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Cathy Janney -- November 2000 -- Walt Disney World (YBCR)November 27,2000-December 2,2000 Hi! Just returned last night from a trip to WDW. I thought I'd just write my impressions of the parks and resort instead of a detailed trip report. I give the people that write them SO much credit. It has to take a lot of time! Background: My name is Cathy and my husbands name is John, both 40+, married 24 years.. We have 6 children ages 6-19. We live north of Chicago, but also have a condo in Florida near my parents home in Delray Beach. We were able to buy Fla. Seasonal Passes because of this and used them last Christmas, Spring Break and the week after Thanksgiving, so I really feel we got our money's worth!! This trip only the youngest 3 children came with, my oldest is in college and the other 2 are on the basketball team and in high school and really couldn't (and didn't want to) miss school). They stayed with my brother and his family. John and I were both teachers and felt the other 3 could miss school as long as they got their work. WDW provides so many educational experiences and we made sure each had a good book to read during the trip. We travel by motor home... 8 plane tickets run into some big bucks and we thought we might even camp someday (still haven't J). I really enjoy this method of traveling. We never have to stop for a potty break (I'm the worst), the kids can spread out and we just pull into a rest stop for a few hours sleep when we get tired. We also don't have to stop to eat. We really get to Florida in record time. We spent November 22-26 at my parents in Delray Beach and then drove up to WDW Monday, Nov.27. BEACH CLUB: I had never stayed here before and got a pretty good deal with the Magical Christmas Package. It included tickets to the MVMCP, a coupon book (never used anything in it but the 10% off resort merchandise over $50) and a dinner coupon. I had faxed in a request for a room with a daybed and full balcony. Overall, the Beach Club is gorgeous! The kids loved Stormalong Bay (wish they stayed open later than 6:00). The Christmas decorations were beautiful. We got to see them make a carousel out of cookies and frosting. We stayed in room 3512.....PERFECT location. We went out the door and down the steps and were on the walkway to Epcot The room had a full balcony were we could see the Eiffel Tower and the fireworks from Illuminations. The room itself could use a little work. There was a chunk out of the drywall, the bedside table had ink marks where some kid had scribbled all over it, and they couldn't get it off. There were also quite a few black marks on the wallpaper (looked like smudges from someone's shoe). There was also a big stain on the carpet in front of the door. The room was clean though and that's what's most important to me. I also didn't like that they have a box filled with candy bars, snacks, cameras' etc. on the dresser. The kids thought they were freebies.....caught them just in the nick of time!! If I wanted any of these items, I would go buy them in the gift shop. I put them on the closet shelf until we left. We also never opened the minibar. The transportation was wonderful! We never waited more than 10 minutes for a bus and took the boat to MGM. We ate at Cape May. I was disappointed, thought they'd have more seafood. Besides the clams and mussels (which I didn't try), the only fish they had was a baked fish. Also, my younger kids only ate the mini hot dogs and desert. Spent $115+ on dinner...not worth it. We used our dinner coupon at Yachtsman Steakhouse and the meal was outstanding!! PARKS: Epcot: Being in the location we were, I really took the opportunity to check out Epcot without kids (I went there the day they went to Animal Kingdom). It was Tuesday and I went over to World Showcase when it opened! I couldn't believe it!! No crowds!! There were places when I was the only one on the sidewalk! I leisurely strolled around WS twice. It was the highlight of my trip! I had to stop at Morocco and try the wine ( every time I read Sue's( WDW1972).I think to myself "I'm trying that next time I'm there!!". The little Moroccan girl waiting on me must have thought I was a lush....I was her first sale of the day!! A glass of wine here was $4.25, the wine at the French cart was $3.25. Didn't try that...would've had to go back to the room and take a nap! I really liked the idea of the character bus. The kids were able to get pictures without much of a wait. I tried Test Track for the first time. I'm glad I had a Fast Pass because I really don't think it's worth it to wait in line for 60 minutes. I guess I'm just not that into cars! Magic Kingdom: We never really waited long to get on anything. I was amazed, being use to the Spring Break crowds. The only long wait we had was at Ariel's Grotto. That's something I'm glad we saw once, but won't do again unless there's not a wait. MVMCP: We ate at Crystal Palace the night of this and this was our favorite meal. Well worth the price. We got to stay there until the Christmas Party started. The park was crowded, but the rides we went on were a walk on. There were times we were the only ones in the cars. (We froze on Splash Mountain!) The shows and the parades were crowded. We went to the 11:00 parade and were able to get a pretty good spot along Main Street. The "snow" was great! The line for the hot chocolate and cookies was ridiculous. I did wait in line a long time, but wouldn't again. Thanks to these boards, first time for Carousel of Progress. We all thought it was great!! I just love Magic Kingdom, crowded or not! MGM: We only spent 1/2 day here We went on Tower of Terror and Rockin Roller Coaster. First time for my 7 year old, and he loved it! These rides really aren't that bad! Last trip I made up my mind that I'd go on everything but Body Wars (once doing that one is enough for me!), and I was pleasantly surprised how fun these rides are. Our longest wait here was for Backlot Tours. It wasn't my favorite. Animal Kingdom: The kids and John went...I went to Epcot instead. I know there is a lot there and people love it, but it's not my favorite park. As I'm writing this, I'm munching on a Marshmallow Thingy that I hid from my family! Sue(WDW1972), I do believe you're the best PR Disney could ever find. They should be paying you!! I also just got off the phone from making reservations for the same week after Thanksgiving for next year. We'll also be back the beginning of June. Until then, I'm looking forward to all your trip reports!!! A Safe and Happy Holiday to all, Cathy Janney CathyJany@aol.com Mail a Comment to Cathy Janney |
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