Disney Vacation (2 Viewers)

[AAABatteries]

Leaving for WDW in 4 weeks. Wondering if the Mickey's Chirstmas Party is worth the $$$. Can buy the tix for $350 for the 5 of us. We did the Halloween party once and loved it. Thought it might be fun to buy the tix as a surprise.

I would say definately yes if you plan to stay in the parks late (11 pm or so). The party technically starts at 7 (when they kick everyone out w/o special ticket) but you can get in the park with the ticket at 4. The way we have treated it (and the Halloween party) is to make the day a pool day/rexalation day then get to the parks at 4. That way you aren't buying two tickets for the day and have energy for a late night as you haven't rushed out in the morning. Also, people tend to start leaving after the fireworks, which are at 9:30 or so and it really clears out afterwards. Would recomend getting there around 4, getting an early dinner then seeing the early parade and watching the fireworks. As the night gets later you can walk right onto the rides. Last year I walked onto Thundermountain, Space Mountatin and Splash mountain with no waits. We usually do two days at Magic Kingdom (one the party night and one a regular day) and save all the long-waits for this night so you can do them and also not burn fast passes. Also, a bunch of character meet and greets which are also pretty empty.

Our experience with these have been so good we plan our trips around going to either the Christmas Party or Halloween Party.

OK, we are staying at AKL (Arr Sat, dep next Sun), and will have driven. The day that I was thinking about doing CP we have Chef Mickey's at 8:45a and FP+ @ 11:20a (Toy Story), 1:15p (Frozen Sing Along/Stunt Show) and 3:20p Star Tours. I could switch the ST FP+ to 10ish which would give us the ability to go back to the lodge for a bit if we wanted to before the Christmas Party. The next day the ladies have a BBB @ 8:45, boys open (No CP that nite). We have a couple days with nothing planned so it is possible to go back to HS if there is something we missed.

FP+ makes this overly planned. Not thrilled yet.

Not sure if it matters for your planning but it's rare that you need a FP for Star Tours. You can basically walk on the ride 90% of the time in my experience.

 

[The Big Guy]

I hope that pineapple whip is as good as someone said before. 30 minute line to get one and that is in November. I can't imagine what it looks like in July.

 

[Yankee23Fan]

Dole whip is awesome.

 

[AAABatteries]

I hope that pineapple whip is as good as someone said before. 30 minute line to get one and that is in November. I can't imagine what it looks like in July.

You'll enjoy it more because it won't be melted in 2 minutes like July.

 

[The Big Guy]

I hope that pineapple whip is as good as someone said before. 30 minute line to get one and that is in November. I can't imagine what it looks like in July.

You'll enjoy it more because it won't be melted in 2 minutes like July.

It was pretty good, but I think that they could have cranked us out faster.

 

[Mr. Ected]

Leaving for WDW in 4 weeks. Wondering if the Mickey's Chirstmas Party is worth the $$$. Can buy the tix for $350 for the 5 of us. We did the Halloween party once and loved it. Thought it might be fun to buy the tix as a surprise.

I would say definately yes if you plan to stay in the parks late (11 pm or so). The party technically starts at 7 (when they kick everyone out w/o special ticket) but you can get in the park with the ticket at 4. The way we have treated it (and the Halloween party) is to make the day a pool day/rexalation day then get to the parks at 4. That way you aren't buying two tickets for the day and have energy for a late night as you haven't rushed out in the morning. Also, people tend to start leaving after the fireworks, which are at 9:30 or so and it really clears out afterwards. Would recomend getting there around 4, getting an early dinner then seeing the early parade and watching the fireworks. As the night gets later you can walk right onto the rides. Last year I walked onto Thundermountain, Space Mountatin and Splash mountain with no waits. We usually do two days at Magic Kingdom (one the party night and one a regular day) and save all the long-waits for this night so you can do them and also not burn fast passes. Also, a bunch of character meet and greets which are also pretty empty.

Our experience with these have been so good we plan our trips around going to either the Christmas Party or Halloween Party.

OK, we are staying at AKL (Arr Sat, dep next Sun), and will have driven. The day that I was thinking about doing CP we have Chef Mickey's at 8:45a and FP+ @ 11:20a (Toy Story), 1:15p (Frozen Sing Along/Stunt Show) and 3:20p Star Tours. I could switch the ST FP+ to 10ish which would give us the ability to go back to the lodge for a bit if we wanted to before the Christmas Party. The next day the ladies have a BBB @ 8:45, boys open (No CP that nite). We have a couple days with nothing planned so it is possible to go back to HS if there is something we missed.

FP+ makes this overly planned. Not thrilled yet.

Not sure if it matters for your planning but it's rare that you need a FP for Star Tours. You can basically walk on the ride 90% of the time in my experience.

So in early Dec, we should be OK? Would I be better off getting a ride for R&RRC?

 

[AAABatteries]

Yes, RnR is always a much longer wait than ST. Also, the Star Tours queue is actually somewhat interesting especially for small kids or Star Wars nerds. The RnR queue is crap and that pre-ride show is lame now that I've seen it 100 times.

 

[AAABatteries]

I hope that pineapple whip is as good as someone said before. 30 minute line to get one and that is in November. I can't imagine what it looks like in July.

You'll enjoy it more because it won't be melted in 2 minutes like July.

It was pretty good, but I think that they could have cranked us out faster.

Completely agree - honestly its probably one of the few inefficient things at Disney but I'm willing to wait for one. Glad you enjoyed it.

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

Yes, RnR is always a much longer wait than ST. Also, the Star Tours queue is actually somewhat interesting especially for small kids or Star Wars nerds. The RnR queue is crap and that pre-ride show is lame now that I've seen it 100 times.

When I was 13, so.... Roughly 14 years ago I went to ....universal? There was a Star Wars themed area with a "Virtual Ride". Essentially it was an up close IMAX with moving seats.

Is that the same thing as. "Star Tours"? Cause I remember that being the most impressive themed area of our whole trip.

 

[AAABatteries]

Yes, RnR is always a much longer wait than ST. Also, the Star Tours queue is actually somewhat interesting especially for small kids or Star Wars nerds. The RnR queue is crap and that pre-ride show is lame now that I've seen it 100 times.

When I was 13, so.... Roughly 14 years ago I went to ....universal? There was a Star Wars themed area with a "Virtual Ride". Essentially it was an up close IMAX with moving seats.

Is that the same thing as. "Star Tours"? Cause I remember that being the most impressive themed area of our whole trip.

That's Star Tours - it opened in 1989 - they've updated it and it has different scenes in the ride. You cand ride it multiple times and get a different ride every time. My family loves it. I've never understood why it's not more popular.

 

[RBM]

Leaving for WDW in 4 weeks. Wondering if the Mickey's Chirstmas Party is worth the $$$. Can buy the tix for $350 for the 5 of us. We did the Halloween party once and loved it. Thought it might be fun to buy the tix as a surprise.

Went last year and thought it was pretty awesome. Being on Main Street with the peppermint smell being piped in and snow falling might be worth the price of admission alone. Kids of course went ape #### for all the characters, and man you get em all.

Also cool to walk the park and do the rides when it's basically empty.

 

[Mr. Ected]

Think doing a Christmas party on a Friday nite would be a more crowded affair? Or should I think positively due to the fact that there are still tix available a month out?

 

[Premier]

Nah. We went last year on a Friday. It'll be fine. Lot of people don't want to spend the money.

 

[The Big Guy]

Yes, RnR is always a much longer wait than ST. Also, the Star Tours queue is actually somewhat interesting especially for small kids or Star Wars nerds. The RnR queue is crap and that pre-ride show is lame now that I've seen it 100 times.

When I was 13, so.... Roughly 14 years ago I went to ....universal? There was a Star Wars themed area with a "Virtual Ride". Essentially it was an up close IMAX with moving seats.

Is that the same thing as. "Star Tours"? Cause I remember that being the most impressive themed area of our whole trip.

That's Star Tours - it opened in 1989 - they've updated it and it has different scenes in the ride. You cand ride it multiple times and get a different ride every time. My family loves it. I've never understood why it's not more popular.

Went on this ride and the only thing that I did not like was that it was shorter then I thought it should be. Ripping thru the intergalatic battles with R2D2 piloting the ship was rocking.

 

[Mr. Ected]

Do the TVs at the resorts have an HDMI port on them? Thinking of bringing an AppleTV to keep boys (teen-ish) occupied when we go out for the evening one nite. Use it to play a movie or Netflix via iPad.

 

[Disco Stu]

My family will be BETA testing a new fast pass system for counter service eateries. We have been offered fast pass lunch eating at Beauty and the Beast Castle. We select our time and menu items for lunch now. When we appear at our time our bands get scanned and our food is brought to us without waiting in line.

Should be interesting. Sounds fun.

We did this twice. Just a note it does not show up in my disney experience so save the email. Fyi you don't have to order your food in advance.

Good to know. Yeah, I knew about the second but we ordered anyway. Still cool. How did it work?

We were a part of this beta test, in February. Worked great and was a nice use of the magic bands, they knew right where we were sitting.

Yeah, this worked great. The regular line was really long in March. We walked right in with the fast pass. Ordered on a touch screen and sat down.

 

[The Big Guy]

Being in the process of going home, some thoughts on disney.

Very overweight friendly, for everything including rides. As a big guy, I was able to go on everything that I tried. That was much better than six flags, which I can't do anything.

Bring your own food and drinks with you. They have no problems with you bringing in your own, so you can save a ton by freezing a couple of water bottles and taking them in daily.

Each park has a ton to do. Park hopping is not necessary. I found most parks incomplete in a single day, let alone trying to get a second one in.

 

[chet]

Being in the process of going home, some thoughts on disney.

Very overweight friendly, for everything including rides. As a big guy, I was able to go on everything that I tried. That was much better than six flags, which I can't do anything.

Bring your own food and drinks with you. They have no problems with you bringing in your own, so you can save a ton by freezing a couple of water bottles and taking them in daily.

Each park has a ton to do. Park hopping is not necessary. I found most parks incomplete in a single day, let alone trying to get a second one in.

How big a boy are you?

 

[Dan Lambskin]

Who has done the ride swap thing? Me, my wife, two boys (11 & 6) may need to do this frequently, because of our 2 year-old daughter.

If I go with both boys, does she get to go with them again, when I am done? And we wheel the baby through the queue in the stroller, with us?

I'm curious about this as well

 

[The Big Guy]

Being in the process of going home, some thoughts on disney.

Very overweight friendly, for everything including rides. As a big guy, I was able to go on everything that I tried. That was much better than six flags, which I can't do anything.

Bring your own food and drinks with you. They have no problems with you bringing in your own, so you can save a ton by freezing a couple of water bottles and taking them in daily.

Each park has a ton to do. Park hopping is not necessary. I found most parks incomplete in a single day, let alone trying to get a second one in.

How big a boy are you?

Not mobility scooter big, but big enough to have troubles on most rides with lapbars. Or to rephrase that, usually a no go on any ride with a lapbar.

 

[belljr]

Who has done the ride swap thing? Me, my wife, two boys (11 & 6) may need to do this frequently, because of our 2 year-old daughter.

If I go with both boys, does she get to go with them again, when I am done? And we wheel the baby through the queue in the stroller, with us?

I'm curious about this as well

that's what we did. As long as one stands in line the other can go to the swap arra. At least that's how it used to work

 

[Disco Stu]

Who has done the ride swap thing? Me, my wife, two boys (11 & 6) may need to do this frequently, because of our 2 year-old daughter.

If I go with both boys, does she get to go with them again, when I am done? And we wheel the baby through the queue in the stroller, with us?

I'm curious about this as well

that's what we did. As long as one stands in line the other can go to the swap arra. At least that's how it used to work

I think it varies by ride, so ask at the entrance to each one.

 

[AAABatteries]

Stu is right - ask the Cast Member at the entrance - generally speaking the parent/adult sitting out will get to go in the FP line with 2 others getting to ride with them. The first group does most of the waiting (obviously) so plan accordingly. Note - you can't do FP and rider swap at the same time unless they've chabged things.

One final recommendation - if you're kids are older and just want to ride some rides quickly then hit the single rider lines when they have one. A lot of times you'll be on the same train but either way the lines are worth it unless you are just wanting to ride together.

 

[chet]

Being in the process of going home, some thoughts on disney.

Very overweight friendly, for everything including rides. As a big guy, I was able to go on everything that I tried. That was much better than six flags, which I can't do anything.

Bring your own food and drinks with you. They have no problems with you bringing in your own, so you can save a ton by freezing a couple of water bottles and taking them in daily.

Each park has a ton to do. Park hopping is not necessary. I found most parks incomplete in a single day, let alone trying to get a second one in.

How big a boy are you?

Not mobility scooter big, but big enough to have troubles on most rides with lapbars. Or to rephrase that, usually a no go on any ride with a lapbar.

Do something about it, friend.

On my Disney cruise last week I fished with a guy who was ~450. He's 34 and was using a scooter.

 

[jeter23]

My family will be BETA testing a new fast pass system for counter service eateries. We have been offered fast pass lunch eating at Beauty and the Beast Castle. We select our time and menu items for lunch now. When we appear at our time our bands get scanned and our food is brought to us without waiting in line.

Should be interesting. Sounds fun.

We did this when we went in June. Worked perfectly, though we got a lot of nasty looks as we bypassed the LONG line who were waiting for lunch.

 

[jeter23]

Who has done the ride swap thing? Me, my wife, two boys (11 & 6) may need to do this frequently, because of our 2 year-old daughter.

If I go with both boys, does she get to go with them again, when I am done? And we wheel the baby through the queue in the stroller, with us?

I'm curious about this as well

They make it very easy. Your wife can go with the kids while you wait with baby. Once they are done, the boys can both go back with you and skip the line.

 

[Premier]

Being in the process of going home, some thoughts on disney.

Very overweight friendly, for everything including rides. As a big guy, I was able to go on everything that I tried. That was much better than six flags, which I can't do anything.

Bring your own food and drinks with you. They have no problems with you bringing in your own, so you can save a ton by freezing a couple of water bottles and taking them in daily.

Each park has a ton to do. Park hopping is not necessary. I found most parks incomplete in a single day, let alone trying to get a second one in.

How big a boy are you?

Not mobility scooter big, but big enough to have troubles on most rides with lapbars. Or to rephrase that, usually a no go on any ride with a lapbar.

Do something about it, friend.

On my Disney cruise last week I fished with a guy who was ~450. He's 34 and was using a scooter.

Damn that sucks.

I do have to say the mine train ride is.....tight. Not so much with the lap bar but you're just really close to the person next to you. Thought it was weird they designed it that way.

 

[The Big Guy]

Being in the process of going home, some thoughts on disney.

Very overweight friendly, for everything including rides. As a big guy, I was able to go on everything that I tried. That was much better than six flags, which I can't do anything.

Bring your own food and drinks with you. They have no problems with you bringing in your own, so you can save a ton by freezing a couple of water bottles and taking them in daily.

Each park has a ton to do. Park hopping is not necessary. I found most parks incomplete in a single day, let alone trying to get a second one in.

How big a boy are you?

Not mobility scooter big, but big enough to have troubles on most rides with lapbars. Or to rephrase that, usually a no go on any ride with a lapbar.

Do something about it, friend.

On my Disney cruise last week I fished with a guy who was ~450. He's 34 and was using a scooter.

The number of scooters in the place was scary to me. However, after 6 straight days of walking the parks from end to end to end again (wife picks things on either end back to back everytime--guaranteed) I was almost thinking about getting one.

The massive blister that was on my foot was a deciding factor (I did not get one and toughed it out) I am trying to work on this as I can, the Jawbone UP I just got tracked me at over 30 miles walking this past week in the parks.

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

Literally posting from tomorrow land while the girls are in the bathroom.

Disney is awesom and were having a great time.

I weep for America at the people I see. Jesus Harold Christ the people are massive!

That's hyperbole. It just that everyone is 25 lbs overweight. Even most of the kids.

 

[James Daulton]

Wife and daughter just returned from Disney and echoed the above thoughts about how unbelievable it was how many legit obese people were in the park. And we as a society seem to be more geared to accommodating these people than encouraging/helping them lose the weight.

Obesity may well be the single biggest (no pun) problem we have in this country.

 

[James Daulton]

Being in the process of going home, some thoughts on disney.

Very overweight friendly, for everything including rides. As a big guy, I was able to go on everything that I tried. That was much better than six flags, which I can't do anything.

Bring your own food and drinks with you. They have no problems with you bringing in your own, so you can save a ton by freezing a couple of water bottles and taking them in daily.

Each park has a ton to do. Park hopping is not necessary. I found most parks incomplete in a single day, let alone trying to get a second one in.

How big a boy are you?

Not mobility scooter big, but big enough to have troubles on most rides with lapbars. Or to rephrase that, usually a no go on any ride with a lapbar.

Do something about it, friend.

On my Disney cruise last week I fished with a guy who was ~450. He's 34 and was using a scooter.

The number of scooters in the place was scary to me. However, after 6 straight days of walking the parks from end to end to end again (wife picks things on either end back to back everytime--guaranteed) I was almost thinking about getting one.

The massive blister that was on my foot was a deciding factor (I did not get one and toughed it out) I am trying to work on this as I can, the Jawbone UP I just got tracked me at over 30 miles walking this past week in the parks.

Good luck TBG it's not complicated but it's hard. Eat less and move more. Try not to get caught up in low carb, high fat, paleo whatever. Eat fewer calories than you burn and you'll get there.

 

[glvsav37]

Do the TVs at the resorts have an HDMI port on them? Thinking of bringing an AppleTV to keep boys (teen-ish) occupied when we go out for the evening one nite. Use it to play a movie or Netflix via iPad.

yes...we've done this

 

[glvsav37]

Wife and daughter just returned from Disney and echoed the above thoughts about how unbelievable it was how many legit obese people were in the park. And we as a society seem to be more geared to accommodating these people than encouraging/helping them lose the weight.

Obesity may well be the single biggest (no pun) problem we have in this country.

I hate to agree, but its impossible not to notice it. Watching people huff and puff their way through the parks, and on to busses late at night is scary.

What I always ask, is with the amount of space and walking you need to do there...why do obese people choose to go there. It cant be enjoyable?

 

[The Big Guy]

Wife and daughter just returned from Disney and echoed the above thoughts about how unbelievable it was how many legit obese people were in the park. And we as a society seem to be more geared to accommodating these people than encouraging/helping them lose the weight.

Obesity may well be the single biggest (no pun) problem we have in this country.

I hate to agree, but its impossible not to notice it. Watching people huff and puff their way through the parks, and on to busses late at night is scary.

What I always ask, is with the amount of space and walking you need to do there...why do obese people choose to go there. It cant be enjoyable?

Well, for my side, I was there for my daughter. I will huff and puff my way thru a lot more than that to make her happy. I had a great time.

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

That and people trying to butt or edge closer. On average at least 1 per ride.

 

[James Daulton]

Wife and daughter just returned from Disney and echoed the above thoughts about how unbelievable it was how many legit obese people were in the park. And we as a society seem to be more geared to accommodating these people than encouraging/helping them lose the weight.

Obesity may well be the single biggest (no pun) problem we have in this country.

I hate to agree, but its impossible not to notice it. Watching people huff and puff their way through the parks, and on to busses late at night is scary.

What I always ask, is with the amount of space and walking you need to do there...why do obese people choose to go there. It cant be enjoyable?

Well, for my side, I was there for my daughter. I will huff and puff my way thru a lot more than that to make her happy. I had a great time.

Then take that same determination and get smaller for your daughter too. I'm sure you're aware but basically every aspect of your life improves with significant weight loss. Regardless, I'm glad you had a good time and any man that will sacrifice for their daughter is aok in my book. Have a good upcoming week TBG.

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

Ok so day 1 from my first time at Disney as an adult... Two girls, wife and me, 8,10,36, and respectively.

Dwarf ride was awesome and a must. We plan on hitting that again first thing one morning. A

I'd stay away from the Stich show, especially with young ones. On second thought, I'd just steer clear altogether. It's more of an aggravating ride/show where Stitch griefs you for 20 minutes. D

Splash Mountain- We rode this 4 times. Low wait times and the girls just loved it.

A+

Space Mountain- still great- easily the most "scary and intense" as a Disney ride will get. My oldest wouldn't ride not would she have had a good experience had she had mustered to ride it. The inability to ride two to a cart was enough for her not to brave it.

Still gets an A

Monsters INC Laugh floor - I'm not really big on these stand around then get unshared into a big room for a mini show attractions but this was pretty good. Stats fresh because I guess they have actors behind the scenes which tee what the on screen monsters say and do. There are about 6-8 different times they interact with the audience. I wouldn't wait more then 20 minutes but it's a good break from thrill rides or to escape from the hot sun/rain for 30-45 minutes.

Solid B

Thunder Mountain - Another hit. Kids thoroughly enjoyed this one. About as extreme as a Disney ride is gonna get, a notch below space Mountain on that regard but makes up for it with visuals and ride length. We all enjoyed this and is a must.

A

I'll keep editing this post as I have time...

 

[Deranged Hermit]

Ok so day 1 from my first time at Disney as an adult... Two girls, wife and me, 8,10,36, and respectively.

Dwarf ride was awesome and a must. We plan on hitting that again first thing one morning. A

I'd stay away from the Stich show, especially with young ones. On second thought, I'd just steer clear altogether. It's more of an aggravating ride/show where Stitch griefs you for 20 minutes. D

Splash Mountain- We rode this 4 times. Low wait times and the girls just loved it.

A+

Space Mountain- still great- easily the most "scary and intense" as a Disney ride will get. My oldest wouldn't ride not would she have had a good experience had she had mustered to ride it. The inability to ride two to a cart was enough for her not to brave it.

Still gets an A

Agreed on Splash Mountain. Far and away the favorite ride for my daughter and myself. Disagree on the Snow White ride though, we all thought it was just ok. Definitely not worth the long wait (my brother flubbed the fast passes so we couldn't get one).

If you go to Hollywood Studios, the Frozen show will be a must see. All of us loved it.

 

[glvsav37]

Ok so day 1 from my first time at Disney as an adult... Two girls, wife and me, 8,10,36, and respectively.

Dwarf ride was awesome and a must. We plan on hitting that again first thing one morning. A

I'd stay away from the Stich show, especially with young ones. On second thought, I'd just steer clear altogether. It's more of an aggravating ride/show where Stitch griefs you for 20 minutes. D

Splash Mountain- We rode this 4 times. Low wait times and the girls just loved it.

A+

Space Mountain- still great- easily the most "scary and intense" as a Disney ride will get. My oldest wouldn't ride not would she have had a good experience had she had mustered to ride it. The inability to ride two to a cart was enough for her not to brave it.

Still gets an A

Agreed on Splash Mountain. Far and away the favorite ride for my daughter and myself. Disagree on the Snow White ride though, we all thought it was just ok. Definitely not worth the long wait (my brother flubbed the fast passes so we couldn't get one).

If you go to Hollywood Studios, the Frozen show will be a must see. All of us loved it.

the thing is (at least IMO) is the 7 Dwarfs is a glorified kiddy coaster. I dont thing they expected any adult to walk off it and go "OMG that was ammmmmaazing!!"

Its in fantasyland, which is specifically geared for kids, Its a step above the barn stormer and a few steps below Big Thunder. Hence the 38inch height req. (vs 40 at other coasters). It's meant to fill the gap for the kids who are looking for a little more thrill, but not big enough for the mountains.

It is a long wait w/o FP+...but understand its the newest attraction that took a long time to build. It'll die down by next year to a manageable stand by time.

agree on Stitch...a complete waste of space and I wish WDW had the balls to bring back Alien Encounter.

 

[Premier]

Sooooooo my family is all coming down for thanksgiving and they want to go to Magoc Kingdom on the day after. Will it be a total zoo? Will they even be able to get in?

As AP holders we tend to pass on days like that, New Year's, etc. But they are set to go.

 

[Deranged Hermit]

Sooooooo my family is all coming down for thanksgiving and they want to go to Magoc Kingdom on the day after. Will it be a total zoo? Will they even be able to get in?

As AP holders we tend to pass on days like that, New Year's, etc. But they are set to go.

We were there the day after thanksgiving about a decade ago and I swore I'd never make that mistake again. We just left about 1:00ish because you couldn't even move.

 

[Deranged Hermit]

Ok so day 1 from my first time at Disney as an adult... Two girls, wife and me, 8,10,36, and respectively.

Dwarf ride was awesome and a must. We plan on hitting that again first thing one morning. A

I'd stay away from the Stich show, especially with young ones. On second thought, I'd just steer clear altogether. It's more of an aggravating ride/show where Stitch griefs you for 20 minutes. D

Splash Mountain- We rode this 4 times. Low wait times and the girls just loved it.

A+

Space Mountain- still great- easily the most "scary and intense" as a Disney ride will get. My oldest wouldn't ride not would she have had a good experience had she had mustered to ride it. The inability to ride two to a cart was enough for her not to brave it.

Still gets an A

Agreed on Splash Mountain. Far and away the favorite ride for my daughter and myself. Disagree on the Snow White ride though, we all thought it was just ok. Definitely not worth the long wait (my brother flubbed the fast passes so we couldn't get one).

If you go to Hollywood Studios, the Frozen show will be a must see. All of us loved it.

the thing is (at least IMO) is the 7 Dwarfs is a glorified kiddy coaster. I dont thing they expected any adult to walk off it and go "OMG that was ammmmmaazing!!"

Its in fantasyland, which is specifically geared for kids, Its a step above the barn stormer and a few steps below Big Thunder. Hence the 38inch height req. (vs 40 at other coasters). It's meant to fill the gap for the kids who are looking for a little more thrill, but not big enough for the mountains.

It is a long wait w/o FP+...but understand its the newest attraction that took a long time to build. It'll die down by next year to a manageable stand by time.

agree on Stitch...a complete waste of space and I wish WDW had the balls to bring back Alien Encounter.

Eh, Stitch is kinda just there for me. You see it once and there's no reason to do it again. Some of the ride/show hybrids I can watch again and again, but not that one.

 

[Yankee23Fan]

Sooooooo my family is all coming down for thanksgiving and they want to go to Magoc Kingdom on the day after. Will it be a total zoo? Will they even be able to get in?

As AP holders we tend to pass on days like that, New Year's, etc. But they are set to go.

We will be there (our usual and favorite time).

Friday after Thanksgiving is a zoo at MK almost every year. We've tried a few times to go there and always end up leaving before getting too far into the park. Now, that saturday? Empty by noonish for the most part.

 

[Bruce Dickinson]

December 2014 attendance at WDW is going to be through the roof. Whatever ratings people are publishing for crowd levels, add 1.5-2.0 on a 10 scale.

Disney announced a second expansion of park hours for December, including a couple more Magic Kingdom Saturdays open until 3:00 am.

Also, Didney moved the Christmas special taping dates off the weekend and to Monday 12/8 and Tuesday 12/9. These are the days Disney runs their Christmas parade down Main Street several times and records production numbers on Main Street and at the Castle, the stuff that gets aired on ABC on Christmas morning. This year it's being rebranded "Frozen Christmas Spectacular". Big risk by the Mouse leveraging their billion-dollar movie for more TV content.

 

[PIK95]

You can't use Frozen and gamble in the same sentence. Now I'm gonna have to watch that with my Elsa obsessed daughter.

 

[Bruce Dickinson]

You can't use Frozen and gamble in the same sentence. Now I'm gonna have to watch that with my Elsa obsessed daughter.

Halloween in my neighborhood was pretty much superheroes for the boys and Elsa for the girls. My daughter and her friends went against the grain as Hogwarts students. Yes, Frozen was so dominant this year, a Harry Potter-inspired costume counted as zagging when others were zigging.

 

[Premier]

December 2014 attendance at WDW is going to be through the roof. Whatever ratings people are publishing for crowd levels, add 1.5-2.0 on a 10 scale.

Disney announced a second expansion of park hours for December, including a couple more Magic Kingdom Saturdays open until 3:00 am.

Also, Didney moved the Christmas special taping dates off the weekend and to Monday 12/8 and Tuesday 12/9. These are the days Disney runs their Christmas parade down Main Street several times and records production numbers on Main Street and at the Castle, the stuff that gets aired on ABC on Christmas morning. This year it's being rebranded "Frozen Christmas Spectacular". Big risk by the Mouse leveraging their billion-dollar movie for more TV content.

We are going for the weekend of the 19-21. I was going to go to MK on Saturday as most of what they do on Saturdays is the same as the Christmas party. But now I think I may shell out for the party tickets on Friday night so it's less of a crowd. Then hit Epcot on Saturday. I imagine the last Saturday before before Christmas will be a zoo at MK.

 

[Mr. Ected]

December 2014 attendance at WDW is going to be through the roof. Whatever ratings people are publishing for crowd levels, add 1.5-2.0 on a 10 scale.

Disney announced a second expansion of park hours for December, including a couple more Magic Kingdom Saturdays open until 3:00 am.

Also, Didney moved the Christmas special taping dates off the weekend and to Monday 12/8 and Tuesday 12/9. These are the days Disney runs their Christmas parade down Main Street several times and records production numbers on Main Street and at the Castle, the stuff that gets aired on ABC on Christmas morning. This year it's being rebranded "Frozen Christmas Spectacular". Big risk by the Mouse leveraging their billion-dollar movie for more TV content.

We are going for the weekend of the 19-21. I was going to go to MK on Saturday as most of what they do on Saturdays is the same as the Christmas party. But now I think I may shell out for the party tickets on Friday night so it's less of a crowd. Then hit Epcot on Saturday. I imagine the last Saturday before before Christmas will be a zoo at MK.

Arriving 12/6 leaving 12/14. Not sure weather to be psyched to scared about this. Bruce, do you have a link to this info?

 

[Bruce Dickinson]

December 2014 attendance at WDW is going to be through the roof. Whatever ratings people are publishing for crowd levels, add 1.5-2.0 on a 10 scale.

Disney announced a second expansion of park hours for December, including a couple more Magic Kingdom Saturdays open until 3:00 am.

Also, Didney moved the Christmas special taping dates off the weekend and to Monday 12/8 and Tuesday 12/9. These are the days Disney runs their Christmas parade down Main Street several times and records production numbers on Main Street and at the Castle, the stuff that gets aired on ABC on Christmas morning. This year it's being rebranded "Frozen Christmas Spectacular". Big risk by the Mouse leveraging their billion-dollar movie for more TV content.

We are going for the weekend of the 19-21. I was going to go to MK on Saturday as most of what they do on Saturdays is the same as the Christmas party. But now I think I may shell out for the party tickets on Friday night so it's less of a crowd. Then hit Epcot on Saturday. I imagine the last Saturday before before Christmas will be a zoo at MK.

Arriving 12/6 leaving 12/14. Not sure weather to be psyched to scared about this. Bruce, do you have a link to this info?

Two social media must-follows for Walt Disney World travel and planning:

WDW Prep School (Shannon Albert, probably the best out there for planning a trip, especially first-timers; excellent podcast series, too)

Kenny The Pirate (good parks info and breaking news, outstanding resource for character meet-and-greets, also check his blog for attraction maintenance schedules)

Called the Annual Pass concierge line last night. Cast member told me that because of the late date change, preferred viewing passes for the TV taping will probably only go out to cast members. Usually, the pecking order is cast members, then Annual Passholders, then on-property guests, then general public. But the big change for park traffic is guests will be allowed to walk up and down the Main Street sidewalks during the TV taping. Usually, guests aren't allowed to walk along Main Street. You either have a viewing pass and commit to 2-4 hours of standing in one spot to see the parade run, or get shuffled through the Emporium or an employee path to Tomorrowland.

The elevated crowd level prediction is my own speculation. 99% of the time when park hours are extended with this little lead time, it's because park ticket sales/hotel occupancy for the dates are above forecast. Sometimes the park closing time is pushed back an hour or two on the park day; when that happens, it's because turnstile counts in the morning significantly exceed forecast. When that happens, the park moves closing time back and starts calling cast members to see who wants to work extra hours.

 

[Bruce Dickinson]

Decent chance this will be the last year of the Osborne Lights at Hollywood Studios.

The contract between Disney and Osborne is up after this year, and there's a good chance the Osborne estate prices themselves out of the gig.

Plus, DHS's makeover plans to expand the Star Wars and Pixar presence in the park might make it unfeasible to devote that section of the park to a light show next year.