Trip Reports
01-06-2007, 11:33 PM
Time of Year: Summer
Travel Method: Plane, Rental Car
Resort: WL
Accommodations: Honeymoon Suite
Ages Represented in Group: Adult
WDW Experience Represented in Group: Veteran, Infrequent
Comments: Jon and his new bride stayed in a Honeymoon Suite at during their short WDW visit that they tacked onto the end of their honeymoon. Highlights of the trip included wonderful Dinners at Artist Pointe and Victoria & Albert's. The couple also took a class at the Disney Institute while they were onsite.
I won't try to make this the world's most comprehensive trip report, but I do enjoy reading everyone else's, so I thought I should try to give some feedback of my own. Who knows, perhaps a few random comments about my recent trip to WDW in June, might be interesting or useful. I've only hit the highlights from our great trip, but here goes:
Background:
My wife, Chris, and I stopped at WDW on our return from the Caribbean as part of our 2 week honeymoon. We stayed in a honeymoon suite at the Wilderness Lodge for 3 nights, from June 6 - 9. While at WDW we visited Epcot, Blizzard Beach, and the Disney Institute.
We're both 30 and it was my wife's 2nd visit (as an adult), and my 10th or so. We were at WDW last in October, 1996, and stayed at Dixie Landings, which we really enjoyed. I've previously stayed at DL, PO, CB, and the Poly, but never WL. I think the WL is best resort I've stayed at so far, although I'm looking forward to staying at others. I love WDW, and my wife finds it entertaining, although not nearly as much so as I do. It was extremely interesting to see Epcot, the WL, and Disney Institute through Chris's eyes, as everything we did was new to her.
Day 1 - Friday, June 6
Checked in to WL honeymoon suite - very nice! The room, Jacuzzi, porch, and free champagne they sent up when we arrived was fantastic. I was disappointed with the view, which overlooked the bus stop, but everything else was super. Our room was secluded and quiet, and for $235 per night, I though it was a good deal.
Tip: The Lodge tour no longer includes the WL roof, due to changes in fire codes (or something like that). I begged, but guests are not allowed up on the roof at all.
Tip 2: Everyone knows by now, but the refillable mugs are a super deal ($6.95) and a nice souvenir that's actually useful. They were a great bargain, even though we were only there for 3 days.
The WL was crowded, but not overly so. The lobby was bustling, but never too noisy. The pool was busy from 3:00 - 6:00, but relatively peaceful the rest of the time. And the little water slide at the pool was fun for kids of all ages :) The beach at the WL has a nice view and great white sand, but I'm always disappointed that Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon are so polluted that swimming isn't allowed. As my wife said, for a company that is so 'eco-aware', it's ironic that their own lakes are polluted. Good point.
We used the WL boat transport to the Magic Kingdom a couple of times (on the way to the Grand Floridean), and it's a nice ride. Boats ran every 20 minutes, and were never too crowded.
That night we had dinner at Artist Pointe - wow! It was an outstanding meal with great service (and a free honeymoon desert). We'll be back.
Day 2 - Saturday, June 7
Disney Institute - We drove to the DI and arrived by 8:00 to check in. We had pre-registered for 1 class each, followed by golf lessons (me) and spa (Chris). I took a 3 hour canoe class which was really fun. We went on the WDW conservation land to the west of the Magic Kingdom. I saw lots of animals including 3 alligators. Yes, real gators in the swamps of Disney. I didn't learn much (except good Disney gossip from our guide), but it was a nice change of pace from the usual theme park adventures.
Chris took the outdoor photography class and loved it. They went to Discovery Island and took photos there. She learned a lot about photography, and enjoyed the whole class.
Lunch as Seasons was good, but nothing spectacular. The DI campus itself is very impressive, but when we were there it was definitely not very busy. According to my guide, Disney still can't figure out how to 'package' the Institute, or who their core guests should be.
In the afternoon I had a personal golf lesson which was very helpful. Chris had a manicure and a massage at the spa, which she enjoyed. We both used the fitness center, which is among the best I've seen, and headed back to the W. Lodge. We really enjoyed our day at the DI, and we'll probably go back as day guests the next time we're at WDW. Personally though, I would find it tough to spend 4-5 days there, given everything else that's right at your 'doorstep', so to speak.
We got all dressed for our big dinner at Victoria and Alberts, and headed out. Dinner was unbelievable! We eat out frequently in Boston, but this was one of the best meals we've ever had. Yes, it was very expensive, but for us it was worth it. For anyone at WDW for a special occasion, I strongly recommend V&A's. After our 3 hour dinner, we headed to the California Grill to catch the fireworks on the C. Grill balcony. As a bonus we watched the Electric Water Pageant in front of the Contemporary from the same spot. Very entertaining.
At this point, I had forgotten that today was 'Gay Day', although we had seen some people in matching red shirts earlier in the Grand Floridean lobby. To me this isn't an issue, but at least 75% of the people at the C. Grill were male, so it was a little different in that respect.
Day 3 - Sunday, June 8
Epcot: We got to Epcot at 8:15, and were entertained in line by the Jamitors until 8:30, when the gates opened. It you haven't see them yet, make sure to find out where they're playing, it's a lot of fun. We were in Future World (what a dumb name) until 12:00, and really didn't hit any lines or crowds all morning.
Obvious tip: As always, arrive early and have a plan!
Some quick Epcot thoughts and ratings (1-10)
Spaceship Earth: 7 Good, but Jeremy Irons is sooooooo much worse than Walter Cronkite. This ride has lost its sense of drama and importance. Also, for some reason the soundtrack was very low, so it was difficult to follow the narration. Chris also though it was just Ok.
Journey into Imagination: 3 Boring and corny. Yes I know Figment is cute, but this ride is weak. At this point, Chris was having some doubts about Epcot.
HISTA: 9 Ok, now this is an attraction to be proud of! This was a lot of fun, and very well done. Some of the effects were intense, I'd be worried about little children. I liked Captain Eo, but this a nice change.
The Land: 7 We did Listen to the Land and watched the Circle of Life, both of which were very well done. My only complaint about The Land pavilion is the humongous food court. Yes, I know it's sponsored by Nestle (previously Kraft), but it looks like a food court in an upscale mall, not a showcase at Disney. Anyway, the land was fun.
Living Seas: 7 Nice, and we did spend some time looking at the exhibits. There was a diver in the tank playing with a dolphin, which was entertaining. We had just come from a week in the Caribbean, so the fish at LS weren't very impressive, by comparison. I just wish the ride was longer.
Horizons: 5 Poor Horizons. It used to be so cool in the early 80's. The ride system is still excellent (better and smoother than Spaceship Earth, by far), but it's just so dated. Chris didn't 'get it', and I guess I can see why. Future World? Hardly.
Universe of Energy: 9 Sure, it will get boring over time, but this is a much improved attraction. The movie and the dino's are way better than before the rehab. And I think the Ellen animatronic looked great. Nice rehab work by the Imagineers.
Wonders of Life: 8 This is a fun pavilion, with something for everyone. We went on Body Wars, which I've never loved and Cranium Command, which we both agreed was great.
Test Track: This looks like a great ride, and a couple of times cars were roaring around the track, but they weren't letting anyone on. Believe me, I begged, used the honeymoon line, everything. 'No guests are permitted on the ride at this time', was the party line. Best guess for soft opening was mid-August, according to several CM's.
We headed home for lunch at the WL and naps. We were back at Epcot by 3:30 and proceeded to attack World Showcase.
Mexico: Chris loved this, it's so romantic and cool inside. Shopped a little, but I didn't have the heart to put Chris through River del Tiempo.
China: Child acrobats were performing, very cute.
Norway: Waited 30 minutes for Malestrom (our longest line), but Chris enjoyed it. That cue is horrible. If they could improve the cue, it would be a much better experience.
Germany: Had several Becks and listened to the 'omm pah' band. This is a fun place. Maybe it was just the Becks.
Morocco: Always interesting, it's got that Casablanca/Aladdin feel.
US: I love the American Adventure! If you walk out of this show not proud to be an American, you're living in the wrong place.
France: Dinner at Chefs de France was very nice, but sitting next to tourists in shorts and screaming kids ruined the 'ambiance' for me. The food and service was great, but don't expect a romantic dinner.
Canada: Quick walk through. I think this is the most attractive pavilion, although the 'secret garden' and homes in the UK are also beautiful.
We had reserved seats for illuminations as part of the Insiders Club, which I was 'put' in several years ago. We sat in a roped off area in front of the UK, and had a fantastic view. I really like Illuminations 25, and thought it was as good as the 'traditional' show. They fired fireworks from boats along the shoreline, which was cool, and the countries were a big part of the light show. Even the post-show music was pretty good. This was one of the highlights of Epcot for us.
Tip: After Illuminations ends, don't race for the exit. Linger. The music and lights continue for 30 minutes, and World Showcase gets very peaceful and relaxed. Why fight the crowds? Transportation runs for 1 hour after closing, or use International gateway to visit the Boardwalk, or Yacht and Beach clubs.
We walked to the Boardwalk after Epcot closed, and I was not impressed at all. Yes, everything is nice, and the Atlantic Dance Hall was beautiful, but there's just too much of everything. Too many buildings. Too many street vendors. Too many bars and shops. etc. etc. etc. I know it's supposed to be like the Jersey shore, but I feel that the Boardwalk ruins the peaceful, lovely Beach and Yacht club atmosphere. We were planning to stay at the Beach Club for our next trip, but I think we've changed our minds.
Sorry, but sometimes even Disney can try too hard.
Day 4 - Monday, June 9
Breakfast at the Whispering Canyon was fun and tasty. Kids really looked like they were having fun, and so were all the CM's.
Blizzard Beach: It was very cloudy, so we were hoping that BB wouldn't be too crowded, and we were right. BB is a lot of fun. I think I like Typhoon Lagoon more, but BB does have much better slides.
Tip: Unless the park is empty, skip the double race slide (I forget the name). The slide is 6-7 seconds long, and because only 2-4 riders go per minute, the wait can easily be 45 minutes! We waited 30 minutes for this (fun, not worth it), and not more than 5 minutes for anything else.
My only complaint with BB is the location and incomplete theming. BB is the only 'park' in all of WDW where you lose the feeling of 'being somewhere else'. On every slide at BB you can see the highway, which is right next to BB, hotels, construction, non Disney property, etc. Basically, it doesn't feel as special to see cars and truck driving by when you're trying to get into the 'theme' of the park. I hope this isn't a trend. One of the reasons I like Typhoon so much is the total feeling of being somewhere tropical.
Other than that gripe, we both liked BB a lot.
Trip Highlights:
The entire Wilderness Lodge
Dinner at Artist Pointe
Dinner at Victoria & Albert's !
Watching fireworks from the California Grill
Our entire day at the Disney Institute
Universe of Energy
Illuminations 25
Watching my wife explore World Showcase
Disappointments:
Test Track still wasn't open
Seeing the 'outside world' at Blizzard Beach
Only having 3 days to visit
Leaving WDW
Feel free to e-mail me with any questions.
Jonathan Hickey
Travel Method: Plane, Rental Car
Resort: WL
Accommodations: Honeymoon Suite
Ages Represented in Group: Adult
WDW Experience Represented in Group: Veteran, Infrequent
Comments: Jon and his new bride stayed in a Honeymoon Suite at during their short WDW visit that they tacked onto the end of their honeymoon. Highlights of the trip included wonderful Dinners at Artist Pointe and Victoria & Albert's. The couple also took a class at the Disney Institute while they were onsite.
I won't try to make this the world's most comprehensive trip report, but I do enjoy reading everyone else's, so I thought I should try to give some feedback of my own. Who knows, perhaps a few random comments about my recent trip to WDW in June, might be interesting or useful. I've only hit the highlights from our great trip, but here goes:
Background:
My wife, Chris, and I stopped at WDW on our return from the Caribbean as part of our 2 week honeymoon. We stayed in a honeymoon suite at the Wilderness Lodge for 3 nights, from June 6 - 9. While at WDW we visited Epcot, Blizzard Beach, and the Disney Institute.
We're both 30 and it was my wife's 2nd visit (as an adult), and my 10th or so. We were at WDW last in October, 1996, and stayed at Dixie Landings, which we really enjoyed. I've previously stayed at DL, PO, CB, and the Poly, but never WL. I think the WL is best resort I've stayed at so far, although I'm looking forward to staying at others. I love WDW, and my wife finds it entertaining, although not nearly as much so as I do. It was extremely interesting to see Epcot, the WL, and Disney Institute through Chris's eyes, as everything we did was new to her.
Day 1 - Friday, June 6
Checked in to WL honeymoon suite - very nice! The room, Jacuzzi, porch, and free champagne they sent up when we arrived was fantastic. I was disappointed with the view, which overlooked the bus stop, but everything else was super. Our room was secluded and quiet, and for $235 per night, I though it was a good deal.
Tip: The Lodge tour no longer includes the WL roof, due to changes in fire codes (or something like that). I begged, but guests are not allowed up on the roof at all.
Tip 2: Everyone knows by now, but the refillable mugs are a super deal ($6.95) and a nice souvenir that's actually useful. They were a great bargain, even though we were only there for 3 days.
The WL was crowded, but not overly so. The lobby was bustling, but never too noisy. The pool was busy from 3:00 - 6:00, but relatively peaceful the rest of the time. And the little water slide at the pool was fun for kids of all ages :) The beach at the WL has a nice view and great white sand, but I'm always disappointed that Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon are so polluted that swimming isn't allowed. As my wife said, for a company that is so 'eco-aware', it's ironic that their own lakes are polluted. Good point.
We used the WL boat transport to the Magic Kingdom a couple of times (on the way to the Grand Floridean), and it's a nice ride. Boats ran every 20 minutes, and were never too crowded.
That night we had dinner at Artist Pointe - wow! It was an outstanding meal with great service (and a free honeymoon desert). We'll be back.
Day 2 - Saturday, June 7
Disney Institute - We drove to the DI and arrived by 8:00 to check in. We had pre-registered for 1 class each, followed by golf lessons (me) and spa (Chris). I took a 3 hour canoe class which was really fun. We went on the WDW conservation land to the west of the Magic Kingdom. I saw lots of animals including 3 alligators. Yes, real gators in the swamps of Disney. I didn't learn much (except good Disney gossip from our guide), but it was a nice change of pace from the usual theme park adventures.
Chris took the outdoor photography class and loved it. They went to Discovery Island and took photos there. She learned a lot about photography, and enjoyed the whole class.
Lunch as Seasons was good, but nothing spectacular. The DI campus itself is very impressive, but when we were there it was definitely not very busy. According to my guide, Disney still can't figure out how to 'package' the Institute, or who their core guests should be.
In the afternoon I had a personal golf lesson which was very helpful. Chris had a manicure and a massage at the spa, which she enjoyed. We both used the fitness center, which is among the best I've seen, and headed back to the W. Lodge. We really enjoyed our day at the DI, and we'll probably go back as day guests the next time we're at WDW. Personally though, I would find it tough to spend 4-5 days there, given everything else that's right at your 'doorstep', so to speak.
We got all dressed for our big dinner at Victoria and Alberts, and headed out. Dinner was unbelievable! We eat out frequently in Boston, but this was one of the best meals we've ever had. Yes, it was very expensive, but for us it was worth it. For anyone at WDW for a special occasion, I strongly recommend V&A's. After our 3 hour dinner, we headed to the California Grill to catch the fireworks on the C. Grill balcony. As a bonus we watched the Electric Water Pageant in front of the Contemporary from the same spot. Very entertaining.
At this point, I had forgotten that today was 'Gay Day', although we had seen some people in matching red shirts earlier in the Grand Floridean lobby. To me this isn't an issue, but at least 75% of the people at the C. Grill were male, so it was a little different in that respect.
Day 3 - Sunday, June 8
Epcot: We got to Epcot at 8:15, and were entertained in line by the Jamitors until 8:30, when the gates opened. It you haven't see them yet, make sure to find out where they're playing, it's a lot of fun. We were in Future World (what a dumb name) until 12:00, and really didn't hit any lines or crowds all morning.
Obvious tip: As always, arrive early and have a plan!
Some quick Epcot thoughts and ratings (1-10)
Spaceship Earth: 7 Good, but Jeremy Irons is sooooooo much worse than Walter Cronkite. This ride has lost its sense of drama and importance. Also, for some reason the soundtrack was very low, so it was difficult to follow the narration. Chris also though it was just Ok.
Journey into Imagination: 3 Boring and corny. Yes I know Figment is cute, but this ride is weak. At this point, Chris was having some doubts about Epcot.
HISTA: 9 Ok, now this is an attraction to be proud of! This was a lot of fun, and very well done. Some of the effects were intense, I'd be worried about little children. I liked Captain Eo, but this a nice change.
The Land: 7 We did Listen to the Land and watched the Circle of Life, both of which were very well done. My only complaint about The Land pavilion is the humongous food court. Yes, I know it's sponsored by Nestle (previously Kraft), but it looks like a food court in an upscale mall, not a showcase at Disney. Anyway, the land was fun.
Living Seas: 7 Nice, and we did spend some time looking at the exhibits. There was a diver in the tank playing with a dolphin, which was entertaining. We had just come from a week in the Caribbean, so the fish at LS weren't very impressive, by comparison. I just wish the ride was longer.
Horizons: 5 Poor Horizons. It used to be so cool in the early 80's. The ride system is still excellent (better and smoother than Spaceship Earth, by far), but it's just so dated. Chris didn't 'get it', and I guess I can see why. Future World? Hardly.
Universe of Energy: 9 Sure, it will get boring over time, but this is a much improved attraction. The movie and the dino's are way better than before the rehab. And I think the Ellen animatronic looked great. Nice rehab work by the Imagineers.
Wonders of Life: 8 This is a fun pavilion, with something for everyone. We went on Body Wars, which I've never loved and Cranium Command, which we both agreed was great.
Test Track: This looks like a great ride, and a couple of times cars were roaring around the track, but they weren't letting anyone on. Believe me, I begged, used the honeymoon line, everything. 'No guests are permitted on the ride at this time', was the party line. Best guess for soft opening was mid-August, according to several CM's.
We headed home for lunch at the WL and naps. We were back at Epcot by 3:30 and proceeded to attack World Showcase.
Mexico: Chris loved this, it's so romantic and cool inside. Shopped a little, but I didn't have the heart to put Chris through River del Tiempo.
China: Child acrobats were performing, very cute.
Norway: Waited 30 minutes for Malestrom (our longest line), but Chris enjoyed it. That cue is horrible. If they could improve the cue, it would be a much better experience.
Germany: Had several Becks and listened to the 'omm pah' band. This is a fun place. Maybe it was just the Becks.
Morocco: Always interesting, it's got that Casablanca/Aladdin feel.
US: I love the American Adventure! If you walk out of this show not proud to be an American, you're living in the wrong place.
France: Dinner at Chefs de France was very nice, but sitting next to tourists in shorts and screaming kids ruined the 'ambiance' for me. The food and service was great, but don't expect a romantic dinner.
Canada: Quick walk through. I think this is the most attractive pavilion, although the 'secret garden' and homes in the UK are also beautiful.
We had reserved seats for illuminations as part of the Insiders Club, which I was 'put' in several years ago. We sat in a roped off area in front of the UK, and had a fantastic view. I really like Illuminations 25, and thought it was as good as the 'traditional' show. They fired fireworks from boats along the shoreline, which was cool, and the countries were a big part of the light show. Even the post-show music was pretty good. This was one of the highlights of Epcot for us.
Tip: After Illuminations ends, don't race for the exit. Linger. The music and lights continue for 30 minutes, and World Showcase gets very peaceful and relaxed. Why fight the crowds? Transportation runs for 1 hour after closing, or use International gateway to visit the Boardwalk, or Yacht and Beach clubs.
We walked to the Boardwalk after Epcot closed, and I was not impressed at all. Yes, everything is nice, and the Atlantic Dance Hall was beautiful, but there's just too much of everything. Too many buildings. Too many street vendors. Too many bars and shops. etc. etc. etc. I know it's supposed to be like the Jersey shore, but I feel that the Boardwalk ruins the peaceful, lovely Beach and Yacht club atmosphere. We were planning to stay at the Beach Club for our next trip, but I think we've changed our minds.
Sorry, but sometimes even Disney can try too hard.
Day 4 - Monday, June 9
Breakfast at the Whispering Canyon was fun and tasty. Kids really looked like they were having fun, and so were all the CM's.
Blizzard Beach: It was very cloudy, so we were hoping that BB wouldn't be too crowded, and we were right. BB is a lot of fun. I think I like Typhoon Lagoon more, but BB does have much better slides.
Tip: Unless the park is empty, skip the double race slide (I forget the name). The slide is 6-7 seconds long, and because only 2-4 riders go per minute, the wait can easily be 45 minutes! We waited 30 minutes for this (fun, not worth it), and not more than 5 minutes for anything else.
My only complaint with BB is the location and incomplete theming. BB is the only 'park' in all of WDW where you lose the feeling of 'being somewhere else'. On every slide at BB you can see the highway, which is right next to BB, hotels, construction, non Disney property, etc. Basically, it doesn't feel as special to see cars and truck driving by when you're trying to get into the 'theme' of the park. I hope this isn't a trend. One of the reasons I like Typhoon so much is the total feeling of being somewhere tropical.
Other than that gripe, we both liked BB a lot.
Trip Highlights:
The entire Wilderness Lodge
Dinner at Artist Pointe
Dinner at Victoria & Albert's !
Watching fireworks from the California Grill
Our entire day at the Disney Institute
Universe of Energy
Illuminations 25
Watching my wife explore World Showcase
Disappointments:
Test Track still wasn't open
Seeing the 'outside world' at Blizzard Beach
Only having 3 days to visit
Leaving WDW
Feel free to e-mail me with any questions.
Jonathan Hickey