Relaxation, Disney Style, PTR. ~*TRIP REPORT HAS STARTED! 9/18 Pg. 155*~

[Lady Lallie]

MK- I'd have to say I really enjoy the queue at Space because of the music, but for overall effect, I'd have to vote HM! Again, so creeptastic!!

EP- TT- so full of energy and some really fun HMs to find!

MNSSHP- for sure!!! There's a lot to see in the park for as long as you stay- even all day, gasp!

We debated about TT as well, but we went with our choices after thinking about it. The other one I was thinking about was Soarin just because I had a lot of fun playing those games.

I LOVE SSE I could ride that over and over again. Same with ToT. However, I cannot and will not do ITTBAB. I'm way too much of a baby for that.

I'm really, really spoiled by the park hoppers, and I like them because if one park is too crowded (which I don't think you'll have to deal with) we can just go to another park. If you didn't really use it on the past two trips, I'd probably skip it and go to MNSSHP. I am personally dying to see that at some point!

I am really leaning towards MNSSHP!

You should try Kali River Rapids again -- we made sure it was our last ride before heading back to the hotel, and then we didn't care how wet we got! It worked out really well!

Favorite queues in MK and Epcot: another hmmm...

MK: Oh, I would have to say The Jungle Cruise! Can't beat all those great signs about missing explorers and menu items. LOL!

Epcot: You know -- the queues aren't really very exciting on any of the rides there -- I wonder why that is??? I think I would have to go with the Nemo one since I love all the beachy things and signs as you are walking toward the clam mobiles.

Okay, here is my take on park hopping. Every year, I consider it -- I even considered it this year, but time and time again, we never park hop. It's so nice to collect a whole bunch of Fast Passes in the morning, and then head back to the park in the evening and use them all -- no waiting -- just hopping from one ride to the next. It worked like a charm!

If given the choice between adding Park Hoppers and doing the MNSSHP, I would choose the party every time. You know you are going to want to do it as soon as you step into the Magic Kingdom and see all the Halloween decorations. Plus, can you really pass up the gravediggers with their cool dance routine and sparking shovels??? Nope, I didn't think so.

Marc was torn between Jungle Cruise and Pirates.

Epcot queues are very boring. VERY BORING. They need to work on that.

I think I can live without Park Hoppers...but MNSSHP...?? That is a whole lot harder to live without. Plus I came up with the costumes we would wear after I posted.

OK, first, favorite queues:

MK: it's a tie between Jungle Cruise and Pirates

Epicot: Mission Space (even if it's NOT my favorite ride)

Now, my opinion on the Hopping and MNSSHP scenario, since we were faced with the same questions/decisions:

We're choosing NOT to get the Hoppers now. IF while we're down there we decide we need/want that option, we'll just add it. It's a simple transaction and we figure, why spend the $$ on the front end and have it "wasted" if we don't use it or only use it once. And, if we DO get it while we're down there we won't feel bad about spending the $$ because we obviously feel it's necessary.

KWIM?

MNSSHP was kind of non-negotiable for me. I love that late time in the MK with more limited crowds and all the festivity. And thankfully BF was ALL about it. Especially after I told him about the parade and the Headless Horseman.

If I were going to pick ONE to buy ahead of time and commit to, it would be MNSSHP.

I like the way you rationalize. It's true. If we feel like we need to hop we can add it if we rather spend our souvenir money on that than other things.

I really want to see Hallowishes too!

We normally have annual passes, so hopping is not a problem, but I have been on trips with a friend where we just did one park a day so that she wouldn't have to pay for hoppers. It was no problem at all, and it sounds like from your prior trips, you're fine without hopping, too. I think from what I know of you here on the boards, you would be happier Halloween partying than park hopping.

I like not hopping and I like hopping, I truly think I can do either or and not worry. I think MNSSHP would be a wonderful way to end our trip as well.

MK - I think that would have to be the Jungle Cruise. I like BTMRR too though. After Fantasyland is done, the Dumbo queue sounds like it's gonna rock!

Epcot - Test Track! I'm not a huge fan of cars in general, but I love all the details in there. And Henry really enjoys the exit area with all the cars you can climb in.

I vote for MNSSHP. In your past you haven't been big on hopping, so that will probably hold true for this trip as well. Plus the crowds are LOW in September, I think the highest crowd day according to the Unofficial Guide was a 6. Most of the days are a 2 or 3. And that is exactly how it was for us last September, ZERO lines!!

I can't wait to see that Dumbo queue!

The crowds will be low, I'm not too worried about the crowds. We had great luck in 2008.

 

[Lady Lallie]

MNSSHP for sure! I think that will be such a memorable experience. I think you will enjoy it more than park hopping.

I am leaning towards MNSSHP, you are right it's a much more memorable experience.

 

[eandesmom]

We are hoppers and it is a little hard to imagine not hopping. BUT if I had to make the choice, I would choose MNSSHP over hopping. For sure.

We actually just had this debate as the Last Tour To Endor party is while we are there. And it would be really really REALLY cool and fun. But the tickets are $75 a pop. We debated giving up hopping or water parks but given the length of our trip and the size and ages of our group, decided that this time, the hopping and water parks beat out the one cool night.

But oh, if those tickets were say...$40 each? We'd be there in a heartbeat!

Ok the queue thing is hard! I'd have to go with Kali for AK, for sure. The rest? Arrgh, I don't know! I'll need to think about it. So many I love but...jumping out as favorites?

 

[jenjolt]

I'm going to agree with the consensus around here! I would choose MNSSHP over park hopping! MNSSHP is a great party! It has a lot of really cool things to offer!!! Plus like you said you get to dress up and that's always a plus!!

Favorite MK Queue - Haunted Mansion of course!! I always have to stop and stare at the front door and marvel at the coffin shaped pillars and the dead wreath on the door. Of course the uncut grass is very cool also LOL!!

Favorite EPCOT Queue- Test Track...it is just fun to watch all the tests done on the dummies and there is something always new to see in there because there is so much stuff!!

 

[jenbear123]

My fav queues in MK are Space Mountain, HM, and Mickey's PhilharMagic. In Epcot, it's gotta be The Seas with Nemo and Test Track. I love the Nemo queue as it always brings a tear to my eye because I'm usually going on this ride closer to the end of my trip. It makes me sad to think my trip is almost over!

About your park hoppers, like you said, it's for flexibility. But if you've only used it once on previous trips, it might not be something you need. You could use the money you save from not getting the hoppers towards MNSSHP. It's a great party PLUS you get to see the awesome gravediggers from the Haunted Mansion! I really think MNSSHP would be worth it. And at the end of the day, if you think you'll need hoppers, you can always upgrade them when you're there.

 

[Dancegrl624]

Favorite Queues

MK-Pirates and HM

EP-Soarin'....not real exciting, but it's more about the feeling I get while waiting for this attraction. It's my FAV!

DHS-Toy Story Midway Mania...love all the little details and classic toys. Only used single rider for RNRC and FP for ToT, so I have yet to see the real queues.

AK-???? Only used single rider on EE, Dinosaur doesn't have a thrilling queue and neither does KS.

 

[Tinkerbellarella]

And I just want to piggyback on what I said and what everyone else seems to be saying about the MNSSHP v. Hopper debate...

Remember, it's not choosing MNSSHP OVER or INSTEAD OF the Hopper. It's just choosing to not buy the HOPPER right now. It'll always be available.

As opposed to MNSSHP. Which could sell out.

 

[IluvXU]

Here is my two cents on hoppers...

We used to think we had to have them, but I like collecting my FPs and going back at night. I love the parks at night, in in your case you can actually enjoy them past bedtime in my house! Save the money... see if you can be happy without and know when you have a family is really adds up to have hoppers!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

I personally would do the hopper but that is the way I roll. But it sounds like based on your previous trips, that you don't get your $ worth out of it. And the party is SO cool! So, for you, I vote party. And as others have said the hoppers will always be there as an option you can add if you run into a situation where you "have to" have it!

40 days sounds WAY better than 41!

 

[MEK]

I am weighing in here on the park hoppers vs. party ticket and I say go with the party ticket. Its such a great parade and it will give us another opportunity to run into each other (I hope). Plus - you can buy the party ticket after you arrive. That's what I always do and its always been available. so you charge that and you have a bill that comes in later.

There have been many of my trips where I have done one park per day. I like it. I like going back and doing what I missed early in the day and saving those FP's for later.

BTW - I hope we will be able to meet on Sept 11th. My traveling partner Jen is totally up for it. I know you aren't planning anything, so I guess we should touch base a week or two before departure date!~ If you make plans that night, no worries...we will catch you at MK the next day!

Still super psyched that we will be there at the same time!!!!!

 

[meeko_33785]

Favorite queues, huh? Some tough choice, but I think these are my favorites:

DHS- Tower of Terror. Trust me, it's cool enough to check out, and no worries about being denied the chicken elevator. It's always an option)

AK- Can't decide. Maybe Kilimanjaro

MK- Pirates of the Caribbean

EPCOT- Either the Seas with Nemo and Friends or Figment. I think I like the queues at both of those better than the rides themselves.


Having never been to MNSSHP (someday...), I'd pick that if it was between the party and park hoppers. I actually haven't gotten a park hopper in years and don't particularly miss having one.

 

[mickeysmyboy]

Finally caught up again!

I'm totally loving your no plan plan!!! I think that's fabulous for just the 2 of you!!! Plus, with all the changes etc, you must have such a planning headache it's not even worth it!

I'm sooooo sorry about the kidney stones!!! I've had both kidney stones and gall stones and I know how much it hurts!


Your getting so close you must be so excited! You really deserve a good, nice, relaxing vacation together!

As for the MNSSHP/Park Hopper issue, that's a really hard one! If I was forces to pick I think I'd go with MNSSHP!!! LOVE IT!

 

[SOUTHERNtinkerBELLE]

Hmmm...for MK I think I have to agree with Marc and choose POTC! For Epcot, I'm going with TT!

As for the hopping/party debate - I would personally choose the party. You can park hop any time of year, but MNSSHP isn't always an option. Plus, it sounds like you aren't really park hopping "people". We aren't either! We're going to need them for our November trip just because of the short time, but on longer trips I really do prefer one park per day. I would say if you didn't use them much in the past, you probably won't now either.

 

[pooh'smate]

I just love your daily updates. I can't wait until we go and I can play a game like this. We have hoppers but we are upgrading to aps while we are there.

 

[vamassey1]

Favorite queues.

Mk-Haunted Mansion

Epcot-Test Track

DHS-Tower of Terror

Ak-Everest!

I'm voting for the party. I would much rather see the party than hop. The only time we hop is on a trip that I can't get 2 days in each park in, then I'll take one day and split it between parks.

 

[wigdoutdismom]

Favorite queues:
MK would be Splash
Epcot don't have one.
DHS has to be TOT
DAK, I'm thinking Kali is very cool!

Go for the party! You will have the best time there...

 

[Lady Lallie]

We are hoppers and it is a little hard to imagine not hopping. BUT if I had to make the choice, I would choose MNSSHP over hopping. For sure.

We actually just had this debate as the Last Tour To Endor party is while we are there. And it would be really really REALLY cool and fun. But the tickets are $75 a pop. We debated giving up hopping or water parks but given the length of our trip and the size and ages of our group, decided that this time, the hopping and water parks beat out the one cool night.

But oh, if those tickets were say...$40 each? We'd be there in a heartbeat!

Ok the queue thing is hard! I'd have to go with Kali for AK, for sure. The rest? Arrgh, I don't know! I'll need to think about it. So many I love but...jumping out as favorites?

I think hoppers for your gang is the right choice. Marc has been pushing a water park this trip but I'm not feeling it. I told him the next trip. I have too much I want to do in the actual parks.

I'm going to agree with the consensus around here! I would choose MNSSHP over park hopping! MNSSHP is a great party! It has a lot of really cool things to offer!!! Plus like you said you get to dress up and that's always a plus!!

Favorite MK Queue - Haunted Mansion of course!! I always have to stop and stare at the front door and marvel at the coffin shaped pillars and the dead wreath on the door. Of course the uncut grass is very cool also LOL!!

Favorite EPCOT Queue- Test Track...it is just fun to watch all the tests done on the dummies and there is something always new to see in there because there is so much stuff!!

I really want to dress up, I think I found a costume compromise for us too that I like and that Marc will agree to dress up as.

My fav queues in MK are Space Mountain, HM, and Mickey's PhilharMagic. In Epcot, it's gotta be The Seas with Nemo and Test Track. I love the Nemo queue as it always brings a tear to my eye because I'm usually going on this ride closer to the end of my trip. It makes me sad to think my trip is almost over!

About your park hoppers, like you said, it's for flexibility. But if you've only used it once on previous trips, it might not be something you need. You could use the money you save from not getting the hoppers towards MNSSHP. It's a great party PLUS you get to see the awesome gravediggers from the Haunted Mansion! I really think MNSSHP would be worth it. And at the end of the day, if you think you'll need hoppers, you can always upgrade them when you're there.

Oooh, I like the queue to Philharmagic too! That's a great one, I never get good pictures of the posters though.

We hopped a lot in 2008 but I think we could have just as great a trip if we didn't hop. It takes a little bit of planning for example MSEP is only playing ONCE while we are down there so we have to make sure to go toMK on that day.

Favorite Queues

MK-Pirates and HM

EP-Soarin'....not real exciting, but it's more about the feeling I get while waiting for this attraction. It's my FAV!

DHS-Toy Story Midway Mania...love all the little details and classic toys. Only used single rider for RNRC and FP for ToT, so I have yet to see the real queues.

AK-???? Only used single rider on EE, Dinosaur doesn't have a thrilling queue and neither does KS.

I agree, it's a great feeling when you are waiting for Soarin.

 

[Happydog]

Hey LL! I got a little behind, running to catch up! I know you have lots of advice, I will just tell you that the party was really fun. I am glad I did it. I would have enjoyed it more if we rode more, but the kids were getting tired. So with older children, and with adults (like you guys going) you will likely love it. The costumes and decor and the extra little fun they sneak in for the party was TOOOO cool! That is why I want to go to the MVMCP in December! I want to be there at night to see the parade, etc. The Halloween parade was SO cool!!!!



I love all the queues that have already been mentioned I also really like the line for Nemo's ride at "The Seas" at Epcot.... so pretty and calming UNDER the sea..

 

[Roxychica7]

I say go with the party ticket, there's bound to be lots of pictures and memories for you two from it! Plus, even if you didn't get the park hopper and were stuck deciding what to do because a park didn't appeal to you one night, it may actually make you take your time and go back to the resort to relax and swim! Or go to downtown disney or do something different that you normally wouldn't do! That's my vote!

As for park rides...my oh my, let's see....
Animal Kingdom-I don't know I really like Dinosaur, but that's just me being a biology nerd! I love love Bug's Life though, I feel like every time we go on it I always see a different animal carving in the tree of life!
Epcot-Test Track. My grandfather retired from General Motors and seeing all the car testings always reminds me of when he used to take me to the plant!
Magic Kingdom-Oh lord, this is a hard one. Haunted Mansion obviously, but Pirates is a close second!
DHS-TSM I guess! Love all the toys obviously, but I really would like to take pictures of TT!

 

[kschafer]

Not the greatest but here ya go!

In regards to hopping, I agree with Marc. Don't get them now and if the time comes that you really wish you had them and it's worth spending the $$, then go ahead and do it! It seems like this trip is less structured so why worry about it now. I've done both with and without hoppers and although I liked having it and thought it was worth the money for just me, I didn't miss them and was happy to save the cash when I was with the whole family. (For what it's worth, if I had to choose between PH and MNSSHP, I'd go with the party in a second!)