Timon-n-Pumbaa Fan
<font color=blue>Identifies with Pumbaa's Flatulen
- Joined
- Jul 7, 2007
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My coworker is going to WDW with the Free Dining plan this week! She is beyond excited. She has never been before and neither has her hubby or 4 year old son. This will be their Anniversary celebration trip and their first family vacation ever. She is 10 weeks away from delivering a new baby boy, so a lot of the rides are off limits to her. However, I know there is lots of fun to be had for all of them. Can you please review the plan below and tell me where the holes are? I am hoping to print this up on Monday and give it to her on Tuesday.
Saturday 09/06
Breakfast: All Star Sports (out of pocket)
Lunch: Sunshine Seasons (1 CS for each)
Dinner: San Angel Inn (1 TS for each)
Epcot
This is park is the best choice for today. It handles large crowds better than any other park because it's the park with the largest amount of guest space. There is magic to be had here. It's a little less obvious at times, but it's definitely here. This is the only park with talking water fountains. Yeah, I said talking, They don't all do it, but there are three here that can do it. Maybe you will find one today. This is also a place where you can go around the world in a day. Everyone can ride the majority of the rides here. I will be sure to let you know if you and/or Jamin should pass on the experience. Be sure to grab a park map and a times guide at the front of the park. Don't forget to get those Anniversary and First Visit buttons at Guest Services on your way into the park! The one thing that you must do today is to give Jamin a Mickey Bar as a snack. It's a photo op that is a must for every kid's first visit to WDW.
Your first stop today is the Land pavillion's Soarin' ride. Soarin' is the hottest ride at Epcot, so it's important to go there first. The next stop is the Living with the Land ride, which is in the same pavillion. After this, you are going over to the Living Seas with Nemo and Friends pavillion. Ride The Seas with Nemo and Friends ride and be sure to catch Turtle Talk with Crush afterwards. Be sure to ask Jamin to think of some questions for Crush because Crush may ask to speak directly with him. The kids sit on the floor in down in the front of the tank and the parents sit on the benches. Enjoy the exhibits inside the Pavillion. Before the GA Aquarium was built, the aquarium here at Epcot was the world's largest. My favorite thing here is the Manatee rehab tank, but the HUGE aquarium space upstairs has sea turtles, dolphins, and much more. There is a kids play area inside here too, with a cute photo op or two. Need some more Disney magic? I am sure that Jamin is wondering where Mickey is by now. There is a Disney character meet and greet area in Innoventions West called the Character Connection. Feel free to get some character face time in now. Ready to shop a little? Great, send Demarcus to go grab FastPasses with his ticket and Jamin's for Test Track. Meanwhile, you can get your shop on at my favorite store is Mouse Gear it's the second largest retail location at WDW. Hang out there if you can until the music plays and look up, it's really cool! From here, you are heading over to ride Journey Into Your Imagination, where you will get to meet an old friend of mine named Figment. The Image Works Playground is very neat too, you have to spend some time playing in there. Next door to this is the Honey, I Shrunk the Audience 4D attraction. All 4D movie experiences like this take place in a darkened theater and can be intense for little guys. I suggest that you let Jamin have his flashlight to use, if he gets spooked in any of these type of movies. One more thing, don't rush to be the first in the door to grab a seat, wait! The best views at these types of shows are always from the middle of the theater. The CM's will ask people to move all the way down the row, so being the first in the door isn't the best stategy. Afterwards, you can stop to grab some lunch, my best suggestion is to return to the Land Pavillion to dine at Sunshine Seasons, because they have some great food with more options than burgers and fries. Then, it's time to head over to Test Track with those FastPasses, which will be followed by a ride on Space Ship Earth for everyone. One last hint: CM's are not usually very strict about FastPass return times, as long as the FastPass is used during the same day. Before you leave, if Demarcus wants to grab a FastPass for something to ride upon immediately upon your return, go ahead and grab one before you leave for your break.
Head back to ASSp for a break for an hour or so. You will come back to Epcot later. It's important that you take a break to recharge for your evening trip around the World!
Now is the time to head to the World Showcase area of Epcot. It's roughly a mile to walk the whole way around the World Showcase. All of the pavillions here sell items that are from their countries. There are some really interesting items available here. Sometimes the price tags are a bit ridiculous, but hey, it's vacation at Disney's "World Bazaar". There are Disney Characters to be found in almost every country. Check your times guide to see who is appearing, when, and where. There are Kidcot Stations that will allow Jamin to color and craft his way around the World Showcase. Be sure to collect a map for each country from the Kidcot stations too, they have a "wishing legend" on the back that is fun to read too. Your first stop is Mexico. Ride Mexico's Gran Fiesta Tour starring the Three Caballeros! You will tour the World Showcase clockwise from here. Your dinner tonight is here at the Mexican Pavillion. Be sure to be back here about 10 minutes before your ADR at San Angel Inn at 6:30pm. Be sure to see the big Troll inside Norway's shops. There is a really neat miniature train set up outside of the German pavillion. The American Adventure show at the United States Pavillion is a must see too. If you catch the Fife & Drum Corp there, it's pretty cool too. There is a pretty nifty exhibit on Tin Toys at the Japanese pavillion. In the UK pavillion area, there is usually a game of HopScotch going on or some other games being played with the kids. I think that "O'Canada!" is worth seeing too, if you have the chance. Finally, find a spot somewhere around the World Showcase Lagoon to watch IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth at 9:00pm. It's a 13 minute show that is pretty cool. I prefer to view it somewhere between Canada and France, or from the area of the World Showcase that is nearest to Future World.
Sunday 09/07
Breakfast: Rainforest Cafe (out of pocket)
Lunch: Pizzafari, Flame Tree, or Restaurantasaurus (1 CS for each)
Dinner: Raglan Road (1 TS for each)
Animal Kingdom
Today starts early! Be on the bus by 7:15am at the latest or drive over to the Animal Kingdom park. Breakfast is at Rainforest Cafe and it is open at 8:00am, which is one hour before the park opens. When you are done, there is so much fun to be had here! Being that this is your first trip and it's "Africa Hot!" I feel that two mornings here are the best way for you to have a chance to really enjoy this park. In doing so, you are not going to be able to see the Jammin' Jungle Parade, but I don't feel that you are missing out on anything that will deminish your ability to enjoy the Animal Kingdom park experience. This is the hottest of all of the parks, ask any CM and they will tell you that it always feels hotter there than at any other park on any given day. So, hydrate, take it easy and don't be afraid to plop down on a park bench to people watch.
You will see Disney Characters near the park entrance, as you enter the park, take your time moving through this park. There are some pretty neat creatures in boxes being presented by the CM's just past the turnstiles. Look around you because there are things to be seen all along the way to the Tree of Life. Some creatures are placed there in the Oasis area on purpose and others are just wild animals that would have been there even if the park had never been built. Not to mention the scenery is just beautiful. The attention to detail always amazes me. Disney went all out to make this as authentic as possible.
Today, you and Jamin are stopping first in Dinoland, while Demarcus walks on through and back to Expedition Everest in Asia. Expedition Everest will be his first ride. He will come back to Dinoland to join you and Jamin again when he is done. While he is doing that, take your park ticket and grab a FastPass for him to use later at the Dinosaur ride, while Jamin is big enough, this is a very intense dark ride that he isn't ready for yet. There is an area around the Dinosaur ride called Cretaceous Trail that has reproductions of the dinosaurs that lived in the Cretaceous Period. Jamin will be able to see creatures that existed 65 million years ago. At the entrance of Dinoland, there is a skeletal structure of Dino Sue. It's the largest and most complete dino of it's type ever collected. Between Dinoland and Asia is where Finding Nemo: The Musical is located. This is a must see! Check out showtimes and work it into your family time in this area. Just go with the flow on this one. While Dad rides stuff, you and Jamin can check out the Boneyard playground or while you guys ride TriceraTop Spin (think dino-Dumbo). There are other carnival style games that require money to play like Bronto-Score; basketball shooting, Fossil Fueler; water-squirting, and Dino-Whamma types of games of skill. Sometimes there are Dino characters that come out to entertain and Chester and Hester, the proprieters of the carnival, might make an appearance too.
Now is the time to go back to Asia. Don't forget to keep your eyes open for the little design details all over the place. In Asia, check out the times for Flights of Wonder. It's quite entertaining and educational. I believe it's worth your time to sit and see it. The Maharajah Jungle Trek area has so many beautiful creatures to see that it's well worth your time to explore too. Tigers, gibbons, Patty's infamous bats, and more are scattered along the Trek. Now, it's completely up to you, but the only thing left for today is Kali River Rapids. There is no way around this, but the riders get wet, even with ponchos. It's going to be a father and son only ride. Have a change of clothes for Jamin, just in case he gets totally soaked. There are water squirting jets that are controlled by people standing on the exit area bridge. Go over there to see if you can give the guys a little extra squirt! I suggest working in lunch at Pizzafari, Flame Tree, or Restaurantasaurus counter service restaurant. FYI: Flame Tree has no indoor seating.
After your lunch, the destination area is Camp Minnie Mickey. Check to see which is offered first Pocahontas and Her Forest Friends or Festival of the Lion King, which ever is offered first, go do it and then see the other. In between, meet some characters along the Character Greeting Trails. Oh, and don't forget to check as you walk over the bridge, I hear there is some good fishing to be had and you never know who you might see trying to catch their supper. There is a performer that kids love that can sometimes be found over here too, his name is Guitar-Dan. If you see him, join in the fun, he is quite an entertaining guy.
Take your time leaving the park, if you see something that you want to spend time enjoying, then please do! You may see drummers, acrobats or performers that you would like to enjoy along the way, by all means stop and enjoy! You are coming back tomorrow to tackle more, but this is a pretty full morning for most folks. Now, go back to ASSp and take a power nap!
Your evening is a quiet one. Take a trip over to Downtown Disney's MarketPlace and enjoy the shops. The World of Disney Store, carries a wider range of sizes on clothing and they have a small selection of infant wear. The Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop is down here too. Just over into the Pleasure Island part of Downtown Disney is Raglan Road, your dinner location. Your reservation time is 7:00pm. There is no admission fee to enter the Pleasure Island area. After dinner, feel free to continue to explore the shopping area, it's open late. Buses run until 2:00am.
Monday 09/08
Breakfast: All Star Sports (out of pocket)
Lunch: Yak & Yeti (1 TS for each)
Dinner: Pecos Bill's Tall Tale Inn & Cafe (1 CS for each)
Animal Kingdom
Rise & shine bright and early today! Today there is much to be seen and done. I hope you rested well last night. The park opens at 8:00am today, be there at rope drop for the best experience. So, this means that you will need to be at breakfast by 7:15am and in the car or on the bus to be there no later than 7:50am. Just a couple of notes for today, their are people from Africa that work in the shops and as performers in the village of Harambe. The roofs in the Village of Harambe were thatched by the people from Zululand in South Africa. Just remind yourself along the way, this park is standing on land that was once old overgrown orange groves and I think that you will also get a feeling of just how magical this place really is. At it's core, Animal Kingdom is a park to be savored, it's not a place to jump from ride to ride. Your experience today will be quite different from yesterday. Animal Kingdom is a great place to teach children respect for nature, animals, our planet, and life itself.
Since this is an Extra Magic Hour morning, I am unsure if the FastPass machines will be turned on yet, but, if they are, grab one in the Discovery Island area for It's Tough to be a Bug, before heading to Africa. You will be coming back here once you are done in Africa today.
Your first major stop will be all the way at the back of the park in the Village of Harambe at the Killimanjaro Safaris ride. Politely ask the CM, if you can have a seat in the first two rows, where it is less bumpy. I know that Jamin is going to love seeing all of the wildlife. Once the ride is done, you have time to walk around and look at more birds and animals on the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail. There is a waterfall back there with crystal clear waters that are filled with brightly colored fish. I spend lots of time there just enjoying it's beauty. Don't forget to look for real life Rufus's, Terk's, and Timon's!
Make your way back through Africa to the Discovery Island area and take in It's Tough to be a Bug. On your way in, you are actually traveling around, through, and into the base of the Tree of Life. There is a big primate face that is a great seated photo op along the way. That monkey is David Greybeard. He was the famous conservationist, Jane Goodall's favorite. When they were building the AK park, they asked her what she thought of everything and her only concern was that there were no primates included in the animals appearing on the Tree of Life. Disney fixed that and included David Greybeard as a special thank you to her. It's Tough to be a Bug is a 4D movie with lots of bugs from It's a Bug's Life. Please stay seated all the way through to the end. Trust me, it's really worth it. There is one part where scary old Hopper makes an appearance, but not to worry, he is not a problem for long.
Your next stop is Conservation Station which is a part of Rafiki's Planet Watch. A word of warning, they do not sell food out there and the beverage cart is not always open, so plan your fluids and snacks before you board the train! You have a short walk to the Wildlife Express train ride, just look for Rafiki to lead you down the right path to get to the there. You can fold up and bring your stroller on board. It's a good 5 to 7 minute walk to Conservation Station once you exit the train. There are exhibits along the way and you might even see some bat boxes up on the trees, bats eat bugs, so that are promoted as a source of environmentally friendly pest control. There are learning spots along the way too. You will find just outside of Conservation Station an animal petting area called Affection Section. There are goats there that are a species that were almost bombed to the point of extinction on their home island of San Clemente. The sheep are descendants of those dropped off by early European explorers, to grow and reproduce in North America and be a source of fresh meat when the explorers came back. These sheep evolved to having less wool, and just about became extinct when they were needed for food and didn't have any wool that was available for sale. Ok, enough about the critters on the outside, wash up and go inside. Air conditioning is a wonderful thing, isn't it? Check out the 600 animal mural inside the doorway. It's just so colorful and bright, I know that Jamin is going to love it. There are lots of areas to explore inside and a few Disney Characters that usually come out, like Meeko, Stanley, Rafiki, Jiminy Cricket, Terk, and Pocahontas. There are animal cams, sounds of the rainforests, veterinary exhibits, animal feed prep areas, and all sorts of cool stuff. There are usually wild animal presentations too, so be sure to ask what's coming out next. By the time you are done, it should be close to lunch time. Head back to the Village of Anandapur to grab some lunch at the table service, Yak & Yeti at 2:00pm.
You have now seen just about all of the best that Animal Kingdom has to offer. I hope you have loved it as much as I do. Now, head back to ASSp for your power nap.
Magic Kingdom
Be at Magic Kingdom by 6:00pm at the latest. Are you ready for some real magic? Head over to the Magic Kingdom for a little sprinkling of pixie dust. You will come back to the Magic Kingdom to do more in a couple of days, but I know you have to be dying for some "original WDW issue" pixie dust by now and hopefully, you will have a great night for it.
Upon entering the park, you will go underneath the railroad tracks. Instead of walking all the way back to Frontierland take the train back there. Grab a FastPass for either Splash Mountain or for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad for both Demarcus & Jamin. If the standby ride time is less than 30 minutes, go ride the ride that you did not get a FastPass for. Dinner can be worked in whenever at Frontierland's Pecos Bill's Tall Tale Inn & Cafe. The Pirates of the Caribbean ride is for everyone and is the next stop. Remember that pineapple ice cream float that I told you about, it's sold right outside of your next attaction stop at the Aloha Isles and it's called a Dole Whip Float...can you say Snack Credit? Next up is the Tiki Room: Under New Management to see the show, it's in the dark, but Yago and Zazu are squacking away inside, so I think Jamin will enjoy himself. Just let him know that there will be some loud noises, but that everything is going to be fine before you go inside. Head back over to either Big Thunder Mountain Railroad or Splash Mountain with the Fast Passes for Demarcus and Jamin. Be sure to allow yourself time to line up in a good spot along the parade route for the 8:00pm showing of the SpectroMagic parade. Shortly after SpectroMagic, they will do the Wishes fireworks display. I really want you to try to see both of these tonight due to your dinner reservation time on your next Magic Kingdom day.
Tuesday 09/09
Breakfast: All Star Sports (out of pocket)
Lunch: Mama Melrose (1 TS for each)
Dinner: Backlot Express (1 CS for each)
Disney Hollywood Studios
This is a park where I expect you guys to have lots of fun! Your first stop of the day is the newest ride in town over at Pixar Place, Toy Story Midway Mania! Before you ride, I suggest grabbing a Fast Pass for it, so that you all can ride it again later in the day, if you wish. From there, you are going next door into the One Man's Dream exhibit that celebrates Walt Disney and his accomplishments in animation and the business of modern day theme parks. Check your showtimes to work in Playhouse Disney Live this morning. Lightenin' McQueen and Tow Mater are out for meet & greets in the Pixar Place area as are Mike & Sully from Monster's Inc, but they have their own factory dock area, and of course, Buzz & Woody make appearances over by Al's Toy Barn. More characters also appear around the Hat's courtyard. If you see any Streetmosphere acts going on, please stop and enjoy them. The actors here are so much fun to watch and interact with....remember Tutti Fruitti and Rosie? Then it's off to see MuppetVision 3D. Hopefully the weather will permit you to see, Lights! Motors! Action! (open air bleachers) or Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular (covered open air theater). Lunch is at Mama Melrose's at 12:00pm. Use those Fast Passes to go ride Toy Story Midway Mania again. Before you leave the park after your lunch, stop by Rockin' Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror's Fast Pass machines. Have Demarcus and Jamin grab a set of Fast Passes for Tower of Terror to use when you return to the park. Grab a Fast Pass with your ticket for Demarcus to use at Rockin' Roller Coaster when y'all return too. Most CM's don't mind if you return late on the same day with a Fast Pass.
Leave the park for your mid-day break.
Upon returning to the park, you are heading back to see Lights! Motors! Action! Extreme Stunt Show, if you were not able to see it earlier in the day or if they have run out of shows for the day, substitute in Indiana Jones. Have dinner at Backlot Express. If you have time, take in the Great Movie Ride. Tower of Terror and Rockin' Roller Coaster can be ridden with those Fast Passes collected earlier in the day. Be prepared to be in line for Fantasmic at least by 8:20pm. Seats in the middle of the theater about half way up give you the best views of the show. See Fantasmic at 9:00pm, weather permitting.
Wednesday 09/10
Breakfast: All Star Sports (out of pocket)
Lunch: Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe (1 CS for each)
Dinner: Crystal Palace (1 TS for each)
Magic Kingdom
This is your full day to play in the pixie dust! I hope your weather is good and that you still have lots of energy from behaving yourself and taking those mid-day breaks. I saved some of the best pixie dust for last. Enjoy!
Your first mission is to be at the park about 30 minutes or so before the park opens. I know it's kind of a stinky thing to have to do, but this is imperative for today to work as smoothly as possible. Be prepared to make the mad dash to Fantasyland and ride Dumbo. Dumbo has a slow load and a small number of riders per load, so get it out of the way first. From there, it's Peter Pan's Flight and next is It's a Small World. Next you go to Mickey's PhilharMagic, which is the best 4D attraction that Disney has ever created. From there, you are heading for Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger's ride to grab a Fast Pass. From there, you are going over to the Monster's Inc, Laugh Floor Comedy Club. After the show, you are heading over to Carousel of Progress, which was a part of the 1964 World's Fair along with the It's a Small World ride. From there, you are headed Lunch at Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe. When lunch is done it's time to grab a FastPass for The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. You should be ready to use that Buzz Lightyear FastPass. by now. Head over to Mickey's ToonTown Fair. Check out Mickey & Minnie's houses. Meet some characters inside the big store. Jamin rides Goofy's Barnstormer, which is a kiddie coaster. Now, you should be able to use that Fast Pass to do the Pooh ride. Demarcus should grab a Fast Pass for Space Mountain for later use when you return to the park. You could grab a Fast Pass for you and Jamin to do Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger's again when you return.
It's now time for your nap or not, it's your last day and there is so much cool stuff to do here. I can see skipping the midday break today, since tomorrow is your travel home day.
It's time to use those Fast Passes for the rides in Tomorrowland when you return. From there, go up to and ride Jungle Cruise, ride on Aladdin's Magic Carpets, see The Country Bear Jamboree, you must see The Haunted Mansion, and take a ride on the Teacups. Anything else you squeeze in is just a bonus, like maybe another ride on Pirates, Splash, or Big Thunder Mountain. Dinner is at Crystal Palace at 7:45pm. Wishes, will be at 9:00pm, so you might catch some of the show after you have finished your dinner.
Thursday 09/11
Breakfast: Chef Mickey's (1 TS for each)
After you check out of your hotel, go over to the Contemporary Resort. They will let you park for free there since you have a dining reservation at Chef Mickey's. Your farewell breakfast is at 10:20am. I hope that your vacation has been a wonderful one filled with happy times and great memories. Thanks for letting me come along for the ride!
Saturday 09/06
Breakfast: All Star Sports (out of pocket)
Lunch: Sunshine Seasons (1 CS for each)
Dinner: San Angel Inn (1 TS for each)
Epcot
This is park is the best choice for today. It handles large crowds better than any other park because it's the park with the largest amount of guest space. There is magic to be had here. It's a little less obvious at times, but it's definitely here. This is the only park with talking water fountains. Yeah, I said talking, They don't all do it, but there are three here that can do it. Maybe you will find one today. This is also a place where you can go around the world in a day. Everyone can ride the majority of the rides here. I will be sure to let you know if you and/or Jamin should pass on the experience. Be sure to grab a park map and a times guide at the front of the park. Don't forget to get those Anniversary and First Visit buttons at Guest Services on your way into the park! The one thing that you must do today is to give Jamin a Mickey Bar as a snack. It's a photo op that is a must for every kid's first visit to WDW.
Your first stop today is the Land pavillion's Soarin' ride. Soarin' is the hottest ride at Epcot, so it's important to go there first. The next stop is the Living with the Land ride, which is in the same pavillion. After this, you are going over to the Living Seas with Nemo and Friends pavillion. Ride The Seas with Nemo and Friends ride and be sure to catch Turtle Talk with Crush afterwards. Be sure to ask Jamin to think of some questions for Crush because Crush may ask to speak directly with him. The kids sit on the floor in down in the front of the tank and the parents sit on the benches. Enjoy the exhibits inside the Pavillion. Before the GA Aquarium was built, the aquarium here at Epcot was the world's largest. My favorite thing here is the Manatee rehab tank, but the HUGE aquarium space upstairs has sea turtles, dolphins, and much more. There is a kids play area inside here too, with a cute photo op or two. Need some more Disney magic? I am sure that Jamin is wondering where Mickey is by now. There is a Disney character meet and greet area in Innoventions West called the Character Connection. Feel free to get some character face time in now. Ready to shop a little? Great, send Demarcus to go grab FastPasses with his ticket and Jamin's for Test Track. Meanwhile, you can get your shop on at my favorite store is Mouse Gear it's the second largest retail location at WDW. Hang out there if you can until the music plays and look up, it's really cool! From here, you are heading over to ride Journey Into Your Imagination, where you will get to meet an old friend of mine named Figment. The Image Works Playground is very neat too, you have to spend some time playing in there. Next door to this is the Honey, I Shrunk the Audience 4D attraction. All 4D movie experiences like this take place in a darkened theater and can be intense for little guys. I suggest that you let Jamin have his flashlight to use, if he gets spooked in any of these type of movies. One more thing, don't rush to be the first in the door to grab a seat, wait! The best views at these types of shows are always from the middle of the theater. The CM's will ask people to move all the way down the row, so being the first in the door isn't the best stategy. Afterwards, you can stop to grab some lunch, my best suggestion is to return to the Land Pavillion to dine at Sunshine Seasons, because they have some great food with more options than burgers and fries. Then, it's time to head over to Test Track with those FastPasses, which will be followed by a ride on Space Ship Earth for everyone. One last hint: CM's are not usually very strict about FastPass return times, as long as the FastPass is used during the same day. Before you leave, if Demarcus wants to grab a FastPass for something to ride upon immediately upon your return, go ahead and grab one before you leave for your break.
Head back to ASSp for a break for an hour or so. You will come back to Epcot later. It's important that you take a break to recharge for your evening trip around the World!
Now is the time to head to the World Showcase area of Epcot. It's roughly a mile to walk the whole way around the World Showcase. All of the pavillions here sell items that are from their countries. There are some really interesting items available here. Sometimes the price tags are a bit ridiculous, but hey, it's vacation at Disney's "World Bazaar". There are Disney Characters to be found in almost every country. Check your times guide to see who is appearing, when, and where. There are Kidcot Stations that will allow Jamin to color and craft his way around the World Showcase. Be sure to collect a map for each country from the Kidcot stations too, they have a "wishing legend" on the back that is fun to read too. Your first stop is Mexico. Ride Mexico's Gran Fiesta Tour starring the Three Caballeros! You will tour the World Showcase clockwise from here. Your dinner tonight is here at the Mexican Pavillion. Be sure to be back here about 10 minutes before your ADR at San Angel Inn at 6:30pm. Be sure to see the big Troll inside Norway's shops. There is a really neat miniature train set up outside of the German pavillion. The American Adventure show at the United States Pavillion is a must see too. If you catch the Fife & Drum Corp there, it's pretty cool too. There is a pretty nifty exhibit on Tin Toys at the Japanese pavillion. In the UK pavillion area, there is usually a game of HopScotch going on or some other games being played with the kids. I think that "O'Canada!" is worth seeing too, if you have the chance. Finally, find a spot somewhere around the World Showcase Lagoon to watch IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth at 9:00pm. It's a 13 minute show that is pretty cool. I prefer to view it somewhere between Canada and France, or from the area of the World Showcase that is nearest to Future World.
Sunday 09/07
Breakfast: Rainforest Cafe (out of pocket)
Lunch: Pizzafari, Flame Tree, or Restaurantasaurus (1 CS for each)
Dinner: Raglan Road (1 TS for each)
Animal Kingdom
Today starts early! Be on the bus by 7:15am at the latest or drive over to the Animal Kingdom park. Breakfast is at Rainforest Cafe and it is open at 8:00am, which is one hour before the park opens. When you are done, there is so much fun to be had here! Being that this is your first trip and it's "Africa Hot!" I feel that two mornings here are the best way for you to have a chance to really enjoy this park. In doing so, you are not going to be able to see the Jammin' Jungle Parade, but I don't feel that you are missing out on anything that will deminish your ability to enjoy the Animal Kingdom park experience. This is the hottest of all of the parks, ask any CM and they will tell you that it always feels hotter there than at any other park on any given day. So, hydrate, take it easy and don't be afraid to plop down on a park bench to people watch.
You will see Disney Characters near the park entrance, as you enter the park, take your time moving through this park. There are some pretty neat creatures in boxes being presented by the CM's just past the turnstiles. Look around you because there are things to be seen all along the way to the Tree of Life. Some creatures are placed there in the Oasis area on purpose and others are just wild animals that would have been there even if the park had never been built. Not to mention the scenery is just beautiful. The attention to detail always amazes me. Disney went all out to make this as authentic as possible.
Today, you and Jamin are stopping first in Dinoland, while Demarcus walks on through and back to Expedition Everest in Asia. Expedition Everest will be his first ride. He will come back to Dinoland to join you and Jamin again when he is done. While he is doing that, take your park ticket and grab a FastPass for him to use later at the Dinosaur ride, while Jamin is big enough, this is a very intense dark ride that he isn't ready for yet. There is an area around the Dinosaur ride called Cretaceous Trail that has reproductions of the dinosaurs that lived in the Cretaceous Period. Jamin will be able to see creatures that existed 65 million years ago. At the entrance of Dinoland, there is a skeletal structure of Dino Sue. It's the largest and most complete dino of it's type ever collected. Between Dinoland and Asia is where Finding Nemo: The Musical is located. This is a must see! Check out showtimes and work it into your family time in this area. Just go with the flow on this one. While Dad rides stuff, you and Jamin can check out the Boneyard playground or while you guys ride TriceraTop Spin (think dino-Dumbo). There are other carnival style games that require money to play like Bronto-Score; basketball shooting, Fossil Fueler; water-squirting, and Dino-Whamma types of games of skill. Sometimes there are Dino characters that come out to entertain and Chester and Hester, the proprieters of the carnival, might make an appearance too.
Now is the time to go back to Asia. Don't forget to keep your eyes open for the little design details all over the place. In Asia, check out the times for Flights of Wonder. It's quite entertaining and educational. I believe it's worth your time to sit and see it. The Maharajah Jungle Trek area has so many beautiful creatures to see that it's well worth your time to explore too. Tigers, gibbons, Patty's infamous bats, and more are scattered along the Trek. Now, it's completely up to you, but the only thing left for today is Kali River Rapids. There is no way around this, but the riders get wet, even with ponchos. It's going to be a father and son only ride. Have a change of clothes for Jamin, just in case he gets totally soaked. There are water squirting jets that are controlled by people standing on the exit area bridge. Go over there to see if you can give the guys a little extra squirt! I suggest working in lunch at Pizzafari, Flame Tree, or Restaurantasaurus counter service restaurant. FYI: Flame Tree has no indoor seating.
After your lunch, the destination area is Camp Minnie Mickey. Check to see which is offered first Pocahontas and Her Forest Friends or Festival of the Lion King, which ever is offered first, go do it and then see the other. In between, meet some characters along the Character Greeting Trails. Oh, and don't forget to check as you walk over the bridge, I hear there is some good fishing to be had and you never know who you might see trying to catch their supper. There is a performer that kids love that can sometimes be found over here too, his name is Guitar-Dan. If you see him, join in the fun, he is quite an entertaining guy.
Take your time leaving the park, if you see something that you want to spend time enjoying, then please do! You may see drummers, acrobats or performers that you would like to enjoy along the way, by all means stop and enjoy! You are coming back tomorrow to tackle more, but this is a pretty full morning for most folks. Now, go back to ASSp and take a power nap!
Your evening is a quiet one. Take a trip over to Downtown Disney's MarketPlace and enjoy the shops. The World of Disney Store, carries a wider range of sizes on clothing and they have a small selection of infant wear. The Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop is down here too. Just over into the Pleasure Island part of Downtown Disney is Raglan Road, your dinner location. Your reservation time is 7:00pm. There is no admission fee to enter the Pleasure Island area. After dinner, feel free to continue to explore the shopping area, it's open late. Buses run until 2:00am.
Monday 09/08
Breakfast: All Star Sports (out of pocket)
Lunch: Yak & Yeti (1 TS for each)
Dinner: Pecos Bill's Tall Tale Inn & Cafe (1 CS for each)
Animal Kingdom
Rise & shine bright and early today! Today there is much to be seen and done. I hope you rested well last night. The park opens at 8:00am today, be there at rope drop for the best experience. So, this means that you will need to be at breakfast by 7:15am and in the car or on the bus to be there no later than 7:50am. Just a couple of notes for today, their are people from Africa that work in the shops and as performers in the village of Harambe. The roofs in the Village of Harambe were thatched by the people from Zululand in South Africa. Just remind yourself along the way, this park is standing on land that was once old overgrown orange groves and I think that you will also get a feeling of just how magical this place really is. At it's core, Animal Kingdom is a park to be savored, it's not a place to jump from ride to ride. Your experience today will be quite different from yesterday. Animal Kingdom is a great place to teach children respect for nature, animals, our planet, and life itself.
Since this is an Extra Magic Hour morning, I am unsure if the FastPass machines will be turned on yet, but, if they are, grab one in the Discovery Island area for It's Tough to be a Bug, before heading to Africa. You will be coming back here once you are done in Africa today.
Your first major stop will be all the way at the back of the park in the Village of Harambe at the Killimanjaro Safaris ride. Politely ask the CM, if you can have a seat in the first two rows, where it is less bumpy. I know that Jamin is going to love seeing all of the wildlife. Once the ride is done, you have time to walk around and look at more birds and animals on the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail. There is a waterfall back there with crystal clear waters that are filled with brightly colored fish. I spend lots of time there just enjoying it's beauty. Don't forget to look for real life Rufus's, Terk's, and Timon's!
Make your way back through Africa to the Discovery Island area and take in It's Tough to be a Bug. On your way in, you are actually traveling around, through, and into the base of the Tree of Life. There is a big primate face that is a great seated photo op along the way. That monkey is David Greybeard. He was the famous conservationist, Jane Goodall's favorite. When they were building the AK park, they asked her what she thought of everything and her only concern was that there were no primates included in the animals appearing on the Tree of Life. Disney fixed that and included David Greybeard as a special thank you to her. It's Tough to be a Bug is a 4D movie with lots of bugs from It's a Bug's Life. Please stay seated all the way through to the end. Trust me, it's really worth it. There is one part where scary old Hopper makes an appearance, but not to worry, he is not a problem for long.
Your next stop is Conservation Station which is a part of Rafiki's Planet Watch. A word of warning, they do not sell food out there and the beverage cart is not always open, so plan your fluids and snacks before you board the train! You have a short walk to the Wildlife Express train ride, just look for Rafiki to lead you down the right path to get to the there. You can fold up and bring your stroller on board. It's a good 5 to 7 minute walk to Conservation Station once you exit the train. There are exhibits along the way and you might even see some bat boxes up on the trees, bats eat bugs, so that are promoted as a source of environmentally friendly pest control. There are learning spots along the way too. You will find just outside of Conservation Station an animal petting area called Affection Section. There are goats there that are a species that were almost bombed to the point of extinction on their home island of San Clemente. The sheep are descendants of those dropped off by early European explorers, to grow and reproduce in North America and be a source of fresh meat when the explorers came back. These sheep evolved to having less wool, and just about became extinct when they were needed for food and didn't have any wool that was available for sale. Ok, enough about the critters on the outside, wash up and go inside. Air conditioning is a wonderful thing, isn't it? Check out the 600 animal mural inside the doorway. It's just so colorful and bright, I know that Jamin is going to love it. There are lots of areas to explore inside and a few Disney Characters that usually come out, like Meeko, Stanley, Rafiki, Jiminy Cricket, Terk, and Pocahontas. There are animal cams, sounds of the rainforests, veterinary exhibits, animal feed prep areas, and all sorts of cool stuff. There are usually wild animal presentations too, so be sure to ask what's coming out next. By the time you are done, it should be close to lunch time. Head back to the Village of Anandapur to grab some lunch at the table service, Yak & Yeti at 2:00pm.
You have now seen just about all of the best that Animal Kingdom has to offer. I hope you have loved it as much as I do. Now, head back to ASSp for your power nap.
Magic Kingdom
Be at Magic Kingdom by 6:00pm at the latest. Are you ready for some real magic? Head over to the Magic Kingdom for a little sprinkling of pixie dust. You will come back to the Magic Kingdom to do more in a couple of days, but I know you have to be dying for some "original WDW issue" pixie dust by now and hopefully, you will have a great night for it.
Upon entering the park, you will go underneath the railroad tracks. Instead of walking all the way back to Frontierland take the train back there. Grab a FastPass for either Splash Mountain or for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad for both Demarcus & Jamin. If the standby ride time is less than 30 minutes, go ride the ride that you did not get a FastPass for. Dinner can be worked in whenever at Frontierland's Pecos Bill's Tall Tale Inn & Cafe. The Pirates of the Caribbean ride is for everyone and is the next stop. Remember that pineapple ice cream float that I told you about, it's sold right outside of your next attaction stop at the Aloha Isles and it's called a Dole Whip Float...can you say Snack Credit? Next up is the Tiki Room: Under New Management to see the show, it's in the dark, but Yago and Zazu are squacking away inside, so I think Jamin will enjoy himself. Just let him know that there will be some loud noises, but that everything is going to be fine before you go inside. Head back over to either Big Thunder Mountain Railroad or Splash Mountain with the Fast Passes for Demarcus and Jamin. Be sure to allow yourself time to line up in a good spot along the parade route for the 8:00pm showing of the SpectroMagic parade. Shortly after SpectroMagic, they will do the Wishes fireworks display. I really want you to try to see both of these tonight due to your dinner reservation time on your next Magic Kingdom day.
Tuesday 09/09
Breakfast: All Star Sports (out of pocket)
Lunch: Mama Melrose (1 TS for each)
Dinner: Backlot Express (1 CS for each)
Disney Hollywood Studios
This is a park where I expect you guys to have lots of fun! Your first stop of the day is the newest ride in town over at Pixar Place, Toy Story Midway Mania! Before you ride, I suggest grabbing a Fast Pass for it, so that you all can ride it again later in the day, if you wish. From there, you are going next door into the One Man's Dream exhibit that celebrates Walt Disney and his accomplishments in animation and the business of modern day theme parks. Check your showtimes to work in Playhouse Disney Live this morning. Lightenin' McQueen and Tow Mater are out for meet & greets in the Pixar Place area as are Mike & Sully from Monster's Inc, but they have their own factory dock area, and of course, Buzz & Woody make appearances over by Al's Toy Barn. More characters also appear around the Hat's courtyard. If you see any Streetmosphere acts going on, please stop and enjoy them. The actors here are so much fun to watch and interact with....remember Tutti Fruitti and Rosie? Then it's off to see MuppetVision 3D. Hopefully the weather will permit you to see, Lights! Motors! Action! (open air bleachers) or Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular (covered open air theater). Lunch is at Mama Melrose's at 12:00pm. Use those Fast Passes to go ride Toy Story Midway Mania again. Before you leave the park after your lunch, stop by Rockin' Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror's Fast Pass machines. Have Demarcus and Jamin grab a set of Fast Passes for Tower of Terror to use when you return to the park. Grab a Fast Pass with your ticket for Demarcus to use at Rockin' Roller Coaster when y'all return too. Most CM's don't mind if you return late on the same day with a Fast Pass.
Leave the park for your mid-day break.
Upon returning to the park, you are heading back to see Lights! Motors! Action! Extreme Stunt Show, if you were not able to see it earlier in the day or if they have run out of shows for the day, substitute in Indiana Jones. Have dinner at Backlot Express. If you have time, take in the Great Movie Ride. Tower of Terror and Rockin' Roller Coaster can be ridden with those Fast Passes collected earlier in the day. Be prepared to be in line for Fantasmic at least by 8:20pm. Seats in the middle of the theater about half way up give you the best views of the show. See Fantasmic at 9:00pm, weather permitting.
Wednesday 09/10
Breakfast: All Star Sports (out of pocket)
Lunch: Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe (1 CS for each)
Dinner: Crystal Palace (1 TS for each)
Magic Kingdom
This is your full day to play in the pixie dust! I hope your weather is good and that you still have lots of energy from behaving yourself and taking those mid-day breaks. I saved some of the best pixie dust for last. Enjoy!
Your first mission is to be at the park about 30 minutes or so before the park opens. I know it's kind of a stinky thing to have to do, but this is imperative for today to work as smoothly as possible. Be prepared to make the mad dash to Fantasyland and ride Dumbo. Dumbo has a slow load and a small number of riders per load, so get it out of the way first. From there, it's Peter Pan's Flight and next is It's a Small World. Next you go to Mickey's PhilharMagic, which is the best 4D attraction that Disney has ever created. From there, you are heading for Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger's ride to grab a Fast Pass. From there, you are going over to the Monster's Inc, Laugh Floor Comedy Club. After the show, you are heading over to Carousel of Progress, which was a part of the 1964 World's Fair along with the It's a Small World ride. From there, you are headed Lunch at Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe. When lunch is done it's time to grab a FastPass for The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. You should be ready to use that Buzz Lightyear FastPass. by now. Head over to Mickey's ToonTown Fair. Check out Mickey & Minnie's houses. Meet some characters inside the big store. Jamin rides Goofy's Barnstormer, which is a kiddie coaster. Now, you should be able to use that Fast Pass to do the Pooh ride. Demarcus should grab a Fast Pass for Space Mountain for later use when you return to the park. You could grab a Fast Pass for you and Jamin to do Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger's again when you return.
It's now time for your nap or not, it's your last day and there is so much cool stuff to do here. I can see skipping the midday break today, since tomorrow is your travel home day.
It's time to use those Fast Passes for the rides in Tomorrowland when you return. From there, go up to and ride Jungle Cruise, ride on Aladdin's Magic Carpets, see The Country Bear Jamboree, you must see The Haunted Mansion, and take a ride on the Teacups. Anything else you squeeze in is just a bonus, like maybe another ride on Pirates, Splash, or Big Thunder Mountain. Dinner is at Crystal Palace at 7:45pm. Wishes, will be at 9:00pm, so you might catch some of the show after you have finished your dinner.
Thursday 09/11
Breakfast: Chef Mickey's (1 TS for each)
After you check out of your hotel, go over to the Contemporary Resort. They will let you park for free there since you have a dining reservation at Chef Mickey's. Your farewell breakfast is at 10:20am. I hope that your vacation has been a wonderful one filled with happy times and great memories. Thanks for letting me come along for the ride!
