grew up at DL, now a WDW CM and going back!

[AngieBelle]

I'll be at DL the wkend of May 10th! (I didn't have a choice on the day of the wk- my sister works during the week, and she wants to go too.)

I've been to DL about 10 times as a kid and then a teen, but my last trip was summer 1998 and I've spent the last 5 years as a CM at WDW!

So, obviously I haven't seen *any* of DCA, but what things at DL have changed the most in 10 yrs that I really ought to check out?

What food places are totally different than anything they have here at WDW?

What exactly is a mint julip that I have heard about? WDW doesn't have a New Orleans Square and the only things I remember eating at DL as a kid are the standard pizzas and burgers!

 

[DLR29]

Changes to DL since 98:
-Buzz Lightyear Astroblaster (It's better than WDW because the guns are removable)
-Space Mountain has been totally redone with a new soundtrack and a smoother ride
-The two Autopia tracks have been melded together to make one long Autopia
-The Submarine Voyage has been redone to a Finding Nemo theme
-IASW is down for a year long refurb
-Pirates has gotten the additions from the movie
-Tom Sawyer Island is now Pirate's Lair. It has some really cool effects in the caves and a bunch of interactive stuff on the island
-Many Adventures of Winnie-the-Pooh replaced Country Bear Jamboree
-A 50th Anniversay exhibit has replaced Mr. Lincoln
-Parades and fireworks have changed

Those are the major changes around DL. As for unique food places I recommend Blue Bayou. A nice place for dinner or lunch under paper lanterns with the Pirate boats floating by. Plus the food is pretty good (although there are a few on here who would disagree), especially the Monte Cristo sandwich at lunch.

 

[Mike_M]

My gap at DL was even longer then yours and when I went in 06 for the first time in 13 years, I was (pleasantly) shocked at how improved the surrounding area has become and the way DLR has grown. DL itself has changed some.......scratch that. It has aged well. I say it that way not to imply that the park is getting old, but to say that it is different in the way that a person grows from a child to an adult. The trees are bigger, there are more rides, a couple old favorites have passed on to yesterland, but overall it's the same place, with the same feel and I was glad to be back.

 

[DoomBugger]

I think you will really enjoy your rediscovery of DL park. 10 years is also pre-DCA-DD expansion so you will be pretty blown away by everything, so much into a relatively small space compared to FL WDW.

 

[actionvaughn]

The mint julep tastes like mint limeade, essentially. I don't really like it too much but it's available at both Cafe Orleans and the Blue Bayou.

It's sounds so exciting experiencing a brand new park! : Make sure you write up a TR for us!

 

[AmericanItGirl]

The mint julep tastes like mint limeade, essentially.

Just because alcohol is verboten everywhere except Club 33. I like it to a certain degree over ice, but can't drink a whole cup of it. It's also available at the French Market.

 

[Silly Little Pixie]

Be sure to spend some time in Fantasyland, with the rides exclusive to DL- Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, Alice, and ride Storybookland Canal Boats at night! Don't forget Toontown- it's better than WDW's as well. The 50th Anniversary exhibit is really neat. I love that kind of history stuff, and as a CM I bet you will too.

Enjoy your return "home" to Walt's Park! How exciting for you!

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

Hi Angiebelle,

I think you've been wanting to go back & visit for awhile, right? How great that you finally can.