Disney Secrets Forums http://wdisneysecrets.com/forums/ Disney Discounts, Disney Menus, Discussion, Help, Resorts, Parks and more en Wed, 22 May 2013 10:39:31 GMT vBulletin 60 http://wdisneysecrets.com/forums/images/misc/rss.png Disney Secrets Forums http://wdisneysecrets.com/forums/ My September 2012 trip report http://wdisneysecrets.com/forums/showthread.php?25631-My-September-2012-trip-report&goto=newpost Wed, 22 May 2013 08:47:22 GMT As I am new here I thought I’d do a little trip report for my past trips to Disney World. The first one is for my most recent trip in 2012. I... As I am new here I thought I’d do a little trip report for my past trips to Disney World.

The first one is for my most recent trip in 2012. I posted the below trip report on another forum last year so I have updated it a little, so here goes:

We drove down to London on Friday 31st August and checked into our hotel. We also did twighlight check in with the airline which was perfect. Spend the evening chilling and in the bar! lol

Our flight out was delayed two hours the next day and that was the start of a pretty miserable journey. We pre-booked and paid for extra legroom seats which are by the exit. Because of this, the TV and table were hidden away at the side of the seats. As a result this reduced the seat width by around three-four inches. I struggled with the seats and so did my gf. We eventually got moved but lost our extra leg room. It turned out that the seats had actually bruised my gfs legs quite badly.

Once we got to Orlando it was fine. We got through passport control first (yay!) and picked up our bags pretty quickly. First in line for the hire car and got an upgrade to a convertible! I loved driving in America, it is so much easier than here and I loved every second of it.

We arrived at Coronado Springs at about 8pm Saturday 1st Sept. We had booked and requested a room close to reception, sadly we were exactly opposite to reception which meant that it was a 15min walk to reception for meals, drinks etc. We were disappointed with this.

The transport was generally on time and the food was lovely, (loved the pepper market). Some of the staff were, English, which was a bit of a downer when we first checked in as I was expecting Spanish and/or Mexican. However, they were in the restaurant which was a nice touch.
The rooms were standard Disney rooms, clean, tidy and fresh, did not have any issues with the room itself other than position.

The swimming pool was massive and warm, and was again clean.
Coronado Springs is lovely however, it is very big and as a result I would not recommend it over a value resort like pop.

First day we did Animal Kingdom, it's not my favourite park but it seems tradition means we always do this on the first day. We collected our photopass plus and off we went. We got there for rope drop and it was nice to see how they did it as we had never seen this before. Since 2006 not much at all has changed here really, my favourites are still Expedition Everest and it's tough to be a bug.

We did plan this holiday but after the Labour day weekend we found that the crowds were tiny and that pretty much everything was walk on, so we moved away from the plan a little. Most days we would get up early and do a park and then come back early afternoon for a swim and hit the parks again once it cooled down. This worked really well and actually feel like we had a holiday rather than running around cramming stuff in.

Labour day we went shopping and got some fantastic bargains or at least that's what my gf told me! lol Spent lots of money but it was fun.

I have now lost track of when I went where so the next few bits will just be from memory lol.

Disney Studios - I loved Toy Story mania, I was worried that I would hate it but it's soo fun and I won, the only downside was the wait was 1 hour, which I think was worth it. Mama Melrose was a nice meal and good value for money considering we were not on the dinning plan. Fantasmic, was my favourite show but after seeing it again, I would say that it needs replacing. It's had its time and it just feels dated. Tower of terror still remains my favourite ride ever. I still think MGM (sorry Disney studios) is still missing something but cannot put my finger on it.

Epcot - I ate in china, UK and Canada. The fish and chips were lovely; surprisingly however the 8dollar cost for a small cider was a bit of a shock lol. Le Cellier was out of this world. It's been a long time since I ate there but it was totally worth it. I could not fault any part of the meal. The cheese soup and the bread was beautiful and the fillet stake just melted in your mouth! Wonderful.

Captain EO brought back some memories from when I was a child, really enjoyed this. I also enjoyed the update to spaceship earth, so much so we rode it every time we visited Epcot.

Magic Kingdom - What can I say? It's just Disney isn't it? I just love that place and just being there. The space mountain queue was cool, although we walked straight through it. Fantasyland is coming along nicely too! However that is now finished and will need to go back to check it out.

The haunted mansion update was my biggest worry but again they have done a super job. Splash Mountain was my favourite and I got to ride in the dark for the first time! Such a geek! lol

We did Mickey's not so scary, and must say that this was one of the highlights of the trip. The atmosphere is totally different to normal magic kingdom. It's not scary at all but what they do to the place in that short space of time is soo clever. I would highly recommend this for people with or without kids. My only regret is not joining in with the dressing up. The parade was special and I loved the headless horseman. Hallowishes for me is almost better than Wishes, the only thing that lets it down is the music, so wishes still wins for me but only just.

We also did the keys to the kingdom tour! What an amazing half a day. I was so sad when it ended. I was worried that seeing the offstage area of Disney would spoil the magic but it really has enhanced it. Our guide was super and could not have asked for anything more. For any Disney nerd like me it really is a must do, and I will be doing it again on my next trip.

A little mention of universal if I may. How do these guys still make money? Universal studios has not changed one bit since my last trip or even the trip before. Simpsons was a disappointment and just a rehash of Back to the future. Rip ride rocket was broken and the mummy (although a good ride) was showing signs of getting old.

What about Islands of adventure? Well it seems they have put all there money into harry potter as IOA is the same as universal, in need of some TLC. In regards to harry potter, what a huge disappointment that was! I am not a big potter fan, but in the weeks running up to our visit, we made the effort to watch the films and get ourselves familiar with the story.

Well, the land itself was shoddy. Maybe I am spoiled by Disney, but Hogwarts looked great apart from the fact that it was clearly stuck onto a side of a building. The show building wasn't even painted to hide it, it was a blue colour. It seems everything was done in a rush. Such a shame! Disney would have done a hell of a job with that.

However! The new ride was amazing. So far ahead of Disney in terms of technology. It rivals Spiderman for being the next level when it came out. I loved this ride, I really did, I just wish they'd took the time to do the same to the area outside.

What I will say is that I had an amazing time and cannot wait to get out there again. ]]> Trip Reports Oreo http://wdisneysecrets.com/forums/showthread.php?25631-My-September-2012-trip-report la hacienda http://wdisneysecrets.com/forums/showthread.php?25629-la-hacienda&goto=newpost Tue, 21 May 2013 21:40:52 GMT has anyone been to LA HACIENDA at EPCOT thought it would be a good place to watch ILLUMINATIONS has anyone been to LA HACIENDA at EPCOT thought it would be a good place to watch ILLUMINATIONS ]]> Restaurants, Dining, Dining Plans robertcraig http://wdisneysecrets.com/forums/showthread.php?25629-la-hacienda Landscape of Flavors Breakfast Menu - Dated: May 2013 http://wdisneysecrets.com/forums/showthread.php?25628-Landscape-of-Flavors-Breakfast-Menu-Dated-May-2013&goto=newpost Tue, 21 May 2013 20:04:47 GMT
landscape-of-flavors-entrance.jpg


Landscape of Flavors is located Disney's Art of Animation Resort at Walt Disney World.

An up to date Breakfast Menu can be found on our main site here
Attached Images
]]> Art of Animation Resort Wendy http://wdisneysecrets.com/forums/showthread.php?25628-Landscape-of-Flavors-Breakfast-Menu-Dated-May-2013 <![CDATA[Landscape of Flavors Kid's Breakfast Menu - Dated: May 2013]]> http://wdisneysecrets.com/forums/showthread.php?25627-Landscape-of-Flavors-Kid-s-Breakfast-Menu-Dated-May-2013&goto=newpost Tue, 21 May 2013 20:04:38 GMT
landscape-of-flavors-entrance.jpg



Landscape of Flavors is located Disney's Art of Animation Resort at Walt Disney World.

An up to date Kid's Breakfast Menu can be found on our main site here
Attached Images
]]> Art of Animation Resort Wendy http://wdisneysecrets.com/forums/showthread.php?25627-Landscape-of-Flavors-Kid-s-Breakfast-Menu-Dated-May-2013 Landscape of Flavors Lunch and Dinner Menu - Dated: May 2013 http://wdisneysecrets.com/forums/showthread.php?25626-Landscape-of-Flavors-Lunch-and-Dinner-Menu-Dated-May-2013&goto=newpost Tue, 21 May 2013 20:04:26 GMT
landscape-of-flavors-entrance.jpg


Landscape of Flavors is located Disney's Art of Animation Resort at Walt Disney World.

An up to date Lunch and Dinner Menu can be found on our main site here
Attached Images
]]> Art of Animation Resort Wendy http://wdisneysecrets.com/forums/showthread.php?25626-Landscape-of-Flavors-Lunch-and-Dinner-Menu-Dated-May-2013 <![CDATA[Landscape of Flavors Kid's Lunch and Dinner Menu - Dated: May 2013]]> http://wdisneysecrets.com/forums/showthread.php?25625-Landscape-of-Flavors-Kid-s-Lunch-and-Dinner-Menu-Dated-May-2013&goto=newpost Tue, 21 May 2013 20:04:07 GMT
landscape-of-flavors-entrance.jpg




Landscape of Flavors is located Disney's Art of Animation Resort at Walt Disney World.

An up to date Kid's Lunch and Dinner Menu can be found on our main site http://wdisneysecrets.com/index.php/...nner-menu.html
Attached Images
]]> Art of Animation Resort Wendy http://wdisneysecrets.com/forums/showthread.php?25625-Landscape-of-Flavors-Kid-s-Lunch-and-Dinner-Menu-Dated-May-2013 Pop Art Pizza Delivery Menu - Dated: May 2013 http://wdisneysecrets.com/forums/showthread.php?25624-Pop-Art-Pizza-Delivery-Menu-Dated-May-2013&goto=newpost Tue, 21 May 2013 20:03:45 GMT Attachment 15284 (http://wdisneysecrets.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=15284) Pop Art Pizza Delivery is a pizza delivery service that is...
Disney-World-Pizza.jpg


Pop Art Pizza Delivery is a pizza delivery service that is available at the Art of Animation Resort.

You can find a menu on our main site here
Attached Images
]]> Art of Animation Resort Wendy http://wdisneysecrets.com/forums/showthread.php?25624-Pop-Art-Pizza-Delivery-Menu-Dated-May-2013 The Drop Off Pool Bar All Day Menu - Dated: May 2013 http://wdisneysecrets.com/forums/showthread.php?25623-The-Drop-Off-Pool-Bar-All-Day-Menu-Dated-May-2013&goto=newpost Tue, 21 May 2013 19:31:46 GMT
the-drop-off-bar.jpg



The Drop Off Pool Bar is located in Disney's Art of Animation Resort at Walt Disney World.

You can find an up to date All Day Menu on our main site here
Attached Images
]]> Art of Animation Resort Wendy http://wdisneysecrets.com/forums/showthread.php?25623-The-Drop-Off-Pool-Bar-All-Day-Menu-Dated-May-2013 <![CDATA[The Drop Off Pool Bar Kid's All Day Menu - Dated: May 2013]]> http://wdisneysecrets.com/forums/showthread.php?25622-The-Drop-Off-Pool-Bar-Kid-s-All-Day-Menu-Dated-May-2013&goto=newpost Tue, 21 May 2013 19:09:36 GMT
the-drop-off-bar.jpg



The Drop Off Pool Bar is located in Disney's Art of Animation Resort at Walt Disney World.

You can find an up to date Kid's All Day Menu on our main site here
Attached Images
]]> Art of Animation Resort Wendy http://wdisneysecrets.com/forums/showthread.php?25622-The-Drop-Off-Pool-Bar-Kid-s-All-Day-Menu-Dated-May-2013 Disappointed with the Wizarding World of Harry Potter http://wdisneysecrets.com/forums/showthread.php?25621-Disappointed-with-the-Wizarding-World-of-Harry-Potter&goto=newpost Tue, 21 May 2013 13:28:55 GMT Hi all new here,

I have posted in the intro's section but wanted to bring this subject up, I hope it's in the right place?

Back in September last year we took a trip to Walt Disney World and as part of the trip we decided to take in the new Harry Potter section at Island's of adventure.

Now I am not a massive fan of Islands of adventure and given the news that Disney have acquired Marvel and will take over the theme park rights in a few years time I expected that that area of the park would maybe start to look a little old until they decided to re-theme it.

However, I was really disapointed with the Wizarding world of Harry Potter.

I am not a huge fan of the Potter series however we both made the effort to read the books and watch the films to get a better understanding of the subject.

The main attraction was brilliant, I must say that. It was on par with the release of Spiderman ride. Big thumbs up.

But the rest of it just felt like a re-themed area of the park. The biggest thing for me was the huge stage building behind the castle which ruined the effect for me! Just painting a building black doesn't hide it!

Maybe I was looking for things given my love for Disney but I really did feel let down by the whole experience.

Every oportunity they had, contained Harry Potter adverts and they really built it up as being this amazing area.

This isn't a knock at Universal in anyway but I think JK Rowling picked the wrong company and feel Disney would have done her books justice. ]]> Universal/Islands of Adventure Oreo http://wdisneysecrets.com/forums/showthread.php?25621-Disappointed-with-the-Wizarding-World-of-Harry-Potter Hello, from me! http://wdisneysecrets.com/forums/showthread.php?25620-Hello-from-me!&goto=newpost Tue, 21 May 2013 12:54:22 GMT Good afternoon/morning, My name is Chris and I am from the UK and came across this wonderful site by accident really. I am registered on a few... Good afternoon/morning,

My name is Chris and I am from the UK and came across this wonderful site by accident really. I am registered on a few Disney websites and for various reasons I have never really got too involved in them. However, this site seems a nice size and the posts seem very helpful so I thought i'd give this forum a go.

A little about me then, well my dogs name is Oreo (hence the username) and she is a black labrador cross with a white chest. I wanted to call her something Disney related but never mind.

Last year me and my girlfriend took (our first) trip to Florida together. We have both been before all be it when we were younger and before we met.

I first went in 1992 when I was 5 years old, and I fell in love with the place. It holds a special place for me as it's the first holiday I remember having.

We didn't go back to WDW as a family until 2001. My mom had promised us we would go back and it took her a few years to save but we managed it. :)

In Oct 2005 I went again but this time it was with my ex girlfriend and her family. They had a Disney timeshare so I only had to find the price of the flights. Less than a year later I went back again this time to witness my mom's wedding to my step dad.

I have been real lucky to be able to go so many times. I really do love the place and it hold special memories for me. I would go back every year if I could but money doesn't allow that sadly.

Dispite my girlfriend saying that the next time we go back will be when we have children, she has this week suggested we start looking for us to go in 2015. Hence why I have registered here.

I know it seems a long way away, but we booked our 2012 trip two years in advance and that flew by and I am hoping this time it will too.

Anyway that's a bit about me, please feel free to ask any questions if you like.

When I get chance I will talk more about where we stayed and what we have done.

Thanks and I look forward to speaking to some of you soon

:) ]]> Oreo http://wdisneysecrets.com/forums/showthread.php?25620-Hello-from-me! Universal Studios Orlando Raise Single Day Ticket Prices http://wdisneysecrets.com/forums/showthread.php?25619-Universal-Studios-Orlando-Raise-Single-Day-Ticket-Prices&goto=newpost Tue, 21 May 2013 11:51:30 GMT At the weekend, Universal Studios Orlando increased its one day, one park base ticket price from $89 to $92, before tax. It also raised it's one day, 2 park ticket from $124 to $128 again before tax.

This will no doubt be followed by more rises in the coming days or weeks of their multi day passes and annual passes. ]]> Wendy http://wdisneysecrets.com/forums/showthread.php?25619-Universal-Studios-Orlando-Raise-Single-Day-Ticket-Prices <![CDATA[Rumor - Is the Beauty and the Beast Show at Disney's Hollywood Sudios to Close]]> http://wdisneysecrets.com/forums/showthread.php?25618-Rumor-Is-the-Beauty-and-the-Beast-Show-at-Disney-s-Hollywood-Sudios-to-Close&goto=newpost Tue, 21 May 2013 11:33:41 GMT There is a rumble over the internet that Disney are going to close the Beauty and the Beast show at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

The reason for this, is speculation that the show is out of place now that Beauty and the Beast have a strong presence in the New Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom. It is also rumored that the theater building may have some issues that need addressing. So rather than repairing, Disney could decide to use the site as the location for a new dark ride attraction of some kind. There is a lot of spare land behind the theater which would mean that Disney could use this area to expand Hollywood Studios.

What are your feelings about Beauty and the Beast closing, will you be sad to see it go or do you think it would be good to see something new at the park? ]]> Wendy http://wdisneysecrets.com/forums/showthread.php?25618-Rumor-Is-the-Beauty-and-the-Beast-Show-at-Disney-s-Hollywood-Sudios-to-Close Celebrate with me! http://wdisneysecrets.com/forums/showthread.php?25616-Celebrate-with-me!&goto=newpost Tue, 21 May 2013 10:23:13 GMT Many of you know the struggles I have had with my current employment. However, yesterday after a lot of waiting and praying, I was offered a... Many of you know the struggles I have had with my current employment. However, yesterday after a lot of waiting and praying, I was offered a conditional offer of employment with the government. I don't believe that I will have any issues with the conditions (i.e.: urinalysis, physical and background check). I am beside myself with giddiness. :chdance:I not only want this job, but I need it financially. Please celebrate with me! :martini: ]]> Birthdays and Celebrations! foreverducky http://wdisneysecrets.com/forums/showthread.php?25616-Celebrate-with-me! The Official Countdown Has Begun!! http://wdisneysecrets.com/forums/showthread.php?25614-The-Official-Countdown-Has-Begun!!&goto=newpost Mon, 20 May 2013 19:02:50 GMT As some of you know, my husband and I have been loosely planning a Disney/Universal trip for later this year, but we didn't really have exact dates etc. planned out. I am positively GIDDY to announce that now we do! Although we will not be there during the exact time frame we originally planned, or be staying in the Art of Animation Resort as we originally planned, I am just ecstatic to know that plans are in motion and it's really happening. Looks like we will be there for September 22-29 and will most likely be staying in the Pop Century Resort. We will be celebrating our 2nd wedding anniversary (which is August 6) and my birthday (September 4) as well as my husband's birthday (September 28)! Plus, my mom is coming with us, which is going to be wonderful because she hasn't been to WDW in years (since I was in high school) and she's never been to Universal, so we are going to have a blast showing her all the new things!

Also, because we were so wishy-washy with our plans, we weren't able to secure a dinner reservation for Be Our Guest so it looks like we'll be trying our luck with the lunch menu. I'm nervous we will have trouble getting a table even at lunch; I know they don't do reservations at lunch. Has anyone had any experience with this so far?

Anyway, I'm just super super excited now & I know you all would be excited with me. :) ]]> Walt Disney World Faythstar http://wdisneysecrets.com/forums/showthread.php?25614-The-Official-Countdown-Has-Begun!!