Suggestions for dining and activities

[dayvewc]

So the backstory:
My mom spent pretty much my entire childhood declaring that "one day, we're all going to Disney." She (and my dad) were never able to afford the trip. Finally, a few years ago, I was able to take them to Walt Disney World. It was the first time I had tried to plan a trip there, and knew nothing about what I was doing. Coupled with the fact that I took them as a Christmas present, so we were there the week between Christmas and New Years, we didn't get a lot accomplished. To make matters worse, this was Christmas '09, when Florida had an unexpected freeze, and my mom in particular was very uncomfortable. As a result, the one day we were at Magic Kingdom, she was unable to tolerate the low temperatures long enough to see the fireworks.

Fast-forward to 2017.
My dad died in early January, so to keep my mom from sitting around the house and becoming a recluse, I took her to Disneyland in May. We only had a 3 day ticket, and the night we were to watch the fireworks, they were canceled due to high winds. The other nights, mom decreed that she was too tired to go out and watch them. One of the problems with driving across the country. I had previously taken my normal trip in March for Spring Break, and mom was fascinated with the pictures of Rivers of Light and my descriptions of the Flower and Garden Festival. So I convinced her to travel with me to WDW next spring so she could see them for herself, and maybe finally experience the fireworks display.

The problem:
My mom has several issues that we will have to work with on the trip. Due to her age and medical conditions, she will have to travel with an ECV. I'm not worried about this, as I have mobility issues myself and already travel with one. She is also diabetic and is on a restricted diet (low salt, low carb, hi protein).

The plan:
Other than not getting to see the fireworks, the biggest disappointment for mom on the previous trip was she was expecting the characters to just roam the parks and interact with guests. She also is not interested in the "big rides", so I anticipate using the FP+ for parades, shows, and fireworks.

We will be arriving on a Sunday afternoon/early evening and have 4 day tickets (planning for park hoppers, so we can spend most of the mornings in EPCOT, rest in the resort in the afternoon, and go to a different park each night for the show). I'm hoping to get a theme park view room from Bay Lake tower, so even if she decides she's too tired to go out, we can still see the fireworks over MK (including arrival night - so at least 2 chances to see MK's show).

The plea:
Does anyone have suggestions for 1) 2 - 4 different character dining reservations for maximum character exposure? I'm leaning toward Crystal Palace breakfast one day, and maybe Tusker House or Garden Grill for lunch one day. Specifically, I'm thinking buffet rather than menu's, as they tend to have more options that mom can eat. But I know Disney does a great job with restrictive diets, so ordering off a menu is acceptable to get maximum character exposure.

2) Suggestions for other activities besides roaming EPCOT looking at all the flower displays? I already kind of anticipate spending a large part of one day showing her everything in MK, at least long enough to see the Festival of Fantasy parade.

3) FP+ recommendations. Other than the night shows, what else? Understand, mom isn't interested in roller coasters, has difficulty stepping up or down more than about 6 inches (Jungle Cruise is possible with the extra step boxes and the pole for support, but Pirates is highly unlikely), and she has little interest in trying to squeeze into the car for Winnie the Pooh.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions. I would like to have everything outlined before mid-September, so I can use the 180+ for dining reservations, and then start filling in FP+ in January.

 

[Tiggerish]

We took my Mom after my Dad died and she really enjoyed meeting characters and we ended up with some great pictures.

 

[JennyDrake]

I have been 3 times as a helper for an 86 year old with mobility and memory issues. She LOVED Beauty and the Beast and Frozen Ever After. She enjoyed Living with the Land and Spaceship Earth. Animal Kingdom was not a hit.... The unevern pathways were hard for her and other than Flights of Wonder and FotLK, she didn't care for the park and the animal exhibits were hard for her to see from the ECV.

SHe liked ALL the live performers at Epcot and the China movie.

IMHO Tusker House and Garden Grill have the best character interactions.

With MY senior (YMMV) she was DONE by midafternoon. It was SO much stimulation and driving in the crowds exhausted her. _I_ would consider rope drop then break to resort when she is ready, and dinner at a resort--not in the parks. Of course, YOU know your mom better than I do!

PLEASE let me know if I can help in any way and I'm eager to hear how it goes for you!

 

[gap2368]

So the backstory:
My mom spent pretty much my entire childhood declaring that "one day, we're all going to Disney." She (and my dad) were never able to afford the trip. Finally, a few years ago, I was able to take them to Walt Disney World. It was the first time I had tried to plan a trip there, and knew nothing about what I was doing. Coupled with the fact that I took them as a Christmas present, so we were there the week between Christmas and New Years, we didn't get a lot accomplished. To make matters worse, this was Christmas '09, when Florida had an unexpected freeze, and my mom in particular was very uncomfortable. As a result, the one day we were at Magic Kingdom, she was unable to tolerate the low temperatures long enough to see the fireworks.

Fast-forward to 2017.
My dad died in early January, so to keep my mom from sitting around the house and becoming a recluse, I took her to Disneyland in May. We only had a 3 day ticket, and the night we were to watch the fireworks, they were canceled due to high winds. The other nights, mom decreed that she was too tired to go out and watch them. One of the problems with driving across the country. I had previously taken my normal trip in March for Spring Break, and mom was fascinated with the pictures of Rivers of Light and my descriptions of the Flower and Garden Festival. So I convinced her to travel with me to WDW next spring so she could see them for herself, and maybe finally experience the fireworks display.

The problem:
My mom has several issues that we will have to work with on the trip. Due to her age and medical conditions, she will have to travel with an ECV. I'm not worried about this, as I have mobility issues myself and already travel with one. She is also diabetic and is on a restricted diet (low salt, low carb, hi protein).

The plan:
Other than not getting to see the fireworks, the biggest disappointment for mom on the previous trip was she was expecting the characters to just roam the parks and interact with guests. She also is not interested in the "big rides", so I anticipate using the FP+ for parades, shows, and fireworks.

We will be arriving on a Sunday afternoon/early evening and have 4 day tickets (planning for park hoppers, so we can spend most of the mornings in EPCOT, rest in the resort in the afternoon, and go to a different park each night for the show). I'm hoping to get a theme park view room from Bay Lake tower, so even if she decides she's too tired to go out, we can still see the fireworks over MK (including arrival night - so at least 2 chances to see MK's show).

The plea:
Does anyone have suggestions for 1) 2 - 4 different character dining reservations for maximum character exposure? I'm leaning toward Crystal Palace breakfast one day, and maybe Tusker House or Garden Grill for lunch one day. Specifically, I'm thinking buffet rather than menu's, as they tend to have more options that mom can eat. But I know Disney does a great job with restrictive diets, so ordering off a menu is acceptable to get maximum character exposure.

2) Suggestions for other activities besides roaming EPCOT looking at all the flower displays? I already kind of anticipate spending a large part of one day showing her everything in MK, at least long enough to see the Festival of Fantasy parade.

3) FP+ recommendations. Other than the night shows, what else? Understand, mom isn't interested in roller coasters, has difficulty stepping up or down more than about 6 inches (Jungle Cruise is possible with the extra step boxes and the pole for support, but Pirates is highly unlikely), and she has little interest in trying to squeeze into the car for Winnie the Pooh.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions. I would like to have everything outlined before mid-September, so I can use the 180+ for dining reservations, and then start filling in FP+ in January.

I am so sorry about your dad passing and I do hope you have a great vacation with your mom.

If she wants to meet charters you can FP Mickey at the magic kingdom ( he talks most of the time) along with tinker bell, and a few princes.

garden gril is family style where they bring out your food and you take what you want. I think it should be ok for your mom. you also meet chip and dale, Mickey and maybe someone else.


There is not FP for happily ever after at the MK. ( and I so wish there was) but you can find a spot on the grass on the left side of the castle ( the right side is the dessert party, you can pay extra for and they do have fruit and cheese ) but if you get there 60-90 minutes early you will have no problem getting a spot. you could go get some thing to eat and have a picnic.

for EPCOT is your mom interested in different Coulter she could go around and watch the show in the pavilions listen to the ladies of liberty sing ( wow they are just great) there is a boat ride in Mexico that you can take a wheel chair on. ( along with IASW and JC in the Magic kingdom )

at HS they have actors on the street and some of them are very very funny stop and watch them for a bit.If she like movies the great movie ride is good ( very slow moving). would TSMM be too much for her?


AK and seeing some of the show the Lion king and Finding Nemo are great ( I have only seen finding Nemo, but heard the Lion King is great too.)

There are trails you can take and see a lot of different animal and the saffair is great and each time you do it it is a little different.

as fair as dinning who dose the want too meet like the fab five garden grill would work , princesses cinderalles castle, or like Stitch ( I forgot where he is the polinshion? .

 

[Disneygal27]

I hope you and your mom have a magical trip! My dad has mobility and stamina issues, and one of his favorite things was going around Epcot taking pictures of the topiaries and sampling the food booths (unsure how much wiggle room is in your moms diet, but maybe a treat or two would be fun if you can make it work). That was almost a whole day for us with rest breaks and shopping. Also look into FP for any essential character meets you won't get with the ADRs you choose, I'm not up 100% on who is where so I won't say more on that and steer you wrong. Shows are great, we really like Muppets in HS and beauty and the beast, though it's usually too hot for us when we go in summer so we've skipped the last several trips. The WS street performers are always fun I think, and if your mom can get into a wheelchair at the ride from her ECV that opens many options as well. MK has so many great shows and little rides, but in my experience you don't always need a FP for the shows. I'd pick a few rides or character meets she's interested in and just use those there. Im less familiar with AK, we just went in Feb for the first time in 9 years, it was always too hot for us and too spread out. But we love the bugs life show, and the different trails with the animals are great. We also loved Nemo when we saw it years ago, never seem to make it when lion king is open though haha. Again dunno how FP plays into those shows, particularly since pandora opened, but those would be my picks for your mom based on what you said.

Also one thing I've learned with my parents is plan two times for the really important stuff, then I have a backup. Personally I loved wishes more than anything at Disney and HAD to see it from the parks, so we'd plan two nights to go there. That way if it rained/someone wasn't feeling good the first night we had a fallback, and if we saw it the first night we could either go twice or fill in something else we had to put off for whatever reason.

 

[J18]

Great movie ride and living with the land might be good FP options. We really liked watching the performers and movies around world showcase.

 

[dayvewc]

I have been 3 times as a helper for an 86 year old with mobility and memory issues. She LOVED Beauty and the Beast and Frozen Ever After. She enjoyed Living with the Land and Spaceship Earth. Animal Kingdom was not a hit.... The unevern pathways were hard for her and other than Flights of Wonder and FotLK, she didn't care for the park and the animal exhibits were hard for her to see from the ECV.

SHe liked ALL the live performers at Epcot and the China movie.

IMHO Tusker House and Garden Grill have the best character interactions.

With MY senior (YMMV) she was DONE by midafternoon. It was SO much stimulation and driving in the crowds exhausted her. _I_ would consider rope drop then break to resort when she is ready, and dinner at a resort--not in the parks. Of course, YOU know your mom better than I do!

PLEASE let me know if I can help in any way and I'm eager to hear how it goes for you!

I am so sorry about your dad passing and I do hope you have a great vacation with your mom.

If she wants to meet charters you can FP Mickey at the magic kingdom ( he talks most of the time) along with tinker bell, and a few princes.

garden gril is family style where they bring out your food and you take what you want. I think it should be ok for your mom. you also meet chip and dale, Mickey and maybe someone else.

There is not FP for happily ever after at the MK. ( and I so wish there was) but you can find a spot on the grass on the left side of the castle ( the right side is the dessert party, you can pay extra for and they do have fruit and cheese ) but if you get there 60-90 minutes early you will have no problem getting a spot. you could go get some thing to eat and have a picnic.

for EPCOT is your mom interested in different Coulter she could go around and watch the show in the pavilions listen to the ladies of liberty sing ( wow they are just great) there is a boat ride in Mexico that you can take a wheel chair on. ( along with IASW and JC in the Magic kingdom )

at HS they have actors on the street and some of them are very very funny stop and watch them for a bit.If she like movies the great movie ride is good ( very slow moving). would TSMM be too much for her?

AK and seeing some of the show the Lion king and Finding Nemo are great ( I have only seen finding Nemo, but heard the Lion King is great too.)

There are trails you can take and see a lot of different animal and the saffair is great and each time you do it it is a little different.

as fair as dinning who dose the want too meet like the fab five garden grill would work , princesses cinderalles castle, or like Stitch ( I forgot where he is the polinshion? .

I hope you and your mom have a magical trip! My dad has mobility and stamina issues, and one of his favorite things was going around Epcot taking pictures of the topiaries and sampling the food booths (unsure how much wiggle room is in your moms diet, but maybe a treat or two would be fun if you can make it work). That was almost a whole day for us with rest breaks and shopping. Also look into FP for any essential character meets you won't get with the ADRs you choose, I'm not up 100% on who is where so I won't say more on that and steer you wrong. Shows are great, we really like Muppets in HS and beauty and the beast, though it's usually too hot for us when we go in summer so we've skipped the last several trips. The WS street performers are always fun I think, and if your mom can get into a wheelchair at the ride from her ECV that opens many options as well. MK has so many great shows and little rides, but in my experience you don't always need a FP for the shows. I'd pick a few rides or character meets she's interested in and just use those there. Im less familiar with AK, we just went in Feb for the first time in 9 years, it was always too hot for us and too spread out. But we love the bugs life show, and the different trails with the animals are great. We also loved Nemo when we saw it years ago, never seem to make it when lion king is open though haha. Again dunno how FP plays into those shows, particularly since pandora opened, but those would be my picks for your mom based on what you said.

Also one thing I've learned with my parents is plan two times for the really important stuff, then I have a backup. Personally I loved wishes more than anything at Disney and HAD to see it from the parks, so we'd plan two nights to go there. That way if it rained/someone wasn't feeling good the first night we had a fallback, and if we saw it the first night we could either go twice or fill in something else we had to put off for whatever reason.

Great movie ride and living with the land might be good FP options. We really liked watching the performers and movies around world showcase.

Thanks for the input and ideas and sympathies.

By the time we go, she will be 76, and the ECV will help with most of the mobility and stamina issues.

Her diet is restricted, but as long as we monitor the treats, those shouldn't be a problem. (Diabetes, so just have to keep on top of the blood sugar)

So here's what I'm kind of gathering/thinking. 4 day parkhoppers (and these are not necessarily in order, just daily plans that can be re-ordered as needed)

Arrival day - get unpacked, maybe a late dinner at Top of the World to see the fireworks. Or, just a small early dinner and watch the fireworks from the room.

Day 1 -
Sleep in a little, but try to get to EPCOT by 9 am opening.
- FP+ Spaceship Earth
- FP+ Living with the Land
- Early lunch at Garden Grill
- Meander around and look at flowers, topiaries, butterfly pavilion, etc. until early afternoon (focus on front of World Showcase, Canada, England, and France)
- Watch as many live performers in the different countries as possible
- Leave when she starts to get tired, rest in the room, and come back for Illuminations (actually the only fireworks show she has seen previously, so it is missable if needed)

Day 2 -
Sleep in needed
- Go to Hollywood Studios
- watch Beauty and the Beast live (if it is still showing)
- Great Movie Ride
- Muppet 4-D
- ECV over to EPCOT and see more countries and shows until she gets tired (Entering at International Gateway and proceeding counter-clockwise)
- return to resort to nap, early dinner
- return to Hollywood Studios for Fantasmic!

Day 3 -
up early for breakfast in MK at Crystal Palace (rope drop)
- FP+ talking Mickey
- try to get as many character M&G as possible
- ride Small World, Jungle Cruise, Pirates (?), Haunted Mansion, Peter Pan
- Festival of Fantasy parade
- return to resort to rest
- Return to MK around 8-ish to watch parade (really hoping it is Paint the Night by then) and fireworks

Day 4 -
Up early
- Head to Animal Kingdom
- Early lunch at Tusker House
- Watch Festival of the Lion King and Nemo
- Stroll paths OR hop to another park (EPCOT again?) as mom wishes
- Midafternoon, return to resort to rest (laundry, repack luggage)
- Evening, return to AK for Rivers of Light

Leave day -
Sleep in a little
- load car
- check out of resort

I'm open to more suggestions. Thanks

 

[Disneygal27]

I think it's a solid plan, and it sounds like you have realistic expectations and know that you'll both have limits. I think as long as you know the can't miss stuff and find a way to do it you have a solid trip plan. I would also consider switching between parks for morning and afternoons, and not always going to the same park both times a day. Just a thought, our family always likes the variety. But whatever makes you and your mom happiest

Edit: I'd consider a FP for the meet and greet for the character spot at Epcot, I like that meet and greet. I know you're doing garden grill but still, could be fun for you guys!

 

[gap2368]

Sleep in a little, but try to get to EPCOT by 9 am opening.
- FP+ Spaceship Earth
- FP+ Living with the Land
- Early lunch at Garden Grill
- Meander around and look at flowers, topiaries, butterfly pavilion, etc. until early afternoon (focus on front of World Showcase, Canada, England, and France)
- Watch as many live performers in the different countries as possible
- Leave when she starts to get tired, rest in the room, and come back for Illuminations (actually the only fireworks show she has seen previously, so it is missable if needed)

Day 2 -
Sleep in needed
- Go to Hollywood Studios
- watch Beauty and the Beast live (if it is still showing)
- Great Movie Ride
- Muppet 4-D
- ECV over to EPCOT and see more countries and shows until she gets tired (Entering at International Gateway and proceeding counter-clockwise)
- return to resort to nap, early dinner
- return to Hollywood Studios for Fantasmic!

Day 3 -
up early for breakfast in MK at Crystal Palace (rope drop)
- FP+ talking Mickey
- try to get as many character M&G as possible
- ride Small World, Jungle Cruise, Pirates (?), Haunted Mansion, Peter Pan
- Festival of Fantasy parade
- return to resort to rest
- Return to MK around 8-ish to watch parade (really hoping it is Paint the Night by then) and fireworks

Day 4 -
Up early
- Head to Animal Kingdom
- Early lunch at Tusker House
- Watch Festival of the Lion King and Nemo
- Stroll paths OR hop to another park (EPCOT again?) as mom wishes
- Midafternoon, return to resort to rest (laundry, repack luggage)
- Evening, return to AK for Rivers of Light

Leave day -
Sleep in a little
- load car
- check out of resort

I'm open to more suggestions. Thanks

Day 1

You can FP or use the handicap area for illumination ( I do not think either are going away) and since you are only using 2 out of your 3 FP this might be a good one for you.

Day 2. There is also a boat that takes you from HS to EPCOT it is very nice and relaxing, and I am almost sure you can take an ECV on it. also you might not have much time to go rest back at your resort this day. and you can FP Fantastic not sure if it is needed or not.

Day 3 MK has a few charters you can meet so get a park map and find out where and when they are meeting, some are really good like ( The charter that wants to be Bell Boyfriend I forgot his name) If she has a hard time with steps POTCB might be hard to do and Peter Pan has a moving walk way that can not be stoped or slowed. ( the other one is the people mover) There is a handicap area to see FOF parade so this may help you get a spot you can see. I too hope for a night time parade and Paint that night is top of my list too ( but I do not think it will happen)


day 4 sounds good. if you mom can do POTCB she might like the boat ride in pandora and since it is your last day you should know if she can do it or not. I would also FP ROL.



A few other tips, you can park your ECV and walk some ( if you can) this will help with her blood sugar and also keep her from getting stiff.

bring a small umbrella with you so that when you are watching the show ( at EPCOT and other) you can have some shade it can be ver hot and this will help some. ( and make sure you do not block other view) The ECV do come with them but as I have heard they are more of a pain then help as they do not move and they can block your view when driving and others and you have to take them off for things like show.

 

[Tozzie]

If you have a chase Disney Visa card they have charecter meet and greets in two parks exclusively for the Disney Visa card holders. There is one at the studios that has the Vilian type charecters and in EPCOT withe the regular charecter. It is somewhere in future world they just recently moved it and I don't remember where it is this is open from 1 pm to 7 pm

 

[dayvewc]

I think it's a solid plan, and it sounds like you have realistic expectations and know that you'll both have limits. I think as long as you know the can't miss stuff and find a way to do it you have a solid trip plan. I would also consider switching between parks for morning and afternoons, and not always going to the same park both times a day. Just a thought, our family always likes the variety. But whatever makes you and your mom happiest

Edit: I'd consider a FP for the meet and greet for the character spot at Epcot, I like that meet and greet. I know you're doing garden grill but still, could be fun for you guys!

I had forgotten that you could FP the M&G for the character spot at Epcot. I'll have to remember that one.

Part of my thought on returning to the same park is I plan to check some of the crowd calendars and go to the "recommended" park for the day. Since we'll be there during spring break, I figured that the lower crowds (during a busy time, lower is relative) might make it a bit easier for her/us to get around, as we will both be on ECV's. It also would let me FP a couple of attractions/characters in the morning, then also FP the night show. Though, there is something to be said for not wasting having bought a park-hopper (or only using it for one or two of the days).

Day 1

You can FP or use the handicap area for illumination ( I do not think either are going away) and since you are only using 2 out of your 3 FP this might be a good one for you.

Day 2. There is also a boat that takes you from HS to EPCOT it is very nice and relaxing, and I am almost sure you can take an ECV on it. also you might not have much time to go rest back at your resort this day. and you can FP Fantastic not sure if it is needed or not.

Day 3 MK has a few charters you can meet so get a park map and find out where and when they are meeting, some are really good like ( The charter that wants to be Bell Boyfriend I forgot his name) If she has a hard time with steps POTCB might be hard to do and Peter Pan has a moving walk way that can not be stoped or slowed. ( the other one is the people mover) There is a handicap area to see FOF parade so this may help you get a spot you can see. I too hope for a night time parade and Paint that night is top of my list too ( but I do not think it will happen)


day 4 sounds good. if you mom can do POTCB she might like the boat ride in pandora and since it is your last day you should know if she can do it or not. I would also FP ROL.



A few other tips, you can park your ECV and walk some ( if you can) this will help with her blood sugar and also keep her from getting stiff.

bring a small umbrella with you so that when you are watching the show ( at EPCOT and other) you can have some shade it can be ver hot and this will help some. ( and make sure you do not block other view) The ECV do come with them but as I have heard they are more of a pain then help as they do not move and they can block your view when driving and others and you have to take them off for things like show.

Day 1 - I think I'll probably do the character M&G for the 3rd FP and the handicap area for Illuminations. Mom has to meet Mickey, might as well do it early

Day 2 - I had forgotten about the boats. I'll have to look at them. I know some of them will only take 1 ECV at a time, so that might be an issue with both of us on one. If it takes 2, it wouldn't be a problem and would save battery life.

Day 3 - When it gets closer, I'll make a touring plan (after I know for sure which days we'll be in which parks) to get as many characters as we can. But yes, Gaston is a definite one to meet. I also want to have her meet Cinderella's Stepmom, Anastasia, and Druzella. I've met them before, and they are probably my favorites. (I hope they are still meeting). I am kind of worried about POTC - when we were at DL last month, she didn't feel able. She was barely able to step into the car for Alice Adventures in Wonderland. I also thought that the Peter Pan sidewalk could stop at MK. I'll need to call WDW and double check on that and the people mover, though I think that will be less of a problem if my memory serves me right, the "door" is wider so it should be easier for her to get in.

Day 4 - I don't know anything about the Pandora area, it wasn't open when I was there in March. Based on how she felt about the POTC boats at DL, I'm not feeling too hopeful, but it is a possibility. If nothing else, it should be a good area to explore even without rides.

She is able to walk short distances, so I insist on frequent bathroom breaks. Actually, while driving, I try to stop every 60 - 90 minutes for bathrooms, gas, or food to give her (and me) a chance to stretch and move. And when we are in the parks, I stop at every bathroom. Even though there are plenty of bathrooms around, they aren't always convenient to where we are heading, so it's a case of "use it now while we have a chance."

I hadn't thought about a small umbrella. I usually have a golf sized umbrella with me if it looks like rain (to keep the water off the electronics of the ECV). And you are right, my ECV came with a canopy, and it is really nice sometimes, but it is a pain to put on and off, and I always try to do so to not block views. It doesn't really interfere with my vision, but I can see how it could.

Thanks for the ideas!!!

 

[dayvewc]

If you have a chase Disney Visa card they have charecter meet and greets in two parks exclusively for the Disney Visa card holders. There is one at the studios that has the Vilian type charecters and in EPCOT withe the regular charecter. It is somewhere in future world they just recently moved it and I don't remember where it is this is open from 1 pm to 7 pm

I don't have one, yet. Maybe some day, but thanks for the information.

 

[gap2368]

But yes, Gaston is a definite one to meet. I also want to have her meet Cinderella's Stepmom, Anastasia, and Druzella. I've met them before, and they are probably my favorites. (I hope they are still meeting). I Peter Pan sidewalk could stop at MK. I'll need to call WDW and double check on that

Gaston, That is his name. I have never meet him would love to one day, The sister meet under an arch way out side of the 7DMT ride ( look for the line there is no FP for either meet and greets). The Peter Pan side walk can stopper emergencies and some times the CM can not restart the ride, and they will have to call the firer department to help get guest off so please do not use this as a they can easel do this, if you feel you might need it stoped go on to another ride.


I never notice until now you pic. of Gaston until now

 

[Kaytie]

bring a small umbrella with you so that when you are watching the show ( at EPCOT and other) you can have some shade it can be ver hot and this will help some. ( and make sure you do not block other view)

For this reason alone, I would suggest straw or paper straw wide brimmed hats, rather than umbrellas.

Also I saw a recommendation for, and the OP listing, Great Movie Ride. Purportedly, this attraction will be closed by the time of this trip and being turned into something else.

 

[Planogirl]

Maybe consider seeing Philharmagic? It's easy to see and quite good. And the American Adventure or any of the WS movies in Epcot?

 

[gap2368]

For this reason alone, I would suggest straw or paper straw wide brimmed hats, rather than umbrellas.

Also I saw a recommendation for, and the OP listing, Great Movie Ride. Purportedly, this attraction will be closed by the time of this trip and being turned into something else.

The region why I do not suggest a hat is that hats trap het in ( think of what they do with baby, they put a hat on them right a way) I think the OP is old enough to be able to not block the view of others. and yes the op can do what they feel is best for them hat or umbrella or neither I was just thoughting out a suggestion that they can or can not use.

 

[Hoodie]

One thing to keep in mind is that World Showcase doesn't normally "open" until 11am.

There are several character interactions you can fast pass. the EPCOT Character spot is a great way to see Mickey, Goofy, Etc.

If you are really interested in characters, Kenny the Pirate has a character app. It's not that pricey but it may be worth it to see who is where. I have never used it as my oldest doesn't like the characters, but I know others have liked it.

Where are you staying? That can have a big impact on travel time.

 

[dayvewc]

For this reason alone, I would suggest straw or paper straw wide brimmed hats, rather than umbrellas.

Also I saw a recommendation for, and the OP listing, Great Movie Ride. Purportedly, this attraction will be closed by the time of this trip and being turned into something else.

I missed that on the rumor mill. It might actually just be easier to skip the day at HS and just go there for Fantasmic! one night.

Maybe consider seeing Philharmagic? It's easy to see and quite good. And the American Adventure or any of the WS movies in Epcot?

Philharmagic would be good. And definitely the American Adventure (or at least the preshow with the choir). I'll definitely pencil in the WS movies, but then let mom decide if she'd rather watch them or look for more flowers.

One thing to keep in mind is that World Showcase doesn't normally "open" until 11am.

There are several character interactions you can fast pass. the EPCOT Character spot is a great way to see Mickey, Goofy, Etc.

If you are really interested in characters, Kenny the Pirate has a character app. It's not that pricey but it may be worth it to see who is where. I have never used it as my oldest doesn't like the characters, but I know others have liked it.

Where are you staying? That can have a big impact on travel time.

Yeah, WS opening at 11 is why I really want to be at EP around 9. Since mom isn't that interested in rides, we can pretty much see all the flowers in Future World while waiting for WS to open. (I hope).

I've used the Kenny the Pirate touring plan to meet characters in the past. I planned to use him again. I thought he discontinued his app though. I know last year when I upgraded phones, it was no longer available to download.

The resort isn't set yet. I'm really hoping to get Bay Lake Towers, but I can't book until mid-August (DVC non-home resort restrictions). BLT would be ideal since it would have the MK view for fireworks at night, and is on the mono-rail (so easy to access both MK and EP). If for some reason I can't get BLT though, We'll probably wind up at Saratoga Springs, so yeah, the travel there is a bigger problem.

 

[mamabunny]

For evening actives, you can always consider Hoop-Dee-Do Review at Fort Wilderness; the food is excellent, and the show is still pure Disney fun, even after all these years!

We also love to do the Pirates 'N Pals Fireworks Cruise - you start with a little Dessert party at the Contemporary, meet some pirates, then go out on a boat in the Seven Seas Lagoon, watch the Electrical Water Parade and then see the fireworks (with the soundtrack piped into the boat) Bonus extra: you are guaranteed Captain Hook and Peter Pan. Photopass photographers will be there.

Any of the fireworks Desserts Parties are great - you can sit on your ECVs and munch on treats, and watch the fireworks from excellent vantage points. MK, HS & Epcot all have one. I don't believe we have seen anything like that for Rivers of Light - yet. We always

Remember that you can also visit Disney Springs; there are tons of dining options as well as shopping, and there are often live street performers as well. If you like to ride the boats, the water taxis are fun, and it's a great place to go people watch in the evenings.

Remember, regardless of the weather to hydrate hydrate hydrate - even just sitting on an ECV it's so easy to get dehydrated at WDW. I have to make a conscious effort to drink enough liquids (especially water); I get distracted because Disney!

 

[kaytieeldr]

The region why I do not suggest a hat is that hats trap het in (

Understood, which is why I specified straw or paper (really paper straw, not a hat made out of newsprint or something ). Maybe along the lines of this https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product...fl_title_35?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3V6BK4D0HKA8F

I think the OP is old enough to be able to not block the view of others.

Sure, but the OP/mom can't control the umbrella size, and would need to rest it right on her head to be sure not to block views.