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Disney Vacation (8 Viewers)
- Thread starter DOVCommish
- Start date
Dr. Doofenshmirtz
Footballguy
Anyone else going to be there December 15th-19th
Lehigh98
Footballguy
Just booked a house at Windsor Hills in Kissimmee for April, flights and park passes are next. (MIL is retired and doing the planning)
12 of us going and staying under one roof.
Me and wife and our 2 boys who will be turning 5 and 3 around the trip.
My wife's sister and her husband and my 2 nephews who will be 6 and 4.
My wife's mom and dad and her sister's husband's mom and dad.
Hoping that the grandparents will be worn out enough to want to stay home for kids' bedtimes while us moms and dads go back out.
Are we screwed for dinner reservations anywhere decent since there's 12 of us and we're less than 180 days away?
12 of us going and staying under one roof.
Me and wife and our 2 boys who will be turning 5 and 3 around the trip.
My wife's sister and her husband and my 2 nephews who will be 6 and 4.
My wife's mom and dad and her sister's husband's mom and dad.
Hoping that the grandparents will be worn out enough to want to stay home for kids' bedtimes while us moms and dads go back out.
Are we screwed for dinner reservations anywhere decent since there's 12 of us and we're less than 180 days away?
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Jobber
Footballguy
Just got back last night from 6 days in Orlando. The parks were more crowded than I remember during this post-holiday period. Saturday night was money though as the crowd thinned out considerably after 9pm. That and the parades drew lots of people out of the lines for rides which was nice.
Hollywood Studios. I want my money back. What a horrible park this is. The pinnacle of that debacle was actually standing in line for 20+ minutes to see some Prince Caspian attraction. It was a commercial. I almost dropped trough and peed in the corner out of spite.
We skipped the Animal park since we've got a great zoo up here in MN and didn't think that park would be worth it.
We'll be sticking with MK and Epcot from here on out. Perhaps we'll hit Universal too to shake things up.
Hollywood Studios. I want my money back. What a horrible park this is. The pinnacle of that debacle was actually standing in line for 20+ minutes to see some Prince Caspian attraction. It was a commercial. I almost dropped trough and peed in the corner out of spite.
We skipped the Animal park since we've got a great zoo up here in MN and didn't think that park would be worth it.
We'll be sticking with MK and Epcot from here on out. Perhaps we'll hit Universal too to shake things up.
Yankee23Fan
Fair Tax!
Really? Lights Motors Action is a solid show with stunt cars and bikes that's worth seeing. The Backlot Tour is still entertaining especially if you know the poor sap that gets chosen from the audience. The Star Wars ride was always fun but it's down right now for renevations. The Indiana Jones show is solid. Tower of Terror and Rockin Rollercoaster are supposed to be rather awesome. And the Great Movie Ride is solid. What did you do that you didn't like?
You missed some solid rides. The new Everest Mountain rollercoaster is phenominal. Kali River Rapids water ride is a lot of fun though short and the Safari tour through the animal wildlife preserve is solid. The kids area in Dinoland may be the best kids area in the entire complex. We aren't animal lovers so it's not our favorite park but we still go there for the main stuff.
snogger
Footballguy
Great place, especially during this time of the year..
sho nuff
Footballguy
Also add in Toy Story Mania at HS and the Nemo and Lion King shows at AK and there are solid things at every park.
Jobber
Footballguy
We really wanted to go on the TS Mania ride but there was a 100 minute wait! Oof.
snogger
Footballguy
Fast pass is your friend.. Best bet is to enter the park and go right for the fast pass.. We missed out on that ride last time as we went to Indiana Jones first and by the time we went over to Toy story the fast passes were all gone
Mr. Pickles
Footballguy
Dipped below 60?
45 all day, I should have worn jeans and brought a coat as the sweatshirt wasn't enough with shorts. We did Universal today and there were no lines all day. The only crowded area was Harry potter and there were still no lines!
Osaurus
Footballguy
Gonna be less than 32 degrees tonight. Seriously!
Mr. Pickles
Footballguy
Any ice forming on the bay?
parasaurolophus
Footballguy
Hollywood used to be the park we ignored, but now that my son is older he loves Tower of Terror and Rock n Roller coaster. Toy story mania is great. They serve beer if all else fails.What is not to like?I do agree with you though about the Prince Caspian thing. It is a sham.
Dr. Doofenshmirtz
Footballguy
I downloaded the free version of undercover tourists appIt has wait times for all the rides and maps. I dont know how well its updated but will see soon
Dr. Doofenshmirtz
Footballguy
2 days. Family very excited
Dr. Doofenshmirtz
Footballguy
Taking two little kids to Disney is more tiring then fun
But it was great to see them having fun
Was very cold yesterday though. Anyone who is going this week may want to pack some winter gear just in case
But it was great to see them having fun
Was very cold yesterday though. Anyone who is going this week may want to pack some winter gear just in case
belljr
Footballguy
Last year when we went, it was the longest cold streak in Florida history.It's funny seeing pictures with winter hats and giant coats on
Dr. Doofenshmirtz
Footballguy
sho nuff
Footballguy
Love the closeup of the ball.I have a similar picture of Everest at that same spot with the little shrine thing in the foreground.
Dr. Doofenshmirtz
Footballguy
Its funny because I had to weigh being with the family vs. taking pictures. The family won out. Maybe the next time I go and they are a little older, I wont mind missing their reactions. But for now, I snapped a few quick shots and spent time with them.The only thing I regret is not bracketing that Everest shot for an HDR and I never really got any good castle pics because I waited til the last day and it was cold and cloudy
sho nuff
Footballguy
Had my dad and step mom with us the last trip (and my first trip there with a good camera).Between my dad and I we took a lot of pictures. His were better most of the time as I was still a noob (still am).
But I got some nice shot.
Im trying to put together a good sequence with our Nemo pictures. He had his 55-250 lense on and I had the 18-55 so we got the wider shots from me and some great closeups from him.
The favorite that I took of Nemo
Bruce
And a few of his of Nemo
Nemo Up Close
Bubbles
And my favorites he took of the Castle/fireworks
Castle Explosion
Silhouette
FBGirl79
Footballguy
awesome pictures! I need to get some of mine up from our September trip. I took my tripod this time and although completely uneducated about photography I managed to get a few good shots. All these pictures make me want to go back.
sho nuff
Footballguy
Those were from March. And I have yet to do much with any of the pictures. None of those have been edited at all yet.
Busy year to get through things.
I have only edited a few that I put together in a photo book for my dad and step mom for Christmas that are more of my kids with them on that trip.
Busy year to get through things.
I have only edited a few that I put together in a photo book for my dad and step mom for Christmas that are more of my kids with them on that trip.
Dr. Doofenshmirtz
Footballguy
This one is awesome.Its funny because everyone was tired Saturday night so I had planned to go to the Magic Kingdom for the 10:00 fireworks. My daughter who is 3 and a half wanted to come with me so she could go to Minnie's house. I felt bad letting her go back to the hotel so I said OK. But I told her Daddy wanted to get some pictures first. She said OK.
We leave EPCOT, get to the Magic Kingdom at 9:30. I go up to the train station and find an awesome spot to set up my gorillapod. Then I look at the castle and you could hardly see it due to the fog. I figure whatever, maybe it will be lit up by the fireworks.
My daughter starts to complain that she is cold and wants to go to Minnies. There was still 20 minutes left so I said forget it. It was foggy and we were there for her. We didnt even get to tomorrow land and she was passed out. At this point, I just want to get out of the park before the fireworks to catch the bus back and ensure that I get a seat. Made it back, opened the door and my wife was like
I told you not to bring her.No fireworks, no Minnies house and a wasted trip. But I did get to spend more time with her so it wasnt worthless
sho nuff
Footballguy
Yeah, the few silhouette shots were great that he took.
I think that one I posted is the cover shot on the photobook.
He does pretty well in low light situations. He shoots a lot for the drama club at the high school near his house and does a lot of the set designs and paintings (both my half brother and sister went to that school and were into the drama stuff and the school asked him to keep doing it after they were out of school).
I think that one I posted is the cover shot on the photobook.
He does pretty well in low light situations. He shoots a lot for the drama club at the high school near his house and does a lot of the set designs and paintings (both my half brother and sister went to that school and were into the drama stuff and the school asked him to keep doing it after they were out of school).
Todem
Footballguy
We had a great trip the week of November 8th. Weather was amazing, parks were half full. Just great.
We are going back in March for my sons 6th birthday and will again stay off property. Too much value in staying off property. We save on average 500 dollars over 5 days and get a great 2 bedroom suite at the Hilton Vaction club Parc Del Sol or the International Drive one. Both have fantastic service and great rooms.
We are going back in March for my sons 6th birthday and will again stay off property. Too much value in staying off property. We save on average 500 dollars over 5 days and get a great 2 bedroom suite at the Hilton Vaction club Parc Del Sol or the International Drive one. Both have fantastic service and great rooms.
FBGirl79
Footballguy
Okay finally got some pictures up. Here are a few but I think I put around 40 on the Flickr account.
Castle @ Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party
Wishes
Main Street Electrical Parade (Elliot is my favorite)
Illuminations
Coronado Springs
Devine in Animal Kingdom
Nemo Show
Nemo Show 2
Stunt Show
Castle @ Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party
Wishes
Main Street Electrical Parade (Elliot is my favorite)
Illuminations
Coronado Springs
Devine in Animal Kingdom
Nemo Show
Nemo Show 2
Stunt Show
Dr. Doofenshmirtz
Footballguy
Wow. Awesome captures. Especially at Nemo
snogger
Footballguy
Nice shots there.. Great Action capture of the Stunt show!
Johnny Rock
Footballguy
Went to Orlando 11/25/10 - 12/5/10. Stayed at Animal Kingdom Lodge for 3 nights, went to Sea World one day and Universal Islands of Adventure one day, Disney Parks for two days and Downtown Disney one night for awhile.
My sisters live in Orlando and one sisters' best friend and her husband work at Disney so we got 40% off AKL and free entry to the parks two days which is sweet. Plus sis had 4 free passes to Sea World. That saved us around $1,500.
Animal Kingdom Lodge was just ok. Didn't see any animals from our Savannah room besides a few birds which was a bummer. Night vision binocs were cool for the kids to at least see a few animals and was free at night. Pool was nice with waterslide. Overall I felt the value was not there even at 40% off which tells you something.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter was awesome. Butterbeer rules. Make sure to go in the shops for fun surprises. You may wonder why there's a line for Ollivander's but check it out. Hogwarts was incredible.
Use coupons from Disney park concessions receipts at Downtown Disney for 20% off before noon. Kind of a nice bonus to offset park food prices.
If you have a huge Lightning McQueen fan in your family, don't miss seeing lifesize McQueen and Mater in Hollywood Studios by Pizza Planet for photos. My little boy was in heaven and there was no line, possibly because it's kind of hidden from main areas.
My sisters live in Orlando and one sisters' best friend and her husband work at Disney so we got 40% off AKL and free entry to the parks two days which is sweet. Plus sis had 4 free passes to Sea World. That saved us around $1,500.
Animal Kingdom Lodge was just ok. Didn't see any animals from our Savannah room besides a few birds which was a bummer. Night vision binocs were cool for the kids to at least see a few animals and was free at night. Pool was nice with waterslide. Overall I felt the value was not there even at 40% off which tells you something.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter was awesome. Butterbeer rules. Make sure to go in the shops for fun surprises. You may wonder why there's a line for Ollivander's but check it out. Hogwarts was incredible.
Use coupons from Disney park concessions receipts at Downtown Disney for 20% off before noon. Kind of a nice bonus to offset park food prices.
If you have a huge Lightning McQueen fan in your family, don't miss seeing lifesize McQueen and Mater in Hollywood Studios by Pizza Planet for photos. My little boy was in heaven and there was no line, possibly because it's kind of hidden from main areas.
FBGirl79
Footballguy
Thanks...coming from you I feel so proud! I was really just shooting and playing with my camera the entire trip. Disney was definitely a good place to practice; I took over 3000 pictures. I bought a book before we left and read as much as I could about shooting fireworks just to hopefully get a few good ones.Nice shots there.. Great Action capture of the Stunt show!
ATC1
Footballguy
A lot of vacation packages come with the meal plan, but for those staying off grounds or in the DVC the meal plan is not worth it anymore. They are taking a lot of the good places (LeCeller, Big River Brewery, (any place at Downtown Disney) off the meal plan completely or worth two sit downs. I looked into the Tables of Wonderland that gives you 20% off food services on grounds. It costs about $75 for the card (have it for one year). I did the calculations and if we get water and split a dessert at dinner we can save about $50 and still eat at the places we want to eat.
Foosball God
Foos
So should I go full bore and stay at the Grand Floridian or should I stay at the Wilderness Lodge? About a $1300 difference for a week. I am also considering the Polynesian. I thought about the Animal Kingdom Lodge but that looks like it is way far away.
Godsbrother
Footballguy
The Grand Floridian and Polynesian are monorail resorts which is a big plus. Polynesian is the only resort where you can walk to the EPCOT monorail line as well which is an even bigger plus.The Grand Floridian, Polynesian and Wilderness Lodge are all beautiful and you won't be disappointed whichever you decide. If you are going at a time when it is less busy I would probably stay at the Wilderness and pocket the $1,300.
The Ref
Footballguy
Well if money is no object then go with the GF. That being said, I don't think it's a good value. If I was going to spend the money I'd prefer the Polynesian. I like the theme a whole lot more AND you have acess to both the MK and Epcot Monorail right at your doorstep.For the same reason, I'd scrap the AKL. I hear it is great but you have to bus it no matter where you go. And as far as I am concerned, I'm not spending Disney money to take a bus everyday of my vacation. Even if I did have a Rhino/Lion/etc at my backdoor when I wake up.If you want to save a few bucks but not venture too far off the transportation grid I prefer the Wilderness Lodge. You can take a boat over to the MK or to the contemporary with little hassle and not have to pay the top $$ to be right on the monorail.
Osaurus
Footballguy
Love staying at the Wilderness Lodge.
GreekFreak
Footballguy
I don't think the Grand Floridian is worth the extra $$, I'd go with the Wilderness Lodge or look into getting studio or 1 bedroom at the Bay Lake Tower.
Team
Footballguy
GF & Poly are nice, but I preferred the Wilderness over them. It's a short boat/bus ride to the Magic Kingdom buy you almost feel secluded from it all... which is great. By secluded I mean you still feel the magic but you don't see all the traffic, buses, monorails, parking lots, etc. like you do those other 2.... it's a nice escape after a long day.Also look into Beach/Yacht Club... it's my next favorite resort. Not on the monorail but walking distance to EPOCT and Hollywood Studios.
FBGirl79
Footballguy
Beach/Yacht Club is where I want to stay on our next trip. The pool looks ridiculous!
snogger
Footballguy
We had considered going to the Grand this last trip, but went back to Wilderness and we were very glad we did.We took the Monorail over to the Grand one day and completely felt out of place. We were dressed Disney casual while a lot of the other people walking around were "business casual"..
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snogger
Footballguy
One of the main reason my wife loved the place. When we were back at the Wilderness we felt "secluded" from the Disney "stuff" and it gave us more of a Vacation feeling.
