1. The biggest thing I remember about the Dinosaur ride is that I was jerked about non-stop, and not in a fun way. It was loud, but wasn't really scary unless you are 7 years old. It was a ride that I wanted to do but never care to waste Disney time on again!
2. You will also be at Epcot during the Food & Wine Festival that begins Sept. 28th, something that I have never done. The WS in Epcot has food booths set up around the lagoon, many sponsored by countries that aren't permanently represented. The F&W festival is included with your Epcot admission, but you pay for the portions of food. From what I understand, many samples are big enough to share. You can also buy a number of samples of food or wine for a reduced price (3 for $10, for example. I'm guessing at the price, having never been!) I'm hoping to go with my sister this year for the first 4 days.
3. If you haven't booked anything yet, why don't you stay in WDW? It will save a lot of time traveling to and from the parks, you can get in early/stay late for EMH, and you can go back to your resort in the middle of the day when the parks are the most crowded/hot & hop in the pool.
I don't know what you pay for the villa, but you could probably rent 2 rooms at a Value Resort (Pop Century, or the All-Star Sports/Movie/Music) for about the same price. You might also be able to "rent" a 1 bedroom suite with a pull-out sofa and a kitchenette from a member at a
DVC (Disney Vacation Club) resort.
4. You will also be at WDW over an American holiday, Columbus Day, on Mon. Oct. 8th this year. Many, but by no means all, have this holiday off from work and school, as it is a Federal holiday. That means the parks will probably be a little more crowded on Oct. 6, 7, & 8 as people have a "3-day weekend." Nothing to over worry about, except for making dinner reservations sooner rather than later.
5. WOW factor = walking under the train station at the MK and seeing the castle for the first time!
6. Favorite Rides:
MK-- Thrill= Space Mt. Fun= Haunted Mansion or Philharmagic
EP-- Thrill= Test Track Fun= Soarin'
HS-- Thrill= Rock & RC Fun= Toy Story
AK-- Thrill= EE Fun= Safari
! We'll be there at the same time and the crowd level predictions I've seen have been low to moderate, with the exception of the Columbus Day weekend (6, 7, 8 Oct) -- those are fairly high. I second the recommendation of touring Magic Kingdom first. It's just so iconic and beautiful and brings out the wide-eyed child in everyone! I prefer the more sedate, classic rides (it's a small world, Peter Pan's Flight, even the Peoplemover) but I think you should just get a good touring plan and try everything. The wow factor is in the overall experience more than in just one attraction.
