Ohana Means Family (Vacation) - COMPLETE REPORT!! About This Page:

[BabieeMelly]

I just got all caught up again, Sharon, and I loved your trip report! What part of NY are you from, if you don't mind me asking? I can't wait to read your final thoughts! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

[PrincessSharon]

[ QUOTE ]
What part of NY are you from, if you don't mind me asking?

[/ QUOTE ]

I live on Long Island and work in the city.

[PrincessSharon]

Final Thoughts and Ramblings

This was a really fun trip for me! It was great to be able to show the rest of our family why DM, DF and I (especially me!) go so often. DSIL is already planning their next trip with us, though it will probably be a few years off (she wants to have another baby first).

As I said before, the worst part about traveling with a large group is how many times you have to stop for bathroom breaks and meal breaks. I found that not everyone was hungry at the same time or wanted to eat the same kind of food. It didn’t really slow us down too much, but there was a lot we didn’t have time to do together.

We split up a lot, and everyone was fine with that. That’s the best way to accommodate everyone in a group like ours – with so many different ages and bravery levels. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img] DM did say that by Friday, DB1 was getting on her nerves a little, but I think it was mainly because they had been together so long. I think if DB1 and his family had gotten a car, and DM and DF had gotten their own car, things would have been a little easier too. Sometimes the boys were tired, but DM & DF would’ve liked to stay longer.

I am glad to be going back to the World so soon because I didn’t get to do a lot of things that I enjoy – number one on the list was getting character photos. I think if this was my only trip for a while, I probably would have been disappointed. We all learned a lot for next time, though! And there will definitely be a next time. In fact, DM is thinking about a family Disney cruise!

I am usually lucky with weather when I am on vacation and this was no exception. It was hot and sunny every day, with no rain to speak of. Also, I am usually lucky to leave bad weather at home (once I got out 2 hours before the Presidents’ Day Blizzard hit!). Anyway, while I was enjoying sunshine, at home it rained every day I was away! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/rain.gif[/img] In record amounts (16 inches)!

My New Camera

I love it! And I got a great deal on it, which makes it even better. My first digital camera was a simple point-and-shoot and I was happy with it at first. When I started shopping for this one, I decided I wanted some control, but not too much. I mean, when you talk to me about white balance and f stop, it starts sounding like the adults on Charlie Brown “wah wah wah wah wah” [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] What I got meets my needs perfectly and I am thrilled with it! And it performs very well in low light conditions, which is where my old camera was really lacking. This is the first time I’ve really used it since I got it, so I’m sure I’ll get even better pictures next time I use it (especially now that I know how to turn on the red-eye reduction [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif[/img]).

Transportation:

Southwest Airlines – Southwest rocks! I had some minor flight delays, but am happy with SWA as usual.

Disney’s Magical Express – I loved it and would do it again, even if I had to pay for it. It was kind of scary trusting them to get my suitcases to my room, but I was worried for nothing! And I enjoyed not having to go pick up my luggage at MCO! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/waytogo.gif[/img] The only disappointment was the fact that I never got to ride on a DME bus or see the fun video everyone talks about.

Thrifty – I didn’t experience the rental first hand, but DM & DF had no complaints and were thrilled with the price - it was $100 cheaper than any of the on-site companies. It did take them a while to go off site and pick up the car, though. They told me they’d use Thrifty again if the price was right.

WDW Transportation – WDW bus transportation is something that can definitely be hit or miss, and this time was more miss than hit. I waited a lot for buses, stood a lot, and basically had bad luck. I always consider renting a car when I stay onsite, but usually decide the money can be spent on funner stuff. My next trip I will be staying one night off-site so I’ve rented a car. I have two reservations – one for a couple of days and one for the entire trip. I’m still not sure which one I’ll end up keeping.

Port Orleans Riverside

Forgive my gushing, but gush, gush, gush! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] I loved POR! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/love.gif[/img] It was so scenic and sort of peaceful and I really enjoyed just walking around. I really bonded with the resort (I’m weird!) and that doesn’t always happen. My goal is to stay at every Disney resort at least once and so far, POR is my favorite. Previously POFQ had been my favorite. For the record, I’ve stayed at all three All Stars, Pop, POR, POFQ and CBR. I’m working my way up to the deluxe resorts just in case I turn out to be a “resort snob.” [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/rofl2.gif[/img] Coronado Springs is next and then on to the deluxe resorts!

The Food:

Food & Wine Festival - [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/yuma.gif[/img] I was a little disappointed to find a lot of the same stuff as last year, so it wasn’t as much of an adventure for me this year, but I did enjoy some new things. I wasn’t able to spend as much time enjoying the F&WF as I wanted, but there’s always next year! DM wanted more time too, so she’s really excited about our girls only trip next October.

‘Ohana – We all enjoyed our meal at ‘Ohana, but because of the changes in the menu, I don’t consider it a must do anymore.

Rainforest Café – Same as before = meh. The food was good, but the service was slow. Once was enough.

Liberty Tree Tavern – I was pleasantly surprised and really enjoyed my meal here. For MVMCP, I will be eating at Tony’s, but almost wish I’d chosen LTT again!

Boatwright’s – I really enjoyed my meal here and will definitely try to visit again in the future, even if I am staying at another resort. Seeing the picture I took of those sweet potato pancakes still makes me drool!

Kona Café – One of our favorites. Next time I’ll try something other than the yummy Tonga Toast. But I’ll definitely have one of those delicious smoothies again! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/facelick.gif[/img]

Beaches and Cream – What can I say about B&C that hasn’t already been said? Great burgers, great ice cream, great place! I can tell lots of trips to B&C are in my future!

Disney Dining Experience – My DDE card paid for itself on my first trip, but saved us a whole lot of money on this trip too. Here’s what we saved:

‘Ohana, for 8 adults and 2 children – $44.38
Tusker House, for 4 adults and 2 children – about $11.00
Liberty Tree Tavern, for 3 adults – $14.99
Boatwright’s, for 1 adult – $1.86
Kona Café, for 5 adults and 2 children – $14.50
Beaches and Cream, for 1 adult – $3.51

So on this trip, the total saved was $90.24! And the grand total since I got the card is a savings of $162.95 (minus the $50 fee to join). And the best part is I get to use it again on at least two more trips! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/waytogo.gif[/img] It may turn out that for me, the DDE savings alone is almost worth the cost of an AP. Getting the DDE card is practically a no-brainer, so if you're thinking about whether it would be worth it, it will! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

The Parks:

The crowds were kind of heavy this trip, but I think it’s due to being in the EMH park a lot. I talked to a CM who told me that each morning she asks guests where they are headed and she gets the same answer from most guests each day. So I don’t think it was really crowded, just that we picked the crowded park each day. Also, it seems like no one goes to MGM on Saturdays, because whenever I go there on Saturday I find light crowds.

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party – I always have fun at MNSSHP and this year was no exception. This is the third year in a row that I’ve attended the party, and I have come to the conclusion that I will be better off having a plan of attack. In other words, I need to concentrate on riding rides with short lines or seeing all the special Halloween parades/fireworks or getting character autographs and photos. There isn’t enough time to do all of those things (unless you just do a few rides or character photos), but you can easily cover two out of three. The parade and fireworks eat up a lot of time, especially if you find your spot early. It’s definitely worth it to do the party, though. Next year, I will try to get as many character photos as possible and see the fireworks. Anything else I fit in will be a bonus.

Halloween Horror Nights – I had fun at HHN, but I didn’t think it was as scary as it had been in the past. It’s much more crowded than MNSSHP, so lines for everything tend to be long. I would do it again, but only if I could get a discount ticket again. It is definitely not for the kiddos.

Extra Magic Hours – Any extra time in the parks isn’t a bad thing, but EMH tends to clog up the EMH park, causing big crowds and long lines. In the future, I will probably avoid the evening EMH park when possible. Morning EMH is great, just because a lot of people aren’t early risers, but the park fills up fast. Evening EMH aren’t as good as AM, but still better than daytime crowds.

Well, I’ve rambled long enough! Thanks so much for sticking with me, I appreciate it. And special thanks to everyone who made nice comments. It makes it so much easier to continue when you know people are enjoying it!

Up Next: Walt Disney World, December 2005!

[DisneyFanAnn]

Great report!!! I loved reading it!!
(I used to live on Long Island too [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/waytogo.gif[/img])

[TinkerBelz]

This really was a FABULOUS report. I loved all the details and how you really rolled with the punches! Thanks for sharing it all!!

[BabieeMelly]

Great wrap-up Sharon, I really enjoyed your report! I'll be looking for a report from your December trip, so make sure to take lots of pictures and notes... [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

[lauren-roxy]

I loved your final thoughts Sharon and I really enjoyed your trip report and your great pictures!!! Thanks so much for sharing with us, it was so much fun to read!!!!

[Colexis Mom]

Great finale Sharon [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/zwavin.gif[/img] Thanks for sharing your trip with us, it was fantastic [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/waytogo.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/applause.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/applause.gif[/img]

[debsta922]

Great report Sharon!!! Thanks so much for taking the time to write it all out for us!