The Other Siblings Review of 8 Days at WDW
Posted: Aug Sat 01, 2009 12:24 am
My family and I went on vacation to Walt Disney World from July 3 through July 11. We stayed at Disney’s Yacht Club for the second time in a row. Our rooms were on the 2nd floor just like last year. We had a direct view of the Boardwalk, which was very nice. While we didn’t spend much time on the terrace, it was nice to look out and take in the view. The two rooms were not newly refurbished, but still nice. We had the old school TV, but who needs flat screen TV’s in WDW? Everything during the hotel stay was perfect. The rooms were clean and did look their age. The Yacht Club is in a great location. Being able to walk to Epcot and the Boardwalk allowed for late nights and no shortage of activities. My only complaint with the transportation is the Friendship boats. They stop running during thunderstorms/lightning and we had enough of those during our stay. As a result, you are stranded when they stop! Last, but not least, the pool at the Yacht Club is the best. Sand bottom pool, thrilling water slide, private beach, and a lazy river makes this a mini water park. I would recommend the Yacht Club to anybody! Hotel gets 10/10
MK
The only new thing at MK was a few new colorful floats and costumes for the Celebrate A Dream Come True Parade. The parade was fun and well worth it. We saw July 4 fireworks on July 3, which were amazing. There were fireworks being fired from every part of the park. Our vantage point, which was on the bridge leading to Tomorrowland, was not my favorite though. I did like that we had to exit the park through the back, which allowed us to see the backside of magic. When I took out a camera, I immediately got yelled at by a grumpy CM. As for the other shows, Spectro and Wishes still did not lose their touch! We went on Snow White, Winnie the Pooh, IASW, POTC, Haunted Mansion, Tomorrowland Speedway, Buzz, Mad Tea Party, and Peter Pan. I highly recommend all of the above. Buzz is the most competitive (sibling rivalry) while Mad Tea Party is my all time favorite. I also had a lot of fun trying to joke with the Haunted Mansion CM’s. As you probably guessed, I did not check out the new statue at Hall of Presidents. I will subtract .3 points for getting yelled at by a CM for taking pictures, so MK gets 9.7/10
Epcot
There was not much new at Epcot either, but that did not spoil the fun. The World Showcase was great and you could buy very interesting souvenirs in the shops. We went on the Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros for the first time, which was alright. It is an attraction that you should definitely go on once, but not more. The Maelstrom never gets old and I highly recommend it. In future world, we went on Spaceship Earth for the first time since it was refurbished. The attraction is only average. I also went on Figment, which is an old favorite. Next time I may try the mild version of Mission Space. Illuminations was never my favorite show, but the July 4 fireworks were nice. The ending was SPECTACULAR. My ears are still ringing from it. Epcot gets 9.5/10.
DHS
We saw the almost complete version of Block Party Bash for the first time. Unfortunately, the weather prevented the scooters and trampolines from coming out. The parade is very interactive and lots of fun. One of the CM’s pulled out my brother, mom, and I to take part in the dances. I highly recommend it. I went on TGMR, Star Tours, and Toy Story Midway Mania. We had the best tour guide for TGMR and she made it this ride unforgettable. Toy Story Midway Mania is an attraction you must go on as much as possible. DHS gets 9.5/10
AK
We did not spend much time at AK because of time constraints and heat. We went on the Kilimanjaro Safari and walked through the trail. We saw lots of animals and it was well worth it. While I am not a fan of rough rides (motion sickness), I decided to be a daredevil and try Dinosaur. I absolutely loved the ride and would go on it again. Those ride vehicles are something. Overall, AK gets 9/10
Dinner Restaurants
Kona Cafe- Food was great and all you can eat is never a bad thing! My favorites were the dumplings, wings, steak, and turkey. Activities are fun, but they are mainly designed for the little ones. I tried to take part in the limbo, but felt out of place. I will subtract .5 points just for that reason: 9.5/10
Le Cellier- This was the best meal of the vacation. The pretzel bread is very addicting and you can make a meal out of their wonderful bread alone. Duck 3 ways is a great appetizer. For the main course, Kansas City Strip steak is probably the best steak I have eaten (my mouth is watering typing this). The french fries were even great there. For those over 21, maudite is the best beer I have ever had. I will give this a 10/10 ++++
Grand Floridian Cafe- Food was very tasty, but the portions were way too small. I don’t recommend this restaurant. After the meal, I ate a brownie and chocolate chip cookie at the Main Street Bakery. This gets 7/10.
Garden Grill- Food was fresh and great, but I was kind of disappointed they removed the catfish. They now have Mahi Mahi, which doesn’t come close to the catfish. Characters were a lot of fun and spent a lot of time at our table. I had many good laughts. Even though I am not a kid, my server allowed me to have endless chocolate pudding desert. I will take off 1 point for removing the catfish- 9/10
Prime Time Cafe- Food was excellent, but the waiters/waitresses make the experience. I was on my best behavior, but my brother decided to test them as you all saw. Another easy 10/10
Coral Reef- There was a very limited menu selection and the food was alright. It is cool eating in a place surrounded by a fish tank, but definitely not worth it. I doubt I would go back. I would have swapped this meal with another at Le Cellier. I give this restaurant a 7/10.
Breakfast Restaurants
Cape May- Food selection was good at the buffet and it tasted good. Characters were not as personable as last year. They also change which characters are there. This experience did not come close to the one we had last trip. For that, they get an 8/10.
Tusker House- Food was very good and they had a nice selection. Characters rushed you and were not very friendly. Overall, 8.5/10.
Captains Grill- Food was good and servers were very friendly. We had the majority of our breakfasts here. They get a 9.5/10.
Pictures will be coming soon...
MK
The only new thing at MK was a few new colorful floats and costumes for the Celebrate A Dream Come True Parade. The parade was fun and well worth it. We saw July 4 fireworks on July 3, which were amazing. There were fireworks being fired from every part of the park. Our vantage point, which was on the bridge leading to Tomorrowland, was not my favorite though. I did like that we had to exit the park through the back, which allowed us to see the backside of magic. When I took out a camera, I immediately got yelled at by a grumpy CM. As for the other shows, Spectro and Wishes still did not lose their touch! We went on Snow White, Winnie the Pooh, IASW, POTC, Haunted Mansion, Tomorrowland Speedway, Buzz, Mad Tea Party, and Peter Pan. I highly recommend all of the above. Buzz is the most competitive (sibling rivalry) while Mad Tea Party is my all time favorite. I also had a lot of fun trying to joke with the Haunted Mansion CM’s. As you probably guessed, I did not check out the new statue at Hall of Presidents. I will subtract .3 points for getting yelled at by a CM for taking pictures, so MK gets 9.7/10
Epcot
There was not much new at Epcot either, but that did not spoil the fun. The World Showcase was great and you could buy very interesting souvenirs in the shops. We went on the Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros for the first time, which was alright. It is an attraction that you should definitely go on once, but not more. The Maelstrom never gets old and I highly recommend it. In future world, we went on Spaceship Earth for the first time since it was refurbished. The attraction is only average. I also went on Figment, which is an old favorite. Next time I may try the mild version of Mission Space. Illuminations was never my favorite show, but the July 4 fireworks were nice. The ending was SPECTACULAR. My ears are still ringing from it. Epcot gets 9.5/10.
DHS
We saw the almost complete version of Block Party Bash for the first time. Unfortunately, the weather prevented the scooters and trampolines from coming out. The parade is very interactive and lots of fun. One of the CM’s pulled out my brother, mom, and I to take part in the dances. I highly recommend it. I went on TGMR, Star Tours, and Toy Story Midway Mania. We had the best tour guide for TGMR and she made it this ride unforgettable. Toy Story Midway Mania is an attraction you must go on as much as possible. DHS gets 9.5/10
AK
We did not spend much time at AK because of time constraints and heat. We went on the Kilimanjaro Safari and walked through the trail. We saw lots of animals and it was well worth it. While I am not a fan of rough rides (motion sickness), I decided to be a daredevil and try Dinosaur. I absolutely loved the ride and would go on it again. Those ride vehicles are something. Overall, AK gets 9/10
Dinner Restaurants
Kona Cafe- Food was great and all you can eat is never a bad thing! My favorites were the dumplings, wings, steak, and turkey. Activities are fun, but they are mainly designed for the little ones. I tried to take part in the limbo, but felt out of place. I will subtract .5 points just for that reason: 9.5/10
Le Cellier- This was the best meal of the vacation. The pretzel bread is very addicting and you can make a meal out of their wonderful bread alone. Duck 3 ways is a great appetizer. For the main course, Kansas City Strip steak is probably the best steak I have eaten (my mouth is watering typing this). The french fries were even great there. For those over 21, maudite is the best beer I have ever had. I will give this a 10/10 ++++
Grand Floridian Cafe- Food was very tasty, but the portions were way too small. I don’t recommend this restaurant. After the meal, I ate a brownie and chocolate chip cookie at the Main Street Bakery. This gets 7/10.
Garden Grill- Food was fresh and great, but I was kind of disappointed they removed the catfish. They now have Mahi Mahi, which doesn’t come close to the catfish. Characters were a lot of fun and spent a lot of time at our table. I had many good laughts. Even though I am not a kid, my server allowed me to have endless chocolate pudding desert. I will take off 1 point for removing the catfish- 9/10
Prime Time Cafe- Food was excellent, but the waiters/waitresses make the experience. I was on my best behavior, but my brother decided to test them as you all saw. Another easy 10/10
Coral Reef- There was a very limited menu selection and the food was alright. It is cool eating in a place surrounded by a fish tank, but definitely not worth it. I doubt I would go back. I would have swapped this meal with another at Le Cellier. I give this restaurant a 7/10.
Breakfast Restaurants
Cape May- Food selection was good at the buffet and it tasted good. Characters were not as personable as last year. They also change which characters are there. This experience did not come close to the one we had last trip. For that, they get an 8/10.
Tusker House- Food was very good and they had a nice selection. Characters rushed you and were not very friendly. Overall, 8.5/10.
Captains Grill- Food was good and servers were very friendly. We had the majority of our breakfasts here. They get a 9.5/10.
Pictures will be coming soon...