What are your regrets about your last trip?

[IndyWDWfan]

If you had to do it again, what would you have done (or not done) differently on any of your trips to The World...

I'll start. My husband and I had our first "Mommy/Daddy only" trip since our second child was born in Nov. 2001. If I had to do it over, I think I would have splurged for just 1 night at the GF. I've always wanted to stay there, but since I don't forsee any trips without the kids for a very long time, I'm not sure when we'll get to do that. I am happy, however, that we upgraded from a mod to the WL. It's tied with FQ as my favorite!!! (Then again, maybe GF would be a favorite and I'd be very poor!:D )

[Blondie]

I can honestly say I don't have one single regret from our last trip!

We did exactly what we wanted to do, and had one of the best trips yet!

Okay, maybe one regret....we never made it to Le Cellier!

That's why we have to go back!!;)

[MinnieMe2]

My one regret about all our trips to the World is -- we had to leave!!!

[kimmar067]

...have to make ressies at Cellier!! We ate there in Nov and it was FABULOUS!! (No regrets on this decision....lol). The only regret I'd say I have is that we HAVE NEVER BEEN to any of the water parks; hopefully this summer, we will have a chance to do so....(also: we would have picked spending the day at Islands of Adventure instead of Universal)

[SamSam]

:D My only regret is always that we don't have enough days to eat at all the resaurants we want to!:D AND....we have to come home.:(

[oshun]

HONESTLY, NO REGRETS (EXCEPT MAYBE TO STAY ANOTHER WEEK)

[addicted_to_WDW]

My only regret from our last trip is that my SIL came with us. She was afraid of EVERYTHING (she berated me because I didn't warn her about how dark and frightening Spaceship Earth is).

I learned that I'm not willing to compromise my immediate family's WDW happiness for anyone else. Yeah, I'm selfish. :)

[m&m's mom]

but I did have a lot of regrets about our last trip.
We were there for 2 weeks in mid to late October. If anyone remembers, this was the exact time that all of the changes were made from post 9/11. Restaurants closed that I already have PS for, no early entry (after I was ASSURED by Guest Relations that it was an internet rumor only) and drastic cuts everywhere.
My regret was I really let all of these disappointments affect my trip. I got WAY too upset.
My feeling was I was spending a very large amount of money (over $10,000) and was getting decieved. I continued on my original plan even though the day before we left it was announced that the terrorists had considered WDW a target. All of this combined for a stressful, not restful trip.
I am still trying to shake off that feeling.

[DOPEY44]

My trip was too damm long ago!!!!!

[Mickey76]

:)

I wish that Piglet203 and I had gone together instead of the idiots that we did take. However, it makes me appreciate that her and I are going in May together for the first time even more. She loves Disney just as much as I do, maybe even more, and it's a great feeling to know that I have my life to share with someone who has the same fanatical interest that I do. I appreciate it now, but I have an overwhelming feeling that once we are there, in just a few weeks, we are both going to realize that this will be the best vacation either of us has ever had....with more to come, of course.

51 days to go!!!!!

Mickey76 :)

[BethC1952]

Two things...first of all, it was too short!

And second...we should have made a reservation for one more night after our cruise on Wonder. It was so sad to have to go home when I was still so relaxed.

We learned our lesson, though. This time we're going back for a night or two after the cruise!

Beth

[MJames41]

My biggest regret was in 2000, trying to save money and using Priceline for a hotel room. We ended up at the Marriott Orlando World Conference Center (according to the Unofficial Guide a rating of 94) for 3 days at $60 per day. They made all kinds of promises to reassure me - and I left after 2 days there - couldn't take it any more. It just wasn't Disney. We moved to the All Star Sports for the final day of that (we were going to the Contemporary for a couple of days afterward) and it was fantastic. My regret was not booking the All Star (allowing others - the Unofficial Guide - opinions to outweigh my thoughts) earlier. (I'm not blaming them - it was my fault for allowing it to happen - I knew better). Just my 2 cents.

[Emy'sMom]

Hi neighbor! I'm over here in Indianapolis.

My only regret is that we didn't slow down a bit. At the end of every WDW trip we always say we are going to take a day to relax at the resort.

Our next trip is September this year and we have 1 1/2 days definitely planned to just hang out a the Polynesian.

We can't wait!

Debbie

[CamColt]

I wouldnt really say I have any regrets because we had the most perfect trip ever! But looking back, I thought of a few very minor things that I said, "I should have done that". For example... I should have had the CD I made sent back to our room instead of having to go back and pick it up, we should have ridden Body Wars while we were practically alone in WOL pavillion, and I wish we caught TOD, but we were at the other end of WS when it was going on. No big deals, but a couple "ohhh that would have worked well.

I have to say going was the best decsion we made. After 9/11 we werent sure what to do, but we sucked it up and drove 24 hrs straight down there. Having the parks to ourselves was well worth it, plus if we had postponed the trip(which was an option at one point) we would have missed out on EE, gotten shorter hours, etc... We were So glad we decided to go. If we hadnt,that would have been the biggest regret ever!

[DeeP]

Well. this is not a regret from my last WDW trip but a regret from 4 trips ago. It was Feb 2001 and Main Street Electrical Parade was due to leave WDW since SpectroMagic was coming back. Main Street Electrical Parade was only being shown 1 night during our entire trip and I let a friend who was tired and did not want to go back to MK, talk me out of going back to MK that night to see Main Street Electrical Parade. I still regret this and it was 14 months ago!

[gumdrop]

Like Emy's Mom, one of my regrets is not slowing down to relax. After stretching our budget to stay at WL, we were barely there to enjoy the resort! Plus, we tend to get worn out from running around so much that we end up exhausted and fighting with each other :crazy: !! Also, I regret not making it over to see Fantasmic. So for this trip, we decided not to spend the extra money for a deluxe (we'll be at CSR!!) and hopefully, we'll get to see Fantasmic.

--Maren:earsgirl:

[Yay2001]

No regrets -- more like "wishes" --

-- that we'd allowed more time for EPCOT

-- that we'd eaten in more Disney restaurants

-- that I took more photographs

-- that I could go this year :rolleyes:

[skiwee1]

Our last trip was mid October, only a month after the 9/11 tragedy. My only regret was not staying at WDW longer! We were there 8 days and it was not long enough. The changes at WDW had already started with the EE gone and parks closing early but I didn't notice any of it until I read so many people complaining about it on the boards! October always has short hours but the non existent crowds more then make up for that. After all the stuff going on around that time, the trip to WDW was probably the best stress relief you could ask for! :)

[Kitty 34]

No regrets......except I wish we could have met other DISers!! We were at least fortunate to meet one!!:D

[raidermatt]

The only regret would be a minor one, and that's spending more time than we really should have in Innoventions. There are plenty of things to do and see in there, but for us, its not that unique an experience.

One thing that we almost did not do, but now are very glad we did was buy the various park music CDs. We have gotten a tremendous amount of enjoyment out of these. Photographs and video are great ways to remember fond memories, but music accomplishes the same thing in a different manner.

[cindyfan]

No regrets from our last trip which was early Oct 2001! It was a last minute "can't pass up that $49/night at All Stars" :D
It was great....we relaxed, saw what we missed in May! and it cost us less that $600 for the entire trip!

I do have regrets about the May trip...original plan was 3rd week of May....changed to end of April/beginning of May because of DD wedding. We did not know about Grad Nights or Star Wars weekend!!!!! Never again at that time!
Because of these, NO night-time parade or castle shows! Crowds on the weekends....at MGM...OMG!! Crazy!! And all those teenagers !!! :eek:

We should have changed it to beginning of June......If we had, we could have stayed longer than 8 days. AND the hours would have been longer with the parades showing and all!!!:rolleyes:

Still one more regret.....every time we go we say we are going to do more of the "extra" things....namely miniture golf and/or Disney Quest. So maybe this time!!:D
But we just love spending so much time at the parks:D :D :D

Oh......one more......missed out on a DIS meet!! ;)

[CamColt]

Oh wait, I did think of a real regret from our September trip. I regret that I didnt get to meet Dan Murphy while we were both there! :( ;)

[lynr]

My only regret is that we had to go home!

[slimplaw]

We were there in Dec. and I missed the Snowglobe parade at MK and the AK parade. We got to do everything else we wanted to do.

[shelby2001]

My only regrets are that the trip was to short six days was just not enough, and the facts that we went the week between Christmas and New Years, it was just way to crowded for us and we did miss alot.

[tresey]

My trip last year was my first, and I booked it through a travel agent w/out doing any research.....I booked the trip on the spur of the moment (suprise for DS), and I paid WAY too much!!....But w/the help of this thread, and other great resources...I'm gonna have a great time this year w/out spending the mortgage!

[IndyWDWfan]

tresey,
Glad to hear you, too, benefiting from all the great knowledge out there! That's why I started the thread, hoping to gain some insight from the Disney veterens for our next trip!

[NO1BALOO]

My only regret is that I would have picked another week. We just got back today 4/4/02 and parks were so packed, they had to close magic kingdom twice this week also records were broken this week for attendence..............To busy, to crowed, and not fun never again on Easter week.

[cdrn1]

I regret that I didn't eat at Boma this last time I went. We ate there on our December visit and decided to skip it in March since we were there such a short time. Big mistake.

[ubetiski]

Coming home!

[jamsmom]

My BIG regret: I forgot to take my medicine just in case I got a kidney stone. Arrived 12/30- awakened at 3:00am and knew what it was- spent 4 hours at the clinic for them to send me over to the Celebration ER- another 3 hours. They put me on Cipro (strong antibioitc) just in case.....made me sick as a dog....spent another 3 or 4 hours the next day back at Celebration to get mediccine to take w/ the Cipro so I wouldn't be sick.


BUT, walking aroung WDW on pain medicine and phenegram sure made for an interesting trip on some rides :)

[disney4us2002]

Well, on our last trip I regret that the only night it didn't rain cancelling the parades and fireworks was the night we had Hoop Dee Doo reservations. Since they were scheduled well in advance and you have to pay if you don't show, we sort of had no choice, but it was disappointing that all the rest of the week it rained. This year we plan to stay in the parks til closing every night, lol.

Carla

[smjj]

Look for things you missed or wish you would have done differently. Use this as an excuse to go again. It works for us.....LOL..smjj

[Bunchkin]

Small regrets: I started to get stomach cramps from walking, because I'm pregnant, and should have rented an electric cart.
Never let a 4 yr old have control of the spinning in the Buzz Lightyear ride. DD spun us sooooo much I strained a muscle in my jaw. We'll know better next time! ;)

Other than that we had a perfect trip (this past Feb). Got the $49 All Star Movies rate. Spent a lot of 'off' time relaxing, shopping, shopping some more.

Can't wait till we go again next year!!:D :bounce:

[the Legend]

Oh just the usual regrets ...

Too short (4 weeks went by so fast ... ), soooo long ago (Aug/Sep 2001) and I had to pay for it .... other than that no probs!

[Laurabearz]

Last trip.... We brought some friends with us to help with our two small children. It backfired! LOL

So we now have a new rule... we only go to Disney with other parents of small children!!! Less conflict.... Dumbo always wins over SPace mountian! :)

[olena]

Carousel of Progress and Hall of Presidents were closed.....:( We didn't spend nearly enough time at Epcot's WS. Hope to see all of these in May........:)

[MickMan]

My only regret is that we had to leave.:bounce:

[kimmar067]

...keeping my $108/nite for the CBR this Aug or trying for a cheaper rate at AllStars (more $$$ to spend on other "stuff")
I think the rate for AS is $79...(help, anybody???)

[kidzmom3]

we have never been to the water parks, downtown disney or disney quest. I hope to remedy this in November if the weather co-operates.

[chelsea&austinsmom]

The only regret we had was we used Lynx busing instead of paying for ******** to go to Universal. We wasted 4 hrs on the bus when we could have been in the park.

[eeyore0062]

Really the only regrets I have about our last trip is that it was SO cold, and that I didn't take better care of my feet and ended up with a bad blister right on the bottom! We were there in January, and the temps were averaging in the 40's. There were mornings where there was still ice in the seats of some of the attractions when you got on.. and E ticket night was 32 degrees, with a wind chill of 23 degrees! Too cold, in our opinion.

One thing I didn't regret was our choices of restaurants. We ate in some truly amazing places, as we were on an adult only trip. We ate at Narcoosee's, Le Cellier, Tempura Kiku, and Cape May Cafe (we always eat there, it is a favorite).

The other thing I didn't regret was our decision to make that trip an adults only vacation... our DD would have been truly miserable considering the weather conditions.

[disney4us2002]

Kimmar, trying calling CRO back and seeing if you can add code CKG to your Aug ressie at CBR. New codes just came out today and they're advertising moderates at $94. May save a bit!?

Carla

[disneyvoice]

We regret that we didn't add a few extra days so that we could spend one day at a park and then the next day relaxing by the pool or at a water park, then spend the next day at another park, etc.

We always want to make sure that we see and do as much as possible so we usually don't take any time to just relax and enjoy the Florida sun and the pool. This last trip we spent one day at the pool and loved the relaxation. So we have vowed that from now on we will spend enough days there so that we have a pool / relation day in between each of the park days.

[LeahA]

My regret is from this year, and we didn't even leave yet. We we're booked at WL with a great rate using a code, and for some stupid reason I did Priceline. I ended up having to cancel WL, and that was really my dream place to stay. I am now booked at the Hilton DD and not excited at all to go. I really want to stay onsite, so I have ressies at POR as well! Why did I ever do Priceline????

Leah

[threeboysmom]

We have always have magical trips to WDW - it doesn't matter what the weather is or how the crowds are...... But I do have a regret from my past 2 trips - I wimped out on riding ToT! Each trip I went down with a promise that I would ride it, and each time when that stupid hotel came into view and I heard the people screaming from their elevators, I wimped out! :( Next trip I'll ride it - I promise!!! LOL Then I'll have no regrets at all !! :)

[LBYC-19]

-not having the towncar stop at a store

-not getting a rental car

-not bringing our ponchos out one night when we took the boat from the CR to Hoop-dee-doo--the sky opened up, we were drenched and HDD was air conditioned; we were chilled to the bone.

-8 trips to WDW without going to luau (finally going next week, yay)

-sleeping in and letting DS take the kids to Test Track
(going this time)

[Jen D]

This is a fun thread-- and a good opportunity for me to do something I never did when I got back from my September 2001-- thank the DIS for all the help! If it hadn't been for all the advice I received here, I would certainly have lots of regrets! Here's the big decisions I made that I DON'T regret--

1) GOING! We went 12 days after 9/11. We nearly cancelled- probably would have if we hadn't been renting DVC-- but finally went. We were so glad we did. The trip probably had a weird melancholy tone it would never have had before, but it also was sort of poignant, too-- leaving NYC for a week to regroup with our little family of three felt that much more special.

On a more superficial note, we were completely spoiled by the lack of crowds, and lines-- and we got there before the cutbacks (except E-night-- that was cancelled but we didn't need it.)

2) Taking it easy. It would have been so easy to do the commando route, but we just didn't-- I bought our park hoppers and decided to not obsess over how many hours in a day I was getting out of them-- if we felt like leaving a park at 2pm and spending the rest of the day by the pool, fine! And we did. We didn't obsess over seeing everything. Maybe not cost-effective, but more relaxing.

Of course, #2 leads to my few regrets-- well, not regrets, but wishes for next time-- there were a lot of attractions I missed that I'd hoped to see/ride. And we really never "got" Epcot-- we just never spent enough time there, and it always felt rushed. The only other "regret" is not spending enough time-- we did six nights-- which given that we decided on the vacation six months before, and started saving then-- was about all we could afford. But I hope next time to do about eight nights.

[Neeter]

I went with my sister, sister-in-law, and two nieces (7 & 15) Easter 2001 and I can easily say it was the best Disney trip I have ever taken. Honestly, we are almost afraid to plan another trip because we doubt that any future trip would measure up to it. Although we were there starting the Saturday before Easter, one of the busiest times of the year everything was perfect. All of our planning paid off I suppose. We didn't exhaust ourselves either. Everything just seemed to fall into place. We all have treasured memories from that trip.

I guess the only regret I have is I wish I had taken a journal. Then each night everyone could have written a few of their thoughts down about the days' adventures. We would have had "in the moment" feelings to go back and read now. I think that would have been such a great thing for us to be able to go back now and read about all of the magic we were blessed with on that trip. It would definitely help when we're suffering from that "Disney Withdrawal"!

[MinnieGi]

Regret #1 - We didn't bring our own pillows. The hotel pillows are too hard and big for me. I sleep on a well broken in down feather pillow. They will not be forgotten for our upcoming Nov. trip!!!!!

Regret #2 - Did not make a PS for Cindy's far enough out in advance. This time I will be calling 120 out!!!! We did get all of our other PS's and had a great time!

[Poohbear123]

No regrets at all, except not being able to meet another DIS-er!:( Hope I can see some one from here, in JUNE!! Plenty of US are going, so, wear your green Ribbons and post a Schedule of what park you will be doing on what day!;) :D

[cindyfan]

Neeter.....that journal would have been AWESOME!! :D
Three of our trips we had to pull my DD out of school. She had to do here homework on the plane and at the hotel, not much but enough to keep up.
One of her assignments all 3 times was to keep a journal!;)
BEST thing the teacher could have done. Not only did she look forward to writing in it every night, but the class really enjoyed hearing about her trip.
and now.....4 years later.....we absolutely LOVE to pick up that journal and read about our past vacations!!! :D :D
It is just awesome to have our memories in print!!

MinnieGi.....I think Cindy's is a 60 day PS. But GOOD LUCK!! :D

[Neeter]

cindyfan your post made me regret that we didn't write in a journal even more! LOL! However, it inspired me to keep one on our next trip April 2003. Pictures are one thing but going back and reading your own thoughts about the trip as it was happening... would be priceless.

E-mailing my sister now to tell her we MUST do the journal next year!

Thanks!

[kimmar067]

...is that $94 for Mod's with or without tax ($108 price I posted included tax and fees). I also got a quote of $150/nite for WL for end of July/beg. of Aug....(w/tax)

[Jen D]

Neeter, you reminded me-- I wish I had kept better notes for my trip report! I was good the first three days; then I started blowing it off. And it is almost seven months and I STILL have not finished my trip report. I think it is past its expiration date.

[dg39]

Last time we went was back in July 2000. Not one regret. We saved and saved for that trip and did everything we wanted to. We splurged and went overboard. It was my youngest daughters first time at disney(she was 6 at the time) and we did just about everything we wanted to do. Whatever we didn't do we chose not to do. Now we are going back after 2 years of saving. We intend to stay at the Contemporary Tower rooms(2-rms.) We have 2 older girls(17yrs old) and they can come and go as they please(within reason). I don't know if we will be able to top our last vacation but God willing it will be just as good. I'm so glad that I can say that we had not one regret last time and plan on saying the same thing this time. I can't wait. We got a GREAT deal on the rooms. We're staying 11 days and plan on touring other resorts and relaxing by the pool. Can't you tell I CAN'T wait.

[Wish Upon A Star]

Our trips seem sooooo short and we hate coming home
We never made our December 2001 trip because I was afraid to fly
[/list=1] [list]
We haven't been to the World since April 2000, but we are making up for it this year!
:bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

[disneyvacationmom]

My regret from my last 2 trips is not doing the dolphin swim. When we did the cruise I didn't think I could justify the cost for 4 of us and I instantly regretted it. When we went to the World last year, I checked into Discovery Cove but once again questioned whether we could afford it. Now once again I regret it because in the big picture what's a little more money. We aren't going this year so no dolphin swim for me.

[Dreamin' Disney]

Best thing I did to prepare for trip:

1. Invest in a pair of Birkenstock sandals ... usually have sore feet, but had no aches and kept cool ... much better than everyone who wore socks and runners.

2. Having a daily schedule including afternoon pool breaks or mornings at pool or waterparks with late afternoon/evening park visits.


Worst thing:

1. Being a bit to uptight at first, trying to keep to schedule and timing ... although in the end my family praised all my planning for it allowed us to do and see more than we would ever have done by simply meandering around.

2. Not having enough time for Epcot, especially World Showcase, would have liked to tour each country and sample their fare. All the shops looked interesting and just didn't have enough time to browse through them all.

I guess it's true - I'll just have to plan our next trip ...

[cindyfan]

Now that I am reading everyone else's post.....
I regret not planning enough time to enjoy and relax at Epcot's WS. This time I think we will.
I was always afraid DD would get bored, and we always seemed to end up getting to Epcot after 4pm and that just isn't enough time if you plan on the TON parade and Illuminations.
Hopefully by June they will be back to opening at 11am and we can plan the whole day!

[Clare]

Our trips have always been amazing, but too short (max of 4 nights). In December, we're staying 8 nights so we'll be able to see more while having some down time too!!

Here's what I plan not to miss next time:

1. Ride Maelstrom
2. Spend more time in the WS - this is always our favorite part of the trip, but we never see everything
3. Spend an evening at the BW - jellyrolls especially!
4. Do more resort hopping!

[Neeter]

Cindyfan, I would definitely make some more time for WS next time. My 7 year old niece loved it, as did my 16 year old niece. They both say it was one of their most favs of the trip. The 7 year old loved it because when we were there (Easter 2001) they had these masks for the kids. They could take the mask to each of the countries and add decoration to their masks in each place. I cannot tell you how much she loved it. The CM at Canada was beyond wonderful to her. She still talks about her and the things she told her about Canada as she was coloring her mask.

In almost all of my previous trips to WDW I had neglected to make time for WS. It seems you think there is way more exciting things to do, but last year we made the time. It was so much fun because there was so much I hadn't seen at the WS even though I'd been to Disney so much. The girls have both said already that we are spending more time there when we go Easter 2003. :)

[disneydel]

I agree with gumdrop, emy's mom and disneyvoice that sometimes because there is soo much to do at disney that you forget to include some relaxation time (just enough to recoup) to balance things out.

[tax58]

We spent too much time trying to see everything in 3.5 days. We stayed off site and the drive every day became a killer. From now on we will always stay at a Disney resort for at least a week at a time.

[Nolcrest]

Not a regret, but for the future I will never plan a PS breakfast for the day after having a buffet dinner - what was I thinking.

[Disneybelle66]

Yup. I will NEVER stay offsite again. We thought we would save money, not really. We spent SO much time on the road, in traffic, and in the HUGE parkinglot. After a full day in the parks, the last place you want to be is waiting for a tram,to get to your car, to wait in traffic, to get on the highway, to find your hotel, to get up to your room!!!!!Nope, next time I'm just hoppin' the monorail, and goin' to bed!!!:cool:

[IndyWDWfan]

This is exactly what I was hoping for! Lots of insite for us newbies to the Boards.

I too suffered from "thought we'd save money off-site" syndrom. I had that one in Feb, but now I'm cured!

[kimmar067]

Good for you!!!!;)

[Claire L]

One regret I had last year was when I found out about the dolphin swimbut it was too late too book. Said if I ever went agian I ould book it and I have done for this year! Off for the swim in June with DH plus we're staying at WL for wo weeks!! Still wish we had three weeks like last year, but finances although unexpected won't stretch that far!!
Claire:bounce:

[cindala]

Last visit was the first time we didn't take a "day off from the parks day", and so this year we are planning one. A day off is great to sleep a little later and recharge, do DTD or mini golf, or just go resort hopping. We didn't do mini golf last visit, and the DD's were really disappointed about that. :)




:bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

[LvsTnk]

Last trip to WDW in Dec. my only regret is that we didn't call the in-room DR.'s when my DS got sick. Instead we went to the ER at Celebration, we waited 3 hrs. and never saw a DR. and they had no clue when we would see one. The next day we had the in-room DR. come he was from Florida Hospital and we thought he was very good and we did not have to go out to get the medicines.

Last trip to DL Mar..........I regreted not being at WDW LOL! I did like CA though :). Laurie


:) :) One Week To Go AKL :) :)

[bigsis1970]

my regret would be that we should have picked 2 rooms at the All Stars so my mom and sister could have gotten a chance to stay in the "Magic " 24/7 and that we didn't take time for the Parades

I am going back 11/29 to 12/07 and we will see the Parades this time..

ps my mom and sister said they loved it anyway !!:D

Oh thought of another one we didn't use our second day free at Sea World even though we all loved it there..

[hallie]

The one regret I have is using Priceline to get an offsite hotel for the night before we checked into the AKL :D (it was wonderful!). We only paid 45.00 but the Renaissance World gate was just plain nasty. :mad: We actually ended up leaving a few days earlier then we'd planned and stayed at the Doubletree castle :) for the first 2 nights(very nice). Not wanting to waste the money we prepaid for the Renaissance through Priceline, we went. I wish we would've just stayed at the Doubletree castle instead cause the RWG was a nightmare. :eek:

[erikthewise]

We went last December for a 4-day WDW stay followed by a 3-day DCL cruise. Thanks in part to these boards we did a lot of things right, but I wish in retrospect that we had had a 5-day WDW stay or 4-day cruise, or both.

It's not just a matter of wanting more like everyone else, it was just a failure to realize in advance that
(a) our "4-day" WDW stay was in truth 3.5 days, because we had only a half-day on our day of arrival. On cruise day we left about 10:30 AM, getting aboard about 1:00, so we lost a half-day there too.
(b) our "3-day" cruise was in fact 2.5 days (as the itinerary makes clear). While enjoyable, it is somewhat intense, and not a particularly good value for per day cost when compared with a 4-day or 7-day cruise.

With an extra day in either or both places, our trip would have been more relaxed. Since we booked the two components separately (this saves money), there no reason why we couldn't have done it, other than it would have cost more!

(PS: I also wish I hadn't broken two toes on the second day! Fortunately they were little toes and I was still able to walk.)

[PamNC]

The only thing I regret is not staying longer or taking a last minute trip sooner. Our last trip was July 2001 - we stayed at the Yacht Club. It was a last minute trip - we had just returned from our annual Memorial Week trip. I found out I had a couple of extra days off for July 4th, so we went on down Wed-Sat. My mom was there with her sister. We kept it quiet and didn't let them know we were coming. One night when we knew they were going to Fantasmic we snuck over to their resort (Coronado) and knocked on the door claiming to be room service. it was priceless.

The Yacht Club was great. We did the Beach Club in May. I think I like Beach Club a little better.

This year for our memorial week trip we're staying at the Grand Floridian and we couldn't be more excited. I don't think after staying there we'll have any extra money for another impromptu trip.

Regrets? No way! If you missed doing something you wanted to do during your trip, just think of it this way: you'll just have to go back the next year to do it.

PamNC

[KAM2]

One of my regrets would have to be that we did the "comando" touring thing on the last 2 trips........well, I should say I did. I dragged the poor family along with me so we wouldn't "waste" any time or money. Of course as it ended up we were all so exhausted we became irritable with one another.
I will build in a day off from the parks on our trip in October....maybe to go to Typhoon Lagoon. We took a day off to rest on our trip in 1998 and it was wonderful. :)

Second regret was that we took the kids out of school for a week......it was completely AWFUL making up the schoolwork. We won't do that any time again soon!! :eek:


Everything else was grand!! Loved the nightly movies, campfires and smores at Fort Wilderness and the Water Pageant on the beach. They were both highlights on our last trip!!

[Hettie]

My only regret was not having enough time in Epcot. We could have really used another day. We barely touched World Showcase, didn't get to play with anything in Innoventions, and didn't stop by Wonders of Life Pavilion at all. Other than that, our planning worked perfectly.

[jlambrig]

We flew down on 9/11 and didn't know what happened until we got to the Rainforest Cafe and tried to get a table. Then 2 days later Trop Strom Gabrielle hit. Even so, my 4 year old loved it any way. We just bought into the BCV because we are going to be Disney vacationholics.

[jeleebeene]

In August 2000, my husband and I went with my mom and dad, my brother, my Aunt and her friend, and my 2 cousins and there 2 kids. I had a HORRIBLE time, because my parents didn't want to do what we wanted to, my dad has really bad feet, and could walk long, and they got mad at us for wanting to go off my ourselves for a bit.
:(
I felt like I was a child in their house all over again. I felt really bad when on the 4th day of our trip, I met up with the cousins and Aunt and stayed with them for awhile at MGM - and told my parents they could do what they wanted that day. Well, needless to say, we didn't see them for the next 2 days of our trip until we were leaving - they (mostly my dad) were that mad.
I go to Disney to have fun, not to be treated like a kid (though I feel like a kid all over again when I am there!!). My husband and I paid for our vacation, and wanted to do things that we liked, as well as try to accomodate everyone else. It was stressful with 11 people, trying to eat together, ride rides together. My cousins wanted to hang with me ALL the time (which deep down I love to be with them though they can drive me crazy) :smooth: , and I think that upset my parents, too.
This trip, it is just me and my husband, and I think it will be our last, until we have children. I can't imagine going on another trip like that again!!

:Pinkbounc :bounce:

[jesdmill1]

Our last trip was "practically perfect", but there are always a few lessons to be learned!

I wish I had scheduled us to go to Universal/IOA. We're going this year (30 days!) and my SO is soo excited... I had no idea, but I should have known with all the comic book characters etc, and he's a big movie buff too.

I wish I had gotten us reservations at Flying Fish instead of waiting until the day of and having to eat at 9:45 PM (it was still wonderful though!)

I wish I had just checked into the GF a day early instead of spending the first night at a cheaper hotel... it just wasn't worth the hassle for one night.

I wish we hadn't booked the Keys to the Kingdom tour. We got stuck with a majorly grumpy group of people for hours!

I wish... that it could have been longer! :) It was our most magical trip ever, and I know that this years trip will be magical in its own way, even if I do end up with a few "regrets"

[cindyfan]

jeleebeene, I know how you feel. :rolleyes:
Everyone should be able to enjoy WDW the way they want.
We had one trip back in '89 that Dear Mom paid for....It was her, me, DH, DD, Brother and his crew....total of 8.
Mom insisted we all "Keep together!" By the 2nd day my DD who was 12 was having such a HORRIBLE time !!! :mad: My nieces were 5 and 7 and couldn't keep up, so we had to go at such a slow pace.
And the worst thing was that Mom insisted on sit-down meals 3 times a day!!! At EXACTLY 9am, Noon, and 5pm!!! What a waste of time!! We simply don't eat that much! Mom spent most of her time asking "Where do you want to eat???"!!! :mad: How annoying! And DD just kept saying "who cares.....I'm NOT HUNGRY!"
On the 3rd day.....I had to stand up to her for DD sake! We broke off and did our own thing the next 2 days and the last day spent with them. Mom pouted for a day, but got over it.;)

We really laugh about it now.....and some of the pictures we have are absolutely HISTERICAL!!! The looks on everyone's faces!! If looks could kill!!:eek:


But get this......2 yrs ago.....Me, DH, 9 yo DD and now 23 yo DD and boyfriend went.....I foot the bill.
Well, DD and her boyfriend followed us around like lost puppies!! Drove me NUTS!! After the first day....I had to remind her of our trip in '89!! Then told her "I am not your tour guide!" She got the point. The rest of the 7 days were FANTASTIC!!! We spent some days together others not. But we had alot more stories and experiences to share!!! :D

We are all going together again in June. Wish us luck!! LOL:D

[ebaynut31]

I regret doing the Land/Sea package. I don't think I will do the two together again. We had so much booked while on land, including going to MK for Halloween Night which if you ever have a chance, it's a MUST DO!!!! It was so fun seeing everyone dressed up and the parade and the fireworks!! And the candy, oh the candy. We left for the cruise on 11/1 and I had to buy a tote bag just for candy! And I booked so much while in Nassau and Castaway Cay that we were totally exhausted at the end of our "vacation". I'm glad we did both though. I am going in June for 1 week at CSR and doing the 3-day Cruise in August. We'll see how that goes.
Karen

[froggy12]

Let's see....i went to WDW in September. It was me ( 13 ), Dad, Mom, little bro, gramma, papa. We stayed at Carribean Beach. The resort was awesome, but we were there during 9/11. That was scary. We were shopping in down town disney. I took my little brother ( 5 ) over to Lego Land and there were signs that said it was closed. When I went back into the big disney store that my mom and gramma were shopping in, a worker came over and told us we were being bombed and WDW was a target. Being told that you are going to be bombed any minute is kind of scary! Turns out, it wasn't the truth. Then another lady said that there were fires is chicago. Another false alarm. We had no idea what was REALLY happening. All we knew was that we had to make our purchases and get out of the store fast! My dad and my papa were golfing and they had to get off of the golf course. We were in an emergancy lock down in our resort. The characters came to the resort to get peoples' minds off of "things". When we got back to the room we watched the news. They brought a big screen tv into the food court. Everyone was panicing. I have to say that the employies were extra friendly. My whole family went swimming that night. Thank god the pools were open! ;) The next day we went to epcot. At the gates they searched through our bags to see if we were criminals. Another scary thing. If I could have changed one thing, I would have stopped the terrorists, but obviously that couldn't have happened. I also wish we could have stayed longer. My mom just decided that we are going back to Disney ( staying at CS ) for 2 weeks in June! YEA!!!!....can't wait! :p

[kimmar067]

sounds like you are quite a BRAVE young person!!! I am sending Xtra magical PIXIE DUST your way* * * * * you deserve to have a wonderful time at WDW!!!!!:wave:

[DisneyVillans]

Our biggest regret is not doing Typhoon Lagoon. We had a day planned to go there on our first two trips. Both times we decided to do something else. This trip - Typhoon Lagoon is the first thing we are doing.

Last trip we went to IOA. We rode Dueling Dragons first. Nobody wanted to do the Hulk afterwards. This time - we are riding Hulk before anything else!

[Luv2Roam]

I keep forgetting to stand under the umbrella at MGM! :rolleyes:

The first trip, January '01, we went with some dear friends I truly love and we get along great. The only downside was they are 20+ years older than DH & I. The friend's DH can keep up easily. My friend -- well, she is a retired dawdler.
We did separate one day, but near the end of the trip we just had to start leaving her/her DH behind. She was walking a pace of a one year old (or 90 year old). And it's nice to stop and smell the roses, but....
We should have planned a little more apart than we did.

This last trip (January '02) we made a couple mistakes I would not do again. First, because I wanted to go to the Disney outlet and the HRC stores, we rented a car for a few days. It was much more bothersome driving around off property than it was worth.
The *crowds* were non-existant, except on the highway. Then it was stop and go like L.A. on a very bad day. (If not worse.)
We were tired from the flight, frustrated, stressed and became the Bickerson's. :p :rolleyes:
Then to top if off, because we ran around TOO MUCH the first day (early rising, flying in, running/driving around, Poly pin meet, etc) DH didn't rest, and didn't drink near enough water, and we ate way off schedule.
He had his miles in for the '02 WDW marathon and was injury free. (Unlike the previous year.) Because of tired, stress and dehydration, he developed viral flu-like symptoms half way through the marathon.
He did finish, but only by walking half the marathon. And I have the finish photo to prove he looked like crap afterwards! :p ;)
He was dehydrated even more, pale, weak, and physically sick.
Luckily I had Pepto and other OTC meds and he recouped that evening.

For the '03 marathon, we are flying in Friday, not the day before the marathon.

[Kellym]

In 2000 we stayed at Dixie Landings. When we left to go to the parks I wish that we would have taken our swimsuits and put them in a locker. Then in the afternoon when it was so hot we could have hopped over to one of the waterparks instead of having to go back to the room, change and then go to the waterpark.

[melindaandrob]

Let's see not really regrets but next time I'm gonna's!

Next time I'm gonna..... get the AP instead of the park hopper.
........stay an extra few days (9 wasn't enough)
........eat at more Disney restaurants. (more ps's)
........see Fantasmic.
.........buy myself the Disney underwear:earseek:
........ride big thunder mountain. (how did that happen, I didn't??)
.......have ds hair cut at the barbershop on Main Street
.......ride the car down mainstreet
.......eat more banana stuffed french toast at POR
I miss Disney!!! :( That's it I'm going back!!

[DisneyVirginia]

After staying on site for many years, we made the mistake of renting a very nice and spacious house off site during the Holidays. For many, maybe even most, a good value. But as a vacation--what's the point? It was like being at home instead of in the middle of the fun. Guess we have to stay off-site every decade or so, just to relearn the lesson.

[Antonia]

Here are my regrets:

1) Went in January - was too cold to enjoy the pool and the water parks and some times almost too cold to enjoy the parks.
The water mice on Bay lake was closed every day but one due to the cold weather.

2) Took DS's friend - they were good friends in January, but by March were no longer friends and he is in all our pictures. Wish we had just gone as a family now that I look back at the pictures.

3) Was traveling with 2 teenage boys and never did see the snow globe parade or the Hall of Presidents.

4) Stayed 2 nights at Dolphin (to save money) and moved to WL for 4 - wish we had done all 6 at WL and just spent the money

5) Made more PS - there were so many people and it was cold - everyone was tryiong to eat in sit-down restaurants it seemed

Stuff I do not regret:

1) Ate 3 times in the Main Street Bakery

2) Went to e-night even though it was chilly - no crowds and at the end we were among just 8 visitors left in the park - we were on Main Street and it was magical - then we were the only people on the monorail and got to ride up front

3) Bought all our pictures on ToT, Splash Mountain and RNR coaster - they are funny

We will go again - in a warmer month and we will not take a friend and we won't switch resorts.

[kimmar067]

Originally posted by DisneyVirginia
After staying on site for many years, we made the mistake of renting a very nice and spacious house off site during the Holidays. For many, maybe even most, a good value. But as a vacation--what's the point? It was like being at home instead of in the middle of the fun. Guess we have to stay off-site every decade or so, just to relearn the lesson.
I'm with YOU, DisneyVirginia!!! If I have to prepare a meal, make a bed, clean a bathroom, or any other chore, then to me it is NOT a vacation!!!!

[cindala]

Originally posted by jeleebeene
My husband and I paid for our vacation, and wanted to do things that we liked, as well as try to accomodate everyone else. It was stressful with 11 people, trying to eat together, ride rides together. [/B]


I agree!! Traveling with a lot of people can take all the fun out of vacation! It's important to set the rules with everyone before you go. There is another family that we usually go to Disney with, and we work together fine. We do what we want together, and go off on our own when we want. Never any problems. (Unfortunately, they didn't go with us last year)

But twice, there were an additional 8 people, totaling 16 of us! It became too crazy to tour the parks together, and get PS's together, that my DH and I just said, "we'll catch up with you later!"
Vacation is suppose to be fun, and not stressful!!
:eek: It can work going with other people, and long as they all agree on the rules, and as long as there aren't too many of you!!!:D




:bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

[tink1953]

Although we had a great time there were some disappointments too.

1. We really regreted doing Hoop Dee Doo...we thought it was not worth the price and were very disappointed with it.

2. Going to M. K. on a Saturday in October.....mistake, it was packed with locals. It was my birthday and I wanted to celebrate it in Magic Kingdom.

3. Waiting for the 1st Spectromagic parade instead of catching the late one.....we actually watched both because we couldn't see the first one.

4. Should have taken more pictures with us in them!! We always seem to make this mistake, but you don't know until you get home.

5. Taking to much into the park (overpacked fannypack with things I didn't need)

We still had a wonderful 10 days and the good definately out weighed the regrets!!
:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

[CdnDisneyFan]

My regrets were:

1: Booking thru Sears Travel
2: Staying at Best Western Kissimmee (way in the middle of nowhere)
3: Flying charter, and getting into MCO late at night, and getting back to Detroit late at night
4: Not wearing comfortable shoes (I ended up buying a pair of sneakers at the Outlet Mall, BAD IDEA!!)
5: Not bringing travellers checks
6: All of the above

Jules

[CdnDisneyFan]

One more regret, that my friend and I had done Epcot, and that Space Mountain had been open when we were there.

Jules

[Kimkimba]

I got married! Private wedding with just my then spouse and dd. Beautiful pics inside at the GF (it rained!). 9 months later I was divorced. Spent lots of $$$$$. Fairytale wedding, but to wrong guy. Now I'm married to my prince charming - this wedding cost was $0 (maybe $35 for the marriage license) - we eloped almost 5 years ago. Third times the charm :!) But I still love Mickey and will always believe in FairyTales.

[IndyWDWfan]

Thank you everyone for your insights-- both the positive and not-so-positive aspects of The World. I have truely leared alot about planning our next trip and then again, not doing as much planning...just enjoying!

[cinlee3]

1. I would have liked 1-2 more days in the parks so we could have park hopped.

2. Didn't spend enough time in World Showcase - I would have done more shopping and eaten more food.

3. I forgot to pack my comfortable shoes - Had to wear my hard-sole mules - Ouch!! I keep checking Badshoe.com for my picture.

4. Didn't go back to see Fantasmic on NYE when the rest of my family wanted to leave MGM at 7:00pm :rolleyes:

5. Didn't buy a Victorian Mickey Mouse to go with my Minnie but I had my friend pick one up for me when she went a few months later.

[jeannej]

I two regrets...............that we didn't spend about two more days
to just enjoy the resort we were staying in...Coronada Springs and that I didn't talk my husband into staying on a congierge floor of either the Beach Club or Wilderness Lodge............we got a price that was exceptional.

Jeanne

[CherylA]

These are the things I learned over multiple trips

1- not to go in Feb, too cold. I don't like to wear a scarf on vacation

2- Don't travel with people other than your immediate family. If you do get rooms at different resorts and meet up a few times along the way

3- This one is totally just us. I know many people like to have a lot of PS and after all the time I spent reading the restaurant reviews I felt the need to eat at all these wonderful places but it made our trip stressed trying to make all the PS's and we spent more money than we would have liked and ended up eating at times when we weren't hungry. Now I'll make PS for just character meals (1 or 2)

4- I need a car. So many people raved about the towncar transportation and how nice it was to not have to drive and to use Disney transportation but I thought it was hell. DH and I need our freedom!

5- Don't make an itinerary. We have been enough times that we know what we want to do. Leaving exct timing up in the air makes for a much more fun for us!

[disneynoble]

Just got back from WDW, last day was 4/24.

Regrets;

- It was hot; 91, 91, 93, 91, 85 the days we were there.

- Not insisting on Fort Wilderness cabins loop 2500 instead of
getting 2700 loop.

- Staying at Fort Wilderness and having River Country closed.

- Having the Magic Kingdom close early because of Grad Nite
and being rented out to large corporations during the Lego
Robot Competition.

Not a Regret;

- Working hard at finding a PS for Cindys and breakfast with the
Princessess.

[Kallison]

We went two weeks after 9/11 for my 40th birthday and I want to thank all the DISers who encouraged me to get my butt on that plane! I was terrified, but I'm so glad we went, it was the most bittersweet, fantastic trip ever.

Regrets - We didn't go to American Adventure, I thought it would be too emotional.

We didn't do Fantasmic again, we had just gone in December and the kids weren't into it again.

I didn't bring my video camera - I thought I would get hassled with security.

We needed maybe one more day to relax and do Blizzard Beach. It was supposed to be a long weekend trip, and the parks were so wonderful, I really wanted just one more day!

I don't think we will ever top this trip. Our last day we did three parks and redid all our favorite rides, ending with Illuminations and Test Track. I'm so glad we went.

[leelee1971]

We, too, drove down to Orlando right after 9/11. We checked into the Hilton Garden Inn at Sea World on 9/13, and Polynesian on 9/16. We always planned on driving, so "to fly or not to fly" was never an issue.

My regrets: Booking a package that included ultimate park hopper tickets. First, we never visit the water parks - we just never find the time. Second, we feel like we're throwing money away if we want to stick around the resort and swim, or visit the other beautiful resorts. Next time around, I'll buy 5-day park hopper passes, enjoy my surroundings, and not have to worry about losing money!

Another regret is not spending more time in the World Showcase. My 3-year old son wasn't very interested in anything except the Rio del Tempo in Mexico!

;)

[DisTwix]

Regrets....

Staying off-site. Never again, I say!!!

[IndyWDWfan]

Bump

[Luv2Roam]

I think no matter how long you stay at WDW you always think, Gee if I just had ONE more day...

I do remember now that my biggest regret on our first trip was one day I did AK and WS commando style.
I was so busy rushing through, that I kicked myself when I got home. We didn't do either justice and it just wore and stressed us out. I felt then like I wasn't enjoying the moment. I was too worried what I was going to be doing an hour later. :rolleyes:
So now, if I don't get to do it, that just makes one more good reason to return!
;)

[joyful1nh]

Other than not having the time or $ to stay longer......

I should have bought the plastic poncho and worn it on Kali River!

It was 58 degrees the day we were there. After I dripped off the ride, I got a hot chocolate at one of the refreshment stands and the CM said to me "Wow, I've never seen anyone get as wet as you are on that ride."

To add insult to injury, there was no line and they offered to let me stay on and ride a second time! I was shivering too much to do so :)

[Dreamin' Disney]

I am planning our next trip and happened to come across this old thread from our last trip. Going over it now is bringing back a few memories of what to do and not to do.

Anybody else have any regrets from their last trip? Or any must-do's?

[FFerret]

I regret that my Preschool-Kinder FFerrets did NOT want one single thing to do with a stroller. Seeing WDW at a three year old's pace is something I wouldn't wish on anyone :)

Kinda, well, slooooooooow. And she would NOT let anyone carry her. Little Miss Independence :)

[MermaidsMom]

My biggest regret/irritation was not getting there in time to see the opening ceremony at the MK. We have always gotten there closer to noon (we like to relax at the resort in the morning) and I tried to get there 2 days and each day they opened 10-15 minutes before they were supposed to!! I was on the boat from the GF and saw it happening in the distance and was sad. I guess I will have to try again!

[newholiday]

The biggest regret from our last WDW trip was the fact that we only had 22hrs to pull it together
We did however go at a time that we dont usually and managed to get ticks to MVMCP which we wouldnt have had the chance to attend.

[graygables]

Biggest regret from my last trip was bringing my mother and 18yo DD along. Too whiney and complainy all the time!

My other huge regret from both this and the previous trip was NO TIME to explore the AKL where we were staying. I will remedy that in Nov, when we will have 3 non-park/non-travel days and we can enjoy the art and activities as much as we like!

[MAG1630]

DON'T GO DURING HURRICANE SEASON !!!!!!!!:mad: :mad: :badpc:

[flyball]

Expanding on the last post, I regret not having gotten to eat at the California Grill...for the second time in two trips! This time it was Frances that stopped us! As a matter of fact, the few regrets I have about this last trip are all due to Frances (didn't get to rent water mice, couldn't take advantage of the liesurely pace I had planned because we had to fit all we missed on the two days the parks were closed into the rest of our days).

I also regret not having seen Spectromagic on our last night, but I was out-voted and I have to admit that we had a great time swimming in the pool that evening before Wishes.

Even with the hurricane, I really can't complain. Our vacation was almost perfect and the parks were EMPTY!!!

[EsmeraldaX]

We stayed offsite. Don't get me wrong, We got a HUGE condo for next to no $$ from his mother, but I wish we could have been on site.

Other than that, my only regret is we had to eventually leave and come home. :teeth:

[MickaMaizie]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by IndyWDWfan
[B]If you had to do it again, what would you have done (or not done) differently on any of your trips to The World...

A little better planning for each day. Get up earlier too!

[old lost boy]

I would have stressed less about Ivan. I am still trying to get DW to take her time in the parks. Even after 30+ trips she still gets her "Disney walk" going and I have to convince her that when you're over 50 it isn't worth running for a bus.

[Mortlives]

My major regret about my last trip is that it was too long ago. Only other thing is that BTMRR was down for rehab. Aside from that, it was a wonderful trip.

Kungaloosh!
Morticia.

[MAC3]

Not long enough, never made it to BB, Sci-Fi. Should have stayed @ BW the whole time (we switched between CSR & BWV) but at least I got to try CSR (which I love!)

[Snoopymom]

I can't believe I'm saying this but...too much planning and anticipation!

I agonized over which resort, every single detail from transportation down to the menus, planned each day at each park, saved and deducted for every expense we might incur, had a big notebook full of confirmations and notes, etc etc, and then Hurricane Francis....

We still had a FANTASTIC trip because Disney was open and there were no crowds! We ended up at a different resort, going to parks on different days, and eating wherever we felt like it.

I felt like the joke was on me during our whole trip, LOL...could have saved myself about a zillion hours, LOL, but hey, half the fun is the planning, and now all that info is stored in my brain for the next trip.

[*Fantasia*]

My biggest regret is that I didn't take a lot of pictures of my husband at WDW before he died, but who would have known that his life was going to be cut short. I only have very little pix of him at WDW.

[diznee25]

Our last trip to WDW was 2 weeks long, and we still haven't done the following:

1. Never saw Fantasmic

2. Haven't been to Chef Mickey's, and I had planned a breakfast there, but we canceled.

3. My husband still hasn't been on IASW! Two weeks there and we forgot about that attraction!

Our next trip to WDW isn't in the works yet, but when it is, we're doing all the above!! I've got to be more disiplined in my planning next time. :rolleyes:

Diznee25

[TDC Nala]

That I didn't look at any weather reports.

[caribbeanme]

SO many, so many! The two biggest ones: we were there nine days this summer, and did not (1) see Philarmagic or (2) do Epcot's World Showcase. We didn't count on the crowds, how much doubling back we would do because it was our first time in 10 years, or how exhausted we would be about mid-way through the trip. We're going back Jan/Feb, and will make a point of catching the things we missed!!

:D

[Gabrielle]

Originally posted by *Fantasia*
My biggest regret is that I didn't take a lot of pictures of my husband at WDW before he died, but who would have known that his life was going to be cut short. I only have very little pix of him at WDW.

Fantasia,

So sorry you had to lose your husband so young. :(

Your kids are beautiful.

-Gabrielle

[missypie]

This is actually a DLR regret, but it will help with the WDW trip. We were at DLR in California for 7 days and only ate two "nice" meals. The rest of our meals were counter service or fast food. We were really longing for better food on that trip, but were too cheap and too hurried to eat at "sit down" restaurants. For our 9 day WDW trip I'll try to have 4-6 dinner PS, and I've got a list of the counter service restaurants in all the parks that offer healthier choices.

[Minnie&Nana]

Fantasia ~

I am so sorry you lost your husband. I understand about the photos - my son passed unexpectedly and I so wish i had more photos of all our Disney trips. It's hard, I know.

God be with you!

Christine
Your children are beautiful!

[erinch]

After years of going to WDW and Universal and Sea World, and listening to DS say "I want to go to Gatorland"--we finally went --when he was 14--which was too old, and DD, age 7, couldn't have cared less. He would have loved it when he was 7.


So I regretted not doing it when the time was right, and then doing it when the time no longer was right, and wasting a day on it.

[GoofyGuy777]

Staying at Disney's Contemoprary Hotel(garden room).......YEECKKKK ($282.00 a night)

We had a Dirty room, dead bugs, used drinking glasses, the carpet had not been vacuumed....etc


I have stayed in Motel 6's that have better rooms.

Stay away from this "4-star" Hotel.


Steve

[VALDAN]

That easy. Going to Universal. After spending 7 fantastic days at WDW, we booked 3 nights at Universal for our first visit there.We didn't even pull up to the hotel when my husband and I looked at each and said I hate it. It has absolutely no charm and class like Disney. Hurricane Frances was coming, so we were allowed to change our flights and come home a day earlier.If we EVER go back to Universal , it will only be a day trip. I sticking to WDW.:D :bounce:

[epcotfan]

Travelling with others who aren't as enthusiastic about WDW as we are.

[Minnie&Nana]

Travelling with others who are not at all into Disney can be a nightmare!!!

[thelittlemermaid]

Wasting a day at the Animal Kingdom! DS loved it, but the rest of us didn't. DH and I both agreed that we had a better time visiting our local zoo back in our home state.

We had everything planned out, on the Monday that we arrived we went to Disney's MGM, Tuesday was Epcot, Wednesday Animal Kingdom and then Thrusday and Friday were reserved for the Magic Kingdom. Should have skipped Animal Kingdom and did the Magic Kingdom Wed and Thurs. Thanks to Hurricane Charley never got to go back to Magic Kingdom on Friday {figured it would be best to stay at the resort} so missed out on alot there.

On our next trip planning on spending about 4 days going to the Magic Kingdom, to make sure we see everything this time. ::yes::

On another note......

*Fantasia*....I'm so sorry about your husband! I can't say I know what you are going through about loosing your husband, but I lost my mom almost 5 years ago to Cystic Fibrosis and it seems like yesterday to me. She always wanted to go to WDW, but my dad never did, she LOVED Donald Duck. Just wish that DH and I would have had the chance to have taken her to WDW before she passed away. And that she would have had more time to have gotten to know her granddaughter. DD was only 3 months old when she passed.

Many hugs to you and your children!!!! :grouphug: :hug: :grouphug:

[Gaiusrex]

Two trips ago, I drank too much at PI and ruined my morning golf at Magnolia. :crazy2:

[Zippa D Doodah]

On last trip DW, DD7, and DS4 all caught stomach viruses (amazingly, not me). We all had to sepnd WAAAAY more time in the room at the resort than we would have liked. DW never got to Epcot; DW and DS missed a whole day at MK and a Chef Mickey's PS; we all missed the last day because DD got sick during the night. DW and I refer to our upcoming trip as our make-up trip.

[*Fantasia*]

Thank you Gabrielle, Christine, and thelittlemermaid. I'm happy and yet sometimes sad when I am at WDW. My husband died in WDW, at ASMovies, our favorite resort. It just brings back lots of memories while we're there.

:grouphug:
Telly

[TwingleMum]

Fanatasia~ :grouphug: :sad1: What a terribly frightning experience for you. To go to WDW and have the unimaginable happen. I'm soo sorry. I've noticed your posts and your beautiful children too. DId you used to have a picture of you with them?? I always admired your pluck after reading your DH passed and you are always so cheerful . Your children are very lucky to have a strong Mom like you. God Bless.

[KELLY]

We just got back a week ago tommorow and my biggest regret is we didn't stay longer. We stayed at Wl which was great but I didn't find much of a diffrence between the Wl and the moderates but if I get another deal 119.00 a night I won't hesitate to stay there again. We really liked the water pagent well only 7 more months to are next trip.

KELLY

[dpuck1998]

Our trip in Feb. was way to short...and I was sick for most of one of our 4 days. I did enjoy OKW, its a good place to stay if your stuck in the room sick.

Our trip in Aug, although we had an absolute blast, I regret being there in August. It's sooooo hot and sticky. We were at YC so at least the pool was great, but dang it was hot....
did I mention it was hot??

[jazstar87]

I regret Not having a turkey leg yet at magic kingdom

[Kimickey]

Our first and only regret ever for any of our trips is; this past trip in August we booked our Dream Maker Silver Package staying at the Caribbean Beach. Never ever again will I stay there. No offense to anyone, but the CBR is very undesireable for us.

Kim

[sydjar412]

Hi Kim..
I was just being nosey and wondering why you did not like the CBR? I just booked a trip there and would love your feedback. I am going with my kids ages 2 and 4 and my husband january 5-9.

I hope you do not mind me asking?

Thanks in advance!:D

[Kimickey]

sydjar412


I'm sending you a pm.

[sydjar412]

Thanks for replying!
Looking forward to talking to you!!:D

[susy]

Coming home a day early due to Hurricane Jeanne!!!!

[my3kids]

We never visited DTD or the Boardwalk. I want to visit both areas next time.

[Chicago526]

Regrets....

Didn't stay long enough (got voted down, I wanted to stay seven, most of the group only wanted five. I talked them into 6. Middle of the trip, dear elder brother said 'why didn't you book 7 nights? a extra day would have been fun!' It's a good thing that he's still bigger than I am....)

Didn't get a day just at the resort.

Didn't get to go horseback ridding.

Wouldn't have had quite so many drinks at PI the day before we were to go to TL. Wound up staying in the room the next day while the rest of the group had fun!

Didn't spend enough time in Epcot.

Didn't get to do EE.

Didn't get to buy as much NEAT STUFF at all the shops!

THIS TIME I've fixed all of that. BF and I are staying 8 nights at a monorail resort (Poly LV). I have planed our days, and we have TWO resort days, we are doing MVMCP (which counts as an EE in my book). On a resort day I've made a reservation to do the horseback riding. I've planed more time at Epcot, scheduled time for seeing all night shows and parades, have made PS's for CRT (a dream of mine since I was 7 years old!) We are doing the Hoop De Doo Review. I've made PS's at all the restaurants I want to eat at. Since BF has never been he WANTS me to plan this 100%, so I'm doing everything I want to do. For him, I'm surprising him with the Richard Petty Driving Experiance, he gets to drive a stock car around a race track 8 times!

And to top it off, I've given myself permison to buy anything I want to, even if I've got to spend the next 12 months paying it off! I've regretted things not purchased too many times to let it happen again!

Can you tell I'm excited about this trip? :hyper:

[Reedmonster]

As it has been written here before... going with people that don't enjoy Disney as much as my family!

Also regret staying off property.

[Del]

My regret is always the same...I never get the chance to walk around the countries in Epcot and soak up the culture of it all. Maybe when my kids are a bit older...

Del

[Stiff]

1) didnt try a dole whip...intended too, even passed the stand....but didnt have one

2) the day we traveled down, I barely ate anything all day. We ate at Ohana's that first night for dinner. I ate sooooo much food that I was sick to my stomach the entire next day walking around AK.

3) booking the fantasmic dinner package (it rained the show out)....plus I didnt care for H&V at those prices

4) going when we did...we arrived memorial day weekend and stayed till the next weekend....the crowds were just unbearable to me.

5) not putting my son in the neverland club more than once....we had a great break the night he went in and he really enjoyed it as well....next trip we will book him in there twice

6) stopping the mid afternoon breaks halfway thru the trip....the first part we were all happy and rested, the second half we stopped taking afternoon naps and all three of us started getting cranky.

7) never got a chance to do test track. my wife and I took turns on the big rides, while the other stayed with our son. It took so long for my wife to get on test track, I opted to go eat instead of taking a turn. then when I tried later it kept breaking down and I lost my patience and got out of line

8) booking late afternoon to come home....we ended up sitting around the resort a couple hours with no room waiting on the town car (our feet hurt too bad to go on walking in parks) and then the plane was delayed several hours so we didnt get home till 2 AM....several hours is not bad when you leave in the AM...its a whole different ballgame when you leave in the PM.

having said all that....it was the best trip Ive ever taken in my life....and Im sitting here with my fingers crossed that profit sharing is as good to me next year, so we can go back for another (much more relaxing) week

[Castillo Mom]

1. Not spending more time at our resort. The Beach Club was beautiful and relaxing. Wish we had more time to spend just lazing around the pool

2. Missing out on a good portion of Epcot. We went there twice. It was the first park we did but we were exhausted from the unexpected red eye flight out, so we only spent a couple hours in Future World. The 2nd time we went to the World Showcase, but it began raining cats and dogs and the torrential rains lasted several hours and we didn't get a chance to go back.

3. Didn't get a chance to try a Dole Whip. Once more reason to go back!

4. Kind of goes along with #1 on my list-more down time between park visits and a longer stay. I'd like to maybe do a park day and alternate with a resort day or some other non park activity. Ideally I'd like the next trip to be 2 weeks.

6. Missing Wishes and Spectro. The night we were to go they were cancelled due to rain.

Other than that, I don't really have any other regrets. We had a wonderful and memorable trip!

[eeyore0062]

There are only 2 things I regret about our last trip:
1) not bringing more sensible shoes
2) NOT BEING ABLE TO STAY LONGER!!!!

[T&Tmom]

Just got back a couple of days ago - and I know that we have to go again!

Here are a few of my regrets:

1. DS4 did not get to meet Mickey Mouse :( . Next time we will have dinner at Chef Mickeys.

2. DS11 wanted to go to Disney Quest - but we did not have a car and it was such a long walk to get there. I wish I would have made the walk and taken a cab back to Pop after we played.

3. DS11 also wanted to go to the Living Seas and we did not make it there while at Epcot. Next trip - it will be our first stop.

So I guess my regrets are really for my children. And they did have a wonderful time - I just wish they would have gotten to do all of the things that they wanted to do.

[eeyore0062]

Staying at Disney's Contemoprary Hotel(garden room).......YEECKKKK ($282.00 a night)

I am sorry about this.... we have stayed at the Contemporary Garden View, and it was FANTASTIC, so please don't base your opinion on this one stay. Ask for 3rd floor, so you don't have to deal w/ bugs. If you live in Florida, you get used to sharing any 1st floor quarters w/ the creatures from the great outdoors.

7) never got a chance to do test track. my wife and I took turns on the big rides, while the other stayed with our son. It took so long for my wife to get on test track, I opted to go eat instead of taking a turn. then when I tried later it kept breaking down and I lost my patience and got out of line

Did you tell the CM at the entrance you wanted to do "Kid Swap"? You would have been given a generic Fastpass and when your wife exited, you would have gone on through the Fastpass line. Works GREAT!

[Tiggerlover91]

That I did a package.

If I had to do all over again, I would book room only, at the FL resident rate, pick up the Play 4 passes, and just budget for the meals. Could have cut our trip down well over $1000 if I had done my research first. Other than that, DH and I had a WONDERFUL time!

[bigbabyblues]

No regrets! Only that it wasn't long enough, but we were there 10 days, and we got to do most everything on the list! As for the things we didn't get to.....there's always next time!

Steph

[KittyKitty]

Going from a value to deluxe back to value for the spring break stay. Once I was in the deluxe I had no desire to go back to value. Even tho the value,POP, was just fine.

Next time if I want to change hotels, I'm going upwards!!!


Susan

[tinkerbee]

That we went over MLK weekend. Never again!!! It was worse than when we went at spring break. And of course that it wasn't long enough......but when is it ever?;)

[photobob]

Didn't get in a Test Track ride, not that we didn't try. I'd hoped that with Mission Space being new and so close to TT that the lines would be shorter. The lines were longer than I'd ever experienced and Fastpasses ran out earlier than I'd ever seen. Wasn't a downer for the trip, we'd done TT many times before, but would have liked to get in a ride..

[dpuck1998]

Originally posted by tinkerbee
That we went over MLK weekend. Never again!!! It was worse than when we went at spring break. And of course that it wasn't long enough......but when is it ever?;)

It was very busy wasn't it... I was surprised how busy it was.

Damn the economy turnaround and people going on vacation again....