Going to WDW!

[scaeagles]

Last time I was at WDW was in 1977 and the opportunity presented itself yesterday to go for spring break - have a friend who is a pilot and gave us vouchers that expire at the end of the month, so they had to be used, so why not? Woo-hoo!

So, experienced WDW people - advice? Going to spend 6 days at the 4 main parks and I have little time to do much research. Staying about 2 miles off property.

[LSPoorEeyorick]

Yes.

Do not eat at the counter restaurant to the right of the Yak and Yeti in Animal Kingdom > Asia. That is, unless you really want to spend the next two days violently ill. (I'm still in some discomfort half a week later.)

Also, refer to the gigantic thread of advice we came up with for Bornieo's trip earlier this year; there was a whole lot of good stuff that I bet would be helpful to you, too.

[scaeagles]

Excellent. I suppose I should find that thread. I'll keep the eating tip in the front of my mind.

[swanie]

How cool. :D

Don't underestimate Epcot. Our kids LOVE Epcot...and the worst advice anyone gave us was to only schedule only one day there because they'd be bored.

Make sure you ride Rockin Roller coaster and Expedition Everest (on EE try the front and the back - 2 very different experiences :evil: )

Are you going to try for any dining reservations? If so, we love Boma! at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. We also love the Fish and Chips in England at Epcot.

If you're looking for a good guide book try the Passporter's Walt Disney World. It reviews everything...counter service, sit-down dining, rides, etc. We kept it in our backpack for our first trip so we could reference it on the go.

I'm sure I'll think of more, but I'm just starting my first cup of coffee. :)

swanie

[Alex]

If you haven't been to Florida in 30 years and the kids haven't been there at all, skip WDW, rent a car, and go see Florida instead.

That would be my serious recommendation. WDW is cool, but the keys, Everglades, panhandle, etc., are cooler. So do them first.

But if doing WDW my advice is this: 6 days is more than enough time to see everything in all of the parks, so don't get hyperfocused on having a commando plan. Just relax and play it by ear and mood.

[Alex]

It occurs to me that that comes off as a party pooper post. And I make enough of those that I don't need to do it unintentionally.

There's absolutely nothing wrong with going to WDW. I just know so many people that go annually and have never seen a part of Florida that doesn't have Mickey ears in the background (or isn't a road connecting the Mickey ears to the airport).


And as good at WDW is I think the natural wonders of Florida are better, so if given a surprise opportunity and you haven't really been I do encourage giving some thought to skipping or minimizing WDW this trip in favor of other things.

But I'm not saying that doing WDW is a bad thing.

[scaeagles]

We are planning on renting a car for a day and heading to the Space Center and coast. I hadn't considered the Everglades, but one thing you need to know about me is I live 4 hours from the grand canyon and my kids (one of whom is 14) have never seen it. Bad dad. The keys are a bit far away, I think....don't want to drive all the way there.

[Chernabog]

My advice is to take one of those days and do Islands of Adventure/Universal Studios Florida. They have a one-day park hopper available.

I've been twice to WDW -- at age 12 in 1989, and then again in 2006. While I liked the Disney parks, I was actually WAY more impressed with IoA/USF when I did that in 2006. In fact, when I go on the Disney cruise in May (from Florida to Los Angeles), I'm arriving one day early to Florida specifically to do IoA/USF, and skipping all of the Disney parks.

Spiderman (even the most jaded theme parker with us went HOLY SH*T after going on that ride), Men In Black (makes Buzz Lightyear look like something a 2nd grader did), The Mummy (the good version, not the Hollywood crap version), Dueling Dragons (yes, the themed line is jaw-dropping), Dudley Do-Right, and a lovely meal at Mythos (a beautifully themed sit down restaurant in IoA.... all of IoA is VERY VERY well themed) -- totally worth spending a day for.

[cirquelover]

There is a lot to do in Florida. There are theme parks galore and many other sights to see like the space center, Gulf, many unusual animals and everything Alex mentioned too!
I would have to suggest going to see the Cirque du Soleil show La Nouba in DTD. I enjoyed it very much and would love to go back and see it again. It has something for every age group in your party and the music is "younger" than their other shows.
I think the food choices are wonderful at WDW. Take a look at the menus and see what appeals to you. We also loved Boma, it was a fun experience, and the AKL is beautiful. Make sure to look out on the Savannahs if you go there.
We also used the Passporter guide for WDW and it is very informative on everything.

I'm also very jealous! Have a great time!

[BarTopDancer]

Get a map in the MK. It's the same. But different! (Our MK motto). EPCOT needs more than one day. It is a HUGE park (nothing really prepared me for how ginormous it is). Eat at the counter service place in Morrocco and avoid 'Ohana. Go into the Canadian pavilion store and ask them if they have any Ducks Stanley Cup merchandise :evil:

We skipped the carbon copied rides and made a point to ride the different rides. We didn't spend nearly enough time in AK (since the San Diego Wild Animal Park is right down the freeway) and I regret that. Expedition Everest is amazing, as is their ToT. Mission Space was amazing as well (they aren't kidding when they say look straight ahead and do not close your eyes!)

Spend some time resort hopping via the monorail (the monorail goes through the Contemporary hotel! It's SO COOL!). If you can explore some of the resorts, take the time to do so.

Finally, take a little time to study the WDW transportation map. Since you're staying off property and have a car I presume you are going to be driving to the parks, but it would be a good idea to know your other options (monorail from EPCOT to MK for example).

[swanie]

Oohhh... just remembered. Don't miss the Haunted Mansion. The "stairs" room rocks. :snap:

swanie

[Moonliner]

Since you will be staying off property you will want to avoid whatever park has early entry each day.

[Alex]

We are planning on renting a car for a day and heading to the Space Center and coast. I hadn't considered the Everglades, but one thing you need to know about me is I live 4 hours from the grand canyon and my kids (one of whom is 14) have never seen it. Bad dad. The keys are a bit far away, I think....don't want to drive all the way there.

Well, the keys are only 4.5 (290 miles to Key Largo) hours from Orlando and if you are seeing other things on the way. Of course, I've driven that far for lunch before only to turn around and drive back afterwards so obviously I probably have a different definition of acceptable driving distances.

Kennedy is fun, but unfortunately (in my view) the Atlantic coast in that area isn't all that interesting (Cocoa Beach down to Melbourne, just kind of blah). The gulf side is more interesting but you probably don't want to drive from one side to the other.

I think it is still going strong but if you are on the road in the direction of the Gulf Coast I recommend a stop at Parkesdale Farm (http://www.parkesdale.com/strawberry_shortcake/strawberry_shortcake.htm) in Plant City for some strawberry shortcake. It's not the best in the world but it is a neat roadside stop.

As for on property, the Fantasia Miniature Golf is a fair amount of fun.

[Moonliner]

You can save at least a few bucks if you get your tickets from Orlando Fun Tickets (http://www.orlandofuntickets.com). They are a sponsor over on Micechat.

[Morrigoon]

Avoid Ohana at the Polynesian.

[Disneyphile]

Avoid Ohana at the Polynesian.I actually enjoyed O'hanas. I thought the food was really awesome.

[BarTopDancer]

I actually enjoyed O'hanas. I thought the food was really awesome.

When were you there?

When we went (in June) the meat was super dry and the service was terrible. Yes, 8 months is a long time, but from other reviews that I've read, it hasn't improved.

[Alex]

I was thoroughly unimpressed by Ohana when I ate there four or five years ago but a whole lot of people really like it.

Before making food recommendations, do you like the nicer dining or want to stick to the more mid-brow family dining stuff? Nothing wrong with either and good options in both categories, just wondering if California Grill is a recommendation worth making.

[Bornieo: Fully Loaded]

AAA has discounts for Universal Tickets too. I got an excellent deal last time.

IOA is amazing. WDW is awesome.

Food - Boma! at the AK lodge is incredible. The Plaza Rest. off of Main St. has great food and was rarely busy.

But, look for the threads from when I went in Oct. It helped alot.

[Alex]

Boma changed their banana bread pudding to something much inferior. So they're no longer on my must-have list for a WDW visit. They're still on Lani's though (she loves the soups).

No strong restaurant recommendations in Epcot but you can skip on the Mexico restaurant and the Germany one without any regrets.

[Disneyphile]

When were you there?October 2006.

Sounds like they went downhill. :(

[Gemini Cricket]

I haven't been to WDW since 2000, but I had a good time. I would love to go back soon, any room in a suitcase for a cricket?

Are you going to go to Universal or IOA at all?

And take your kids to the Grand Canyon for crying out loud.
:D

[Moonliner]

I haven't been to WDW since 2000, but I had a good time. I would love to go back soon, any room in a suitcase for a cricket?

Are you going to go to Universal or IOA at all?

And take your kids to the Grand Canyon for crying out loud.
:D

I don't know about Scaeagles, but Headliner and I are ditching the mouse for a day and doing the VIP tour of USF/IOA during our June trip.

[scaeagles]

I know - I already got L7 mojo for that. :(

Planning on just hitting the WDW parks and the Space Center. We have six days, but would like a day to redo stuff that we really liked. Also, my wife, who teaches geography and world history, might decide she's going to stay in Epcot the entire 6 days.

[Moonliner]

...but would like a day to redo stuff that we really liked.

When the entire family went a few years ago, we set aside one day for "do overs" and each kid was able to choose an attraction to re-visit. I think that was their favorite part of the trip...

[scaeagles]

That has always been something we've tried to do....I think a lot of time the smaller ones in particular (6 and 8) are apprehensive, then really like it, then are bummed about no redos with anticipation of fun.

[lashbear]

If funds hold up, I would recommend the "Keys to the kingdom" tour - you get a good tour of the park, get lunch, and see some seriously cool backstage stuff including walking through the Utilidors !!

PLEASE try to find HTHBellcaptain and see if you can tour HTH and make sure you meet up with Flippy, MF and any other bitter east coasters that can make it.

Oh, and see The American Adventure in EPCOT - it made me teary. :blush:

...and please don't miss out on at least one day at IOA.

...and don't feed the alligators.

[I Heart Disneyland]

I've not been since 1997, and we are going for our 20th wedding anniversary this year. I am WAY excited. I will be picking some brains before we leave too, for ideas! Plus, I have friends who have been recently, and will also pick theirs!

[CalGal]

Glad I found this thread! We are planning our first trip to WDW this fall, and I am so excited!

[SacTown Chronic]

I'll keep eating the tip in the front of my mind.
Have fun in Florida!

[Matterhorn Fan]

Dessert at Boma shows some signs of improving. The banana bread pudding is still different, but in January it was not hard as a rock (hey, it's a start). The pineapple upside-down cheesecake is back. The zebra domes (though still being made with Bailey's) at least didn't look like a 10-year-old assembled them.

The rest of the food is good enough to fill up on, though.

[RStar]

Yes.

Do not eat at the counter restaurant to the right of the Yak and Yeti

Well, with a name like YAK what did you expect! ;)

Have fun Leo! I think I'll make it my goal to visit each Disney park around the world. I have only been to our beloved original, and never even been to WDW!

I'm working on my first posibility now, Disneyland Paris!! :snap:

Have a great time in WDW!!

~Bob

[Not Afraid]

I think I'll make it my goal to visit each Disney park around the world. I have only been to our beloved original, and never even been to WDW!

I'm working on my first posibility now, Disneyland Paris!! :snap:


~Bob


Other than a trip to the Florida's Magic Kingdom in 1977, Disneyland Paris was my first "other" Disney park. It was spectacular and I highly recommend it.

[CoasterMatt]

If you go to Paris, make sure you go to Parc Asterix - but don't ride Gouderix unless you want to experience a new dimension of pain.

[scaeagles]

We're back.....

I have a lot of thoughts, but want to say that Expedition Everest is now officially my favorite Disney ride ever. Spec-freakin-tacular.

I fear I spent a lot of my experience there comparing attractions that exist in both Anaheim and Orlando.

What I preferred in Orlando:
Big Thunder
Jungle Cruise
Peter Pan (no comparison, IMO)
Tower of Terror (no comparison)

What I prefer in Anaheim:
Pirates (simply no comparison - felt ripped off after waiting in line)
Space Mountain (much slower, weird with no music)
Splash Mountain (though an upgrade in the sound system is really the only thing they need)

Things Anaheim needs -
Expedition Everest (though I don't know where it would go)
Rock and Roller Coaster (fun! good fit for DCA)

Almost every queue at WDW is themed better than queues at DLR. I think this may be because they have so much rain in the summer thay need more indoor waiting area.

Lots more later.

[Gemini Cricket]

Nice!
Wait until you go to Disneyland Paris. Their Big Thunder is the bestest.
I love the Tower of Terror at WDW. Way, way better than ours.

Sounds like y'all had a great trip!
:)

[wendybeth]

What did you think about the transport, crowds and such as opposed to DL? I've heard varying opinions, but it does seem like one spends too much time getting from point A to B and so forth there- it's a big reason why I haven't gone yet. I'm glad to see my favorite DL rides get the nod for better, btw.

[sleepyjeff]

Pirates (simply no comparison - felt ripped off after waiting in line)


You had to like the speedramp at the end though:)

[scaeagles]

What did you think about the transport, crowds and such as opposed to DL? I've heard varying opinions, but it does seem like one spends too much time getting from point A to B and so forth there- it's a big reason why I haven't gone yet.

That is the biggest issue. We stayed off site, and the place we stayed, while simply outstanding (2 fulls baths, 2 full bedrooms, full kitchen, living room, dining room - www.lbvorlandoresort.com (http://www.lbvorlandoresort.com)), they had advertised a "free shuttle"....well, they had one, which left once a day for Epcot at 8:20 am and returned once a day from Epcot at 8:45 pm. Ummm, no. So we ernted a car, which was well worth it (BTW, don't rent at the airport in Orlando. We got a Ford Taurus for 268 for the week, the airport rates were twice that. ).

Getting between Epcot and MK is no problem with the monorail, which is incredibly efficient transportation there. Busses run between all parks regularly, though we never took one. We pretty much just went to a park and stayed there all day, with the exception of a hop or two between the MK and Epcot. If you do that, no big.

Next time we go - if we ever do, it will be 3-4 years - we'll definitely stay on property. You can get to several of the parks via boat from your resort, which is pretty cool.

[scaeagles]

The crowds were nothing compared to DLR, BTW. We were at Hollywood studios on Thursday and that was the worst day by far, and the only day it felt crowded.

Oh - another thing....if I'm going to build an arena specifically for the playing of Fantasmic, I'm going to make it a hell of a lot better than it is. It's a very different show than at DL, and is really pretty lame in comparison. No Pirate ship, and the mini Mark Twain they attempted to make for the end of the show is ridiculous looking. They really should be ashamed.

If you see Illuminations, make sure you are not down wind. Wind does not stop the fireworks at WDW, and my whole family got ash from fireworks in our eyes which was really quite painful.

The cast members at WDW are not anywhere near as friendly as at DLR. I have never complained to Disney about any aspect of a trip, but one cast member was so rude I did go to guest relations to complain. All turned out well and the guy at guest relations was very, very nice (gave us Fantasmic premium seating, a few generic fast passes, and provided a couple of other very nice things).

Food is much, much cheaper at WDW (a coke from a street vendor is a full dollar less) and most places had alternative choices from chicken strips or burgers - cuban sandwiches, grilled panini, etc.

[Alex]

Interesting, I have always found the CMs, on average, much nicer at WDW than DL. I want to emphasize the average part, I've experienced many great and horrible CMs at both.

And all of them suck in comparison to the lowest in Japan.