Just back...here's what we tried for the "first" time:

[KSgirl]

-> Keys to the Kingdom Tour (very informative)
-> stayed at Old Key West Resort (fabulous)
-> visited four parks in one day (always wanted to do that!)
-> watched WISHES from the Plaza Pavillion (great view...and easy to exit....we walked through the Main Street shops, and straight out the gates to the very first ferry back to the TTC....we were back at OKW by 10:35 and WISHES was at 10!)
-> MGM Backlot Tour (a little disappointing, but some parts fun)
-> bought new Mr. Potatohead pieces (Buzz Lightyear ride vehicle and ray gun, WDW ticket, nametag, crystal slippers, princess crown, Mickey gloves, Mickey ornament x-mas tree, and a pirate set from Adventureland in MK) (can you tell I love to collect the Mr. Potatohead pieces???)
-> saw two rainbows: at Pop Century our first evening, we were standing on the bridge across Hourglass lake and there was a rainbow stretching over the Classic Years....at Epcot our second evening, we were at the World Showcase looking across the lagoon and there was a rainbow arched over Future World.

Weather was HOT and humid, but manageable. Get there early, take breaks in air-conditioned attractions, walk in the shade when possible, bring a water bottle, take a break in the early afternoon and return in the evening. We had rain occassionally in the afternoon/early evenings, but not bad......until the day we left (yesterday, 7/11.....our flight was delayed over an hour).

Crowds were manageable. MK was always very busy by lunchtime, but easy to get things done first thing at opening. The left of the park (Adventureland all the way to Fantasyland) definitely seemed less busy than the right of the park during the morning. By afternoon, everything was crazy crowded. However, Epcot and MGM never seemed too crowded to us. We even walked into 50's Prime Time at noon (Sunday) and got a table right away without a PS. We visited AK late in the day of EE, when many people were bailing out. It was not crowded at all and much cooler!

We had a wonderful anniversary trip (just me and my husband). Anyone leaving soon will have a wonderful time! Enjoy your vacations .

 

[yasuern]

KSgirl,


Great report - sounds like you had a fantastic trip! thanks for sharing - we just returned on saturday and also had a great time. We usually stay at OKW but stayed at BWV this time. I love both of these resorts!

Sue

 

[tevagirl]

Where's the Plaza Pavillion?

 

[mkpat]

Thanks for the info! I really can't wait now! Where is the Plaza Pavillion?

 

[wannabee princess]

Sounds like a magical time! Thanks for sharing the details! I'm soooo excited to be getting close to our arrival and your post is such good news to read!

 

[KSgirl]

Plaza Pavilion:

If you walk all the way to the end of Main Street, take a right and walk past the Ice Cream Parlor. The Plaza Restaurant is just to the right of that, and then you will walk straight into the covered seating area....the Plaza Pavilion. If you continue walking through the Plaza Pavilion, you will come to the front of Tomorrowland (it's a lesser traveled path to that "land"). At the Plaza Pavilion, there are many tables and chairs with ample viewing of the castle and the fireworks, or you can stand at the railing (as we did). I had never viewed the fireworks from this vantage point, but found it to be a great location....and as I mentioned before, a good place to make a fast get-away. The shops along Main Street are all connected to one another, so you can walk through them without fighting all the people squeezed like sardines down the middle of Main Street .

 

[tevagirl]

Thanks for info!

 

[Wampy2]

Can you see Tink fly from the Plaza Pavilion? I've never gotten to see that!

 

[buzzz1]

The shops along Main Street are all connected to one another, so you can walk through them without fighting all the people squeezed like sardines down the middle of Main Street .



Thanks for this tip .... I have read this somewhere before, but I had forgotten about it. Think we will have to try this when we go in September !!!

 

[Suzanne74]

thanks for the info - I am glad you liked OKW - we will be staying in a 1 bedroom villa as a DVC guest in Sept. I can not wait!!!!

 

[KSgirl]

Wampy2....

We had a great view from where Tink "begins" her flight from the castle, but, alas, she did not fly the evening we watched WISHES. There was lightning in the distance, which I'm certain kept her grounded. However, it would be a great location to see her when she DOES fly.

buzzz1...

DEFINITELY use the interconnecting shops during crowded and hot conditions. Besides convenient, they are also air-conditioned .

Suzanne74...

You will LOVE LOVE LOVE OKW!!!! The villas are fabulous. The bathrooms are huge, the shower is huge, the bed is huge (and comfortable), the jacuzzi tub is heaven after a long day walking in the parks. I would LOVE to stay there again!