|
|
Post by brp on Nov 4, 2024 13:33:56 GMT -5
Just going to share some observations about our recent trip: BWV (Boardwalk View) Oct. 28 - Nov. 1
This was a four night trip and, after, we decided that 4 nights, maybe 5, are sufficient. Can't see wanting to stay longer than that. We do parks every day because, if not, no reason to be there. And that is just enough time.
Late October seems to be a great time to go from both a weather and crowd (more on that later) standpoint.
We had MNSSHP one night and late EMH at DHS another night. Definitely opportunities to get things done.
Boardwalk View really is superior for sitting around.
Transport was very good. very good bus luck, And, even though we regularly got there just after a monorail had left, always another one shortly. The on;y longish wait was at DS going home, and this was on;y around 7:30PM.
Disney tech was superb: * The MBs wored every time. Even the original band (not even sure how old it is now) worked at the park, although not on the door. * All media, including MNSSHP tickets, were just there on the MB * DVC lounge in Epcot needed only the MB. * App was flawless and fast for information and VQ entry
Cheers.
|
|
|
|
Post by brp on Nov 4, 2024 13:41:46 GMT -5
We did no rope drops. We did get up early to run, and then got to parks whenever. Even with that, we were able to ride pretty much anything we wanted:
Soarin' two times
FoP with 25 minute wait.
Jungle Cruise at about 25
Space Mountain at 5
Seven Dwarves with 25 (this was during MNSSHP, though)
SDD (during evening EMH)
Millennium Falcon (5 min)
Probably some others. But waits were on the shorter side. No need to buy special entries, even without RD
Some observations:
RotR was not running during evening EMH. But the wait was like 15 minutes just before normal park close. We should have come then, but we were haning on the balcony at Topolino's after dinner.
Topolino's is superb. In the past we've no card for the menu, but this was great. Excellent soup, one appetizer, one main. We were leaning toward the branzino, but our waiter steered us toward the sole. And he was right.
Disney After Hours is better than MNSSHP as far as we're concerned. The former had Mickey bars, popcorn and soda. Even though we don't eat the latter two, it's somewhat substantial. MNSSHP just had lame candy stops. We'll not do that one again, but may well do Disney After Hours. It's cheaper, too.
Cheers.
|
|
|
|
Post by brp on Nov 4, 2024 13:45:26 GMT -5
All fences are down in Epcot, and I like what they've done with the place. They could have done some more, and been closer to the original refurb plan, but this is quite nice. Very open feel. Very inviting.
Moana's Journey of Water is still fabulous.
For F&W options:
Flavors from Fire was, as always, great. Meat and Impossible options were very good.
Various hot dogs at America were tasty
Autumn chili (pork belly, lamb, something else) at Bramblewood was a winner.
For non-FW:
Happy Hour at STK (DS) continues to be a winner. We do this every trip, and this was no exception.
Cheers.
|
|
|
|
Post by fuzzylogic on Nov 4, 2024 14:07:59 GMT -5
STK Lounge -- just walk-in or reserve ahead? We've thought about trying this but haven't got around to it yet.
|
|
|
|
Post by brp on Nov 4, 2024 14:11:19 GMT -5
STK Lounge -- just walk-in or reserve ahead? We've thought about trying this but haven't got around to it yet. Just walk in. Not sure that one can reserve for the Happy Hour, but we've never tried. Mon-Fri, 3:30-6:30, I believe. Some other times as well. We usually target around 5:30. never a space issue.
Cheers.
|
|
|
|
Post by helenabear on Nov 4, 2024 15:37:00 GMT -5
Thank you so much for your summary of your trip! Glad tech was on your side. That is one that can make or break a trip really.
Sometime soon I will have to look at Topolino's but so far the menu might be problematic for me. I have only heard great things about it though.
|
|
|
|
Post by brp on Nov 4, 2024 15:38:45 GMT -5
Some minor observations: Now that the outside dressing is mostly done, Poly 2 doesn't look as bad as I'd thought (just as helenabear predicted). It still doesn't fit, but it doesn't actually suck. When we went by MK on the monorail at about 3:15PM on Oct. 31 (en-route to TTC from GF), there were very many apparent MNSSHP participants crowded around. The event has a 7PM start with wristbands available at 4. Very early line-up. Despite being right before the election, I saw only 1 political shirt the whole time. Very refreshing to see so few. Cheers. |
|
|
|
Post by johnb on Nov 4, 2024 16:52:35 GMT -5
Might be the best piece of fish I've ever had. The butter, lemon and perfectly cooked fish. I loved the contrast between the very thin crust on the outside of the fish and the soft, flaky inside.
|
|
|
|
Post by helenabear on Nov 4, 2024 16:58:27 GMT -5
Some minor observations: Now that the outside dressing is mostly done, Poly 2 doesn't look as bad as I'd thought (just as helenabear predicted). It still doesn't fit, but it doesn't actually suck. When we went by MK on the monorail at about 3:15PM on Oct. 31 (en-route to TTC from GF), there were very many apparent MNSSHP participants crowded around. The event has a 7PM start with wristbands available at 4. Very early line-up. Despite being right before the election, I saw only 1 political shirt the whole time. Very refreshing to see so few. Cheers. I'm laughing only because I knew it wouldn't suck - may not be well loved but not totally sucky. That was always my small gripe about BLT - it's still very concrete colored and I wish it were a little softer in the skyline but I've adjusted to it. One thing I did notice is that they really could have made the wing closest to Fiji and Aotearoa taller, but they opted not to. They kind of graduated down as the building went. |
|
|
|
Post by baymaxfan on Nov 4, 2024 17:24:22 GMT -5
Thank you so much for your summary of your trip! Glad tech was on your side. That is one that can make or break a trip really. Sometime soon I will have to look at Topolino's but so far the menu might be problematic for me. I have only heard great things about it though. I guess I'm lucky. In all my times going to WDW over the years, our bands have always worked as they should for everyone in my travel group for everything - tickets, doors, payment. Pre-MagicBand, I did have an issue with a door card key not working, but that was a long time ago. |
|
|
|
Post by reblzmom on Nov 4, 2024 18:27:12 GMT -5
We were also there 10/28 to 10/31. Only 3 nights for us. Unfortunately not at home BWV but the first time at Copper Creek. I liked it there - but certainly different. I agree 4 nights is the sweet spot.
Agree with your assessment of the chili - we thought it was outstanding!
We had great luck with riding whatever we wanted with wait times often half of the posted time. I think the only one that was right on was FOP and since thats my favorite ride ever I didn't mind.
Our very old bands worked for everything for us. All in all it was a really good week to be there.
|
|
|
|
Post by Hi from RI on Nov 5, 2024 11:13:23 GMT -5
Wish we could go then.....teach in academia so confined by my schedule.....
|
|
|
|
Post by helenabear on Nov 5, 2024 11:38:41 GMT -5
Thank you so much for your summary of your trip! Glad tech was on your side. That is one that can make or break a trip really. Sometime soon I will have to look at Topolino's but so far the menu might be problematic for me. I have only heard great things about it though. I guess I'm lucky. In all my times going to WDW over the years, our bands have always worked as they should for everyone in my travel group for everything - tickets, doors, payment. Pre-MagicBand, I did have an issue with a door card key not working, but that was a long time ago. Wish I could say the same for me. Last trip one magic band just lost its mind. Had to remove it completely and re-add - something only the GS people could do. A year ago I had more issues with my bands getting into AKL than I have ever had. Wound up carrying a card in addition to my band. Front desk has had to rescan my bands to attach to the room right more times than I care to admit. Never mind when the app misbehaves. I spent an hour with the front desk one time having issues all around. As an apology she got me into a room earlier than expected. |
|
|
|
Post by Brian5581 on Nov 10, 2024 14:59:21 GMT -5
Thanks for the summary. Glad you enjoyed!
|
|
