T-Belle
07-18-2011, 05:42 PM
Hello my fellow Disney friends! We just got back and I thought I would give a one report review. My daughter, Joey, and I had a blast! Here's the highlights.
July 9-16
We stayed at Shades of Green and as usual greatly enjoyed it. This is the first time I've stayed there without my car and was totally depended on their transportation. We usually drive but decided to fly this time. I was a little worried about their bus situation as reviews have been hot and cold. But we had no problems. In fact I prefer their service over Disney resorts now. There busses are timed. So when they say they'll pick you up at AK at 10 minutes before the hour-you know when to go to the stop.
Since SOG doesn't have Magical Express we made arrangements with Sunshine State Car Service. I would highly recommend them. Our flight in was 1 1/2 hours late but they we're monitoring our flight and was waiting for us. He also stopped at the Hess station so we could buy a case of water. The round trip from and return trip to MCO for 2 adults was $109. I thought very reasonable. I once took a cab from the Poly and with tip the fare was just under $95 one way so I thought this was a great deal.
New things:
As all of you know, you can never "do it all". So each visit I plan new things to try. This trip we tried 1900 Park Fare. Really enjoyed it. I thought the food was above average for a buffet. And a great place to have one on one time with Cinderella and Prince Charming. Something I thought was very sweet was when Cindy & Prince finished their waltz and when they usually begin dancing with children, Cinderella chose an older gentleman. He must have been in his 70's and danced very well with her. It was really sweet.
Also new- Chefs de France. I must admit I wanted to eat here just to see Remy, which we did and is just too cute for words!! But the food was also very good. We had decided to share meals to save money and because Disney portions are so large. And we wanted to "eat around the World"! We shared the lobster bisque and mac & cheese. Both we're delicious and the bread was to die for!
This was also the 1st time we had been since TSM and the new Star Tours. LOVED TSM!!! Worth the 20 minute wait for fast passes(they we're all gone by 11:00am).
Also new for me...RnR. I did it!!!!!! finally!!!! Of course I kept my eyes closed almost the whole time but I conquered my fear!!
The weather: Hot, hot, hot!!! We had typical Florida rain at some point every day. But it never dampened our fun. Just pulled out the ponchos.
The crowds: Very manageable even tho we were there at the height of the Brazilian tour groups. There were hundreds and hundreds of them. We just always tried to stay in front of them.
Cast members: Wonderful! Each and every one we encountered. Two that stand out the most was the one in the Mainstreet Bakery. I was waiting for Joey to make a selection and I was watching the lady make fresh cotton candy when this very sweet CM asked if I would like a sample. She also gave me a brief lesson in cotton candy making. So above and beyond!!!
The second one was in the aviary at Pangani Forest Exploration Trail. We were enjoying all the beautiful birds when the CM came in and promptly began getting dive bombed by one particular bird. She said that the birds recognize
them and do this all the time. But she just smiled and laughed with us. You could tell that she loved her job and had such respect for these beautiful birds.
Well that's it. We had such a great time-as usual. How could we not with all the "magic wrapped up in pixie dust"!
Thanks for reading!
July 9-16
We stayed at Shades of Green and as usual greatly enjoyed it. This is the first time I've stayed there without my car and was totally depended on their transportation. We usually drive but decided to fly this time. I was a little worried about their bus situation as reviews have been hot and cold. But we had no problems. In fact I prefer their service over Disney resorts now. There busses are timed. So when they say they'll pick you up at AK at 10 minutes before the hour-you know when to go to the stop.
Since SOG doesn't have Magical Express we made arrangements with Sunshine State Car Service. I would highly recommend them. Our flight in was 1 1/2 hours late but they we're monitoring our flight and was waiting for us. He also stopped at the Hess station so we could buy a case of water. The round trip from and return trip to MCO for 2 adults was $109. I thought very reasonable. I once took a cab from the Poly and with tip the fare was just under $95 one way so I thought this was a great deal.
New things:
As all of you know, you can never "do it all". So each visit I plan new things to try. This trip we tried 1900 Park Fare. Really enjoyed it. I thought the food was above average for a buffet. And a great place to have one on one time with Cinderella and Prince Charming. Something I thought was very sweet was when Cindy & Prince finished their waltz and when they usually begin dancing with children, Cinderella chose an older gentleman. He must have been in his 70's and danced very well with her. It was really sweet.
Also new- Chefs de France. I must admit I wanted to eat here just to see Remy, which we did and is just too cute for words!! But the food was also very good. We had decided to share meals to save money and because Disney portions are so large. And we wanted to "eat around the World"! We shared the lobster bisque and mac & cheese. Both we're delicious and the bread was to die for!
This was also the 1st time we had been since TSM and the new Star Tours. LOVED TSM!!! Worth the 20 minute wait for fast passes(they we're all gone by 11:00am).
Also new for me...RnR. I did it!!!!!! finally!!!! Of course I kept my eyes closed almost the whole time but I conquered my fear!!
The weather: Hot, hot, hot!!! We had typical Florida rain at some point every day. But it never dampened our fun. Just pulled out the ponchos.
The crowds: Very manageable even tho we were there at the height of the Brazilian tour groups. There were hundreds and hundreds of them. We just always tried to stay in front of them.
Cast members: Wonderful! Each and every one we encountered. Two that stand out the most was the one in the Mainstreet Bakery. I was waiting for Joey to make a selection and I was watching the lady make fresh cotton candy when this very sweet CM asked if I would like a sample. She also gave me a brief lesson in cotton candy making. So above and beyond!!!
The second one was in the aviary at Pangani Forest Exploration Trail. We were enjoying all the beautiful birds when the CM came in and promptly began getting dive bombed by one particular bird. She said that the birds recognize
them and do this all the time. But she just smiled and laughed with us. You could tell that she loved her job and had such respect for these beautiful birds.
Well that's it. We had such a great time-as usual. How could we not with all the "magic wrapped up in pixie dust"!
Thanks for reading!