May 12 - May 20th WDW Vacation :muchlove:

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May 12 - May 20th WDW Vacation :muchlove:

Hellooooooo everyone yay

This is my first post clapping I wanted to give an overview of our 2011 WDW vacation -- if this isn't the correct forum to place this, mods, by all means, feel free to move awesome

So, typically I'm not really a forum type of person, but before heading out for our vacation I scoured TONS of forums and read LOADS of posts.. so, I thought it may be helpful to write one of my own..

Prior to leaving.. I was a panic about several different things.. I had read tons of reports about lovebugs, and how awful they are/were in the the WDW parks and resorts.. ugh, this became a true stress factor for me prior to our departure! And then, to make matters worse, while scouring the web for more lovebug info in WDW I came across information regarding bedbug info at WDW resorts.. tack the two together and I was freaking out thinking we were doomed for an awful vacation!!

Okay so to start off.. the lovebugs muchlove .. did we see some? Yup! Creepy, lovey, floaty things.. they were in fact present.. but!!! NOT at ALL in the numbers that I was expecting!!! Maybe the entire time we were there.. which was 9 days.. we maybe saw 10 of them! No swarms, no benches covered in them, no people getting attacked at the poolside -- NOTHING! All the things i was worried was going to happen were completely moot -- it actually became a game where my DH and I would look for them! And, on the bug note.. I must say, I do NOT know how Disney does it -- but the parks were AMAZINGLY bug free!! The only time we noticed getting a little bit up was during some of the nighttime firework shows (specifically at Epcot, but we were sitting right by the water, so it was to be expected).. but other then that.. completely bug free!! Incredible! Even eating lunch outside every day and a few dinners outdoors as well.. we were never bothered by bugs Smile

Okay so next.. bedbugs.. we stayed at Pop Century in the 70s section of the resort.. and, I have to say.. I was extremely PLEASED with our accommodations! After looking it up prior to leaving, I had read numerous complaints about this resort -- bed bug issues, uncleanly rooms, dirty/worn showers/tubs, etc.. So, because I was a nut job terrified of finding bugs, when we first got to the room before our luggage arrived we scoured the place for signs of bugs.. NOTHING.. the mattresses (which was a Sealy, btw -- pretty good for a resort hotel, I thought!) looked almost new, the headboard and nightstands were spotless, and the chairs were all clear too Smile The shower/tubs actually were in great condition -- I loved the shower head -- one of the adjustable heads where you can modify the pressure settings for how the water dispenses! The carpets looked a little grimy, so whenever in the room I made sure to wear socks.. but, I actually don't think they were dirty because my socks were never filthy after walking around on them! I think it was more just that they were dark colored, which made me think they were dirty Wink

My only complaint about this resort is the cafeteria.. I think the selection was mediocre, and I was a bit disappointed that they closed at midnight.. we purchased one of the resort mugs ($13.99 for the mug, which included free refills for your entire stay).. there were several nights that we'd get back from the parks after midnight and would have liked to refill our mugs, but the cafe was closed.. I think it would be great if they just kept a section open all night so that people could refill them later on Smile

As for the parks.. May was a WONDERFUL time to go.. The lines weren't crazy long -- I think the longest we waited was 25 minutes! And, we only used FastPass a few times! I was shocked at how long the lines were for Peter Pan and Winnie the Pooh in MK -- especially because the rides weren't "out of this world amazing".. I mean, they were cute, but not worth the 50min+ wait that was listed!! We ended up using fast pass for both of those, and again.. they were cute, but I would have been annoyed if we waited nearly an hour for them! I will also say that EVERY employee we came in contact with (at the parks and the resorts) was just INCREDIBLY bubbly, and happy and polite and helpful and etc... It was so nice -- my DH joked and said they probably all hate their jobs from having to smile and be so happy all day LOL! The other complaint we'd have is just that it's very difficult to "move" at night when the firework shows are going on.. the one night when we were trying to watch the show, we were annoyed because workers kept telling us we had to stay within the "taped off areas" to stand and watch the fireworks, but they were crazy packed, and it took us forever to find a spot.. but then another night after we had seen the show, we were trying to get through to go do more rides and that was just NUTS! Because people weren't staying in the taped off areas, it made it almost impossible to get through.. I feel so bad for the poor workers who have to keep order during those times!! After being on the other side, trying to force our way through the crowds, I completely understand why they need to use the taped off areas, but for the sheer number of people trying to watch the show, the areas aren't nearly big enough.. it's a hard call.. people need to get through, but people also paid to come to the parks and have the right to see the fireworks.. anyways, I'm sure they'll come up with a better system soon, and in the mean time -- be forewarned that during the nights shows (and I'm mostly talking magic kingdom) it's a bit chaotic!! Butttttt.. well worth it -- MKs night show was absolutely beautiful!! I almost filled with tears!!! Made me truly feel the magic muchlove

Transportation back from the parks was insane. There were several nights where we waited longer for a bus to come than we did for any lines for rides that whole day waiting And, those drivers -- they PACK YOU IN like sardines!! It was intense! The one night there were people standing up next to the driver in the doorway -- and there were several nights where they packed multiple of us in the doorway in the middle of the bus! On one hand, I would much rather them pack us in that way you aren't waiting AS long for a bus.. but I'm sure there are safety violations there!! I think, and I would hope, that during peak season they have more buses running! Otherwise, I can't imagine how much worse it would be!

Now to discuss our dining adventures.. the dining plan is DEFINITELY the way to go.. only complaint -- you get a TON of food!! I think we both gained 5lbs despite all the walking we did!! Other comment -- make sure to make reservations EARLY! We did not do this, and so the first night we were there we made reservations for our whole week.. but, some of the places we wanted to eat were already booked, and most of the places we could get reservations for our time slots were between 8:30 and 9:30 pm.. for us, that ended up working out fine.. we brought granola bars and bagels with us from home and would eat "breakfast" in the morning before leaving for the parks.. and then we'd have a late lunch at like 2-3pm, a snack around 5 or so and then our dinner.. here are the places we had dinner at, and a quick review Smile

Mama Melrose - DHS - Great Italian food
Chef De France - Epcot -- Fabulous!! This was one of our favorites!!
WolfGang Puck - Downtown -- Great for Sushi lovers Smile
Captains Grille - Yacht Club -- Ehh, so-so.. the food was just OK -- we probably wouldn't go here again
Cape May Cafe - Beach Club -- AMAZING buffet!! Tons of seafood -- crablegs, clams, mussels! And, tons of other stuff too!
Tonys Town Square -- Good Italian food -- we sat outside overlooking the main street area -- very nice, had a great breeze!
Captain Jacks Marina - Downtown -- Great food! Crabcakes were amazing, as was the chocolate cake!! Yum!!
Biergarten - Epcot -- NEVER AGAIN!! LoL The food was just OK (buffet style) -- the desserts were better than any of the main courses.. but, the thing that threw me for a loop -- they sit you at a "communal" table.. so, we were a party of two.. and so they sat us with 3 other party of 2s at one table! It was super awkward! Some people may totally dig that and that's fine.. but, definitely not how I enjoy dining!! I definitely think this should have been advertised prior to seating you!!

Hmm.. the only other thing to comment on was our 2 days at Universal -- ehh, it was fun, but I will say Universal definitely does not compare to Disney! Their organization, layout, everything was lacking compared to Disney! We planned for 2 days there, and in theory could have finished everything in 1 day doing both Islands and Universal Studios.. especially given the fact that it was $19pp each day for the Meers Transportation (which, wasn't really great -- they were never on time, and the one day we got a driver who wasn't experienced with the route which caused the drive there to take over an hour!).

All in all.. we had such a wonderful time yay !! I'm sooooooooo excited to go back again in 2 years awesome I can't wait to see the new additions in MK parks (said to open in 2012) mickey I hope this review was helpful to some!!!

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Great trip report and thanks for sharing! I would echo May as a great time to go! Usually great weather, and light crowds - score!!! I sometimes things reading reviews ahead of time really makes you nervous - so I stopped doing so.

I'm in your camp - no communal dining please!

Welcome back, welcome to the boards as a poster, and glad you had a great time! mickey

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Welcome to the forum!!! Great trip report!

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Welcome missbea3 and great trip report. I agree with you on the Biergarten experience, not our cup of tea either.

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Loved to read your trip report and welcome Smile

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Thanks for the report! I love hearing what other people think and experience. May is really great, I will have to third that. And yes, they do have more buses up and running during peak times. I've found with Disney transport it is either hit or miss as far as wait times...and it seems to have a lot to do with what resort you're at.

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I love the details, interesting about Universal as we have been trying to decided 1 or 2 days ourselves

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JustCar wrote:
I love the details, interesting about Universal as we have been trying to decided 1 or 2 days ourselves

I couldn't agree more with what the OP said about Universal. I'd also plan for 1 day for both parks. Especially the Studios side...they literally have not updated things since I was 6 years old.

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Thanks for the report and welcome to the boards!

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Thanks everyone biggrin Glad you all enjoyed my post Smile

I was pretty bummed about the whole Universal thing -- especially because our travel agent told us there was a deal going on for a 1 day hopper pass that included free transportation using the Meers system.. but, because we wanted 2 days, we had to pay for the Meers transportation!

I mean.. our experience.. the lines in Universal studios were extremely short.. like, max 10 minutes.. and then, once we got over to Islands of Adventure, the main thing I wanted to hit was WWHP. Now, granted, by the time we had gotten over to Islands the first day, it had been raining a bit, so a lot of people may have left (mind you this was like 4pm), but the wait for the main HP ride was only 20 minutes! I actually had wished it was longer that way I wasn't so rushed taking pictures inside the castle! Because we were having crappy weather, and we knew we were coming back for a 2nd day we ended up jetting out early and hitting everything else the next time we came.. and the next time, the weather was gorgeous, and the lines for HP were maybe.. 30 minutes or so? Side note.. I was SOO disappointed in the ride though.. I had to close my eyes the WHOLE time Sad I missed it all!! I am very sensitive to simulation rides (ex simpsons ride, spiderman, etc)! But.. the castle was amazing.. and, butterbeer is AMAZING awesome

Glad to hear they up the transportation during peak season! I think your def right about the wait times for busing corresponding to the resort you're staying at.. some of the other resorts (like Caribbean beach, Port Orleans and Saratoga Springs) had very short wait times for their buses!! We were always jealous lol. What we found was easier sometimes was to take a bus over to Epcot and then catch a bus home from there.. for some reason, Epcot didn't seem to have as many people there later at night.. but it's also sort of a gamble, because they aren't normally open as late as the other parks.. all in all.. as much as I complained, I wouldn't do it any other way.. the convenience of having the busing system is, by far, way better then any other method of transportation!!

And... another side note... I'm ALREADY going through Disney withdrawl eek Just posted on FB about how I wish I would much rather still be in WDW rather than home unloading groceries and making dinner!!! Blah! crossfingers We're planning on going back in 2013 once the new additions to MK are all complete!! Until then.. I'll be dreaming of mickey !!!

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Welcome Welcome!!!

Isn't it funny how much people freak out over the Lovebugs?? It kills me. They don't bite..and at times they can be annoying but I've never seen swarms of lovebugs coming to kill me or anything. People sure do know how to blow things out of proportion!

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Welcome!

And a note on the bugs.. I was there from May 12-May 18 and we did see some lovebugs but not many.. certainly not enough to annoy.

BUT.. they did show on the news at the beaches apparently was a different story. There were tons of tourists in town for the Space Shuttle launch and the video clips they were showing, there WERE swarms and just.. lovebugs EVERYWHERE up there. It looked gross.

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I did see a car in the parking lot at our resort with tonsssss of dead ones smooshed on the front of the car.. but, yea.. we got lucky!! I am DEF not a bug person.. even if they don't bite.. insects just freak me out!! LOL, so I was a panic thinking I was going to be miserable the whole trip because of it!! Anyway, I just wanted to give my own take on my experience.. so maybe if someone like me read it they wouldn't be fearing the worst before their trip LOL.. I've heard about the swarms -- I saw pictures online of it, and a coworker of mine used to live in Fl and she was telling me about them too! Thank the gods they weren't that bad in WDW -- at least, not when we were there Smile

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Welcome! mickey

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Welcome! Sounds like you had a wonderful trip! I hope you have some pictures to share!

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Welcome and thanks for the awesome TR!

Re: lovebugs, they're pretty unpredictable. I posted here about them a few weeks ago, but within the week, they had mostly cleared out (the really bad swarms, I mean.) However, today, I noticed an uptick in them again. Ya just never know with them.

Bella wrote:
Welcome Welcome!!!

Isn't it funny how much people freak out over the Lovebugs?? It kills me. They don't bite..and at times they can be annoying but I've never seen swarms of lovebugs coming to kill me or anything. People sure do know how to blow things out of proportion!

Bella - I totally plead guilty. But with us, it's more the daily removal of their acidic little carcasses from our cars. It just makes me angry that they exact their revenge on you by eating through your clearcoat if you don't get rid of them quickly enough!

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Welcome.

Totally agree about Univeral, we'd never go back except we want to try Harry Potter.

Have to disagree on Biergarten, it's on of our favs...and by the way it is often described as group seating. We love mingling with others and I LOVE German food (course I'm 1/2 German so that probably has something to do with it, lol). Plus the entertainment is a blast.

Never been when the lovebugs are out.

Intersting you had Pop bus troubles, we've been there 2x once in Jan in very low attendance (I'm talking the fast pass machines were closed) and once President's week and were always grateful we were at Pop because the buses always came fast and weren't over crowded.

As to the withdrawl, it never goes away, I've been partially planning our 2012 trip since we left wdw in 2008, lol.

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katrina1122 wrote:

As to the withdrawl, it never goes away, I've been partially planning our 2012 trip since we left wdw in 2008, lol.

So glad I'm not alone!! We've already decided to go back in 2013 so we can stay at the new resort they are building, and, hopefully by then all the new additions in MK will be complete clapping

In the meantime, I'm homesick for WDW silly

Oh, and can I just add that there is one more thing I've been craving since we left.. BUTTERBEER!! LoL.. that would be the only reason to go back to Universal... I think I'm in love with butterbeer muchlove Haha.. I keep telling DH he better hope I don't get pregnant soon, because I can totally see that becoming a severe craving!!! Mmmmm.. sooo yummy!! Anyone else had it?? I'm talking the frozen one, btw.. the cold one was just so so, but the frozen was amazing!!!

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Lizzy_B wrote:
It just makes me angry that they exact their revenge on you by eating through your clearcoat if you don't get rid of them quickly enough!

That is true..my Dad often yells at me about that!

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Missbea3 wrote:
katrina1122 wrote:

As to the withdrawl, it never goes away, I've been partially planning our 2012 trip since we left wdw in 2008, lol.

So glad I'm not alone!! We've already decided to go back in 2013 so we can stay at the new resort they are building, and, hopefully by then all the new additions in MK will be complete clapping

In the meantime, I'm homesick for WDW silly

Oh, and can I just add that there is one more thing I've been craving since we left.. BUTTERBEER!! LoL.. that would be the only reason to go back to Universal... I think I'm in love with butterbeer muchlove Haha.. I keep telling DH he better hope I don't get pregnant soon, because I can totally see that becoming a severe craving!!! Mmmmm.. sooo yummy!! Anyone else had it?? I'm talking the frozen one, btw.. the cold one was just so so, but the frozen was amazing!!!

We found some butterbeer recipes for those mad cravings that happen when you are far, far away from Orlando - or if you don't want to waste Disney dollars going to Universal Smile Here's the link to that thread.

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