In August, due to a last minute change of plans, The McCarty family of three recently enjoyed three days and nights of Walt Disney World fun! Booking our hotel 24 hours prior to arriving in Orlando, Florida, a Disney cast member was able to get us a great room at the All-Star Sports Resort. Considering it was a last minute request, we were able to lock in a rate of $59 per night during one of the most crowded times of the year.

Upon our arrival at the airport, we were whisked away to our resort on Disney’s Magical Express. Not really having a plan of action, we decided to make the most of our resort by exploring the grounds of All-Star Sports. The other All-Star Resorts were within walking distance as well. Our son is a HUGH Toy Story fan so we decided to head over to All-Star Movies! He really enjoyed seeing all of the Toy Story themed buildings and having his picture taken with everything Toy Story. Visiting a three story Buzz Lightyear was awesome! After an afternoon of swimming and exploring, the McCarty’s were ready to turn in and rest up for another day of fun and sun!

Our next day started off with a character breakfast at Chef Mickey’s at the Contemporary Resort. What a great way to start the day! We were able to secure a table out in the open and watch the Monorail ride through (a GREAT distraction in-between character visits for a two year old!). Our breakfast was yummy, and the characters made a point to take lots of pictures with us and sign our son’s autograph book.

With full bellies, we moved on to the Magic Kingdom for the day. Considering it was one of the most busy times of year, we had no problem getting fast passes and waiting in lines (never longer than 25 minutes!). We accomplished so much in a short amount of time. We were able to get a curbside seat for the afternoon parade, and then went back to our resort to take a break from the intense sun with plans to return later in the day.

Later on in the afternoon, we returned to the Magic Kingdom for more rides, Wishes Fireworks, and the Spectro Magic parade. It was my son’s first fireworks display (almost three years old at the time) and a moment I will never forget. Once again, it was Disney magic at its best! We had a blast that day and night, and collapsed into bed just after midnight.

Our last full day was spent at Disney’s Marketplace. We were fortunate enough to meet up with a good friend and have lunch at the Rainforest Café. Of course, we did a lot of shopping at The World of Disney. After our busy Magic Kingdom day, it was nice to have a more relaxing day. We returned to our resort for more swimming and fun and prepared for our early morning flight the next day.

The next morning, Disney’s Magical Express picked us up right on time and dropped us off at the airport for our return home. Although it was a quick trip, we had a great time. It wasn’t an expensive trip either. Making use of our resort amenities (activities, dining, etc) helped keep costs low. We experienced Disney Magic at its best and on a budget! If you only have a short amount of time to get away, Walt Disney World is still a great option! We’ll be returning for 5 nights at the Polynesian this coming August! I can’t wait! :D

Your short, fun, trip report was wonderful!!

We are going for 10 days - July 25 - August 3. Was the heat really unbearable?

Sometimes the best of times are when it is a surprise. Thanks again,
Ellen

:cool: ellen i live in jax fl. it is very humid at that time of year. plenty of sun screen & lots of fluids will help you enjoy. take a break in the heat of the day & then resume your adventure

It really wasn't that bad. We were already used to the summer heat, so it wasn't too bad. We did take frequent breaks inbetween fastpasses and other attractions. Most of the waiting areas are covered to shade you from the sun. We also enjoyed our mid-day breaks at our resort. Plus, the parks are open later at night, so take advantage of that. No only are the parks beautiful at night, but there's NO SUN to worry about! Just remember...lots of water! You're going to have so much fun! Where are you staying?

Sounds like you had a great time, and the crowds weren't too bad. And it didn't rain when you were there? Wow! We're going the third week in Aug (Wilderness Lodge Villas) and I'm hoping the crowds and rain aren't too oppressive. When are you going to be at the Poly? We scheduled a character breakfast at O'hana's one morning. "Only" 123 days away!! (As I look outside at 4+ inches of snow and it's still coming down) Yikes! yesterday it was 75 and then we wake up to snow today. Ugh. Gotta love the weather in SD (really. I think it's a law or something)

It did rain the day we got there, but it was off and on and we were still able to get out and explore. We really did have a great time. I've heard the Wilderness Lodge is beautiful. Although we has a great short trip last August at All-Star Sports (and we would stay there again!), I am looking forward to our Polynesian stay this coming August. It's been a long time since we've stayed there, and it really is my favorite Disney resort. We'll be down Aug 14-19 (of course, just missing the free dining by a couple of days!). Wow! I can't believe you're still dealing with snow!

We're going Aug 17-24, so we'll overlap by a couple of days. One year we went down in August and it just poured every single evening. Hopefully that was just a fluke and we'll both have nice weather.

Our fav resort is actually the Beach Club, but the villas were full when we wanted to go, so Wilderness Lodge it is. My kids were all born in the Pacific NW, and we now live in a National Forest in SD, so the themeing at the Wilderness isn't that unique for us ;) The Poly looks beautiful, and I'ld love to stay there someday; however I have 3 teenagers and at this point we need the extra space in a villa so that we don't drive each other crazy with too much family "togetherness" :rolleyes:

Have a great trip!!


PS - I am sooooo over winter at this point

We're going Aug 17-24, so we'll overlap by a couple of days. One year we went down in August and it just poured every single evening. Hopefully that was just a fluke and we'll both have nice weather.

Our fav resort is actually the Beach Club, but the villas were full when we wanted to go, so Wilderness Lodge it is.

Wendy3, we too will be at the Wilderness lodge 8/16 - 8/23. I look forward to it every year. We are heading down from Philadelphia, so we too are tired of the winter weather. Thank goodness today hit 83, but then that could change tomorrow too.

I am loving everyones pretrip and post trip reports. Makes me want to be in WDW now.