially when he's falling in love with WDW. >> MK - Finally got to see HM re do and I wish all things liked this turned out so good- bravo << You have to see HM in person to see how good it really is. Having others tell you about it just isn't the same. It sure let's you know the Imagineers still have it. >> Dole whips - still not over rated - yummo << They get better each year. Even if WDW isn't Hawaii. >> Still wondering why the idiot 3 people in front of me @ bag check thought it was OK to have a 10 blade Swiss Army knife in his bag -- when he protested vehemently - he was escorted away -- << I think idiot sums it up perfectly. >> Did not miss Space Mountain as much as I missed TTA.... << TTA is really one of those gems that make a vacation for me. Funny how you can miss such a simple little ride like that. >> Again, we thought he could be completely bored out of his mind - yet instead he wants to go again next year....great to hear comments from a newbie ( he actually wore a 1st visit button the whole time) << It sounds like he's hooked on WDW like the rest of us. Next thing you know he'll be posting on Disney forums. >> and he was led to the restaurants by someone who was paying - LOL ! << That's kind of like the free DDP you get in September. >> one of my favorite trips ever - I think missing last year had a lot to do with that also-- already working on '10 trip << Glad you had a great time VBDAD.
Originally Posted By danyoung >It has business existing where it does.< I'm guessing you meant to say it (MILF) has NO business existing where it does???
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 ^^Yes. Thanks for helping out, Danny. My mind and fingers aren't always in synch! You Texans are a mighty thoughtful bunch!
Originally Posted By vbdad55 I'd also surmise that being away for a few years and working your arse off of late were much more conducive to putting you in the right mood. This year has been VERY stressful for me and I am sure that played a factor in my having such a great time at WDW last month. I agree - likely was a factor I'm glad you enjoyed yourself, old tiara-wearer. Even if ya STILL owe me a meal at the California Grill! ;-) I sure do - I will be back in June next year - we can plan ahead. For me this trip was one where I wasn't even sure if I was going to get to go right up until a few days before I left. this working stuff is getting old
Originally Posted By vbdad55 <<2 thins about Mickey's Philharmagic okay 3 things 1/ show is still very good 2/ people stop poking holes in the wire mesh where the pie scent comes out- what the hell is wrong with you ? 3/ Disney, please replace these ripped screens with ones that won't tear open the fingers of an 8 year old girl when she runs them over the grates >> That's terrible. I didn't do PhilharMagic this time and haven't noticed that, but I do hope you brought it to someone's attention that will actually do something about it! I filled out some complaint form @ city hall... they need to fix/replace- but the fact is idiots in the audience the ones doing this -- I'd slap them good if I saw them..
Originally Posted By vbdad55 <<Also please, for the sake of all that is holy, please bring back wrist bands...having 5 kids with you, and each being asked for their room card on every damn ride is insane for guest and CM 's alike.>> That's completely different from what I experienced. I'd be out with 3-4 people and many times they didn't even check and the others it ALWAYS was one card for the group. I guess Phil Holmes has been reading my threads again! So I can blame you for this change ?
Originally Posted By vbdad55 <<Dole whips - still not over rated - yummo>> Did you notice they're about a third smaller now? the floats also ? that's what I had each time
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 I'm glad you enjoyed yourself, old tiara-wearer. Even if ya STILL owe me a meal at the California Grill! ;-) <<I sure do - I will be back in June next year - we can plan ahead. For me this trip was one where I wasn't even sure if I was going to get to go right up until a few days before I left. this working stuff is getting old>> Hey, be happy you still have a job. Despite what the CNN/FOX/CNBC spinmeisters say, I think things are getting worse by the day. And we have a nation of ignorant rubes who believe our Prez is gonna kill grandma ... truly astounding! Two more friends of mine recently lost their jobs (one at least gets paid through Dec. 31st, the other gets one week!)
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 That's completely different from what I experienced. I'd be out with 3-4 people and many times they didn't even check and the others it ALWAYS was one card for the group. I guess Phil Holmes has been reading my threads again! <<So I can blame you for this change ? >> You can blame me for everything from global warming to healthcare ... I like being responsible! ;-) But Phil is a regular reader, so I wouldn't doubt anything.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 Did you notice they're about a third smaller now? <<the floats also ? that's what I had each time>> Don't know about that ... I just had the regular soft serve, but I would doubt they left the size of floats the same.
