Trip Report After five years of being spoiled at DLR, WDW is having me return.

Howdy folks.

Thought it might be fun to begin a thread related to my WDW experience which starts in about an hour from now.


I have been visiting WDW on and off over the years since the late 70s, but visited yearly for a good stretch in the early 2000s.
It has been five years since I have been back to Florida, and those that are familiar with my recent postings may recall during those five years I have been enjoying the marvelous delights of the Disneyland Resort in California.

WDW lost me as a Guest back in 2013, right before the full rollout of the FP+ nonsense.
That impending doom I felt of such a concept that this system proposed really turned me off.
Having to 'book' everything from rides to dining months in advance to me would surely suck any feeling of 'vacation' out the experience.
So I turned my back to it all and looked to the West.

DLR embraced me and seriously spoiled me....big time.
The differences in the experience, and the quality of the entertainment kept me coming back.
It was also great to just walk in the front gate and decide on a whim what I felt like doing.
No planning things six months in advance. That is not a vacation to me.
After some truly magical and grand adventures ( see my 'Tony Baxter Tour of Disneyland' thread ) the time has come to return to Florida and see things with different eyes.

Why I am going back to WDW for a week?
Well, having a four day ticket still laying around valid is a good excuse, as is a 'free' flight to Florida.
But the real reason -
Banshees and Navi.

I always told myself once the 'World of Pandora' was open after a year and before 'Galaxy's Edge' crowds descend upon the Resort I would venture forth to experience the new additions.
So I'm looking forward to experiencing all of the new things that have been added in the last five years since I've been frolicking about elsewhere.


So hopefully this thread will provide some interesting insight to those like me who haven't visited in a while and are curious about how things are now.

There will be things I'm sure that will pleasantly surprise me.
I'm sure there may be a few things I'm not overly keen about.
But this will be a positive experience for sure...as I do need a vacation right about now!

And so, onwards we travel.

This week brings -
A stay at the currently being refurbed All Star Movies
Visits to all four Theme Parks, focus on DAK and my old 'home' Epcot
Sunday evening 'Halloween Party' experience (guess who I'm dressing up as...!)
Assorted random dining experiences including 'Kona Cafe', 'Be Our Guest', and 'Tusker House'
Lots of Show and Attraction experiences ( hyper focused )
Disney Springs pass through


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[PacNWTigger]

I'm definitely following along. I know your love for DLR, but I'm curious to hear if WDW sways you once you encounter the Navi.

 

[Figments Friend]

I am a 'Avatar' and Cameron fan in general, and I was excited the moment words started circulating within Disney that this 'World of Pandora' was going to be built.
I've been pro-Pandora since the announcement, and intended to return once a year has gone by post-opening.
I am 'spoiler free' too.....so I have no idea what the actual on ride experience is going to be like, but of course am aware of the basics since I've been following this project.
So I am going in ready and eager...!

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[Minnesota disney fan]

Following along eagerly~
I am planning a trip to DL for next year, and I have never been there. All the glowing reports have swayed me. I am a little scared because I know next to nothing about DL. I will have to check out threads about it. My daughter wants to go the first of June, but I just read that SWGE will open in June, so back to the drawing board.
Can't wait to hear what you think o f WDW now.

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

I'm excited for you! I have enjoyed your insights and observation of Disneyland so I'm looking forward to hearing about your WDW experiences. Have fun!

 

[MinnieM123]

I'm also interested in your thoughts of WDW, since you've been away for some years. It's good to take a break sometimes, and then return later on with new optimism. I bet you'll have a good time.

 

[Figments Friend]

Following along eagerly~
I am planning a trip to DL for next year, and I have never been there. All the glowing reports have swayed me. I am a little scared because I know next to nothing about DL. I will have to check out threads about it. My daughter wants to go the first of June, but I just read that SWGE will open in June, so back to the drawing board.
Can't wait to hear what you think o f WDW now.

I am really happy to hear you are considering Disneyland Resort!
It truly is well worth your time to experience it.
Do have a look to the related threads over in the DLR section to gain some insight and advice into planning your trip.
Feel free to PM me too if you have any immediate curiosities.

 

[Figments Friend]

Well I finally made it here to Orlando....and I have had some 'adventures' already before even being airborn.

I said this was going to be a 'adventure', but I didn't expect it to be so 'involved'.

In a nutshell -
It took six hours for me to get from Boston to Orlando today via JetBlue...on a nonstop flight.
Mind you, it is normally only a two and a half hour flight!
Six hours.
That is what my flight time usually is when flying coast to coast to California!
Crazy irony...that is.

So you know there must be trouble when the airline wheels out the free snack and drink cart....and you are still sitting at the terminal.
Yep.
Actually, that was a nice gesture considering the flight was delayed three hours due to a pilot calling in sick.
Still, it seemed to take forever to get off the ground.
First time having any issues like this getting here...and I've traveled a bit.

But I'm here now...currently sitting in my snazzy freshly refurbed room at All Star Movies.
I didn't think I would like the new rooms...as they look so generic in the photos.
I'm used to the fun look of the old All Star Rooms, where you could read song notes off of curtains and have cool themed bedspreads and carpeting.
That is all gone now....and in its place is basically a room that any inexpensive hotel down the road would offer.
But now that I'm actually here, and getting to examine things more closely, the Standard room I am in is quite nice.
It smells amazing....you can tell It was just refurbed.
Dare I say it smells like fresh teakwood.
I'm over here in Building 7 of 'The Love Bug' on a end cap and I'm digging the mini studio apartment vibe.
The wall decor is rather novel, too, although definitely toned down from the prior incarnations of yore.

I will try to snap some pictures at some point and attempt to upload them here.

For now I need sleep badly.....
It's been a ordeal getting here....after such a smooth start.



Oh....and I couple of quick observations...while fresh on my mind -

I have never remembered Florida tap water tasting good.
Ever.
But tonight, it actually tastes GOOD.
The best I've ever tasted since my first regular ventures here in the early 80s.
I'm drinking it right now, and I'm stunned it tastes like fresh cool water.
It's always been awful 'swamp water'....even before the three years I lived here.
Tonight, it's a pleasant surprise in that it tastes great!
Did WDW start filtering the tap water, or have they improved the water processing?
Am I just delirious from the long haul to get here...?


Magical Express -
The video that now runs for the inbound trip to the Resort on Magical Express is yicky.
Who is the one responsible that decided people want to watch little kids talk about WDW and certain promotional aspects of it..?
Do kids even want to watch that..?
Gah....I know the Parks Blog puts these together now, it was clear after a short viewing, but wow.....I was surprised at how bland it was.
Also,it reeks of marketing being directly targeted to the 'hip, edgy young parent' audience.
There target audience now apparently, next to five year olds.
The previous videos I remember were a lot more engaging for all ages and downright fun ( some may say borderline 'corny' ) but they are missed.
I must have been reminded how wonderful Magic Bands are at least five times during the 45 minute promo.


And speaking of Magic Bands -
Yes, I happily DECLINED mine at the front desk.
The CM was not expecting that, as it's rare anyone asks for just a room key card but I'm the 'troublemaker' who did.
Not a fan nor supporter of the Bands.
Mickey can track everyone else.
There's places he doesn't need to know where i go 'On Property'...!

So i have a cool Disney Cruise Line card to use for my room key.
Anyone wanting to decline, don't be afraid to ask for a card.
They do still have them available as an option but you have to ask for them in person when you check in at the desk.

Also of note -
The option to not have Mousekeeping service during your stay in exchange for a Disney Gift Card is still going on for those curious.
I opted out and received a $60 E-Gift Card which will come in handy over the next few days.




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[me_stitch]

I'm the opposite, did DW a couple times and then went to DL and have no desire to go back, and I live on the west coast. DW is like going to another country, DLR is like going on any other vacation, a hotel in the middle of some city.

 

[MinnieM123]

So you know there must be trouble when the airline wheels out the free snack and drink cart....and you are still sitting at the terminal.

Yah, I'd say that's a red flag. Sorry to hear of your extended flight delay. (Knock on wood, I've always had great luck on the BOS to MCO, Jet Blue direct flights.)

Magical Express -
The video that now runs for the inbound trip to the Resort on Magical Express is yicky.
Who is the one responsible that decided people want to watch little kids talk about WDW and certain promotional aspects of it..?
Do kids even want to watch that..?
Gah....I know the Parks Blog puts these together now, it was clear after a short viewing, but wow.....I was surprised at how bland it was.
Also,it reeks of marketing being directly targeted to the 'hip, edgy young parent' audience.
There target audience now apparently, next to five year olds.
The previous videos I remember were a lot more engaging for all ages and downright fun ( some may say borderline 'corny' ) but they are missed.
I must have been reminded how wonderful Magic Bands are at least five times during the 45 minute promo.

Although I haven't been on a Magic Express bus in quite a while, I used to love the video they'd show on the ride down. This new one sounds awful.

And speaking of Magic Bands -
Yes, I happily DECLINED mine at the front desk.

Let's hear it for plastic cards! I thought I was one of the few left who refused to get a band. (Actually, I always buy my park ticket at my local AAA office up here--I get a discount on the price and they only carry the cards, which is fine by me!)

 

[Rista1313]

I have never remembered Florida tap water tasting good.
Ever.
But tonight, it actually tastes GOOD.

I was surprised too. Everything I'd read up until our trip last May said the water was horrible, and to get a filter or bring bottles, etc. I didn't think it tasted different at all!

 

[Figments Friend]

Quick question for anyone that may have the answer -

On the ride in last night, i passed by Coronando Springs.
What is that HUGE building that is currently being constructed there right in front of it...?
Looks like another larger wing of the exsisting Resort ...or is it another DVC tower..?
It's not for the gondolas...definitely some kind of high rise residence.

I don't remember hearing about this, but I'm not always up to date on hotel construction projects.
I was genuinely shocked to see this, as the height of this new addition right next to the exsisting Resort is so out of proportion.
Reminded me of the eyesore Bay Lake Tower is next to the Contemporary.
Grrr...don't get me started on DV'Cancer of WDW' and that ugly monstrosity...
( grumbles under breath )

So much has been expanded, added, built, and manipulated since I was here five years ago.
Looking forward to the 'good stuff', which begins soon!
Time to get ready to visit one of my fave breakfast spots over at the Polynesian Village.
That $60 Gift Card the Mouse gave me last night will come in handy over the next few days....

I will check in later, with hopefully some photos once I remember how to upload media here.



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[PacNWTigger]

I believe that tower is DVCesque. It could just be another set of rooms though, but there are a few TR's that have been staying at Coronado Springs lately that probably have a better idea of what is going on.

 

[Minnesota disney fan]

Yes, I've heard it is a DVC tower, too. I hope they don't put DVC in every resort!!!!!

 

[TheMouseFan]

I think the Coronado tower will be regular rooms more geared toward the convention crowd. The new tower at Caribbean Beach is definitely DVC.

 

[PacNWTigger]

I think the Coronado tower will be regular rooms more geared toward the convention crowd. The new tower at Caribbean Beach is definitely DVC.

That makes sense to me for them to cater to the convention crowd over there. I still have to make my way over there at some point in time to check it out. It's one of the few hotels I haven't at least visited during my stays.

 

[Figments Friend]

Day One is typically my Magic Kingdom day, so yesterday I spent my time there.
Started off rather nice, but ended up being a mixed bag of conflicting impressions.

First task of the day was to exchange my old WDW ticket for a current ' tap card' ticket.
For those curious, any unused non expiring ticket media can be exchanged at Guest Services outside of the Park turnstiles.
Resort Hotels cannot do this for you, and I'm not sure if Guesf Relations at Disney Springs still does.
But the Parks can, and it's a very easy process.

Once I had exchanged my ticket for a new card, it was time to head to the Polynesian Resort for breakfast at Kona Cafe.
It was about 9:30 in the morning so decided to take the ferry over to the TTC.
The complete opposite of what everyone is usually doing then, so I had the Admiral Joe Fowler ferry oat all to myself.
As I boarded, the Cast welcomed me to my 'private charter' cruise since I was the sole Guest taking the trip!
That was a nice little treat.
I have to admit, I felt like a celebrity Shen the time came to disembark and cross the loading dock with those hundreds of people waiting to take the trip in the other direction.


Once arriving at the Poly, I took in the views of the refurbed version of the lobby.
Last time I was here, the original atrium tropical garden and waterfall was still present.
As sad as I was to see that beautiful element removed, I have to say I like what was done with the space in its place.

Breakfast at Kona is always a great way to start a visit.
Wether enjoying the yummy food or being serenaded by the relaxing music and atmosphere, it's something I have been enjoying the last few times I have

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[Figments Friend]

I have a LOT more to say, but I'm having trouble posting.
Keeps glitching and erasing what I want to post...after spending a good chunk of time typing it out.
This has happened twice now, once late last night and again just now, so I'll just have to wait until I have a better connection.

I'll try again later...as I definitely have some things I want to comment on but will have to hold off for now.

 

[Minnesota disney fan]

I have a LOT more to say, but I'm having trouble posting.
Keeps glitching and erasing what I want to post...after spending a good chunk of time typing it out.
This has happened twice now, once late last night and again just now, so I'll just have to wait until I have a better connection.

I'll try again later...as I definitely have some things I want to comment on but will have to hold off for now.

I had trouble with my computer doing that too. Then it went "Poof and blacked out" and that was the end of my laptop. I now have a new one and it works fine. Hope yours works better soon. Love your reports!

 

[Figments Friend]

Thanks!
Glad you enjoy hearing what I have to say.
Wish I could say a lot more right now....but things are still somewhat glitchy.
I'm using a tablet since I'm traveling, and won't be able to use my laptop to post until next week when I'm back home.
So I will must have to keep my comments short and sweet...to avoid more posting problems.

Yesterday I was trying to post my observations while visiting Magic Kingdom...but couldn't, so I'm going to try again now.

I'll try to keep this short...difficult, as I have a lot to say!
Yesterday was a visit to Magic Kingdom - a mixed experience.

Now from the start, this was not meant to be a 'comparison' thread pitting WDW against Disneyland.
And it won't be...let me just state that now.
I don't like doing 'comparisons' as both Parks and both Properties are completely different entities on the different coasts.
And I love those differences, so this is not the place where I'm going to pit elements against each other.
Ya'all already know how I feel about that.

What I will say is after being very spoiled by my amazing experiences out West, coming back to the Magic Kingdom itself was....interesting yet in some cases conflicting.
I'm seeing it all from a different perspective now, and it's brought some mixed feelings.

Yesterday started off nice, but ended a bit abruptly.
More to come...