Howdy!
We are back from a fantastic 8-night stay. I've been staying off Disboards and all other WDW sites until now as the Disney blues were hitting hard for the past week. I know we'll be back soon-ish, but it still hurts each time leaving "home". Here a few notes and observations over our stay:
- I LOVE Coronado Springs. 2nd time staying and recommend Casitas building #4 or 5 strongly! 4-5 minute walk to the main pool and to the tower, food court, drink stations, etc. The morning walk across the bridge with the subtle music is lovely. It's also only a 3 minute walk to bus stop #2, which is the first pick up going to the parks and the first drop off back from the parks.
- The unfortunate family of four (including two little ones) standing right in front of us for the Happily Ever After fireworks, had two massive things of ice cream. About 20 minutes before the fireworks (and only 5 minutes after we arrived), the one kid got sick and threw up all over the ground. Felt bad for them but I've never been so happy to experience such a thing. It gave us a 10 foot buffer zone, in the hub, where no one could stand. DD9 had a beautiful view of Cinderella Castle and all the projections without me having to hold her up at eye level.
- Bus transportation was great to the parks, DS and to the resorts.
- Having the International cast member program back takes Epcot to another level. That aspect was missing from our last time at EP.
- Cast members in general were great! Many good interactions. Bathrooms and garbage cans were maintained well.
- The vegan options at Flower and Garden were very good. I appreciate the creativity involved in some of the dishes. Vegan options throughout the rest of WDW were solid as well. The vegan Totchos at Woody's Lunch Box and tofu bowl at Satuli Canteen continue to be a must-eat each trip.
- A trip to WDW is not complete for DD15 and DD9 without going to Sci Fi. We unfortunately were seated at one of the tables, not cars, near the back of the restaurant and that took away some of the fun. Still, we love this place despite many other good dining options at HS.
- Visiting Galaxy's Edge with a total Star Wars nerd was a ton of fun. My brother was there for the first time and he couldn't believe how much better in person it was than pictures and videos. Worth every $ for him to build a lightsaber. Being in his early 30's, he was hesitant to bust out the lightsaber and take photos at dark in front of the Millennium Falcon. As those of us who have visited a number of times know, WDW is a place where you can let your "nerd" out and not a soul will care. That's something I hope others realize.
WDW is a place where you can be exactly who you are and who you want to be. He eventually had an awesome photo session with a passionate Photopasss cast member. Amazing time.
- The cast compliment feature on the
MDE app is convenient. I hope it provides the same benefits to the cast members as #CastCompliment on Twitter.
- Mobile pick up is the way to go.
- Animal Kingdom needs to be open until 9pm. 7pm is ridiculous.
- Modesty aside, I crushed it for our group of 7 with
Genie+. I was worried about return times, availability, etc. MODIFY, REFRESH, repeat! We used it at MK, HS and AK.
- Golden ticket...if you know, you know. Wow.
- I was really excited for Remy as it was our first time...I had my eyes closed for 80% of the attraction and don't plan on going on it again. I can handle Soarin and FOP just fine but Remy nearly sent me to the nearest garbage can. Bummer.
- My Dad did the Tron action figure with his face and voice. That thing is pretty awesome. It does take some time to do it and for it to be processed. Something to prepare for.
- We've gone three times in August over the past 6 years and I think this June trip was on par or hotter than those trips. So many people had the wearable fans around their necks. We did many shows to get AC and also used cooling towels. Those work well. With spreading out how much consecutive time you spend in the sun, it can work just fine.
- I can't not get emotional with the blue bird at Festival of the Lion King. Stunning.
- Frozen Sing Along continues to be the most entertaining show for all ages at WDW. I'll die on that hill.
See ya real soon.