sheltered mom has questions.....

[shsbandmom]

I'm new to this board, I got the info from a scrapbooking board I go to.
I don't even know where to start! OK, ds high school band planning a trip to Disney (Fla) end of March / first of April. I voluntered to be a chaparone, but I know NOTHING about what to expect at Disney once we get there. They are supposed to march in the parade, I think the Magical Kingdom parade?
But what I need to know is, are there any rides that aren't size restricted? Not heighth, but something a heavy person could ride? And we will be at disney 2 days and at Universal one day, how much money should I allow for eats each day for 2 people? How many rolls of file will I need to take? Are the chances of seeing Mickey and getting a picture w/ Mickey very good? Thanks for your help!

 

[Chuck S]

1) WELCOME to the DIS!!!

2) Rides will accomodate most "people of size", it really depends on just where your girth is , but as far as I know, very few people have major problems. Most rides are pretty "roomy".

3) As far as food, Disney food is pricey, but generally good quality. We usually allow about $30per person (including tip) for full service meals that include an appetizer and entree, generally we drink water and skip dessert. Counter service is $7 to $15 per person. To get a general idea, check out the menus at

http://allearsnet.com/menu/menus.htm

4) Character greeting/photo ops are scheduled throughout the parks..see a daily time sheet for details.

 

[disneyjunkie]

Start with this site.

http://allearsnet.com/

There's a section called Disney at Large.

Check out the menus to help you with your meal budget. Read the info about PS. If getting to see Mickey and Minnie are important, you may want to book a character meal.

Be sure to visit all of the trip planning boards here. You'll find tons of information. Ask as many questions as you'd like, someone here will be able to give you an answer.


My son a I will be there during that time.

Welcome to the DIS.

 

[2angelsinheaven]

As far as size restrictions it would help to know your size or measurements. I post over on the WISH board and I'm sure a lot of us there could help you out with this. I'm a size 26/28 and I have had no problems with any Disney ride, the only ride we were not able to do was Cyber Space Mountain at DTD's Disney Quest because of the shoulder restraints. Every other ride has been just fine, even the Roller Coaster. However if you have longer or wider legs some seats are better than others... ie' the front seat of Test Track has more leg room, etc. Any questions feel free to ask me. As far as money, well... DFiance and I recently spent 4 days in WDW and spent only about $150, and this included two very nice sit down dinners... I would say around $7.00- $8.00 per meal at a counter service for each of you. If you don't mind drinking water this can help as well, we only drink water so we ask for a ice water (in a glass) and they give us a 22oz water free, not bottled, but sure was good on a hot day. We are on Atkins so we really liked going to Cosmic Ray's in MK and getting a Double Cheese Burger with no fries (cuts the cost) and making a "salad" from the burger bar (lettuce, tomato, hot onions and mushrooms, etc) and putting the burger on top... Look to spend around $15.00-$20.00 for sit down dinners, with the higher priced ones being in the evening. So I would say do sit down at lunch and counter for dinner... we also find that if we eat a late lunch we only eat a snack around dinner time and are fine. I can give you tons of tips if money is a concern.

 

[Vavasmon]

Welcome to the DIS

Since the ride and meal questions have been answered:

Micky can be met for free (if you are willing to stand in line) in either the Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, or MGM. Adults are just as welcome as kids to meet and greet the characters. Often at the fixed meet and greet locations a CM will take a picture with a DIsney Camera (available for purchase later in the day). But unlike some other parks they are always willing to also take pictures with your camera too! (at least that has been my experience)

Mickey is also at some of the character meals (Chef Mickeys, Garden Grill). The allearsnet.com site list the character meals and has a wonderful menu section to plan where you want to eat (and how much to budget).

Film - I would suggest taking plenty (it is very expensive at Disney). Make sure you do not put it in your checked luggage - the screening machines will ruin it. In 2001 we took an average of 24 - 36 shots per day. Last year with a digital camera we took 500 shots in 10 days (but they are essentially free on the digital).

Since your son is in one of the parades I would take at least 2 or 3 rolls per day. I would just buy a 10 pack at one of the warehouse clubs (Costco, BJs, Sams).

 

[Tigger&Belle]

If you haven't already, try asking on the Universal part of the boards about the rides there. I know that at Universal they have some "test seats" for a person to try out before riding and I think that Dueling Dragons might have a row that is better suited for larger people. Ask over there, though, and they will give you the details.

It will be busy there when you go so try to get to the popular rides early on to either ride or get a fastpass. Hopefully they will let you or the kids hold on to their tickets in order to get the fastpasses. When my daughter went with her band a couple of years ago the kids weren't allowed to hold on to their own passes and couldn't get the fastpasses without sweet talking the cast member standing at the machine.

You'll have a great time, though, and all the more fun since you are doing some research.

T&B

 

[Debbie-TN]

A great place to meet Mickey with hardly any wait is at MGM Studios. He's in a building at the end of the street that Little Mermaid and Who Want's To B a Millionaire are on. There a marquee sign that says 'Meet Mickey Here'. Most people walk right past it.
I allow for 25 to 30 dollars a day for food per person, and have breakfast in the hotel room.

 

[kaylajr]

It seems like your questions have been answered but
i just wanted to add


WELCOME TO THE BOARDS
this is a great place to learn
feel free to ask away someone will almost always know the answer
hope you have a great trip

 

[shsbandmom]

thanks for all the help! I will definitely check out the wish board and the all ears site. My *girth* is in the front. we don't live too far from carowinds and there are only 2 rides there I can actually ride. It is so GOOD to know that wdw has something for everyone! my son will be thrilled that maybe I can actually ride something with him! yall are the best!