Back from first trip...

[KateMW]

Actually to us Rapa Nui means "right next to the TTC monorail!" We loved how fast we could get to MK or Epcot from that building and how close the walk back to the room from the TTC was when we came home at night worn out! We did face the pathways and not the parking lot though, and I agree it was a hike to the Ceremonial House.

I did like the location for the TTC. My only complaint about the outlaying building is that it pretty much meant my mother had to scoot{er} everywhere, which she didn't really want to do at the beginning. Of course, she was quite used to it by the end of the week.

 

[ShannonMB]

I think you use the term wildly a little to easily.

I thought "wildly" was a bit overstated as well, but Primevil Whirl was the ONLY ride my DD was too short for on her first trip, so I wouldn't necessarily classify it as a kiddie ride. After all, the ONLY ride with inversions or loops at Disney is RnRC.

I totally would have skipped MK on a Monday, but sometimes you just can't help how things work out. KWIM? I totally know why it was so crowded, but it doesn't make it less annoying.

I have a no MK on Mondays rule, too. Tuesday there is much better, especially if no EMHs. Just my experience.

 

[SuzyQue]

If OP went to MK ona Monday - then it does sound like she 'followed' the crowd calendar advice - at least on that day. On Monday, MK is generally the park they advise.

I believe the Monday that OP was in MK was Feb. 8th which was the day after the Super Bowl, that might account for the crowds.

 

[webstah]

I thought "wildly" was a bit overstated as well, but Primevil Whirl was the ONLY ride my DD was too short for on her first trip, so I wouldn't necessarily classify it as a kiddie ride. After all, the ONLY ride with inversions or loops at Disney is RnRC.

You are correct about RnRC being the only ride which inverts. If fact, what I stated in my original post was that Primal whirl did not invert, or do any loops, and that is was a roller coaster like ride.
As far a not being for kiddies, I agree, but I never stated that it was, I stated that it was designed more for kids than for adults. My 10 year old nephew is still considered a kid and can go on it. When my then 16 YO son and 15 YO nephew saw it, thought it looked pretty lame, and tried it anyway so my younger nephew had someone to ride with. After the ride, they both agreed that it was a pretty lame ride.
Disney describes the ride as mild but wild for Big Kids, teens and adults.
Nothing in my original post was inaccurate, just a brief description of the ride for a previous poster who asked about it.

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

I'm glad you enjoyed your trip.

We've found that AK is always the hardest park for us to move around in. The walkways seem smaller and most people stick to the main areas so it's more difficult to move. I try to do that park early in my trip while I still have tons of patience.

 

[webstah]

Primal Whirl
http://www.wdwlive.com/videos/animal-kingdom/dinoland-usa/primeval-whirl-137-2.html

 

[figmentgirl]

Thanks for the report kateMW. Tell me, how was the weather? Was it too cold to swim? We leave pretty soon and are staying at the Poly (we love it there) and i was just wondering if it feels as cold as the temps look.

Thanks in advance

 

[stitchlover]

Sounds like a pretty good first trip!

It just seems to me that Animal Kingdom is more congested than the other parks. Don't know if the walk ways are too narrow or what. But that park does not seem to absorb a crowd as well as some of the other parks.

 

[gobraves39560]

Primal Whirl
http://www.wdwlive.com/videos/animal-kingdom/dinoland-usa/primeval-whirl-137-2.html

My ds was not able to ride this.. she was 43 inches, and was disappointed. She is hoping that she can this May, but I think that she is still prob. the same height, so we will avoid it, beings that my 7 year old got a little whoozy on it.
BBB is overpriced. I brought costumes and glitter, and did it myself for my DS, and she was super excited!!
My kids love the dining plan. We did 8 nights last May and they never tired of it. There are some restaurants better than othere for them. We did the QSDP and it was better for us than the reg, one. I DON'T like having reservations!!! BOO!!
I believe that you are at Disney, and can make it what you want. Be ready for the crowds.. cause they will be there. Animal Kingdom always seems packed to us because of the confined space, and its so hot there in May. We go early in the a.m., then back to the resort to swim or nap, then back for the night.. and miss tons of crowds. Just an idea for next time!!

 

[maxiesmom]

As far as the kids meals go, you can find some that are not your basic burger or chicken nuggets, but you have to search them out. My 9yr old niece loved the salmon at the Grand Floridan Cafe. So much so that she requested we eat there again when we go back this fall.

I have to say that most of your complaints sound like they come from a lack of planning. The parade times are listed on the park maps, as well as on the Disney web-site itself. You can also see pictures of all of the resorts, as well as their building layouts. If you think the Poly is spread out, you had better stay away from the Value or Moderate resorts. Except for POFQ they are all much more spread out. As far as crowds go, well, there are very few slow times of year at Disney World anymore. But with a good plan you can sure avoid them!

Overall it sounds like you had a great trip. You next one should be even better!

 

[larryz]

#1 Theme Park Rule: Walk defensively. Don't expect anyone to watch out for you, don't expect them to look where they are going and don't be surprised when they stop suddenly in front of you.


They're at Disney/Universal/Sea World and they have an agenda for their day that doesn't include your agenda for your day.

I learned some of my best dance moves trying to keep from running into sudden stoppers...

 

[gandycat]

Actually to us Rapa Nui means "right next to the TTC monorail!" We loved how fast we could get to MK or Epcot from that building and how close the walk back to the room from the TTC was when we came home at night worn out! We did face the pathways and not the parking lot though, and I agree it was a hike to the Ceremonial House.

I was just going to post the same thing. I was disapointed at first but as the week went on, it was so nice to be near the TTC, especially since we went to Epcot 3 days. And I didn't think it was that far to TGCH. The only issue came after swimming on a cool day, my 6 year old DD was annoyed to have to walk back in the cold. We also faced towards the Poly and I thought the view with the landscaping was very pretty.

I have to laugh about the comment about people getting in your way. My 9 year old is so used to going offseason (we've done January the last 2 trips) that he was totally complaining about having to wait for 15 minutes. I had to give him the stories of going in August when I was a kid and waiting for an hour in 95 degree heat, lol.

Glad you enjoyed your trip! It's fun to plan for your next trip after you've been there b/c you know what you like and can prioritize.