2nd Visit - How Do We Top our First Dream Visit?

[livingthedream]

Okay - we went late last year and had an absolutely perfect first visit. It couldn't have been any better if we had dreamed it. We planned well, we had no waits, the weather cooperated for the most part, we saw everything that we wanted , we never got so exhausted that anyone had a meltdown, and we ALL genuinely have terrific memories that will last a lifetime. Our family came together and had a fantastic time!

Now we are looking at another trip for our 10th wedding anniversary and taking our teenaged sons (my second marriage for those of you doing the math ) with us during their break in February 2007. Of course there will be favourites that we want to do over again, but what unique things would you WDW veterans suggest that we do to help make this 2nd trip just as special?

 

[Eljay]

There is so much to see and do, you are sure to have another perfect vacation. I make a point to do something different each time I go and it is still possible, even though I go about 8 weekends a year!

How old are your boys? If they are at least 16, there are many excellent tours that you could take together.http://allearsnet.com/btp/tours.htm

I would suggest staying at the Animal Kingdom Lodge for a unique and awesome experience. http://www.allearsnet.com/acc/faq_akl.htm

Enjoy!

 

[disnut8]

Hoop Dee Do Musical Revue - my teenage son thought it would be stupid but he loved it so much.

Renting water boats for the kids (if they are old enough) and then having the adults sit back and relax for a while. If the kids aren't old enough to drive themselves, take them out and have some fun with them.

Renting bikes and riding through Fort Wilderness for an afternoon.

Playing a round or two of miniature golf.

Going to the ESPN Club if everyone is into sports.

 

[susykt4]

My kids are only ages 6 and 3 so our vacations are obviously much different, but I wondered the same thing about how we could possibly have as much fun our second trip as our first. In our case, we spent a lot more time at Epcot and Animal Kingdom than we did our first trip. We spent a lot more time on the smaller, but equally fun attractions. One thing everyone loved was Fantastic Plastics at Innoventions at Epcot. You create a computer robot then race against about 15 other people by running/jumping/etc on a mat. It was a blast and when you're finished you can build your own free plastic robot.

I think our first trip was all about riding as many rides and seeing as many attractions as we could. Our second trip focused on discovering more of the fun little things. We spent a lot more time riding monorails and playing in interactive fountains. It was more relaxed and more fun. I can't wait to see what we discover next time!

 

[slkant]

My kids are only ages 6 and 3 so our vacations are obviously much different, but I wondered the same thing about how we could possibly have as much fun our second trip as our first. In our case, we spent a lot more time at Epcot and Animal Kingdom than we did our first trip. We spent a lot more time on the smaller, but equally fun attractions. One thing everyone loved was Fantastic Plastics at Innoventions at Epcot. You create a computer robot then race against about 15 other people by running/jumping/etc on a mat. It was a blast and when you're finished you can build your own free plastic robot.

I think our first trip was all about riding as many rides and seeing as many attractions as we could. Our second trip focused on discovering more of the fun little things. We spent a lot more time riding monorails and playing in interactive fountains. It was more relaxed and more fun. I can't wait to see what we discover next time!

We will be going on our first trip in Jan 2007. The children will be 4 and 6. Your words make me wonder whether we should focus less on how many rides we ride and more on prioritizing what seems most fun and having more time for the fun, little unexpected things that will make our trip special. Any advice for a first timer is appreciated!

 

[Disneyfriend]

I hear you completely! We last went five years ago and had a nearly-perfect trip. It was well planned (if I do say so myself ) and went smoothly overall. I wondered . . . how could we ever top that trip?

What we're doing this time is a mix of old favorites from the last trip and a few completely new experiences (MNSSHP, Epcot Food & Wine Festival, Cirque du Soleil). We're trying several new restaurants, and going to both Downtown Disney and a water park for the first time. I'm hoping it will be a nice mix of proven "hits" and exciting new experiences.

Some specific recommendations for you:

~Cirque du Soleil (never been, but I think the definite consensus is that it is a phenomenal experience)
~Stay at AKL concierge (if the budget allows) and do the Sunrise Safari (we did this last time by splitting our stay)
~A special anniversary trip to Victoria & Albert's for you and your spouse. Try for the Chef's Table if possible. Maybe you can send your teens to Disney Quest while you are in foodie heaven?

Let us know what you decide, and have a blast!

Disneyfriend

 

[chigirl]

Gosh, I know just what you mean...we had our first trip in September 2005 and it OUTDID any dreams I had, it was pixie dust a poppin perfect! We are going back this October (only due to pure luck w/money that came our way) and I am soooo nervous it will never live up to the first trip, which I dreamed and obsessed about for 12 years!!!

So this time we are doing MNSSHP and upgraded to POFQ from POP. We are trying all new places, except for LeCellier that we just had so much fun at, and we are going to the waterparks which we somehow missed last year, even though it was like 97 every day!!!

I agree you should do Victoria & Alberts or maybe CG for your special anniversary dinner (Happy Anniversary, BTW...our 15th is coming up!). Get pampered! Maybe your teenaged kids have something planned, too, to surprise you with, who knows? Or maybe you will win that stay in the suite in the castle as part of the Year of a Million Dreams!!!!

 

[fostrmom2mny]

I just returned from my fourth trip. I heard many people talk about the specialty cruises for Illuminations and Wishes. I couldn't half image how magical it could be till the last fireworks went off over MK. I hosted a 10 passenger boat full of friends. When it was over, no one could speak! Then a couple of them came to me to hug and thank me for inviting them, and it was all I could do to talk. It was the best and most magical memory I can ever imagine. They have a boat called Breathless that does the Illuminations cruise. I bet the boys would really like that one. I found pictures of the boat here in a search.
Gerri

 

[badgermom]

I agree include a few ne things everytime you go. I usually add 2 new restaurants and go with my favs for the others.

One year we did the illuminations cruise. This was really special.

If you have never been to the boardwalk add that.

Add a water park or disneyquest.

Do a dinner/show like Hoop de doo.

If you have a car that even expands your options like going to seaworld or universal which I love as well.

Also there are always new rides and shows that I make sure I see.

This year we are going to Victoria and Alberts for the first time and Hoop de doo revue for the first time. I have been to disney a number of times and still can find additional things to do everytime I go.

 

[susykt4]

We will be going on our first trip in Jan 2007. The children will be 4 and 6. Your words make me wonder whether we should focus less on how many rides we ride and more on prioritizing what seems most fun and having more time for the fun, little unexpected things that will make our trip special. Any advice for a first timer is appreciated!

I'd say the key to a great first trip is to plan and know what you're getting into, but to also keep an open mind. Make touring plans, but also be flexible. Our first trip, I didn't think my kids would care about the characters. They LOVED them! We spent a lot more time than I ever dreamed with characters, but it was a blast! As for the unexpected little things (such as fountains and play areas) make a little time for them, but don't stress about them. The first trip is mainly about the rides and attractions! They're great! Experience as many as you can!

 

[disneynewbeemom]

I heard that surf lessons at Typhoon Lagoon are supposed to be great! My boys would love to do that!