Our Magical WDW Adventure ~ 23 Days of Fun, Food, Cocktails... London Trip 2/8

[retiredkid]

I think there are only 2 times offered. Early morning and then later in the morning. I remember if we booked the early 8;30 one, we could not take the bus to WL as they were not running yet. That's why we took the 11.30 one.

 

[ariel2007]

Ah ok, thank you

 

[ariel2007]

OMG I have just been looking on the thread with pictures of all the DDP snacks and oh my, they look so yummy. I cannot wait to get there and start eating them

 

[chipndales]

I can safely say my favorite place to eat is Coral Reef in Epcot. It's fun with the aquarium, the food is out of this world, best steak ever, and the atmosphere is amazing. You can dine with your significant other, or a family, and get two completely different experiences out of it. The glowtinis are so good.

I also enjoyed Tusker House character breakfast. I thought the food was really good for a buffet. And Tony's Town Square in MK is a must on our list every year. Maybe it's because I love Lady and the Tramp, but it's just got a homey, warm feeling to it. Casey's Hot Dogs is where you'll find me for a CS meal, best hot dogs I've ever had.

 

[ariel2007]

I can safely say my favorite place to eat is Coral Reef in Epcot. It's fun with the aquarium, the food is out of this world, best steak ever, and the atmosphere is amazing. You can dine with your significant other, or a family, and get two completely different experiences out of it. The glowtinis are so good.

I also enjoyed Tusker House character breakfast. I thought the food was really good for a buffet. And Tony's Town Square in MK is a must on our list every year. Maybe it's because I love Lady and the Tramp, but it's just got a homey, warm feeling to it. Casey's Hot Dogs is where you'll find me for a CS meal, best hot dogs I've ever had.

I agree the Coral Reef is good. We went there on our last trip and enjoyed both the atmosphere and food. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE steak but decided to try something new and had the chicken. It was very, very good but after what you said I wish I had tried the steak. However I service wasn't good in there which slightly dampened the whole experience for us

I am glad to hear you liked the Tusker House character breakfast. I really fancied trying there but hadn't really heard many reports. We had been to the old Breakfastosaurus twice and loved it, so would love to see if this is as good. One question, do they still serve Krispy Kreme there?

I would also love to try Tony's. I have actually never even seen the restaurant but it sounds really cute. However I have heard so many bad reports about it. What would you recommend there? And I think I will have to try a hot dog from Casey's, they sound good

Thanks so much for all your help, I would love you to stick around

 

[ariel2007]

Ok guys, any more ideas before I move on tomorrow

 

[kafitty]

hi Ariel! glad to see you've got another trip planned. i was going to be in the World that time next year too, but now the trips been pushed back to October/November of '09.

i don't have much to offer by way of suggestions, because i haven't been to the World since BEFORE your first trip (gahhh), so i'll be interested in seeing what everyone suggests for you!
i know i'm interested in going to 50's Prime Time (for the pot roast or the meatloaf...i hope they're as good as i've heard, i LOVE a good pot roast with mashed potatoes ), and the Crystal Palace for breakfast...and maybe a 1900 Park Faire breakfast, too.
and OMG i can't wait to go to Goofy's Candy Company...i want to make some ridiculous pretzel stick creation that will probably make me sick. And i will love it, hahah.

can't wait to read more!

 

[ariel2007]

hi Ariel! glad to see you've got another trip planned. i was going to be in the World that time next year too, but now the trips been pushed back to October/November of '09.

i don't have much to offer by way of suggestions, because i haven't been to the World since BEFORE your first trip (gahhh), so i'll be interested in seeing what everyone suggests for you!
i know i'm interested in going to 50's Prime Time (for the pot roast or the meatloaf...i hope they're as good as i've heard, i LOVE a good pot roast with mashed potatoes ), and the Crystal Palace for breakfast...and maybe a 1900 Park Faire breakfast, too.
and OMG i can't wait to go to Goofy's Candy Company...i want to make some ridiculous pretzel stick creation that will probably make me sick. And i will love it, hahah.

can't wait to read more!

Hey Kait, glad to have you here

Thats such a shame your trip has been pushed back. A few people were going to go at this time and then have changed since, it sucks . But I bet since you haven't been for so long you must be super excited, I know I am and I was only there 6 months ago.

You should definitely go to 50's Prime Time Cafe. I haven't been but it sounds like a lot of fun. The reason I haven't been is because nothing on the menu tempts me but if you like pot roast then I would go for it, I must admit it looks pretty good. I did have a really yummy pot roast at POR, it was so big and there was so much tender meat (I have since had one elsewhere that put me off, hence not wanting it at PT).
I have been to 1900 PF for breakfast, its really good. Plenty of choice and great character interaction. I have also been to CP but not yet for breakfast so this may be a good idea. I have heard the french toast is yummy . Oh and Goofy's is a must for me too... I'll make sure I get pics for you.

Thanks for your input, its always welcome even if its just to say hi

 

[CoP Luv]

HI! I haven't posted in a few days so I have to catch up.

As for snacks, if we didn't use up all of ours I just went to the gift shop and got boxes of cookies, etc. to take home with me. They had Mickey Head cheese crackers and Minnie sandwich cookies. Perfect thing to bring home or to have on the plane.

As for cocktails...not too much of a drinker, but we did go to the Poly one night and got something to drink and took it to the beach to watch the fireworks and the water parade.

Hmmmm recreational activities? I only know the parks! We did the Segway tour in Epcot, and that's about it for other things. I have wanted to try a dinner show one night. We did do the Spirit of Aloha show once a few years back and I would never go again.

I think the Segway tour at FW would be a different look at a great tour. I think Deb from AllEars did it and wrote about her experience in her blog on her website.

I seriously think you have already done everything I would have thought of to do. Are you looking to spend some time in other parts of FL? Have you looked into downtown Orlando at all? I have never been, but I am sure there are some nice things to see and all.

 

[ariel2007]

HI! I haven't posted in a few days so I have to catch up.

As for snacks, if we didn't use up all of ours I just went to the gift shop and got boxes of cookies, etc. to take home with me. They had Mickey Head cheese crackers and Minnie sandwich cookies. Perfect thing to bring home or to have on the plane.

As for cocktails...not too much of a drinker, but we did go to the Poly one night and got something to drink and took it to the beach to watch the fireworks and the water parade.

Hmmmm recreational activities? I only know the parks! We did the Segway tour in Epcot, and that's about it for other things. I have wanted to try a dinner show one night. We did do the Spirit of Aloha show once a few years back and I would never go again.

I think the Segway tour at FW would be a different look at a great tour. I think Deb from AllEars did it and wrote about her experience in her blog on her website.

I seriously think you have already done everything I would have thought of to do. Are you looking to spend some time in other parts of FL? Have you looked into downtown Orlando at all? I have never been, but I am sure there are some nice things to see and all.

I think we will probably use all our snack credits, with all the pictures I have seen of the yummy WS cakes and Goofy candy treats. Saying that, I probably wont be able to fit it in when were there, eyes bigger than your belly and all that . If I have got any left the Minnie cookies sound good though.

I'm sorry to hear you didn't like the Aloha dinner show, we all loved it. The food was so yummy. We did do Hoop Dee Doo this year though and absolutely loved that too, it was so much fun

As for the segway tour at FW it is one I am thinking about. There is a post on the page before this about it, and it looks great. My bf would love it, although I will have to put up with him begging to have one for the rest of the holiday again

We are doing Busch Gardens and Kennedy, probably a beach too. We thought about staying in Tampa for a night after BG but decided not too. I do love seeing other parts of Florida, all the places I have been have been so beautiful, but don't think we will have the time

 

[disneydusted]

I've been thinking about "extra" things we like to do in Disney. (we just do Disney when we are down there) We did the Behind the Seeds Tour which was interesting if you like that sort of thing. It's always fun to see the other side of things.
We make sure we time a dinner at the California Grill with Wishes.
We've done the Tea in the Grand Floridian 2 times. We liked that because it forced us to slow down and enjoy the moment. Most of the time we are running around!
It's fun to be on the Boardwalk at night. There is lots of activity going on. If you are in Epcot go out the International Gateway to the Boardwalk and have dinner at one of the places there and then walk around.

 

[ariel2007]

I've been thinking about "extra" things we like to do in Disney. (we just do Disney when we are down there) We did the Behind the Seeds Tour which was interesting if you like that sort of thing. It's always fun to see the other side of things.
We make sure we time a dinner at the California Grill with Wishes.
We've done the Tea in the Grand Floridian 2 times. We liked that because it forced us to slow down and enjoy the moment. Most of the time we are running around!
It's fun to be on the Boardwalk at night. There is lots of activity going on. If you are in Epcot go out the International Gateway to the Boardwalk and have dinner at one of the places there and then walk around.

Thanks for your ideas

Can you tell me what you actually do on the Behind the Seeds Tour? TBH I like doing and seeing lots of different things. I have found in the past that things I thought would be boring were actually really interesting in some way. Especially if its at Disney I love seeing it all, what goes on, how its run, every little detail interests me

We Love California Grill and the view is just amazing. Unfortunately last time we were stuck in a back room which looked over to Epcot in the very, very distant. I was disappointed as I was there for that view as much as the food but when we go again I will make sure I am in the main room. On the up side the room we were in was very quiet and hardly anyone in there. We watched Wishes from the outside walkway bit and it was a great view, I cannot wait to do this again

We did do afternoon tea at GF last time, something I was really looking forward too and it didn't disappoint. Unfortunately I was feeling quite ill at the time, I had a really bad headache and felt really sick so I couldn't enjoy it properly at all. I was pretty gutted . But it just gives me another reason to go back again right? What would you suggest menu and tea wise here?

The Boardwalk is a good idea thank you. We stopped there briefly in 2006 but my parents didn't want to stay so we left. Then we stayed across from it at the YC for a night last time but didn't have time to visit. I will definitely have to put this on my list

 

[ariel2007]

The One Where The Magic Really Begins...
...Way Before We Even Get To WDW​

Disney World Resort Orlando ~ Delivering Magic Directly To Your Door


So this morning I was snuggled under my duvet, refusing to get out and be hit by the chilly morning that was waiting for me. I was too warm and too comfy to even try and move, it was one of those mornings where nothing or no-one was getting me. Nick tried to coax me out with the offer of hot coffee, but even that didn't work and I simply turned over and cuddled further in to my fluffy pillow. He returned 10 minutes later to tell me there was a coffee waiting for me downstairs, and casually added that there was a letter too, and it might be from Disney World. 'WHAT... THERE'S A LETTER FROM DISNEY WORLD AND YOU HAVE ONLY JUST TOLD ME'... does this boy not know me at all? Well of course I jumped out of bed like Lightening McQueen, not even feeling the cold, and ran downstairs to the lounge where the letter was waiting. I ripped it open and found our first confirmation - 7 nights at the Polynesian including Magic Your Way plus dining.
WAHOO I'm even more excited now we actually have written confirmation... its definitely real .

Here it is ~ you can see where I was too excited and ripped it open.

So with the confirmation tucked away safely in my Disney holiday file I could progress with my planning. Now I haven't finished with 'Subject of the Day' yet, You guys gave me so many good ideas and I have still got other areas I need help on. However, you have given me enough for now to lay the foundations of my plan... and frankly I cannot wait any longer to reveal it .

 

[troobabiee7]

Hey Ariel! I finally made it over here, sorry that it took so long! I just wanted to let you know that before I read this pre-trip report I want to go back and read your other report. I love reading about long trips so I'm really look forward to it! Since the other report's closed I'll just comment here!

 

[ariel2007]

The One Where The Magic Really Begins...
...Way Before We Even Get To WDW​

To Make A Holiday Practically Perfect You Need To Have A Perfect Plan
In Pursuit of the 'Perfect Plan' ~ A Planners Guide to Planning


Pretty much as soon as we got back from our last trip I started making a theoretical list in my head of all the things we would do on our next trip, all the restaurants we would eat in and all the tours we wanted to do. So as soon as we began thinking about going back I started recording all these ideas, making endless plans and itineraries, and of course, every planners favorite thing to do... Research. I mean creating the perfect plan is no simple task. It takes hours of reading through a million different guide books and tourist guides, watching every planning DVD available, and searching through every imaginable internet site with the words 'Disney', 'Florida' or 'Food' in. It's not all hard work though, I get to talk to you lovely people who help supply me with some of the best ideas and tips .

So with a whole lot of planning tools, you can imagine it can become a bit overwhelming knowing where to start. Luckily I have done this a few times before so have the whole thing pretty well sorted. And since I have enlightened you with our planning journey so far, and plan to share the rest of our journey as well, I can't really keep you from the process that plays a major part in our actual holiday. So here is a bit more of an in depth look at my planning aids.

GUIDE BOOKS​

Guide books

I even had a little planning helper (ok this way last year but he's too cute):

I love reading travel guides, any travel guides, but especially ones about Disney and Florida. It started when we went to Thailand over 4 years ago. We only had flights and a few nights accommodation booked, and the plan was just to wing it when we got there in terms of destinations, accommodations, tours, travel, food, pretty much everything. Well of course to someone who always plans everything to the last minute, who plans there outfit weeks in advance and leaves no stone unturned, thats a pretty scary prospect. So I enlisted the help of a few guide books and read all about the country of which we were to visit, formulated routes and plans that would be flexible to fit in when we arrived, and learn't everything we needed to know. So this was my first experience in planning a holiday, and from that point I could not stop. The next holiday was Disney World, somewhere I had only been once 6 years before on a kind of botch job holiday orchestrated by my laid-back and somewhat flaky father. So we did some planning, nothing like the extent of planning I do now, but we looked through guide books several times and made notes of everything we wanted to see and do. We booked a few tours and dinner shows, which was pretty much it, but it worked for us as it was off-peak and with the help of the guide books we got to see and do everything we wanted and more. The next holiday was much more organized as it was peak season and we had so many ideas of what we wanted to see and do... and this was a lot. So we used books, the internet and tourist guides and made a good, detailed plan and a lots of ADR's. The holiday ran pretty much seamlessly, apart from a few mess ups which was caused by the wonderful Virgin Holidays (funny the bits that went wrong were the bits that we relied on a travel company for). I then planned a few brilliant trips to DLP and back to Disney in May where I planned more than ever before. And boy did it pay off, we had the most magical holiday ever.

And all this started with reading a few books on Thailand, followed by a rather excellent and inspiring book named The Brit's Guide to Orlando... my love of travel guides began. So here are the books I used for this holiday along with a brief personal review on each:


The Brit Guide Orlando, Simon and Susan Veness:
The only book we used for our first 2 trips and probably the most informative overall. A great book for first timers as it includes information on everything from arriving in Florida, accommodations, car hire, travel companies, information on all the parks including the rides, shows, restaurants etc (WDW, Universal, Seaworld, Busch Gardens, Kennedy Space Centre and the smaller parks), additional activites/attractions, dining and entertainment. It is broken down into easy to read chapters and includes some great Brit tips invaluable for first timers. It also has lots of bright pictures making it easy to read.

2006/2008/2009 versions

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​

The Unofficial Guide - to Walt Disney World and Beyond Disney

These books are great for people who have been before and those looking for something more to do when there. The book gives detailed descriptions of rides, shows and dining, giving ratings. It also includes touring plans to help save queuing. Very informative, and detailed, making it better for those who have been before, and slightly more biased towards the American market. It focuses more on Disney but does include the other local parks too.

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The Unofficial Guide - Beyond Disney
The same as above but with focus on the other area theme parks including Universal, Seaworld, Busch Gardens, Kennedy and more.

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Eyewitness Guide, Walt Disney World Resort and Orlando
Basic information, lots of glossy pictures. I found some of the information to be outdated, but is a good guide if you have limited time to read up on your holiday

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Passporters Walt Disney World - Deluxe Edition
This is more than just a travel guide - it is also a planner, organizer, journal and keepsake full of great, useful information and places to record your own holiday plans and confirmations. Contains great maps, a detailed ride/attraction section with reviews, average wait times, ride type etc, an accommodation section with maps and room information, important phone numbers and other useful information. The deluxe edition comes in a leather case with room for important documents, a pen and a place to record a daily holiday journal with space to keep receipts etc.

The bible a.k.a The Deluxe Passporter

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I am glad I read all the different guides as they all contain the same basic information but each have something different and unique that makes it worthwhile to read.

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THE INTERNET​

Probably, no actually definitely, my biggest planning tool has been the net, my new best friend. I have spent endless hours trawling through millions of websites compiling information on just about anything that could be of some use to my holiday. My best aid have been here, where I have both gained endless knowledge, tips and ideas from the most knowledgeable Disney experts anywhere on the planet, and also made so really good friends that have made the whole waiting game so much more bearable . This has got to be closely followed by the brilliant Allearsnet and Unofficial Disney sites which supply me with endless hours of pleasure, and pain, whilst I drool over delicious menus offering everything available on this planet. And of course every great planner needs a perfect planning tool, heres mine:

My gorgeous Sparkley blue Sony Vaio laptop

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TOURIST GUIDES AND PLANNING DVD'S​

​

I was so fed up with all the stupid adverts advertising Disney, and Orlando and Florida, showing all those magical sights and attractions and playing magical music that made you feel like you were right back there again, if only for a few seconds. Now these adverts seemed to becoming more and more frequent, and it began to feel like they were taunting me, or maybe just conspiring to get me back there again. Well it worked, and literally the second we decided to go back I was ordering every guide and DVD I could off those brilliant adverts (how quickly opinions can change, hey!). Well every time one came through the door I would get all excited and spend the next few hours reading and watching it, absorbing every detail. Here is my supply of guides:

Tourist guides and planning DVD's

Now I love to watch the DVD's, I have ones for Disney World, Universal and the Busch parks. They remind me of all the amazing rides and attractions they have, and how much I love being there surrounded by themed lands with dragons and superhero's, whales, dolphins and African architecture. Oh and then there is Mickey Mouse. I could watch the Disney World one every day. It is just so magical and always leaves me with such a warm, fuzzy feeling inside. And I'll even admit that sometimes it makes me shed a little tear, but in a good way, when I remember all the magic I have encountered right there in those very parks.

--------------------​

And of course I need somewhere to record all my ideas

My holiday folder

So I have let you in to my planning journey so far. Starting with my endless changing of accommodation plans, and on to the researching everything imaginable from restaurants and menus, snacks and cocktails, tours, interactions, mini-golf, cruises, shows, dinner shows, rides, rooms, spray mister fans, bagalini's, hand sanitizer, lime green Mickey heads... the list goes on. And from this information I consolidated a plan, a daily itinerary that would form the basis of the most Magical holiday ever...

 

[ariel2007]

Hey Ariel! I finally made it over here, sorry that it took so long! I just wanted to let you know that before I read this pre-trip report I want to go back and read your other report. I love reading about long trips so I'm really look forward to it! Since the other report's closed I'll just comment here!

Heya Melissa, glad you've joined me

I look forward to your comments on both this PTR and my old trip report, comment away

 

[ariel1025]

Hi, sorry I am a little bit late in jumping on board. But, I had to come back and respond from the beginning because this seems like a whole lot of fun. Excellent idea

What are you favorite Disney restaurants are and why?
Ok, this one may not be so helpful since you are on the dining plan but my absolute favorite restaurant from our last trip was Shula's Steakhouse. I know it's not on the dining plan but it was absolutely the best food we had the whole trip. Everything, was cooked to perfection!!
What Disney restaurants really stand out for you for their -

• 
  [*]Food
  Again I have to go with Shula's. If you want a recommendation on the dining plan my choice would be Nine Dragons. However, I know they changed their menu with the renovation (we go tto eat there the last day before they closed for refurbishment) and the new menu doesn't sound as appealing to me, so guess that isn't a great help
  [*]Service
  I know several people would disagree with me on this, but our best service was definitely at Cinderella's Royal Table (for breakfast) we were treated like royalty from the moment we checked in until we left
  [*]Location
  Again, I am going to have to award Cinderella's Royal Table with this one. In my opinion, you can't beat eating in the castle
  [*]Atmosphere
  For me this (surprisingly) was Rose & Crown with outdoor seating during the fireworks, it was one of those unplanned perfect nights.

​

 

[ariel1025]

Ok, let's see if I'm any help with this subject

Have you done any theme park tours or interactions that you would recommend (this can be at Disney or elsewhere)?
Ok, I am absolutely no help on this one. The only tour I've done is the Dolphins in Depth at Epcot but since you've done Discovery Cove this totally would be a bore to you
Can you recommend any additional activities outside of the theme parks that Disney has to offer?
I can't remember if you did this on your last trip or not (I just read your whole report in between house cleaning today) but I LOVE LOVE to parasail and think it would be awesome to go parasailing in bay lake to be able to see the castle in your back drop
​

[/QUOTE]
Oh, I know on anniversary trip we are planning on doing a carriage ride, we just think it would be really relaxing and romantic, to get a little time away from the crowds and enjoy being just the two of us.

 

[ariel2007]

Hi, sorry I am a little bit late in jumping on board. But, I had to come back and respond from the beginning because this seems like a whole lot of fun. Excellent idea

What are you favorite Disney restaurants are and why?
Ok, this one may not be so helpful since you are on the dining plan but my absolute favorite restaurant from our last trip was Shula's Steakhouse. I know it's not on the dining plan but it was absolutely the best food we had the whole trip. Everything, was cooked to perfection!!
What Disney restaurants really stand out for you for their -

• 
  [*]Food
  Again I have to go with Shula's. If you want a recommendation on the dining plan my choice would be Nine Dragons. However, I know they changed their menu with the renovation (we go tto eat there the last day before they closed for refurbishment) and the new menu doesn't sound as appealing to me, so guess that isn't a great help
  [*]Service
  I know several people would disagree with me on this, but our best service was definitely at Cinderella's Royal Table (for breakfast) we were treated like royalty from the moment we checked in until we left
  [*]Location
  Again, I am going to have to award Cinderella's Royal Table with this one. In my opinion, you can't beat eating in the castle
  [*]Atmosphere
  For me this (surprisingly) was Rose & Crown with outdoor seating during the fireworks, it was one of those unplanned perfect nights.

​

• 
  
  , I am so glad you joined me. And thanks for all the great ideas, they are a lot of help
  
  I am glad you mentioned Shula's, I have looked at their menu loads and it looks perfect, I love steak. It was already on my list so its good to hear someone recommend it and speak so highly of it.
  
  CRT is definitely one I would love to try, but I don't think it will be this time. Nick doesn't really fancy it, and although he would do it if I told him, I am trying to do things we both want. Plus I think it would be a good one to do with my little sister, she loves princesses too
  
  I have heard good things about the Rose and Crown, but being from the UK there are a few other places I would like to try first.
  
  

  Ok, let's see if I'm any help with this subject
  
  
  

  Have you done any theme park tours or interactions that you would recommend (this can be at Disney or elsewhere)?
  Ok, I am absolutely no help on this one. The only tour I've done is the Dolphins in Depth at Epcot but since you've done Discovery Cove this totally would be a bore to you
  Can you recommend any additional activities outside of the theme parks that Disney has to offer?
  I can't remember if you did this on your last trip or not (I just read your whole report in between house cleaning today) but I LOVE LOVE to parasail and think it would be awesome to go parasailing in bay lake to be able to see the castle in your back drop
  ​

  Oh, I know on anniversary trip we are planning on doing a carriage ride, we just think it would be really relaxing and romantic, to get a little time away from the crowds and enjoy being just the two of us.[/QUOTE]
  
  What is the Dolphin's in Depth Tour exactly? I have heard of it but it would be nice to hear about it from someone who has done it before?
  
  We haven't done parasailing before, but we had booked to do it at the Contemporary last time. However they had to cancel it that day as it was too windy and we didn't have time again. Hopefully we will definitely get to do it this time, especially since we are staying just across in the Polynesian.
  
  The carriage ride is also something I would love to do, and we are staying in POFQ so its quite convenient. ARe you planning on doing this one

​

 

[disneydusted]

You are definitely cracking me up with all of your planning! I can so relate to that! I really liked the Passporter too. I was glad to see you had AllEars on your list of internet sites. They are great for information.
You asked about the Behind the Seeds Tour. It was educational, our family enjoyed it. You see how they grow vegetales hydroponically (not sure I spelled that right), you see some tricks of the trade, you are behind the Living With the Land ride so you see the boats go by. It's kind of fun to be getting a bigger tour, seeing the others in the boats and you are actually in the exhibit area. It was a calm place and our CM was so enthusiastic about her job working in the lab, she was great!
Another place you might look for super ideas is here on the DIS. You may have read her TR's, but there is a mom who has created the most amazing surprises and fun for her family. She is Jaycns, she is writing her most current trip, you could find her in the TR section.