The One Where I Go To Disney World for the Tenth Time: Aug '14 TR - COMPLETE 5/21 LIFE U/D 7/7

[Dugette]

Oh yay! How fun!!! If you don't mind, I would love to hear about it (maybe a sneak preview of the TR to come!! )
Where did you stay? How long were you there? Any must-dos or tips??

Well, let's see, I'll start with the specific questions:

*We stayed at the Best Western Park Place Inn and I feel we 100% made the right choice on that. We originally had the Howard Johnson's booked, as I'd heard good things about it, but I caught some DIS comments about people loving the BWPPI because it's SO close to the DLR entrance and I switched us there. It actually cost a slight bit less, we had a bigger room ("mini-suite"), and it was directly across the crosswalk from the esplanade entrance. LOVED that - everyone else would keep walking after the crosswalk and we were already "home". It was actually closer to the park entrances than any Disney resorts (I'm fairly sure, at least). It wasn't anything terribly special, but it was a decent place to stay with comfortable beds and a fantastic location. Would absolutely stay there again.

*We were there for 4.5 days (Fri. lunchtime through Tuesday, leaving Weds. morning). We had 5 day park hoppers. Glad we had that much time and could even have used more. But we did feel that we got all of our must-do's done and most of our would-like-to-dos. Having a young child with you can make park touring much more, um, leisurely, than you might be used to.

*Must-dos and tips...
-Okay, this will sound silly, but there are still paper Fast Passes there and people seem to drop them a lot - so, look at the ground and you might be rewarded. (I am considering naming the TR "Floor Full of Fast Passes", haha).
-No FP for Peter Pan or Toy Story Mania and both have consistent long lines, so plan accordingly.
-Make sure to study the differences between WDW and DLR so you can hit up the rides that are different/better. Don't miss Pirates (much better/longer), Indiana Jones (great!), Hyperspace Mountain, new and improved Big Thunder, Alice in Wonderland, Pinocchio, Canal Boats, Nemo Subs, probably more I'm forgetting. Oh, and don't miss Carsland!! Loved it! (and Radiator Springs Racers and Mater's ride too).
*Make use of Rider Swap, since you'll have a baby with you. A difference I found is that WDW wants to see your baby, but NOBODY at DLR ever once asked to see her. I literally walked up to many a CM at a line entrance and just asked for a Rider Swap. They typically hand you a lanyard that you bring to an upcoming CM and exchange for a hand-written Rider Swap ticket.
*Also make use of Single Rider - there are a number of attractions that offer it. Single Rider on Indiana Jones is odd - they send you up and down an elevator, etc. Another one did that too - can't remember which one.
*Study up on the good food options. Lots of good counter-service there.

I'm sure there is more, but that's a start. Feel free to toss any specific questions my way. Also, there are some recent/current TRs for DLR by WDW veterans. I can find links, if you need them. TheMaxRebo has one going right now.

 

[Leshaface]

Oops, it's 7 months later and I never came back and replied to the kind messages you all left for me! Thank you so much for all the kind words! I read them back when you posted them but never actually found the time to reply. Well, here I am! Better late than never... right?

Well...to update... I now have a 8 month old and it just keeps getting better and better. I don't know where the time went though. In Disney news, I somehow talked DH into taking a quick trip to Disneyland in April when we go to California for a wedding. So my dream of taking DD to Disney is coming true much sooner than I thought it would!

Just noticed you posted this! EEK you get to go to Disneyland and take your DD!!!

-Take advantage of the Baby Care Centers for diaper changes, cleaning out bottles, heating up bottles/food, etc. They have everything there but not only that, it is peaceful and quiet. Especially if your DD (or you!) become overwhelmed by any crowds, noises during your trip, it's the best place!
-DD can go on any rides without a Height Restriction. I'm sure you knew that already, but that will make you feel like you're not missing anything with an infant, so you get to enjoy DLR too!
-Just like Dugette said, time to do your first Rider Swap! So easy and you get to go on all the headliners!
-Please do character pics! It may seem 'silly' at the time to have DD take pictures with characters that, as weirdos put, "won't remember", but being able to look back is pretty awesome. And i'm sure when she's much older, like 5 or 6, and seeing pictures of herself with the characters when she's a baby, she'll get a kick out of it!

If you need help with any hotel suggestions or anything, please feel free to PM me here, FB or IG! (Cause I think we're friends everywhere ) I've stayed at all three Disney hotels and about 5-6 hotels on Harbor so i'm pretty familiar with the neighboring hotels

 

[heathsf]

In case anyone is still watching this thread, I wanted to post my new PTR link:
Bouncy Bouncy Fun Fun Fun! Aug '17