Just back! Our thoughts...

[FSUGrad97]

First, I would like to thank everyone for their tips!

We just got back about an hour ago from our first family vacation and my DD2's first trip to WDW. I must say that now I understand why Disney is such an AWESOME place! My DH even said that he didn't want to vacation anywhere else!

We stayed at the Wilderness Lodge, and we LOVED this resort! The decorations were absolutely gorgeous, and the lobby was breathtaking. We checked in (went really well), and then on to MK to activate our AP and our ADR at Crystal Palace. Crystal Palace was pretty good, and since it was in the park, it was really convenient. Plus, the character interaction was great.

We went to the Dec. 1st MVMCP, and I am not sure if I would do it again. I think if there were more rides open, it wouldn't have seemed so busy - especially Pooh and Peter Pan. However, the Christmas Wishes fireworks were FABULOUS! We ate at Liberty Tree Tavern, and it was really good.

We had breakfast at 1900 Park Fare, and this was my favorite! The food and atmosphere was wonderful, and my DD 2 was thrilled to see Pooh and Tigger again.

During the day on Thursday, MK was not that busy. EPCOT was busy on Friday, and Animal Kingdom was not busy on Saturday. We tried to go back to the MK on Saturday night to hit some of the rides we didn't get to, and it was PACKED! In fact, it was so busy, we left and went back to the resort to watch the ACC championship game. We hit EPCOT again today (Sunday) and it wasn't that busy in the morning, but was starting to get busy as we were leaving. If you are looking to meet Mickey, make sure you stop at the Character Connection first thing in the morning. We were able to see Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy, and were able to walk right in without a line.

We also ate at Whispering Canyon Cafe on Saturday night, and it was great! Our server was wonderful, and so helpful since my DD was getting a little fussy. Roaring Forks was good as well.

To summarize: WL - FABULOUS!! CP, LTT, 1900 Park Fare ,& WC - great! Parks - a little on the busy side. MVMCP - a little overrated, IMHO.

Edited to add: I wore my Croc's for three days of our trip, and I was SO COMFY!! I also saw about 10 people wearing them.

If you have any questions, let me know.

Planning our next trip....

 

[kerrynic78]

Sounds like you had a wonderful time, that is great!! We went to MK on Saturday night and could not believe how crowded it was, it was crazy...we went home and watched some football!

 

[bytheblood]

My DH even said that he didn't want to vacation anywhere else!

Wow, wish my husband would say that. That is the reason for me going with a friend this next time, he does not want to go again for a very long time.

 

[blessedby3]

We were there with you, and I agree, our last day on Friday at EPCOT was crazy!! The morning was okay- we did Soarin twice in a row and test track with only about a 20 min wait, but after lunchtime it was very busy. We left to go to Chef Mickeys for dinner and when we returned it was a madhouse. Didnt do that much else in the evening because it was cold and crowded . Thursday at MK was great. Walked onto most everything or had a 5 min wait. We loved that.

 

[J.C.&ALI'SMOM]

It is so nice to hear about a great first trip! How wonderful for your family Sometimes we hear so much about bad experiences that it can bring you down. I think that the WDW trips turn out great if people are willing to plan and be prepared. It pays off.

 

[diswisher]

Hey,

Just wondering what Crocs are?

Thanks

 

[FSUGrad97]

They are the best shoes EVER!!

But seriously, they are these ugly, yet comfy shoes. Check out www.crocs.com

 

[FSUGrad97]

It is so nice to hear about a great first trip! How wonderful for your family Sometimes we hear so much about bad experiences that it can bring you down. I think that the WDW trips turn out great if people are willing to plan and be prepared. It pays off.

Yup! We had the mindset that we were on vacation, and if something didn't work out, it would be ok. Our trip went so well I can't wait to go back!

 

[debbie in Seattle]

We were also at MVMCP on 12/1 and also thought it was overrated, but then we didn't have any small kids with us. Yes, the fireworks were great, Epcot's were also. We made the mistake of thinking we could grab something to eat at MVMCP, boy that was a mistake.

 

[dimoe]

Where is character connection??
Diane

 

[Simba's Mom]

I was also there the same time as you. Did you notice a lot of children with Crocs? I did. Also, did you wear your Crocs with or without socks? The reason I ask is that one trip I wore them without socks, and by the end of the first day I had blisters, even though I'd used antiperspirant spray. But this time I decided to give them another chance, but this time with socks. I agree-SO COMFY!

 

[krdisneybound]

Hey,
Just wondering what Crocs are?
Thanks

Crocs are the ugliest shoes around, IMHO - they are made of rubber material. I see a lot of people wearing them. In hot weather, your feet can sweat terribly in them. But they seem to be a big hit with a lot of people

 

[FSUGrad97]

Where is character connection??
Diane

It is just past the Fountainview Bakery.

 

[FSUGrad97]

I was also there the same time as you. Did you notice a lot of children with Crocs? I did. Also, did you wear your Crocs with or without socks? The reason I ask is that one trip I wore them without socks, and by the end of the first day I had blisters, even though I'd used antiperspirant spray. But this time I decided to give them another chance, but this time with socks. I agree-SO COMFY!

I wore them with socks when it was colder, and without today, since it was warmer. I wear mine with the backstrap up (like a clog), so I haven't had any blisters.

I think half of the Croc's I saw were on little kids. I am SO tempted to buy my DD some, since I know she would like them.

 

[JuneCleaver]

My kids love their crocs. So far, I have resisted, but I may have to bite the bullet. Ugly or not, everyone swears they are comfy!

June

 

[salmoneous]

I was curious, so dug up this page with pictures of Crocs:

http://www.comfortableshoes.com/manufacturer-view.cfm?Manufacturer=80

 

[kjs1976]

WE LOVE OUR CROCS!!!!! Our feet DID NOT sweat in them this summer for 8 days! I got blisters on two other pair of sandals and switched to Crocs and had NO probs. DH wore them the whole time and never had an ache. We'll be wearing them this weekend to WDW!!!!

Thanks for the trip report.....what did you wear in the evening when it got colder?

 

[disneyw/kids]

We just got back today also. Glad you had a great time. We were at the same parks as you. Friday Epcot which I thought was a little more crowds than I have seen in previous years for this time of year. And Sat Animal Kingdom and then we also went to LTT Sat night for dinner and the park was packed. We darted out right before the parade were people were sandwiched in. But we had an awesome time and really enjoyed all the christmas festivities and the weather.

 

[FSUGrad97]

WE LOVE OUR CROCS!!!!! Our feet DID NOT sweat in them this summer for 8 days! I got blisters on two other pair of sandals and switched to Crocs and had NO probs. DH wore them the whole time and never had an ache. We'll be wearing them this weekend to WDW!!!!

Thanks for the trip report.....what did you wear in the evening when it got colder?

I wore jeans, with a turtleneck and a polar fleece jacket with gloves and a hat on Thursday. Friday - a turtleneck, sweatshirt, and pants. Saturday - jeans and a 3/4 sleeve shirt and a sweatshirt.

Since you are from Minnesota, you probably will be more used to the cold. For me, 50's = parka weather

Hope that helps!

 

[KevinM]

I agree about crowds. They were light to moderate all week but Epcot was busy on Friday. I noticed a few large groups of teenagers dressed similarly throughout the day at Epcot; assuming they were part of the Pop Warner crowd arriving for the following week. One large group appeared to be an inner-city group and they were terrible! Cursing, screaming, shoving, cutting in lines and generally acting like a gang of hooligans. Everywhere we went that day they seemed to be right behind us. Hopefully that is not a sign to come for this week at the parks.