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Post by helenabear on Apr 16, 2024 20:20:52 GMT -5
What happened? Is everything okay?!  Perhaps not. In a moment of madness, we decided to give VGF a try. Based on the preponderance of what I'm reading, that will not be as good a stay. Still, we will enjoy it, even if not as much. It will be interesting to see what proximity to MK is like. cheers. It's not bad for us, we just have resorts we'd rather spend the points on more. Really can be quite nice honestly so I definitely say give it a try. We have now done every WDW DVC resort (and me, the majority of all WDW resorts) so I say everything is worth a try at least once. |
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Post by brp on Apr 16, 2024 20:41:58 GMT -5
Perhaps not. In a moment of madness, we decided to give VGF a try. Based on the preponderance of what I'm reading, that will not be as good a stay. Still, we will enjoy it, even if not as much. It will be interesting to see what proximity to MK is like. cheers. It's not bad for us, we just have resorts we'd rather spend the points on more. Really can be quite nice honestly so I definitely say give it a try. We have now done every WDW DVC resort (and me, the majority of all WDW resorts) so I say everything is worth a try at least once. I'm sure we'll actually enjoy it in the end. I had been expecting to be wowed when I first booked this. The main building is so grand that it seemed a must do. Now, I'm expecting to enjoy it, but not quite at that level. In any event, I'm lowering expectations some so that this will end up being very much fun. And something new.
Cheers.
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Post by helenabear on Apr 16, 2024 20:55:24 GMT -5
It's not bad for us, we just have resorts we'd rather spend the points on more. Really can be quite nice honestly so I definitely say give it a try. We have now done every WDW DVC resort (and me, the majority of all WDW resorts) so I say everything is worth a try at least once. I'm sure we'll actually enjoy it in the end. I had been expecting to be wowed when I first booked this. The main building is so grand that it seemed a must do. Now, I'm expecting to enjoy it, but not quite at that level. In any event, I'm lowering expectations some so that this will end up being very much fun. And something new. Cheers. Having realistic or lower expectations is a really good thing to do as a whole. Makes you not disappointed when you stay LOL. I'm halfway worried that by the time I get into the new PVB tower that I'll have it so hyped in my head that I wind up disappointed. Though I could be lucky and it will be like my NYC room last week - totally wow'd! |
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Post by brp on Apr 16, 2024 20:59:45 GMT -5
I'm sure we'll actually enjoy it in the end. I had been expecting to be wowed when I first booked this. The main building is so grand that it seemed a must do. Now, I'm expecting to enjoy it, but not quite at that level. In any event, I'm lowering expectations some so that this will end up being very much fun. And something new. Cheers. Having realistic or lower expectations is a really good thing to do as a whole. Makes you not disappointed when you stay LOL. I'm halfway worried that by the time I get into the new PVB tower that I'll have it so hyped in my head that I wind up disappointed. Though I could be lucky and it will be like my NYC room last week - totally wow'd! [thread drift]
We love NYC. We were just there in March and go a couple of times a year. We have a HGVC timeshare and enjoy our stays there.
Where did you stay for this trip?
[/thread drift]
Cheers.
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Post by Adelard of Bath on Apr 16, 2024 21:16:22 GMT -5
[thread drift] ... [/thread drift] lol |
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Post by helenabear on Apr 17, 2024 5:40:15 GMT -5
Having realistic or lower expectations is a really good thing to do as a whole. Makes you not disappointed when you stay LOL. I'm halfway worried that by the time I get into the new PVB tower that I'll have it so hyped in my head that I wind up disappointed. Though I could be lucky and it will be like my NYC room last week - totally wow'd! [thread drift] We love NYC. We were just there in March and go a couple of times a year. We have a HGVC timeshare and enjoy our stays there. Where did you stay for this trip? [/thread drift] Cheers. Marriott Marquis on Broadway. A block and a half from where I go into work which was convenient. Also where my kid's choir was staying. Very nice place amd pretty quiet given everything. Great price on priceline too! |
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Post by brp on Apr 17, 2024 8:20:17 GMT -5
[thread drift] We love NYC. We were just there in March and go a couple of times a year. We have a HGVC timeshare and enjoy our stays there. Where did you stay for this trip? [/thread drift] Cheers. Marriott Marquis on Broadway. A block and a half from where I go into work which was convenient. Also where my kid's choir was staying. Very nice place amd pretty quiet given everything. Great price on priceline too! I have stayed there once and we go to visit the lobby periodically. What a marvelous location and hotel. The top used to be a very nice bar/restaurant. One could just stop in for an (expensive) drink and spin around, Last I checked, it was one of those "experience" dinners. But still such a great place to be.
Cheers.
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Post by helenabear on Apr 17, 2024 8:55:39 GMT -5
Marriott Marquis on Broadway. A block and a half from where I go into work which was convenient. Also where my kid's choir was staying. Very nice place amd pretty quiet given everything. Great price on priceline too! I have stayed there once and we go to visit the lobby periodically. What a marvelous location and hotel. The top used to be a very nice bar/restaurant. One could just stop in for an (expensive) drink and spin around, Last I checked, it was one of those "experience" dinners. But still such a great place to be. Cheers. I've been in a variety of different hotels while in NYC and my last one (now a Hilton on 46th) I thought was great, this one? Nope blew it out of the water. Such a girly thing for me, but the shampoo and conditioner rocked. I might have to make it my regular home when I travel there. The other hotels I had were noisier and almost what I paid for this one. NYC does that mandatory tax, but the Marriott offers a $40 credit to compensate so free breakfast that's more than a bowl of cereal lol I didn't go up to the top, but next time I will. Really nice place! |
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Post by Brian5581 on Apr 18, 2024 21:37:17 GMT -5
It's not bad for us, we just have resorts we'd rather spend the points on more. Really can be quite nice honestly so I definitely say give it a try. We have now done every WDW DVC resort (and me, the majority of all WDW resorts) so I say everything is worth a try at least once. I'm sure we'll actually enjoy it in the end. I had been expecting to be wowed when I first booked this. The main building is so grand that it seemed a must do. Now, I'm expecting to enjoy it, but not quite at that level. In any event, I'm lowering expectations some so that this will end up being very much fun. And something new.
Cheers.
They lost my wow when they cut the orchestra. When both the orchestra and the pianist performed throughout the afternoon/evening, it was the epitome of my Disney, That said, still very enjoyable, indeed. [thread drift] We love NYC. We were just there in March and go a couple of times a year. We have a HGVC timeshare and enjoy our stays there. Where did you stay for this trip? [/thread drift] Cheers. Marriott Marquis on Broadway. A block and a half from where I go into work which was convenient. Also where my kid's choir was staying. Very nice place amd pretty quiet given everything. Great price on priceline too! I’ve wandered that lobby a few times over the years. Very nice! |
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Post by simbasmom on Apr 22, 2024 14:00:07 GMT -5
Can AP holders bring guests to this AP lounge, similar to how DVC owners can bring guests up to the DVC lounge? I certainly hope so, even if they limit the #. In our family, I'm the only Annual Passholder, but I have no desire to use the lounge if DH can't go with me. |
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M2JRA
One Bedroom
Posts: 231
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Post by M2JRA on May 8, 2024 12:54:55 GMT -5
Made a brief visit to this AP Lounge. Here's a bit of info to fill in the gaps, if anyone's interested~
* It is a bit tricky to find -- there is zero signage. It's accessed by either side of a construction scrim.
* On the day I visited (5/4), there were two lines at the entrance, and again no indication of what either line was for. Very soon, though, as a few of us were asking each other about the lines, a CM approached and announced that one was a line to leave your phone number for a text to return and enter, and the other line was for those who'd received the text. So, I got in the line to leave my number. It looked long but took only maybe 5 minutes. After leaving my number, I went back out to grab a cup of water from the QS place and sat in the shade for another maybe 5 minutes and then got the text to return. At this point there was no line to enter, so the CM verified my membership and allowed me in.
* Immediately inside they asked to see my photo ID and gave me a small Mickey button. Then, on into the lounge, where it was packed to the gills and SRO (at least, that's how it was on my visit).
* It is for AP-holders only -- no guests (which I know we figured, but just confirming; you cannot bring guests here the way you can with the DVC lounge).
* There is a photo op with Genie (possibly they rotate characters? I didn't ask).
* They had beverages (ice water or warm mint tea) and snacks (Chex Mix or Planter's tropical nut mix).
* Tables and chairs were set up on both sides of the main part of the room (where Genie and snacks were) in what I assume was the regular restaurant formation. Many people were roaming for seats. Others looked as though they'd been camped out there for hours with no plans to leave.
* There are restrooms inside the vestibule area (pointing out as there are no restrooms at the DVC Lounge).
Overall assessment: I always like to check out new things, and only spent about 30 minutes altogether, so I'm glad I did it. However, unless someone really wants to meet Genie, there isn't anything particularly interesting or unique about the experience.
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Post by brp on May 8, 2024 13:14:35 GMT -5
Thanks for the review. As you said, other than to check out something new, this seems not worth the effort. The lounge in Imagination offers quite a bit more than this and it nice for hanging out. This sounds not so much.
Cheers.
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Post by tomandrobin on May 8, 2024 14:20:32 GMT -5
Nice summary....and thanks for taking one for the team (again)!
I remember how mobbed the AP Lounge was in the past. People go crazy for anything that is free from Disney.
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Post by rowrbazzle on May 9, 2024 18:46:39 GMT -5
Thanks for the review. As you said, other than to check out something new, this seems not worth the effort. The lounge in Imagination offers quite a bit more than this and it nice for hanging out. This sounds not so much. Cheers. I think the main advantage is that it's in the World Showcase so one need not walk back to Imagination to enjoy a little lounge time. We waited longer than the previous poster, but it was less crowded when we entered. There was no one standing. The drinks and snacks were fine, but definitely nothing special. It was a nice break from the heat, but I wouldn't wait more than a few minutes again. |
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Post by brp on May 17, 2024 20:03:51 GMT -5
Thanks for the review. As you said, other than to check out something new, this seems not worth the effort. The lounge in Imagination offers quite a bit more than this and it nice for hanging out. This sounds not so much. Cheers. I think the main advantage is that it's in the World Showcase so one need not walk back to Imagination to enjoy a little lounge time. We waited longer than the previous poster, but it was less crowded when we entered. There was no one standing. The drinks and snacks were fine, but definitely nothing special. It was a nice break from the heat, but I wouldn't wait more than a few minutes again. Well, we went here and it was not bad. Walked right in and it was very comfortable and a fun space. Very nice Middle Eastern theming, right down to the carpets. Yeah, the snacks were not as good as the DVC lounge, but it was hot and the AC was nice. Cheers. |
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