Fairly new and taking hubbie...

[momnum1]

Hello!! Okay, my situation is that my daughter's high school marching band is playing in the parade over Spring Break ('13). I probably have the option to be a chaperone for the trip, but I'm not crazy about that idea. I'm seriously considering going down for a couple of days with my DH. Since I've only been to WDW one time, I don't even know where to begin... so here are a few questions:

1) With only a couple of days, are there "must do's" for adults?

2) I've never been to Epcot, but keep hearing from our adult friends how great it is... what's makes it so special for grown ups?

3) Is there any reason to stay on site vs. off site?

That's all I can think of right now, but I really appreciate any input!!!

 

[wiserabbit]

As a former band Mom - DH and I bit the bullet and went as chaperones two years....it really was a lot of fun ...... so don't dismiss that as a possiblity totally -

1) For a couple of days - definitely agree with Epcot - beyond that it would be what your preference is - if you want the MK experience again (since you've only been once ) and both DHS and AK have their own special appeal.

2) Must do's for adults - eating and drinking around World Showcase at Epcot, watching at least one fireworks show and just generally enjoying seeing things at your pace....

3) $$$$ may be a consideration of on-site versus off site but IMO you can do either for relatively the same amount - depends on if you want to drive yourself everywhere (staying off site) - or you want to let Disney do the driving for you totally from hotel to parks, etc.....we prefer on-site cause we know exactly what to expect in terms of quality and we can choose to totally rely on Disney transport or have the car available...

As a note - DH and I had a blast with the high school kids (one year the competition was at Universal and the next at Disney)......those memories are some of our most precious - HAVE A GREAT TIME

 

[DisneytheKid]

Just checkin the thread to see if it was for DLR or WDW. Sorry cant help with WDW Have a great trip!

 

[momnum1]

As a former band Mom - DH and I bit the bullet and went as chaperones two years....it really was a lot of fun ...... so don't dismiss that as a possiblity totally -

1) For a couple of days - definitely agree with Epcot - beyond that it would be what your preference is - if you want the MK experience again (since you've only been once ) and both DHS and AK have their own special appeal.

2) Must do's for adults - eating and drinking around World Showcase at Epcot, watching at least one fireworks show and just generally enjoying seeing things at your pace....

3) $$$$ may be a consideration of on-site versus off site but IMO you can do either for relatively the same amount - depends on if you want to drive yourself everywhere (staying off site) - or you want to let Disney do the driving for you totally from hotel to parks, etc.....we prefer on-site cause we know exactly what to expect in terms of quality and we can choose to totally rely on Disney transport or have the car available...

As a note - DH and I had a blast with the high school kids (one year the competition was at Universal and the next at Disney)......those memories are some of our most precious - HAVE A GREAT TIME

Thanks so much for the input! I do feel that Epcot is the best bet since I'm not sure how much DH would like MK. I've tried to look up some High School Band performances on YouTube and I think the kids are just going to be marching around the park during the day. I'm so excited about that part because they should be marching toward the castle at some point and it looks beautiful in the videos! I'm having second thoughts about being a chaperone because of some health issues, so I don't want my daughter to have to worry about me while she's there.

One thing though, would the early and late park hours make staying on site a better option since we have such a limited time there?

Thanks again!!!

 

[OregonGirl]

1) With only a couple of days, are there "must do's" for adults?

2) I've never been to Epcot, but keep hearing from our adult friends how great it is... what's makes it so special for grown ups?

3) Is there any reason to stay on site vs. off site?

While I don't have a teenager in band yet (15 years later, I might), DH and I have done WDW together (during the Wine&Dine 1/2 that I ran, and also on our honeymoon during the Princess 1/2, which I also ran), and here's my two cents:

- I would say that World Showcase at EPCOT appeals more to adults than kids. It really does offer a fairly authentic glimpse into what it's like to visit those various countries. All the movies that most of the countries offer are all worth watching, and often it is fun to just chat with the CMs - many of whom are international Disney College Program students. DH and I don't drink, but I echo that its fun to "eat" and just "immerse" yourself around the world.

- If you like animals, you will appreciate Kilimanjaro Safari at Animal Kingdom. If you like broadway shows, the Festival of the Lion King is worth seeing.

- I would not bother with the water parks during a 2-3 day trip.

- Downtown Disney is a fun visit for at least a few hours. There are some more adult specific restaurants there - I recommend Raglen Road Irish Pub.

- If you care less about rides and more about ambiance, I recommend doing a Garden View Tea Time at the Grand Floridian. You may also want to give Bistro de Paris, Rose & Crown, or Le Cellier a try.

- You ABSOLUTELY want to stay onsite. Resort guests can use Disney transportation at will. Resort Guests are able to park freely at any park if you choose to rent a car. Resort guests can have their park ticket, room key, and charges all on one card. Resort guests can participate in the extra magic hours - either morning or evening - at all parks. Resort guests experience the Disney quality of guest services, especially at the Deluxe Resorts. Resort guests can use Disney's Magical Express to and from the airport.

- There are lots of adult things to do at Disney's Boardwalk, especially if you like sports, dueling pianos, or dancing. This is not typically a kid heavy area.

Hope this helps!

- Carey

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[momnum1]

You ABSOLUTELY want to stay onsite. Resort guests can use Disney transportation at will. Resort Guests are able to park freely at any park if you choose to rent a car. Resort guests can have their park ticket, room key, and charges all on one card. Resort guests can participate in the extra magic hours - either morning or evening - at all parks. Resort guests experience the Disney quality of guest services, especially at the Deluxe Resorts. Resort guests can use Disney's Magical Express to and from the airport.[/URL]

This helps so much, thanks!!! Since I wasn't sure what perks are available for onsite guests, I was getting a little confused about whether to stay or not since its just for two days. The extra magic hours alone are a great perk, not to mention everything else! I'm sure DH would like the Epcot experience, and we will be going over to MK for the band to play, so that should take care of both days!

Thanks again!!!

 

[Lumiere Lover]

If money is an issue, stay onsite at a value resort. Since you are only going to be there for a couple of days, you will want the extra magic hours perk of staying onsite. Also, the trip always seems to be more magical when staying onsite.