I'm going to Disney WORLD!

[Gn2Dlnd]

And I ain't never been!

One of my (2) workers got an acting gig for a couple of weeks, and I decided it worked perfectly for me to finally take a vacation. I'll be arriving Sept. 13th, and leaving on the 27th, my birthday is on the 19th. I'll be staying within the RCI timeshare whatnot resort plan thingy, first week at the Sheraton, second week at Orange Lake. Both big-ass two bedroom suites with kitchens, so definitely some opportunities for Bitter East Coaster/Happy Local get-togethers!

I need tips and tricks, folks, I'm coming at this a total wirgin. I'll want to see all the hotels, eat at all the restaurants, visit Celebration and Harry Potterland, and not have a complete melt-down in the process. I probably need some guidance.

I'm going to try to make all my restaurant reservations for 4 guests, that way people can join me if they want. It should be easy to add one or two, and if it's just me the restaurant can deal.

I eagerly await your advice, O Oracle of the LoT. :)

[Snowflake]

Paging Flippyshark?

Gn2Dld, color me world of colorized jealous!

:snap: :cheers:

[Disneyphile]

Boma. Eat at Boma! (Animal Kingdom Lodge)

Oh, and ride Expedition Everest in the very front seat for your first time. It's worth the extra wait.

Try all the different Coke samples at Epcot, especially Beverly. Take a photo of yourself drinking the Beverly and post it for us.

Go check out the Country Bear Jamboree. It's the original version.

Take a ride on the People Mover.

Do not check out the Tiki Room Under New Management. It will make you want to burn the place down. But, if you do decide to do it - make that your first stop of the day so you can have fun memories to erase the horror that will haunt you in your dreams.

Dine at Liberty Tree Tavern at the Magic Kingdom. It's the Blue Bayou of WDW.

[alphabassettgrrl]

Fantastic!!!

Plan your day using the website. When I went, I wrote down what I wanted to see, on a little square of paper, in the order it's in in the park so I didn't spend all day criss-crossing the park and walking more than I wanted.

They had Coke samples at Epcot???? I didn't know that!

I second the recommendations regarding the Liberty Tree tavern and the Tiki Room. Make sure you see Illuminations at Epcot- it's pretty and there's fireworks. I'm told Everest is amazing in Animal Kingdom.

You're going to have so much fun!

[flippyshark]

Looking forward to meeting you, sir! I'll PM you soon.

[LSPoorEeyorick]

Epcot, Epcot, Epcot. Plan to spend plenty of time just absorbing World Showcase.

At Islands of Adventure, they'll try to direct you left to get to Wizarding World. They're lying. Tell them you're going to ride The Cat in the Hat, and keep walking. Throw caution to the wind and drink as much butterbeer as you can; you will dream of it later and wish you had more. Buy some pumpkin juice to take home. Maybe it will be better than it was in July (with kids in school, etc) but for us, it was 2.5 hours in line for Harry Potter & the Forbidden Journey (which is also the incredibly themed queue through Hogwarts.) It was 1.5 hours in line for food (no reservations allowed.) 1 hour in line for the back entrance to Ollivander's (no interactive show, just the register) and 1 hour in line for Honeyduke's. It was 102 and there was not much shade. And that was pretty much all we got done that day, heh.

[katiesue]

We just went for the first time in June. Make any ADR's you want asap. Allears.net has all the menus posted so you can see what's what.

You may want to look into the Tables in Wonderland card since you have an AP. There are only a couple of food discounts with your Premier Pass. Tables in Wonderland is an add on that may pay out for you - you'll have to run the math.

Also most of the shops don't have an AP discount. We waited and did one big shopping spree at World of Disney. At least the registers recognize your pass there and they don't need a lead to put in the discount.

Steph's recommendation of Earl of Sandwich was excellent. Great food for not a bad price. We went mid afternoon and there was no line at all.

With your Premier Pass you also get into the Disney Quest and water parks. We never made it to either of those.

Restaurants we mostly did counter service since my traveling companion only eats chicken nuggets. We did do the sit down buffet in Germany at Epcot. Can't really recommend it. There wasn't much of a variety of food and none of my favorites at least. You're better off at just the counter service. The pretzels were really good.

You can absolutely skip Stitch the Great Escape. They basically strap you in and blow chili farts in your face. It's gross.

The glass shop has an actual furnace in the back where they do glass blowing. We spent an hour or so in there during a massive thunderstorm.

[alphabassettgrrl]

Eat pastries in France in EPCOT.

[LSPoorEeyorick]

Massive thunderstorm! Thanks, Katie, you reminded me. BRING RAIN GEAR. Bring back-up shoes. Bring your own poncho. Bring spare everything. Bring a raft for the flash floods. And know that people don't really flee from WDW in rain the way that they flee from DL.

[Disneyphile]

Oh, yeah. Forgot about that. The rain can hit sudden, and the drop sizes are small bucket loads. One can go from dry to soaked in seconds. Literally.

If you check the camping supply section of Walmart or Target, you can get disposable emergency ponchos that fit in your pocket for about $1 each. They're thin, but do the trick well, and if you don't tear them, they can be reused a couple times.

[Bornieo: Fully Loaded]

Both LSPE and www.allears.net were extremely valuable when I planned my first visit. That site had menus which is invaluable IMHO.

Best advice is to be SELFISH and see what YOU want. See EVERYTHING! (Except The Monsters Inc. Laugh Factory).

When you start thinking about never setting foot in Disneyland after the magic of WDW, that's when you go see their Tiki Room.

[Scrooge McSam]

You'll get a slight break in the crowds with school in session.

You will not get a break from the heat and humidity. Expect rain. But don't let it get you down. You'll find a lot more indoor queue space in Florida for this very reason. Get a poncho and keep plugging.

Afternoon breaks are your friend. A full day of California theme park-ing can be quite pleasant. A full day of Florida theme park-ing can be grueling.

Disneyland Resort is tightly packed. Disney World is not. Expect to do a lot more walking.

Attractions:

ANIMAL KINGDOM is quickly becoming my favorite park. The level of theming is first rate. It's not as ride-oriented as the others, but if you take your time you will be rewarded. See how many different animal themed light fixtures you can find. Try to find DeVine - she's usually somewhere on the path between African and Asia

Kilimanjaro Safari - Hit it at park opening. You know what happens to wild animals when it gets hot, right? Walt figured it out with his original Jungle Cruise. Resist the urge to spend a lot of time in the Oasis on the way in. You can see that later in the day on the way out when you're in desperate need of some shade.

Expedition Everest - Oh HELL yeah! Don't expect a working Yeti though. He's been down for quite a while. Get your fastpass and enjoy Maharaja Jungle Trek while you're waiting. Tigers! RAWWRRR And Fruit Bats as big as a small child.

Pangani Forest Exploration Trail is another favorite, mostly for the gorilla exhibit.

If you don't decide to see It's A Bug's Life, at least take a walk down the queue. The setup is so far superior here.


MAGIC KINGDOM will illustrate what I was saying earlier about park size. You will immediately notice how much more spread out everything is.

Haunted Mansion is a MUST! Notice the new audio effects in the stretching room and the Escher staircase room with the ghostly footprints going up and down the stairs. The upgrade this attraction received a couple of years ago puts it ahead of the California original. Notice the Madame Leota tombstone on your right at the end of the queue. It's ALIVE!

Pirates? Please. California has it all over Florida on this one.

And you know you want to ride the PeopleMover again. You KNOW you do.

Tom Sawyer Island is still Tom Sawyer Island too!


A STUDIO visit must include Rock N Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror. RNR was, at one time, the smoothest coaster I've ever ridden, but I did detect a little more roughness last time. Still a fun ride, though.

Lights, Motors, Action! is a fun show.

Fantasmic? Uhm... maybe not. While I appreciate the effort they went through to make a more comfortable venue, the show's just not up to par.


Epcot - Probably my least favorite, though I do enjoy the World Showcase.



Dining:

Make ADRs as soon as you can if table service dining is your thing. Disney's been pushing their dining plan HARD lately and it tends to fill up the full service venues.

Boma? Yes yes yes a thousand times yes... and you'll enjoy touring the Animal Kingdom lodge while you're there. I've had breakfast and dinner there and they were equally delightful.

Le Cellier in Epcot's Canada pavilion - Many will recommend this place. I tend to avoid it now. Food quality has dropped. The claustrophobic atmosphere tends to bother some (it is, after all, supposed to be a cellar) but that never really bothered me. They do have an excellent cheese soup though, so you may not be able to resist. ;)

San Angel Inn in Epcot's Mexico pavilion - Yeah, sounds nice and very much like Blue Bayou with the perpetual early evening and the boats sailing by, but when they bring out the Tostitos and bottled salsa you're going to be pissed.

50's Prime Time Cafe at the Studios is a lot of fun. Imagine meatloaf and mashed potatoes at Wally and the Beav’s house.

O’Hana at the Polynesian resort has been a consistent favorite for friends I've brought. Time your reservation right and you can watch the fireworks from across the lagoon.

California Grill at the Contemporary resort - SUSHI! Most times I've been able to sit at the bar with no reservation, but I hear that may no longer be possible. Also check out the Outer Rim Lounge in the Grand Canyon Concourse for a refreshing adult beverage overlooking Bay Lake.

Whispering Canyon at Wilderness Lodge - How they ever came up with the name of this place is beyond me. It's got to be one of the loudest, most boisterous places I've ever dined. They have stick pony races for the kids through the dining room. But they do have great BBQ. Plus if you visit there, you can see my absolute favorite of all the resorts.


Oh... and do me a favor. Give my regards to the Bay Lake Tower next to the Contemporary. I'll be there in December, which is taking its dear sweet time getting here.

[Stan4dSteph]

My opinions:

There's a great tequila bar inside the Mexico pavilion. Highly recommend trying a tequila flight.

The new pizza place in Italy, Via Napoli, appears to be getting good reviews. I plan to try it in October.

Yak & Yeti restaurant in Animal Kingdom is worth a stop for lunch or dinner.

I would recommend getting tickets for the Halloween Party. The parade is very cool.

[BarTopDancer]

It rains every day at 3pm. Then the humidity isn't as horrible. Or something.

Figure out what park opens early on what day and AVOID that park like the plague. If you can do extra hours at MK do it. Nothing quite like walking down Main St. USA at 230am.

It takes forever to get anywhere on property compared to here. But the bus system is pretty awesome. Find a map or guide before you leave. One of the monorails goes through a hotel. Like literally through it. It's awesome.

Go on PotC just to see how bad it is. I love their Splash and Thunder more than ours. Mission Space is amazing and they have a non-spinning side if you're one to get motion sick.

Was not impressed with 'Ohana's (it means family, not an Irish pub) but it's meat heaven. I found the meat really, really dry. Biergarten was fabulous. Loved the counter service restaurant in Morocco (forget what it's called). Cosmic Rays in MK is fun.

[Gn2Dlnd]

Wow, wow, and wow! I've been so preoccupied with making sure my ducks are all in a row before I leave (Can I really afford this?!? Yes, I can!) that I haven't actually felt excited.

Now I'm excited!

Great recommendations. Rain gear would not have occurred to me. I know Tiki, Stitch, and MILF suck, which is why I'll be doing them as soon as I can. :evil: I'll be on the phone the next few days making reservations wherever they'll have me. The hardest thing will be deciding where to eat on my birthday!

I desperately want to see the Hoop-de-doo Revue and the Grand Canyon mural in the Contemporary. I'm disappointed that the steam train and the river are both gone from Camp Wilderness. Liberty Square will probably make me cry, hell, everything will probably make me cry! Halloween party, yes! Early entry, no. Extra hours, yes. Tables in Wonderland, thanks katiesue. I'll ask about that. Looking forward to meeting you, too, flippy! No tequila for me, Steph, but, maybe the Outer Rim (snicker) Lounge, Scrooge, for a refreshing iced tea! I read "pastries in France" as "pasties in France," and I thought, "But of course!"

I want to be there now. :D

[Morrigoon]

Book. Your meals. Now.

EPCOT = favorite park. Assume you'll be visiting it a lot.

Le Cellier - Yes, yes and again YES! And have the maple creme brulee. So-called because you will "creme" when you taste that brulee. It's that good. No really. And the cheese soup (made with bacon!) is not to be missed.

We loved the Biergarten. Partly for the food & entertainment, and partly because it was one place you had a shot at getting into on a day when you were lacking in ressies (especially if it's like 3pm when there might be openings) But really, we liked the food too.

Coral Reef in The Seas is one you need ressies for and is worth a visit. Try to get a table next to the fish tank, though all have a view of it.

Oh yeah, ride their Nemo.

Norway had great sweet pretzels.

RAIN GEAR! At the very least, a spare set of tennis shoes for when yours get soaked and won't dry out by the next day.

MK seems to be the hardest place to eat. Try to score ressies at the Liberty Tree.

Whispering Canyon is great, we recommend breakfast - they have this (as we call it) skillet of doom filled with all manner of good things including biscuits baked by southerners who know how to do such things. But if they offer you ketchup.... accept >:)

Also, the Wilderness Lodge has Humphrey Bear merchandise. How can you say no to that?

The water parks are great. If your pass includes them, try to visit at least one.

[lashbear]

One word about the Orange Lake Country Club - You'll LOVE it !! We stayed there in our 2002 trip.

[Stan4dSteph]

No tequila for me, Steph,Sorry, I failed on that one. They do have some good tapas there though.

If you like giant cupcakes, they have ridiculous ones all over the resort. The Butterfinger cupcake at Starring Rolls in Hollywood Studios is yummy, but definitely share with someone. Here's a picture of it cut in half (http://www.flickr.com/photos/stan4dsteph/4117678362/). We ended up splitting it 4 ways.

I really liked The Wave restaurant in the Contemporary resort. Fresh ingredients, well prepared. You will leave satisfied, not stuffed.

For me, Kona is always a must for breakfast, usually on a day I'm not in a hurry to get to a park early in the morning.

[BarTopDancer]

Ok, I need to go back to WDW STAT. There is so much I missed! Including that tequila flight. How come no one told me about it? sad cheese.

We didn't take rain gear. Then again in June we were living in flip flops and dried out almost instantly.

Kona Tonga Toast. Carb central but oh, so, heavenly.

[Gn2Dlnd]

Sorry, I failed on that one. They do have some good tapas there though.
Don't worry, I appreciate the thought! I don't expect everyone else to remember how I manage to stay out of the gutter on a daily basis! ;) I believe, though, I will have a carb or two. Kona toast, is that like "French" toast or "Thai" toast? I do like toast!

[BarTopDancer]

Tonga Toast is stuffed french toast. It's amazing. I want it now. plz.kthxbai.

[Stan4dSteph]

This is Tonga Toast. I recommend splitting one order with another person.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2279/1802401966_af2634bb42.jpg

I also recommend the Samoan - it's like eggs benedict but over hash instead of English muffin.

[alphabassettgrrl]

Go into the church in Epcot's Norway. Morocco has an authentic courtyard/building. China has miniatures of the terra-cotta warriors and lots of little figurines that came from archeological finds.

You're going to have so much fun! Oh, and I got into the Liberty Tree tavern pretty quick, even without reservations, as a single person. They told me I would have to wait 20 minutes, but they seated me within about 5.

Cry all you want! It's such a fantastic place. And take pictures. :) I want to go back to Epcot and look at all the interactive stuff they have at the exits of lots of the rides. Or at least, lots as I remember it.

[Gemini Cricket]

The MK Splash Mountain is way better than DL's.

Don't miss the American Adventure. I did the last time I was there.

I loved spending time looking at the different animals that make up the Tree of Life.

Go see Fantasmic! just so you can see their Mark Twain.

Ride the Tower of Terror and see why it's way better than DCA's.

I keep hearing good things about Boma.

:)

[alphabassettgrrl]

Oh, yeah, the street shows in Epcot are great! Taiko drumming in Japan, a Beatles band in England, can't remember what else. Is the American Experience where they have the singers?

[Disneyphile]

Ack! Totally forgot!

Two great restaurants at the Studios - the Sci-Fi Dine-in and 50's Prime-Time Cafe. They are more than just food, but entire experiences, and kitschy as hell. You'll love 'em! You'll want ADRs for both of those. And, I'd totally recommend the 50"s Prime Time Cafe for your birthday lunch or dinner. Make sure they know it's your birthday. You'll find out why. ;)

To help with your pre-travel excitement, I recommend reading the "Kingdom Keepers" books. They are young-adult novels that take place at WDW after dark when the parks "come alive". They're a fun and easy read and very imaginative. Just don't blame me if you get nightmares of the IASW dolls coming alive and attacking you. You'll have to read 'em to see what I mean. ;)

If you have time to kill and need to rest your feet, see Fantasmic just to laugh at the plywood Mark Twain raft. It's horrendous.

[wolfy999]

If you have a chance make sure and head over to Universal's Islands of Adventure....well themed and some great rides. About 30 minute drive from WDW.

[Gn2Dlnd]

Ooh, 50's birthday kitsch! Thanks, DP. And yes, Wolfy, absolutely going to visit Universal. I have two whole weeks!

I'm taking the recent heatmidity here to be a mild foreshadowing of what awaits in in FL. I've probably decided to rent a car, just for the air-conditioning. The idea of waiting to get onto a hot and crowded shuttle bus at the end of the day has lost its appeal.

[lashbear]

Please do me a HUGE favour, if you can.

Record the Harry Potter ride in night-vision if possible. I'm DYING to see footage of those dementors and the whomping willow in action. All the regular footage is too dark to see anything, and the lights-on vids are only of the AA's in non-moving mode.

[Melonballer]

If you have a chance make sure and head over to Universal's Islands of Adventure....well themed and some great rides. About 30 minute drive from WDW.

Second!

Yeah, seriously, go check out IOA.

[BDBopper]

What an awesome Birthday trip! Have an awesome time!

[BDBopper]

Oh and if you are looking for a recommendation. I have one from the first time I went to the WDW resort many years ago. Drop by the Beach & Yacht Club resort and stop by Beaches and Cream. Nice 50's style soda shop. Loved the food and they have some of the best milkshakes at the resort (according to reviews)

[Gn2Dlnd]

I have an itinerary!

On Monday, 9/13, I fly out of LAX around 8:45 am and arrive in Orlando around 4:40 pm. Pick up my rental car and head to the Sheraton Vistana where I check into my 1 bdrm/full kitchen suite. Do not yet know if the kitchen will have a blender. Do I go directly to the Magic Kingdom and wait for the fireworks show? I do not know. Probably. Probably I will not make it past Main Street where I will stand and blubber like a baby.

On Tuesday, at dinnertime, I'll head over to Fort Wilderness to see the Hoop Dee Doo Revue. I'll bet it's all you can eat beans!

Thursday is lunch at the Liberty Tree Tavern. I hope it's not a hangin' tree.

On Saturday, for lunch, I get to meet Remy at Chefs de France Restaurant in World Showcase. I will bring him a special gift of cheese. Krispy cheese.

Sunday the 19th is my birthday. The other one. Not the one on New Year's. I move from the Sheraton Vistana in Orlando to Orange Lake in Kissimmee. And I gain a bedroom. Still no word on the blender.

On Monday, I have dinner at Boma and explore the Animal Kingdom Lodge. Probably a good day to spend at Animal Kingdom.

Tuesday night is Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party! Do I wear a costume? Is there room in the suitcase? Maybe I'll go as a guy looking for a blender.

Thursday is the total best thing ever. EVER! The Backstage Magic Tour. All day starting at 9 am. No sandals, open-toed, or open-heeled shoes will be permitted. Cameras (still or video) are not allowed backstage. I will see the famed Utilidors. Perhaps I will see the legendary Phantom of the Utilidors. Backstage at all four parks and, fingers crossed I hope it's clam chowder in a breadbowl, lunch will be served!

Friday morning is breakfast at Kona Cafe for the much ballyhooed (Bali Hai'd?) Tonga Toast.

Sunday is my checkout day at Orange Lake, but my flight doesn't leave until 7 pm on Monday. Uh-oh. That's the night I'm staying at Flippyshark's! Just kidding! That's the night I'm staying at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. I'll start off the day at 6:30 am with a Sunrise Safari. There I'll enjoy a continental breakfast served by adorable capuchin monkeys wearing tiny fezzes and little felt vests. The rest of the day will be spent in the Concierge lounge pouncing anytime they bring out a new hors d'œuvre. They'll be sorry they didn't give me a Savannah view room.

Monday evening I fly back. Financially wiped out and 20 pounds heavier.

I'm already expecting a guest or two while I'm there. There's plenty of room, so, if you've been waiting for an opportunity, now's your chance.

[Chernabog]

Meanwhile, our Sherman Oaks condo is going clothing-optional for a couple weeks. :)

[alphabassettgrrl]

That sounds like an excellent itinerary!!!! Especially the backstage tour!!! ::jealous::

[Disneyphile]

Aw! I can feel your excitement in that post! :)

You're going to have the best time ever, and I can't wait to hear all about it when you get back! :)

[Gn2Dlnd]

Meanwhile, our Sherman Oaks condo is going clothing-optional for a couple weeks. :)

Blerg!

[innerSpaceman]

oooh, gonna be fun. Have a blast! Can't wait to hear all about it over cheese bits when you get back.

[Prudence]

How exciting! We're going a few weeks after you. I wish I was already there.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Gn2 - love your itinerary. Sounds similar to what I'd do. I'm so excited for you!

[Stan4dSteph]

Do you have an iPhone or other smartphone? There are some mobile apps that might be useful.

[Gn2Dlnd]

Do you have an iPhone or other smartphone? There are some mobile apps that might be useful.

I have an Android. What apps do you recommend? I downloaded Touringplans.com's app. last night, but the fields in which to enter my info is microscopic. I'll have to see if I can access their site on my desktop.

[Stan4dSteph]

Touringplans.com is good. Did you go to the mobile version of their site? That might help on the phone. I like their iPhone app a lot. The Undercover Tourise app looks very nice, but I haven't had a chance to test it out in the park. They do have one for Android also.

The other basic app I have that I like is called "Hours" and it just provides theme park hours and entertainment schedules for the parks. Basic, but it makes that information easily accessible without a lot of other clutter.

[Gn2Dlnd]

Just checking in, day 4! Heading out to Disney Studios for lunch at the Brown Derby. Probably will segue nicely into Universal for tomorrow! If you're not following gn2dlnd on Twitter, you're missing some fun pix. :) I'll post some here, later, must go get more exhausted. I actually had to walk to my car last night at the Magic Kingdom because I outlasted the trams!

I hear they import real cobb spiders from Hollywood for the cobb salad at the Brown Derby.

[DreadPirateRoberts]

I've been enjoying your pictures.

[Chernabog]

Damn you for making me go to twitter!!

Glad you're having a blast. The apartment hasn't burned down, but we have been feeding your socks to the dog. He'll be licking your toes for more after you get back. ;)

[alphabassettgrrl]

Loving the Twitter updates! Glad you're having fun. :)

[Gn2Dlnd]

Damn you for making me go to twitter!!

Glad you're having a blast. The apartment hasn't burned down, but we have been feeding your socks to the dog. He'll be licking your toes for more after you get back. ;)

HA HA!

And blerg.

Today, back to Epcot for lunch at Chefs de France and dinner at Le Cellier! So much for ketosis. :rolleyes: