sassyredhead
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 5, 2006
- Messages
- 745
We just returned from a fabulous spring break trip. The crowds were the biggest I've ever seen (previous trips were during early May and Memorial week), but with GAD fastpasses, we were able to do everything we wanted! Here are my observations and tips:
1. The GAD fastpasses were a blessing. We would get the immediate GAD fastpasses first, then use our tickets to get later return time FPs. Note: even if the FPs for the attraction were gone, usually there is a lone machine open for the special FP cards. I received quite a few strange looks when I inserted our special cards and recieved valid FPs in return, especially at TSM.
2. I loved TSM! After reading descriptions of the ride, I imagined something akin to the Buzz ride at MK, which I do not like. Boy, was I wrong! The 3-D effects were amazing and the games were so exciting! We used all 3 of our GAD passes to ride this multiple times.
3. The crowds were heavier than I anticipated. I was envisioning similar crowd levels to Memorial week, but I thought the crowds were heavier this trip. But, the hours at MK were extended to midnight, and the parks were empty between 10 and midnight. We also did EMH at AK, which was awesome!
4. This was my parents' and brother's first trips, and they had a great time. On our last day, my fam gave me a standing ovation in the airport for planning such a great trip. Totally embarrassing, but flattering!
5. I continue to be surprised by how many people do not know about ADRs! While waiting in line for the Royal Table, 4 families asked at the podium about eating that day. The staff of course said they were fully booked, and all the families complained about paying too much for their vacations and not being able to eat. I felt bad, but I still don't understand how so many folks can spend so much on a vacation and not do a modicum of research.
6. This was my first trip with a disabled family member (DM uses an electric wheelchair). It was tough in the crowds. Moms with strollers would use the handicapped bathroom stalls, even though other stalls were empty. Luckily, we were near the first stop at our resort (the grandstand section at SSR), so bus transport worked out well.
Overall, a fabulous trip! I can't wait to go back!
1. The GAD fastpasses were a blessing. We would get the immediate GAD fastpasses first, then use our tickets to get later return time FPs. Note: even if the FPs for the attraction were gone, usually there is a lone machine open for the special FP cards. I received quite a few strange looks when I inserted our special cards and recieved valid FPs in return, especially at TSM.
2. I loved TSM! After reading descriptions of the ride, I imagined something akin to the Buzz ride at MK, which I do not like. Boy, was I wrong! The 3-D effects were amazing and the games were so exciting! We used all 3 of our GAD passes to ride this multiple times.
3. The crowds were heavier than I anticipated. I was envisioning similar crowd levels to Memorial week, but I thought the crowds were heavier this trip. But, the hours at MK were extended to midnight, and the parks were empty between 10 and midnight. We also did EMH at AK, which was awesome!
4. This was my parents' and brother's first trips, and they had a great time. On our last day, my fam gave me a standing ovation in the airport for planning such a great trip. Totally embarrassing, but flattering!
5. I continue to be surprised by how many people do not know about ADRs! While waiting in line for the Royal Table, 4 families asked at the podium about eating that day. The staff of course said they were fully booked, and all the families complained about paying too much for their vacations and not being able to eat. I felt bad, but I still don't understand how so many folks can spend so much on a vacation and not do a modicum of research.
6. This was my first trip with a disabled family member (DM uses an electric wheelchair). It was tough in the crowds. Moms with strollers would use the handicapped bathroom stalls, even though other stalls were empty. Luckily, we were near the first stop at our resort (the grandstand section at SSR), so bus transport worked out well.
Overall, a fabulous trip! I can't wait to go back!
