kevin harrison
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 25, 2003
Just back from my 7th trip in my 42 years, so not many visits really compared to many, had a great time and have got over my jetlag very quickly for once, very happy indeed.
Accommodation - we stayed at OKW for a week and had a week in a kids suite at HRH - we are friends with a manager there, so get a substantial discount.
I really liked OKW and the 2 beds are huge, had a great week, right near hospitality house, I can see why people have bought into DVC, in different circumstances we would have looked at this also.
Hard Rock Hotel - this is the place for me, after a week of listening to endless pool games involving Disney songs, spending a day laying outside a cabana listening to a live band playing song after song and most were favourites of mine I realised this was my happiest day in years. I really could go back and spend a fortnight doing nothing there.
They had placed a birthday cake and decorations in our room for my daughters 10th birthday!
DDP - We had a free week of DDP and the food was great, eat amongst others at Cali Grill, Le Celier, Ohama, Hollywood and Vine. The food was excellent, but really don't like being tied to reservations, removed virtually all spontaneity for a week.
Low Point - At Le Celier Daniel, who some of you are aware has severe eating issues and Autism really started crying and a couple of diners looked over and started tutting at Daniel. My wife who is really placid, lost her cool and went over to the table and shouted at them. I spoke to the manager and he said nothing. Others around us were lovely, but it really spoilt the night.
Virgin - fantastic flight, the staff couldn't do enough to help us on the flight there and back, they really went the extra mile for us.
Crowds - in my opinion were very low, on the DIBB people are saying it is very busy, but I genuinely, with sensible planning found most rides a walk on.
Disney World - starting to show a little decline, I noticed litter in places that wasn't ever seen before, dirty signs a few times and rides breaking down. At Playhouse Disney we were given a certificate saying we were the first family in and honourary guests, Daniel idolises the characters and just as we are about to start the lights came on and without warning the show was cancelled. Daniel was in hysterics, it turns out the show had been cancelled 3 times the previous day. I spoke with a cast member who told me that funding in certain areas has been reduced and Playhouse Disney wasn't high on Disney's list of priorities.
Discovery Cove - After a couple of conversations with their management, Daniel was made an honorary guest for the day - was treated like a king for the day and also given free access to Aquatica, Busch Gardens and Seaworld. He doesn't eat or drink, nor swim but sat watching the dolphins all day as was so happy. Which made us happy.
All in all, loved the holiday, my kids were so happy, crying their eyes out when we left, which always makes me sad. If Daniel wasn't in such need, we would try to go yearly, but his health and our finances have to come first. This was our first family holiday in three years. I hope we don't have to wait another three years.
Accommodation - we stayed at OKW for a week and had a week in a kids suite at HRH - we are friends with a manager there, so get a substantial discount.
I really liked OKW and the 2 beds are huge, had a great week, right near hospitality house, I can see why people have bought into DVC, in different circumstances we would have looked at this also.
Hard Rock Hotel - this is the place for me, after a week of listening to endless pool games involving Disney songs, spending a day laying outside a cabana listening to a live band playing song after song and most were favourites of mine I realised this was my happiest day in years. I really could go back and spend a fortnight doing nothing there.
They had placed a birthday cake and decorations in our room for my daughters 10th birthday!
DDP - We had a free week of DDP and the food was great, eat amongst others at Cali Grill, Le Celier, Ohama, Hollywood and Vine. The food was excellent, but really don't like being tied to reservations, removed virtually all spontaneity for a week.
Low Point - At Le Celier Daniel, who some of you are aware has severe eating issues and Autism really started crying and a couple of diners looked over and started tutting at Daniel. My wife who is really placid, lost her cool and went over to the table and shouted at them. I spoke to the manager and he said nothing. Others around us were lovely, but it really spoilt the night.
Virgin - fantastic flight, the staff couldn't do enough to help us on the flight there and back, they really went the extra mile for us.
Crowds - in my opinion were very low, on the DIBB people are saying it is very busy, but I genuinely, with sensible planning found most rides a walk on.
Disney World - starting to show a little decline, I noticed litter in places that wasn't ever seen before, dirty signs a few times and rides breaking down. At Playhouse Disney we were given a certificate saying we were the first family in and honourary guests, Daniel idolises the characters and just as we are about to start the lights came on and without warning the show was cancelled. Daniel was in hysterics, it turns out the show had been cancelled 3 times the previous day. I spoke with a cast member who told me that funding in certain areas has been reduced and Playhouse Disney wasn't high on Disney's list of priorities.
Discovery Cove - After a couple of conversations with their management, Daniel was made an honorary guest for the day - was treated like a king for the day and also given free access to Aquatica, Busch Gardens and Seaworld. He doesn't eat or drink, nor swim but sat watching the dolphins all day as was so happy. Which made us happy.
All in all, loved the holiday, my kids were so happy, crying their eyes out when we left, which always makes me sad. If Daniel wasn't in such need, we would try to go yearly, but his health and our finances have to come first. This was our first family holiday in three years. I hope we don't have to wait another three years.
I hope they felt bad once your DW had 'explained' the situation to them...
