PinkBudgie
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jul 3, 2008
- Messages
- 7,205
Just got back late last night from 4 full days with a half day tacked on at each end. Still didn't get to do everything we wanted! We are a family of four- DH, me, and two DS17s.
Flying by the seat of our pants- What we did last minute.
Aladdin- our first afternoon we decided to see Aladdin. We walked up about not long before show start and got mezzanine. This is the middle balcony. We were half way back. The people on the stage are small and you can't see their expressions. I don't recommend coming in last second. Still, if that is the only way you can squeeze it in, I'd do it.
Fireworks- Walked up to IASW about 15 minutes to start time. Found a spot on the ground to sit and saw a great show. No, you can't see Dumbo fly, but you can see both sets of fireworks and they put projections on IASW. Great spot if you just want to see it without a long wait and crowds in front of the castle.
Fantasmic- At the last minute we decided to see the second show of F! So we walked over to see what the situation looked like. We found a spot at the railing but off to the side, so decided to see what else there was. With about 15 minutes to show time we found a spot directly behind the control center with the giant speakers and lights blocking the way. Everywhere else at the railing in front of the planter, the crowd was about 6 "people layers" deep, but here it was only 1 deep. So we stood behind them. My family complained that they wouldn't be able to see, but I knew from reading the boards, that the speakers lifted up and then we would have great spots. Sure enough, that happened and then suddenly people filled in behind us.
Planning Ahead- What we saw by setting aside a lot of time.
WOC- We had the preferred dining package at Ariel's. I had made these arrangements and the family was expecting a small amount of crummy food. They were plesantly surprised and we were all stuffed. We had 3 tri tips and 1 pasta. Both were good. I had a taste of the pasta and it was a yummy, slightly spicey sauce. At 7 we asked the CM in front of the preferred dining area where we should go and he just said come back at 7:45. I tried to get out of him where we should stand to wait for that time, but he didn't really have an answer, so we sat on a nearby bench. Around 7:20 they cleared out the area we were in and we then saw we had to wait by the Palace of Fine Arts. There was already a crowd so we were about 6 layers of people in front of us. But it turns out we were only the second family to enter the preferred dining section and we got great spots right on the railing. (We had to duck when Mike came by in the pre-show! ) We decided we all like WOC way better than F! And the WOC popcorn is yummy!
Aladdin- We tried lining up at 2pm for a 3pm show. This time we got the Orchestra and got the right hand side about 6 rows back. Much better to watch the show. Sides are not bad and you can still see everything clearly and see the parade come by you. These were great seats and we could see the expressions on their faces.
Fast Passes- Of course we collected FPs in the moring and used them in the crowde afternoons and evenings. We collected Buzz FPs when all others were gone.
Crowds and Temps
It was definately more crowded this summer than last. We especially noticed it in DCA. So much for going there in the afternoons to escape the crowds of DL. Now that Screamin closes early, FPs for it run out sooner. With good use of FP collecting and getting on non FP rides early, we got plenty of rides and attractions in everyday. The only times the crowds got annoying was when a large group would suddenly stop in the middle of the path and discuss something. Why don't they just move to the side?
Cool mornigs and evenings- I needed a sweater. Weather reports said mid 70's but at DLR it always feels about 10 degrees hotter. So, nice during the day- hot, but not too hot. And the sun is more intense than I'm used to so I burn faster.
Flying by the seat of our pants- What we did last minute.
Aladdin- our first afternoon we decided to see Aladdin. We walked up about not long before show start and got mezzanine. This is the middle balcony. We were half way back. The people on the stage are small and you can't see their expressions. I don't recommend coming in last second. Still, if that is the only way you can squeeze it in, I'd do it.
Fireworks- Walked up to IASW about 15 minutes to start time. Found a spot on the ground to sit and saw a great show. No, you can't see Dumbo fly, but you can see both sets of fireworks and they put projections on IASW. Great spot if you just want to see it without a long wait and crowds in front of the castle.
Fantasmic- At the last minute we decided to see the second show of F! So we walked over to see what the situation looked like. We found a spot at the railing but off to the side, so decided to see what else there was. With about 15 minutes to show time we found a spot directly behind the control center with the giant speakers and lights blocking the way. Everywhere else at the railing in front of the planter, the crowd was about 6 "people layers" deep, but here it was only 1 deep. So we stood behind them. My family complained that they wouldn't be able to see, but I knew from reading the boards, that the speakers lifted up and then we would have great spots. Sure enough, that happened and then suddenly people filled in behind us.
Planning Ahead- What we saw by setting aside a lot of time.
WOC- We had the preferred dining package at Ariel's. I had made these arrangements and the family was expecting a small amount of crummy food. They were plesantly surprised and we were all stuffed. We had 3 tri tips and 1 pasta. Both were good. I had a taste of the pasta and it was a yummy, slightly spicey sauce. At 7 we asked the CM in front of the preferred dining area where we should go and he just said come back at 7:45. I tried to get out of him where we should stand to wait for that time, but he didn't really have an answer, so we sat on a nearby bench. Around 7:20 they cleared out the area we were in and we then saw we had to wait by the Palace of Fine Arts. There was already a crowd so we were about 6 layers of people in front of us. But it turns out we were only the second family to enter the preferred dining section and we got great spots right on the railing. (We had to duck when Mike came by in the pre-show! ) We decided we all like WOC way better than F! And the WOC popcorn is yummy!
Aladdin- We tried lining up at 2pm for a 3pm show. This time we got the Orchestra and got the right hand side about 6 rows back. Much better to watch the show. Sides are not bad and you can still see everything clearly and see the parade come by you. These were great seats and we could see the expressions on their faces.
Fast Passes- Of course we collected FPs in the moring and used them in the crowde afternoons and evenings. We collected Buzz FPs when all others were gone.
Crowds and Temps
It was definately more crowded this summer than last. We especially noticed it in DCA. So much for going there in the afternoons to escape the crowds of DL. Now that Screamin closes early, FPs for it run out sooner. With good use of FP collecting and getting on non FP rides early, we got plenty of rides and attractions in everyday. The only times the crowds got annoying was when a large group would suddenly stop in the middle of the path and discuss something. Why don't they just move to the side?
Cool mornigs and evenings- I needed a sweater. Weather reports said mid 70's but at DLR it always feels about 10 degrees hotter. So, nice during the day- hot, but not too hot. And the sun is more intense than I'm used to so I burn faster.
for us so now I have a better idea on what to bring.
We love the short walk! It took us about 7 minutes and very easy. It was so nice to be able to get back to our room for a quick nap. We also didn't have to leave so early in the morning as we did when we drove and parked.
On the last half day Space Mountian was down so we didn't get to use our FPs for it. But we got a lot of stuff in so that's ok.
