Disco Stu
Confirmed FBGal
When was this? It was a "real" Mickey when we went, but that was nearly two years ago. Guess they changed it.
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Disney Vacation (8 Viewers)
- Thread starter DOVCommish
- Start date
snogger
Footballguy
I thought I read they were doing that at MGM, errrr, I mean "Hollywood studios".. But that was a couple months ago and I haven't read anything on that since.
Disco Stu
Confirmed FBGal
Also, WDW has done restaurant reservations for years. There are just more people using them now... mainly because of the dining plan. And they take them earlier than they used to.I remember my dad and I hustling to some sort of EPCOT central dining reservation place right at gate opening (before any rides) to ensure we got the dinner reservations we wanted for that day. Same with the Golden Horseshoe Review at MK. All reservations were day-of, except for the show type ones like Hoop De Doo, which we booked way in advance.oh - my mistake. I take it half back thenYou are misinformed. Reservations don't cost anything.I know I posted this before but I remember a time really not that long ago where everyone was treated equally at Disney.
You showed up paid for your ticket, and then get this you stood in line for rides just like everyone else, there was no magical hopper ticket, and when you got hungry you just picked a place and showed up and waited in line if there were no tables.
Now it's like some private country club cult where if you want special bullcrap you need to pay extra or your not entitled.
BIGfrom me.... :(
Fastpasses dont cost anything.Still should need reservations and should just have to wait like everyone else
I don't know what days we're going to be where an when 2 months from now
As far as not knowing where you're going to be on certain days... that's mostly decided by where you get reservations.
Please See Mine
Footballguy
They must have. This was in August of this year.Mickey still comes out as part of the breakfast so you can take your own pictures, but the "professional" picture was with a statue.When was this? It was a "real" Mickey when we went, but that was nearly two years ago. Guess they changed it.
soothsayer
Footballguy
I still haven't circled back here to post a trip report from my OCTOBER trip but here's a quick tip:
If you are interested in taking advantage of the Disney PhotoPass, you might have good luck finding a PhotoPass group share on a Disney message board. I used the board at TGM (there is an October trip board for subscribers) but you might find the same thing at wdwinfo or disboards or wherever. Anyway, basically one person takes the lead and organizes a group of approx. 10 families. All families use the photopass at the parks and save their PP cards.
There is then a schedule set up for each family to log onto the PP site and upload/edit their pictures. At the end of the schedule, the organizer then orders the CD (they actually pre-pay for the CD at $99 I think). Then they copy the CD and send a copy to the other 9 participants (with only your family's pics included - I think). Each one kicks in $15 or so (to cover the cost of the CD + the cost of copying/shipping) so each then gets all their PP photos on a CD for $15 instead of each ordering their own.
A couple of notes - 1 - I understand this won't be everyone's cup of tea (like sharing music) but I can assure you I'd never use PhotoPass on my own - I'd never be a customer. And I'm guessing that most people who do this wouldn't ever be either. It may be a lame way for me to rationalize doing it but it's true for me anyway. 2 - there is a delay in when you'll see your pictures. We traveled mid-October and I expect I'll receive my CD by this coming Monday. The upload schedule took a few weeks and then it takes a few weeks for Disney to send the CD once ordered. Add copying and mailing and it will be approx. 45 days post-trip for me to receive the pics.
If you have any questions feel free to hit me with a PM. I apologize if the above is unclear - I've never had to try and explain how that works before! Also, if you need further info, you can Bing Disney PhotoPass Share and see what pops up.
If you are interested in taking advantage of the Disney PhotoPass, you might have good luck finding a PhotoPass group share on a Disney message board. I used the board at TGM (there is an October trip board for subscribers) but you might find the same thing at wdwinfo or disboards or wherever. Anyway, basically one person takes the lead and organizes a group of approx. 10 families. All families use the photopass at the parks and save their PP cards.
There is then a schedule set up for each family to log onto the PP site and upload/edit their pictures. At the end of the schedule, the organizer then orders the CD (they actually pre-pay for the CD at $99 I think). Then they copy the CD and send a copy to the other 9 participants (with only your family's pics included - I think). Each one kicks in $15 or so (to cover the cost of the CD + the cost of copying/shipping) so each then gets all their PP photos on a CD for $15 instead of each ordering their own.
A couple of notes - 1 - I understand this won't be everyone's cup of tea (like sharing music) but I can assure you I'd never use PhotoPass on my own - I'd never be a customer. And I'm guessing that most people who do this wouldn't ever be either. It may be a lame way for me to rationalize doing it but it's true for me anyway. 2 - there is a delay in when you'll see your pictures. We traveled mid-October and I expect I'll receive my CD by this coming Monday. The upload schedule took a few weeks and then it takes a few weeks for Disney to send the CD once ordered. Add copying and mailing and it will be approx. 45 days post-trip for me to receive the pics.
If you have any questions feel free to hit me with a PM. I apologize if the above is unclear - I've never had to try and explain how that works before! Also, if you need further info, you can Bing Disney PhotoPass Share and see what pops up.
2Young2BBald
Footbaldguy
I checked back a few pages and didn't see anything, but I am guessing this has been covered and if someone could point me there I'd appreciate it. Has anyone eBay'd Park Hopper Tix? There are several highly rated sellers that sell the 3 & 4 day hoppers and they tend to go at auction for about 30 to 40% off retail. We've done Disney lots, but I have never tried this. We are heading back down next summer and I thought I watch a bunch (making sure they don't expire before we go) to see if I can get a few. Thanks!
Godsbrother
Footballguy
It is risky because you can't tell how many days you have left until you are on property. The other thing is that Disney uses a biometric finger scan with their passes so if they are partially used they're going to have someone else's information recorded. Sometimes if there are problems with the scanners the castmembers will re-record the finger scan at the turnstyle but I have also seen people escorted to Guest Relations to sort out the problem. Personally I don't think it is worth the aggravation.If your budget is tight you can score free passes by going to a timeshare presentation though they aren't usually park hoppers and it will cost you a couple hours.
2Young2BBald
Footbaldguy
Thanks. Looking at the feedback from the sellers, the negatives are from expired tix situations. I've done the presentations a couple of times, in fact, we had an awesome breakfast over in Celebration with the last one. I just don't think I want to lose 3 hours again though.
AcerFC
Footballguy
My wife and I went in 2005 in mid December. We bought the park hopper from a person on eBay for cheap. They said that they get a certain amount of tix and they needed to get rid of them. Something about Florida residents or something like that. Anyway, they worked and we got tix for downtown Disney and the arcade quest thing when you needed tix to get in. I don't think you need tix for downtown Disney anymore though. we bought and it worked and was a lot cheaper.
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Yankee23Fan
Fair Tax!
Being back in the real world sucks right now. It was like God was making sure we understood that vacation was over because while there was a mild rain in Florida as we headed home, it got progressively worse from Georgia right through New Jersey with rain, snow, sleet, slush, cold, cold wind, fricken cold wind, cold rain, yada yada yada.... cold.
The place was a blast as usual. My son really enjoyed the Kim Possible adventure, and like the poster above said his kid did - mine was so into it he was hiding when getting his assignments and we couldn't talk about it out loud. Just fun all around. Very well done by whoever came up with that idea. I see them either keeping it for a very long time or changing it in a few years to a different themed adventure along the same lines.
Food was good as usual. Le' Cellier was awesome as usual. I swear, I don't know what they do to steak in that place, but whatever it is, it's heavenly. And the Maple Creme Brulee' was great. Breakfast at Chef Mickey's was its usual solid self although I find myself not enjoying the place as I once did. They made it way too structured and the food can be very good to blah depending on when you get there and how much is left at the serving center. I guess you could say that for all buffett's though.
Did a few new things this trip. First, we did a "professional" phot shoot with a photopass guy at one of the hotels. About $100 for 90 or so shots that you can get on a CD with several printed depending on the package you choose. The guy wasn't perfect as photog's go, but he was good with my son, patient, and managed to hit some decent shots, so it was worth it. It also made my wife calm down a little on hitting every photopass guy she could find so in that regard it probably bought us an hour or so every day we were there.
Second, we did the sleigh ride through Fort Wilderness. Fun, though not spectacular - it would obviously be better with snow, which you aren't going to get. But it was a nice break from the routine. If your kids like horses, I would hit it up.
As always, in the end, the trip was just too short. Such is life.
The place was a blast as usual. My son really enjoyed the Kim Possible adventure, and like the poster above said his kid did - mine was so into it he was hiding when getting his assignments and we couldn't talk about it out loud. Just fun all around. Very well done by whoever came up with that idea. I see them either keeping it for a very long time or changing it in a few years to a different themed adventure along the same lines.
Food was good as usual. Le' Cellier was awesome as usual. I swear, I don't know what they do to steak in that place, but whatever it is, it's heavenly. And the Maple Creme Brulee' was great. Breakfast at Chef Mickey's was its usual solid self although I find myself not enjoying the place as I once did. They made it way too structured and the food can be very good to blah depending on when you get there and how much is left at the serving center. I guess you could say that for all buffett's though.
Did a few new things this trip. First, we did a "professional" phot shoot with a photopass guy at one of the hotels. About $100 for 90 or so shots that you can get on a CD with several printed depending on the package you choose. The guy wasn't perfect as photog's go, but he was good with my son, patient, and managed to hit some decent shots, so it was worth it. It also made my wife calm down a little on hitting every photopass guy she could find so in that regard it probably bought us an hour or so every day we were there.
Second, we did the sleigh ride through Fort Wilderness. Fun, though not spectacular - it would obviously be better with snow, which you aren't going to get. But it was a nice break from the routine. If your kids like horses, I would hit it up.
As always, in the end, the trip was just too short. Such is life.
GreekFreak
Footballguy
2 weeks until we go.
Does anyone know when they start taking down the Christmas Decorations? We get there on Jan 3rd and I was hoping most of the stuff will still be up
Does anyone know when they start taking down the Christmas Decorations? We get there on Jan 3rd and I was hoping most of the stuff will still be up
Osaurus
Footballguy
They are probably getting ready for Valentine's Day soon.
Yankee23Fan
Fair Tax!
That is a good question - I've never thought about it. I will check.
Yankee23Fan
Fair Tax!
IT appears that they start taking them down as of January 1. The Osborne Lights in the Studios are up until Jan 3 - so I would usggest going there first thing (check with the appropriate authority down there to make sure they will be on that night). The EPCOT holiday's around the world decorations come down December 30, with the extended Illuminations ending at the same time. I think overall you aren't going to see much of them. Sorry.
GreekFreak
Footballguy
That stinks, we get there around noon on the 3rd, so we'll have time to check out the Osbourne lights.Also found out that Splash Mountain closes on the 3rd for refurb. I hope that means its open that day.
soothsayer
Footballguy
One thing that ebay is very good for is purchasing a AAA diamond parking pass. There is a specific area of each theme-park parking lot for AAA diamond parking. If you have one of these passes you get waved up front to the reserved spots that are adjacent to handicapped parking for each park. On our trip this past October I purchased our pass for less than $5 and parked in great close spots the entire trip. If you will have your car, it's a worthy investment. Please note that it does NOT cover your actual parking costs (free if you stay at a Disney resort) - it only gives you access to that special lot area once you've paid.
saintsfan
Footballguy
You know, I thought I was the only weirdo that felt that way, but I LOVE the planning part. I go and get the Unofficial Guide and just have a ball.
snogger
Footballguy
Had yet another GREAT trip..One day we had rain in the morning, otherwise just clouds and sun and warm <_< Still love the Wilderness Lodge.. Worth the extra expense to stay there for us.
Loved Epcot.... Could have EASILY spent another day there..
Grabbed FP for Soarin', then waited 50 minutes inline for Test Track.. The wait at Test Track was worth every minute! Wish we had time to ride it again
Soarin', although fun, would not have been worth standing in line as long for. I saw wait times over 120 minutes..
We did the "easy" Mission Space and loved that also..
Ate dinner at Coral reef. Dinner was pretty good, but the atmosphere was even better!
Had to kind of rush through the World Show case. :(
We did see the France movie, China, did the ride at Norway and Mexico and had fun at the worlds we did get to.
At MGM (sue me, as we will always call it that
we did the Aerosmtih Roller coaster and LOVED it!
Rode Tower of Terror twice, once in the back row and once in the front row.. a lot of fun!
Did not get into Toy story mania as the line wait was over 60 minutes and FP's were gone before 10:30am
Ate at Hollywood & Vine again.. Pretty good for a buffet..Saw Fantasmic again and enjoyed it again. Worth the hour wait we had in our seats.
Spent two days at MK.. Rode Space mountain 3 times, Splash Mountain twice and Thunder Mountain twice and enjoyed them all.
Biggest waste of time was spending 35 minutes inline for Peter Pan.. I suggest if the line is longer than 5 minutes skip it!
Enjoyed Mickey's Philharmonic.. Dinner at Tony's town square.. VERY good food
Mickey's very merry Christmas party was a blast again!
Re-rode Pirates with Eyes open this time and enjoyed it much more than last time.. Can't say the same for Haunted Mansion..
Also, went to the Luau at The Polynesian.. Good food and the entertainment was top notch!
Feel free to ask any questions if you have them.
Loved Epcot.... Could have EASILY spent another day there..
Grabbed FP for Soarin', then waited 50 minutes inline for Test Track.. The wait at Test Track was worth every minute! Wish we had time to ride it again
Soarin', although fun, would not have been worth standing in line as long for. I saw wait times over 120 minutes..
We did the "easy" Mission Space and loved that also..
Ate dinner at Coral reef. Dinner was pretty good, but the atmosphere was even better!
Had to kind of rush through the World Show case. :(
We did see the France movie, China, did the ride at Norway and Mexico and had fun at the worlds we did get to.
At MGM (sue me, as we will always call it that
we did the Aerosmtih Roller coaster and LOVED it!Rode Tower of Terror twice, once in the back row and once in the front row.. a lot of fun!
Did not get into Toy story mania as the line wait was over 60 minutes and FP's were gone before 10:30am
Ate at Hollywood & Vine again.. Pretty good for a buffet..Saw Fantasmic again and enjoyed it again. Worth the hour wait we had in our seats.
Spent two days at MK.. Rode Space mountain 3 times, Splash Mountain twice and Thunder Mountain twice and enjoyed them all.
Biggest waste of time was spending 35 minutes inline for Peter Pan.. I suggest if the line is longer than 5 minutes skip it!
Enjoyed Mickey's Philharmonic.. Dinner at Tony's town square.. VERY good food
Mickey's very merry Christmas party was a blast again!
Re-rode Pirates with Eyes open this time and enjoyed it much more than last time.. Can't say the same for Haunted Mansion..
Also, went to the Luau at The Polynesian.. Good food and the entertainment was top notch!
Feel free to ask any questions if you have them.
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The Ref
Footballguy
I bought this trip for my family as a surprise Christmas gift, not really thinking I would be all that excited about it. Well not only am I more and more excited about Christmas morning and seeing the reaction of my wife and daughter, I'm actually starting to get excited myself.
I think I did a good thing for the actual presentation on Christmas morning... I had custom made mouse ears with my wife and daughters name stitched on them and put the itinerary at the bottom of the box.
Can't wait for Christmas and I'm starting to get excited for the trip in 25 days!
I think I did a good thing for the actual presentation on Christmas morning... I had custom made mouse ears with my wife and daughters name stitched on them and put the itinerary at the bottom of the box.
Can't wait for Christmas and I'm starting to get excited for the trip in 25 days!
Disco Stu
Confirmed FBGal
Awesome present.
AcerFC
Footballguy
Thats pretty effin awesome. Would love to steal your idea one day
belljr
Footballguy
Is this just riding around in a car? Is it any different than say if you did a ride along at Daytona?2 months until we go and we haven't planned a thing.... we sukHad yet another GREAT trip..One day we had rain in the morning, otherwise just clouds and sun and warmStill love the Wilderness Lodge.. Worth the extra expense to stay there for us.
Loved Epcot.... Could have EASILY spent another day there..
Grabbed FP for Soarin', then waited 50 minutes inline for Test Track.. The wait at Test Track was worth every minute! Wish we had time to ride it again
Soarin', although fun, would not have been worth standing in line as long for. I saw wait times over 120 minutes..
We did the "easy" Mission Space and loved that also..
Ate dinner at Coral reef. Dinner was pretty good, but the atmosphere was even better!
Had to kind of rush through the World Show case. :(
We did see the France movie, China, did the ride at Norway and Mexico and had fun at the worlds we did get to.
At MGM (sue me, as we will always call it that
Rode Tower of Terror twice, once in the back row and once in the front row.. a lot of fun!
Did not get into Toy story mania as the line wait was over 60 minutes and FP's were gone before 10:30am
Ate at Hollywood & Vine again.. Pretty good for a buffet..Saw Fantasmic again and enjoyed it again. Worth the hour wait we had in our seats.
Spent two days at MK.. Rode Space mountain 3 times, Splash Mountain twice and Thunder Mountain twice and enjoyed them all.
Biggest waste of time was spending 35 minutes inline for Peter Pan.. I suggest if the line is longer than 5 minutes skip it!
Enjoyed Mickey's Philharmonic.. Dinner at Tony's town square.. VERY good food
Mickey's very merry Christmas party was a blast again!
Re-rode Pirates with Eyes open this time and enjoyed it much more than last time.. Can't say the same for Haunted Mansion..
Also, went to the Luau at The Polynesian.. Good food and the entertainment was top notch!
Feel free to ask any questions if you have them.
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Al Czervik
Not wearing pants
Next time, take me... I am able to get in the front of the line, no wait.
(PS- hey, look at me!).
ATC1
Footballguy
Could spend a relaxing day just around the countries. Kids would probably drive you nuts though out of bordem.
I like soarin more over test track, but you did the right thing there. we usually FP soarin first thing in the morning and wait until after to FP test track. Eat lunch in between.Grabbed FP for Soarin', then waited 50 minutes inline for Test Track.. The wait at Test Track was worth every minute! Wish we had time to ride it again
Note to anyone reading. Forget FP rockin Roller coaster or ToT until after getting the FP for Toy Stoy Mania. Go get it first thing in the morning. Even still your FP for the rollercoaster may come up before Toy Story. It's crazy.Did not get into Toy story mania as the line wait was over 60 minutes and FP's were gone before 10:30am
They did renovation on Space Mountain. Have you rode it before where you noticed any changes? I can skip PP, but my daughter loves it. It's the only thing we FP in fantasyland. I usually get the FP right before lunch or right before going into the haunted masion. You need a runner to go ahead of your group to get these FPs. It works out the best. Haunted masion is one of my favs. Loved the detail involved. And at the time it opened, the use of the holograms in the dinning hall was state of the art.Spent two days at MK.. Rode Space mountain 3 times, Splash Mountain twice and Thunder Mountain twice and enjoyed them all. Biggest waste of time was spending 35 minutes inline for Peter Pan.. I suggest if the line is longer than 5 minutes skip it! Enjoyed Mickey's Philharmonic.. Dinner at Tony's town square.. VERY good food
snogger
Footballguy
We didn't ride Space Mountain last time due to my daughter not being ready and my wife hates rides so I can't compare it to the "Old" one. But we my daughter and I enjoyed it...I can't explain myCould spend a relaxing day just around the countries. Kids would probably drive you nuts though out of bordem.I like soarin more over test track, but you did the right thing there. we usually FP soarin first thing in the morning and wait until after to FP test track. Eat lunch in between.Grabbed FP for Soarin', then waited 50 minutes inline for Test Track.. The wait at Test Track was worth every minute! Wish we had time to ride it againNote to anyone reading. Forget FP rockin Roller coaster or ToT until after getting the FP for Toy Stoy Mania. Go get it first thing in the morning. Even still your FP for the rollercoaster may come up before Toy Story. It's crazy.Did not get into Toy story mania as the line wait was over 60 minutes and FP's were gone before 10:30amThey did renovation on Space Mountain. Have you rode it before where you noticed any changes? I can skip PP, but my daughter loves it. It's the only thing we FP in fantasyland. I usually get the FP right before lunch or right before going into the haunted masion. You need a runner to go ahead of your group to get these FPs. It works out the best. Haunted masion is one of my favs. Loved the detail involved. And at the time it opened, the use of the holograms in the dinning hall was state of the art.Spent two days at MK.. Rode Space mountain 3 times, Splash Mountain twice and Thunder Mountain twice and enjoyed them all. Biggest waste of time was spending 35 minutes inline for Peter Pan.. I suggest if the line is longer than 5 minutes skip it! Enjoyed Mickey's Philharmonic.. Dinner at Tony's town square.. VERY good food
for HM.. 3 Years ago I felt the same way for Pirates, but thoroughly enjoyed that this time.. Whereas I tried to enjoy and take everything in at HM and yet still walked away bored.. The first ToT was only a 10 minute wait.. We grabbed a FP for only because we knew we'd want to hit it right after Fantasmic. Good thing too as the exit of Fantasmic takes you past ToT so EVERYONE was stopping there. My Daughter the world showcase's.. She did turn 11 so it might have to do with the age, plus it being Christmas time so every "World" had decorations.
snogger
Footballguy
You are in a "Test Car" and taken out on a Test run, as if they are testing the car for production.. They setup a decent story before you get on the ride.. Like I said I'd easily wait in line for 50 minutes again to ride it, but grab a Fast pass if you can.Is this just riding around in a car? Is it any different than say if you did a ride along at Daytona?2 months until we go and we haven't planned a thing.... we suk :(Had yet another GREAT trip..One day we had rain in the morning, otherwise just clouds and sun and warm
Loved Epcot.... Could have EASILY spent another day there..
Grabbed FP for Soarin', then waited 50 minutes inline for Test Track.. The wait at Test Track was worth every minute! Wish we had time to ride it again
Soarin', although fun, would not have been worth standing in line as long for. I saw wait times over 120 minutes..
We did the "easy" Mission Space and loved that also..
Ate dinner at Coral reef. Dinner was pretty good, but the atmosphere was even better!
Had to kind of rush through the World Show case.
We did see the France movie, China, did the ride at Norway and Mexico and had fun at the worlds we did get to.
At MGM (sue me, as we will always call it that
Rode Tower of Terror twice, once in the back row and once in the front row.. a lot of fun!
Did not get into Toy story mania as the line wait was over 60 minutes and FP's were gone before 10:30am
Ate at Hollywood & Vine again.. Pretty good for a buffet..Saw Fantasmic again and enjoyed it again. Worth the hour wait we had in our seats.
Spent two days at MK.. Rode Space mountain 3 times, Splash Mountain twice and Thunder Mountain twice and enjoyed them all.
Biggest waste of time was spending 35 minutes inline for Peter Pan.. I suggest if the line is longer than 5 minutes skip it!
Enjoyed Mickey's Philharmonic.. Dinner at Tony's town square.. VERY good food
Mickey's very merry Christmas party was a blast again!
Re-rode Pirates with Eyes open this time and enjoyed it much more than last time.. Can't say the same for Haunted Mansion..
Also, went to the Luau at The Polynesian.. Good food and the entertainment was top notch!
Feel free to ask any questions if you have them.
#1 Fan of Ana Ivanovic
Footballguy
Eh?
ATC1
Footballguy
Transit Authority in Tommorrow land? They are expanding Tommorrow land, so I assume the Transit is shut down as construction is going on.
Osaurus
Footballguy
Liked it better when it was the WEDway People Mover. Now it's just lame.
snogger
Footballguy
last time I went in expecting a "thrill" ride and came away disappointed
This time went in with "eyes open" on the details and enjoyed it a lot more.
Disco Stu
Confirmed FBGal
That change happened in 1994. What was better about the old version? I can't remember them being much different.It changed again this year after being closed during the Space Mountain refurb. The new narration is supposed to be similar in style to the original WEDway one.
Osaurus
Footballguy
I was kidding. When I was really young, SM scared the #### out of me and I would only go on the stupid WEDway. When I realized that the thing went through part of SM, I freaked out even more. Then I went on SM the next year when we came back and rode it about 12x in a row. I think Test Track puts more Gs on you.I have to say I absolutely love that Disney didn't make any changes to the Carousel of Progress except adding a flatscreen if I remember correctly. There were a bunch of ladies having a birthday party in there last time we went on it balloons and everything. It's a classic!
Hawk Fan
Footballguy
Got back from my Disney trip a week ago. Spent 6 days with the parents; sisters and brother in law could only stay for four. Basically just hung out a lot by the pool and enjoyed the nice weather for those other 2 days, reading quite a bit. Parents got the Disney Vacation Club about 15 years ago, and we stayed at the Boardwalk (their home site). Trip was very fun as usual. Unfortunately, fiance couldn't make it. Since we couldn't all get together for Christmas, decided to exchange gifts and get together down there.
The Magic Kingdom Christmas party was good, something I had never done before. The fireworks were great and they changed the color of the castle with the music. Free cookies and hot chocolate, with very little wait for the rides. Was hoping to max out on Buzz Lightyear but I haven't done it yet. EPCOT is great. Tried to do the drinking around the world, but the sisters held me and the BIL back. Made it through 7 countries before running out of time. The Morocco restaurant is good, nothing wrong with a feast of meat on a stick. Forgot that there was a new Toy Story thing at the Hollywood Studios. Missed out on that since there was over a 2 hr wait and the fast passes were all gone before 12:30 pm. Osborn light show was very good. Also went to the Cirque du Soleil for the first time in forever. Great show. Raglan Road in Downtown Disney is also a great place.
The Magic Kingdom Christmas party was good, something I had never done before. The fireworks were great and they changed the color of the castle with the music. Free cookies and hot chocolate, with very little wait for the rides. Was hoping to max out on Buzz Lightyear but I haven't done it yet. EPCOT is great. Tried to do the drinking around the world, but the sisters held me and the BIL back. Made it through 7 countries before running out of time. The Morocco restaurant is good, nothing wrong with a feast of meat on a stick. Forgot that there was a new Toy Story thing at the Hollywood Studios. Missed out on that since there was over a 2 hr wait and the fast passes were all gone before 12:30 pm. Osborn light show was very good. Also went to the Cirque du Soleil for the first time in forever. Great show. Raglan Road in Downtown Disney is also a great place.
Hawk Fan
Footballguy
It has always been and will always be the WEDway peoplemover for me. In the future, we will go around in circles a lot!
belljr
Footballguy
ok. I did a ride along at Daytona (you rid passenger in a nascar) and ride around the track at about 160. My dad did the driving class, I was just curious if it was similar.You are in a "Test Car" and taken out on a Test run, as if they are testing the car for production.. They setup a decent story before you get on the ride.. Like I said I'd easily wait in line for 50 minutes again to ride it, but grab a Fast pass if you can.Is this just riding around in a car? Is it any different than say if you did a ride along at Daytona?2 months until we go and we haven't planned a thing.... we sukHad yet another GREAT trip..One day we had rain in the morning, otherwise just clouds and sun and warmStill love the Wilderness Lodge.. Worth the extra expense to stay there for us.
Loved Epcot.... Could have EASILY spent another day there..
Grabbed FP for Soarin', then waited 50 minutes inline for Test Track.. The wait at Test Track was worth every minute! Wish we had time to ride it again
Soarin', although fun, would not have been worth standing in line as long for. I saw wait times over 120 minutes..
We did the "easy" Mission Space and loved that also..
Ate dinner at Coral reef. Dinner was pretty good, but the atmosphere was even better!
Had to kind of rush through the World Show case. :(
We did see the France movie, China, did the ride at Norway and Mexico and had fun at the worlds we did get to.
At MGM (sue me, as we will always call it that
Rode Tower of Terror twice, once in the back row and once in the front row.. a lot of fun!
Did not get into Toy story mania as the line wait was over 60 minutes and FP's were gone before 10:30am
Ate at Hollywood & Vine again.. Pretty good for a buffet..Saw Fantasmic again and enjoyed it again. Worth the hour wait we had in our seats.
Spent two days at MK.. Rode Space mountain 3 times, Splash Mountain twice and Thunder Mountain twice and enjoyed them all.
Biggest waste of time was spending 35 minutes inline for Peter Pan.. I suggest if the line is longer than 5 minutes skip it!
Enjoyed Mickey's Philharmonic.. Dinner at Tony's town square.. VERY good food
Mickey's very merry Christmas party was a blast again!
Re-rode Pirates with Eyes open this time and enjoyed it much more than last time.. Can't say the same for Haunted Mansion..
Also, went to the Luau at The Polynesian.. Good food and the entertainment was top notch!
Feel free to ask any questions if you have them.
theToes
Footballguy
I know this has been previously discussed here but I was wondering if anyone can give me their opinion if the dining plan is a must have.
I'm going at the end of January and I have not made up my mind if I want to get the dining plan or not. It will cost me 160 per day for my family of 4. Is it worth it or can my family eat there for less per day/
Any insight is appreciated.
I'm going at the end of January and I have not made up my mind if I want to get the dining plan or not. It will cost me 160 per day for my family of 4. Is it worth it or can my family eat there for less per day/
Any insight is appreciated.
ATC1
Footballguy
If you plan on doing sit down dinners, then yes, I would. If you plan on doing counter service/in hotel/off grounds eating, it is not neccessary. We find the dinning plan as a luxary since we like to sit down at least twice during disney trips anyway. With the dinning plan we sit down to a nice meal everyday, and I also don't need to worry about looking at the prices on the menu.
The Ref
Footballguy
This went well.... tears... the whole 9 yards. Inlaws = impressed.Only thing that went wrong was she opened the wrong side of the box and saw the itinerary first.....
Parmcat
Canada: Beer, Bacon and Beavers
We are planning a trip in April with the new gift card promo they have on.
A few questions....
The 1st week of April, I am thinking about opting out of the Water Park pass...is the weather in April going to be good enough for waterparking?
If the weather is good enough, I am wondering about beaches then. Whjat is the nearest beach town to Orlando? I am thinking about maybe spending a couple of days before Disney on the beach....resting for the mania that Disney will be. The Gift card promo doesnt start until Apr.11 so I may take the family a couple of days early.
TIA
Parm
PS>>>REF....good job!
A few questions....
The 1st week of April, I am thinking about opting out of the Water Park pass...is the weather in April going to be good enough for waterparking?
If the weather is good enough, I am wondering about beaches then. Whjat is the nearest beach town to Orlando? I am thinking about maybe spending a couple of days before Disney on the beach....resting for the mania that Disney will be. The Gift card promo doesnt start until Apr.11 so I may take the family a couple of days early.
TIA
Parm
PS>>>REF....good job!
The Ref
Footballguy
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The Ref
Footballguy
Well looks like the wife is very happy with the trip, and what I had in the back of my mind as a gameplan for our trip is already in the trash can as she has been on half of the Disney web sites this PM. I have three major questions that I could use some help with if you Mouse Nuts can help with.
1. It's Me, my wife and my 1 1/2 year old - two days three parks. The MK isn't up for debate. Epcot vs. Animal Kingdom. Our preference is Epcot, but as parents we think AK is the better choice.
2. We bought the middle tier meal plan with one snack, one quick, and one table meal for me and the wife (we have to order off the menu for our daughter as she cant buy the meal plan). Is it worth the extra money to upgrade to the deluxe meal plan and get 3 table meals and 2 snacks a day? I figure with the meal plan upgrade we can do the castle as well as the hoop dee doo review (costs two table meals) and more or less not have to worry about not being able to do whatever we would like for dining. Plus we probably wouldn't have to order our daughter anything as she could eat off our plates. General thoughts on meal plans?
3. Assume for a minute that you were going to do 1 dinner at each park and 1 dinner at Downtown/Resort (other then the hoop dee doo). Since I'm doing the meal plan I don't care so much about price (I am a FBG after all) but how good the experience is.
1. It's Me, my wife and my 1 1/2 year old - two days three parks. The MK isn't up for debate. Epcot vs. Animal Kingdom. Our preference is Epcot, but as parents we think AK is the better choice.
2. We bought the middle tier meal plan with one snack, one quick, and one table meal for me and the wife (we have to order off the menu for our daughter as she cant buy the meal plan). Is it worth the extra money to upgrade to the deluxe meal plan and get 3 table meals and 2 snacks a day? I figure with the meal plan upgrade we can do the castle as well as the hoop dee doo review (costs two table meals) and more or less not have to worry about not being able to do whatever we would like for dining. Plus we probably wouldn't have to order our daughter anything as she could eat off our plates. General thoughts on meal plans?
3. Assume for a minute that you were going to do 1 dinner at each park and 1 dinner at Downtown/Resort (other then the hoop dee doo). Since I'm doing the meal plan I don't care so much about price (I am a FBG after all) but how good the experience is.
The Ref
Footballguy
Bump - T-Minus one week. Quite a bit has changed since Christmas.First of all I was over ruled in Question 1 above. we are going with Animal Kingdom on day two and not Epcot.... IF we do not decide to do a second day at the magic kingdom.As for point 2 above - I made the executive decision to drop the wine package and upgrade to the deluxe package. The extra food and snacks seem like the better value and it opens up a few more doors for us in terms of things that we want to d
f course, probably the biggest change is where we are staying. I chose the Coronado springs because it was renovated and the Pool looked like the best of the bunch..... well...... as I called to change the food package the observations dude let me know that the pool was going to close as of next Monday. Needless to say that was a deal breaker as far as that hotel was concerned. Well we deliberated over a few of the other locations and in the end we decided that for < $200 we could upgrade to the Wilderness lodge. So now we are a 10 min boat ride from the MK and most of the other resorts. Plus this place seems sweet.I can't wait - I'm officially excited now. I legit did this for my daughter and wife, and all of a sudden I'm the one whose most excited. I almost feel like I owe them another gift.
snogger
Footballguy
We visited Polynesian and The Grand Floridian this past December just to get a feel if we'd like one of those over Wilderness if we go back again.. and the resounding answer was NO!!We absolutely
Wilderness Lodge and if we go back will definitely be staying there again.. HAVE FUN!!!
Evilgrin 72
Distributor of Pain
1st week of April is OK for waterparks, depending on your tolerance for cold. Weather that time of year fluctuates, it could be 85 degrees out one week and 65 the next. Waterparks always heat their water, so the water temp is a non-issue, but getting out of 85 degree water into 65 degree air sucks. Once you get out of March and into April, it's warm more often, so I'd bet you'd be all right if you guys are into waterparks.Closest beaches are Cocoa Beach or Daytona Beach to the SE and NE respectively, each about an hour away, give or take. Those are the ocean side. If you go to the gulf side, the Tampa area beaches are around the same distance (Clearwater, etc..) - maybe 15 mins further. Depends on whether you want finer sand and clearer water (gulf) or more activity and waves (ocean.)
The Ref
Footballguy
As a relative newbie, I wouldn't advise waiting.
ATC1
Footballguy
That is the right way to feel. Your daughter is still too young for this trip to be about her. It is about you guys and your daughter's reaction to Disney. I would strongly suggest going to MK the day Spectromagic parade is running. It's our daughter's (1 and a half at the time) favorite part. She still gets excited when we show her the video of us at the parade. She waves at the TV set to all the characters as they pass by.Epcot is by far the better park than AK. AK has no fireworks display, and at the end of the day you can go to the Boardwalk setup reservations to eat or stroll on the dock. AK lets out at 5 pm and is on the opposite side of DisneyWorld.
Wilderness lodge is 10X better than CS. Great choice there.
The deluxe package is too much food for me, but if you will be doing the shows it maybe worth it. the only problem is that it takes away from park time. I rather watch the parades with a mickey ears ice cream and miss the dinner shows, but that's just me. However, because your daughter is you may not be obligated to ride the rides like you would with a 5 year old.
Since it's just you and your wife, you guys will have problems if you want to ride the bigger attractions like the mountains. You would have to baby swap, so you guys will not be able to ride the attractions together. It's why we always like to take another couple with us. If you do the FP and baby swap correctly, it's not really as time consuming as you would think. If you and your wife are really wanting to go on the bigger rides, let me know, I will explain how to do the FP/baby swap efficently.
Godsbrother
Footballguy
The Wilderness is great but don't sell the Poynesian short. It has a great pool, nice beach and is the only resort that has access to both the MK and EPCOT monorail lines. For quick access to MK and EPCOT it cannot be beat.
