Not one to write a long, detailed account of my visit, but just thought I would share a few bits about my recent trip.
3 nights, Cheyenne, November 4th - 7th.
- Definitely learned that trying new things is good! Never had a buffet in the park before - tried Restaurant Des Stars (OK) and Agrabah Cafe (Loved it!!) so that made a nice change. We are both vegan now so had to use some common sense instead of asking the staff every five minutes, but we certainly didn't go hungry! Also rode the Parachute Drop for the first time (mainly to check out the Ratatouille site, coming along nicely) and took the Railroad around the park which was fun too.
- This is an amazing time to go if you don't like queuing for rides (who does??) - our longest wait was maybe 15 minutes, if that, for Space Mountain but generally everything was pretty much a walk-on. EMH was in the Studios for our visit which was a pleasant surprise and meant we rode Crush's Coaster and Tower of Terror loads!! Although all that spinning on Crush's that soon after breakfast can be a bit much....
- Mickey's Magical Fireworks and Bonfire is OK, there is no bonfire to speak of (just a couple of flamethrower-esque things like the ones on the castle in Dreams!) the fireworks were quite impressive, although I felt it was quite dangerous the second time we saw it as the wind was strong and at some points there were bits of glowing red ash falling onto the crowd. Something even hit me from one of the fireworks and left a black mark on my coat. Hmmmm....wasn't sure what to think about this.
- According to the lady at reception, Cheyenne was only 35% full. It was extremely quiet at all times of day, breakfast was peaceful and not the riot I had been dreading (although we did go at 7am each morning) I was worried this hotel would be poor quality but it's absolutely fine, was perfectly cosy and the only real drawback was the long walk, especially when I realised I had left my Half-Board vouchers in the safe one day! No mini-bar which was a shame (although probably good for the benefit of my wallet)
I think they need to have more offers to attract people. Even if they reduce room rates, at least that's more bodies buying park tickets, food and merchandise. I know it's all been said before and I'm certainly no business guru but it just concerns me a little. Maybe everyone holds off until the Christmas period, what with it being so close.
- Everybody already knows this but Dreams! is simply unmissable. Even when I say to myself we will miss it one of the nights we are there I still find myself stood there at park closing time. I just can't let myself do anything else and know that I am missing it. Gutted we were a few days too early for Dreams of Christmas.
Lots of other things but I said this would be brief so I'm going to stop myself.
It was a really good trip overall, however I think we have done DLRP to death for a while and probably won't be back until 2015. Unless I cannot resist the pull once Ratatouille opens....
