Hello all! My DW and I just returned from a glorious one week trip to DW. We went from 9/13-9/20. Here's some quick reviews:
Resorts - We rented points from a DVC member (this enables us to be considered DVC members, perks wise, during our stay)
Bay Lake Tower from 9/13-9/17 - BLT is beautiful! Monorail access was great. The DVC members only lounge is strictly enforced. You have to be escorted up there after you show your room key indicating you're a member. We saw the MNSSHP fireworks from the lounge balcony. Truly, one of THE BEST spots in all of DW to see this. And they piped the music in and it was nice and loud! Also, our Lake View room allowed a perfect view of the nightly Electric Water Pagaent. We rented a studio btw.
Boardwalk Villas from 9/17-9/20 - Again we rented a studio. I've always loved the Boardwalk villas. Walking to Epcot and MGM is so convenient, and that back entrance into World Showcase is the best! The biggest difference here is that it tends to be much quieter since everything is spread out. BLT and Contemporary "feels" much busier.
FOOD
We did not purchase the dining plan.
Overall, I thought the food was very good. I've been going to DW for 27 years (since I was 5) and it seemed pretty much the same as always. I don't think free dining made any difference other than filet mignon missing from many of the menus. Although, Teppan Edo DID have filet available.
The biggest dissapointment with the food was the bacon. About four months ago, DW decided to change their bacon from the fresh and delicious thick slices they used to use, to something that looks like it came out of a can. It isn't good, and they serve the same crap EVERYWHERE. I really hope they decide to switch back someday because I loved the bacon they used to serve. Oddly enough, the sausage and ham haven't changed from what I can tell. I LOVED the ham that came with my tonga toast.
My favorite meals were at Ohana (yes, despite the bad reviews, it was fanastic), Kona for breakfast, California Grill, and Teppan Edo. My favorite CS was Peco's Bills. Man, what a good burger!! And that toppings bar rocks!
Now regarding Ohana, this was our first time. I overheard another table asking if the chef tonight is TJ. The CM answered yes, and that TJ is the best chef they have. So perhaps it all depends on who's in the kitchen? Really, I can't think of one negative thing to say about this place.
CROWDS
It felt crowded the first part of the week. Don't know how else to describe it. Monorails were crowded, buses were crowded, restaurants were crowded, parks were crowded. The only thing that wasn't crowded were the lines for the rides. It was really bizarre. There were people EVERYWHERE it seemed in the MK when we went on Monday. But the lines weren't bad at all. Anything from a walk on to 15 minute wait. I've never experienced anything like this. What were all these people doing??
The second part of the week seemed to ease up a bit with the crowds. Epcot was wonderful the last few days we were there.
CM's
Overwhelmingly, the CM's were great! Helpful, funny and curteous, same as I've always experienced.
Overall it was a fabulous trip and can't wait to go back!
Feel free to ask specific questions!
Resorts - We rented points from a DVC member (this enables us to be considered DVC members, perks wise, during our stay)
Bay Lake Tower from 9/13-9/17 - BLT is beautiful! Monorail access was great. The DVC members only lounge is strictly enforced. You have to be escorted up there after you show your room key indicating you're a member. We saw the MNSSHP fireworks from the lounge balcony. Truly, one of THE BEST spots in all of DW to see this. And they piped the music in and it was nice and loud! Also, our Lake View room allowed a perfect view of the nightly Electric Water Pagaent. We rented a studio btw.
Boardwalk Villas from 9/17-9/20 - Again we rented a studio. I've always loved the Boardwalk villas. Walking to Epcot and MGM is so convenient, and that back entrance into World Showcase is the best! The biggest difference here is that it tends to be much quieter since everything is spread out. BLT and Contemporary "feels" much busier.
FOOD
We did not purchase the dining plan.
Overall, I thought the food was very good. I've been going to DW for 27 years (since I was 5) and it seemed pretty much the same as always. I don't think free dining made any difference other than filet mignon missing from many of the menus. Although, Teppan Edo DID have filet available.
The biggest dissapointment with the food was the bacon. About four months ago, DW decided to change their bacon from the fresh and delicious thick slices they used to use, to something that looks like it came out of a can. It isn't good, and they serve the same crap EVERYWHERE. I really hope they decide to switch back someday because I loved the bacon they used to serve. Oddly enough, the sausage and ham haven't changed from what I can tell. I LOVED the ham that came with my tonga toast.
My favorite meals were at Ohana (yes, despite the bad reviews, it was fanastic), Kona for breakfast, California Grill, and Teppan Edo. My favorite CS was Peco's Bills. Man, what a good burger!! And that toppings bar rocks!
Now regarding Ohana, this was our first time. I overheard another table asking if the chef tonight is TJ. The CM answered yes, and that TJ is the best chef they have. So perhaps it all depends on who's in the kitchen? Really, I can't think of one negative thing to say about this place.
CROWDS
It felt crowded the first part of the week. Don't know how else to describe it. Monorails were crowded, buses were crowded, restaurants were crowded, parks were crowded. The only thing that wasn't crowded were the lines for the rides. It was really bizarre. There were people EVERYWHERE it seemed in the MK when we went on Monday. But the lines weren't bad at all. Anything from a walk on to 15 minute wait. I've never experienced anything like this. What were all these people doing??
The second part of the week seemed to ease up a bit with the crowds. Epcot was wonderful the last few days we were there.
CM's
Overwhelmingly, the CM's were great! Helpful, funny and curteous, same as I've always experienced.
Overall it was a fabulous trip and can't wait to go back!
Feel free to ask specific questions!
