Me: 30’s, long-time Disney fan, last visit 2015
SO: 30’s, last visit 2002
Stayed at Pop Century. Probably won’t ever do that again. Very crowded and “busy” feeling. Did not get requested room, let alone any 4th floor room. Room was clean but not quiet due to kids. Basic food court. Good (Amazon) package service. Great location to Skyliner - that was my reason for choosing Pop. However, my next trip I’ll splurge on an Epcot or monorail resort for convenience.
Skyliner - Did not experience any long breakdowns. I was pleasantly surprised how efficient it was at moving people. Also surprised that Pop literally did not have buses for Epcot or HS.
February Timing - Typically low-medium crowd this time of year, but that was not the case. Everywhere was crowded. Cheerleading and dance groups made things worse. This week was unseasonably cold. I was a little bummed tbh.
Crowd Levels
2/6 MK: Predicted 6, Saw 7 – standard busy
2/7 EP: Predicted 6, Saw 7 – France was swamped
2/9 AK: Predicted 5, Saw 5 – crowded around Harambe and Pandora
2/10 HS: Predicted 4, Saw 8 – 
It was SO BUSY. SWGE was packed. Honestly, a bummer way to close out the trip.
Miscellaneous Notes
- Park cast members were overall very friendly. A lot of them seemed burned out. A lot of them talking to each other about hours getting cut or moved. AK janitorial staff were rude.
- Bus drivers were either extremely friendly or extremely moody. A lot seemed like recent hires. Tons of trainees driving around. Some had no idea where they were supposed to be picking up and dropping off.
- SWGE cast members were awesome - very in-character despite the insane crowds.
- Blew my mind why so many parents of 7U kids booked Savi’s Workshop. These kids had ZERO interest in paying attention to the ceremony, let alone building a lightsaber. But hey, it’s good for the 'gram. Aside from that, great experience.
- Deconstructed French Onion Soup was my favorite item at Epcot Festival of the Arts. Fried gnocchi was the biggest upset.
- Had my first-ever meal at California Grill. Mushroom ravioli was soooo much better than the boring filet mignon. The Grand Marnier crème brulee trumped the Five Magical Bites - which were really basic and not even cold. Server was fantastic. Nighttime fireworks show was fantastic.
- WORST EVER DISNEY MEAL at O’hana - service was suuuuper rushed and pushy. Brought salads, apps and mains at the table within 2 minutes of one-another. Beef was tougher than concrete. The eukulele player had to be on redbull - the music was uncomfortably fast and jarring. Bread pudding was not what I remember from years ago. It was a pile of mush with a caramel sauce without bananas.
- Surprisingly great food at Polite Pig in Disney Springs. I really appreciated the CM’s booting people from holding tables who didn’t have their food yet. We were able to quickly get a table and relax.
- Space 220 is a one-and-done place for me. While we were waiting for bar seats outside, the manager tried to get us an immediate table for the Pre Fixe meal. I was like heck no. Bar/lounge is all you need at this place. Great drinks.
- Super funny overhearing fathers complaining about double-wide strollers … of which I’ve never seen so many in my life. I expected strollers and wheelchairs, but the double-wides made congestion worse for everyone around, particularly on the buses.
- Mears bus to/from MCO was fantastic - pretty much like ME, except I paid for it.
- Disappointed in quantity and variety of 50th Anniversary merchandise available. It just wasn’t a huge selection.
- Genie+ and Lightening Lane took a little getting used to but I got passes for everything I wanted at all of the parks. I’m a happy camper.
- Epcot Harmonious was a dumpster fire of IP for me. Next time I’ll get in line for Remy instead.
- Amazing staff at the Riviera since we stopped on the Skyliner trail to look around. Best quick service pizza amongst all the resorts.
I forgot how complex Disney park-goers are. I saw some of the most kind and some of the worst people all in the same day. It’s a very sobering experience and makes you slow down on a hectic day and appreciate where you are and why you’re there.
It’s a family favorite, especially the brussel sprouts.