djsamuel

2 hours ago, Travisma said:

Did they re-open the boat service from those EPCOT resorts to HS?

Not as of Sunday.  Still no boat service to HS.

5 hours ago, Beckers said:

I found this on Disney’s wedding planning page.

“Breakfast/Brunch Receptions immediately follow the 8:00 AM, 9:00 AM, and 9:30 AM wedding ceremonies. Lunch Receptions immediately follow the 12:00 PM ceremony. Dinner Receptions immediately follow the 2:30 PM, 5:00 PM and 7:30 PM ceremonies.”

They have the different meals for the receptions but you can modify.  For example, my daughter got married at the Wedding Pavilion at 10:00am and the reception was at the Atlantic Dance Hall, starting around 11:30.  The food was a mix of really good lunch/dinner entrees along with some breakfast food since my daughter wanted Mickey Waffles served.  All was served buffet style.  You also get a session with the chef prior to the wedding where he cooked and served full servings of quite a few entrees for us to taste so we could pick the food for the reception.  We were stuffed but it was delicious.  You'd be surprised that it is possible to plan a wedding comparatively priced with other venues, or you can have the cost skyrocket.  We had a dessert party outside of Italy at Epcot for Illuminations after the reception that was also outstanding.  And, the cost was not as high as I was fearing, but it could have gone MUCH higher.  It all depends on the venue, day of the week, and what "additions" you choose.  I will say the wedding planner was outstanding, she really did a great job.

Thanks for a great trip report.  Really makes me wan to go back out west, especially the Grand Canyon.  I tell people it literally takes your breath away when you walk to the rim.  We're planning on going back for the fourth time in a couple of years.  If you do go back, take a hike down the Bright Angel Trail.  Gives you a whole different perspective.  We went 3 miles down last time, shooting for the 4.5 mile mark next time.  Rest stops at the 1.5, 3 and 4.5 mile marks.  The 3 mile mark is a descent of 2000 feet.  Just beautiful.

Glad you enjoyed your trip.

On 6/5/2018 at 11:10 PM, Cortezcapt (Derek) said:

Yes it will. 

I'm already wondering how many sweaty people were standing around staring while that picture was taken, golf carts going by, kids screaming, people walking by from the busses unloading....... So very romantic!

You forgot the golf cart being driven by an 8 year old, driving through dog poop, out of control onto the grass and taking out Dave's typewriter.

This is similar to the letter now posted at the Fort Comfort Station bulletin boards:

He was such a nice man.  His talk with us prior to our daughter's wedding at Disney was one I will never forget.  He wanted to make sure we were happy with the wedding.

http://chipandco.com/r-i-p-richard-gerth-disneys-grand-floridian-greeter-310803/

1 hour ago, Beckers said:

Really? That seems low! 

Remember, that is for about 4 minutes.  That's what was stated on a local news story the other night and I verified it on their web site.  For $12, almost seems worth it.  If they get a lot of people doing it for that price it may be worth it for them.

19 minutes ago, Duane said:

Derek, I will go with you! 

Does anyone know how much they charge to ride that thing?

$12 per adult.

You're making me want to go back earlier than we're planning! 

My wife and I stopped by Olivia's yesterday for lunch.  We found out it was the first day for their new weekend brunch.  The brunch runs until 3PM with a 2 hour break until dinner starts at 5.  On weekdays, their old schedule of lunch until dinner start at 5 remains.

Here is the menu:

A lot of the items look good, but we chose our standby, the Buttermilk Chicken.  We always like that, and when we received the food we saw that it was improved, with a biscuit on top (which was delicious):

The restaurant retains the same casual atmosphere which we enjoy.  All in all a nice change.  I'm also glad the the normal lunch menu remains for the rest of the week.

I've been hoping you would post something of your trip.   My favorite part of the country to visit.

We were at Wilderness Lodge last evening and Whispering Canyon was much quieter than before.  It did make the lobby more relaxing, but it seemed strange.  They still held the "Pony Race" for the kids, but the servers were not yelling.  I don't know what M.T. Wallet is going to do now as she serves.

That explains the fireworks that knocked me out of our camper at 11:40 after we went to bed after watching the fireworks from the Magic Kingdom that night. 

Thanks.

We saw it the day before the fire and then saw the parade the day after.  My theory is Aurora sabotaged Malificient since it was replaced by a float carrying Aurora and Prince Phillip.   She had to do something to get back in the parade.  They did edit the music to remove the ominous soundtrack that normally played with the dragon.  Kind of wish they kept it as Aurora and the Prince came by.

18 hours ago, DaveInTN said:

Don't they use Chevy Traverses rather than mini vans? 

Yes, with a different vehicle if you have an ECV or wheelchair.

On 4/27/2018 at 7:10 PM, Tri-Circle-D said:

Very interesting. I don't think this will change things at the Yacht and Beach Club though. 

And, of course, no impact on the Fort, as the readers were never installed there.   

TCD 

On Friday at Yacht and Beach there were no readers, and people could just walk in some of the gates.  The gates were closed but you could just lift up the latch and get in.  Around Beaches and Cream there was a cast member nearby and that is where I normally see them checking bands with a hand held.  Did they ever have the readers installed at Yacht and Beach?  I always would see the hand readers.

4 hours ago, Grumpy and Grandma said:

There's one at 192 & 429 near that Target if that's the one you're talking about.

Yes, that's the one.

56 minutes ago, Beckers said:

Has anyone searched for her on FB or something?

Apparently her and her husband are on Facebook as admins on the RVFTA group

1 hour ago, mouseketab.....Carol said:

I was wondering about Sweet Tomatoes..... Darn...

I believe there's a Sweet Tomatoes in the Target shopping center on 192.

One of the Skyliner towers in the Studios parking lot this weekend:

1 hour ago, PGHFiend said:

Happy to report a 2000 mile round trip to the FORT was no problem for the new GoodYear Endurance tires.  No loss of air pressure, ran really cool with the laser temp gun and tracked well.  Best part is the 87 MPH speed rating allows you to cruise at 70 or better and creep a little quicker on downhill coasting without getting nervous.  I also checked the tread depth when I was cleaning up after getting home and they all still had exactly 8/32" of tread on all grooves, just like when I left.  So far I'd recommend. 

How did the new camper work out for you?

The Magic Kingdom Club also had 10% merchandise discounts.

Just now, Starbuc71 said:

On good note, 3 days parking at a deluxe resort equals 1 day golf cart rental...lol. You choose.  Drive to Tennessee and make Dollywood you new destination of choice

I love going to Tennessee.  We stay in Townsend, but drive up to Pigeon Forge.  We'll have to try Dollywood sometime. 

3 minutes ago, DaveInTN said:

Since guests who drive to WDW will now pay more, will we see a charge for DME in the future? 

I think that is a driving force.  If they can get more people to fly in and take the "free" DME, then they succeed in having more gusts captive to Disney World and unable to spend their money off property.  I don't see DME changing, but they've surprised me before.

Since the Disney Resort Guests are now paying $25 a night to park their vehicles, they are paying the same as a day guest staying elsewhere.  Therefore they really aren't getting "complimentary standard self parking at Disney Theme parks".