Hi all
We just got back yesterday morning after a 2 week stay in Orlando.
We flew into Sanford with TUI on the Dreamliner. The whole party agreed they were the best flights we've been on in a really long time. Also Sanford airport was fab! We had collected bags, done security and got our car transfer all in around 80 mins. The drive down to Disney was fine! And the drive back in the car to Sanford airport was also fab!
We stayed at Coronado Springs for 5 nights then moved to a villa for 9 nights. We all agreed we wished we had booked the Disney hotel for 14 nights (I tried not to say I told you so!). The free dining plan was amazing and we barely spent anything as a result during the first 6 days! We are gutted they don't do rooms for 5 people as we won't be able to go back
(One of my kids went in my parents room).
The resort was beautiful. The staff and other guests were all fantastic and so lovely. No issues with the buses at all. Food was lovely! Pool was amazing and our rooms were perfect.
Dining plan was brilliant although I think it we had stayed longer we wouldn't have upgraded to the DDP as there was just way too much food. I think the QSDP would suit us more for a longer stay!
Starbucks large drinks were our fave snack credit lol.
Car hire - we picked up a car from Disney's car centre with Alamo. Hands down the rudest lady I've ever come across in Florida! She tutted at me, rolled her eyes, gave me dirty looks etc. and basically acted like I was stupid because I didn't want to upgrade the car to a bigger one, or pay for the petrol to take it back empty. Horrible lady!
The first of my "low but not bad low's" would be my kids preferring pool time rather than being in the parks. EYE ROLL! They found it hot and tiring the first few days and so we didn't accomplish everything we wanted too.
Our villa was beautiful (I think it's a Dibb Villa I will check and edit! ). In Davenport near Championsgate. Perfect location. Amazingly well appointed, spacious and clean!
Yes it is! Called Big Disney Villa on Windwood Bay
https://www.thedibb.co.uk/forums/villa-search.php?a=429
Overall our major high was the character meals. Our kids loved them! We did Tusker House, Crystal Palace (brekkies) and then 1900 Park Fare for dinner. All were amazing and looking at my kids and how happy they were made me cry!
We also had some amazing safari rides in our evening trips to AK. We saw more than we'd ever seen!
The trip did not go as I planned/hoped/wanted/expected... combination of
- the heat. We had 2 weeks with barely any rain until the last few days. It was so so hot. I'm sure it was worse than when we've been in August before!
- the kids. They didn't get that "Disney" feel I wanted/hoped. They loved it and had some favourite rides; but they were also just so happy to be swimming and playing in the pool.
I think because of these two things, we just didn't get to do all I wanted to / hoped we would do. We are TERRIBLE Disney'ers - we didn't stay for ANY of the evening shows and fireworks! I know. It's so bad!
We only managed one morning in Hollywood Studios and 2 short visits to Epcot. We spent most park days in AK and MK.
We missed a lot of rides though, and I sometimes find myself feeling disappointed... but then my kids are my priority and I know they had a great holiday whatever so that's what matters.
We only visited Disney Springs once and I must admit to missing what it was like before. Our last trip was 2015 just when it was changing from DTD to DS.
Has anyone else planned their trip to be so amazing and then it maybe didn't turn out like that? I feel a sham haha!
Although I may sound negative, it was an amazing two weeks. We had some great times as a family and I'll never forget the smiles from my 3 little ones.
I think I need to feel a bit like I'm not the only one though haha!
We may try and go back in 5 years or so, but it's so expensive we just can't afford too. And we'll try Feb half term for cooler weather LOL
Julie xxx