I'm going to Disney World!

[DisneyDaniel]

Since there is an "I'm going to Disneyland!" thread already, I thought it would be appropriate to start a Walt Disney World thread for those who plan to visit Central Florida.

As of today, I am making a last-minute vacation to visit Walt Disney World and other Central Florida attractions. So, I can now say those five magic words: "I'M GOING TO DISNEY WORLD!"
:D

Not including travel days, I will have eight whole days -- from Sunday, July 12 to Sunday, July 19 -- to visit Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom and other area attractions.

Since this truly is a last-minute opportunity to go on vacation -- due to very fortunate work scheduling -- then I will simply be happy to enjoy all the offerings around Central Florida. Some other friends are also visiting Central Florida around the same time, so that helps as another motivational factor to visit the Sunshine State again.

Beside spending time at the four Walt Disney World parks, I have not definitively decided which other theme parks to possibly visit, although I am also considering Universal Studios Florida, Universal's Islands of Adventure, SeaWorld Orlando, or Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

However, the "to do" list for a half-day park includes the historic Cypress Gardens (http://www.cypressgardens.com/gardens.php), since I've never visited the place before and at least would like to see its famous ski show at least once. Cypress Gardens had closed, but is open yet again under new management, which eliminated its carnival rides, roller coasters and zoo area.

Also, timing is right to visit Kennedy Space Center on Thursday, July 16 when Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is holding events to celebrate the Apollo 40th Anniversary (http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/Apollo-40th-Anniversary.aspx) and man's first steps on the moon.

In any case, with apologies for the very late notice, if any East Coast or Florida residents of LoT would like to meet up at any point between Sunday, July 12 to Sunday, July 19, send me a PM here on LoT and maybe we can get together at one of the Central Florida theme parks or somewhere else nearby. If not, don't worry about it, and I plan to post some photos and reports here during the trip.

[alphabassettgrrl]

How exciting!

[innerSpaceman]

Congrats. I hope you have a wonderful time. Can't wait for the stories and, of course, the PICTURES!


I'd like to go again sometime, but I think I overdid it back in the 80's and 90's.

[Moonliner]

Oh great. Another thread I can't participate in for the foreseeable future...


Still, have a great time!

D.D.D.D. <- Disney Daniel Does Disney

[CoasterMatt]

Super cool, Daniel-

If you want to get some incredible pictures, I'd recommend at least a day at Islands of Adventure- it's really the most detailed theme park in North America.

[DisneyDaniel]

Thanks for the recommendation, Matt! It's been a few years since I've visited IOA, and I have a yearning to ride Dueling Dragons, Incredible Hulk Coaster, and The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man again.

I heard/read that the formerly awesome, giant dragons at the entrance of Dueling Dragons had been removed or demolished? :(

You were there recently, right?

[Prudence]

Whee! I'm actually planning a trip right now for mid-November. I'm once again going through the "which resort?" dilemma. I wish I could be going again right now!

Oh wait - I AM! okay, only sort of. I couldn't go to my grandmother's memorial service, so I'm going down to visit my grandfather for his birthday this month. Sadly, I will just miss Disney Daniel, as I'm not leaving until the 21st. I'm sneaking away to EPCOT for one day, though! The rest will be family stuff.

[CoasterMatt]

Unfortunately, the big dragons are gone- but they've realigned the entrance during construction of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

If you haven't been to Busch Gardens, that's another wonderful place for pics - I got more excellent animal pictures there than at Animal Kingdom on this trip, plus two of my favorite steel coasters on Earth are there (Kumba and Montu).

Sea World Orlando's Manta is a good coaster, but I really enjoyed the aquarium attached to it- it's fun to get pics in the aquarium full of rays that goes OVER your head (see my facebook albums for a few of those). I'd love to see what an accomplished photographer such as yourself would do in such a photogenic place.

Of course, the number one thing, have fun!

[Stan4dSteph]

I bought my plane ticket for MouseAdventure: Epcot yesterday. Flying down Nov. 11 and flying back Nov. 16.

[Scrooge McSam]

Word is Everest's Yeti is operational again. Enjoy!!

[cirquelover]

Woohoo that's great news Daniel! Have a wonderful trip!

If you have the time and money there's La Nouba by Cirque in DTD.

[DisneyDaniel]

Thanks for the well wishes and ideas, everyone. :)

It will be extremely hot, humid and crowded in the middle of July, but the draw of Disney magic wins over -- for the chance to visit Central Florida again.

Prudence: Sorry I will have missed you by a day. Hope things go as well as expected with your family.

Stan4dSteph: I would so love to compete in the inaugural MouseAdventure at Walt Disney World, but it's not likely to happen this year. It will at least be much cooler and more comfortable for you and the MA staff in November.

cirquelover: Thanks for the idea! I own the La Nouba DVD and absolutely love that show, but have yet to see it in person. Yeah, yeah, seeing Cirque du Soleil is much better live and I'll keep it in mind for potential evening activities.

[Matterhorn Fan]

However, the "to do" list for a half-day park includes the historic Cypress Gardens (http://www.cypressgardens.com/gardens.php), since I've never visited the place before and at least would like to see its famous ski show at least once. Cypress Gardens had closed, but is open yet again under new management, which eliminated its carnival rides, roller coasters and zoo area.
I knew they'd taken out the carnival rides, but I didn't know what they'd done with all that space. I see from the new map online that they've actually paved over that area and turned it back into a parking lot! (Insert obligatory DCA joke here.)

I'm also pleased to hear that they've taken the "zoo" area out. This is a good thing as well. I hope the gardens are being well-maintained; it's a lovely area.

[€uroMeinke]

Well - Orlando at least to attend a conference from October 15-18 - but I'm thinking of staying an extra day so I can see Epcot again, or maybe ride Everest. Anyone going to the Food & Wine Festival?

[Andrew]

Well - Orlando at least to attend a conference from October 15-18 - but I'm thinking of staying an extra day so I can see Epcot again, or maybe ride Everest. Anyone going to the Food & Wine Festival?
We arrive on Oct 19th.

[dlrp_bopazot]

i wish i was still there and be able to have a dinner or a ride with you or a ride on Expedition Everest or even Spaceship Earth .

But we'll meet up in about 2 weeks when i'll be in California ahaha

[sleepyjeff]

Everest is awesome!

So are the speedramps!

I want to go back....take me.

[flippyshark]

Well - Orlando at least to attend a conference from October 15-18 - but I'm thinking of staying an extra day so I can see Epcot again, or maybe ride Everest. Anyone going to the Food & Wine Festival?

I bet I know someone (or two or three) who would love to meet you there.

You'll want to linger around the Olive Oil and Edy's Ice Cream exhibits at least long enough to read the placards.

Everest is wonderful, but don't plan on getting a good look at the Yeti. He's been out of commission for a while, and is kept in shadow for his big reveal. I don't know when this is going to be fixed.

[Morrigoon]

I'm guessing that at least a couple folks here have DVC and have used it in FL. My s-i-l just told me that they have a bonus week they can't use from their timeshare (based in Vegas, but hooked up to Interval Int'l), but it HAS to be used in September. On the outside outside chance that we could find a way to use it and score a room in a Disney resort, what amenities are provided to guests in a DVC resort? Magical Express? Food? Just need the info.

[sleepyjeff]

I'm guessing that at least a couple folks here have DVC and have used it in FL. My s-i-l just told me that they have a bonus week they can't use from their timeshare (based in Vegas, but hooked up to Interval Int'l), but it HAS to be used in September. On the outside outside chance that we could find a way to use it and score a room in a Disney resort, what amenities are provided to guests in a DVC resort? Magical Express? Food? Just need the info.

I don't have DVC but have on past occasions investigated buying in....I think you do get Magical Express and the food is available as an add-on(for the same price they charge resort guests if I remember correctly).

You don't get daily maid service(instead you get trash and towell service every 4 days or so and a full cleanup every 6 or it might be every 7).

[€uroMeinke]

So I have a few more details on my Orlando adventure, and a few questions as well.

During the conference I'll be at the Orlando World Center Marriott - which appears rather close to Epcot. Now I managed to add an extra day to my stay (Monday 10/20), so now I get to decide if I stay there for another night, or move someplace else. The Marriott clocks in at $230+ a night, which seems excessive for my needs, so I wonder if I should go to the resort for a night at the Pop whatever, for half that - or really go on the cheap and find someplace elsewhere in Orlando - or take the same Money and live the boyhood fantasy and book a room in the Contemporary for a night. Any opinions from seasoned WDW visitors?

I know I'll at least want to hit Epcot while I'm there - any advice on the various ticket media available? it seems my hotel sells half day tickets to the park, but I need to check park hours to see what really will be open when my conference shuts down for the night, but I think you have to buy those in advance and I know I'll be stuck with coworkers for most of those evenings.

Which leads me to inquire about dinning recommendations outside the parks in the Orlando area - I should at least be able to leverage a good meal or two out of my colleagues.

[dlrp_bopazot]

So I have a few more details on my Orlando adventure, and a few questions as well.

During the conference I'll be at the Orlando World Center Marriott - which appears rather close to Epcot. Now I managed to add an extra day to my stay (Monday 10/20), so now I get to decide if I stay there for another night, or move someplace else. The Marriott clocks in at $230+ a night, which seems excessive for my needs, so I wonder if I should go to the resort for a night at the Pop whatever, for half that - or really go on the cheap and find someplace elsewhere in Orlando - or take the same Money and live the boyhood fantasy and book a room in the Contemporary for a night. Any opinions from seasoned WDW visitors?

I know I'll at least want to hit Epcot while I'm there - any advice on the various ticket media available? it seems my hotel sells half day tickets to the park, but I need to check park hours to see what really will be open when my conference shuts down for the night, but I think you have to buy those in advance and I know I'll be stuck with coworkers for most of those evenings.

Which leads me to inquire about dinning recommendations outside the parks in the Orlando area - I should at least be able to leverage a good meal or two out of my colleagues.


Check hotels on US192 near WDW . Past the I4 and before and right after Old town there is nice hotels for really cheap prices . From US192 ther is Lynx Buses from there to WDW or you can rent a Car in MCO and stay on US192 this would be way cheap than the World Center Mariott .

I think i know which one it is . It is the one surround by Intl drive and Apopka Vineland . Next year is you plan on going back in Orlando area i would say go to Universal Studios and check out the new Harry Potter stuff .

[€uroMeinke]

Right now I'm being tempted to spend a night at the Animal Lodge for $180 - not cheap but $50 less than the Marriott - and thanks to Mouse Planet and magic Your Way tickets- I can probably do a morning visit to Animal Kingdom and ride Everest before heading home.

[flippyshark]

Right now I'm being tempted to spend a night at the Animal Lodge for $180 - not cheap but $50 less than the Marriott - and thanks to Mouse Planet and magic Your Way tickets- I can probably do a morning visit to Animal Kingdom and ride Everest before heading home.

That sounds like a great plan if you can swing it. (It also puts Boma right into your path.)

I'm familiar with the Marriott you speak of. It's very tall and out in the middle of not-much-else, but hard to miss. It has nifty glass elevators on the outside of the building, so try to get a room waaayyy up high if you can.

Restaurants within any reasonable distance of your hotel are without exception going to be chains. (There's a Sizzler and a Cici's Pizza at the nearest intersection.)

Friendly spirits may be able to transport you to slightly swankier dining options away from the tourist artery.

[Stan4dSteph]

Registration (http://www.mouseplanet.com/mouseadventure/register.php?eid=200904) for MouseAdventure: WDW closes this Friday.

I'll be there November 11-16.

[Prudence]

We'll be there 11-16 November, too! We'll be in the Orlando area the 9th through the 17th, but are spending part of the time with family.

[€uroMeinke]

Went to Epcot today - will likely go again tomorrow

[alphabassettgrrl]

Gorgeous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[bewitched]

Olivia and I are going the beginning of December.

Chris, I wish I would have seen this thread earlier, I would have had quite a few hotel suggestions (and great deals) right around WDW.

[€uroMeinke]

I think I may have seen Swanie leaving the snack bar in the Animal Kingdom Lodge on my last day there, but by the time I got my sandwich, she was gone.

[Andrew]

In almost two weeks at WDW and on the Magic, we saw exactly ONE person we knew and were not necessarily expecting--a MouseAdventure player (one of the Brothers Bear, I think)--but no one else. Kind of unusual for us, actually.

[Stan4dSteph]

In one week I will be on a plane somewhere between here and MCO.

[Moonliner]

In one week I will be on a plane somewhere between here and MCO.

Boo ya! to you. Take a spin in the Teacups for me!

In one week, I on the other hand, will be sitting here in the exact same spot, doing the exact same thing, looking at the exact same pictures on the wall.

[Andrew]

In one week I will be on a plane somewhere between here and MCO.
Me too! :babette:

[Prudence]

Ha! In one week I will already be asleep in my room at AKL! Boo-ya!

[Stan4dSteph]

I'm leaving in 2 weeks! Hoping I will catch a glimpse of some of the local LoT people (currently posting and not).

[Moonliner]

I'm leaving in 2 weeks! Hoping I will catch a glimpse of some of the local LoT people (currently posting and not).

Nope sorry. You have to reschedule. I won't be there until four weeks from now.

[alphabassettgrrl]

Have fun!!! I'm jealous!