What Disney details are not-to-be-missed?

[Mom2darlingboys]

We're going to Disney in May for our third visit. We've done all but a handful of attractions (which were closed on previous visits or we just weren't able to participate in) and I'm hoping to use this trip to slow down a bit more and smell the flowers - after all, Disney's in the details, right?

Although there are some absolute musts, in terms of rides and shows that we would not miss, is there a Disney detail that you'd recommend "commando park goers" take the time to check out, now that we have a bit more time and aren't under so much pressure to do it all?

We've done the hidden mickey thing and my kids really enjoy it. The windows on Main Street in MK, the well at Indiana Jones, DiVine and a closer look at the Tree of Life. Those are kind of things I'm talking about.

This trip is for savouring. Any suggestions?

[B-Ride]

I love this question because it is really close to my heart. Every year we go I say we need to slow down and just enjoy the little Disney details. Not only have we been 6 times, but we always go for 9 days so there is plenty of time. That said, we always seem to slip into "Commando mode" as soon as we get there.

One thing we did discover on our last trip was Pin trading. Our kids just loved it and we will definitely do more on our next trip.

[Red_Rider]

One of the rides that I wouldn't have normally gone on was "Living with the Land" boat ride in EPCOT. After going on it I was totally amazed by growing plants by hydroponics -- it was really interesting...

[waynesgirl]

We go to EPCOT every time we go-and watch Off-Kilter, The British Invasion, and feed the ducks. It takes so little effort to feel the breeze and watch the little kids that dance around and that always want to help you feed the ducks.

We do this with or without our kids. Just the views are worth the few minutes you lose on a ride...

[Mom2darlingboys]

Originally Posted by Red_Rider

One of the rides that I wouldn't have normally gone on was "Living with the Land" boat ride in EPCOT. After going on it I was totally amazed by growing plants by hydroponics -- it was really interesting...

I absolutely hear you on this one. We didn't go our first visit because we thought our boys would be bored silly. Heard many comments on these boards that kids likened it to "being on a school trip"! We went on it last time, and they LOVED it and wanted to ride again.

We looked into the behind the scenes tour but couldn't squeeze it in. Thanks for reminding me! I will work it into planning right now!

[TinkerbellinLouisian]

The ones you mentioned are the ones that sprang to my mind first...

Other than those... you might want to take a bit of extra time to make sure to see the "Shows" at Future World in Epcot...

I'm not sure if you are staying onsite...but one of my happiest memories was walking from BC to BW and renting a "Surrey Bike"...all 5 family members biking together around the lake....
If Surrey Bikes aren't available at your resort...then something else might suffice...like the water mice...

Our last visit...On DHS Day we ended up at Disney Animation and Walt Disney, One Man's Dream... we all had a BLAST... just hanging out in there and seeing everything... something we had not taken the time to do before...but the kids were old enough to appreciate it...

Have a magical Visit !

Mary

[4HOLIDAYS]

There is also a list of the pressed pennys throughout the resorts and parks, get it at guest services. The land tour was great, my boys 11,13, want to go again. Wasn't expensive at all. Also Kim Possible at Epcot- fun way to see the countries.

[Perditamarie]

Here are some ideas:

* you are going during Flower and Garden Festival at Epcot...check out the awesome topiaries...you can't miss them!

* the Cinderella mosaic in the castle at MK....beautiful!

* sample the sodas at Club Cool...one of our favorite things to do

* we love the Boardwalk area....the street performers are awesome as is the s'mores, campfire and movie on the Beach Club beach

* Mr. Toad handing over the deed in the Winnie the Pooh ride at MK

* enjoy the playground areas at HISTK playground in DHS and Boneyard in AK - DH and I relax by the entrance/exit and let the kids play!

* get great photos of kids wearing the hats in countries around World showcase, taking up a foam sword, shield and viking hat and taking on the giant troll in the Norway gift shop.

* LOVE the Kidcot funstops

Happy planning!

[Tink888]

If you haven't before and have the time during this trip, spend part of a day resort hopping.

Epcot and Animal Kingdom are two of my favorite parks in terms of "details". The gardens in the United Kingdom and Canada are impressive. Look around the lake and river at both parks. There are scenes by the water in Italy and entering France that are often overlooked. Also at AK walk back behind the bar near Tusker House. Look at the doorways and entryways in both parks. Look up at the buildings. So much detail there goes unseen. In the Mexico pavillion, in the marketplace, look up at the window ledges.

One of my favorites is the side view of the castle at MK at night. Take the path that leads to the Wishing Well.

As far as attractions, Carousel of Progress at MK, Living with the Land at Epcot and all of the entertainment in World Showcase, Flights of Wonder at AK is both interesting and entertaining.

I could go on and on. Walk slower, take paths you haven't taken before. Grab a spot on any bench in any given park, anyplace and just look. The detail are everywhere. It's truly amazing the thought that was put into every aspect of WDW.

[Perditamarie]

Oh, your window ledge comment reminds me...check out the window ledges and rooflines in Noway! See how many trolls you can spot

[Lancer]

Just some ideas you may be interested in:
1. Take a tour(the "living with the land" walking tour is only about 60-90 min and is relatively cheap, $14 a couple years ago).
2. see Mykumi(the candy lady) perform at the Japan Pavilion at EPCOT.
3. Take a ride completely around the park on the railroad. Or even the monorail (in the cab with pilot).
4. take the monorail and visit a resort like the Grand Floridian(some like AKL have interesting displays in the lobby)
5. Find out when divers will be in the water at the Living seas
6. Watch some of the "citizens of hollywood" at the studios
7. Watch the flag ceremony at MK
8. Follow at the tail end of the evening parade at MK after they pass you.
9. check out the busts and signatures in cement at the studios
10. If you stay late enough at EPCOT you can see them ignite the residual fuel on the inferno barge before they tow it in. And watch them tow barges in.(the walk way drawbridge will open up).


I'm sure there are lots more, anyone else?

PS - Just back from the Olympics, Great job Canada! Loved it.

[TillyMarigold]

At AK, get there right at opening and talk to the animal handlers bringing out the animals--especially the macaw handlers! Also, guess the theme of each building on Discovery Island (and each room at Pizzafari) and take a look at all the folk art (all of it is real and purchased from the place it's made, not commissioned by Disney or mass-produced--there are stories of imagineers walking into craft shops in Mexico or Bali or wherever and saying "Okay, I'll take the whole shop"). And on Maharajah Jungle Trek, make sure you backtrack and do the alternate route for those who are afraid of bats, and read the signs and stuff on the wall.

Also, in general, stop and talk to any Cast Member who's got the time to talk to you (nearly every attraction and shop has a "greeter" CM whose job is mostly to talk to guests). Ask them about where they're from or, if they're not from anywhere interesting, ask them what they like best about their job. That sort of thing.

[tttessa]

At AK we follow all the trails by the tree of life and look for the rabbit.....


My girls love rabbits!

At Epcot the kidcot stops are great for a hot afternoon


At MK we look for Tink in the Peter Pan ride - sometimes they move her! "especially for us" of course Sorry no pic toooooooooo dark.....

and at DHS - join in and dance with the HSM show!!


We always start the day doing the rides in military fashion, then when it starts to hot up, we go off and do the slow wander round the parks and shows.... with LOTS of ice cream and drinks.

Tessa