Carrie in Maine - April 2006

Just got back from a trip to the World from 4/11 to 4/19. It was SOOOOOO crowded and as the week went on, it got hotter and more humid. We were a large group, 12 teenage softball players, 2 coaches, and 9 parents. Of the three days of hopper passes we had, I spent most of the time waiting around while they stood in line to ride the thrill rides I am too chicken to ride. Most of them were not interested in anything else Disney. But I knew going in that it would probably be like that so I was not totally disappointed. During our brief time in Epcot, I did get a glimpse of some of the topiaries and flower displays for the flower show. All I can say is WOW! The Wide World of Sports complex is amazing. The team won 3 games, tied 1 and lost the last two. It was good practice for them.

I will say that I would probably not recommend the All Star Sports to anyone who is not going there as part of a team/group. The rooms and resort were fine, but not all groups were as well chaperoned or as well behaved as others, and for anyone who was just there on vaction, I'm sure it was very overwhelming. I had to walk down to the front desk one night when others (kids and adults) were outside making noise until 2:00 a.m. (For some reason I could not get through to the front desk from my room phone, not sure why). Another evening it was 12:00 midnight, and I wasn't going to be as patient this time, and called the front desk for security right away. I did write to Disney already to suggest that extra security patrols be added during the peak group times to help keep the noise down. I also suggested that people be told if there will be a large number of groups/teams at the hotel when they are reserving rooms so they will know what to expect. I am a very tolerant person and understand having fun, and making some noise. I am NOT a complainer. I usually just go with the flow and make the best of the situation. So for it to have been an issue for me, it has to have been excessive.

I went down a head of the team and had 4 days to myself before, and I was just getting used to being there alone, just getting into a routine, when they arrived. I've already started saving to go alone again sometime. It was just so nice to not have to worry about anyone.....just me!

I arrived at 12:30 am at All Star Music on Monday....well, really Tuesday. I got a late check out for that morning. The weather was so nice, I took a quick stroll around before going to bed. The next morning I sat out by the pool for a bit before packing up and walking across the parking lot to check in to All Star Sports for the remainder of my stay. I did have to change rooms again at Sports once the team arrived...so I had three rooms during this visit. I don't know how those who split stays between different resorts do it. I guess it is just a matter of preference, but I learned I'd much rather have one room per trip.

I spent the days by the pool, read three books, and just relaxed. One night I went to DTD and had a sandwich at the Earl of Sandwich. It was yummy! Another night I went over to Pop Century. I had dinner at their food court.... they seem to have a better variety than the All Stars....a little bit healthier selection, too. I then explored that resort. I was surprised how big it was. It is a great resort and I definitely want to try to stay there the next time I go. It seemed to be quieter than the All Stars.

I think the highlight of my trip was my visit to Give Kids the World. Beccy, being the sweetheart she is, picked me up at Sports and brought me to the resort. I got to meet her three boys who are wonderful. We spent about 4 hours there..... which was much longer than I had expected. I had not intended to take up that much of Beccy's time. We had dinner at the Gingerbread House and ice cream at the ice cream parlor, and I was able to experience first hand the caring volunteers who work there. I felt so welcomed. Seeing it in person just made me want to do even more to support their effots to help the families who go there.

So that's my trip in a nut shell. Unless my daughter's team goes down again next year, I will probably avoid this time in April like the plague in the future. There were just toooo many people for me. I think I want to try going when it is cooler.....and hopefully less crowded.

I guess I'm a confirmed Disneyholic now, because I was already planning my next visit while I was still there.