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Disney Vacation (2 Viewers)
- Thread starter DOVCommish
- Start date
Anarchy99
Footballguy
Bruce Dickinson
Footballguy
Universal's website is brutal compared to Disney. Going off websites alone, it would be easy to get the impression Universal is like a CedarFair park with more expensive licensing.
Last question first - there is a FastPass-like system at Universal. It is called eXpress, and it is a paid add-on to your ticket (eXpress is added on to your ticket as a perk for staying on Universal property, except for their Value Resort equivalent, Cabana Bay.). There are two levels: line-jumping for each attraction once, or unlimited line-jumping. Note they cannot offer a line jump at Forbidden Journey, the signature Harry Potter ride.
I think of Universal as being more of a "big kids" park than for 6 and 4 year olds, but there are plenty of kid-friendly attractions at both parks.
Islands Of Adventure: The Dr Suess section at Islands of Adventure is amazing. It really is like walking through a living, breathing Suess book with several kid-friendly rides. There is a cool flying ride in Jurassic Park that has a size maximum, so it's just for kids and their parents. (the signature JP ride has animatronic velociraptors and #### jumping out at you, might be too intense for kids) The comic book section water rides get you super wet but aren't too scary other than the last big drop in the Dudley Do-Right log flume. Forbidden Journey at Hogsmeade can get intense and has probably has a height minimum, but there's a kid-speed coaster and a hanging coaster right out of the CedarFair catalog. The Marvel section has more aggressive rides with height minimums, but the Spider-Man 4-D ride might be in play.
Studios: there's a little kid playground IIRC centered around Woody Woodpecker. E.T. ride is designed with kids in mind. Shrek 4D and Minion Mayhem clearly have the kids in mind (Minion Mayhem is one of my favorites at Universal). Simpsons 4D is kid-friendly but a lot of the jokes may literally and figuratively go over their heads. Transformers and Terminator are probably too intense. Men In Black is a scarier, less intuitive version of the Buzz Lightyear shooting ride. Jimmy Fallon 4D just opened, he's kid-friendly. Diagon Alley probably not worth the time unless the kids are into Harry Potter. The Rockit rollercoaster probably carries a height minimum blocking out little kids. There's usually a pop-up parade-like show with Dreamworks/Illumination characters, like the gang from Hop doing drumline cadences and dances, or a Despicable Me dance party with Gru, the girls, and of course some minions.
For a 6 and 4-year old with 3 days, I'd lean sticking with Disney and accept you're not going to see everything. With no parkhopper tickets, I'd pass on Epcot and DHS. Do 2 days at Magic Kingdom, 1 day at Animal Kingdom. Maybe add parkhoppers to eat at Epcot or see the Star Wars stuff at DHS if the kids are already Star Wars superfans.
Anarchy99
Footballguy
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Anarchy99
Footballguy
Just got back last night from WDW, and I must say that the Star Wars spectacular to end the night at Hollywood Studios was UNREAL. I haven't kept up with this thread so don't want to risk being repetitive, but that was the most immersive entertainment experience I have ever had. Words cannot due it justice. It has to be experienced.,
glvsav37
Footballguy
Are you talking "Orlando" as in the city or "Orlando" as on Disney?
I haven't ventured off WDW property in a while, so I can't help you there other then I know Church St Station is the liveliest are around. There are plenty of great places to eat on-propeerty that are not over the top Disneyfied—some of the ones at the Swan and Dolphin come to mind like Shula's and Todd English's Bluezoo. Plus, Disney Springs is really kicking ### with their restaurants like Morimoto Asia, Homecomin, The Boathouse and Raglin Road.
rojbk
Footballguy
Well, could be in Disney or out of Disney, as long as its near Disney, and thank you.
odin33
Footballguy
Thanks for the clarification on the free dining. Still haven't booked so I might check to see if either of those times work out. The fact it isn't a full sit down meal is a little chitty by going to mid level.
Has me thinking though. Difference btw Contemp and Port Orleans was about $1,600. Meal plan was... $1,400. For ~$200-250 I'd pay the upcharge. GD you WDW!! You and your jedi mind tricks. I just want to book a good family vacation.
Has me thinking though. Difference btw Contemp and Port Orleans was about $1,600. Meal plan was... $1,400. For ~$200-250 I'd pay the upcharge. GD you WDW!! You and your jedi mind tricks. I just want to book a good family vacation.
Yankee23Fan
Fair Tax!
Lol. Yup.
The Commish
Footballguy
Was there during this fiasco. Never seen so many nerds in one place....to the point where it seemed really creepy
ETA: After experiencing that, I think it's safe to say we will give it a year, maybe two after the SW stuff opens before we even think about going over there.
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The Commish
Footballguy
Have you considered Sea World. We were in Orlando area last week and mulling over the trips to the various places and ended up going to Sea World. Our kids are 9, 5 and infant. Kids had a blast and it wasn't crowded. We got in for $100 a person including a meal plan. The value is in this park IMO....pretty underrated.jb1020 said:
AcerFC
Footballguy
yeah, Im thinking that you will have to spend a full day just in SW land the first yearWas there during this fiasco. Never seen so many nerds in one place....to the point where it seemed really creepy
ETA: After experiencing that, I think it's safe to say we will give it a year, maybe two after the SW stuff opens before we even think about going over there.
glvsav37
Footballguy
its a shame, SW is getting the crap kicked out of it the way it is. I have great memories of there from when I was a kid. Back when there was really only the MK and (later on) Epcot. We would stay off property on some Ho-Jo on I-95 and do all the Orlando area attractions—Disney, Sea world, Weekie Watchi, Aligatorland and even jump down to Kennedy Space Center.
I'm admit, i'm guilty of just staying on WDW property now and I kinda feel bad I'm not giving my kids the same diverse experiences. But they make it so easy to just lock you in on property.
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Osaurus
Footballguy
glvsav37
Footballguy
you know...one of my favorite pictures of me and my dad is from Circus world. We both have clown makeup on and if you knew my dad, thats not something I think I've ever seen him do ever again. Good times!!!
glvsav37
Footballguy
really? I've heard just the opposite....the few people I know who went love it. Is not very crowded and the rides are pretty good for a small park. I think it would be a great idea if they are into legos.
glvsav37
Footballguy
Ramblin Wreck
Footballguy
I haven't been to the one in Florida but we really enjoyed Lego Land in Carlsbad. Agree with the poster above that said Disney just locks you in so when we go to Orlando it's usually 100% Disney and don't even think about the other attractions.
jb1020
Footballguy
This is passed down info from my wife. I think she talked to some people last time we were at Disney. So of course anyone currently at Disney is probably not going to talk up Lego Land.
My son would lose his mind there. Thats what its all about.
talked to a guy who took his 6yo son there for one day during their disney trip. Said the kid loved it and it was a good change of pace
Osaurus
Footballguy
Splendid China was a splendid failure. Can't go wrong with Holy Land Experience IMO. Orlando Eye is gimmicky, but gives a great view. There's always Fun Spot too.
GreekFreak
Footballguy
My kids loved Legoland, its a must do if you have little ones.
Also helps that we get discounted tickets ($35) from this site: https://legolandfloridatickets.legoland.com/LLF/Content.aspx?Kind=LandingPage
You don't have to show any ID or anything, just walk up with your printed tickets and you are good to go. Works like a charm.
glvsav37
Footballguy
seriously, don't over complicate it. you can go crazy trying to chase discounts and offers and even if you do move your dates and even then you may not be a lock to get the promotion. Disney is very picky with their promotions and they only allot a few rooms per resort and such. plus you have a bunch of hard-cores booking multiple rooms at once trying to target the Free dining dates and times and soaking up otherwise open inventory.
this is your first trip...just go through the process and relax. leave the bobbing and weaving to the people who enjoy obsessing over this crap and don't mid moving their whole family around just trying to save a few $$.
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odin33
Footballguy
Yeah, after I got home and thought about it, I'm not moving my dates. We picked the dates because they worked for us. Daughter Bday, Thanksgiving, and all are right past our dates and during that free dining week so I'll pass.
So I think I've got one vote for french quarter and one for Riverside. I'm looking at the map on disney's site. Are all those buildings around riverside part of that hotel? Guessing so, and if so that seems REALLY spread out. Then again not having to hear thousands of people come through might not be that bad.
So I think I've got one vote for french quarter and one for Riverside. I'm looking at the map on disney's site. Are all those buildings around riverside part of that hotel? Guessing so, and if so that seems REALLY spread out. Then again not having to hear thousands of people come through might not be that bad.
glvsav37
Footballguy
well, I want to let you all know, that they announced the winner of the WDW Radio logo contest today.....and through the strength of my friends here in the FFA Disney ...
We won!!!
I can't thank all of you enough. While I basically only win some swag and bragging rights.... it's still great to win. Thank You Thank You Thank You!!
We won!!!
I can't thank all of you enough. While I basically only win some swag and bragging rights.... it's still great to win. Thank You Thank You Thank You!!
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glvsav37
Footballguy
@odin33 OK, I've had this sitting on my desktop for a while waiting to get uploaded.
I put together a little (yea, right) beginners guide to 'plusing out' your trip. I know you are looking at this as a 'trip of a lifetime' and I wanted to share with you some of the little details and experiences you can (or not) do that are not exactly park/attraction related. It is a pretty long list and by no means do I expect you to even do 1/10th of it—if any at all. But some of these items help put a little nice touch on the trip. And in some instances (like the desert parties) there can both add an experience and a level of much needed convenience to the park day.
There are more things I could have listed, namely group tours. But for 1st-timers I generally would advise away from those b/c they tend to take up a large chunk of park time. And you will be consumed with getting your bearings and everything around you, that it will take you a bit longer than average to get around the property, let alone spending good park time on a tour.
That said, there are VIP tours that will allow you FP access to many rides within a day, but they are expensive. So if interested I can point you in that direction for more info.
So, take a look at this and take it as suggestion and info only, and do not feel obligated to do any of it. It will not make or break your trip in any way. Just letting you know about some of the more obscure things they offer.
any questions of clarifications needed, just let me know.
Anyone, feel free to read it, its available to all.
oh..and ignore the Contemporary stuff, when I wrote it you were looking like you were staying there.
I put together a little (yea, right) beginners guide to 'plusing out' your trip. I know you are looking at this as a 'trip of a lifetime' and I wanted to share with you some of the little details and experiences you can (or not) do that are not exactly park/attraction related. It is a pretty long list and by no means do I expect you to even do 1/10th of it—if any at all. But some of these items help put a little nice touch on the trip. And in some instances (like the desert parties) there can both add an experience and a level of much needed convenience to the park day.
There are more things I could have listed, namely group tours. But for 1st-timers I generally would advise away from those b/c they tend to take up a large chunk of park time. And you will be consumed with getting your bearings and everything around you, that it will take you a bit longer than average to get around the property, let alone spending good park time on a tour.
That said, there are VIP tours that will allow you FP access to many rides within a day, but they are expensive. So if interested I can point you in that direction for more info.
So, take a look at this and take it as suggestion and info only, and do not feel obligated to do any of it. It will not make or break your trip in any way. Just letting you know about some of the more obscure things they offer.
any questions of clarifications needed, just let me know.
Anyone, feel free to read it, its available to all.
oh..and ignore the Contemporary stuff, when I wrote it you were looking like you were staying there.
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Bruce Dickinson
Footballguy
Riverside is REALLY spread out. If you have a car with you, it's great. There's parking throughout the property and you can usually park really close to your room. Take the car to Epcot, DHS, AK (free parking at parks if you're staying on WDW property), and bus it to MK (10-15 minutes to MK front gates, bypassing the TTC).odin33 said:
if you don't mind a no-frills pool, Riverside has several pool & laundry centers on the property that rarely have more than one family swimming there at a time. There are a couple of really big central pools with slides and pirate ships that draw the families with little kids.
If you don't have a car with you, Riverside will be a lot of extra walking to get to your room, but the small buildings usually keep things quiet at night. Most of the negative reviews of Riverside are about the walking - a remote building assignment can put you a long walk away from the restaurants, big pools, and water taxi launch.
Osaurus
Footballguy
As many have mentioned, too spread out, rooms seem really dated (at least mine last time), and the proximity to beignets was an issue.
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AcerFC
Footballguy
@glvsav37 I finally got around to watching that video you posted. Wow
I can imagine my family and I pulling an under 12 parsecs Kessel Run in the falcon and then sitting down at the local cantina to eat and our server telling us well done. Then the street people will get wind of it and clap for us as we walk down the street.
In all seriousness, it seems like not only an awesome idea, but something that will keep people in that section of Hollywood Studios for an entire day. That park when complete may turn into a two day experience. Cant wait
I can imagine my family and I pulling an under 12 parsecs Kessel Run in the falcon and then sitting down at the local cantina to eat and our server telling us well done. Then the street people will get wind of it and clap for us as we walk down the street.
In all seriousness, it seems like not only an awesome idea, but something that will keep people in that section of Hollywood Studios for an entire day. That park when complete may turn into a two day experience. Cant wait
PIK95
Footballguy
Is French Quarter any good? I am thinking about sneaking in a late June trip on the cheap, and that was one spot I was looking at.
Bruce Dickinson
Footballguy
June 1 DLR is removing the Star Wars overlay from Space Mountain and going back to the "classic" Space Mountain in honor of its 40th Anniversary at Disneyland. (Space Mountain premiered at Magic Kingdom in '75, Disneyland added it in '77)
Gonna miss hearing the John Williams score as you make that first climb, but it's probably good long-term to make Hyperspace Mountain a special event 2-3 months a year like the Ghost Galaxy overlay, and keep a "classic" feel for part of the year.
Unclear whether "classic" means going back to the '77 soundtrack (which was not as electronic as it the current Space Mountain music; the original Disneyland SM soundtrack had a lead guitar riff in the #### Dale surf rock mold) or reverting to the most recent Space Mountain iteration.
Gonna miss hearing the John Williams score as you make that first climb, but it's probably good long-term to make Hyperspace Mountain a special event 2-3 months a year like the Ghost Galaxy overlay, and keep a "classic" feel for part of the year.
Unclear whether "classic" means going back to the '77 soundtrack (which was not as electronic as it the current Space Mountain music; the original Disneyland SM soundtrack had a lead guitar riff in the #### Dale surf rock mold) or reverting to the most recent Space Mountain iteration.
Bruce Dickinson
Footballguy
Osaurus
Footballguy
Not a fan, but that place is going strong all the time and for that it will be missed.
it was a good place for parents to hang out and relax and let the kids get energy out without having to worry about being somewhere on time, getting a FP, etc.Not a fan, but that place is going strong all the time and for that it will be missed.
AAABatteries
Footballguy
Free Dining is available now for Fall. I was able to get it with gift card deal at CBR (or I think I did). Backup plan is 2 rooms at Pop. 
PIK95
Footballguy
When does fall start?Free Dining is available now for Fall. I was able to get it with gift card deal at CBR (or I think I did). Backup plan is 2 rooms at Pop.
AcerFC
Footballguy
Offer Details
Book Through
July 7, 2017
Valid Travel Dates
- August 21 through September 30, 2017
- November 14 through November 20, 2017
- November 25 through November 27, 2017
- December 8 through December 23, 2017
- Room
- Theme park ticket(s) with Park Hopper or Park Hopper Plus Option
- Dining Plan (Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan with Value and Moderate Resort hotel packages; Disney Dining Plan with Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resort hotel packages)
- The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited.
- Advance reservations required.
- Tickets and options must be used within 14 days of first use.
- Children ages 3 to 9 must choose from the children’s menu, if available.
- Some table-service restaurants may have limited or no availability at time of package purchase.
- Minimum 2-day Magic Your Way ticket with Park Hopper or Park Hopper Plus Option
- Cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion.
- Excludes alcoholic beverages and gratuities.
- Everyone in the same room must be on the same package.
- Offer excludes the following room types: campsites, 3-bedroom villas, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – Little Mermaid Standard Rooms and Bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows.
Book through
July 7, 2017
Check Availability
To book by phone, call (407) 827-7359† to speak with a vacation planning expert or call your travel agent.
AAABatteries
Footballguy
So, I confirmed that I was able to double dip with the free dining and $75 gift cards at CBR. Still have to decide if CBR under construction is worth paying only about $200 total per room over POP.
Deciding factors:
- never been to CBR
- have stayed at POP
- moderate vs. value (has to be for a reason, right?)
- DDP with either so resort meal options aren't a big factor
- CBR is one of the lowest rated moderates and POP is usually rat highly for values
- While it is only $400 total more the gift cards have to be spent at Disney and are $1200 - basically money I'll have to recoup during a future visit
- I've always wanted to be a pirate
Thoughts?
Deciding factors:
- never been to CBR
- have stayed at POP
- moderate vs. value (has to be for a reason, right?)
- DDP with either so resort meal options aren't a big factor
- CBR is one of the lowest rated moderates and POP is usually rat highly for values
- While it is only $400 total more the gift cards have to be spent at Disney and are $1200 - basically money I'll have to recoup during a future visit
- I've always wanted to be a pirate
Thoughts?
glvsav37
Footballguy
@AAABatteries from what I understand, the majority of the construction will effect the restaurants. I have never really been to that resort, so IDK why it is only the food locations that are being effected. But kind of ironic given that you are looking at it with a Free dining offer in mind. lol
Personally, CBR is not oner of my top choices fro moderate, but it is 100% personal as I just don't like that Caribbean color schemes and decor.
According to this article, there will be some breakfast options, but I don't really know the layout of the resort, so I don't know how much of a PIA it will be, or not.
But its tough to turn down the free money. Who knows you may end up liking it there, but you also know you'll be back regardless so if its not your bag of tea, then you have not squandered your only trip ever there.
tough call...and you can be a pirate at the Pirates League if its that important to you lol
Personally, CBR is not oner of my top choices fro moderate, but it is 100% personal as I just don't like that Caribbean color schemes and decor.
According to this article, there will be some breakfast options, but I don't really know the layout of the resort, so I don't know how much of a PIA it will be, or not.
But its tough to turn down the free money. Who knows you may end up liking it there, but you also know you'll be back regardless so if its not your bag of tea, then you have not squandered your only trip ever there.
tough call...and you can be a pirate at the Pirates League if its that important to you lol
AAABatteries
Footballguy
Both are spot on - I absolutely LOVE the idea that I'll have $1,200 in gift cards - I know it's stupid, it's my money but it will seem like free money and I will buy copious amounts of F&W both on that trip but also a trip we are planning in Nov for just me and my wife. If this was our only trip down there then I'd probably play it safe and stay at POP, but seeing as we've been there I'm anxious to try something different. I've heard the CBR pool is pretty cool - the POP pool is fine just nothing special.
Thanks for the input.
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fruity pebbles
Footballguy
Has anyone stayed at the animal kingdom resort with a room overlooking the savanna? If so, was it worth the $500 plus a night?
glvsav37
Footballguy
Yes!
Im not here to spend your money, but we did AKL last trip and my kids loved it. It is a very unique feature that you won't get in any other resort. And my kids were actually excited to leave the parks to go back and look at animals.
That said, there is no garuntee that you will see them all the time. I expected to open my shades in the morning and see Ace Ventura on my balcony but in Our 1st 2 days I didn't see squat. It wasn't until we came back mid day from a park to find all our friends grazing out there. So they move around a bit and it's tough to target exactly when they will be there.
If you don't want to do the savanah view, there are many public places to see the animals around the resort.
MattFancy
Footballguy
My daughter will be super sad. She loved dancing with Elastic Girl and got to have a "magic moment" with them. That's a bummer.
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