We just got home this past Sunday (was supposed to be Saturday but because of the issues in Chicago, our flight got screwed up so we ended up coming home on Sunday). I'm prepping a trip report but I wanted to share a few observations.
In general, I believe FP+ is creating longer stand by lines. Many people have said this but I haven't been there since FP+ began so I was waiting to have my own opinion after experiencing it and I agree with those that have said this. Attractions that never have had lines now have lines and the ones that used to have moderate wait times (i.e. Haunted Mansion) now have much, much longer waits than usual. It is what it is and really doesn't bother me....just an observation.
CM overall were incredible....better than almost any trip I've been on. We had one photopass person who was a schmuck and one bus driver who seemed utterly miserable but other than that......excellent job.
First trip to Typhoon Lagoon and unfortunately it rained most of the time we were there but it's pretty fun in the rain. If you get an opportunity to do it....try it. We did leave once the thunder and and lightning arrived though...lol The one place we ate lunch there though had some pretty horrendous service but we were hungry so....
MK
* The walls around the hub creates a pretty fair amount of congestion.....not quite the amount that used to be around SDMT but still a good amount. I don't mind walls being up b/c I understand it's part of the deal when going during "off" season. so to me it wasn't a big deal. The one thing I noticed is CM are really trying to do their best with crowd flow during parades, fireworks, etc... but some people are just so uncooperative/ignorant so they can only do so much.
* Astro Orbiter was being tested the last day we were there and while the planets don't spin, it looked spectacular IMO.
* I thought Splash looked excellent.
* Having a JC skipper who ad-libs really enhances the ride.
* Thought the park looked great....even through the rain drops.
EPCOT
* F&W festival sign at entrance is pretty cool. I liked the incorporation of the silverware (gave it a BatB touch).
* While Soarin's film does need to be replaced, it actually looked a lot better than my last trip (Feb 13).
* The F&W booths seemed to be way more hectic and disorganized than in past years.
* The macaroons with Pumpkin spice ice cream in France are worth the flight to WDW....to get that and leave! LOL
* Saw the 2nd to last show for the World Showcase players on the 25th and there were some alumni from the show sitting next to us and it was an awesome show. The ones next to us heckled them a little and added to the show. Lots of fun and sad they're leaving.
* SSE looked great....lots of burning Rome smell.
DHS
* Definitely Frozen frieking everywhere....lol
* The Frozen stage in front of the hat is annoying....
* The server we had at 50's "read the script" all night and was so incredibly boring.....disappointing.
* Thought Fantasmic! looks as good as it has in years......mostly the lighting. Also learned that if there are 2 shows on the day we are there....go to the 2nd show. Sooooo many less people.
* Being from NY, seeing the ice in Wandering Oaken's trading post reminded us we are only 2-3 months from real snow....kind of depressing. Watching kids play in the snow/ice who have never seen it was pretty cool though.
AK
* The walls around the tree area and the other areas really takes away from the park. Like I said, I don't normally care about them but in AK it hurts a park that's hurting anyways. There's long term hope so....
* EE looked really, really good IMO. Every effect but full Yeti was working including the steam!
* Went to play a couple of games in Dinoland b/c my kids wanted to take a short break (the sun was out and it was really hot)....damn they are expensive! $4 per game per person is ridiculous. I'm not one to complain about WDW prices ever but that is quite possibly the most obscenely priced thing on property...lol
DTD
* We had dinner @ House of Blues one night and it was really goo. Biggest issue is since there is only one bus stop, they should allow you to rent a helicopter to get to the West Side.....with the walls it felt like it took a month to walk there.
In general, I believe FP+ is creating longer stand by lines. Many people have said this but I haven't been there since FP+ began so I was waiting to have my own opinion after experiencing it and I agree with those that have said this. Attractions that never have had lines now have lines and the ones that used to have moderate wait times (i.e. Haunted Mansion) now have much, much longer waits than usual. It is what it is and really doesn't bother me....just an observation.
CM overall were incredible....better than almost any trip I've been on. We had one photopass person who was a schmuck and one bus driver who seemed utterly miserable but other than that......excellent job.
First trip to Typhoon Lagoon and unfortunately it rained most of the time we were there but it's pretty fun in the rain. If you get an opportunity to do it....try it. We did leave once the thunder and and lightning arrived though...lol The one place we ate lunch there though had some pretty horrendous service but we were hungry so....
MK
* The walls around the hub creates a pretty fair amount of congestion.....not quite the amount that used to be around SDMT but still a good amount. I don't mind walls being up b/c I understand it's part of the deal when going during "off" season. so to me it wasn't a big deal. The one thing I noticed is CM are really trying to do their best with crowd flow during parades, fireworks, etc... but some people are just so uncooperative/ignorant so they can only do so much.
* Astro Orbiter was being tested the last day we were there and while the planets don't spin, it looked spectacular IMO.
* I thought Splash looked excellent.
* Having a JC skipper who ad-libs really enhances the ride.
* Thought the park looked great....even through the rain drops.
EPCOT
* F&W festival sign at entrance is pretty cool. I liked the incorporation of the silverware (gave it a BatB touch).
* While Soarin's film does need to be replaced, it actually looked a lot better than my last trip (Feb 13).
* The F&W booths seemed to be way more hectic and disorganized than in past years.
* The macaroons with Pumpkin spice ice cream in France are worth the flight to WDW....to get that and leave! LOL
* Saw the 2nd to last show for the World Showcase players on the 25th and there were some alumni from the show sitting next to us and it was an awesome show. The ones next to us heckled them a little and added to the show. Lots of fun and sad they're leaving.
* SSE looked great....lots of burning Rome smell.
DHS
* Definitely Frozen frieking everywhere....lol
* The Frozen stage in front of the hat is annoying....
* The server we had at 50's "read the script" all night and was so incredibly boring.....disappointing.
* Thought Fantasmic! looks as good as it has in years......mostly the lighting. Also learned that if there are 2 shows on the day we are there....go to the 2nd show. Sooooo many less people.
* Being from NY, seeing the ice in Wandering Oaken's trading post reminded us we are only 2-3 months from real snow....kind of depressing. Watching kids play in the snow/ice who have never seen it was pretty cool though.
AK
* The walls around the tree area and the other areas really takes away from the park. Like I said, I don't normally care about them but in AK it hurts a park that's hurting anyways. There's long term hope so....
* EE looked really, really good IMO. Every effect but full Yeti was working including the steam!
* Went to play a couple of games in Dinoland b/c my kids wanted to take a short break (the sun was out and it was really hot)....damn they are expensive! $4 per game per person is ridiculous. I'm not one to complain about WDW prices ever but that is quite possibly the most obscenely priced thing on property...lol
DTD
* We had dinner @ House of Blues one night and it was really goo. Biggest issue is since there is only one bus stop, they should allow you to rent a helicopter to get to the West Side.....with the walls it felt like it took a month to walk there.
