Questions? Oh, I got questions! :)

[Accentuate+]

I can't believe it's less than a month until our trip to WDW. Resisting the urge to insert every happy/dancing smilie here - okay, just one

Have gotten so much helpful info from this board and was hoping I might get a few last minute questions answered.

The Monorail - we're driving so our first day in Orlando will really only be a half day. I don't want to 'waste' a ticket on a park that day as we'll probably also be a little tired. The folks I'm bringing (a friend and her son) have never been to WDW, though and I'd like to at least give them a glimpse on that first day. Is it against any official rules or etiquette rules to take a free spin on the monorail that day to just get a glimpse? If it's ok, where would be the best place to jump on? I think the monorail itself will be exciting for them and the glimpse of days and parks to come will be great. It's been years since I was there but i seem to remember that admission to the monorail was pretty wide open. Could I drive to the TTC (I know I'd have to pay for parking, no big deal) and ride the circuit from there even though I don't have a park ticket for that day?

The crowds - I cross referenced this site, allearsnet, various guidebooks, friends who go to WDW a lot - heck, I asked everyone but Sister Cleo which days would be the least crowded and when I worked that info into our schedules the first of November seemed to be optimal (we're actually going 11-7 thru 11-13). I see now that we're going to be there during Jersey Week. Is this a real crowd builder?

The temperatures - I'll check the weather channel site, too, but are evenings still warm enough for pool time in early November?

I think I'm more excited about this trip than the 11 year old. Been so long since I've been to visit the Mouse and I can't wait. Thanks to everyone on this site - it has been a REALLY big help!!

 

[PIRATEGIRL007]

Don't know about the crowds and weather, but the monorail trip on your first day is not against any etiqutte or rules. It's actually a great way to get oriented with the parks and property. You also get a neat little preview of Epcot. Depending on where you are staying I would take the bus to MK and hop on there and ride to Epcot and then maybe check out the monorail resorts as well. It's a great way to get in the disney spirit without wasting a day on your ticket. Don't know if it is an option, but you may want to think about getting an ADR for Chef Mickey's or another mono resort resturaunt the first night, it's also a great way to get in the mood for pixie dust.

 

[philaround]

Accentuate

Are you staying on or off site?

If offsite drive to TTC and take the monorail around the loop from TTC to CR to MK to GF to Poly and back to TTC then go over to the Epcot monorail station and take that monorail to Epcot and back to TTC. The Epcot monorail actually runs thru the front section of Epcot right around Spaceship Earth.

If you are staying on site you could still drive to TTC but you would not have to pay for parking or you could take a bus to Epcot or MK and transfer to the monorail. If there are 4 or less people in your party be sure to ask to ride up front with the driver.

 

[Accentuate+]

Pirate girl - I got so confused at the end of your post, I was thinking "now, how did she know my name?".

I so seldom see/meet another Tabitha (I'm actually Tabatha with an A in the middle) that my first thought wasn't that your name was the same - it was that you were somehow addressing me.

Thank you for the monorail info and nice to meet another Tabitha.

 

[rileyroosmom]

I agree with taking a bus to the MK and riding the monorail from there.

I was there last Thanksgiving, and I felt it was too cold to swim at night. My kids did swim though. The pools are heated.....but, it's cold getting out!!!!

I agree with getting an ADR at Chef Mickey's or maybe Whispering Canyon Cafe at the Wilderness Lodge. No characters, but a lot of funny antics going on.

 

[Accentuate+]

We're offsite (got a deal I couldn't refuse) but am all excited that driving to the TTC is an option. They are going to love the monorail and teh preview.

I was kind of worried about that on the pool thing. I guess we'll cross that bridge when we get to it, the kid is very much looking forward to the pool.

Thanks gain, everyone!

(oh, we have PS at Whispering Canyon later in the week but i'll check on something for that first night)

 

[Goofy4]

You might want to consider Chef Mickey's for dinner on your first night... Watching the monorail cruise through the Contempory for the first time (and always) can be quite a rush.

Here's a couple links that may be of interest:

Weather Info: http://www.wunderground.com/history...972&req_city=NA&req_state=NA&req_statename=NA
Crowd Info: http://www.touringplans.com/BestDays.htm

 

[Accentuate+]

Cool, thank you for the weatherunderground link!

The travel site/best days link is one of many, many things I have printed, highlighted and read/re-read. LOL I soooo do not want to fight crowds. I did the choosing of which park for which day of the week using that (and avoiding extra hours parks). I know we'll have fun no matter what, though!

 

[js]

accentuate-We stay offsite (own timeshare at OLCC) and never go to the parks on our arrival day whether we fly or drive. But, we always, always, go to Chef Mickey's for dinner and then ride the monorail after dinner to get us in the mood for the next day. We won't be back until 10/21/06 and my kids will be 12 and 8 and they both still say they want to do this on our first night (it has become a tradition)
If your friends have never been, going to Chef Mickey's may also be a good idea. Although the food isn't great and it is a buffet, it is a great opportunity to see all the "main" characters. You can get them "out of the way" and then don't feel like you need to see Mickey, Minnie, etc. when you get to the parks and leaves time to do the attractions instead of hunting them down.
Have fun on your trip