"Now It's Time to Say Good-bye"

I debated about whether to do a full-blown trip report, and finally decided to just do a quick comment or two about our experiences this past week in Florida. Here goes:
Players: Myself, DH, DD (16), and DS (11). Our last trip to WDW was 2009, so it's been four years since we traipsed all over the world. DS, in particular, I am happy to say was able to wait stand-by and do the regular fastpass thing without needing the GAC (he has autism, for those who don't know). That is a HUGE accomplishment for him.
This was our first trip staying off property, and I have no idea why we didn't do this sooner. We rented a three bedroom townhouse in Windsor Hills, which was just a short drive away. It was so nice to come back there every evening and decompress in plenty of space, with a patio pool as a bonus. Weather-wise, this past week was just BEYOND Florida hot in my opinion. The humidity was out of sight, which really killed our energy by early afternoon every day. This was one of the downsides of the trip, as we had toyed with going back and trying for an evening at MK, but we were either too drained from the day's adventures, or it was storming.
Perks of this trip:
~My daughter and I did the afternoon tea at the Grand Floridian on day 3 of our trip, and it was amazing! We both had the grand tea, subbing sparking apple cider for anything alcoholic, and each got to pick our own brand of tea, plus tea sandwiches, scones, and pastries.
~My son scored the highest possible score in Buzz Lightyear and blew all of us out of the water with that one
~Had a lovely lunch at Epcot's Chefs de France and saw Remy come by. He was escorted by 'Armand', who used to work at the Adventurer's Club (which, unfortunately, I only got to experience through youtube videos). But I do recall him singing the lovely ditty 'Poisoning Pigeons in the Park' via youtube LOL
~Really, REALLY loved the safari at AK without the Red storyline. Our driver even stopped the truck as we went through so we could get some great pictures. Also enjoyed seeing the Nemo musical at AK again.
~Had a great day at downtown Disney as a break from the parks and even scored a walk-up reservation to T.Rex: since my son loves dinos, that was a major win.
~Even though we had to do stand-by at Toy Story Mania, the queue moved fairly steady and there was lots to look at while we waited. Also got to do Muppets (if the rumors turn out to be true and they remove this, I will NOT be happy), and DD and I rode the revised Star Tours, which we LOVED even more. This was the last day of our trip and the weather was much better.
Next post will be the downsides of our trip...

 

[PotteryGal]

Downsides:
~Already mentioned the weather: lots of rain, and MAJOR humidity. It seemed particularly intense, even for June. While DD and I had a great tea, we got caught in a deluge, without ponchos unfortunately, before our reservations and ended up being 10 minutes late I had to make a quick stop at the Contemporary's sundry shop and buy a brush to help with our drenched hair - def. looked like a pair of drowned rats. Not fun.
~CROWDS. Oh my word, I have never seen so many people in the MK in my life. Even Stitch was commanding a 50+ minute wait. There were things we had to give up on experiencing because of the crowds, and the time of day we were there: Splash, BTMRR, Haunted Mansion, and Jungle Cruise. There was even a flippin' line for the Dole Whips, so I missed out on that! Be Our Guest restaurant for lunch? Ha! 90 minute wait by 10:30. Just. ABSURD. And all the battering rams, I'm sorry, I meant STROLLERS going every which way. I think every family reunion picked that week to be at WDW.
~The fact that at 9:05 a.m., the FP returns for TSMM were at 12-1 p.m. and there was a 45 minute wait in stand-by just proves that the Studios needs more attractions to draw the crowds out more evenly in the park.
~Signage at the entrance to the parks was not very clear, as they start phasing in their nextgen stuff. We very often weren't sure which line we needed to be in, until we almost got to the front ~ again, due to the sheer amount of people.

Truthfully, the reason for the title of this report is simple. We won't be going back. We got to do some favorite things and enjoy our time together, which is what vacation is for us. However, we are just over the long drive, the Florida heat, and trying to find that enjoyment in the midst of being packed in like sardines with thousands of strangers. My husband and I agree we just want a more laid-back approach for any future vacations. Our daughter goes to college in a couple of years, and that will dominate our lives, as well as our son's increasing needs and where he will go education wise over the next few years. So, for dedicated WDW vacationers, rejoice! There will be four less people in your way....

 

[smk]

I have been once in June and swore off going again in the summer. We have enjoyed the fall trips and now have a grandson with a November birthday (14th) that falls just before Thanksgiving crowds start to pile in, so we may switch our fall dates and go in November when we go back. I hear you about the heat and humdity, it can be a total energy zapper! Now that your children are getting older perhaps a fall trip will appeal to you? Taking a break will help you tho, you will know when and if you can forever swear off WDW. I know I can't.

 

[bethymouse]

My goodness my Disney friend! I definitely felt your pain! We will be taking a break from WDW and trying Disneyland perhaps next year or 2015. I love Disney too much to say goodbye forever! We will eventually be able to return to WDW when the newer rumored attractions get built. We won't be doing June, July, or August ever again though! This past trip, the crowds were heavier than at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter combined it seems!
Post pics soon if you can. Looking forward to seeing them.