East Meets West: A WDW Resident's First Visit to the Land [COMPLETE!]

[travelfanatic]

Wonderful trip report! I loved all the photos! Sounds like you had a wonderful trip! Reading this makes me want to head to CALIFORNIA!

 

[floydfamily4]

Thank you so much for a great report! I really enjoyed taking it all in with you. I look forward to your next report

 

[OrcaPotter]

Thanks again to those who've been reading! I appreciate your comments

Some things I forgot to mention:

- You know what was strange? At WDW, whenever I wear my Perry the Platypus shirt, I'm constantly hearing "Hey, there's Perry!" or "I found Perry!" everywhere I go. I totally expected this at DL. However, this was not the case. Though I saw 1 or 2 little boys wearing the infamous Agent P face shirt, pretty much no one made comment on my own shirt. Except for a family from Australia, who then asked where I got mine (Christmas gift). I was really shocked. Perhaps P&H has more of a fan base on the East Coast?

... I know there were a few other things. Ugh. I'll post them as I remember them

 

[JH87]

Thanks again to those who've been reading! I appreciate your comments

Some things I forgot to mention:

- You know what was strange? At WDW, whenever I wear my Perry the Platypus shirt, I'm constantly hearing "Hey, there's Perry!" or "I found Perry!" everywhere I go. I totally expected this at DL. However, this was not the case. Though I saw 1 or 2 little boys wearing the infamous Agent P face shirt, pretty much no one made comment on my own shirt. Except for a family from Australia, who then asked where I got mine (Christmas gift). I was really shocked. Perhaps P&H has more of a fan base on the East Coast?

... I know there were a few other things. Ugh. I'll post them as I remember them

Hmm...I remember seeing lots of Perry shirts during my past few visit to DLR. Maybe West coasters don't speak up as much

 

[Halloweenqueen]

I really enjoyed your trip report! Did you ever get to Peter Pan? It's so much nicer in DL!

 

[OrcaPotter]

Hmm...I remember seeing lots of Perry shirts during my past few visit to DLR. Maybe West coasters don't speak up as much

Hmm ... maybe I picked an off week to go!

I really enjoyed your trip report! Did you ever get to Peter Pan? It's so much nicer in DL!

I'm glad! I did get on Peter Pan ... I enjoyed the slight differences--though I think I felt that the WDW version was slightly longer.

 

[Queen2PrincessG]

I'm almost done with your report but just wanted to comment on the whole Ariel's Grotto situation. As the parent of a toddler I can tell you tantrums are NOT FUN! No matter what you choose others will think you did the wrong thing. Everyone says don't acknowledge the tantrum and then they will stop but some kids find that to be a reason to continue the tantrum. TO ME the answer is acknowledge what they are doing is wrong and that you will wait for them to speak to you. That's what works for my daughter. However if DH is involved DD wants him to come and pick her up and speak to her instantly in order to stop. KIDS ARE WEIRD! Either way going home and taking naps is usually the best way to avoid a tantrum like the one you saw.

As for the kid banging the utensils THIS I will NEVER understand. I really wish family restaurants would carry toddler silverware. You would think that in Disney of all places they would have this available.

Oh and Perry shirt- AMAZING! We watch P&F even when DD isn't around.

 

[OrcaPotter]

I'm almost done with your report but just wanted to comment on the whole Ariel's Grotto situation. As the parent of a toddler I can tell you tantrums are NOT FUN! No matter what you choose others will think you did the wrong thing. Everyone says don't acknowledge the tantrum and then they will stop but some kids find that to be a reason to continue the tantrum. TO ME the answer is acknowledge what they are doing is wrong and that you will wait for them to speak to you. That's what works for my daughter. However if DH is involved DD wants him to come and pick her up and speak to her instantly in order to stop. KIDS ARE WEIRD! Either way going home and taking naps is usually the best way to avoid a tantrum like the one you saw.

As for the kid banging the utensils THIS I will NEVER understand. I really wish family restaurants would carry toddler silverware. You would think that in Disney of all places they would have this available.

Oh and Perry shirt- AMAZING! We watch P&F even when DD isn't around.

Oh yes, trust me, I've been in charge of my fair share with 3 nieces and nephews and now a 4th on the way. It's really dependent on the personality of the child, too. We always approach tantrums with simply removing the child from the environment. It didn't matter what we were doing, where we were, or where we were going. If the child throws a fit, and telling them we'll leave does not work, then we do just that: leave. As result, full-out public tantrums like I witnessed were extremely rare. It was clearly obvious the child was overtired. I couldn't understand why they couldn't just pick the child up off the floor, regardless. Alas, everyone has their own way and perhaps the child is normally cantankerous and they were just done with it. But I have a feeling the family was just, special, anyway, considering they did not bother to check that it was a fixed price meal before they made their reservations and then left in a huff.

As for the silverware, it makes sense! Or even bring your own toddler silverware ... that's what my brothers and their wives do!

Lastly, Phineas and Ferb is genius. Even my mother has finally admitted, after watching an episode, that it's hilarious. And for her to say that is saying something! The writers/creators must have been born in the 80's ... we're all geeks!

 

[OrcaPotter]

Just remembered what the other observation was!

Mickey pretzels! We were so surprised to see them, and instantly jealous that DL had them and not WDW. I mean, doesn't all Mickey-shaped food taste better? We had them several times over the course of our trip.

Then lo, the WDW facebook feed announced today that they're now offering them in select places around WDW. I posted it on Dixie's wall, and we're already determined to have one the next time we're in the parks!

Now, Tigger Tails ... which are apparently a big deal at DL, have yet to appear at WDW. I didn't have one (man, expensive buggers) but if they ever do make an appearance at WDW, I shall make an effort to splurge.

 

[Sherry E]

Just remembered what the other observation was!

Mickey pretzels! We were so surprised to see them, and instantly jealous that DL had them and not WDW. I mean, doesn't all Mickey-shaped food taste better? We had them several times over the course of our trip.

Then lo, the WDW facebook feed announced today that they're now offering them in select places around WDW. I posted it on Dixie's wall, and we're already determined to have one the next time we're in the parks!

Now, Tigger Tails ... which are apparently a big deal at DL, have yet to appear at WDW. I didn't have one (man, expensive buggers) but if they ever do make an appearance at WDW, I shall make an effort to splurge.

I had no clue that the pretzels are a DLR exclusive! All this time I thought that they were sold at both resorts. Although...it has been mentioned (by wonderful DIS'er tksbaskets) that the popular gingerbread-men-with-mouse-ears cookies, which are so popular at DLR during Halloween Time and the holidays, are not sold at WDW.

In a way, I kind of like that you can get certain things at WDW and certain things at DLR, and that not all of the treats can necessarily be found at both resorts. It's good to have some different treats, and it makes each resort that much more special.

 

[deejdigsdis]

Lastly, Phineas and Ferb is genius. Even my mother has finally admitted, after watching an episode, that it's hilarious. And for her to say that is saying something! The writers/creators must have been born in the 80's ... we're all geeks!

Oooh...I second this! That show is brilliant! My kids have been into it the past year or so but I've never really paid any attention to it. This summer I did 2 road trips alone with the kids and the main things that helped me stay alert while driving were the Phineas and Ferb CD and Cherry Tootsie Pops! I got really attached to that CD and wanted to see all the episodes sporting the different songs I now knew well. And now...let's just say I've been known to fold laundry at 11pm while watching P and F long after the boys are in bed.

 

[Parla]

Great report! Problem with reading after the fact is remembering what to comment on.

Loved the comparisons. Really want to ride Indiana Jones some day. However I wouldn't mind if they didn't bring it to WDW and kept it "special" at DLR.

You know we love P&F. I found your report after you made me a Perry DISign. Thanks again.

A word on tantrums. Never assume the kid is crying for a certain reason. I know it's a vacation area and it most likely is being tired but my daughter has type 1 diabetes and had a complete meltdown when we went shopping one night. It was right after dinner and she was losing her mind screaming and hiding under a table. I finally got to her and checked her blood. She was over 400. The insulin just hadn't kicked in yet. This happens from time to time and I fully expect a couple of rough patches at Disney since the food will be much different and more abundant. I've also had a woman come through my line at work with a screaming child. I could tell he wasn't your average kid. I talked to the woman about what was wrong relating my own screaming child stories. He was autistic and sometimes would just be inconsolable when shopping. She was trying to leave as quickly as possible. As soon as she was gone I had co-workers come over and start complaining about her. I'm so tired of lecturing them not to judge people. But I keep doing it because they either don't have kids or apparently gave birth to angels that never cried.

Can't wait to get a Mickey pretzel on our upcoming trip! What exactly is a Tigger tail?

I have the same tense problem when I write anything. I just can't seem to get them straight.

The main thing I learned from you is to make sure I research any future trips thoroughly. The Alice and Mad Hatter musical chairs game sounds like a real riot. We would have been laughing way too loudly at the bored girl too. One time we went to see one of my favorite comedians late at night and I kind of zoned out. We were right in the front row and he looked straight at me and said, "Don't worry honey, it'll be over soon."

 

[OrcaPotter]

True, part of the appeal of visiting the different parks is having different experiences. I'm just surprised WDW hasn't replaced the stunt show yet. I've seen it a few times in the 20 years it's been running, and it just does not have re-watch appeal for me. Personally, HS is not my favorite park--I'd like them to build more rides or something.

Yay! Did he like the shirt? I'd love to hear how it's received in the parks, haha.

Oh, I never thought the child was throwing a tantrum for no reason. It wasn't the child that we were shocked over, but rather the parents. The mother just ignored the child and then yelled at her to follow them down the stairs while the girl stomped and rolled screaming on the ground. The parent didn't look the least bit embarrassed or concerned--either for how she looked or for the child. I only ever think less of parents when they don't address tantrums and just go about their business without trying to soothe the problem. Granted, with toddlers, there's sometimes only so much you can do. But in a public place, when your daughter is in the middle of the floor with an audience and traffic navigating around her? Just pick up the child, instead of walking off with a wave of your hand with a "whatever" attitude! That's what was shocking. If the child has a condition, I would hope the parents would have some other way of coping rather than ignoring it and literally walking away.

As for Tigger Tails, I believe they are marshmallows on a stick with colored chocolate coatings to make it look like his tail. The only time I saw them was in the gift shop next to the Pooh ride. They were something like $7 each, so I passed them up.

Definitely check out musical chairs! They don't advertise it on the map, nor do I recall the Mary Poppins band being advertised, so set aside a day to just wander leisurely around to catch all the magic!

 

[Guatemommy]

Loved your report - thanks for the details - it gets me so ready for our east-meets-west first-time DL trip coming up in November!

 

[disneegrl4eva]

totally loving this TR right now!! i just finished your day 1 and onward I go...Im the exact opposite of you...I live in CA and have gone to DL so many times I cant even keep track...although I live 5 hours from there its never been an issue to jump in the car and go...I usually stay across from you at hojo if Im not staying on property but Ive tried many a different hotel along Harbor there and some off of it...Im doing my planning now for my first ever trip to wdw in dec. and someone posted the link to this report over on that side of the board and I thought it would be interesting to hear your perspectives and compare differences and that it might help me in my planning...so off I go to continue on...its been awhile since Ive been excited to read a TR

ps I cant even believe you didnt see F! here...its the most amazing thing ever!!!!!!

I had to just come back on here and edit this post for a minute because I wanted you to know how moved I was at the "feelings" you were getting when you entered Main St..it seriously brought tears to my eyes because i think you just described how I feel each and every time I enter the park for my first day of my trip...and it is why I ♥♥ DL as much as I do...none of my friends really understand it save a couple but you hit the nail right on the head and made me smile while tears were rolling down my face...thank you

 

[OrcaPotter]

totally loving this TR right now!! i just finished your day 1 and onward I go...Im the exact opposite of you...I live in CA and have gone to DL so many times I cant even keep track...although I live 5 hours from there its never been an issue to jump in the car and go...I usually stay across from you at hojo if Im not staying on property but Ive tried many a different hotel along Harbor there and some off of it...Im doing my planning now for my first ever trip to wdw in dec. and someone posted the link to this report over on that side of the board and I thought it would be interesting to hear your perspectives and compare differences and that it might help me in my planning...so off I go to continue on...its been awhile since Ive been excited to read a TR

ps I cant even believe you didnt see F! here...its the most amazing thing ever!!!!!!

I had to just come back on here and edit this post for a minute because I wanted you to know how moved I was at the "feelings" you were getting when you entered Main St..it seriously brought tears to my eyes because i think you just described how I feel each and every time I enter the park for my first day of my trip...and it is why I ♥♥ DL as much as I do...none of my friends really understand it save a couple but you hit the nail right on the head and made me smile while tears were rolling down my face...thank you

I'm glad you're enjoying it! I'm intrigued that my report is even circling around the WDW boards! Ironically I've yet to venture to that part of the DIS, LOL. I'd love to read your take of your first visit here, too. My friend Dana, whom I mention in my TR, is making her first visit to WDW in October. I can't wait to see what she thinks, too.

And aw I'm glad I was able to experience what Main Street USA at DL means to regulars. Don't get me wrong, WDW's version has similar feelings for me--but more personal ones from my own memories. They're unique to me, specifically, whereas at DL it felt more universally tangible (if that makes any sense, haha).

 

[disneegrl4eva]

I'm glad you're enjoying it! I'm intrigued that my report is even circling around the WDW boards! Ironically I've yet to venture to that part of the DIS, LOL. I'd love to read your take of your first visit here, too. My friend Dana, whom I mention in my TR, is making her first visit to WDW in October. I can't wait to see what she thinks, too.

definitely will let you know when I do my TR...you know, being that Im from DL side Ive been on these boards and answered many a question over the years...not so much in the past 2 years but I have done my share..however, I notice that its way different on wdw side of the boards...its hard to get people to reply to you and if they do its not very timely..over here you get 10 responses in 2 seconds and I guess Im spoiled that way...ive been doing a pre tr and people have read it but NOBODY has responded and I asked for some input on what resorts I should definitely see being as I will be there during the holiday overlay..and NOTHING!!! but I will continue to write it even if its just for me...anyway I have just finished reading up to you going on the trails at DCA and I have a couple of comments lol....firstly, I can't believe that you were able to do the sunwheel and even look at any of the scenery...either side of the cars scare me out of my living gore because i am afraid, like many, that the cars will break off and we will plummet to our deaths because we would drown due to not being able to get out of the car...good grief that gave me a fear in my heart even thinking about it...ive done that stupid wheel twice in all the time it has been there and I have NO intentions of ever doing it again!!..secondly, I saw your post about the mickey pretzels..i was surprised you guys didnt have them and had no idea of that till i read a post the other day that you now have them so all i can say is FINALLY???? lol...and as for Aladdin..that show IS amazing isnt it...thats as good as any broadway show out there and the genie is hilarious...he always does jokes surrounding whatever is going on in pop culture atm...hes done britney, charlie sheen, lindsay lohan, etc... its hilarious...and lastly, at least for this post, in regards to how nice the cm's are here...this is something i am not looking forward to at wdw...I am spoiled in that way too and I just know my expectations are going to be there even if I try to remember its not going to be that way but I have to comment on something you said about us needing to share....NO!!nu uh...no way...you guys have 4 HUGE parks, 2 water parks and you have an amazing Universal Studios/Islands of Adventure WITH Harry Potter World I might add...we are keeping our stuff including but not limited to: Matterhorn, SM, IJ, and everything else you said you were taking with you ...besides anything we ever have good wdw takes and steals anyway ie TSMM, Little Mermaid, our light show on the castle at christmas and god knows what else I just cant think of anything else atm so NO..its mine!!

PS. you're not getting WOC either...and if you try.. i keel u!!

 

[disneegrl4eva]

ok I finished your report and ♥♥♥♥♥'d it....and I really do hope you can get back out here one day during the holidays because it is seriously amazing...we dont have a party like MVMCP but we have the castle lighting ceremony that you guys stole and snow on main st. plus the fantasy christmas parade thats been going on since sheesh my daughter was like 8? and shes 25 this year..and of course "Believe In Holiday Magic" fireworks...but these things are for everybody, every night...the characters are dressed up in holiday attire all day so its a little weird for me going to wdw and having to buy a special event ticket to see this stuff but Im going to because I really want to see all that stuff...now back to the report...i just wanted to say that I, for one am looking forward to CARSland becaue my grandson is 4 and he is obsessed with any and all cars..he loved the movie and I took him to Cars 2...now if it werent for him I probably wouldnt be as excited for it as I am with the exception of the addition of Fasttrack..(finally DL stole something of wdw)...also I had to comment on your observation of the parents taking their children back into the castle...I am in 100% agreement with you...I dont know if you are aware of this..for as long as I can remember the castle has been a walk through attraction but back in 2001 after the 911 attacks DL shut up the castle and no one was allowed to walk through it anymore...it was closed until Oct. 2009 and they revamped it and updated it and then reopened it to the public...when we went for MTOTP (Mickey's Trick or Treat party)they were doing a soft opening so we went through it...going up into it my grandson, who at the time was about to turn 3, was fine but when we got to the area where Maleficient is in the dungeon area he F.R.E.A.K.E.D out!!! started screaming and made me pick him up and wouldnt let me put him down so I immediately took him outside and had to carry him screaming all the way down the stairs...he was genuinely frightened..there is NO WAY I would have made him go back in there...he was a little chicken boy with so many different things...even Mark Twain boat he flipped out and didnt want to ridebut I am NOT going to force him to ride that stuff and make him be scared of ANYTHING in DL..so just had to share that experience with you...I also wanted to say that TOT is my favorite ride of ALL the rides combined and I ride that x a billion when I go...Im really looking forward to doing wdw version...one time i decided to spend the whole day seeing how many times i could go back to back on TOT...I had the cm's all rooting for me and counting with me..btw it was 18 total.... and I have to say that really scares me and makes me sad about what the cm said to you about changes coming to DL...that is one thing that I am having problems with now...corporate is greedy and is trying to turn things into a money making machine instead of preserving what Walt so lovingly built from bottom up and Im afraid to find out what their plans are and one other comment I would like to add...I have decided not to get park hopper passes and just do MYW..there is so much i want to see that I just want to do one park a day and take in as much as I can...I will get 2 full days of each park with the possible exception of AK because Im not into that so much but I have 1 day open for a later decision as to which park I want to do a 3rd time...I am spoiled yet again by being able to jump back and forth between DL and CA and I know already that I wont be able to do that at wdw and dont want to spend even 1/4 of my day on transportation...thanks again for a great report...I hope you stay on the dis and will go over to the wdw side and help people like me who know very little about that side of the world

 

[OrcaPotter]

definitely will let you know when I do my TR...you know, being that Im from DL side Ive been on these boards and answered many a question over the years...not so much in the past 2 years but I have done my share..however, I notice that its way different on wdw side of the boards...its hard to get people to reply to you and if they do its not very timely..over here you get 10 responses in 2 seconds and I guess Im spoiled that way...ive been doing a pre tr and people have read it but NOBODY has responded and I asked for some input on what resorts I should definitely see being as I will be there during the holiday overlay..and NOTHING!!! but I will continue to write it even if its just for me...anyway I have just finished reading up to you going on the trails at DCA and I have a couple of comments lol....firstly, I can't believe that you were able to do the sunwheel and even look at any of the scenery...either side of the cars scare me out of my living gore because i am afraid, like many, that the cars will break off and we will plummet to our deaths because we would drown due to not being able to get out of the car...good grief that gave me a fear in my heart even thinking about it...ive done that stupid wheel twice in all the time it has been there and I have NO intentions of ever doing it again!!..secondly, I saw your post about the mickey pretzels..i was surprised you guys didnt have them and had no idea of that till i read a post the other day that you now have them so all i can say is FINALLY???? lol...and as for Aladdin..that show IS amazing isnt it...thats as good as any broadway show out there and the genie is hilarious...he always does jokes surrounding whatever is going on in pop culture atm...hes done britney, charlie sheen, lindsay lohan, etc... its hilarious...and lastly, at least for this post, in regards to how nice the cm's are here...this is something i am not looking forward to at wdw...I am spoiled in that way too and I just know my expectations are going to be there even if I try to remember its not going to be that way but I have to comment on something you said about us needing to share....NO!!nu uh...no way...you guys have 4 HUGE parks, 2 water parks and you have an amazing Universal Studios/Islands of Adventure WITH Harry Potter World I might add...we are keeping our stuff including but not limited to: Matterhorn, SM, IJ, and everything else you said you were taking with you ...besides anything we ever have good wdw takes and steals anyway ie TSMM, Little Mermaid, our light show on the castle at christmas and god knows what else I just cant think of anything else atm so NO..its mine!!

PS. you're not getting WOC either...and if you try.. i keel u!!

I'm more than willing to give you any and all tips for your WDW visit. I'll have to hunt down your PTR. After exploring the WDW side of the DIS, I can understand why it might be frustrating. Unlike for DLR and other parts, there are several WDW boards. There really is no central place for newbies and vets to mingle. There are too many divisions. Unless a vet is seeking to give advice, they wouldn't visit the planning boards. Or at least, a local like myself. I poked around a bit in the tips forum and spoke up a few times, though.
-- As for the Sun Wheel, I'll be honest, even being a fan of thrill rides it made me nervous. Dixie swears that next time she'll get me on the moving cars. Somehow I know I won't like that!
-- Yes, the Mickey pretzels really were a pleasant surprise! And just the other day, the WDW Facebook page announced they're now available here. We didn't know what we were missing, clearly! Sea World has had Shamu-shaped pretzels for a long while now. Now I can have 2 of my favorite things in food form
-- I've read that a version of the Aladdin stage show is being produced for DCL's newest ship, the Fantasy. I hope that doesn't mean they'll cease doing it at DLR, though.
-- As for taking all the best parts of DLR home to WDW? Though, seriously, the differences make the trip worthwhile. I've heard talk around town that WDW is trying to figure out how to bring WOC over here, though. I'm honestly not quite sure which park it'll fit in. Of all 4 of them, it would fit best at HS--though I doubt they'd want 2 nighttime shows. Personally, I wouldn't mind Fantasmic becoming a DLR exclusive and replace ours with WOC. Otherwise, there's no where else to put it

ok I finished your report and ♥♥♥♥♥'d it....and I really do hope you can get back out here one day during the holidays because it is seriously amazing...we dont have a party like MVMCP but we have the castle lighting ceremony that you guys stole and snow on main st. plus the fantasy christmas parade thats been going on since sheesh my daughter was like 8? and shes 25 this year..and of course "Believe In Holiday Magic" fireworks...but these things are for everybody, every night...the characters are dressed up in holiday attire all day so its a little weird for me going to wdw and having to buy a special event ticket to see this stuff but Im going to because I really want to see all that stuff...now back to the report...i just wanted to say that I, for one am looking forward to CARSland becaue my grandson is 4 and he is obsessed with any and all cars..he loved the movie and I took him to Cars 2...now if it werent for him I probably wouldnt be as excited for it as I am with the exception of the addition of Fasttrack..(finally DL stole something of wdw)...also I had to comment on your observation of the parents taking their children back into the castle...I am in 100% agreement with you...I dont know if you are aware of this..for as long as I can remember the castle has been a walk through attraction but back in 2001 after the 911 attacks DL shut up the castle and no one was allowed to walk through it anymore...it was closed until Oct. 2009 and they revamped it and updated it and then reopened it to the public...when we went for MTOTP (Mickey's Trick or Treat party)they were doing a soft opening so we went through it...going up into it my grandson, who at the time was about to turn 3, was fine but when we got to the area where Maleficient is in the dungeon area he F.R.E.A.K.E.D out!!! started screaming and made me pick him up and wouldnt let me put him down so I immediately took him outside and had to carry him screaming all the way down the stairs...he was genuinely frightened..there is NO WAY I would have made him go back in there...he was a little chicken boy with so many different things...even Mark Twain boat he flipped out and didnt want to ridebut I am NOT going to force him to ride that stuff and make him be scared of ANYTHING in DL..so just had to share that experience with you...I also wanted to say that TOT is my favorite ride of ALL the rides combined and I ride that x a billion when I go...Im really looking forward to doing wdw version...one time i decided to spend the whole day seeing how many times i could go back to back on TOT...I had the cm's all rooting for me and counting with me..btw it was 18 total.... and I have to say that really scares me and makes me sad about what the cm said to you about changes coming to DL...that is one thing that I am having problems with now...corporate is greedy and is trying to turn things into a money making machine instead of preserving what Walt so lovingly built from bottom up and Im afraid to find out what their plans are and one other comment I would like to add...I have decided not to get park hopper passes and just do MYW..there is so much i want to see that I just want to do one park a day and take in as much as I can...I will get 2 full days of each park with the possible exception of AK because Im not into that so much but I have 1 day open for a later decision as to which park I want to do a 3rd time...I am spoiled yet again by being able to jump back and forth between DL and CA and I know already that I wont be able to do that at wdw and dont want to spend even 1/4 of my day on transportation...thanks again for a great report...I hope you stay on the dis and will go over to the wdw side and help people like me who know very little about that side of the world

- I'm glad you enjoyed it!
- As for the Christmas characters and such, it didn't used to be a nighttime-separate-ticket event. When I was little, I remember seeing the Christmas parade often. Because traffic is so much higher at WDW, they can't close down the rides for overlays (though I seriously wish they would) but there are other holiday attractions that are not a separate admission

* The Spectacle of Lights at Hollywood Studios. Try to pick a day in the middle of the week to see this, otherwise it's a logistical nightmare with the body-crushing crowds trying to both move and stay in one spot at the same time. When I went last year, it was a weekend day, and if the lights were not so amazing I would have been beyond miserable.
* Candlelight Processional at Epcot. This is a right of passage for many local high school chorus kids. It's a telling of the Christmas story read by a celebrity (different ones throughout the season) interspersed with a chorus and orchestra. It's one of my favorite events. Get there early for a good seat, no matter what day you go.
* There's a holiday parade at Animal Kingdom, but I've never seen it. Frankly, I've been to AK the least of all 4 parks.​

- I'm sure you'll love TOT at WDW, then! Seriously. There's a lot more build up to the drops.
- Lastly, a good idea not to get park hoppers. I don't understand anyone's need to park hop when it's their first or second time. Enjoy the full day experiencing all there is to offer. If there's nothing left you want to see, relax at your hotel or check out DTD. A lot of DLR vets seem to be used to rapid-fire visits that get'r all done quickly. WDW is meant to be taken over a longer period of time so that you're not rushed. Even for my friends and I, I wish we had stayed just a day or two longer so that we didn't feel so constrained to experience all there was to offer. We park hop a lot here at home because we've done and seen it all. We can spare the 30 minutes travel time between parks since we only do a few things in each before moving on.

And I promise, I shall go forth and impart my WDW knowledge. Paying it forward!

 

[Parla]

however, I notice that its way different on wdw side of the boards...its hard to get people to reply to you and if they do its not very timely..over here you get 10 responses in 2 seconds and I guess Im spoiled that way...ive been doing a pre tr and people have read it but NOBODY has responded and I asked for some input on what resorts I should definitely see being as I will be there during the holiday overlay..and NOTHING!!! but I will continue to write it even if its just for me

Would you mind putting a link to your PTR in your signature? I would love to read it. I will probably search it out anyway but I've found this time around (hadn't been on in a few years) that most people really only tend to visit and post your PTR if they catch it in your signature from another thread. I think so many people on the WDW side are involved in detailed threads that they don't tend to venture out and see the new posts. Also, we have an Official October thread going that has been invaluable to me. Try to seek out an Official thread for your month. It's so funny how going from one area of the board to another is like entering a different neighborhood.

And I promise, I shall go forth and impart my WDW knowledge. Paying it forward!