I just got back from Disney on Saturday and we had a great time. I could not believe how crowded Disney was for October.
We stayed at the Port Orleans Riverside (a.ka. Lizardside) Resort. Riverside is a large resort, larger than what I was expecting. We stayed at the Acadian section and Riverside Mill food court was at least a ten minute walk. The walk to the North Deport was at least 5 minutes. The beds were very comfortable, plus the room was spacious. The only negative was that a flushing toilet could be heard through the walls. The bus service was impeccable and reliable.
The Magic Kingdom was the busiest park among the four. At one time, Splash Mountain stand by wait time was 2 hours.
The refurbishment of a Small World was well done. The lighting is brighter, the sound is clearer and animatronics is smooth. COP was operating and I rode it. Sadly, Timekeeper was closed. I hope to see Timekeeper before Disney turns the area into a meet and greet and/or Pooh Playground.
The Stitch ride...some parts were funny and some parts were boring. I think Disney could have done something more and better.
At EPCOT, the Food and Wine Festival was well done. I saw a chef make some bbq dish and got the recipe for it. Plus, I participated in a FREE Sam Adams beer seminar.
Soarin...wow...this is a ride I believe Walt would be proud of. The first time I rode the ride I was blown away. In fact, after the ride everybody clapped. I do not want to get to descriptive because I do not want to ruin the experience for first time riders.
MGM....the Backlot tour has becomed a joke because the tour involves rusty cars, a sewing department and a worn out truck accident. This needs to be revamped or scrapped. I was happy to see One Man's Dream again.
The Beauty and Beast show was not that good. Four for a Dollar was a lot better. At the show I saw Belle was whacked hard by a prop and ran off stage. A new Belle had to finished the play. Sadly, the songs were sung to fast and the actors seemed to be off cue.
At the Animal Kingdom, Everest looks great and will be a lot of fun to ride. The bus driver said that Everets will go 70 mph forwards and backwards.
I will note on a few restuarants I ate at for people who want an honest opinion.
1. The Hoop Dee Doo Review was a fantastic show. The food was great but the chicken was a little salty. The blond in the show was nuts and the actress nailed the part to a tee. Her and Six Pence received the most laughs. Importantly, Disney Transportation is now providing bus service back to the resorts instead of a guest going to Downtown for a transfer after the show. This show was well worth the price.
2. Le Cellier was good but pricey. If you want a romantic dinner for two, this is the place. The best part of the meal was the pretzel stick and cheddar cheese soup.
3. Rose Crown and Pub was a great place. My wife who does not like fish stated that the fish there was very good and not greasy. I had the cottage pie which was delicious. It was like mom's meatloaf, mash potatoes and veggies all in one dish.
4. Marrakesh was great place to eat due to the atmosphere and the great food. The belly dancer and the music being played added more enjoyment to the dining experience. The Moroccan bread that is served warm is a meal all to itself.
5. Tusker House is a great place in the Animal Kingdom for lunch. Good portions for the price. The Noodle Station in the Magic Kingdom also falls into this category.
6. Mama Melrose is the best value for your buck. For $30, you get a salad, flatbread (pizza), entree, and desert. When you see the individual price for one, this is a value. If you like Italian (sp) this is the place to go in MGM. Plus, you get a voucher to see Fantasmic.
7. The Liberty Tree Tavern for dinner with character running around was alot of fun. All the characaters interacted with me and Qwerty. In fact, Chip stole my bread at the table. If you have a family, this is the place to go for dinner because the meal is family style with a Thanksgiving flare (turkey, ham, roast beef, mac and cheese etc.) and the kids will meet the Minnie, Chip and Dale, Goofy and Pluto.
All in all, we had a great time and the week went too fast. I will be posting some pictures of our trip later on in the week.
We stayed at the Port Orleans Riverside (a.ka. Lizardside) Resort. Riverside is a large resort, larger than what I was expecting. We stayed at the Acadian section and Riverside Mill food court was at least a ten minute walk. The walk to the North Deport was at least 5 minutes. The beds were very comfortable, plus the room was spacious. The only negative was that a flushing toilet could be heard through the walls. The bus service was impeccable and reliable.
The Magic Kingdom was the busiest park among the four. At one time, Splash Mountain stand by wait time was 2 hours.
The refurbishment of a Small World was well done. The lighting is brighter, the sound is clearer and animatronics is smooth. COP was operating and I rode it. Sadly, Timekeeper was closed. I hope to see Timekeeper before Disney turns the area into a meet and greet and/or Pooh Playground.
The Stitch ride...some parts were funny and some parts were boring. I think Disney could have done something more and better.
At EPCOT, the Food and Wine Festival was well done. I saw a chef make some bbq dish and got the recipe for it. Plus, I participated in a FREE Sam Adams beer seminar.
Soarin...wow...this is a ride I believe Walt would be proud of. The first time I rode the ride I was blown away. In fact, after the ride everybody clapped. I do not want to get to descriptive because I do not want to ruin the experience for first time riders.
MGM....the Backlot tour has becomed a joke because the tour involves rusty cars, a sewing department and a worn out truck accident. This needs to be revamped or scrapped. I was happy to see One Man's Dream again.
The Beauty and Beast show was not that good. Four for a Dollar was a lot better. At the show I saw Belle was whacked hard by a prop and ran off stage. A new Belle had to finished the play. Sadly, the songs were sung to fast and the actors seemed to be off cue.
At the Animal Kingdom, Everest looks great and will be a lot of fun to ride. The bus driver said that Everets will go 70 mph forwards and backwards.
I will note on a few restuarants I ate at for people who want an honest opinion.
1. The Hoop Dee Doo Review was a fantastic show. The food was great but the chicken was a little salty. The blond in the show was nuts and the actress nailed the part to a tee. Her and Six Pence received the most laughs. Importantly, Disney Transportation is now providing bus service back to the resorts instead of a guest going to Downtown for a transfer after the show. This show was well worth the price.
2. Le Cellier was good but pricey. If you want a romantic dinner for two, this is the place. The best part of the meal was the pretzel stick and cheddar cheese soup.
3. Rose Crown and Pub was a great place. My wife who does not like fish stated that the fish there was very good and not greasy. I had the cottage pie which was delicious. It was like mom's meatloaf, mash potatoes and veggies all in one dish.
4. Marrakesh was great place to eat due to the atmosphere and the great food. The belly dancer and the music being played added more enjoyment to the dining experience. The Moroccan bread that is served warm is a meal all to itself.
5. Tusker House is a great place in the Animal Kingdom for lunch. Good portions for the price. The Noodle Station in the Magic Kingdom also falls into this category.
6. Mama Melrose is the best value for your buck. For $30, you get a salad, flatbread (pizza), entree, and desert. When you see the individual price for one, this is a value. If you like Italian (sp) this is the place to go in MGM. Plus, you get a voucher to see Fantasmic.
7. The Liberty Tree Tavern for dinner with character running around was alot of fun. All the characaters interacted with me and Qwerty. In fact, Chip stole my bread at the table. If you have a family, this is the place to go for dinner because the meal is family style with a Thanksgiving flare (turkey, ham, roast beef, mac and cheese etc.) and the kids will meet the Minnie, Chip and Dale, Goofy and Pluto.
All in all, we had a great time and the week went too fast. I will be posting some pictures of our trip later on in the week.
