Things often overlooked/Suggestions

[disneyfanatic60]

We have been at WDW many, many times. We will be at Poly in mid-May. My DS-19 and DD-15 are taking me for "Mother's Day" (though mom is paying--somehow this doesn't seem totally right!!) My husband isn't making this trip. It's my first with both my kid's (did a mother-daughter weekend in Sept.).

I'm looking for suggestions on things we may have "overlooked" during the years or something "special" to do with them. I'm sure this will be our last trip together and I really want to make sure we do something "different" than on other trips to make this one stand out.

I would appreciate any suggestions or comments.

 

[barbeml]

Have you ever done the "Magic of Disney Animation" tour at Studios? We never miss this, but many people we talk to have never done it. Starts out with a really entertaining film on the animation process, then you tour the work area and sit with a real animator. Ends with a great Disney animation moments film that makes me cry every time.

If you've never been to Poly, there are some great eating spots. Kona Cafe is awesome for breakfast, especially if you and the teens enjoy good coffee. 'Ohana is delicious and fun for dinner--all you can eat.

Since you've been many times, it's hard to know what to suggest. Some of our traditions to make every trip different and special are:

1. Try at least one restaurant we have never been to.
2. I am a ride chicken, so I challenge myself to try one that scares me (Splash Mountain last trip).
3. Make it a point to see more shows--like Voyage of the Little Mermaid, Tarzan Rocks. We always enjoy them more than we think we will.
4. Visit a couple of "oldies" we haven't done in a while--Hall of Presidents, Tiki Room.
5. Collect pins that are significant to that particular trip--like my Splash Mountain pin to remind myself that I was brave enough to try it!

Have a wonderful time!

 

[Hayley]

This is a hard one because my "overlooked secret" might be your "I've done this so many times I'm sick of it!"

But have you ever made your own CD of disney music at the end of the Immagination Ride?

Or have you ever gone all over the MK looking for all those little details (music changes - sidewalk changes - and the little semi-hidden surprises)?

If I think for awhile, I'll come up with more!

 

[Hayley]

How about this - did you ever hang around Main Street and watch for the mayor, the town busybody, and the other characters to come around?

Or stick around for the Castle's "Kiss Goodnight"?

 

[GoldenAfternoon]

Mom (47) and I (25) go to the beach and DW together every year. We always have such a wonderful time and we've created many great memories for just the two of us to share. One of my fondest is resting our aching feet (at the end of the day) on the beach hammocks at the Poly, cool drinks in hand, watching the sun set and boats go by. We also usually buy the pictures they take of you on the rides- SM, TOT etc. and we try at least one new restaurant each time we go. Whatever you decide to do, I'm sure you and your girls will make some great memories of your own!

 

[blessedby3]

Could you please explalin further about the CD at the end of the Imaginations ride? Hayley posted this suggestion and it sounds interesting to me. My daughter sings Disney songs ALL the time and would love to do this. Any more info. would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[Simba's Mom]

Unfortunately, unless they've put them back again, I don't think you can make the CDs at the end of the Imagination ride any more. I used to love to do that. However, I think the machines were taken out just over a year ago. But I'd love to hear they've been returned! Have they?

 

[worm761]

what about doing one of the tours? have you done any of them yet?

 

[mickeysaver]

What about going for a girls day out at the GF spa? That might be kinda cool.

How about spending a day over at the BW? Shop and play your day away. Maybe even go to Jellyrolls for some entertainment.

What about a fireworks cruise? That would be a great way to end the trip. Who could ever forget that?

Then there is my favorite....the carriage rides.

There has got to be something special you can do. Maybe even enlist the help from the folks at www.giftsofalifetime.com for something really super spectacular. Mickey

 

[btuftee]

Simba's Mom> Unfortunately, no, the CD making machines are not back at Journey into Imagination. I was quite disappointed to see them leave as well.

disneyfanatic60>

I second the suggestion to do a fireworks cruise. I'd opt for an Illuminations cruise at Epcot over one at the MK. You could also dine at Victoria and Alberts if you really wanted to do it up right! How about one of the dinner shows? The Polynesian Luau is quite good, don't know anything personally about the Hoop De Doo Review (except for the fact that they tell you to book early - must mean it's good!).

 

[ImagineEar]

I agree with a tour - Keys to the Kingdom tour of MK takes you on a few popular attractions, underground for a look at how they run things, and gives you interesting info (4 hrs)

What about doing research on hidden Mickeys, make a list and seek them out where ever you go?

Do an Illuminations cruise

Get "looped around the loop" as I read somewhere... Get on the monorail and stop off in each hotel for a cocktail - or in this case since you kids are under age -an Appetizer at one - dinner at the next and dessert at the final!

 

[Mackey Mouse]

I would definitely do a Keys to the Kingdom Tour.. we loved that... and learned so much... and with a great guide, it can be truly special..

And just one more thing.. I thought as my girls got older they would not go anymore... This past December, all three of my daughters went with us to WDW... and they are 31, 28 and 25......of course we paid as part of their Christmas gift that year... and as long as you do that they always want to go...

 

[blessedby3]

Probably a crazy question, but what is an illuminations cruise?

 

[disneyfanatic60]

Thanks everyone. These ideas are great. We've never done a behind the scenes tour because my daughter wasn't old enough but she is now. This sounds great. I'm curious, I'm just now reading about carriage rides. I knew there was one at FW. Did I read there was one at POR? Anyone have any specific information any of the carriage rides?

I actually just started doing some serious background on Hidden Mickey's. I'd appreciate any addl. input if anyone has it.

I always wanted to do an Illumination's cruise, but my youngest does not like "fireworks" if you can believe that. She hasn't since she was a small child.

Any ideas for the evenings particularly if the parks close early? I'm anticipating a 6:00-7:00 closing (exc. Epcot).

Thanks again to everyone for the great ideas.

 

[Praise2Him]

Just to let you know, you can make your own music CD at DisneyQuest. My dd did it in December and loved it.

 

[inaminute]

Maybe even go to Jellyrolls for some entertainment.

You probably already know this, but just want to make sure you are aware: You must be 21 to go to Jellyrolls. They do ask for i.d.

 

[carene]

Hi All

Ive just been reading all the posts in this thread and im afraid we may be getting away from the point here: the thread fisrt started asking about OVERLOOKED ATTRACTIONS.

Try this link for overlooked attractions of WDW:
www.wdwig.com/ola.htm

Carene

 

[2002Disneybride]

Or stick around for the Castle's "Kiss Goodnight"?

Excuse my ignorance, but what is this?
Thanks much!!

 

[InstImpres]

Originally posted by ImagineEar

What about doing research on hidden Mickeys, make a list and seek them out where ever you go?

I just bought a great book (approx. $12) at Barnes and Nobles. It is hidden Mickey scavenger hunts. I can't wait to go and try it. It is broken down by park and looks like days of fun.

 

[erinch]

last time we were there we went to E-Night. We were on Big Thunder Railroad at the end of the time, and got to ride 3 times in a row without getting out. We then stopped at Splash mountain to get the Brer Fox my hubby was coveting.

OUr dawdling meant we were about the last out of the park. We sauntered, slowly down the twinkling streets, all by our selves, and had the most magic feeling.

Got the same feeling dawdling leaving the world showcase at Epcot. We stood on the bridge and just savored the lights, the water and the warm kiss of air--and the deserted feel.

On the other end of things, animal kingdom, first thing in the am has amazing greeters -- living trees and birds---first thing in the morning. Everyone rushes by on their way to the Safari, and misses the magic.

The Bird show at AK is another "must see" sleeper".