I just got back and wanted to give a quick trip report to anyone who might be looking for some details.
We stayed at the Carribean Beach hotel. It was nice and all, but it did have it's drawbacks. We stayed in Jamaica. This was great from the 'bus stop' stand point. We were the first to get picked up in the morning (very convient to have your choice of seats when boarding with a 2 year old and a stroller)! We were also the first off the bus at the end of a long day. When we arrived, our room had a very strong stench - like bleach. Within 20 minutes we all had headaches and asked to be moved to another room - which was no problem. (I have heard others on the board mention a smell before). The next room was fine - no smell. When we arrived, it was pouring rain and the food court was approximately a 5-7 minute brisk walk away. (Drawback #1 if you happen to get a rainy week). Also, the food court is mostly 'fast' food type service and the only sit down restaurant will be charging you at least $12 per dish and the menu is rather limited - good food, but limited. (I didn't order a kid's meal here, but I think they were $5.99). (Drawback #2, if you are like my husband, and you like variety, be prepared to hop the bus to get something 'different' to eat). Otherwise, the hotel was very clean and attractive. Very relaxing atmosphere. You can sit in a hammock clear across the lagoon and still hear the caribbean band playing at the food court in the evening!
Next - meeting characters and character meals. We scheduled 2 character breakfasts: Winnie the Pooh and Friends at Crystal Palace and Cinderella's Table. We checked in 45 minutes earlier than our PS time at Crystal Palace and got sat 40 after our PS time...at which point, it gave us 15 minutes to cram in eating and meeting four characters! (They were going to break down the buffet for the lunch crowd and told us we wouldn't be allowed to eat off the lunch buffet and implied it was time to leave). This of course set off my 0% patient husband! It's not the food that mattered but we waited patiently like everyone else in order to see the characters. After a talk with the manager, we were able to stay. We met 4 characters - Pooh, Tigger, Piglet and Eyeore. We also had breakfast at Cinderella's Table. This also did not go without incident! We got there early, again, and were actually seated within minutes this time...45 prior to our PS reservation! Once inside the castle, we got in line to meet the Fairy Godmother. We were literally next in line for pictures when our name was called. My husband pointed us out in line saying we needed just one minute since we were next in line for photos. The hostess told us we'd have to get out of line or forfeit our table! I couldn't believe it! Granted, the Fairy Godmother wasn't going anywhere for quite a while, but try explaining to a 2 year, while you're standing right in front of the character you're about to meet, that you have to leave! Needless to say, we still managed to get everyone in: Cinderella, Snow White, Aladdin and the Fairy Godmother. Ironically, if it's characters you are interested in here's a couple of pointers... Go to the Hollywood and Vine character meal at MGM Studios! We went to MGM on a day that was not early entrance and the place was empty! We walked right up to the restaurant (and right into every show and ride) at 10 to noon and walked right into the character meal without reservations or PS! The place was only a quarter to a half full during our entire meal! Characters here included Minnie Mouse, Goody, Pluto and Chip & Dale. The characters do a dance that the kids can participate in and because it was empty, they got around several times and were REALLY rowdie! (Chip jumped on Pluto's back who ran around with him up there)! It was great! Also at MGM, periodically check in in front of the Chinese theater. Characters come and go from this area all day long. We caught, D. Duck, Mulan, Esmeralda, M. Poppins, P. Pan, Pinocchio & Giapetto, Doug and Patty Mayonaise and Pocohontas. There were a couple of 'cats' there that I didn't recognize, but I'm new to some of this stuff! Also, when at Epcot, The Land revolving restaurant has characters. I admit, the meal left a bit to the imagination, but you can meet Mickey, Chip & Dale here as well. This restaurant was even more empty than the place at MGM! You can also check into Exposition Hall at the front of Magic Kingdom. In the back areas of the building, characters can often be found. We located Snow White (again), 6 of 7 dwarfs (Bashful must have been too bashful to come out)! Jafar, 'Blue', Launchpad, and some others than I can't think of off hand. This area (as well as the Chinese theater at MGM) were great areas to knock out meeting a lot of character in a small amount of waiting time! Most people don't seem to know to go to the back of Exposition Hall.
All in all, it was a good trip! Bummed now that I'm home and surrounded by unpacking chores! If anyone has any questions, feel free to ask. I hope everyone who's going for a visit has a great time! Pixie dust to all!
Posted on Oct 1, 2000, 7:38 AM from IP address 152.163.206.182