How important are the rides to you?

[ely3857]

Hello,

I do love the rides but am old (& wise?) enough now to know they wont/dont make or break my holiday.

I enjoy everything else Disney and Orlando has to offer and wouldnt hesitate in encouraging someone who would never try out a ride to holiday there.

One of my best memories is Me, my mom and two friends sat just outside the entrance to DLP eating our lunch (picnics not allowed in the park!) people watching. I would have to admit to us making up some stories about the people walking by!

Another one is me and DF in DLP jumping in puddles when it was raining!

You make your own memories....



Ely3857 (England)

 

[DrTomorrow]

I mostly agree with you. Although we have learned - over time - to enjoy exactly what you said about wandering around and really looking/seeing, I confess that I wouldn't regularly go, nor would we have bought into DVC, if the attractions weren't there. There's just something magical - and a bit nostalgic, like seeing an old friend again - about PotC, Jungle Cruise, Carosel of Progress, HoP, etc. And - call my a little looney - but my favorite ride might actually be the WEDway Peoplemover / Tomorrowland Transit Authority.

But when I look at the total time spent at WDW parks, I do agree that our non-ride time is an increasing percentage. We like to linger a bit at things: actually try to notice everything in the ride queue not just rush through it; look in all the "nooks and crannies", particularly at Epcot; interact a bit more with CMs - they often have such interesting stories to tell.

And personally, I feel there's something transcendent (almost spiritual) about being in a theme park at night. The darkness seems to give each park an entirely different character, and the lights seem so joyous; that's why I'm looking forward to an EMH evening at AK this trip.

Be well!

 

[floridagirrl2]

--------------------------

Oh - one question though.. Do they still have those people in Epcot - near where the mime was - that are totally in white and look like statues? I thought that was the neatest thing!!

Yes! They are in Italy. I love watching people walk by who don't realize the statues are actually human. The really do look like sculpture!

 

[CyranoJones]

We're wanderers and people watchers as well. If the mood hits to ride something, we do. Don't get me wrong, I am a thrill ride lover, but Disney isn't about rides for me anymore.

 

[C.Ann]

Yes! They are in Italy. I love watching people walk by who don't realize the statues are actually human. The really do look like sculpture!

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Oh - thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!! I love them! It was hysterical the first time I saw them.. This gentleman walked by and as he did, one of the "statues" snatched his hat.. If you could have seen the look on his face - it was priceless!!

You have made my day! I can just see myself sitting there for a couple of hours watching all the surprised looks..

 

[C.Ann]

on a list.

C.Ann, I don't know you at all, but have read some other posts on the board. I know you have been through some rough times lately. I really hope you have a wonderful trip. It may be a different experience for you, but it will be an experience all the same.

-------------------------

That is such a kind thing to say.. Thank you very much.. Actually, the day I am arriving would have been my and my DH's 28th wedding anniversary.. I really couldn't bear the thought of spending it here - where all the memories are - so I decided to go to WDW before I head up to my sister's place in Lady Lake.. I realize that all of the "firsts" are hard, but this is one that I truly don't think I can handle here at home.. It's only been 2 and a half months and my emotions are still kind of raw at this point..

So - I have decided to make a new memory - one that I know my DH would approve of..

My first trip to WDW alone - and my first stay on-site.. I'm sure it will be a wonderful experience - thanks so much for sharing yours with me..

 

[Eeyore2003]

Oh Floridagirrl2, we'd get along great.

In December DH and I spent 7 days in a one bedroom villa at the Boardwalk, we slept til we wanted to, relaxed, swam, shopped, went to 2 movies (we don't EVER get to movies here at home), the Candlelight Processional, of course, ate at all our favorite restaurants and tried some new.

We did MVMCP, but it was so crowded that I'll bet we only hit 3 or 4 rides.
In fact, I doubt we even went on 5 rides total for the 8 days!!! Certainly not more than 10!!!

We go to DisneyWorld, to "get away from it all". We drop our troubles off at the gate and pick them up on the way out. It's WONDERFUL!!! and well needed therapy.

In July we took my brother and family for their first trip and it was awesome, to see it all again through the kids, (ages 8 and 11) eyes for the first time was incredible and of course, that was a well orchestrated, well planned time, so that they could do and see as much as I could "relaxedly" fit in, but vacations where it's just hubby and myself are AMAZING!!! There's SO much more than the rides.

I know there's allot of us here at the DIS, who have had marvelous time with our kids growing up at DisneyWorld, who have now discovered all the wonderful "extras" that are a part of WDW.

In November, DH is attending a conference for 3 of mornings or our 9 day stay and I was just looking into the Grand Floridian and Saratoga Springs Spas!!! I think I've got all 3 mornings filled with stuff I'd like to do there!!! Then of course there's the Food and Wine Festival, and Festival of the Masters going on!!! So much to do!!!

 

[Eeyore2003]

Here's the link to an article on things to do "solo".

http://www.allearsnet.com/pl/solo.htm

Also, I just read about how you enjoyed the living statues in Italy. We do too and I always found the "schedule" on another site. I just looked it up there and couldn't find it now, but when you go to EPCOT, ask for a schedule and all the entertainment from all around the world will be listed and what times it is. I really enjoy this too and then can plan when to kind of be where.

I also just read the previous post. Take care. Personally, I think what you're doing is very healthy, but mostly very very brave. I can't imagine. I so hope your time is healing and as special as it can be for you right now.

Becky

 

[Tiziminchac]

I like going on rides, but not waiting. If we can't fastpass it we just walk on by, if it's too crowded. My best friend is on a Buzz Lightyear kick and has to go on this everytime we go these days. Most of the time we will hit two or three parks a trip and many times only ride one ride or see one show per park. Eating good is usually our first priority. As for people watching, I don't pay much attention. I'm in my own little world most of the time.

 

[C.Ann]

Here's the link to an article on things to do "solo".

http://www.allearsnet.com/pl/solo.htm

Also, I just read about how you enjoyed the living statues in Italy. We do too and I always found the "schedule" on another site. I just looked it up there and couldn't find it now, but when you go to EPCOT, ask for a schedule and all the entertainment from all around the world will be listed and what times it is. I really enjoy this too and then can plan when to kind of be where.

I also just read the previous post. Take care. Personally, I think what you're doing is very healthy, but mostly very very brave. I can't imagine. I so hope your time is healing and as special as it can be for you right now.

Becky

---------------------------------

Thanks so much for that link! You can't even begin to imagine how excited I am over the prospect of being able to see those living statues again.. It was SOOO much fun watching the looks on peoples faces..

As for being "brave" - nah.. I'm actually a little scared of taking this big step alone, but I'm more afraid of what my life will become if I don't try to move forward.. Life isn't always fair, but we have to play the hand we're dealt, right?

Thanks for the good wishes too.. I'll be sure to post about the trip when I get back..

 

[newholidayx2]

CAnn - have a great time
{{hugs}}

 

[WDWLVR]

While we love the rides nothing is make it or break it for us. With DVC we know we'll be back so we like to go and just enjoy.

At Magic Kingdom there are a number of stage shows to watch and people watching is best in the hub at the end of Main Street. Or setting in one of the rockers over in Frontierland.

Animal Kingdom has some great walking trails and lots of places where you can just go at your own pace. Not sure if there are many great people watching spots but if you are there when the parade goes by that is fun.

MGM is our least favorite park so we don't spend a lot of time there.

Epcot is my favorite park. I'll be solo for two days in June (DH will be at a convention) and I plan on walking around Epcot for part of the day. I love looking in all the little shops and there is so much to see as far as entertainment. Off Kilter is our favorite, but Britsh Invasion is also great. The little park in England is a great place to relax. A great people watching spot is the benches over in Japan and you'll also have a great spot to watch the drummers there. If you want to get in out of the heat check the times for the Voices of Liberty at the American Pavillion. They are amazing!

There is so much more to WDW than thrill rides. Enjoy your trip!

 

[iheartdisney]

This is the total opposite spectrum from you, but...
Last month was our first trip with children, and it really was the first time the rides didn't matter! On our first night, I asked cuz what time should we wake up, and her DS5 said "whatever time we get up, Aunt Melissa!" And that set the pace for the trip. We didn't get to the parks at opening, nor did we stay till closing one day. I think the funnest ride for me was taking the little ones on the TTA (peoplemover) 3 times in a row while the bigger ones did tommorrowland.
If you want to see cuteness, head back to tonntown, and watch the playground, or the Ship (I can't remember the name) that squirts water everywhere. We hung out there for about an hour, letting the kids play. (and strip)
My favorite at EPCOT is Innoventions...you can wander around there all day, and take in all of the demonstrations. Same goes for AK and the animal shows.
I am also one of the people who bugs the "driven" groups, because I LOVE looking at all the shops, carts, stands, etc. I'm a window shopper, and WDW is paradise! Its just fun to read all of the shirts, bags,and see how much a crystal monarail would cost!
Have fun!

 

[Miss Mickey Mania]

-------------------------

That is such a kind thing to say.. Thank you very much.. Actually, the day I am arriving would have been my and my DH's 28th wedding anniversary.. I really couldn't bear the thought of spending it here - where all the memories are - so I decided to go to WDW before I head up to my sister's place in Lady Lake.. I realize that all of the "firsts" are hard, but this is one that I truly don't think I can handle here at home.. It's only been 2 and a half months and my emotions are still kind of raw at this point..

So - I have decided to make a new memory - one that I know my DH would approve of..

My first trip to WDW alone - and my first stay on-site.. I'm sure it will be a wonderful experience - thanks so much for sharing yours with me..

C.Ann, I wish you a wonderful and memory filled trip. You are very brave to be going on this trip but I feel sure you will feel the benefit from it and won't regret a minute.
My trip this summer will also be different, not quite for the same reasons as yours. My mum has just been diagnosed with breast cancer and is starting chemotherapy tomorrow. What would have been our annual family trip has turned into a solo one for me this July.

To get back to the thread subject, I love all the 'extras' in the parks. I don't like coaster type or fast rides, and feel no compulsion to do Mission Space, Test Track, Space/Big Thunder/Splash Mountains, RnRC, TOT. I will ride the smaller rides if the wait times or fast pass times suit me. I adore EPCOT, especially WS and enjoy just soaking up the whole atmosphere. I am also a foodie so I will spend most of my time eating .

Louise

 

[EsmeraldaX]

I went once in college and never went on a ride the whole trip.

Instead, I walked around, admired the landscape, the buildings, the artwork, the gardens. I took more time to enjoy my meals and see the shows. I checked out every shop, every building in the WS at Epcot.

It was a very enjoyable trip.

 

[DMRick]

We do very few rides, mostly we do the shows. We love the British Invasion over in England, and sit and watch them a few times each trip. We love any of the music..the Off Kilter we seem to only catch at the end, so this is a must see on our next trip. I check to see when any of the school bands/choirs are performing, and we try to go sit and watch them in any of the parks, although we hang at Epcot most of the time. We try to do at least one of the tours each trip, with keys to the kingdom still our favorite. Love the trivia we learned there. We sit on the Boardwalk and people watch, we take the boats everywhere they go, and try to end up on the Lake for the MK fireworks. We take the boat over to Ft Wilderness and sit in the rocking chairs and people watch. We walk between DTD and the Theater, and check out all those neat little shops, and sit on the benches in between and watch the World go by. We take the boat (you don't have to be staying there) from DTD to POR (or vice versa, if we are staying there) and listen to to spiel from the boat captain. Visit both POR Riverside and FQ. Stay for Bob at Riverside (but make sure we are back on the boat by Boat closing time. Visit the monorail resorts and just enjoy, for instance they often have a small orchestra or piano player at the GF, so we sit in the lobby and enjoy that.

 

[*Fantasia*]

Right now it's all about the rides. I have a 5 and 8 yr olds. They like to ride. Because I have small children, sometimes we just sit and have snacks and people watch and watch people enjoy the rides. It is a nice relaxing ways for us.

How important is the ride for us...well... it is a MUST to ride Buzz and PPF at MK. And at Epcot... it is a must to stop at every Kidcot area so the kids can color the masks and get their passports stamped and get those charms to put on the masks.

 

[HomeSweetDisney]

While I love the atmosphere at all 4 parks, the rides are a big part of the Disney experience for me. Especially the classics like Peter Pan's Flight, IASW, POTC, Space Mountain, etc.

 

[ginroles]

Thank you for this post!!! I am going to WDW in three weeks and would like to ride on some rides but I don't like long lines. You have made me realize that we will still enjoy walking around even if the lines are too long!!! Thanks for the idea of a schedule for activities in Epcot, we will definitely enjoy walking around watching out for different things!!!!!

C.Ann, I also want to congratulate you on taking such a bold step!!!! You seem to have a wonderful attitude, I know it will take time but I'm sure you'll be fine!!!!!!

 

[floridagirrl2]

C. Ann--I had no idea you were soloing because you lost your DH. I'm so, so sorry. Have a truly wonderful time on your trip and, like your sig says, let all your memories be happy ones.