The Magic is Back - going with 1st Timers

tigertides

Mouseketeer
Joined
Jan 24, 2021
Messages
194
We just returned from a three park / five day stay in the grand Floridian.

I am not going to make this an extensive description of everything that we did. But, we took family friends who had never been, along with their tweenage children.

In short, Disney is still an amazing wonderful place still delivers exceptional experiences.

Our family friends have traveled to the Amalfi coast and Italy, London, Costa Rica, Switzerland. They just returned from Yellowstone. But they had never been to Disney World until took them and became there unofficial VIP tour guide.

We splurged on G+, individual lightning lane, stayed close by.

They were shocked at how clean the hotel were.
How friendly the hotel services were.

The incredible theming of Pandora and Star Wars land.
They were quite surprised at how good the food was, especially at Canteen and Docking Bay 7


This was my seventh trip with my own children. I was also quite surprised at the low July crowds.

We did not show up super early for our early entry, and should’ve taken advantage of seven dwarfs and slinky dog.

Perhaps most magical, is that the wait times on a Saturday night at Hollywood Studios for rise of the resistance was 35 minutes at 8:35pm. In reality, it was a walk on.

We jumped back in line at 8:57 PM, and did it with the last group of the night.


And total, we spent about $500 for line skipping services in three parks, during peak. We probably could’ve spent 40 minutes in line for seven dwarfs and Slinky Dog total. Also, I was able to snag the last virtual Q of the night for Tron (at 1:37pm) , but we were too tired and we had already rode at once.

My point is that everybody who nitpicks about the silliest things, the room decor, the nighttime fireworks changing, perhaps are victims of going to frequently. I would suggest taking somebody who has never been before, and seeing it through their eyes to be truly appreciative
 
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HS usually does After Hours party on Wed night (sometimes switched to Thurs) and something that pairs nicely with MNSSHP.

Oops - meant to post on different board.
 
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Glad you had a great trip! Last time we went two years ago we were mainly unhappy with the quality of the food. How were your meals there? Anyplace you were particularly happy or unhappy with?
 
I love to hear this! I am days away from a trip where I'm taking my parents and siblings and their tween/teen kids who have never been to WDW before. My parents took us all to Disneyland when we were kids, but it's been forever and none of their kids have been to any Disney parks. My family (hubby and two "kids" 18 & 23) have been several times and we're going to be the "tour guides" as well. Planning to get the new LLMP each day and rope drop the headliners. I'm hoping the crowds stay lower as they have been. (We're used to going at Christmas/Thanksgiving, so it will definitely seem calmer, I'm guessing). I really hope it goes as smoothly as yours did. I've got all the dining reservations squared away. Hoping to get the LLMP choices booked on the 24th. I can't wait to see how much they love it!
 
Glad you had a great trip! Last time we went two years ago we were mainly unhappy with the quality of the food. How were your meals there? Anyplace you were particularly happy or unhappy with?
Yes!

Boma first night dinner - amazing setting. Probably didn't eat our $60/pp worth, but still great.
Kona Cafe for dinner. Best meat dishes
Skipper Canteen (MK): wonderful. They had availability even at 11am opening. No clue why this place is so underrated.
Satuli Canteen (AKL): very filling, healthy, comfy seats, and AC, and great theming
Docking Bay 7: as above with Satuli Canteen.
GF Cafe for brunch was good, loud, but too heavy and filling.

Even Gasparilla Grill was okay for breakfast.
We avoid Disney Springs just b/c of leaving the bubble, and hassle of bus transport
 



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