Just returned from 7 nights at VGF. As someone who will not purchase Genie+, I was surprised at the lack of wait times in all parks except MK. Even at MK, the waits were not what they have been, although they were longer than I would wait in standby for some of the rides. Either the crowds were way down, or visitors weren't willing to spend the money to visit the other parks. As a visitor for 15-30 days a year since 1992, I have never walked on rides in the middle of the day. This time, I walked on each of Star Tours in HS and The Safari Ride at AK twice. I mean right up to the loading line. Soarin' was also a walk-on at EPCOT. Other rides were not that crowded in HS, AK, and EPCOT. The only long line at HS was Slinky Dog. Even at MK, I only waited 20 minutes for Jungle Cruise and The Little Mermaid ride. During EEH at MK, I was also able to walk on Haunted Mansion, Peter Pan, and Buzz Lightyear. I was shocked.
As far as dining goes, the prices are getting out of control at the sit-down restaurants which I frequent nightly. On this trip, I dined at the GF Cafe, Coral Reef, Skipper's, Rodeo BBQ, Sci-Fi, and Kona. Dinners for 2, entrees and an iced tea only, ranged between $80 and $115 including tax and tip except for Sci-Fi which was a little cheaper. The DVC discount helped a little. My wife and I used to visit the high line restaurants more often, but their prices have gotten ridiculously expensive. At Narcoossee's and Citrico's, the entrees seem to average about $50. The food is good, but not that good.
As for the Rodeo BBQ, I didn't find the meat entrees anything special, but we did get salmon, in lieu of sausage, which was very good. The baked beans, potato salad, and fried pickles were very good. Also, the watermelon and romaine and kale salad were also fine. They give you a lot to eat!
As far as dining goes, the prices are getting out of control at the sit-down restaurants which I frequent nightly. On this trip, I dined at the GF Cafe, Coral Reef, Skipper's, Rodeo BBQ, Sci-Fi, and Kona. Dinners for 2, entrees and an iced tea only, ranged between $80 and $115 including tax and tip except for Sci-Fi which was a little cheaper. The DVC discount helped a little. My wife and I used to visit the high line restaurants more often, but their prices have gotten ridiculously expensive. At Narcoossee's and Citrico's, the entrees seem to average about $50. The food is good, but not that good.
As for the Rodeo BBQ, I didn't find the meat entrees anything special, but we did get salmon, in lieu of sausage, which was very good. The baked beans, potato salad, and fried pickles were very good. Also, the watermelon and romaine and kale salad were also fine. They give you a lot to eat!
