Some things I learned on our trip this week.

[WVParkfan]

We had a wonderful trip to WDW last week, and I thought I'd share a few of the things we learned. This was our 5th (and shortest) trip, but we were able to experience many new things.

1) Giordanno's Pizza is excellent... thanks to everyone who recommended it. However, it is very filling, so don't make the mistake that we did and order too much. One large pizza is VERY filling, and was more than enough for this family of 4.

2) Chef Mickey's breakfast is the perfect place for a birthday breakfast. The attention you get from the staff and the characters is fabulous.

3) Splash Mountain is a blast... we should have ridden it years ago!

4) FastPass is the ONLY way to go. Because of FP, we were able to do Splash, Thunder, Haunted Mansion, Stitch, Philarmagic and Peter Pan all before Noon.

5) Fantasmic is still our favorite show, but it isn't a good idea to sit down front. This is the first time we have been able to get a "good" seat down near the front. We got soaked! Next time, we'll sit back near the top.

6) The Lights, Motors, Action Stunt show at MGM is worth the long wait in line. Our DS12 decided it was the best part of our trip.

7) The "Tune-in" Lounge beside 50's Prime Time in MGM is a great spot to stop for a cold beer and a plate of smores.

8) Animal Kingdom is a lot more crowded now with Everest. We did Everest, Kali, Dinosaur and the Safari early in the morning. We spent the afternoon walking around the Tree of Life. There are so many trails and so many things to see. It was wonderful, and the most relaxing part of our trip.

9) In Epcot, the boat ride in Mexico is very tame compared to the Maelstrom in Norway. However, the beginning of the ride is one of the most beautiful scenes in Disney (going through the restaurant).

10) Finding the hidden Mickey's in the mural in Norway and in the clock in the gateway at Epcot.

11) Spending 20 minutes to relax and watch "Off Kilter" in Canada is a blast. Our kids loved the show, and not only are the musicians very talented, but they are also very funny.

12) Pop Century is a very large hotel. We avoided the foodcourt altogether since it was so far away from our room. Instead, we left early every day to go to the parks, and found places to get breakfast there.

13) A funnel cake is a fun (though unhealthy) breakfast food.

14) Haunted Mansion is much more fun at night.

13) And the final thing we learned during our trip is that no matter what time of year you go, you leave with a sad feeling, but great memories of a truly magical experience. We're already planning our next trip.

 

[momofdbsdc]

Thank you for sharing all that you learned this week!!!! We will be arriving next weekend!

 

[bobbiwoz]

I enjoyed reading your list! Have not had Giordanno's pizza, we must try it for sure.

Bobbi

 

[TinkyWinky]

sounds like you had a great trip!

 

[aunt kelly]

You make me wish I were there now! You're so right about the Haunted Mansion being better at night!

 

[joshsmom]

WOW!!! Sounds like you had an AWESOME trip!! I also agree with you about HM at night--what is that about?? It's dark inside anyway, so why is it different??? I don't know, but it IS different and its a little creepy actually!!! We went during an EMH night and it was about 1:00 in the morning when we rode it. I got chills!!!!

 

[TCKK]

Thanks for the great post. We've never ridden HM at night. Can't wait to try it this time You mentioned several things I hope we get to try out. Thanks for the info about getting wet up in front of Fantasmic. We've never seen this yet and are planning to do it this time. I'll keep that in mind. Again, thanks for the great post.

 

[dbal]

What a great vacation! mmmmm- beer & smores.
How many days did you spend at the world this time?

 

[mandysmom]

Thanks for sharing.
I'm glad you and your family had a great time.
What building did you stay at in POP? Just curious because that is where I'll be staying in August for the first time.

 

[ciera321]

Very nice list...I really enjoyed it!!!

 

[wdwlvr629]

Thanks for sharing! I know only too well that feeling of sadness, I ALWAYS get it when the monorail is pulling away from the MK on my last day there and I watch as the castle gets smaller.

 

[Desnik]

Thanks for your post, i enjoyed it!!
You are really getting me excited for our trip in 11 days!!!!!

 

[asmarykay]

Great List! Where is Giordanno's? I didn't know that there was one at WDW.

 

[WVParkfan]

What a great vacation! mmmmm- beer & smores.
How many days did you spend at the world this time?

Well, the wife and I had the beer,and the kids ate the smores. We stayed three days and spent all of our time at the parks. We were in the "90's" section at Pop Century and did manage to get about 1 hour in the pool. We're Coronado Springs folks, but this 3-day blast was intended to be an economical trip. POP was nice, and we'd stay there again. It is big, though, and a long walk to the foodcourt. However, it was not a long walk to the bus stop, since we cut through the parking lot to get there.

Some asked about Giordannos. Here's the phone number: (407) 293-8900. Several weeks ago, I asked on this board if anyone knew of some good non-Disney pizza (Disney pizza is pretty bad). Several people recommended Giordannos and several recommended Flippers. We don't normally order "Chicago" style pizza, but noticed that Giordannos had "thin" crust pizza. Well, it was very unique and delicious. MUCH better than what we have had in the past.

One other "thing we learned" during our trip is that the Rainforest Cafe at the AK is just as much fun as we remembered from our first trip, nearly 10 years ago. The food there was awesome, and I'm glad we took a break to eat there.

Thanks to everyone for indulging me and reading my post. The tips that you get from everyone on the DIS are priceless! Every trip we take to WDW gets better and better because of what we learn here.

 

[mamax2]

Great List! Where is Giordanno's? I didn't know that there was one at WDW.

I was just about to ask the same thing. I'm currently collecting data on where to get the best pizza in WDW. So far, Fort Wilderness, and the food court at (the previous Dixie Landings) are ahead!

 

[allegracristina]

Great list! Thanks a lot for sharing! It sounds like you had a really great trip.

 

[hunter.deal]

kinda hate to fill the thread with "Thanks" but really wanted to let you know your list is appreciated. It was an easy read and offered great information.

 

[qtwns]

Thanks for sharing! I know only too well that feeling of sadness, I ALWAYS get it when the monorail is pulling away from the MK on my last day there and I watch as the castle gets smaller.

Oh! Me, too!! Such a sad feeling. But I'm looking forward to the feeling I get seeing the castle getting bigger as we pull up to MK on the monorail. One month to go for us!

 

[JamieW]

I LOVE Giordano's. I went to school in Chicagoland, so I know all about it. FYI - It's not on Disney property though. And I thought I wasn't a deep dish person until I tried Giordano's. They most definitely do it right.

 

[Ready to go in Ok]

Does Giordano's deliver? We stayed at the Grosvernor one year, and ordered either Domino's or Pizza Hut.........$30 for a medium pizza and it was raw in the middle!