We are midway through our trip and having a great time!
Outside of a mini-meltdown yesterday morning at MK (by both parent and child), we've had a blast.
A few things I've discovered:
1. We're not park commandos, and my kids aren't the most adventurous in terms of the rides they like. Pacing ourselves is very important. Coming back to the hotel in the afternoon before heading back out is how we work best, and pacing the rides (a sit down show in between some rides) works better for us as well.
2. As such, the hotel we stay at is more than a place to lie our heads. After the crowds and hectic pace of the parks, I love coming back to YC. I've stayed at BC before, and while I think the lobby is beautiful, I really appreciate how *quiet* and serene YC's lobby is. We've also spent a fair amount of time here lounging by the pool, using the slide and tubes in SAB's lazy river, and eating at Hurricane Hannah's and Beaches and Cream. And enjoying a few non-kiddie beverages
. We've all enjoyed hanging out on the balcony and people watching. While I am considering staying at a mod on a return trip (to take advantage of the free dining BB offer), if ever I get another room discount, I will head for YC first. It's been great so far.
3. Speaking of great, we've had a towel animal in our room each of the days we've been here (and a space mountain tower or maybe castle build with washcloths that also holds our toothbrushes and toothpaste). It's so fun to come back from a morning in the parks to see what our mousekeeper has left for us...and it lifted my mood after yesterday's mini-meltdown in MK. It's just...cute and sweet, and this is this first time *ever* that I've gotten towel animals in my room. I understand that it's not always possible for the mousekeeper to leave them, but I am so appreciative that we've gotten them this trip.
4. We had a wonderful breakfast at Ohana's yesterday. My youngest was so thrilled about meeting Stitch and Pluto...and I loved the Poly's atmosphere. We've stayed there before, and as we were walking around and having breakfast, I felt the tiniest bit...wishful that we'd stayed there. But as soon as I got back to my room here at YC last night, I though, nope...this is the place for me. I love it here so much. And my kids seem to like Epcot and AK best (and our trip to AK today was great...no wait to or from for buses), so it makes sense to stay outside of the MK resorts. Next trip might be a mod, but we'll be back here for sure.
ETA, 5. The lifeguard at the slide was allowing parents to wait for smaller children at the bottom, so long as they quickly moved to the side when the child came down. I've read that this isn't always the case, but it was being allowed when we were there. The lifeguards were even cheering the kids on as they came down to meet their parents.