The Chit Chat Chit Chat Thread

[Songbird76]

I recall reading recently (maybe in the General forum, or in N&R) that there was going to be a change in bus service to Blizzard Beach.

So, the other morning when I took the Blizzard Beach bus from my hotel, it only went to Animal Kingdom. The bus driver told us to go to a different loading area at AK, where we would get the Blizzard Beach bus. Well, we all went to the other loading area, and there was a large group of people also waiting. One bus finally came in and we were all jammed in there, for the ride up to BB.

On the way back, it was the same thing--everyone jams into a bus for AK, and at AK, you go find your hotel bus queue and wait again.

Um . . . this is not what guests want . . .

Yep...that's how it was last summer, too. And if I remember correctly, the TL bus only went to/from Disney Springs. So you had to go to DS and then transfer to TL. We had problems getting to our ADR on time after BB, because we had to rush back to the resort, change clothes, and then catch a bus to MK and then a boat to WL. I was panicking because I thought we were going to be late, not knowing we were going to have to have an extra leg to our resort trip. We made it, but just barely. I wonder why they did it...there seemed to be plenty of people needing to go to each resort from BB, so it's not like they don't need the buses. It was sooooo crowded on those buses.

 

[Songbird76]

I believe (I think) Uni announced its opening day before Disney announced the Avatar opening date. I am actually surprised Disney decided to open on a Holiday weekend, just too many guests and even for the EMH at AK has the two new attractions, Everest, the spinny tops & spinny whirl & then Rivers. I wonder if that is enough EMH attractions.

Can anyone tell me what became of the Nightime Safari? I know they launched it but is that still a go?

Well, the Disney site lists the opening times for the safari from 9am to 9:30 pm, so I'm guessing it's still a go. We only did the daytime one because our first AK day got rained out and all the outdoor stuff was closed due to a storm, and the 2nd AK day we spent the evening seeing the Tree of Life awakening and then we were so tired we decided to turn in early for once. I'm hoping we can go back to Disney in a couple of years and go for a full 2 weeks so we have a bit more time to catch the things we missed earlier in the trip. I'd love to do an evening Safari next time.

 

[Goofyernmost]

There was a news report on a local Orlando TV station a few days ago. It appeared as though there was still quite a bit of work to be done on Volcano Bay, and the question raised was would they actually finish by opening day. There were some overhead helicopter shots of parts of slides still unassembled, etc. I also think that they listed May 25 as opening day--which is typical of Universal--to have a major opening of an attraction at least 1-2 days ahead of any big Disney opening event -- (the May 27 Pandora opening).

It remains to be seen if Universal will have everything ready.

I suppose, but, I don't really see the comparison between Pandora and Volcano Bay. Two completely different target audiences. Besides it is still an ongoing payback for Disney/MGM opening just before Universal Florida. All of them have a long memory. As for Volcano Bay, I drove by it more then once during my February trip since my hotel was fairly close by and to me, it seemed much more like a year away from opening. I hope they remember to tighten all the bolts.

 

[Mr Ferret 75]

One of the menagerie we are looking after atm.

 

[Goofyernmost]

My Dad started running in his AARP days. He ran many marathons in the early 65+ age group. Ran Boston 3 times. Did well. As he aged the damage he did to his knees and hip and ultimate hip replacement. He needed knee replacements but due to heart issues it didn't happen. So freak'n not worth the abuse to the body. I stand by my GABE does not run.

I ran a lot in the service... mostly for weight loss purposes. Lost 90 pounds in seven weeks. I ran some after basic training, but, usually only to catch up with the guys on the way to the clubs. I did some when I got out, but, for a very brief time due to spending most of my time attempting to support myself and my wife. After that only in emergencies. Now if you happen to see me planted face down on the pavement it is because I attempted to run. After my leg surgery it was no longer possible. One of the things that I am quite thankful about. My knees and hips, although reacting somewhat to the beloved aging process, are still in pretty good working order. My leg injury didn't really involve any joint damage, just tendon, muscle and nerve problems.

 

[BAChicagoGal]

I finally had a decent night's sleep. Just the usual bathroom breaks. It's time to check the weather. I am hoping to be able to get outside and do some work in my backyard today, if I can.

This year is just flying by. Can't believe it is almost the month of June. Time to call for the tuneups on my AC units.

 

[Figgy1]

@betty rose safe travels and have the most magical time ever. xoxo

 

[FutureCEO]

I came back at 1130 last night. Do I have to go back to the real world?

I know it's impossible for Disney to control but guests have to not throw trash wherever they feel like it....ie rides and in small rivers.

Epcot is still my favorite park even though there is not a lot of rides and Frozen came to Norway, which I didn't go on.

MK fireworks - I know it's new but Disney has done crowd control good before. Speaking which rides like Haunted Mansion, I don't like how it dumps you from the to go to a single line. Pool was great to escape the heat.

 

[StarWarsGirl]

Just curious--are they doing the same stupid bus shuffle for the Typhoon Lagoon guests as well? After the BB fiasco, on the other days, I just swam in my hotel's swimming pool (actually there are 3 pools at the Swolfin). So I didn't even venture over to Typhoon Lagoon. I was wondering if this bus change thing was only for BB.

It's for both. For Typhoon Lagoon, you change buses at Disney Springs.

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

I came back at 1130 last night. Do I have to go back to the real world?

I know it's impossible for Disney to control but guests have to not throw trash wherever they feel like it....ie rides and in small rivers.

Epcot is still my favorite park even though there is not a lot of rides and Frozen came to Norway, which I didn't go on.

MK fireworks - I know it's new but Disney has done crowd control good before. Speaking which rides like Haunted Mansion, I don't how it dumps you from the to go to a single line. Pool was great to escape the heat.

I'm glad you had a good time. It is tough to return back to the real world. You have our permission to day dream a little when you return to work.

 

[donaldtoo]

Nope. Depends on how you look at it. Running a business out of my home for 20+ years it was so much easier when He went to work and the kids went off to school. Mondays were blessed for those left behind.

Yep. Note the smilies. Obviously I was joking.

 

[donaldtoo]

Your mom had pretty handwriting. To think that handwriting will be a lost art form in the future. I can't believe they're not teaching handwriting in many grade schools anymore.

It's funny, even I haven't written in cursive (other than my chicken-scratch signature) in decades. I'll just blame it on drafting class were we learned to write in nothin' but all cap block letters to label and note everything.
Back in the day, it was with a chisel-pointed mechanical pencil lead on CDs (construction documents). For many years now, the CDs have all been done in CAD with a standard font. But, we still label and note our preliminary presentation sketches in freehand ink block letters.
Cursive is, indeed, a fading art.

 

[Gabe1]

well. those 2.99 you saved can keep accumulating I guess

The $2.99 saved can buy a bottle of water!

 

[donaldtoo]

Neither does SWG.

And if you ever see me run, you should run too because something is chasing me.

Most likely a bee, but run anyway.

No. I would just stop (unless it was a bear ) and take the sting for you. As I've posted before, I'm not allergic, and bee stings really aren't even painful to me. Just lucky, I guess...?!

 

[Gabe1]

Yikes. I think you just answered my question I just posed to @StarWarsGirl . That "trip" to and from TL sounds even worse than the one I took to BB. And for people who are not familiar yet with the new queues down in the center of Disney Springs, there are some fairly long distances to get to your bus--because, of course--they have to include these barriers that prevent people from crossing over to their bus lane. No, everyone must walk around long circular pathways to get to their bus. This makes me crazy. I'm used to working in a big city and darting in and out of traffic, etc.

Another thing--I did go to Disney Springs for the heck of it one afternoon. Still found it unimpressive. Ate lunch at Wolfgang Puck's Express in the Marketplace--it was a lot better than last year's lunch, so that's good. I'm also imagining that WPE has to up their game, since all the buses now are so far away from that restaurant's little tucked away corner, way up at the beginning of the Marketplace. I wondered if the stores up there were losing some business. I like walking around (but only if it's not too hot out), but not everyone likes to walk distances, regardless of weather conditions..

I have mixed emotions about Disney Springs. We went twice and I'm not overly impressed with the high end shopping district built. It was interesting to walk through but I have no business buying a $150 t-shirt. Nor do I want to. The newer area brought some nice QS and a few TS that we may eat at someday. Still we spent two half days there and when it came down to it I would have rather been in the parks or at the pool. I didn't buy lots but most came from the parks or the old marketplace area. And yes I am sure many of the older restaurants are hurting, it is a long walk. I saw this yesterday afternoon on twitter from a nice man who lives in the area. Mind you it was a Saturday afternoon at Earl!!! Normally this is filled with guests and out the door just to order.

photo credit Banks Lee

 

[Gabe1]

Yep...that's how it was last summer, too. And if I remember correctly, the TL bus only went to/from Disney Springs. So you had to go to DS and then transfer to TL. We had problems getting to our ADR on time after BB, because we had to rush back to the resort, change clothes, and then catch a bus to MK and then a boat to WL. I was panicking because I thought we were going to be late, not knowing we were going to have to have an extra leg to our resort trip. We made it, but just barely. I wonder why they did it...there seemed to be plenty of people needing to go to each resort from BB, so it's not like they don't need the buses. It was sooooo crowded on those buses.

Buses to Disney Springs/DTD has always been an issue to keep on schedule. DS/DTD a very congested area. The omitting the second leg to the waterparks kept the buses more on schedule to both AK which is far off for many resorts and DS/DTD. So by trying to correct that Disney in turned messed up-badly the transportation to the waterparks.

I know many guests rent a car to avoid all this but that isn't for me. I don't want to get in a hot car and drive with the crazies. No right or wrong choice there. Overall transportation is getting worse and guests just need to give up more and more time to navigate the property. Likely why they have hired a guru to attempt to fix transportation overall for the long haul.

Meanwhile Uber will be our friend when needed or my coping skills are tested. Still cheaper than a rental car.

 

[BAChicagoGal]

Monday was always my favorite day of the week when the kids were in school, and my husband went to work. I loved the peace and quiet. Monday was usually the day when I could start a new project, or catch up on something that needed doing after a hectic weekend with the rest of the family. I still like Mondays the best.

 

[MOXOMUMD]

So far behind I'm going to have to borrow more ketchup from @donaldtoo. Hurray for the end of the school year! Bring on summer.

 

[donaldtoo]

So far behind I'm going to have to borrow more ketchup from @donaldtoo. Hurray for the end of the school year! Bring on summer.

Yep, still tryin' to swim through it all..."Keep swimming, keep swimming, keep swimming...!"
Congrats on the end of the school year and summertime...!!!

 

[Gabe1]

I suppose, but, I don't really see the comparison between Pandora and Volcano Bay. Two completely different target audiences. Besides it is still an ongoing payback for Disney/MGM opening just before Universal Florida. All of them have a long memory. As for Volcano Bay, I drove by it more then once during my February trip since my hotel was fairly close by and to me, it seemed much more like a year away from opening. I hope they remember to tighten all the bolts.

I'm looking forward to Volcano Bay. I agree it is hard to compare a waterpark to a theme park. All over the web fans have been yakking about Uni launching their waterpark at the same time Disney is launching Pandora. Volcano is pretty much on its original target date. Disney missed its target opening for Pandora years and years ago. If Disney had its act together Pandora would have launched with Potter 2.0 Some of the loyalists to Disney out there on social media tend to selective forget how far off target Pandora is when trying to pooh pooh Volcano. If Volcano opens without a few slides completed who really cares? I don't know that to be the case but most new parks water to theme keep adding attractions.

Look at Fantasyland. Circus opened without the Water Splash area. Princess fairytale opened almost a year later than targeted, a meet and greet, Under the Sea opened and look how much longer it took to launch the Dwarf. So if Uni happens not to have every single slide operating by Grand Opening I won't call it a failure. I've watched waterparks being built. Most of the labor is in the infrastructure. The ready to go slides, stairs etc is the gravy of the builds. Looking at the fly overs the past week it seems to have along nicely.