5 days to go - Any Hidden Gems?

[DVC_Dreamer]

I've been to WDW several times and this will be first time in DVC. Are there some new gems we should not miss. Some that I know of and thinking about are:
- Kim Possible in Epcot - We're an adult group but we can be kids at heart.
- Animation in HS - Do they still have the animation training? My oldest is at MASSArt in Boston and is an artist. I can't draw at all but enjoyed this attraction a few years ago.
- Walt Disney - Behind the Man - I love the history and exhibit about Walt. With DVC and 8 days, hope to spend time on this.
- Station Cool - Missed this last time. I know it's redone. Same drinks as long ago?
- DVC Wednesday at Atlantic Hall - I could see us missing this if we're not in the area at the time it's being held. I really would like to get some DVC merchandise(especially a ball cap).
- Turtle Talk with Crush - I always tell newbies to not miss this one. I think it's cute and a bit hidden in the Sea pavilion. I've not seen it in a while.
- Innovations - I wonder what's new there?


Any other sort of hidden gems beyond the obvious big attractions?

 

[Kidanifan08]

We love sitting right on the floor under the rotunda at The American Adventure to listen to the Voices of Liberty. They are fantastic and make us feel proud to be Americans. Sometimes we don't even go into the rest of the attraction. You can find us there some time on Friday afternoon!

 

[debbieandroo]

We love sitting right on the floor under the rotunda at The American Adventure to listen to the Voices of Liberty. They are fantastic and make us feel proud to be Americans. Sometimes we don't even go into the rest of the attraction. You can find us there some time on Friday afternoon!

Voices of America are my favorite - I was just listening to their CD on the way to work [getting ready for my November trip].

And that reminds me of how much I enjoy catching all of the acts/groups/skits, etc. performing at World Showcase.

Another gem is the flag retreat at MK, generally at 5 - on Main Street. A member of the armed services brings down the flag, and the band plays, saluting him. I've only seen it once so far so I can't remember all that is done - it's pretty short but quite poignant. The schedule for the day at MK will list it.

 

[DVC_Dreamer]

Voices of America are my favorite - I was just listening to their CD on the way to work [getting ready for my November trip].

And that reminds me of how much I enjoy catching all of the acts/groups/skits, etc. performing at World Showcase.

Another gem is the flag retreat at MK, generally at 5 - on Main Street. A member of the armed services brings down the flag, and the band plays, saluting him. I've only seen it once so far so I can't remember all that is done - it's pretty short but quite poignant. The schedule for the day at MK will list it.

I really want to spend a lot of time in World Showcase this trip. Hope to see all the acts.
Last summer, we watched the flag ceremony at Sunset Beach in Cape May, NJ.
Really cool. I'd like to see this at MK. I'll walk over.

 

[debbieandroo]

I really want to spend a lot of time in World Showcase this trip. Hope to see all the acts.
Last summer, we watched the flag ceremony at Sunset Beach in Cape May, NJ.
Really cool. I'd like to see this at MK. I'll walk over.

I hope you can - it's so exciting to see one of our brave soldiers honored in such a way. I hear it's even better at DLR.

Oh, and about the animation training - that is still offered, according to a trip report I read not too long ago - that family was there in June. It is a lot of fun even though I can't draw either.

 

[nolanboys]

This isn't nessarily considered an attraction, but we had the HM book on our last two trips and had a ball with it. It made waiting in line for attractions more fun and we also looked for them at different resorts. Just another added layer of Disney magic!

 

[quentina]

I've been to WDW several times and this will be first time in DVC. Are there some new gems we should not miss. Some that I know of and thinking about are:
- Kim Possible in Epcot - We're an adult group but we can be kids at heart.
- Animation in HS - Do they still have the animation training? My oldest is at MASSArt in Boston and is an artist. I can't draw at all but enjoyed this attraction a few years ago.
- Walt Disney - Behind the Man - I love the history and exhibit about Walt. With DVC and 8 days, hope to spend time on this.
- Station Cool - Missed this last time. I know it's redone. Same drinks as long ago?
- DVC Wednesday at Atlantic Hall - I could see us missing this if we're not in the area at the time it's being held. I really would like to get some DVC merchandise(especially a ball cap).
- Turtle Talk with Crush - I always tell newbies to not miss this one. I think it's cute and a bit hidden in the Sea pavilion. I've not seen it in a while.
- Innovations - I wonder what's new there?


Any other sort of hidden gems beyond the obvious big attractions?

I have a few DVC hats that I got on our last cruise, PM me your address and I will send you one. We never wear hats. It is the red DVC hat.

 

[majortom1981]

IF you are the traveling type. Animal kingdom lodge has a lot of free programs about africa ran by the guides from africa (animal kingdom lodge has guides that are here on 1 year work visas from africa).

Also if you have any dining res for boma ,jiko,or sana go early to view the animals on the savanah.

 

[spiceycat]

- Innovations - I wonder what's new there?

the thing that allows you to design a roll coaster then ride the thing.

too much a coward to ride it - but others say it is great.

plus some new games in the computers.

the saving game is to encourage you (and most importantly your children) to save instead of spending all your money

 

[dumbo_buddy]

last year they stopped giving out DVC member hats at the welcome home wednesdays. you will probably get a pin instead. that's what we got the last two times we went.

 

[mecllap]

WHW is somewhat painful with the long game that DeeVeeCee helps host -- it lasts much too long and only a few people win anything. But two weeks ago we did get a ball cap with the new logo and "Member" on the adjustment strap (my DGS wore his all the rest of the trip). Refreshments just lemonade and popcorn (or cracker jacks).

The new SSR event (sign up ahead of time) was less painful, with really good refereshments (pretty much lunch) -- an opportunity for a photo with characters (two [Mickey and friend] --one photo by CM with your camera, (no Photopass) -- ours is fuzzy), and we got one bag with padfolio and a $40 gift card for the AMC theater (saw Cars 2, and got some concession food on another visit).

The British Revolution group at UK was great (but that may depend on your age group).

Club Cool was great during our July/Aug visit, but if it's not blazing hot, it's not all that much.

Don't think the time for Kim Possible will be worth it for you. (If you haven't ever seen Captain EO, it might be worth a visit -- it's a hoot, in some ways!).

Look for Hidden Mickeys in the carpets (most DVCs seem to have them there).

Take time to wander around and enjoy all the details of your DVC resort. Be sure to ask at the desk about the best ways to get around in the resort (depending on where you're staying). The Boardwalk entertainers can be fun to watch (DGS age 12 loved them, after I finally talked him into watching them).

 

[sweetdana]

Finding paint brushed at 10 AM sharp at Tom Sawyers Island.

Also a firework party at the MK. Well worth the about 35$ per person.