snogger
Footballguy
We took our daughter down to DSW in 2006 for her 8th birthday and at least once a month she brings it up and is already getting 
to go in 2009. 
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Disney Vacation (4 Viewers)
- Thread starter DOVCommish
- Start date
We took our daughter down to DSW in 2006 for her 8th birthday and at least once a month she brings it up and is already getting to go in 2009. 
The Flying Turtle
Footballguy
My thoughts from our recent trip with my 3-1/2 yo son.
Magic Kingdom is the best Park for little ones.
Animal Kingdom is very impressive with great shows, but really just a big zoo with a couple of rides.
Epcot future world needs to close for a while and update. The world showcase is still pretty cool.
Hollywood studios is very nice and a lot of shows geared for kids.
Character breakfast at Chef Mickey's was well worth the money if your kids are into characters (food is just so-so).
Autographs from the characters was a HUGE deal for the son.
The Jack Black street show (takes place outside of Pirates of the Caribbean is very cool and interactive for the little ones).
The Woody street show (takes place outside of the Country Bears is very cool and interactive for the kids).
Lilo and Stich thing IS NOT for kids.
I do not know how anyone could enjoy this place on a busy day since there are lines for everything. Even with our trip, the crowds between Thursday and Friday vs. Saturday made the experience totally different.
Magic Kingdom is the best Park for little ones.
Animal Kingdom is very impressive with great shows, but really just a big zoo with a couple of rides.
Epcot future world needs to close for a while and update. The world showcase is still pretty cool.
Hollywood studios is very nice and a lot of shows geared for kids.
Character breakfast at Chef Mickey's was well worth the money if your kids are into characters (food is just so-so).
Autographs from the characters was a HUGE deal for the son.
The Jack Black street show (takes place outside of Pirates of the Caribbean is very cool and interactive for the little ones).
The Woody street show (takes place outside of the Country Bears is very cool and interactive for the kids).
Lilo and Stich thing IS NOT for kids.
I do not know how anyone could enjoy this place on a busy day since there are lines for everything. Even with our trip, the crowds between Thursday and Friday vs. Saturday made the experience totally different.
Mr. Chumley
Footballguy
It took me a couple days to realize that the kids are not limited to the kids menu when you use the meal plan. That may not be the case at the nicer sit down places but fast food and counter service they can order anything.porkins said:
Crash34
Footballguy
I found this out the hard way...
Mr. Chumley
Footballguy
Agree, The crowds on the weekends are ridiculous. If anything is going to put a damper on the parks it will be fighting the crowds. Next time I'll pull the kids out of school and go during the week in the middle of Jan or Feb and hopefully the crowds will be a little smaller.
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Disco Stu
Confirmed FBGal
Really it's not for anyone. IMO this is the worst Disney attraction out there.
When it was Alien Encounter it was way too scary for kids, but at least it was pretty cool for teens/adults. Now it's just stupid.
azgroover
Footballguy
Disco Stu
Confirmed FBGal
Depends on how tall the kid is. I took my son last month, a few weeks prior to his 5th birthday. He was just over 44", which is tall enough for almost everything. Mission Space and Space Mountain were two of his favorites, and we rode each of them 4 or 5 times. Once was enough for Expedition Everest and Tower of Terror though. The only two rides he wasn't tall enough for were Rock N Roller Coaster and Primeval Whirl, which are both 48".Team said:
It was great being able to ride the bigger rides with him. The downside was that for him some of the little rides paled in comparison. He wasn't very impressed by most of Fantasyland (It's a Small World, Peter Pan, and Winnie the Pooh).
Overall he had a great time, and I think he'll remember it for a long time.
I took my oldest son on this ride when it was relatively new and thought it was awful. Instead of doing this attraction, I recommend doing the Monster's Inc. Laugh Floor for a 2nd time.down right frightening.
I found this out the hard way...
Crash34
Footballguy
Yeah, as soon as we walked into that room with the seats all around that thing in the center of the room, I knew we were in the old Alien Encounter & it wasn't going to be good. Our 4 year old made it about 30 secs, once I realized I could raise the shoulder harness myself, I got us out of there.Really it's not for anyone. IMO this is the worst Disney attraction out there.When it was Alien Encounter it was way too scary for kids, but at least it was pretty cool for teens/adults. Now it's just stupid.
Disco Stu
Confirmed FBGal
Really? Test Track, Mission Space, and Soarin are all relatively new. The Living Seas was updated to include the Nemo stuff. Journey Into Imagination was updated about 5 years ago. And they just finished updating Spaceship Earth last month.Living With The Land hasn't changed, but I'm not sure it needs to. It still serves its purpose. Universe of Energy was updated at some point, and is educational and fairly entertaining IMO.Epcot was probably my son's favorite park, and we spent most of our time at Future World. Different strokes I suppose...
The Flying Turtle
Footballguy
Luckily my wife got the hint a little sooner than that and got a crew member to sneak her out before we walked into the chamber. I continued on with my mom and dad and once I saw the circle room, I was glad she did.I will also agree that even for adults the ride is not very entertaining.Yeah, as soon as we walked into that room with the seats all around that thing in the center of the room, I knew we were in the old Alien Encounter & it wasn't going to be good. Our 4 year old made it about 30 secs, once I realized I could raise the shoulder harness myself, I got us out of there.Really it's not for anyone. IMO this is the worst Disney attraction out there.When it was Alien Encounter it was way too scary for kids, but at least it was pretty cool for teens/adults. Now it's just stupid.
Mr. Chumley
Footballguy
Honestly it wasn't that good and the time spent in line would have been better spent waiting to go on a different ride. Mission space was fun but they made such a big deal out if it being scarry by the time my daughter got to it she was a nervous wreck.Luckily my wife got the hint a little sooner than that and got a crew member to sneak her out before we walked into the chamber. I continued on with my mom and dad and once I saw the circle room, I was glad she did.I will also agree that even for adults the ride is not very entertaining.Yeah, as soon as we walked into that room with the seats all around that thing in the center of the room, I knew we were in the old Alien Encounter & it wasn't going to be good. Our 4 year old made it about 30 secs, once I realized I could raise the shoulder harness myself, I got us out of there.Really it's not for anyone. IMO this is the worst Disney attraction out there.I found this out the hard way... :X
snogger
Footballguy
Wait.. is this the Stitch "ride" at Magic kingdom? Where he escapes and you go into the circle room after watching him escape. than the lights go off and he "runs around the room??If so.. My daughter at 8 Absolutely loved that. Enough that she made me promise not to warn the wife and we talked her into going in it. She didn't forgive us for the rest of the day for having to smell the Chill-Dog burp :X .Luckily my wife got the hint a little sooner than that and got a crew member to sneak her out before we walked into the chamber. I continued on with my mom and dad and once I saw the circle room, I was glad she did.I will also agree that even for adults the ride is not very entertaining.Yeah, as soon as we walked into that room with the seats all around that thing in the center of the room, I knew we were in the old Alien Encounter & it wasn't going to be good. Our 4 year old made it about 30 secs, once I realized I could raise the shoulder harness myself, I got us out of there.Really it's not for anyone. IMO this is the worst Disney attraction out there.
Bogart
Footballguy
BassNBrew said:So exactly what do you remember when you were 4? How about 2 months? Think back to your earliest detailed memories and then plan you trip for your kids at that time. Seriously people...at toddler ager you might as well give your kids some crayons and Dumbo ice cream and they'll be just as happy in the moment and have the same recollection down the road.That said, if you have money to piss away go for it and make yourself proud.Bogart said:We are planing a DisneyWorld trip for Christmas. Me, my wife, my mom, my stepdad, my then 4 year old, and my 2 month old. (The wheels were turning before kid two was conceived.)Got the DVD and pumped, still have to decide on where to stay, etc. My parents are footing the bill in lieu of doing any Christmas at all, so bonus for me.
For the record, I'm never proud to piss away money. Seriously people...
The Flying Turtle
Footballguy
Chili dog burp was the only high lightWait.. is this the Stitch "ride" at Magic kingdom? Where he escapes and you go into the circle room after watching him escape. than the lights go off and he "runs around the room??If so.. My daughter at 8 Absolutely loved that. Enough that she made me promise not to warn the wife and we talked her into going in it. She didn't forgive us for the rest of the day for having to smell the Chill-Dog burp :X .Luckily my wife got the hint a little sooner than that and got a crew member to sneak her out before we walked into the chamber. I continued on with my mom and dad and once I saw the circle room, I was glad she did.I will also agree that even for adults the ride is not very entertaining.Yeah, as soon as we walked into that room with the seats all around that thing in the center of the room, I knew we were in the old Alien Encounter & it wasn't going to be good. Our 4 year old made it about 30 secs, once I realized I could raise the shoulder harness myself, I got us out of there.Really it's not for anyone. IMO this is the worst Disney attraction out there.When it was Alien Encounter it was way too scary for kids, but at least it was pretty cool for teens/adults. Now it's just stupid.
FFchamps01
Footballguy
We're booked for June! 7 Days with wife and 2 girls (7 & 4).
It's been a while since I've been there, and my wife and kids have never been. We're staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge. I've done a lot of reading, and it sounds like a great place. Great pool, and the ability to see animals all over the place. Our room won't likely overlook anything (I get a cast-member discount, so we'll likely end up with a parking lot view). The other plus side, is that we get free tickets to the parks. We're hoping to come and go as we please, without any fear of 'losing' that park time we paid for. If we want to chill at the pool, we can.
I hear good things and bad things about the busses there. Ideally, we'd like to come and go between the resort and the parks, but I know it's not too close. How often do they come? If we want to go to another resort for dining reservations, do we take a bus to a park, and then find another to get to the resort? We've got reservations for dinner at 'Ohana, and Cinderella's Gala Feast (Grand Floridian), and the Princess breakfast at Akershus in Norway.
Any other tips or hints? We know it will be hot. We know it will be crowded. We're just hoping it won't be TOO hot and TOO crowded.
It's been a while since I've been there, and my wife and kids have never been. We're staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge. I've done a lot of reading, and it sounds like a great place. Great pool, and the ability to see animals all over the place. Our room won't likely overlook anything (I get a cast-member discount, so we'll likely end up with a parking lot view). The other plus side, is that we get free tickets to the parks. We're hoping to come and go as we please, without any fear of 'losing' that park time we paid for. If we want to chill at the pool, we can.
I hear good things and bad things about the busses there. Ideally, we'd like to come and go between the resort and the parks, but I know it's not too close. How often do they come? If we want to go to another resort for dining reservations, do we take a bus to a park, and then find another to get to the resort? We've got reservations for dinner at 'Ohana, and Cinderella's Gala Feast (Grand Floridian), and the Princess breakfast at Akershus in Norway.
Any other tips or hints? We know it will be hot. We know it will be crowded. We're just hoping it won't be TOO hot and TOO crowded.
Twilight
Footballguy
Buses run every 15 minutes or so, so I didn't find them bad at all. The AL, though, is one of the farthest from TMK, Epcot, and MGM (real short trip to the Animal Kingdom) so keep that in mind (although the longest busride is still only about 15 minutes. And yes, there aren't direct buses between resorts, so some hopping is required.
Godsbrother
Footballguy
There are tons of things for adults at Disney World -- it really depends on what you are interested in.Each park has shows and thrill rides that are fun for adults but I like pretty much everything, even the stuff geared for kids. I really enjoy the attention to detail in the attractions and the engineering behind them.EPCOT is the most adult park. The World Showcase has 11 countries with themed restaurants, shops and most contain a show or film of some type. One thing that is fun to do is to "drink around the world".Pleasure Island in Downtown Disney has clubs and restaurants that are aimed at adults. Cirque du Solei and House of Blues are in Downtown Disney as well.There are several nice golf courses and you can surf at Typhoon Lagoon or drive a race car at the Richard Petty Driving Experience although that can get pretty expensive depending on what kind of experience you want.There is a lot more but that is the stuff off the top of my head.
azgroover
Footballguy
D'oh. You booked during gay week too. I got a smoking deal on airfare and booked June 2-11th. Then I read on the message boards that we'll be there during gay week. Seriously, go to the gay days website and check their schedule to make sure you avoid the parks the days they have scheduled. They schedule one park each day as sort of a meetup place. Then clear your browser history so your wife doesn't think you're fruity.
FFchamps01
Footballguy
I think we're clear. I didn't go to that site, but somewhere along the line I think I read that they end on the 8th or 9th of June. We arrive late at night on the 10th, so our first day in the parks will be the 11th. We're clear. I hope. :nttawwt:
azgroover
Footballguy
I think we're clear. I didn't go to that site, but somewhere along the line I think I read that they end on the 8th or 9th of June. We arrive late at night on the 10th, so our first day in the parks will be the 11th. We're clear. I hope. :nttawwt:
Just re-read your initial post and saw you said "June. 7 days". I was reading it as "June 7." Yeah, you should be OK.
Godsbrother
Footballguy
#1 tip: Go to the parks EARLY. Try to get to there 15-30 minutes before the parks open. Hit all of the rides that get long lines first (For instance at Magic Kingdom: Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mtn RR, Pooh, Dumbo) then when it starts to get crowded you can start seeing the shows and/or less popular attractions. When it gets too hot and/or too crowded head back to the hotel for a nap or a swim. Then head back to the park around dinner time when people begin to leave and start hitting attractions you've missed.By getting to the park early you will be able to do more in the first 3 hours then you would in the next 6 or 7. Plus you are doing most of your touring in the cooler morning and evening hours.
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Pai Mei
Footballguy
They won't remember it. My parents took me to Disney at age 9 and I don't remember a thing.Most rides have 40" restrictions. My 8 yo girl is 50" and my 6yo is 45". So, they can do any of the rides and see all the shows.
What exactly would be a waste for anyone under 9?
snogger
Footballguy
What... Are You that old thatThey won't remember it. My parents took me to Disney at age 9 and I don't remember a thing.
What exactly would be a waste for anyone under 9?
and/or video weren't taken 
One and one half years after taking our than 8 year old daughter and she still talks about things she saw and the memories she has.But than again, if you are that old, they have pills for Senility now.
Godsbrother
Footballguy
I don't remember all of the Little League baseball games I played at 8 years old but I do remember being on a team and enjoying it at the time.They won't remember it. My parents took me to Disney at age 9 and I don't remember a thing.
What exactly would be a waste for anyone under 9?
Disco Stu
Confirmed FBGal
My 5 year old spends most of his time locked in the bathroom... heck he won't remember it anyway.I don't remember all of the Little League baseball games I played at 8 years old but I do remember being on a team and enjoying it at the time.They won't remember it. My parents took me to Disney at age 9 and I don't remember a thing.Most rides have 40" restrictions. My 8 yo girl is 50" and my 6yo is 45". So, they can do any of the rides and see all the shows.
What exactly would be a waste for anyone under 9?
FFchamps01
Footballguy
Good info. I would think it would still be busy in the morning though. If you're paying that much just to get in, I'd assume you'd want to get your money's worth and be there when they open. From what I hear though, your plan sounds ideal.Anyone have any more current thoughts on Extra Magic Hours? Should we try to utilize these, or avoid the parks on those specific days due to crowds (weather they are morning or evening)? With a 4 year old, I'm guessing we won't get too much out of the evening EMH (and if we did, then I'm sure that would negate the 'get there early in the morning' for the next day at least). How 'empty' are the parks for these? Can you essentially walk on the rides? My youngest will be borderline 40 inches (hoping for a growth spurt the next 3 months), so we won't be doing the big thrill rides anyway. The 7 year old...will be interesting to see what, if anything, she will be willing to ride.
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Disco Stu
Confirmed FBGal
From my experience, lines have been very short during the extra hours. Depending on the ride, you may still have to wait... just not very long.If your youngest hits the 40 inch mark (in shoes) there will be very little he(?) can't ride. Only the biggest thrill rides (Exp Everest, RnR Coaster, Space Mtn, Mission Space, and Primeval Whirl) will be off limits.
FFchamps01
Footballguy
Cool! Good point about the shoes.
She should be fine then!There's no way I'd get her on any of those rides anyway. Doubtful I'll get my 7 year old on those either (but I'm hoping to get her on something a little thrilling at least). Maybe Big Thunder Mountain? I've never been on 'Soarin. But I hear it's awesome. That's 40", so I'm assuming that's a 'safe' ride for kids?
Disco Stu
Confirmed FBGal
Definitely.
Big Thunder Mtn should be a good one for both kids. It's fast and fun but not too thrilling. It wasn't quite "wild" enough for my (almost) 5 year old until I told him to put his hands in the air.Test Track, Star Tours, and Splash Mtn should also work for them. Tower of Terror has only a 40" requirement, but if they're unsure about thrill rides that one would be a mistake. It was the only one my son didn't like.
baaloc1968
Footballguy
When are you going in November? If you are going during the first half of the month, Epcot will holding it's international food and wine festival. There are a lot of events to attend during that time that are for adults.
brettdj
Footballguy
Just miss itNov 13-19(most of the group leaves on 17th)
Godsbrother
Footballguy
You would think but I have been to WDW many times and believe me the shortest lines are in the first 2 hours of the park and, if the park is closing after 10 pm, the last 2 hours.I think the reason for this is people figure they are on vacation and therefore take their time in the morning. Also WDW is a pretty tiring place and so a lot of people that had intentions to get to the parks early are too tired from the previous day. Whatever the reason, it is definitely true that if you get to the parks early and hit the busy attractions first, you will be ahead of the game. If you want to relax on your stay the best time to do it is in the afternoon when the parks are crowded and the temp is hottest.As for Extra Magic Hours my advice is to avoid the park with Extra Morning Hours unless you plan on getting there before the Extra Hours starts. If you do go then enjoy that park until it gets too crowded and then hop to a different park.For Extra Magic Evening hours sometimes there are no waits and sometimes there are. Usually I try to plan our vacation so we're at the park with Extra Evening hours on that evening because usually the other parks are closed anyway.
baaloc1968
Footballguy
Bummer. It is a good time. My wife and I and another couple spent 4 days at Epcot last year for the festival. Each park has a couple of decent rides. There are tours you can take including a segway tour of Epcot. My wife enjoys visiting the different hotels too. Plus, there are the golf courses for the days and Pleasure Island for the evenings.
snogger
Footballguy
We had "Breakfast in the Castle" before the park opened one day( Which of course afforded us Great 
with few people).Once we were done with Breakfast, the park had been open for about an hour, yet we walked out of the castle back to Dumbo and no wait.
In fact our first hour wandering around the "back side" of the castle was relatively empty and very little waits for rides.
We noticed a Huge change when we returned later on that day, after a afternoon
and saw 30-45 minutes waits for rides which we waited 5 minutes tops for.
Godsbrother
Footballguy
Again the theme parks & water parks themselves are a lot of fun for adults but here are some other stuff geared towards adults:Resort restaurants & lounges. Many have "quiet" poolsYou can rent bikes, boats & wave runners.The Spas at Saratoga Springs & Grand FloridianCirque Du SoleiPleasure Island (Especially Adventure's Club & Comedy Warehouse)House of BluesSurfing at Typhoon LagoonRichard Petty Driving ExperienceThe Wide World of Sports ComplexSeveral Golf courses -- even the mini-golf courses are excellentEPCOT Segway TourEPCOT Living Seas DiveEPCOT Behind-the-Seeds TourKeys to the Kingdom Tour at Magic Kingdom
azgroover
Footballguy
Anyone ever stayed at Windsor Hills condos in Kissimmee? We're doing Disney in June and I noticed that the folks at disboards.com gush about the place. I'm entertaining a very good quote from one of the condo owners right now. Just thought I'd check in with my FBG bretheren for any feedback before I commit.
chet
Footballguy
We were there a month ago although I don't remember the name of the community we stayed in. We rented a house and were very happy. About a 10-minute drive from Disney.It may have been Windsor Hills.
Godsbrother
Footballguy
You can get some very good deals from people that own short term rentals. Many bought their vacation homes thinking it would pay for itself in rentals. The problem is there are literally thousands of people that had the same idea and there is a glut of rental homes in the area.There are some very desperate owners that will rent their vacation homes at very reasonable rates.
Read every post in this thread. I am currently planning a Disney trip. We want to go in either November or December of 2008. We are on a budget but hoping to get the most bang for our buck. The thing killing me the most is the maximum occupany of 4 at all of the "value" places. My wife and I have 3 kids. Ages 9,7 and 7. The kids wanted to stay at the Animal Kingdom lodge but with 5 people we would have to stay at the villas which is quite a bit more expensive. Why can't you stay in a room with 2 queen sized beds and simply pay a small fee for the 5th person like at every other hotel in the world?
Looks like it is save some more money or stay at Port Orleans. I have a quote for 3K at port orleans for 7 days/6 nights,tickets, meals, and airfare for 5. Is that a good deal?
Looks like it is save some more money or stay at Port Orleans. I have a quote for 3K at port orleans for 7 days/6 nights,tickets, meals, and airfare for 5. Is that a good deal?
Godsbrother
Footballguy
The answer to your question is the rooms in the value resorts are very small. You would be extremely cramped -- you're better off at the Port Orleans. At the PO you will get two beds and a trundle which the kids will probably fight over.$3K for 5 people for 7 days, tickets, meals and airfare sounds like a pretty good deal, IMO. Is this through Disney or a travel agent?
The_Hunchback
Footballguy
Where do you find out about these home rentals? We're not planning on going until sometime in summer/fall of 2009 but am starting to gather information now.
azgroover
Footballguy
You can get started at VRBO.com to get an idea of pricing. Then after reading the forums at disboards.com, which is filled with people who go to WDW multiple times per year, they all seem to recommend Windsor Hills. I just assume they know better than me. $500/week for a 2br there seems like a good deal to me when the other quotes I'm getting are all $700-$1200.
The_Hunchback
Footballguy
Thanks. I'm starting to think getting a house rental with four kids will just be so much nicer than going back to a hotel room. I don't know what hotels cost but even if I had to pay more for a house just from a relaxation point of view it would be money well spent.
