Morning All!!!! I feel like I know everyone after spending days reading and catching up on all the posts since the beginning of December. Long overdue "trip report" on our December 4-12 stay at the YC.
We requested and received a high floor, King. Turned out to be the same room hubby and I were in December '09. That trip we were the first guests after the room renovation. Honestly, room looked much better than I anticipated (after reading tons of mixed comments on the wear and tear). Yes, things were a little worn but nothing worth commenting on. At check in (1 pm) we requested a crib and mid morning cleaning. Once we got to the room, I then called to request the clock/docking station and a hairdryer.
Several people have posted about Crew's cup. After checking in we grabbed a "quick" lunch before heading into Epcot. Our drinks came promptly but it did take an exceedingly long time for the burger, which was delicious. Then an even longer time to pay. There were two other couples in the lounge. I would definitely go again, but only if we have time set aside to relax.
After an evening in Epcot, we came back around 8-8:30 and had to head to the Boardwalk bakery to get our DS (2) mac and cheese. I was really surprised about the limited selections at the Beach club marketplace for kids. Maybe it was the time of year? Only pizza and sandwich and neither was an option for us.
When we finally got back to the room, we discovered we had no crib. I called and it was delivered within 40 mins. The next am mouse keeping tried to get in at 8:30. I explained we requested mid morning cleaning at check in and was told that had been arranged. She said no, but no problem she would note it. Neither of these was a big deal to us but I mention them for others. Call from the room once you get in rather than requesting at check in. It's definitely the more direct route.
We lucked out with the weather - mid and high 70s for the highs. Before 4/4:30 it was definitely warm enough to swim. After that the sun started setting and it would get cooler quickly. DH and DS went in everyday but I skipped once - too cold even for this Chicagoan.
Not going to gloss over the bus issue. We had at least three shockingly bad bus waits in the am (leaving from YC convention center at the time) Our third stay at YC and we had never encountered this before. Once to AK and twice to MK. BAD! 40-50 min waits!!!! Whole bus stop full of people, patiently waiting, nicely questioning the cast member and unfortunately the CM never really addressed it and at one point lied to people saying they had just missed it (which those of us waiting longer knew they had not happened). Everyone just kept checking their phones and many of us tried to change FPs. Being at the bus stop at 8:35, you would think we could easily make a 9:40-10:40 FP window, but honestly, we ran to KS at AK and barely made it. I wrote Disney about this in the post visit survey.
Little off topic but may be of interest to others. This trip was the first time we were disappointed with the food. We had one other "just okay" meal at o'hana, but after this trip we will never eat there again. The meats were tough, off temperature and just not good. Hollywood and Vine for Minnie's special dinner was probably the worse service we've had at Disney and the food was just okay for me, but my DH could find almost nothing to eat. Teppan Edo, one of DH's favorites, was disappointing this trip as well. The meat was fine, but the chef did not offer refills on the sauces, the noodles somehow were neither warm nor cold, and the chef seemed rushed. We did have amazing meals at Cape May and Via Napoli. Chefs de France was consistently good and honestly, I can't remember our last meal.
One last observation, for those staying at YC, it is a hike to the market place to get your mug refilled - from time you leave your room to the refill location. Usually, we had no problems in the afternoon or early evenings since we used Hurricane Hannah's, but they close early. Really wish they stayed open until pool close so we could utilize that location in the later evenings.
We had an amazing trip. We knew our DS was going to like WDW, but he honestly LOVED it. Characters were not on my planning radar at all, but he met one and wanted to meet them all. He of course loved SAB, all forms of Disney transportation, and since we let him drink chocolate milk the entire trip (QS DP option) he was in food heaven too. He got his first haircut at Harmony Barbershop - total time 8 min 51 seconds during which he cried nonstop the first 2 min and then the pretty ladies from the trolley car show came in and then he happily got his flirt on. Too Funny
Got an AP in December, and we are heading back to the YC May 5-10. This time my mom, DS and myself. Can't wait!!!