Disney Vacation (4 Viewers)

[The Commish]

We were there Saturday too and I agreed.  We did our FPs and hit the poly pool.  Also of note, this was our first time to use touringnplans.  They rated MK that day as a 5/10.  Big time miss.  I think MK is wearing on me now.  Kids would rather AK of HS.

Also of note...WE NO LONGER NEED  A STROLLER!!!!! 

After an afternoon of fighting over the single stroller we put it up and HFS you guys my kids have legs!  No stroller is a game changer.  I laughed at all the other dads scurrying while trying to get on the bus last night.

fun trip so far.  Christmas party is tonight so we’re taking it easy til this afternoon.

Its cold here!

It's supposed to get colder tonight.....lots of wandering from one hot chocolate stand to another is in your future  

 

[jb1020]

It's supposed to get colder tonight.....lots of wandering from one hot chocolate stand to another is in your future  

Yeah, we’re about to head to breakfast at the Boardwalk but we got a curbside pick up to make at Target.  We pack minimally which is awesome but does screw things up sometimes.

someone said the no longer have hot cocoa at the Christmas party.  It’s all cold apple cider now.  Anyone know if that’s true?

Been a pretty good trip so far with the exception of the packed day at MK.  I think that’s just the norm now. 

Hit up a magic hour at HS and knocked out rockin twice and tower of terror and Star Wars before the bottom fell out.  

I swear the wait time manipulation bothers me more than it should.  We go to star tours cause it said 5 minute wait.  Get there and the line is out the door.  CM tells us it’s probably 30 minutes (sign still says 5).  We get in line anyway and I set my own timer.  After we’d been in line 5 minutes the wait time on the app changes...to 10 minutes.  We finally got to the ride and my timer was at 23 minutes....the timer on the app was still at 10.

why do they do that?  Is it just to direct the flow of people?  The CM clearly knew is was about 30 minutes but the sign never changed to reflect anything more than 10. I think when we got off the sign was at 15.

 

[The Commish]

Yeah, we’re about to head to breakfast at the Boardwalk but we got a curbside pick up to make at Target.  We pack minimally which is awesome but does screw things up sometimes.

someone said the no longer have hot cocoa at the Christmas party.  It’s all cold apple cider now.  Anyone know if that’s true?

Been a pretty good trip so far with the exception of the packed day at MK.  I think that’s just the norm now. 

Hit up a magic hour at HS and knocked out rockin twice and tower of terror and Star Wars before the bottom fell out.  

I swear the wait time manipulation bothers me more than it should.  We go to star tours cause it said 5 minute wait.  Get there and the line is out the door.  CM tells us it’s probably 30 minutes (sign still says 5).  We get in line anyway and I set my own timer.  After we’d been in line 5 minutes the wait time on the app changes...to 10 minutes.  We finally got to the ride and my timer was at 23 minutes....the timer on the app was still at 10.

why do they do that?  Is it just to direct the flow of people?  The CM clearly knew is was about 30 minutes but the sign never changed to reflect anything more than 10. I think when we got off the sign was at 15.

I am pretty sure we were there last year and they had hot chocolate.  If it's just crappy apple juice, then I don't see the point in going any longer <_<

To the ride time stuff, I think there's a bit of manipulation too but I think there is some laziness of the staff too.  To have accurate numbers, they have to do the tags over and over and over.  They need to have 4-5 tags in the lines at all times it seems.  I rarely see that.  However, it begs the question.  How do these other apps have "better" timings?  I've read here before to trust X over Disney when it comes to timing.  How the heck are those other groups able to collect the data to even publish a timing?  It got me really thinking about it when we got in line for the 7 Dwarfs and the posted time was almost 2 hours.  We were in line for maybe 45 minutes.

 

[AAABatteries]

I swear the wait time manipulation bothers me more than it should.  We go to star tours cause it said 5 minute wait.  Get there and the line is out the door.  CM tells us it’s probably 30 minutes (sign still says 5).  We get in line anyway and I set my own timer.  After we’d been in line 5 minutes the wait time on the app changes...to 10 minutes.  We finally got to the ride and my timer was at 23 minutes....the timer on the app was still at 10.

why do they do that?  Is it just to direct the flow of people?  The CM clearly knew is was about 30 minutes but the sign never changed to reflect anything more than 10. I think when we got off the sign was at 15.

It’s part just slow to react but part manipulating the flow of people around the park.  Thankfully we’ve been so many times and my kids are now older - I kind of just do whatever.  If the group wants to wait 30 minutes I’ll do it.  Now the kids are like - “20 minutes?”  Let’s go get a snack or pick something else.  We’ve definitely learned to stop and smell the roses now instead of being on a mission to maximize rides.  I also try to enjoy the ride queues more than I have in the past.  I understand all of that is tough with younger kids.

 

[glvsav37]

It’s part just slow to react but part manipulating the flow of people around the park.  Thankfully we’ve been so many times and my kids are now older - I kind of just do whatever.  If the group wants to wait 30 minutes I’ll do it.  Now the kids are like - “20 minutes?”  Let’s go get a snack or pick something else.  We’ve definitely learned to stop and smell the roses now instead of being on a mission to maximize rides.  I also try to enjoy the ride queues more than I have in the past.  I understand all of that is tough with younger kids.

same...my kids are just entering that age, and with the frequency we have gone, having to do everything is less important. We each have our handful of rides that are must-do's but overall we can downshift gears now. For out next trip, my wife wants to not make any FP's until after 5pm. This gives us time to wake up, enjoy breakfast, relax by the pool, resort hop a bit, and just do things we don't normally do b/c we 'have to make it to that FP!!!!" 

My daughter will be 13 by next trip and is pretty artistic (like myself, I'm a graphic designer), and we enjoy talking about the finer creative aspects of the parks. I'm getting her to appreciate the creative details, backstories and history of the parks. 

 

[AAABatteries]

My daughter will be 13 by next trip and is pretty artistic (like myself, I'm a graphic designer), and we enjoy talking about the finer creative aspects of the parks. I'm getting her to appreciate the creative details, backstories and history of the parks. 

I bet she loved the animation courtyard or whatever it was called at HS - especially the character drawing, we used to love to go do that and I always felt it was an under appreciated attraction. 

 

[glvsav37]

I bet she loved the animation courtyard or whatever it was called at HS - especially the character drawing, we used to love to go do that and I always felt it was an under appreciated attraction. 

why you gotta pick at scabs bro! 

we had a blast there. only did it once (well 2x) before they got rid of it. I remember it well, we had the Frozen VIP package (it was right as Frozen was making its way into Studios)—FP's for the show, parade viewing section, dessert party and VIP section for the fireworks. Too bad it was a really rainy day and by the time FW were starting, my wife and youngest had had enough and called it quits. So me and my daughter stuck around for the fireworks (package was really for her anyway, she was prime Frozen age).

After FW, I told her about the studio and she lit up and said 'Lets go!" Waited about 25 min to get in, but it was better then being outside and wet. We drew Goofy, then as we exited, we asked and the CM said the next (and last) class was not full, so we ducked in for round 2 where we drew Olaf.  You can tell she loved it,  ......I did just ok.

 

[AcerFC]

I bet she loved the animation courtyard or whatever it was called at HS - especially the character drawing, we used to love to go do that and I always felt it was an under appreciated attraction. 

That was good and something my son would have loved. He loves the area just before you take pictures with Groot and Starlord. He will actually read, remember and spit back the info on the placards 

My daughter couldnt be bothered with any of it. 

 

[TheFanatic]

b/c Disney transport is free and considered a perk to staying on site. Plus there are no timetable screens or anything for those stops so people play the "its gotta be coming soon, we can wait..........................................any minute now..........................................yes I know..........................................cant be that much longer..........................................FU Susan, we waited this GD long already! I'm F'ing sure as soon as you order the uber the GD bus will be here. Go'head, just F'n do it!..........................................(silence)..........................................see I told it was on its way"

There were 9 of us and my mom was on a scooter and we still took an uber more than once. Well, most of us. Usually dad and I would stay with mom and send the rest ahead. 

 

[AAABatteries]

why you gotta pick at scabs bro! 

we had a blast there. only did it once (well 2x) before they got rid of it. I remember it well, we had the Frozen VIP package (it was right as Frozen was making its way into Studios)—FP's for the show, parade viewing section, dessert party and VIP section for the fireworks. Too bad it was a really rainy day and by the time FW were starting, my wife and youngest had had enough and called it quits. So me and my daughter stuck around for the fireworks (package was really for her anyway, she was prime Frozen age).

After FW, I told her about the studio and she lit up and said 'Lets go!" Waited about 25 min to get in, but it was better then being outside and wet. We drew Goofy, then as we exited, we asked and the CM said the next (and last) class was not full, so we ducked in for round 2 where we drew Olaf.  You can tell she loved it,  ......I did just ok.

Not sure if it’s just me but your pic shows but not hers.  

We went several times over the years - Top of head, we did Mickey, Goofy and my favorite that we did was Jiminy Cricket.

 

[glvsav37]

Not sure if it’s just me but your pic shows but not hers.  

We went several times over the years - Top of head, we did Mickey, Goofy and my favorite that we did was Jiminy Cricket.

hmmmm it worked for me...but i relinked it in my orig post. Drawing Jimmy sounds fun!

 

[PIK95]

I will never go again if they remove the monorail.

 

[glvsav37]

more bad transportation news...2 busses collided at the Epcot entrance plaza this am.

51 people were on board between the 2 buses and 15 were sent to the hospital with non-emergency injuries.  

 

[jb1020]

Just had a fire drill at Tratoria.  

The breakfast was underwhelming anyways.  The wife and I prefer to eat vegan when we can.  Before we went they told us they had a vegan menu, which they did...it clearly said everything could be made vegan.  Normally tofu is used as an egg substitute and they do that at places around Disney.  Not sure if they just didn’t know the def of vegan or not but they said they had no tofu and could not substitute egg for tofu.  Essentially everything on their vegan menu was made with eggs.  Pretty disappointing for us.  They made us waffles and we only got 2.  Then the fire alarms went off and we evacuated.  After waiting about 20 minutes we asked if we could just leave and they took our names and said they can bill our room.  

Not sure if there was really an issue or not but the CMs said it was a drill.  If so I think it’s pretty tacky to have a fire drill in the middle of someone’s $200 breakfast.

 

[AAABatteries]

Just had a fire drill at Tratoria.  

The breakfast was underwhelming anyways.  The wife and I prefer to eat vegan when we can.  Before we went they told us they had a vegan menu, which they did...it clearly said everything could be made vegan.  Normally tofu is used as an egg substitute and they do that at places around Disney.  Not sure if they just didn’t know the def of vegan or not but they said they had no tofu and could not substitute egg for tofu.  Essentially everything on their vegan menu was made with eggs.  Pretty disappointing for us.  They made us waffles and we only got 2.  Then the fire alarms went off and we evacuated.  After waiting about 20 minutes we asked if we could just leave and they took our names and said they can bill our room.  

Not sure if there was really an issue or not but the CMs said it was a drill.  If so I think it’s pretty tacky to have a fire drill in the middle of someone’s $200 breakfast.

Considering all that they should have just comped it.

 

[doowain]

Just had a fire drill at Tratoria.  

The breakfast was underwhelming anyways.  The wife and I prefer to eat vegan when we can.  Before we went they told us they had a vegan menu, which they did...it clearly said everything could be made vegan.  Normally tofu is used as an egg substitute and they do that at places around Disney.  Not sure if they just didn’t know the def of vegan or not but they said they had no tofu and could not substitute egg for tofu.  Essentially everything on their vegan menu was made with eggs.  Pretty disappointing for us.  They made us waffles and we only got 2.  Then the fire alarms went off and we evacuated.  After waiting about 20 minutes we asked if we could just leave and they took our names and said they can bill our room.  

Not sure if there was really an issue or not but the CMs said it was a drill.  If so I think it’s pretty tacky to have a fire drill in the middle of someone’s $200 breakfast.

You were going to pay $200 to eat tofu?

 

[jb1020]

You were going to pay $200 to eat tofu?

Meal plan...it was included.  

 

[glvsav37]

FYI

Kali River Rapids is scheduled to be down from January 7, 2019 until March 22, 2019. It will reopen to guests on March 23, 2019, just in time for the busier spring season.

No surprise as it typically goes down b/c of cooler temps this time of year. 

 

[AAABatteries]

FYI

No surprise as it typically goes down b/c of cooler temps this time of year. 

It may be the only ride on property where I enjoy the queue better than the ride itself.  I've been the guy that walks through the line with the family and then darts left to wait on them to come back.  My wife won't even get in line. 

 

[Capella]

has anybody died or been hurt due to the transportation yet today? 

 

[Shaft41]

has anybody died or been hurt due to the transportation yet today? 

Not transportation, but supposedly a rhino got loose on the Safari at AK today and was running up and down the road and they had to shut it down until they got him back where he belonged.  

 

[That one guy]

Hoo boy, we decided on a whim to go down to Disney Springs and see this Christmas Tree Trail friends have talked about.  I expected a crowd, but holy heck that’s an understatement!  My memory of that place is rooted in the Downtown Disney days and I can’t recall it ever being like that.  

Anyway, not really a complaint of any kind, it’s just amazing sometimes as a native of Orlando to see how massive Disney has become over the years.  I’m gonna witness the madness of the actual parks during the holiday season tomorrow night as I’ve set up surprise date night with wifey to go see MK lit up at night, then dinner reservations at EPCOT (think it might be a good idea to pay to park at Boardwalk and go in backside of EPCOT and monorail it back and forth to MK rather than using main parking lots?  Even though our APs get free parking, I’m not opposed to paying for other sites that might offer a quicker in-and-out)

 

[The Commish]

Hoo boy, we decided on a whim to go down to Disney Springs and see this Christmas Tree Trail friends have talked about.  I expected a crowd, but holy heck that’s an understatement!  My memory of that place is rooted in the Downtown Disney days and I can’t recall it ever being like that.  

Anyway, not really a complaint of any kind, it’s just amazing sometimes as a native of Orlando to see how massive Disney has become over the years.  I’m gonna witness the madness of the actual parks during the holiday season tomorrow night as I’ve set up surprise date night with wifey to go see MK lit up at night, then dinner reservations at EPCOT (think it might be a good idea to pay to park at Boardwalk and go in backside of EPCOT and monorail it back and forth to MK rather than using main parking lots?  Even though our APs get free parking, I’m not opposed to paying for other sites that might offer a quicker in-and-out)

After a day of rain and disgust yesterday, it was nucking futs in MK last night.  I'll never make that mistake again.  Unless we are going to Mickey's Merry Christmas Party, I am never stepping foot on that property during the holiday again

 

[Osaurus]

Will be in MK and DHS next weekend.  Staying at Port Orleans FQ Saturday night.  I think we’re ducking out of MK earlier Saturday.  Sounds like a real ####storm right now.  Ugh.

 

[glvsav37]

Storybook Dining is now open at Artist Pointe. Would love to see Snow White, Evil Queen and the Dwarves, but the menu is too limited for my family. Bummer, looks like a nice character meet and meal option. 

 

[Capella]

Made our annual trek to animal kingdom yesterday. Enjoyed it! We should go more. About 1/1000th the amount of people at the other parks and the animals were fun to point out to the kid. 

Ate at flametree bbq for the first time and it was easily the best over the counter meal we’ve had at the parks. The chicken was juicy and the ribs were...good? I was shocked. They even had the pink on the bone. Definitely going back. 

 

[jb1020]

Got back Saturday night.  Fun packed trip.  

First off, I'm officially a Galactic Hero now.  I'll assume I'm not the only one here.  We did ride it 4 times and yes I did look up where to shoot.  Its still not easy when a 6 yo it more concerned about spinning.  

Christmas Party was the high light.  It was rainy all morning then cold at night.  I think that kept the crowd down a good bit.  I still think that's totally worth the money if you ever get the chance to go. 

We also did the Candle Light Processional thing...meh.  I didn't get the memo that it requires a Sit Down dining credit.  My wife loved it though.  

The Poly is the best.  Its the only place where you can walk to the transportation center.  The pool there is fantastic.   

The only parks that didn't feel crowded were Epcot and AK.  I still think AK is our favorite for now.   We only spent an afternoon at Epcot.  There just doesn't seem like much to do there anymore.  I know they have 2 big ticket rides coming, but for now it seems like its the "half day" park now instead of HS having that label. 

I won't knock on MK too much, but damn it just stays crowded.  It doesn't feel like a value anymore.  Seems like you can spend all day there and not even ride half the attractions, which honestly other than being "classic" Disney,  they aren't all that good.  Just my opinion though.  

I was surprised about how much we liked Toy Story land.  We were there on a cool day, but I can see how people complain about a lack of shade.   Food there was great.  Its obvious, but this time next year HS will be the park you have to spend multiple days at.  

FINALLY, after 4-5 years of doing Disney I talked the family into waking up early and doing the extra magic hour.  It was money both times.   At HS we did RnR twice, ToT and Star Tours in less than an hour.  One magic hour we did was at MK.  I don't know if its always like this, but the hour it was open early Frontier and Adventure land were closed.  That kind of rubbed me the wrong way.  Got there early and splash, big thunder, jungle cruise, pirates....all closed.   

I think this is the last time we do the Dining plan that includes the sit down.  I know it slows you down, but it just seems like it ends up being a 3 hour event.  I think every place we had a sit down at we waited 30+ minutes after checking in.   The food at all the QSR is so good now.  Especially for us now, they have plant based options galore.  Its not really like that at the sit down places.   Which is odd.  Otherwise I still think the meal plan is a good buy. 

Probably our last trip for a while.  At least until the new wears off on Star Wars.  We'll see.

 

[ffmail4me]

Just got back from a 2 week vacation in Orlando (we stayed at a Marriott resort NOT at Disney) and had 7 day Hopper Plus Passes. I will NEVER buy those passes again. Here is why:

1. Fast Pass is basically USELESS if you want to ride the newer/bigger attractions (Aerosmith Rollercoaster, Avatar, etc.) as they aren't available. Why? Because if you are staying on a Disney resort, you can book ahead up to 2 months out. So literally there is nothing left. I guess Disney does this to encourage people to stay on their properties, but it really sucks

2. Crowds. It doesn't matter when you go. The last 2 weeks kids were not out of school in Orlando. Weather wasn't even that great. Its before the holiday. Didn't matter, you are going to wait and wait and wait. I did wait 75 minutes to ride the new Avatar ride (got to the Park BEFORE it opened and that was still my wait time) 

3. Everything is even more expensive now. Parking is $25. Food in the parks is absurd. 

Yeah, I paid it, and I can afford it because we've been very blessed in our business the last few years. But I feel like I get terrible bang for my buck. 

Rant over. The 6' rat has taken THOUSANDS from my wallet over the last decade, but no more.

 

[glvsav37]

I won't knock on MK too much, but damn it just stays crowded.  It doesn't feel like a value anymore.  Seems like you can spend all day there and not even ride half the attractions, which honestly other than being "classic" Disney,  they aren't all that good.  Just my opinion though.  

agree 100%. Its the busiest because it technically the most attractions...and of those, the most diverse park with the best rides for kids. Think about it...Epcot, not a lot for kids, Studios, some kid stuff but mostly thrill, only AK gives more diversity of rides but it cant touch MK in terms of overall 'value for your ticket price.'

I think i read somewhere that MK has about 20+ attractions to 10 or so at the other parks. And very little in the way of sit down dining as opposed to the other parks and thats where you get to really 'hide people' for hours at a time. + Parades, + popular characters, its just a bigger draw. 

I think this is the last time we do the Dining plan that includes the sit down.  I know it slows you down, but it just seems like it ends up being a 3 hour event.  I think every place we had a sit down at we waited 30+ minutes after checking in.   The food at all the QSR is so good now.  Especially for us now, they have plant based options galore.  Its not really like that at the sit down places.   Which is odd.  Otherwise I still think the meal plan is a good buy. 

Have you looked into the Tables in Wonderland card? We just bought it and will be using it in place of the dining plan this year. 20% off food and alcohol at most locations, they do add an 18% gratuity on it automatically, so you are saving that, plus a little more. Its $150 (only 1 person needs it) and only available to DVC, Fla residents or APs. 

We are buying Disney gift cards for almost what the cost of the DDP would be for us and will be using those along with TiW this trip. Plus, $100 Dis GCs are only $95 at BJ's, so thats a free ice cream bar right there lol. I loved the DDP for NOT having a huge bill follow me home afterward, so buying the GCs does the same thing. 

I agree, while I love a lot of Disney's restaurants for their atmosphere and such, being forced to eat a TS meal every day really sucks up vacation time.   

 

[ffmail4me]

has anybody died or been hurt due to the transportation yet today? 

While we were at one of the water parks someone got their arm caught in a conveyor belt. It was horrifying (not that I actually saw it, but seeing the staff and medicals run FULL SPEED blowing whistles in a panic, just scary stuff) and we later saw the person airlifted. Ugghh, just makes you feel so horrible that family. 

 

[glvsav37]

Just got back from a 2 week vacation in Orlando (we stayed at a Marriott resort NOT at Disney) and had 7 day Hopper Plus Passes. I will NEVER buy those passes again. Here is why:

1. Fast Pass is basically USELESS if you want to ride the newer/bigger attractions (Aerosmith Rollercoaster, Avatar, etc.) as they aren't available. Why? Because if you are staying on a Disney resort, you can book ahead up to 2 months out. So literally there is nothing left. I guess Disney does this to encourage people to stay on their properties, but it really sucks

2. Crowds. It doesn't matter when you go. The last 2 weeks kids were not out of school in Orlando. Weather wasn't even that great. Its before the holiday. Didn't matter, you are going to wait and wait and wait. I did wait 75 minutes to ride the new Avatar ride (got to the Park BEFORE it opened and that was still my wait time) 

3. Everything is even more expensive now. Parking is $25. Food in the parks is absurd. 

Yeah, I paid it, and I can afford it because we've been very blessed in our business the last few years. But I feel like I get terrible bang for my buck. 

Rant over. The 6' rat has taken THOUSANDS from my wallet over the last decade, but no more.

sorry for the sour taste...but everything you said is justified.

yea FP booking is indeed a tactic to entice people to stay on site...but even if you do, some of those rides are very hard-to-impossible to get still. Thats the drawback of the digital FP system, back in the day, those with the fastist legs would be outrunning everyone else to the kiosks. But if it makes you feel any better...locals and Annual Passholders (anyone w/o a hotel reservation) are stuck to 30 days too and they technically support the parks the most. 

But it is arm and arm with the crowds, my local friends tell me that there is no slow season anymore. I've been there at times where you could roll a bowling ball down main st and not hit anyone. I'm almost fortunate that we go in the summer b/c thats the one time people don't want to go lol

 

[glvsav37]

While we were at one of the water parks someone got their arm caught in a conveyor belt. It was horrifying (not that I actually saw it, but seeing the staff and medicals run FULL SPEED blowing whistles in a panic, just scary stuff) and we later saw the person airlifted. Ugghh, just makes you feel so horrible that family. 

heard about that...offfa crazy.

I often worry about my daughter b/c she has very long hair. She usually wears in braided when there, but even still thats down to the small of her back and could easily get caught on something if she's not careful. 

 

[jb1020]

Just got back from a 2 week vacation in Orlando (we stayed at a Marriott resort NOT at Disney) and had 7 day Hopper Plus Passes. I will NEVER buy those passes again. Here is why:

1. Fast Pass is basically USELESS if you want to ride the newer/bigger attractions (Aerosmith Rollercoaster, Avatar, etc.) as they aren't available. Why? Because if you are staying on a Disney resort, you can book ahead up to 2 months out. So literally there is nothing left. I guess Disney does this to encourage people to stay on their properties, but it really sucks

2. Crowds. It doesn't matter when you go. The last 2 weeks kids were not out of school in Orlando. Weather wasn't even that great. Its before the holiday. Didn't matter, you are going to wait and wait and wait. I did wait 75 minutes to ride the new Avatar ride (got to the Park BEFORE it opened and that was still my wait time) 

3. Everything is even more expensive now. Parking is $25. Food in the parks is absurd. 

Yeah, I paid it, and I can afford it because we've been very blessed in our business the last few years. But I feel like I get terrible bang for my buck. 

Rant over. The 6' rat has taken THOUSANDS from my wallet over the last decade, but no more.

We did an "off site" vacation too a couple years back and I agree....travel to and from plus no good FP's.  I wouldn't do it again either.  

I will say that with the kids no longer needing a stroller my options on hotels have gone way up.  I've always felt the need to stay on the monorail line for some reason.  

 

[The Commish]

Will be in MK and DHS next weekend.  Staying at Port Orleans FQ Saturday night.  I think we’re ducking out of MK earlier Saturday.  Sounds like a real ####storm right now.  Ugh.

Godspeed GB.....Godspeed!!!!!   

 

[Osaurus]

Godspeed GB.....Godspeed!!!!!   

Low expectations and much alcohol consumption will ease the pain 

 

[jb1020]

Low expectations and much alcohol consumption will ease the pain 

The no alcohol at MK is still baffling to me.  Thats so much lost money there.  I know the "drink around the world" folks at Epcot get a little wild, but alcohol doesn't seem to be an issue at AK or HS.  

Seems like millions being left on the table by not having it at MK.  

 

[Capella]

The no alcohol at MK is still baffling to me.  Thats so much lost money there.  I know the "drink around the world" folks at Epcot get a little wild, but alcohol doesn't seem to be an issue at AK or HS.  

Seems like millions being left on the table by not having it at MK.  

Everybody there is already angry enough. God forbid if they add booze to the equation. 

 

[Osaurus]

The no alcohol at MK is still baffling to me.  Thats so much lost money there.  I know the "drink around the world" folks at Epcot get a little wild, but alcohol doesn't seem to be an issue at AK or HS.  

Seems like millions being left on the table by not having it at MK.  

I should have said adjacent to the MK

 

[Tiger Fan]

The no alcohol at MK is still baffling to me.  Thats so much lost money there.  I know the "drink around the world" folks at Epcot get a little wild, but alcohol doesn't seem to be an issue at AK or HS.  

Seems like millions being left on the table by not having it at MK.  

that's what flasks are for

 

[glvsav37]

that's what flasks are for

these will get you past bag check

 

[Osaurus]

these will get you past bag check

These too:  Ever been to a Turkish prison?

 

[jb1020]

that's what flasks are for

And edibles.  

 

[AAABatteries]

Made our annual trek to animal kingdom yesterday. Enjoyed it! We should go more. About 1/1000th the amount of people at the other parks and the animals were fun to point out to the kid. 

Ate at flametree bbq for the first time and it was easily the best over the counter meal we’ve had at the parks. The chicken was juicy and the ribs were...good? I was shocked. They even had the pink on the bone. Definitely going back. 

Flame tree has been a favorite of ours for years.  Great value when you are on the dining plan.

 

[NutterButter]

And edibles.  

Damn, you just planted a terrible seed in my head.  I'm going in March and I might be stupid enough to consider bringing some down there from NJ.  

 

[shuke]

Made our annual trek to animal kingdom yesterday. Enjoyed it! We should go more. About 1/1000th the amount of people at the other parks and the animals were fun to point out to the kid. 

Ate at flametree bbq for the first time and it was easily the best over the counter meal we’ve had at the parks. The chicken was juicy and the ribs were...good? I was shocked. They even had the pink on the bone. Definitely going back. 

Definitely one of the better places we ate. 

Was that POS yeti roller coaster running?

 

[Capella]

Definitely one of the better places we ate. 

Was that POS yeti roller coaster running?

It actually was!

 

[glvsav37]

new "Tastes of the MK" tour is avail to book

Discover how food memories are made as you taste your way through the kitchens of Magic Kingdom park. Remember the first time you tried the Dole Whip? Or maybe you eat a turkey leg every time you come to the park? Food is an essential part of the Walt Disney World vacation experience.

On this brand-new, 3-hour experience, you’ll:

Uncover the Magic Behind the Meals
Hear stories from the brilliant chefs and dedicated Cast Members that bring creative and delicious meals to life each day at Magic Kingdom park. From the rich food history of Disney parks to the “Imagineering” of new menu items, you’ll be immersed in culinary magic!

Go Behind-the-Scenes
Enjoy unprecedented access to backstage kitchens and working areas that have never before been shared with Guests. See what goes into the production of serving millions of Guests each year and interact with the creative experts behind these memorable meal experiences.

Delight in Delicious Tastings
Along the way, tuck into curated tastings of some of the most beloved menu items at Magic Kingdom park. Be sure to bring an appetite—an incredible assortment of sweet and savory flavors awaits!

Taste the Future
Help Disney culinary artists create the next generation of Magic Kingdom park food by sampling an item that is still in development.

VIP Treatment
You can relax and savor the experience because your VIP Guides will take care of everything.

Price: $99 per person, plus tax (valid admission is required for each park and not included in the price of this experience)

Dates: This experience is currently offered on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays

(Bolded)...Ummmm I worked in the Pecos Bills kitchen ...nothing i would pay $99 to see. In fact, the location number was 666 and it was very true...hotter then hell in those kitchens in the summer. 

 

[jb1020]

Damn, you just planted a terrible seed in my head.  I'm going in March and I might be stupid enough to consider bringing some down there from NJ.  

It kicks that banshee ride up a few notches.  

 

[NutterButter]

It kicks that banshee ride up a few notches.  

I could ride on Its a Small World all day long with some edibles.   If its not happening in March, its definitely on the bucket list.

 

[Tiger Fan]

Is there an automated tool (or spreadsheet) online that can help with fastpass efficiency? I'm not looking for a list of what's available (I know where those are), but something to help automate and make the prep work a little easier.