Perhaps this could go under Trip Reports but I thought I would like to stick in this forum as I thought maybe many of you might have comments. We just came back from 9 nights at the cabins in FW and had a great time. Several things I noticed or wanted to comment on:
- They are totally re-doing the cabins at FW (ours was not yet renovated). I managed to speak to a Disney project manager and he quickly gave me a run down of what is happening:
- they are changing the double bed in the back room to a queen (thank goodness)
- they are totally redoing the washrooms with new counters, finishes, tub wraps etc
- they are completely redoing the kitchen with all new cabinets, counters and appliances
- they are removing the murphy bed in the front wall and converting that alcove into an entertainment centre for the TV etc and then of course allowing them to remove the existing TV corner unit
- replacing the couch with a new pull out sleeper
- re-upholstering the bench by the kitchen table
- I THINK they are putting in an extra sitting chair in the living room area
- all new flooring throughout
- all new deck
- replacement of exterior "logs" that need replacement
- there may have been a few more details but I had to run and catch my bus
- FW is also getting a new guard shack- nothing too exciting but there is a new shack being being built immediately beside the existing one. A little bigger...not sure if it is replacing what is there or is just in addition to to. Thought I would mention it only because we love FW and it's nice to see it getting some love
- Some people cannot drive- even on the Tomorrowland Speedway. We didn't ride it but we came out of SM and saw a younger woman (maybe 35?) driving her car at a snail's pace (yes even slower than the cars go now) and was actually causing a traffic jam! It was pretty funny! We should have stayed around to see how bad it would get but when we left there was 4-5 cars backed up already. She didn't seem to realize that she is on a track and was desperately trying to control the car with no visible success. Would have hated to be the guy behind her!
- You can't fix stupid- while eating lunch at AK at the Flame Tree BBQ (first time eating there BTW and it was awesome), saw a guy smoking what looked like a homemade cigarette and toss the butt into the lake when done. What an idiot!
- Work is really moving along for the new Rivers of Light Show at AK- watched the guys working while eating lunch. Lots of concrete bleachers built already and things look to be picking up steam. That is exciting to see.
- They are doing something with the glass at both ends of the Contemporary- I failed to ask a CM and I don't see anything online but they had set up scaffolding inside with a plastic tarp barrier and a swing stage on the outside. Maybe just cleaning but it looked like more than that. Anyone know of anything?
- I really like the new Polynesian Village Resort lobby- we went on a few occasions and our entire family really liked the changes. It is nice and open and there is some great seating. I would agree that the centre piece "tiki god" and waterfall is probably too small for the space but we really like the open feel and the ability to look out the back glass. Just personal taste I guess.
- I didn't realize you have to pay for parking at the Dolphin- I guess I forgot these are Starwood operated hotels and we were shocked at the $18 parking price we would have had to pay to go for dinner. We opted to go elsewhere. We could have parked at the Boardwalk and walked over but we were tired of the heat at that point. Did I miss something on this or do you really need to pay to park there? Just wondering.
- The new parking garage at Disney Springs looks incredible- coming from an industrial/commercial construction background I was impressed by this building. We didn't park there but I forced my family to walk around a bit. Very nice clean construction that looks great as far as I was concerned. Nice job Disney!
- We "discovered" the boat ride from POFQ to Downtown Disney- loved this little boat ride. Very relaxing and somewhat scenic. Silly little thing but just had never used it before.
- We "discovered" there is bus transportation from FW to the MK- starting at 3:30 each day there is a bus that runs from the Settlement to the WL then to the MK. Much quicker then the boat (as you usually end up waiting forever for a boat). It was a very nice little discovery and lightly used by others! Maybe I shouldn't have posted that here- now it might become a hugely popular option. Crap...
- The weather at Disney and Southern Ontario are the same- we boiled to death while there however we noticed at home that the temperature was about the same! We got home and as I write this it is 33 celsius and humid...we are actually used to this kind of weather as it is pretty normal for our summers however the last 2 summers have been very comfortable for the most part. Maybe that global warming is really working...
