We just got back from 5 days in the world. We had the best Disney experience in years, and were delighted with many things at the resort. We always notice a few things that concern us too.
The MK was in absolutely beautiful shape. We rode Splash, and everything was working other than the "on and off" hopping Brer Rabbit. All of the other animatronics were great.
COP was running and nearly perfect. We sat in a completely remodeled theater. Sound was clear. Please just keep the darn thing. It's a family favorite.
EE was awesome! After reading these boards for months with everyone's opinions we weren't sure what to expect. A huge "thumbs from all of us"! The YETI was working in all of it's glory.
Nemo was very cute and very fun. A nice addition. The Living Seas was quite crowded on a very lightly attended Epcot day. We moved with a huge crowd of people at open from Soarin' to The Seas.
Most of the stores in Canada are closed for refurb. I asked a Cast Member about it, and she said that they have been closed since June, and that they don't really know of anyone else going in there. They have been told to mention "refurb" vs. "Closure", but they think it's the latter. Interesting.
We noticed quite a reduction in the variety and quality of merchandise at some of the pavillions. In addition to Canada, we noticed a trend toward tacky "toy like" stuff at the UK, France, and Norway. Japan, Morraco, Mexico, China, and Italy seemed to still be stocked with interesting and creative merch tho. I wonder if Disney is having trouble maintaining some of these stores. I had a "Disney Store Deja-vu" kind of feeling in some of those shops..........and it had me plenty worried.
There was no music playing for much of the day in the WS. That's the first time I can ever remember that. A little weird.
Illuminations, however, was the best that I have seen in a long time.
Fantasmic was working great, with several elements that we haven't seen in the past couple of years. We saw a really good show.
Pirates looks great! The additions were just right, and it made an older attraction seem really new and fresh. Excellent Job Disney.
Hallowishes was a great change. Lots of fun.
We also rode the Great Movie Ride, and they had both full trains running (Last year they only had one, and they experienced both western and gangster scenes), and it was run in the original format. Our tour guide, Jo, was the best I have seen in years, and took the time to point out several Hidden Mickeys on the ride. She got an ovation at the end.
A great week! I am really worried about the state of the World Showcase though. I wonder what is going on?
The MK was in absolutely beautiful shape. We rode Splash, and everything was working other than the "on and off" hopping Brer Rabbit. All of the other animatronics were great.
COP was running and nearly perfect. We sat in a completely remodeled theater. Sound was clear. Please just keep the darn thing. It's a family favorite.
EE was awesome! After reading these boards for months with everyone's opinions we weren't sure what to expect. A huge "thumbs from all of us"! The YETI was working in all of it's glory.
Nemo was very cute and very fun. A nice addition. The Living Seas was quite crowded on a very lightly attended Epcot day. We moved with a huge crowd of people at open from Soarin' to The Seas.
Most of the stores in Canada are closed for refurb. I asked a Cast Member about it, and she said that they have been closed since June, and that they don't really know of anyone else going in there. They have been told to mention "refurb" vs. "Closure", but they think it's the latter. Interesting.
We noticed quite a reduction in the variety and quality of merchandise at some of the pavillions. In addition to Canada, we noticed a trend toward tacky "toy like" stuff at the UK, France, and Norway. Japan, Morraco, Mexico, China, and Italy seemed to still be stocked with interesting and creative merch tho. I wonder if Disney is having trouble maintaining some of these stores. I had a "Disney Store Deja-vu" kind of feeling in some of those shops..........and it had me plenty worried.
There was no music playing for much of the day in the WS. That's the first time I can ever remember that. A little weird.
Illuminations, however, was the best that I have seen in a long time.
Fantasmic was working great, with several elements that we haven't seen in the past couple of years. We saw a really good show.
Pirates looks great! The additions were just right, and it made an older attraction seem really new and fresh. Excellent Job Disney.
Hallowishes was a great change. Lots of fun.
We also rode the Great Movie Ride, and they had both full trains running (Last year they only had one, and they experienced both western and gangster scenes), and it was run in the original format. Our tour guide, Jo, was the best I have seen in years, and took the time to point out several Hidden Mickeys on the ride. She got an ovation at the end.
A great week! I am really worried about the state of the World Showcase though. I wonder what is going on?
