Just back from the WL!-Trip report

[mickey-nut]

Hi everyone!

We just got back yesterday from a 1 week stay at the WL! We had a blast! The WL was a great place to stay. The Whispering Caynon Cafe is a riot! Our son's (3 and 5) had the best time here! The CoP and timekeeper were closed ( I heard that they both opened the day we left ) . The MK and Ak were packed but we made the best of it. When visiting the MK and there are 2 Spectromagic parades, go to the last one. We did rides during the 1st one with little waits and when it was time for the 2nd one the park was practically empty, we had our choice of curb seating! Epcot and MGM were much less crowded. We did the Ice cream social in the Land at Epcot and loved it! My kids got to see Mickey , Pluto, Chip and Dale at least 3 times each while we ate the most incredible ice cream sundaes! Well worth the $. Also recommend doing a P.S. in MK at Crystal Palace for breakfast around 8:00am. Since early entry is gone this enables you to be in the park BEFORE it opens to everyone else. We had all of Fantasyland done before 10:30am. The lines in the afternoon in Fantasyland were 60 minute waits! Also, if traveling with little ones, definitely take an afternoon nap!! What a difference a 2 hour break can make. Well, if anyone has any question's let me know. We had such a great trip that we are going to start planning another one for January 2003!

 

[cm1988]

Trip report

Pleased to hear you had such a good time during that busy week. As you said, a 2-hour daily break can really make a difference.

As I'm sure you anticipate, January would be much quieter. Depending on the 'jet stream', days could be cool or (with some luck!) springlike.

Would you go back to WL, try another resort, or stay off-property?

 

[figmentmom]

We just got back, too - we were there from 4/14 - 4/20, and had a GREAT time! You're right, the MK was absolute gridlock, although we used the Fastpass option for Pooh and the Mountains, and saved lots of time there. Some rides had absolutely no wait at all - Small World, TTA, Pirates of the Caribbean - and others were, of course, deserted during the evening parades - Peter Pan, even Pooh once! EPCOT was MUCH less crowded, and we used the "single rider" option for Test Track - no wait at all. In lots of ways, this was one of our best trips; although I'd give anything to have that "first-time magic" again, it really does help to know your way around thoroughly, and know in advance what you want to see and do, especially at packed times of the year. We saw TONS of first-timers standing aorund scratching their heads over the guidemap...it pays to do your homework in advance. As many times as I've seen the paades and fireworks, their magic never wears thin.

On another note, the Disney employees seemed a lot friendlier and anxious to help than they did last year. Bag searches at both the MK and EPCOT were handled courteously - it's all a formality, anyway, just in case someone sues - and all in all, things seemed less stressed and more fun than I had anticipated.

Can't wait to go back this summer!

 

[Goofalicious]

It's good to hear you had a great time! Was this your first time to Disney World? Well, anyways, I'll be going back in '03, or we might take our first trip out to Disney Land! I'm so excited!

 

[mickey-nut]

Re: Trip report

Originally posted by cm1988
Pleased to hear you had such a good time during that busy week. As you said, a 2-hour daily break can really make a difference.

As I'm sure you anticipate, January would be much quieter. Depending on the 'jet stream', days could be cool or (with some luck!) springlike.

Would you go back to WL, try another resort, or stay off-property?

We would definitely go back to the WL but next time I think I would like to try either a villa or concierge level. Our standard room was very small. 1 queen size bed and 1 set of bunk beds. I still have bruises on my legs from hitting the bed post. We have always stayed on property (92 Port Orleans, 96 GF, 99 Poly) and will continue to do so. The little touches are great. Our maid everyday made animals out of our towels and washcloths. My kids couldn't wait to see what she would do next. It is also easier if you have small children to be close to the MK so that you can hop back for afternoon breaks. Our next trip though might be the Contemporary, my sons loved how the monorail went thru it. I'm giving myself some time to recoupe and then I will plan the next trip!

 

[mickey-nut]

Originally posted by Goofalicious
It's good to hear you had a great time! Was this your first time to Disney World? Well, anyways, I'll be going back in '03, or we might take our first trip out to Disney Land! I'm so excited!

I have been going to WDW since 1972 (I was 4). This was my 10th trip, my husbands 3rd, my oldests son 2nd, and my little guy's 1st. My husband & I were just talking about perhaps in a couple of years taking a trip to Calif. and doing Disneyland. I have never been to DL and would love to check it out!

 

[leeocean]

Glad to hear you loved the WL as much as I did!

 

[hayuk]

Hey Mickey-nut, I feel your pain, literally. I broke my little toe on the bedposts at WL when we were there in November. I also agree that the rooms were small for a deluxe. I still love the place though and would go back in a second. I'd just be more careful walking around the room:lol:

 

[cm1988]

Re: Re: Trip report

Originally posted by mickey-nut
...easier if you have small children to be close to the MK so that you can hop back for afternoon breaks. Our next trip though might be the Contemporary...

Rooms at the Contemporary are as large as the Polynesian, the largest (other than a suite or villa) at WDW. There, of course you have the monorail or a short walk over to the Magic Kingdom.

You may have seen posts on other threads that favor Wilderness Lodge over the Contemporary wings. I take exception... would always stay at the Contemporary, but visit the Wilderness Lodge at least once to enjoy a dinner at Artist's Point.

But it seems you've been to WDW enough to have made all those observations and decisions, so I'll just say thanks again for the trip report, and I hope the photos turned out as well as the memories!

 

[Goofalicious]

Originally posted by mickey-nut


I have been going to WDW since 1972 (I was 4). This was my 10th trip, my husbands 3rd, my oldests son 2nd, and my little guy's 1st. My husband & I were just talking about perhaps in a couple of years taking a trip to Calif. and doing Disneyland. I have never been to DL and would love to check it out!

My parents took me for the first time in 1987, I was 3. I went every year at Easter Time, side for two years, we decided to go to Panama City Beach, and then this past Christmas. Next year will be my first time out to California, and what better way to spend it then to go to Disneyland!! I hope it works out for you to go to DL in the upcoming years...It'll really be neat! I can hardly wait!