HeiDisney
Earning My Ears
- Joined
- Aug 24, 2016
- Messages
- 20
We had a wonderful trip. I have a few tips, things I will do again, and things I won't do again.
1. Going during the Halloween party makes touring the parks a little tricky, if you want to catch Wishes. We were not participating in the party as we were all adults. Not that it wouldn't be fun for adults, we just didn't plan to go. We had some plan changes, ticket additions and misinformation - to complicated to explain - however, the end result was Guest Relations fixed it for us and all was good. We saw all the fireworks shows. Be sure to check the schedule often and go by the printed schedule, NOT MDE.
2. I still love FP+. So easy to use. We were able to snag additional FP after our initial 3. Of course, the hard to get FP's are always hard to get. We did snag Rockin Roller Coaster late in the day. If you don't see a FP pop up when you click on "morning", "afternoon", or "evening", then click on a specific time. I don't know why, but sometimes one will pop up that didn't show up before. Some standby lines are a must - well, if the wait time is reasonable. I enjoyed PP standby and SWMT standby. I went early and it wasn't so bad. Of course, I didn't have children. Also, I had to remind others in my group - FP is a window, you don't have to get there right when the FP becomes available. Also, when you use your last FP, start getting another one while you are in the FP line. I could usually get 2 to 3 more FP before park close.
3. I can't say enough about the food. The dining plan is wonderful. If you like to have nice sit down meals. It isn't a savings but it is convenient. If you are trying to save money, there are other options but if you like a prepaid vacation, it is the way to go. If I had small children, I would try the counter service plan instead. It would keep you from having to meet a specific reservation time. The counter service meals are much improved as far as options. It isn't just burgers and pizza. Raglan Road was amazing, 'Ohana is the BOMB, Tusker House was enjoyed by all - especially the salmon. We did not like Tony's Town Square.
4. Yes, security takes a while but I felt very safe. It's just a sign of times we are living in. Sad but true.
5. Disney Springs redo is amazing. Well done Disney!!! Hats off to you. My 20 something year olds really enjoyed it and said they would go there if they were locals. I especially liked the bus stops and the way they made a bus lane. I think it is a great improvement. Two thumbs up for Hangar Bar.
6. My In-laws did not prepare for the trip. I asked them to start walking but they didn't. Why can't first timers ever get this part? It's a big place. You walk a lot. Bring socks. Several pairs of shoes. Be prepared!!
7. The Tree of Life at night was a highlight. As was the Star Wars Fireworks. I have a family of Star Wars Fans. DHS day, we entered the park and went straight to Launch Bay. There was no wait for Kylo Ren and Chewie. We had plenty of time to walk around, check out the exhibits, see Jawa traders and stormtroopers. DH was reliving his childhood.
8. Food and Wine Festival is crowded! Use your best judgment. That's all I got to say about that.
It was a great trip. I'm ready to go again. I did snag a 45th anniversary pin. My first ever trip was 45 years ago this December. The very first WDW Christmas. Lots of memories made over the past 45 years. Many more to come.
1. Going during the Halloween party makes touring the parks a little tricky, if you want to catch Wishes. We were not participating in the party as we were all adults. Not that it wouldn't be fun for adults, we just didn't plan to go. We had some plan changes, ticket additions and misinformation - to complicated to explain - however, the end result was Guest Relations fixed it for us and all was good. We saw all the fireworks shows. Be sure to check the schedule often and go by the printed schedule, NOT MDE.
2. I still love FP+. So easy to use. We were able to snag additional FP after our initial 3. Of course, the hard to get FP's are always hard to get. We did snag Rockin Roller Coaster late in the day. If you don't see a FP pop up when you click on "morning", "afternoon", or "evening", then click on a specific time. I don't know why, but sometimes one will pop up that didn't show up before. Some standby lines are a must - well, if the wait time is reasonable. I enjoyed PP standby and SWMT standby. I went early and it wasn't so bad. Of course, I didn't have children. Also, I had to remind others in my group - FP is a window, you don't have to get there right when the FP becomes available. Also, when you use your last FP, start getting another one while you are in the FP line. I could usually get 2 to 3 more FP before park close.
3. I can't say enough about the food. The dining plan is wonderful. If you like to have nice sit down meals. It isn't a savings but it is convenient. If you are trying to save money, there are other options but if you like a prepaid vacation, it is the way to go. If I had small children, I would try the counter service plan instead. It would keep you from having to meet a specific reservation time. The counter service meals are much improved as far as options. It isn't just burgers and pizza. Raglan Road was amazing, 'Ohana is the BOMB, Tusker House was enjoyed by all - especially the salmon. We did not like Tony's Town Square.
4. Yes, security takes a while but I felt very safe. It's just a sign of times we are living in. Sad but true.
5. Disney Springs redo is amazing. Well done Disney!!! Hats off to you. My 20 something year olds really enjoyed it and said they would go there if they were locals. I especially liked the bus stops and the way they made a bus lane. I think it is a great improvement. Two thumbs up for Hangar Bar.
6. My In-laws did not prepare for the trip. I asked them to start walking but they didn't. Why can't first timers ever get this part? It's a big place. You walk a lot. Bring socks. Several pairs of shoes. Be prepared!!
7. The Tree of Life at night was a highlight. As was the Star Wars Fireworks. I have a family of Star Wars Fans. DHS day, we entered the park and went straight to Launch Bay. There was no wait for Kylo Ren and Chewie. We had plenty of time to walk around, check out the exhibits, see Jawa traders and stormtroopers. DH was reliving his childhood.
8. Food and Wine Festival is crowded! Use your best judgment. That's all I got to say about that.
It was a great trip. I'm ready to go again. I did snag a 45th anniversary pin. My first ever trip was 45 years ago this December. The very first WDW Christmas. Lots of memories made over the past 45 years. Many more to come.
