starjazz
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Oct 23, 2012
We were there last week. Did Mon-Fri, DHS-MK-MK-AK-EP. I posted another thread about staying on script for info about the order of the parks, but generally we stuck with Josh's tips from easywdw.
1. We love this time of year. For those who don't think there's still slow times, try going the first week of Feb. There were some cheerleaders, but frankly, they were kinda fun, and we never felt like they bogged things down. We saw posted Mine Train waits of 20 minutes. I gotta think that's pretty uncommon during the busy times. For the record, we also saw posted IASW waits of 40 minutes, so anything is possible, but we never waited for anything more than 20 minutes, and rode everything major multiple times.
2. CMs - I'd read some things about them before leaving, so I was paying attention. There were some that were indifferent, some should not have had roles in things like ETWB or Crush cuz they plain couldn't "act", but for every one like that, we found several that were just awesome - big waves, comments to our girls in their strollers like "look! a carriage of princesses!", great characters, waitresses, photographers, etc. My general comment on CMs is that they are plain awesome.
3. BOG Early Morning - This is just magical. Such a neat atmosphere. And with the 8:30 reservation we had, we still got let into the park at 7:45, got to the restaurant by 8:00, food by 8:15, and out by 8:35. No rush required. We explored the castle, read some neat facts about it while waiting for food, thoroughly enjoyed the meal, and this earned us 3 trips on Mine Train with zero wait.
4. Crystal Palace Meal - Also great. If you're fam is into Winnie, it doesn't get better. Food here is mediocre, but the experience is great. My nephew told Tigger he could jump higher than him, and, well.....I'll leave the fun experience to you, but if you go, give it a whirl.
5. Staying off site - we were at Windsor Hills. This place is a good option. So much room for our group of 7, 3 kids and 4 adults. It took 30 minutes from when the shuttle showed up each morning, until we were at the park entrance. It was 1/4 the price of on-site. Had a private pool, and also a huge community pool with slide, game room, private pirate movie theater, fitness center. The owner we had obviously didn't love his unit like it was his home - the paint was a bit sloppy in places, and the carpet was nailed down a bit weird on the steps, but it was clean, modern, and convenient. We'll do this again for sure.
6. Compared to DLR - I really keep looking for a reason to say one is better than the other, but I can't do it. If I were forced at gunpoint, I'd probably choose DLR, but its dependent on what you're looking for. Nothing is as immersive and completely separate from reality as WDW. For that, I love it. I like DLR for the convenience of getting there, the easier walking, the density of rides, the originality, Carland, and Toon Town. But WDW's unique parks, Disney Springs, resorts, and transportation options are amazing. We'll continue to visit both places.
7. FP+ - okay, its obvious that this is making standby lines longer. HM had waits all day. IASW had waits. Living with the Land even had a wait. I mean, there's no questioning those things. However, I really liked FP+. I like not having to have an FP runner. I like knowing what my day is gonna look like well in advance. I like adding the extra FPs - we never lacked for FPs. I like managing things from the app. And we were totally fine not getting them until 30 days out. Granted, it was low time, so surely that played into it. But I was generally happy with it. I think if they make it so you don't have to depend on the kiosk for extras, it'd be a lot better.
8. Memory Maker - are you kidding? This is worth every penny. The videos you get and the photos automatically uploading to your phone. The great magic shots. Man, we just thought it was awesome. We bought magic bands, and were glad we did. That combo of bands and MM is the way to go. We loved grabbing the photographers and doing silly photo shoots. We got amazing pics. The ride pics and character pics are priceless. If you're on the fence - let this tilt you over - get it!
ETA 9. Wishes viewing - we found that the sidewalks and bridges AROUND the Hub were packed tight. But the streets and center of the hub were easily navigated and great viewing spots were abundant. I wanted to grab some of the people packed in like sardines, and tell them to come stand with us! On our second night, we viewed from Fantasyland. Awesome experience for your 2nd viewing. We laid on the ground (yep, sure did) with our heads facing the castle. Talk about immersion. We had no idea the fireworks were shot off from the two locations, and this spot gives you a whole new perspective (albeit with some ash in your eye - lol). Both locations were great, and we didn't hold spots at all - just showed up a few minutes before and enjoyed the shows.
I'll think of other stuff and add to this later. Enjoy
1. We love this time of year. For those who don't think there's still slow times, try going the first week of Feb. There were some cheerleaders, but frankly, they were kinda fun, and we never felt like they bogged things down. We saw posted Mine Train waits of 20 minutes. I gotta think that's pretty uncommon during the busy times. For the record, we also saw posted IASW waits of 40 minutes, so anything is possible, but we never waited for anything more than 20 minutes, and rode everything major multiple times.
2. CMs - I'd read some things about them before leaving, so I was paying attention. There were some that were indifferent, some should not have had roles in things like ETWB or Crush cuz they plain couldn't "act", but for every one like that, we found several that were just awesome - big waves, comments to our girls in their strollers like "look! a carriage of princesses!", great characters, waitresses, photographers, etc. My general comment on CMs is that they are plain awesome.
3. BOG Early Morning - This is just magical. Such a neat atmosphere. And with the 8:30 reservation we had, we still got let into the park at 7:45, got to the restaurant by 8:00, food by 8:15, and out by 8:35. No rush required. We explored the castle, read some neat facts about it while waiting for food, thoroughly enjoyed the meal, and this earned us 3 trips on Mine Train with zero wait.
4. Crystal Palace Meal - Also great. If you're fam is into Winnie, it doesn't get better. Food here is mediocre, but the experience is great. My nephew told Tigger he could jump higher than him, and, well.....I'll leave the fun experience to you, but if you go, give it a whirl.
5. Staying off site - we were at Windsor Hills. This place is a good option. So much room for our group of 7, 3 kids and 4 adults. It took 30 minutes from when the shuttle showed up each morning, until we were at the park entrance. It was 1/4 the price of on-site. Had a private pool, and also a huge community pool with slide, game room, private pirate movie theater, fitness center. The owner we had obviously didn't love his unit like it was his home - the paint was a bit sloppy in places, and the carpet was nailed down a bit weird on the steps, but it was clean, modern, and convenient. We'll do this again for sure.
6. Compared to DLR - I really keep looking for a reason to say one is better than the other, but I can't do it. If I were forced at gunpoint, I'd probably choose DLR, but its dependent on what you're looking for. Nothing is as immersive and completely separate from reality as WDW. For that, I love it. I like DLR for the convenience of getting there, the easier walking, the density of rides, the originality, Carland, and Toon Town. But WDW's unique parks, Disney Springs, resorts, and transportation options are amazing. We'll continue to visit both places.
7. FP+ - okay, its obvious that this is making standby lines longer. HM had waits all day. IASW had waits. Living with the Land even had a wait. I mean, there's no questioning those things. However, I really liked FP+. I like not having to have an FP runner. I like knowing what my day is gonna look like well in advance. I like adding the extra FPs - we never lacked for FPs. I like managing things from the app. And we were totally fine not getting them until 30 days out. Granted, it was low time, so surely that played into it. But I was generally happy with it. I think if they make it so you don't have to depend on the kiosk for extras, it'd be a lot better.
8. Memory Maker - are you kidding? This is worth every penny. The videos you get and the photos automatically uploading to your phone. The great magic shots. Man, we just thought it was awesome. We bought magic bands, and were glad we did. That combo of bands and MM is the way to go. We loved grabbing the photographers and doing silly photo shoots. We got amazing pics. The ride pics and character pics are priceless. If you're on the fence - let this tilt you over - get it!
ETA 9. Wishes viewing - we found that the sidewalks and bridges AROUND the Hub were packed tight. But the streets and center of the hub were easily navigated and great viewing spots were abundant. I wanted to grab some of the people packed in like sardines, and tell them to come stand with us! On our second night, we viewed from Fantasyland. Awesome experience for your 2nd viewing. We laid on the ground (yep, sure did) with our heads facing the castle. Talk about immersion. We had no idea the fireworks were shot off from the two locations, and this spot gives you a whole new perspective (albeit with some ash in your eye - lol). Both locations were great, and we didn't hold spots at all - just showed up a few minutes before and enjoyed the shows.
I'll think of other stuff and add to this later. Enjoy
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