Here are some post-trip randoms from my time at WDW last week....
-Coronado Springs....just too big for my taste. Renovated room was outstanding, but the place is just massive, and because of its size and construction, there's just no synergy/cohesion to the whole thing. Pepper Market wasn't great, but the gelato at Cafe Rix was spot-on. Bus service was timely. Do I regret staying there? No. Would I go out of my way to stay there again? No.
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Disneyland gets all the love in terms of cast members, but this trip probably featured the best CM interactions I've ever had. Pleasant, helpful, and very engaging all the way around. I usually only notice customer service when it's bad, but in this rare case, I noticed it because it was so GOOD.
-Something I've never seen before....cast members offering samples of treats outside candy stores. Happened once on Main Street and once in Frontierland. Didn't cause me to make any purchases, but was definitely a nice touch.
-Six different rides were either down or experienced stalls during my experiences. Sat for a while on PeopleMover, and noticed that the seats are ripping apart. I didn't think the park itself seemed dirty or unkept, but I do think some attractions need sprucing up in a major way.
-On the flip side, this was the first time I've seen the revamped Hall of Presidents, and it is OUTSTANDING. The two security guards in the theatre were a little awkward to see at first, but the crowd was respectful and reverent. I think most people *get* what Kevin said....it's a historic attraction, not a political attraction.
-Jiko=Best meal I've ever had on property, and one of the best three meals I've ever had in my entire life. It's been a week, and I'm still thinking about it. A lot.
-Got to see the afternoon Flag Retreat in Main Street for the first time, and that was a very cool experience. Highly recommend.
-I really wish that some of the more unique merchandise from Springs stores could find their way into the parks. Even the selection in the Emporium just seemed so repetitive. And that store used to carry WDW books, etc., and I saw very little of that stuff this time around. Disappointing.
-Prefer Flower/Garden over Food/Wine. Much more of a mature, chill crowd, the topiaries are beautiful, and the food is outstanding.
-I don't like "Happily Ever After" all that much. Don't @ me.
-Out.