Haven't been since '76--arriving 10/26..help!

[hundredacrewood]

I can't believe we are just days away from our trip! I am so excited...despite the hurricane!!!

I have tried to educate myself so much by reading these boards and all the recommended books...

Would love input from you Disney pros...

I have been planning our days and thus far, have us visiting one park each day..(5 day hopper) I have been reading, however, that some find it works better to visit more than one park each day instead of trying to 'do it all' in one day... Opinions on this????

Also, is there a restaurant in Epcot where you can eat and view the fireworks at the same time? Or is it better to be outside to view the fireworks? Also, what do you wear to the restaurants like Ohana/Teppanyaki/Le Cellier, etc... Are shorts allowed or would we be underdressed?

Our kids are 5 and 3... Any suggestions or helpful hints would be GREATLY appreciated!

Thanks!!!
Lisa

 

[misslissa]

Hi there!

From what I can gather, I think everyone does things differently. Last year was my first trip to Disney and if you can believe it, we only had 2 days at the parks. I had a park hopper, so we did each park half day. And, we didn't see everything but we had an absolute blast.

In a few weeks, we are going back for 6 days and also have a 5 day park pass. This time, since the hopping costs extra, we'll pretty much only be in one park per day! But, if you have that option, take advantage of it. Also remember that the parks are not exactly close together.

As for dining, you can wear any thing you'd like in Epcot restaurants. So, whatever you wear into the park is fine. I'm not sure about the fireworks thing, but from what I gathered when I was making my own ressies, you should book the ressies around the fireworks which makes me assume that you can't see the fireworks from most restaurants.

ALSO, this is the most important thing! If you haven't done so already... make your reservations for dinner right away. On our last trip, we only booked one and we had counter service the rest of the time. We tried several times (and this was a dead time of year) and couldn't get in anywhere without priority seating! So get right one that

I hope this helps

 

[canwegosoon]

Two years ago was my first trip since the early 80's...so I am glad you are finally getting the chance to go back.
I personally love getting the hopper option...we have always done 2-3 parks in one day. I think it's great because if you are at MK(for eg) and the lines seem really long, and you look around and the park seems full...leave and go to AK. Where if you do not hop...you only have 2 choices stay or leave, go back to hotel and come back later. Also if you are staying onsit and do the EMH you might plan a day at a different park and then come a hour or two before scheduled park closing to get your wrist band and stay for the extra 3 hours. Also by hoping you are opening up your dining choices.

Re: Epcot and illuminations...Rose and Crown does have some outside dining to view Illuminations..but you have to ask for patio dining when you arrive for your ADR(reservation)...I think if you are dining inside, there is a place to go and watch them. The other option is over by Mexico the Catina San Angel is counterservice with tables from which you can see Illuminations...I would guess people start camping out there at least an hour befor the show...so be sure to order something. Both of these are really well known, but you never
know.

As far as dress codes go...I always wear capris at night, and shorts during the day, and have never felt under dressed (I get cold at night).

Hope you have a fantastic trip!!!