Trip Reports

July 19

Two adults, myself and my aunt, left Pittsburgh at 8am on the 19th and arrived in Orlando at 10am. Picked up luggage and was surprised to see no lines at National Car Rental and was out of the airport by 10:30am.

Stopped enroute at grocery store for snacks and sodas and a stop at an outlet place since my aunt wanted to checkout the Reebok store and I really did not want to leave WDW property after checking in.

After shopping arrived at the Boardwalk Resort-we stayed on the Villa side in a Studio style room. (Next time might go for the one bedroom.) I had requested a boardwalk view room and was placed in the area that was called the Boardwalk Greens with view of Boardwalk and on the fifth floor. We were also lucky to be near the elevator as I heard a few complaints from others being too far from the elevator. I really did not check to see if there was another someplace else or not on the Villa side. We had to wait until 4pm to get our room assignment since it was not ready yet for us to move in there might have been a pool view room or another but we decided to wait.

We got our length of stay tickets and Food 'N' Fun ID and went on to look around. We decided to eat before going over to Epcot and chose the ESPN Sports Club. I really enjoyed the atmosphere but my Aunt really did not. The food is your typical bar fare-burgers, wings, fries, nachos etc. They also have two areas to sit in the bar area first come first serve or the Clubhouse room with large screen tv. In the bar area you can watch tv or play video games at the tables along the wall. I thought that was pretty neat and a good way to stay occupied while waiting for your food. We ate in the clubhouse room and was able to be there when an interview was going on(minor league baseball players were there).

After lunch, walked over to Epcot and enter the International Gateway. We decided to head towards the Future world with a stop in Canada and United Kingdom.

After the Canadian movie, headed towards HISTA but the sudden rain storm slowed us down since our ponchos were back at the resort. I noticed the queue area was covered so we ran over and entered in 10 min, the shortest wait for this all week. I really enjoyed this even though I saw it when it first opened and my aunt agreed.

Walked around the imagination building before heading back to the Boardwalk resort. Since it was raining we decided to take the boat, but decided later on it is faster to walk back since Boardwalk is the last stop. We would usually take the boat to Epcot and walk back during the rest of the week. It might be the opposite if staying at the Yacht/Beach.

Got back and stood to wait for the room number/keys. That was my only complaint about the place. The front desk area does not have any queue area and you kind of make your own line but people kept walking up behind others already being waited on plus they did not have an express area to get your room keys/assignment so you had to wait until it was your turn and since that was the most crowded time it took awhile. I also did not like that the Boardwalk did not have a guest service all the time and you had to goto a front desk person for your priority seatings and other arrangements. Usually it did not create a problem but during peak times it did. I had made some priority seatings before arrival and then just went with the flow after arriving and never seemed to have a problem getting seating even an hour before.

We were in a Studio(had a queen bed, sleeper sofa, tv, kitchenette and balcony that overlooked the boardwalk and greens area-entrance area to the lobby). Unpacked and looked around the pool area what a fun slide and then went on to the Poly for dinner and then the Magic Kingdom.

After eating at the Poly, went on over to the Magic Kingdom until closing. After entering we decided to head towards Adventureland hitting Pirates first and then heading on towards BTMR and Splash Mountain. Got on with very little wait.

Took the Train to Mickey's Toontown and walked along the path to Tomorrowland and did all of the walk on type attractions-TTA, Timekeeper and Dreamflight. Went back over to Fantasyland and did Snow White, Toad's Wild Ride and Small World.

We headed back to Toontown were I stayed behind and my Aunt went back to main street and eventually back to the resort for the night. I went on Barnstormer a couple of times and then went into get some autographs with very little wait. I then walked backed through Fantasyland and castle to main street and headed out at closing.

July 20

The next morning I did early entry to D/MGM and my aunt met up with me before lunch at the Prime Time Cafe.

I was able to get on Tower of Terror, Star Tours and Great Movie Ride before heading to the First Little Mermaid Show. After the show I walked up to the Darkroom to rent a video camera for a couple of days and then head off to lunch.

I was a little disappointed this time eating at the Prime Time (I guess an old favorite since I am an ex-cast member who worked here and that is one of the reasons I like going here.) The menu has done a big overhall and they do not serve burgers as a regular item and if you want one you have to request it. Also, the cheese fries are not the way the used to be-using grated melted vermont cheddar cheese-just plain nacho cheddar cheese. I did order the burger and cheese fries since this is why I came here for and a chocolate shake and my Aunt had the Combo meal.

After lunch we hit the Beauty and the Beast show, Saturday morning show, Toy Story show and got autographs.

We decided to head back for a swim and some boating before a rain storm had hit.

We were to go back to MGM but decided since the rain held us up a little we just went over to the Magic Kingdom for dinner and finish out the evening. (MGM closed at 10pm and the Magic Kingdom closed at Midnight).

July 21

The next morning we decided to do the Magic Kingdom early entry and then breakfast at Chef Mickey's.

We rode all of the Fantasyland rides plus Space Mountain. We lined up at the Liberty Square bridge to go to Splash Mountain but made a mistake since the line opening is up above now and not down under the railroad station (I recommend lining up at the Adventureland Bridge).

We got there and the line was really long and decided to skip it since we rode it before and headed back to the Jungle Cruise, Haunted Mansion, Country Bears, Mark Twain Steamboat and the Pirates.

Headed to breakfast at around 10:45 am at Chef Mickey's. It was a lively place to eat at. Got autographs from all the characters there (disappointed no Donald Duck). The food was not too bad and served buffet style.

After breakfast, we went to the Top of the Contemporary and then my aunt and I split up.

I rented a watersprite and she went back to the resort. I also went to Discovery Island, Fort Wilderness and the WL before heading to Epcot center on the monorail and walking through to the Boardwalk. I wanted to film some of Epcot before turning in the camera.

We returned back to Epcot for dinner at the Japan pavillion and went through world showcase and watched illuminations before heading back to the Boardwalk.

July 22

Tuesday, July 22, we went to USF. We planned on going to the character breakfast for my aunt's birthday and arrived by 7:45 am. They were running a little late but we did get finished eating and got to see all characters present before 9am opening.

We headed to Jaws, BTTF and Terminator 3D. We should have waited to go to the Terminator Show and did Earthquake and King Kong before using our stamp on ET because the line was shorter later on in the day for Terminator.

When we got to ET just making the time limit it broke down and they were telling people to leave luckily we stuck around because it was back up in no time.

After ET went over to Hard Rock for T-shirts and then headed to Earthquake, the preview attraction, Beetlejuice show and Nick Studios.

Went shopping and was ready to leave since it was hot and we wanted to stop at the Belz Outlet for the character store. Good thing because it started to downpour.

Headed back to the Boardwalk and went to ESPN sports club for games and a snack as we were going to the Hoop Dee Doo at 9:30pm.

Headed to the Magic Kingdom to walk around for awhile and then headed over to Fort Wilderness around 8:30pm. I wished I would have booked the 7:15 show instead because I forgot about the hayrides offered and the water parade but was not sure if they even had it that evening because of rain. It was a fun show and the food was good-a little disappointed no more corn on the cob. Went back to the Magic Kingdom to catch bus back to resort.

July 23

Next morning slept in a little and went to Blizzard Beach at opening (good thing because all week both waterparks filled to capacity 1hr after opening). We stayed until about 12:30pm since crowds were very high and we rode everything already.

Went back to the Boardwalk and had lunch at Spoodles and then headed to the Studios.

Saw Hunchback, backlot tour, George of Jungle Tour and had dinner at the Sci-Fi resturant-only place whre priority seating did not work. Food was okay.

We decided to head out to the Marketplace to checkout the Rainforest Cafe and do a little shopping. We boarded a bus to PO/DxL and then boarded the boat to DVM.

Checked out the menu and decided to come for lunch tomorrow at opening and was ready to buy a T-shirt and realized I did not have my wallet.

We headed back to the Boardwalk and found my wallet in the room (A big scare, but thank goodness we found it) and then decided to stroll the Boardwalk with some ice cream. Nice nighttime atmosphere. We did not spend too many evenings on the Boardwalk and since it rained a couple times in the evening not much was going on sometimes. (Went to Atlantic Dance Hall but did not go to Jelly Rolls (have one at home so this was not a priority and yes, it is alot of fun if you go).

July 24

The next morning, I got up for Early Entry at Magic Kingdom. I went to tomorrowland first and did Alien Encounter, Space Mountain and Astro-orbitor. Headed over to Fantasyland and rode Teacups, Toad and Snow White before heading up to the Adventureland Bridge. I rode Splash Mountain and BTMR before riding the Train to Toontown. Got some more autographs and saw Mickey with very little wait.

Got back on the train to Main Street and headed back to the Boardwalk via grand bus tour of WDW. Only downfall of transportation by bus before 11:30 AM. Got back to the Boardwalk and called the valet to bring our car around since we decided to drive to the Marketplace.

Got to the Marketplace in no time and headed to Rainforest Cafe. No wait was seated in minutes. What a neat place. We went their twice on our trip and we were not the only repeat visitors. Had pasta the first time and then the Mombo Combo. My Aunt had the ribs the first time then a pizza the second time. The desserts are great.

Went shopping for awhile and then headed back to the Boardwalk for some swimming. We then headed to Epcot to do the Future World attractions and e-mail some friends. Go on everything we wanted to see in minutes or no wait. Liked the Ellen-energy show, disappointed with the land boat ride. I guess since there is no more snappy tune. Skipped the Living Seas, but went on Horizons and Spaceship Earth berfore heading to the Magic Kingdom for the rest of the evening. Left Magic Kingdom at closing.

July 25

Next day went to D/MGM and had lunch at Mama Melrose and finshed all of the attractions before heading back for swimming.

Decided to eat dinner at Epcot (Japan again). I got my passport validated and then headed over to the Magic Kingdom while my aunt stayed to watch IllumiNations and head back to the Boardwalk. Since it started to lightning, alot of the Magic Kingdom attractions were closed until it stopped. I went directly to Splash Mountain and rode it 3 times before the park closed for the evening could of rode it 4 times but went on BTMR.

July 26

The next morning went to Early Entry at Magic Kingdom. Went to Fantasyland and rode all the rides again and Space Mountain before lining up for the splash dash.

After Splash Mountain went on Pirates again and then headed to the Crystal Palace for breakfast.

After breakfast, I went on to the Studios for the Coronado openhouse while my aunt stayed behind to shop. We met later at the marketplace for some last minute shopping.

The Coronado Openhouse was nice. The resort is very nice and a possibility for a future visit. I probably would have stayed here if I would have waited a week or 2 for my arrival date but my aunt could not get off and wanted to go to WDW for her birthday.

I then went back to Boardwalk to get the car and drove to the DVM and met my aunt. I wanted to rent a boat but a storm looked like it was coming so the marina closed. Finshed shopping and headed back to the Boardwalk.

We decided to go back to Chef Mickey's for dinner. The food is okay but lots to choose from if you have picky eaters. A fun place to eat.

Headed to the Magic Kingdom since this was our last night and I always end my trip at the Magic Kingdom just like I start it. I stayed until closing but my aunt was too tired so she headed back after taking in a few attractions. A nice thing I like to do is sit up at the railroad station and watch the crowds go by.

July 27

I decided to sleep in instead of going over to MGM in the morning to get a last ride on ToT. I wish I went over because I did not sleep as late as I wanted to and I had my stuff already packed.

I got up and went around the Inn side to take pictures and then went to the pool for awhile but the slide did not open until later as I thought. After I went back to the room the lifeguards must have arrived early and opened the slide because I saw people going down it shortly after. I would have stayed longer at the pool. I got changed and set my suit out to dry and decided to stroll the Boardwalk and over to Epcot.

I went into Epcot and walked almost to Future World and decided that I would not have enough time to get back for 11am check-out. I did ask for an extension but since I was in the Villas it could not be granted but try to be out by 11:30am.

Got back and ask my aunt if she was ready to head over to the Rainforest Cafe to eat. Arrived just in time because the crowd was beginning to build. (I forgot it was Sunday and alot of locals come for a visit). Ate lunch and then headed to the airport to drop off luggage and car and then headed to the gate for home.

Post Trip Thoughts

I really enjoyed the Boardwalk Resort and probably would stay again and maybe on the Inn side. Our room location was close to the elevator so that was not a problem and we never had a noise problem even though our room overlooked the boardwalk entrance area and boat dock. I would imagine if you left the patio door open it might be noisy. I thought the studio and the rooms I saw could use more storage space. If we would have had another person we would of felt cramped with everything laying around. (4 adults I would have gotten a one bedroom). I felt staying in the studio was worth it for the fridge since we kept sodas, juice and milk in it and we did not pay extra.
I also thought the transportation was efficient but it was a long ride back at night since you stop at the other resorts in area (Yacht & Beach Clubs and sometimes the Swan & Dolphin) before the Boardwalk. This is the only complaint I have about staying in a Deluxe Resort. You pay all that money and you share buses with the other resorts and you're left standing at the stops. We never had a problem getting on since we knew where the bus actually stopped and that is where we stood but others would wait and still not get on the bus because it was already filled by the time it came to the Boardwalk in the afternoon/evening. Mornings never seemed to be a problem except getting back to the resort at 11:30 am. It also seemed that late at night at the Magic Kingdom more buses would be coming in for the moderates and cheap resorts than the Deluxe places. I also wish they could run a bus to the front of Epcot Center since this is where I want to start sometimes and not at the back since WS does not open until later.
Another observation, I felt the Magic Kingdom was pretty crowded until close since the other parks closed earlier and it would dump those people into the Magic Kingdom. The only time it was not real crowded was Friday night since it did rain and most of the rides closed and no 11pm parade.
I never really had a problem with the Brazillian Groups but did hear people complain to guest services about it. I did run into alot of them when I went to DxL to get a map for my aunt and they were running all over the place. We went opposite of the groups if we could or just kept moving along.
I did do Early Entry for the Magic Kingdom everytime it was offered and only D/MGM once and never for Epcot since we have no problem doing what we want to later in the day.
We did goto D/MGM on a non-Early Entry and the crowds did not seemed to be too big and we got through everything we wanted to see so I cannot say if that plan is good for us or not unless we tried for the other parks. I felt it was crowded either way and Early Entry enabled us to cover some of the attractions that are popular (Space Mountain, Alien Encounter, Tower of Terror, Star Tours) and normally crowded all day.
We did not get a chance to go to Pleasure Island, Typhoon lagoon or Celebration but will try next time. Alot of the problem was it would rain in the afternoon and by the time it stopped or slowed up we were ready to do something else or relax at the resort. My Aunt really wasn't up for Pleasure Island but maybe if we would have went early we could have done the Comedy Club/Adventurers Club or maybe if I did not misplace my wallet we would have ended up there on Wednesday night.
We were also on the Food-n-Fun card and used up all of our money. It was nice for us since everything was paid for in advanced and we did go out on the boats a few times during the week. One thing we had a problem was a couple of times the CM would charge the meal back to our room even though we told then it was Food 'N' Fun but we got that straightened out so make sure that you are getting charged right. The receipt says Food 'N' Fun and tip is included on bill plus a balance at the bottom unless you eat at a non-Disney restaurant like Rainforest Cafe).
We also got a flex feature, I got the Planet Hollywood T-shirt and my aunt got the CD. We were going to use it for a round of mini-golf but never got a chance to go there. It did look very nice.
We never had problems getting priority seating and had no problem changing existing seating times even though it was peak season.
I do not know about others feeling the same way I kind of did with DJ's set up throughout the Parks. Tomorrowland was just nuts with all the teens dancing around and it made the area more crowded. Also, like someone else posted they did not run the fountain show when the DJ was set-up. I think it takes away the Magic of Disney with this happening in the parks. Why not set-up a couple of 21 and under clubs or something instead of in the parks? Put one at the Boardwalk and Pleasure Island so teens can go there while parents try out the other places. I know other places do this but that is while you are waiting in line and not taking up crowd space. I forgot to mention this in my other reports. They also added a DJ atmosphere at typhoon lagoon during July and part of Aug. in the early evening until 9pm.
I also got to go see the Sports complex and thought it is a very nice place. I would have loved to play on nice fields that they have made. I might be able to come and watch a couple of basketball games that one of the PA colleges are playing in. You can either drive there or catch the bus to Blizzard Beach and Bus from there.
Well, I am getting ready to plan my next years WDW trip or a sooner trip in Dec. Sorry if the report was long but I do hope you enjoy it and if you have any questions just e-mail me.

Kristine Scott

AKStrvler@aol.com

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