Hi folks. Another board reader emailed me yesterday, asking for some info concerning my recent trip to Disney World. Before I new it, my response to her was written and rather long. I figured I might as well share it with everyone - so I cut and pasted and the note is attached. Hope it helps a few of you out with your planning!
First let me tell you how our week flowed.ÃÂ Looks like you are planning a weeks stay, which is exactly what we did, only Sat. to Sat.ÃÂ Also, my kids are ages 4, 6, and 8.ÃÂ Actually they all have bdays coming up, so they will soon be 5, 7, and 9.ÃÂ Where does the time go!
ÃÂ
Sat.3/3
Arrived Dixie Landings around 1PM.ÃÂ Checked in to hotel, swam at hotel pool in afternoon.ÃÂ Saw Cirque du Soleil show 6PM.ÃÂ (fabulous show).ÃÂ Back to hotel and kids in bed by 8:30.ÃÂ It was a long day since we left the house to get to the airport early Sat. morning.ÃÂ
ÃÂ
Sun. 3/4
Spent the entire day at the Magic Kingdom.ÃÂ Sunday is a very good day to go to MK as far as crowds are concerned.ÃÂ Saturdays and Mondays are generally the most crowded days at MK.ÃÂ We did a character dinner at Liberty Tree Tavern (priority seating), and after dinner watched the Main Street Electrical Parade.ÃÂ I believe this parade is over end of this month, but will be replaced by another "nighttime" parade when you are there.ÃÂ We did not stay for the fireworks as all were tired and we've seen them before.ÃÂ Tip - you can view the MK fireworks outside the balcony of the California Room restaurant in the Contemporary.ÃÂ This will be especially convenient for you since you are staying there.ÃÂ Also, Chef Mickeys is a great choice for another character meal which is in the Contemporary.ÃÂ We didn't do this trip, but did 2 years ago.ÃÂ I think Liberty Tree Taverns food is a little better, but overall it is a tossup.ÃÂ The kids will enjoy either.ÃÂ
ÃÂ
Mon. 3/5
Spent morning in the MK.ÃÂ Had character meal lunch at the Crystal Palace (priority seating).ÃÂ (Note, in 1 full day and a half day, we had completed the vast majority of MK.ÃÂ This included every major and minor attraction, ride, etc., and some several times over.ÃÂ The only area we did not yet see was Mickey's Toon Town, and Tom Sawyers Island which we did in a previous trip and was not a big hit with my kids.ÃÂ Keep in mind the crowds are only moderate the first week in March, and it rained on Sunday.ÃÂ If it rains rejoice a little - put the ponchos on and go.ÃÂ We never let it bother us and had a great time and saw so much!)ÃÂ
ÃÂ
We arrived at MGM around 2PM.ÃÂ Toured until about 7PM.ÃÂ We were back to hotel about 7:30PM and had a lite meal at the food court.ÃÂ Tip - If you see the Indiana Jones stunt show, be careful if you raise your hand to participate in the show.ÃÂ I did, got picked, and had to do a death scene in front of about a thousand people!ÃÂ What can I say, my kids thought it was cool!
ÃÂ
Tues. 3/6
Arrived Animal Kindom at 8AM.ÃÂ Had lunch at the Rainforest Cafe.ÃÂ (I believe the Rainforest is simply way overpriced.ÃÂ Yes it is nice for the kids, but you know what - Disney does such an outstanding job with Animatronics at all their attractions - the Rainforest is not really a "must" stop.ÃÂ But since it's on your itinerary do it - I'm sure your DD will enjoy).ÃÂ After lunch we finished up touring AK.ÃÂ We were back at hotel at 4PM and kids napped until about 6PM.ÃÂ Note this was the only day my kids actually napped the whole week.ÃÂ It was important as we arrived at Epcot about 6:30PM.ÃÂ We did several attractions, and staked out a nice spot at the rail of the lagoon around 8:15 PM in preparation for Illuminations.ÃÂ This was nice as we used the time to relax and eat hotdogs and popcorn.ÃÂ And yes, I enjoyed a nice cold brew.ÃÂ While we all enjoyed the show, I personally was not "blown away" by it as some people are.ÃÂ Personally, I think Fantasmic at MGM is much, much better.ÃÂ But - if you are at DW, you definitely should see it - you might be one of the folks that thinks it is simply awesome!ÃÂ
ÃÂ
Wed. 3/7
We arrived at Epcot and toured all day.ÃÂ We did Future World until about 1PM, and then hit the World Showcase.ÃÂ We had no priority seatings for the day, and really enjoyed "sampling" various foods in the different worlds.ÃÂ This included Mexican, Chinese, and fudge and candy apples from Germany.ÃÂ My kids really enjoyed the kid stops in the World Showcase.ÃÂ Basically, in Mexico they each received a white cardboard mask that was mounted on a stick.ÃÂ At each country they could add more to the mask - glitter in one country, feathers in another, etc.ÃÂ They also would get the stick stamped with the name of the country at each stop.ÃÂ We also purchased a passport ($10.50) prior to entering the world showcase.ÃÂ The kids would get the passport stamped in each country, as well as a little hand written message in that countries language.ÃÂ We also had fun watching a jugglers show in Italy, in which my oldest daughter was an active participant.ÃÂ Since we already saw Illuminations, we had a good time spending additional time in Future World between 6PM and 8:30PM.ÃÂ The crowds were very minimal at this time, and we had a great time really enjoying the Living Seas and the Imagination Center.ÃÂ Perhaps we were extremely lucky because the crowds were not bad, but we managed to see absolutely all of Future World, (and I mean every attraction - from The Making of Me to Test Track to Honey I Shrunk the Audience) and more than half the World Showcase during this one day and the couple hours the previous night.ÃÂ (and yes my almost 5 year old rode Test Track and loved it! - not quite as much as Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in the MK - which she rode 4 times!)
ÃÂ
Thursday 3/8
This was our down day, but we still managed to be pretty busy.ÃÂ If I had to do anything over again, I truly would have made this day more of a down day by spending most if not all of the day around the hotel pool.ÃÂ We started with breakfast at the hotel around 9AM.ÃÂ We then went over to the Boardwalk Hotel and walked the Boardwalk a bit.ÃÂ This was followed by a round of mini golf at Fantasia Gardens.ÃÂ We were back to the hotel around 2PM, and ate hotdogs by the pool.ÃÂ About 6PM we took a boat ride from Dixie Landings (guess I better call the hotel by its new name which is Port Orleans Riverside) to Downtown Disney.ÃÂ We had dinner at Planet Hollywood (they don't take priority seatings here) but we got lucky and sat right down - this was not the case as it was packed when we left around 7:30PM.ÃÂ BTW, Planet Hollywood is also grossly overpriced and quite mediocre in my opinion.ÃÂ It does have a fun atmosphere however.ÃÂ After dinner we spent a little time at the Lego Store and the huge Disney store before departing.ÃÂ Didn't get back to the hotel until after 9PM.ÃÂ Again - so much for the down day!ÃÂ
ÃÂ
Friday 3/9
Started the day by taking my youngest daughter 4 and son 6 to the "fishin hole" for about an hour.ÃÂ Had fun trying to coax little sunfish to take the worms.ÃÂ We then rented a surrey bike (whole family) and cruised around the hotel grounds (beautifully landscaped) for about 1/2 hour.ÃÂ We arrived at the MK around 9:45 and had a nice leisurely morning since we had already seen just about everything.ÃÂ This included Big Thunder Mountain again (for my youngest), and Space Mountain again - my son, oldest daughter and wifes favorite!ÃÂ We also did Toon Town.ÃÂ This included riding the Barn Stormer kiddie roller coaster.ÃÂ No kidding - this was the longest line we stood in all week (1/2 hour), and the ride lasted only 20 seconds!ÃÂ The kids did enjoy meeting Cinderella who made a special appearance in Toon Town.ÃÂ Tip - the kids really enjoyed getting the characters autographs.ÃÂ We bought a Disney autograph book first day in MK - and they really had fun with it.ÃÂ Had a relaxing lunch at one of the small vendors that included oranges, bananas, and of course hotdogs!ÃÂ
ÃÂ
We arrived at MGM about 1:30PM.ÃÂ Saw several attractions, and had dinner at Mama Melrose's around 4:15PM.ÃÂ This was a priority seating and was part of the Fantasmic Dinner package.ÃÂ You definitely want to book a dinner package if you plan to see Fantasmic.ÃÂ It doesn't cost any extra money (other than the meal), and you get a special ticket with reserved seating for the show.ÃÂ So rather than getting in line an hour or more ahead of time to make sure you get a seat, you simply show up 1/2 hour before and you are in!ÃÂ As stated earlier, Fantasmic is a show you don't want to miss.
ÃÂ
Sat. 3/10
Our departure day (booh), but our flight doesn't leave until 7:50PM, so we have all day (Yeah!)ÃÂ We had a decision, back to Epcot (still had a day left on hopper passes), or Typhoon Lagoon.ÃÂ You guessed it, the kids picked TL.ÃÂ (Note, my kids really enjoyed Epcot so this was not to say Epcot wasn't fun - quite frankly they really just wanted to swim and TL was more exciting than staying at the hotel pool.)ÃÂ And just a bit more expensive! - my hoppers did not include the water parks as I knew at best we might get there one time.ÃÂ We really enjoyed TL, it's a pretty amazing place and definitely worth a visit.ÃÂ My two youngest spent most of their time in the "kiddie" sections.ÃÂ The bigger flumes, etc. were a bit intimidating.ÃÂ However my 8 year old did do most of the chutes with me.ÃÂ My wife pretty much just enjoyed being out in the Florida sun.ÃÂ BTW, since this was travel day we had to do a little packing planning.ÃÂ Check out of the hotel was 11AM - so we simply packed a bag with a change of clothes for our trip home.ÃÂ After TL, we went back to hotel and utilized the locker rooms and showers out by the hotel pool.ÃÂ I will say the tropical drink tasted fabulous after showering and getting mentally prepared for departure.ÃÂ Our driver arrived at 6PM, and we headed to the airport.ÃÂ
ÃÂ
Wow, I can't believe I wrote all this!ÃÂ It really was a fabulous vacation and retelling it was kind of fun.ÃÂ Just spending a week with the kids and my wife was great - no work to worry about ( I actually only called in a couple times!) and a week in Disney is truly magical for the kids.ÃÂ
ÃÂ
Let me close with a few other tips and observations.ÃÂ These are presented in no particular order.ÃÂ Remember also that this is my opinion only, and the parks were not overly crowded during our stay.
ÃÂ
- MK is generally the most crowded park, with Saturdays and Mondays the most crowded.ÃÂ If you are at the MK on one of these days (or any day) and it gets quite crowded, head to another park in afternoon.
ÃÂ
- Favorite Rides: Wife - Space Mountain, Daughter age 4 - Big Thunder Mountain & Splash Mountain, Son age 6, Space Mountain and Tower of Terror, Daughter age 8 - Rock n Roll Roller Coaster, Me (dad) - Rock n Roll Roller Coaster.
ÃÂ
- Cirque du Soleil show is simply awesome.
ÃÂ
- Fantasmic is Fantastic
ÃÂ
- Definitely make your priority seatings ahead of time.ÃÂ Don't feel bound to them.ÃÂ You can always change your mind on any given day and do or go somewhere else.ÃÂ Priority seatings are most especially important for character meals.ÃÂ Our Monday lunch at Crystal Palace would not have been possible without a priority seating.
ÃÂ
- Have a plan defined ahead of time.ÃÂ We didn't get crazy, meaning do this ride first, etc.ÃÂ HoweverÃÂ we did have a feel for how each day might flow at a high level.ÃÂ We made a few deviations but for the most part we stuck to the plan and it was very helpful.
ÃÂ
- If you will rent a stroller at the parks, take a bright colored shoelace to tie onto the stroller.ÃÂ It will make it so much easier to identify your stroller as thousands of them look the same!
ÃÂ
- Take advantage of fastpass!ÃÂ We used it several times and it was great.ÃÂ It also makes it a little less necessary to plan your every move ahead of time within the parks.ÃÂ Remember I said the longest line we ever stood in was 1/2 hour?ÃÂ Well, for a few of the majors, this would not have been the case if it wasn't for fastpass.ÃÂ Some rides (Peter Pan's flight, Space Mountain, Rock n Roll Roller Coaster, etc.) had lines of 45 minutes or even over an hour.ÃÂ We used fastpass several times to avoid these lines.ÃÂ This was at a time of moderate crowds!ÃÂ Use fastpass, it works!
ÃÂ
- We only used early entry one day.ÃÂ However, I would think in May the parks will be more crowded and EE will be very useful.ÃÂ However, don't let the lure of EE push you unreasonably.ÃÂ If your daughter is up early and you can do it great.ÃÂ If not, don't worry about it!
ÃÂ
- We never used eNight option (MK stays open 3 hours extra on selected nights for Disney Hotel guests - there is a fee for this, I think around $10/per).ÃÂ We really didn't have to because as I've said the parks weren't that crowded.ÃÂ However, my kids were always very tired by 8/9PM, so I don't believe the eNight would have been an option for us.
ÃÂ
- Bring ponchos from home.ÃÂ It's worth it because if it rains, thousands of people will be wearing the same color ponchos purchased in the park.ÃÂ The MK is a sea of yellow on a rainy day!
ÃÂ
- If your child has a favorite character, buy some pins of that character for her to wear.ÃÂ As an example, my 4 year olds favorite character is Pluto.ÃÂ She was sporting a nice Pluto pin, and Pluto really made a fuss over her at the character dinner at LTT.ÃÂ This was really a highlight for her.ÃÂ Likewise my son got into Mickey pins.ÃÂ When he met Mickey at MGM, Mickey obviously was flattered by the 8 Mickey pins all located on my sons Mickey hat!
ÃÂ
- My kids all enjoyed the pins and pin trading.ÃÂ Prior to the trip we had no Disney pins, and by weeks end each kid had 7 or 8.ÃÂ Might sound a little extravagent to some, but purchasing multiple pins is really no more expensive than buying a nice sweater and tshirt.ÃÂ Even I enjoyed it, focusing on the character golf pins since I love to golf.ÃÂ Tip (and it took me a while to figure this out).ÃÂ Find some pins that are on sale.ÃÂ A regular pin costs $6.50.ÃÂ A few pins might be marked down.ÃÂ We found a particular Mickey and a Minnie pin that were reduced to $3.99.ÃÂ Buy several of these on sale pins, and then simply trade them with cast members for other pins that you like.ÃÂ This is definitely smarter than paying $6.50 for every pin!
ÃÂ
- Rather than doing Cinerella's Royal Table twice, try another character meal such as Liberty Tree Tavern or Chef Mickeys.
ÃÂ
- Take more film than you think you will need.ÃÂ You'll use it, and it is way overpriced in the parks.
- We used Tiffany Town Car to get to and from the airport. If you're not renting a car, this is a great options. Driver meets you right at the airport, and takes you directly to your hotel. Same service in reverse on the way back. $80 plus tip - can't beat it!
ÃÂ
- Take some email address's (family, friends) with you, and email fun pictures of your DD to them directly from Epcot!
ÃÂ
- We liked all the parks, but I would say our favorites in order were: MK, Epcot, MGM, AK
ÃÂ
- What frightened my kids?ÃÂ Not a whole lot, but my son did not like Honey I Shrunk the Audience even a little bit.ÃÂ This from a kid who rode space mountain 3 times and was mad he was not tall enough to go on the Rock n Roll Roller Coaster!ÃÂ Although he was fine this trip with It's Tough to be a Bug, I remember he didn't care for that 2 years ago!ÃÂ My youngest was OK with the Haunted Mansion, but when asked if she would go through again, the answer was a pretty matter of fact no!ÃÂ You most definitely will want to pass on Alien Enounter and perhaps Dinosaur in AK.ÃÂ Some rides your daughter will not be tall enough, such as RnR Coaster and Spacemountain.ÃÂ However, many parents might be reluctant to put a 5 year old on Big Thunder Mountain or Splash Mountain.ÃÂ Honestly, my youngest loved both!
ÃÂ
- The Lion King show in AK is great.ÃÂ Some love Tarzan as well, I thought it was just OK.
ÃÂ
- For your daughter, don't miss The Little Mermaid show at MGM, and the Legand of The Lion King show at MK.ÃÂ Also, Bear in the Big Blue House will be a hit at MGM if she likes the TV program.
ÃÂ
- Well, I could probably go on and on rating every ride but I am exhausted as it is almost midnight - and honestly everyone has different favorites and opinions.ÃÂ If you don't have a copy, purchase or borrow from someone "The Unofficial Guide to Disney World."ÃÂ It is a great book and very helpful.ÃÂ Just remember not to take every word and suggestion as gospel!
ÃÂ
I hope this was helpful.ÃÂ Let me know if you have any other specific questions that I can answer.ÃÂ Have a great trip, and say hi to Mickey for me!
ÃÂ
- Andy
ÃÂ
First let me tell you how our week flowed.ÃÂ Looks like you are planning a weeks stay, which is exactly what we did, only Sat. to Sat.ÃÂ Also, my kids are ages 4, 6, and 8.ÃÂ Actually they all have bdays coming up, so they will soon be 5, 7, and 9.ÃÂ Where does the time go!
ÃÂ
Sat.3/3
Arrived Dixie Landings around 1PM.ÃÂ Checked in to hotel, swam at hotel pool in afternoon.ÃÂ Saw Cirque du Soleil show 6PM.ÃÂ (fabulous show).ÃÂ Back to hotel and kids in bed by 8:30.ÃÂ It was a long day since we left the house to get to the airport early Sat. morning.ÃÂ
ÃÂ
Sun. 3/4
Spent the entire day at the Magic Kingdom.ÃÂ Sunday is a very good day to go to MK as far as crowds are concerned.ÃÂ Saturdays and Mondays are generally the most crowded days at MK.ÃÂ We did a character dinner at Liberty Tree Tavern (priority seating), and after dinner watched the Main Street Electrical Parade.ÃÂ I believe this parade is over end of this month, but will be replaced by another "nighttime" parade when you are there.ÃÂ We did not stay for the fireworks as all were tired and we've seen them before.ÃÂ Tip - you can view the MK fireworks outside the balcony of the California Room restaurant in the Contemporary.ÃÂ This will be especially convenient for you since you are staying there.ÃÂ Also, Chef Mickeys is a great choice for another character meal which is in the Contemporary.ÃÂ We didn't do this trip, but did 2 years ago.ÃÂ I think Liberty Tree Taverns food is a little better, but overall it is a tossup.ÃÂ The kids will enjoy either.ÃÂ
ÃÂ
Mon. 3/5
Spent morning in the MK.ÃÂ Had character meal lunch at the Crystal Palace (priority seating).ÃÂ (Note, in 1 full day and a half day, we had completed the vast majority of MK.ÃÂ This included every major and minor attraction, ride, etc., and some several times over.ÃÂ The only area we did not yet see was Mickey's Toon Town, and Tom Sawyers Island which we did in a previous trip and was not a big hit with my kids.ÃÂ Keep in mind the crowds are only moderate the first week in March, and it rained on Sunday.ÃÂ If it rains rejoice a little - put the ponchos on and go.ÃÂ We never let it bother us and had a great time and saw so much!)ÃÂ
ÃÂ
We arrived at MGM around 2PM.ÃÂ Toured until about 7PM.ÃÂ We were back to hotel about 7:30PM and had a lite meal at the food court.ÃÂ Tip - If you see the Indiana Jones stunt show, be careful if you raise your hand to participate in the show.ÃÂ I did, got picked, and had to do a death scene in front of about a thousand people!ÃÂ What can I say, my kids thought it was cool!
ÃÂ
Tues. 3/6
Arrived Animal Kindom at 8AM.ÃÂ Had lunch at the Rainforest Cafe.ÃÂ (I believe the Rainforest is simply way overpriced.ÃÂ Yes it is nice for the kids, but you know what - Disney does such an outstanding job with Animatronics at all their attractions - the Rainforest is not really a "must" stop.ÃÂ But since it's on your itinerary do it - I'm sure your DD will enjoy).ÃÂ After lunch we finished up touring AK.ÃÂ We were back at hotel at 4PM and kids napped until about 6PM.ÃÂ Note this was the only day my kids actually napped the whole week.ÃÂ It was important as we arrived at Epcot about 6:30PM.ÃÂ We did several attractions, and staked out a nice spot at the rail of the lagoon around 8:15 PM in preparation for Illuminations.ÃÂ This was nice as we used the time to relax and eat hotdogs and popcorn.ÃÂ And yes, I enjoyed a nice cold brew.ÃÂ While we all enjoyed the show, I personally was not "blown away" by it as some people are.ÃÂ Personally, I think Fantasmic at MGM is much, much better.ÃÂ But - if you are at DW, you definitely should see it - you might be one of the folks that thinks it is simply awesome!ÃÂ
ÃÂ
Wed. 3/7
We arrived at Epcot and toured all day.ÃÂ We did Future World until about 1PM, and then hit the World Showcase.ÃÂ We had no priority seatings for the day, and really enjoyed "sampling" various foods in the different worlds.ÃÂ This included Mexican, Chinese, and fudge and candy apples from Germany.ÃÂ My kids really enjoyed the kid stops in the World Showcase.ÃÂ Basically, in Mexico they each received a white cardboard mask that was mounted on a stick.ÃÂ At each country they could add more to the mask - glitter in one country, feathers in another, etc.ÃÂ They also would get the stick stamped with the name of the country at each stop.ÃÂ We also purchased a passport ($10.50) prior to entering the world showcase.ÃÂ The kids would get the passport stamped in each country, as well as a little hand written message in that countries language.ÃÂ We also had fun watching a jugglers show in Italy, in which my oldest daughter was an active participant.ÃÂ Since we already saw Illuminations, we had a good time spending additional time in Future World between 6PM and 8:30PM.ÃÂ The crowds were very minimal at this time, and we had a great time really enjoying the Living Seas and the Imagination Center.ÃÂ Perhaps we were extremely lucky because the crowds were not bad, but we managed to see absolutely all of Future World, (and I mean every attraction - from The Making of Me to Test Track to Honey I Shrunk the Audience) and more than half the World Showcase during this one day and the couple hours the previous night.ÃÂ (and yes my almost 5 year old rode Test Track and loved it! - not quite as much as Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in the MK - which she rode 4 times!)
ÃÂ
Thursday 3/8
This was our down day, but we still managed to be pretty busy.ÃÂ If I had to do anything over again, I truly would have made this day more of a down day by spending most if not all of the day around the hotel pool.ÃÂ We started with breakfast at the hotel around 9AM.ÃÂ We then went over to the Boardwalk Hotel and walked the Boardwalk a bit.ÃÂ This was followed by a round of mini golf at Fantasia Gardens.ÃÂ We were back to the hotel around 2PM, and ate hotdogs by the pool.ÃÂ About 6PM we took a boat ride from Dixie Landings (guess I better call the hotel by its new name which is Port Orleans Riverside) to Downtown Disney.ÃÂ We had dinner at Planet Hollywood (they don't take priority seatings here) but we got lucky and sat right down - this was not the case as it was packed when we left around 7:30PM.ÃÂ BTW, Planet Hollywood is also grossly overpriced and quite mediocre in my opinion.ÃÂ It does have a fun atmosphere however.ÃÂ After dinner we spent a little time at the Lego Store and the huge Disney store before departing.ÃÂ Didn't get back to the hotel until after 9PM.ÃÂ Again - so much for the down day!ÃÂ
ÃÂ
Friday 3/9
Started the day by taking my youngest daughter 4 and son 6 to the "fishin hole" for about an hour.ÃÂ Had fun trying to coax little sunfish to take the worms.ÃÂ We then rented a surrey bike (whole family) and cruised around the hotel grounds (beautifully landscaped) for about 1/2 hour.ÃÂ We arrived at the MK around 9:45 and had a nice leisurely morning since we had already seen just about everything.ÃÂ This included Big Thunder Mountain again (for my youngest), and Space Mountain again - my son, oldest daughter and wifes favorite!ÃÂ We also did Toon Town.ÃÂ This included riding the Barn Stormer kiddie roller coaster.ÃÂ No kidding - this was the longest line we stood in all week (1/2 hour), and the ride lasted only 20 seconds!ÃÂ The kids did enjoy meeting Cinderella who made a special appearance in Toon Town.ÃÂ Tip - the kids really enjoyed getting the characters autographs.ÃÂ We bought a Disney autograph book first day in MK - and they really had fun with it.ÃÂ Had a relaxing lunch at one of the small vendors that included oranges, bananas, and of course hotdogs!ÃÂ
ÃÂ
We arrived at MGM about 1:30PM.ÃÂ Saw several attractions, and had dinner at Mama Melrose's around 4:15PM.ÃÂ This was a priority seating and was part of the Fantasmic Dinner package.ÃÂ You definitely want to book a dinner package if you plan to see Fantasmic.ÃÂ It doesn't cost any extra money (other than the meal), and you get a special ticket with reserved seating for the show.ÃÂ So rather than getting in line an hour or more ahead of time to make sure you get a seat, you simply show up 1/2 hour before and you are in!ÃÂ As stated earlier, Fantasmic is a show you don't want to miss.
ÃÂ
Sat. 3/10
Our departure day (booh), but our flight doesn't leave until 7:50PM, so we have all day (Yeah!)ÃÂ We had a decision, back to Epcot (still had a day left on hopper passes), or Typhoon Lagoon.ÃÂ You guessed it, the kids picked TL.ÃÂ (Note, my kids really enjoyed Epcot so this was not to say Epcot wasn't fun - quite frankly they really just wanted to swim and TL was more exciting than staying at the hotel pool.)ÃÂ And just a bit more expensive! - my hoppers did not include the water parks as I knew at best we might get there one time.ÃÂ We really enjoyed TL, it's a pretty amazing place and definitely worth a visit.ÃÂ My two youngest spent most of their time in the "kiddie" sections.ÃÂ The bigger flumes, etc. were a bit intimidating.ÃÂ However my 8 year old did do most of the chutes with me.ÃÂ My wife pretty much just enjoyed being out in the Florida sun.ÃÂ BTW, since this was travel day we had to do a little packing planning.ÃÂ Check out of the hotel was 11AM - so we simply packed a bag with a change of clothes for our trip home.ÃÂ After TL, we went back to hotel and utilized the locker rooms and showers out by the hotel pool.ÃÂ I will say the tropical drink tasted fabulous after showering and getting mentally prepared for departure.ÃÂ Our driver arrived at 6PM, and we headed to the airport.ÃÂ
ÃÂ
Wow, I can't believe I wrote all this!ÃÂ It really was a fabulous vacation and retelling it was kind of fun.ÃÂ Just spending a week with the kids and my wife was great - no work to worry about ( I actually only called in a couple times!) and a week in Disney is truly magical for the kids.ÃÂ
ÃÂ
Let me close with a few other tips and observations.ÃÂ These are presented in no particular order.ÃÂ Remember also that this is my opinion only, and the parks were not overly crowded during our stay.
ÃÂ
- MK is generally the most crowded park, with Saturdays and Mondays the most crowded.ÃÂ If you are at the MK on one of these days (or any day) and it gets quite crowded, head to another park in afternoon.
ÃÂ
- Favorite Rides: Wife - Space Mountain, Daughter age 4 - Big Thunder Mountain & Splash Mountain, Son age 6, Space Mountain and Tower of Terror, Daughter age 8 - Rock n Roll Roller Coaster, Me (dad) - Rock n Roll Roller Coaster.
ÃÂ
- Cirque du Soleil show is simply awesome.
ÃÂ
- Fantasmic is Fantastic
ÃÂ
- Definitely make your priority seatings ahead of time.ÃÂ Don't feel bound to them.ÃÂ You can always change your mind on any given day and do or go somewhere else.ÃÂ Priority seatings are most especially important for character meals.ÃÂ Our Monday lunch at Crystal Palace would not have been possible without a priority seating.
ÃÂ
- Have a plan defined ahead of time.ÃÂ We didn't get crazy, meaning do this ride first, etc.ÃÂ HoweverÃÂ we did have a feel for how each day might flow at a high level.ÃÂ We made a few deviations but for the most part we stuck to the plan and it was very helpful.
ÃÂ
- If you will rent a stroller at the parks, take a bright colored shoelace to tie onto the stroller.ÃÂ It will make it so much easier to identify your stroller as thousands of them look the same!
ÃÂ
- Take advantage of fastpass!ÃÂ We used it several times and it was great.ÃÂ It also makes it a little less necessary to plan your every move ahead of time within the parks.ÃÂ Remember I said the longest line we ever stood in was 1/2 hour?ÃÂ Well, for a few of the majors, this would not have been the case if it wasn't for fastpass.ÃÂ Some rides (Peter Pan's flight, Space Mountain, Rock n Roll Roller Coaster, etc.) had lines of 45 minutes or even over an hour.ÃÂ We used fastpass several times to avoid these lines.ÃÂ This was at a time of moderate crowds!ÃÂ Use fastpass, it works!
ÃÂ
- We only used early entry one day.ÃÂ However, I would think in May the parks will be more crowded and EE will be very useful.ÃÂ However, don't let the lure of EE push you unreasonably.ÃÂ If your daughter is up early and you can do it great.ÃÂ If not, don't worry about it!
ÃÂ
- We never used eNight option (MK stays open 3 hours extra on selected nights for Disney Hotel guests - there is a fee for this, I think around $10/per).ÃÂ We really didn't have to because as I've said the parks weren't that crowded.ÃÂ However, my kids were always very tired by 8/9PM, so I don't believe the eNight would have been an option for us.
ÃÂ
- Bring ponchos from home.ÃÂ It's worth it because if it rains, thousands of people will be wearing the same color ponchos purchased in the park.ÃÂ The MK is a sea of yellow on a rainy day!
ÃÂ
- If your child has a favorite character, buy some pins of that character for her to wear.ÃÂ As an example, my 4 year olds favorite character is Pluto.ÃÂ She was sporting a nice Pluto pin, and Pluto really made a fuss over her at the character dinner at LTT.ÃÂ This was really a highlight for her.ÃÂ Likewise my son got into Mickey pins.ÃÂ When he met Mickey at MGM, Mickey obviously was flattered by the 8 Mickey pins all located on my sons Mickey hat!
ÃÂ
- My kids all enjoyed the pins and pin trading.ÃÂ Prior to the trip we had no Disney pins, and by weeks end each kid had 7 or 8.ÃÂ Might sound a little extravagent to some, but purchasing multiple pins is really no more expensive than buying a nice sweater and tshirt.ÃÂ Even I enjoyed it, focusing on the character golf pins since I love to golf.ÃÂ Tip (and it took me a while to figure this out).ÃÂ Find some pins that are on sale.ÃÂ A regular pin costs $6.50.ÃÂ A few pins might be marked down.ÃÂ We found a particular Mickey and a Minnie pin that were reduced to $3.99.ÃÂ Buy several of these on sale pins, and then simply trade them with cast members for other pins that you like.ÃÂ This is definitely smarter than paying $6.50 for every pin!
ÃÂ
- Rather than doing Cinerella's Royal Table twice, try another character meal such as Liberty Tree Tavern or Chef Mickeys.
ÃÂ
- Take more film than you think you will need.ÃÂ You'll use it, and it is way overpriced in the parks.
- We used Tiffany Town Car to get to and from the airport. If you're not renting a car, this is a great options. Driver meets you right at the airport, and takes you directly to your hotel. Same service in reverse on the way back. $80 plus tip - can't beat it!
ÃÂ
- Take some email address's (family, friends) with you, and email fun pictures of your DD to them directly from Epcot!
ÃÂ
- We liked all the parks, but I would say our favorites in order were: MK, Epcot, MGM, AK
ÃÂ
- What frightened my kids?ÃÂ Not a whole lot, but my son did not like Honey I Shrunk the Audience even a little bit.ÃÂ This from a kid who rode space mountain 3 times and was mad he was not tall enough to go on the Rock n Roll Roller Coaster!ÃÂ Although he was fine this trip with It's Tough to be a Bug, I remember he didn't care for that 2 years ago!ÃÂ My youngest was OK with the Haunted Mansion, but when asked if she would go through again, the answer was a pretty matter of fact no!ÃÂ You most definitely will want to pass on Alien Enounter and perhaps Dinosaur in AK.ÃÂ Some rides your daughter will not be tall enough, such as RnR Coaster and Spacemountain.ÃÂ However, many parents might be reluctant to put a 5 year old on Big Thunder Mountain or Splash Mountain.ÃÂ Honestly, my youngest loved both!
ÃÂ
- The Lion King show in AK is great.ÃÂ Some love Tarzan as well, I thought it was just OK.
ÃÂ
- For your daughter, don't miss The Little Mermaid show at MGM, and the Legand of The Lion King show at MK.ÃÂ Also, Bear in the Big Blue House will be a hit at MGM if she likes the TV program.
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- Well, I could probably go on and on rating every ride but I am exhausted as it is almost midnight - and honestly everyone has different favorites and opinions.ÃÂ If you don't have a copy, purchase or borrow from someone "The Unofficial Guide to Disney World."ÃÂ It is a great book and very helpful.ÃÂ Just remember not to take every word and suggestion as gospel!
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I hope this was helpful.ÃÂ Let me know if you have any other specific questions that I can answer.ÃÂ Have a great trip, and say hi to Mickey for me!
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- Andy
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