danceteachermom
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Dec 28, 2010
- Messages
- 343
We just got back from WDW yesterday and this was a new kind of trip for us. We broke many of the rules we had set based on the unofficial guide, DIS, and past trips. Yet....we had an amazing time!
Here are the rules we ignored:
1. We did not make a park opening.
2. We did not make many ADRs.
3. We never wore sneakers.
4. We did not order from Garden Grocer or pack any food other than cereal.
5. Other than checking in and out we had no plan.
Here are some facts that help you understand why we approached the trip this way:
1. I have been to WDW every other year for the last 11 years - always as a chaperone in charge of 30-50 HS students. I was last there in Jan. and will be again in Jan. 13 so I there was not much I had to do. I'll get many chances to be at Disney.
2. Our daughter stayed with her dad so it was just me, my DH, and my DS who is 3 and a 1/2.
3. We stayed at the Coronado on a room only discount.
4. Our main objectives were to relax, enjoy the warm weather, and enjoy eachother.
5. I have former students who are cast members so both days that we went into the parks we got in FREE. That made it so much easier to not over-park to "get our monies worth."
We had a great trip. I am hoping to try and write my first trip report.
Here are some obsevations:
-I was surprised the parks we went to MK, DHS, and Epcot were not as crowded as I expected.
-Our longest wait was TSM at about 40 minutes when the sign read 60. We knew this would be "long" and it was fine.
-We made and kept two ADRS. One was for the Myan Grill at CSR. It was delicious and relaxing. The other was for the newer Italian restaurant in Epcot Via Napolli (I think.) We had eaten there in January. It was as amazing as we remembered.
-We had a good meal at Captain Jacks in DTD. This kids meals there were awesome (steak, salmon, soup, smoothie, etc.)
I have never seen Mickey's Phillharmagic (SP?) in the MK. We loved it.
The new Disney Junior show is a perfect fit for the pre-school set. Our son had an absolute blast and participated with every song.
I saw a bunch of families that looked tired, stressed, hot, and overwhelmed. It made me really appreciate the way we were able to do the parks at a relaxed pace. When one of us was ready to leave....we did. Being in the parks for free took the pressure off. I am so thanksful that two wonderful young men that I used to teach still keep in touch with me and each graciously got up early on a day, met us at the park of our choice, and got us in for free.
I loved the Coronado. I think you get many of the amenities of a deluxe resort for a moderate price. It is the best value on Disney property.
I tried my first Dole Whip. It was OK. I probably will never have another but it was good.
The smoothies in Tomorrowland at MK are the best. There is a pineapple, organge, mango blend that is perfect.
There was a drink at our hotel pool bar called a Frozen Banana Daquiari...it was yummy.
I wish that everyone could have the type of trip we enjoyed if they so desire. We relaxed a lot, had a ton of pool time, leisurely meals, hit our son's favorites in the parks, and generally enjoyed every moment.
Here are the rules we ignored:
1. We did not make a park opening.
2. We did not make many ADRs.
3. We never wore sneakers.
4. We did not order from Garden Grocer or pack any food other than cereal.
5. Other than checking in and out we had no plan.
Here are some facts that help you understand why we approached the trip this way:
1. I have been to WDW every other year for the last 11 years - always as a chaperone in charge of 30-50 HS students. I was last there in Jan. and will be again in Jan. 13 so I there was not much I had to do. I'll get many chances to be at Disney.
2. Our daughter stayed with her dad so it was just me, my DH, and my DS who is 3 and a 1/2.
3. We stayed at the Coronado on a room only discount.
4. Our main objectives were to relax, enjoy the warm weather, and enjoy eachother.
5. I have former students who are cast members so both days that we went into the parks we got in FREE. That made it so much easier to not over-park to "get our monies worth."
We had a great trip. I am hoping to try and write my first trip report.
Here are some obsevations:
-I was surprised the parks we went to MK, DHS, and Epcot were not as crowded as I expected.
-Our longest wait was TSM at about 40 minutes when the sign read 60. We knew this would be "long" and it was fine.
-We made and kept two ADRS. One was for the Myan Grill at CSR. It was delicious and relaxing. The other was for the newer Italian restaurant in Epcot Via Napolli (I think.) We had eaten there in January. It was as amazing as we remembered.
-We had a good meal at Captain Jacks in DTD. This kids meals there were awesome (steak, salmon, soup, smoothie, etc.)
I have never seen Mickey's Phillharmagic (SP?) in the MK. We loved it.
The new Disney Junior show is a perfect fit for the pre-school set. Our son had an absolute blast and participated with every song.
I saw a bunch of families that looked tired, stressed, hot, and overwhelmed. It made me really appreciate the way we were able to do the parks at a relaxed pace. When one of us was ready to leave....we did. Being in the parks for free took the pressure off. I am so thanksful that two wonderful young men that I used to teach still keep in touch with me and each graciously got up early on a day, met us at the park of our choice, and got us in for free.
I loved the Coronado. I think you get many of the amenities of a deluxe resort for a moderate price. It is the best value on Disney property.
I tried my first Dole Whip. It was OK. I probably will never have another but it was good.
The smoothies in Tomorrowland at MK are the best. There is a pineapple, organge, mango blend that is perfect.
There was a drink at our hotel pool bar called a Frozen Banana Daquiari...it was yummy.
I wish that everyone could have the type of trip we enjoyed if they so desire. We relaxed a lot, had a ton of pool time, leisurely meals, hit our son's favorites in the parks, and generally enjoyed every moment.