Need help making this memorable.

[mmtska]

I just don't understand staying on property and spending most of your time off of it I guess. There's so much to do at Disney and it's not a normal amusement park. If you're going for coasters, you're going to be very disappointed. The few WDW has are awesome, but it's more about the attractions. Then again you just said you're tired of amusement parks, so why not take Disney as it is. Go see the shows, heck do a safari tour at Animal Kingdom if you're up to it. But do more than just one park. You're missing SO much.

 

[1stdisneycruise]

Thank you. We like Disney because it will be clean and safe. We are going to enjoy the resort that is our reason for picking it. I made our reservations for lunch and dinner today. Thank you for the helpful info about that.

I am wandering if the hot air balloon in DTD is worth it? Has anyone done that before? My hubby would like us to jump out of planes and I am not ready to do that yet. Maybe this would be another step LOL I did go para-sailing two years ago and it was easy and not scary like I imaged it would have been.


I still have not made reservations to Arabian Nights. I would like to know what people think of it??

I do have to share something very cool. I love to volunteer and help Children's Hospitals and when I was searching for the best one day tickets to Disney. I had to stop and do this.... HELLO it helps sick kids and we still get our tickets. You can get HOPPER passes also if you want. I called the Children's hospital and they only have a few left. So if you are going to buy tickets please help the children.
http://www.myfhfoundation.com/Page.aspx?pid=366

 

[1stdisneycruise]

I made RSVP with a dinner and show. I picked one that is small and had a good deal (1/2 price) I hope we have fun.

So I am so ready to start packing. I guess I need to start reading what to pack so I dont bring everything

 

[KTJAY]

If you haven't been to Disney in the last 15 years, I think you may be surprised at how much there is to do there now. Plus going in July its going to be very busy. You'll be lucky if you get to do all the things you want in to at HS or whichever park you end up going.

We're not big character people either-my son is 17- so we don't do character meals, pictures, etc. And obviously he's not real into the movies at that age!
But we love the Disney experience! The shows, the rides, the food etc. Disney just does it great!!

We usually do 5 nights/6 days:

2 days at Hollywood Studios-Lots to do here...

American Idol-real contestants sing and audience gets to vote-my god-daughter and her sisters ages 10-12 loved this and they've never even seen american idol.

Toy Story ride-great interactive game/ride for kids in 4D
Character draw-in the animation building....an animator teaches you how draw a character. We love this!!

Rock n roller coaster/ Tower of Terror-awesome!!

Lots of great shows here......Indiana Jones/Beauty and the Beast/ Muppets sho

1 full day at Animal Kingdom:

We love the safari and animal trails-Disney does this so much better than zoos! My son loves Kali Rapids and Mt Everest-roller coaster!!

1 full day at Magic Kingdom(split up)

Space Mountain and Buzz lightyear are favorites but we don't miss the fireworks above the castle and the electrical parade at night.

1 1/2 days at Epcot:

Soarin and Test Track are great plus we love to walk around the different countries and sample all the foods, candies etc. I love Pick a pearl in Japan.

 

[1stdisneycruise]

If you haven't been to Disney in the last 15 years, I think you may be surprised at how much there is to do there now. Plus going in July its going to be very busy. You'll be lucky if you get to do all the things you want in to at HS or whichever park you end up going.

We're not big character people either-my son is 17- so we don't do character meals, pictures, etc. And obviously he's not real into the movies at that age!
But we love the Disney experience! The shows, the rides, the food etc. Disney just does it great!!

We usually do 5 nights/6 days:

2 days at Hollywood Studios-Lots to do here...

American Idol-real contestants sing and audience gets to vote-my god-daughter and her sisters ages 10-12 loved this and they've never even seen american idol.

Toy Story ride-great interactive game/ride for kids in 4D
Character draw-in the animation building....an animator teaches you how draw a character. We love this!!

Rock n roller coaster/ Tower of Terror-awesome!!

Lots of great shows here......Indiana Jones/Beauty and the Beast/ Muppets sho

1 full day at Animal Kingdom:

We love the safari and animal trails-Disney does this so much better than zoos! My son loves Kali Rapids and Mt Everest-roller coaster!!

1 full day at Magic Kingdom(split up)

Space Mountain and Buzz lightyear are favorites but we don't miss the fireworks above the castle and the electrical parade at night.

1 1/2 days at Epcot:

Soarin and Test Track are great plus we love to walk around the different countries and sample all the foods, candies etc. I love Pick a pearl in Japan.

Seeing what you wrote. Dont you think HS is more fun than Disney World for older kids? I love all the examples you have giving us for HS. I think my husband has DW and HS messed up in his head. I was chosen for Indiana Jones when we were there and a few other shows. That made it memorable.

I really dont like we are going in July. Be we had no choice in that. Our resort is sold out the week we are there so that is totally not a good sign.

I think my kids would love Character draw-in the animation building....an animator teaches you how draw a character. We love this!!

Thank you for the great info. Very helpful.

 

[jojomoore]

You may want to visit Disney World Resort Website - there are discriptions of each attranction, entertainment, etc for each park, DTD, and other fun things to do outside the parks. I think a day trip to Seaworld is doable. But keep in mind that you will not be able to do everything in one day. So you will need a touring plan of what you would like to see the most and plan accordingly.

There are two water parks at disney - Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. Your family could do one of these while you are working. My family particulary enjoys Magic Kingdom and Blizzard Beach. Your family could also tour epcot during the day while you are working. But keep in mind that admission to one park only each day is a standard ticket option and if you want to visit more than one park a day you will need park hopper option added to your tickets. Water park admission is an additional expense too. If you are paying for theme park tickets for your entire trip then i would definatley want to make use of these by visiting the parks more than one day during your trip.

You will be amazed at what you will learn also by spending time here on the disboards.

If you decide to make dining reservations you should make them in the park you are planning on visiting that day or in your resort area. Check out Allears.net for general pricing.

You will love the Yahct and Beach Club

 

[goofy4tink]

When you say HS has more to offer older kids than Disney World, just what do you mean??? HS is DisneyWorld..as is Epcot, Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom.

I guess it all depends on what you want. Disney doesn't do 'big, thrill' rides. Sure, they have Splash Mt, Space Mt, Expedition Everest, Rock n Roller Coaster, Tower of Terror..but when compared to real thrill rides, they can pale in comparison. I know that Space Mt isn't even close to something like The Hulk over at US/IoA!!! Now, that's a thrill ride.

So, if your kids are looking for thrills, they may very well be disappointed.
The hot air balloon ride doesn't really sound like what you're looking for..at least not if your dh wants to jump out of airplanes. The balloon is tethered to the ground and goes up only so high. And it lasts a very short time.

Staying at YC will be fun since you will be able to swim in SAB. But, it will be crowded!!! But there is also mini-golf over across the street from the S/D. Just walk over there, and look for the sign directing you to the walkway to Fantasia Gardens. It's a nice way to spend some time as a family!!