This time we did it right! (Updated 3/2!)

[SwansLoveDisney]

What a great ending at Epcot!! I hope your next trip is VERY soon!

Thanks for reading it all! Details on the next trip coming up...

Nice ending to your trip. I can't wait to get back to Epcot! And I can't wait to hear your next installment to find out when your next trip is!

Thanks for sticking with me all the way! Details to follow...

Okay,

Turtle Talk. Okay, I assume the turtle talks!!!!

But what turtle and where? Living Seas right? Fill me in on this attraction.

That's what I love about WDW. People, those why go to WDW outsiders, don't get it. You can go and go and go to WDW. And voila, always something you haven't seen. Always.

Lisa

Oh, wow, how do I describe Turtle Talk...I'll do my best:
The turtle is Crush from Finding Nemo. He's on a screen in front of the "theater". Somehow, Crush on the screen can see everyone in the audience and he picks out specific kids and asks them questions and allows them to ask him questions. Anyway, like I said, I swear the kids are given crazy pills beforehand because they ask the wackiest things and they just say such insane stuff. You MUST see it next time!

You are so right...I saw SO many things this time that I hadn't seen before. Unbelievable!

 

[SwansLoveDisney]

great update and pics.

the last day is so sad.

hope your going back soon.

Thanks for sticking with me all the way!

I hate the last day!

The next trip is never soon enough, right?!?

Great ending, I enjoyed hanging out at your trip! Hope your next one is real soon!

I enjoyed having you along for the TR trip!

I really enjoyed your report - thanks so much for sharing. That final day is always so horrible - at least you had hubby and dogs to pick you up!

I too could spend a lot of time in the Japan store - just love it! It never seems to end - everytime you turn a corner there is another section.

In high school our band/choir teachers were a husband and wife. They applied for Voices of Liberty and got it! They went I think when I was a junior (loooong time ago) and I remember the whole class taking a trip to Epcot to see them - they were fantastic! I have loved listening to Voices of Liberty since then!

Can't wait to hear about your next trip...

So cool that your teachers were in VoL. They must have been super talented. That group is UNBELIEVABLE!!!!! Loved it (or the 2 minutes I saw of it anyway!)

Details coming up!

That's a great shot of SE. Can't wait to hear when your next adventure will be!

Thanks! I was proud of that photo! I normally don't take very good photos, but that one turned out nicely for some reason!

Aw, I'm so sad to see the trip come to an end. I really loved it! The next time you're at Epcot definitely check out VOL. When I went to Disney with school back in 2001 the trip coordnator was my Social Studies/History teacher and she made the entire group meet at a certain time to see VOL and they were great! Definitely something you wouldn't expect at a theme park.

I can't wait to find out when the next trip is...!

I'm sad that the TR is over too!

I am bound and determined to see VOL next time!

Details coming up...

 

[SwansLoveDisney]

I learned so much in the process of planning this trip and on the trip itself. More than on any previous trip. Here are the most important things I learned, all of which I will be utilizing on my next trip:

1. I hate ADRs! I made a bunch of ADRs for this trip. I agonized over them and changed them many times and worried about them to no end. How many ADRs did we actually keep? ONE!!!!! Only one stinking ADR. The one for Boma. We could never pull ourselves away from the fun we were having in order to make it to our ADRs. So we just didn't. We had mostly counter service meals. So next time, I will make maybe one or two ADRs and just be spontaneous about the rest.

2. Even if it rains during the entire trip, it's Disney World, and that means a rainy day at Disney is better than a sunny day anywhere else!

3. I loved AKL and it was awesome to stay at a deluxe resort, but I won't do it again for a long time. Our entire group felt guilty at the end of every day because we spent so little time at the resort. I felt much better about the value and moderate resorts I've stayed at cuz I didn't feel like I was missing out on anything. So for me, it's value or moderate from here on out!

4. Crocs are the best. I wore my Crocs Caymans for almost the entire trip and my feet were in heaven! Unfortunately, my dog chewed one of them up so I need to buy a new pair for my next trip. Fortunately, I saw them at Costco the other day!

5. My hair is crazy in Orlando. No matter what I did, I could not keep a handle on it. I should have just worn a hat and called it a hairdo!

6. Dole Whip Floats are awesome. Nuff said.

7. Disney popcorn is the best popcorn in the world. I still eat my microwave popcorn out of my Epcot popcorn bucket, but it's just not the same.

8. I like the shows more than I thought. I was always dead-set on going on every thrill ride a billion times. This time, we did a lot of the shows and I loved them! I need to do much more of that next time!

9. Rope drop is a must. Period.

10. I can not wait to have kids so I can bring them to Disney World!

I'm sure there are a lot more things I learned, but that's what comes to mind!

 

[SwansLoveDisney]

My next Disney trip is going to be in April! My friend Katie and I, and our DHs if we can convince them, will be driving to Disneyland in April to check out the scene.

This will be my first time at Disneyland. I never thought I wanted to go to Disneyland, but after Walk Disney: One Man's Dream, I feel like I MUST go to Disneyland.

We will only go to the park(s) for one day. I have so many questions about DL!!!

I'm just going to put these questions out there and if anyone can answer them, please do!!!

Since we're only going to parks for one day, should we do just DL or should with do both DL and California Adventure?

Also, tell me the must do's and where we should eat!

Thank you in advance for any input you have!


And for my next Disney trip:

Disneyworld in November!!!! For Thanksgiving! I love Disneyworld at Thanksgiving because it's just normal on Thanksgiving Day, and then it's been magically transformed to a Christmas wonderland the day after Thanksgiving.

So far, the cast includes me, DH!, my parents, and DHs mom. We'll be staying at Pop Century. We're going for 6 nights...my longest trip to Disney EVER!!! All very exciting. HOWEVER, my cousin Sarah (who was on this trip) is probably going to get engaged very soon. And she said it's possible that they'll get married in November. If they do, we'll have to put off the trip because I'll have to take a week's worth of vacation for her wedding. Can't take two weeks in a month! So we'll see...keep your fingers crossed for me!

As for non-Disney trips, my mom and I are going to Vegas in April. My mom has never been there and I am so excited to show her around! We're going to see Cirque du Soleil while we're there. And I'm going to try to teach her blackjack. I can't wait.

In May, I'm heading to Chicago for my half marathon. I ran 10 miles Saturday and it didn't kill me! So things are looking up in that department!

In June, we're going to GREECE for 10 days!!!!!! I am so excited! That trip will include DH, DH's mom, DH's brother, and DHs sister. We're heading to Athens, then Crete, then Santorini. If anyone has any advice on those destinations, please do share!

In July, we'll head to Rocky Point in Mexico for a long weekend. It's a 5 hour drive from Phoenix and it's on the Gulf of Mexico. We've heard mixed reviews on Rocky Point, but we have to check it out since it's so close.

In August, we're heading to San Diego for my birthday! DH came up with idea and of course I said YES! I love San Diego and we've never been there together. It's going to be so much fun.

So there's lots of traveling in our future. My favorite!!!! We're trying to jam it all in before we have kids. And if all goes well, that won't be too far off in the future, so we gotta use our time wisely!

Those are our plans! Thanks so much everyone for sticking with me! I loved sharing my TR with all of you. I never thought I would have friends on the internet, but I am so happy that I have all of you! Thanks!

 

[scottny]

WOW!!!

You are certainly going to busy over the next year. That is great to have so many trips.

I have not been to Disneyland since 1995 so I cannot help you.

I think there is a Disneyland thread on here, check it out.

look forward to any tr's u do in the future.

 

[jordanyosh]

Joanne,

Hmm...to park hop or not.....

I would stick with DL--

Must do's:

Rides not at WDW:

Indiana Jones
Matterhorn

All these are "kiddie rides"--so you don't have to ride them...
Mr Toads
Alice in Wonderland
Roger Rabbit's Cartoon Spin
Pinocchio
Storybook
Casey Jr..

Rides that are better at DL:
Space Mountain, different and in some ways better at DL
Buzz--the guns detach from the car
Pirates--much longer at DL


As far as where to eat:

Try Napa Rose at the Grand Californian, Catal at DTD.

In DL: Pizza Port in Tomorrowland reminds me the most of eating at WDW..Translation--food pretty decent.

 

[lovegrumpy]

My next Disney trip is going to be in April! My friend Katie and I, and our DHs if we can convince them, will be driving to Disneyland in April to check out the scene.

This will be my first time at Disneyland. I never thought I wanted to go to Disneyland, but after Walk Disney: One Man's Dream, I feel like I MUST go to Disneyland.

We will only go to the park(s) for one day. I have so many questions about DL!!!

I'm just going to put these questions out there and if anyone can answer them, please do!!!

Since we're only going to parks for one day, should we do just DL or should with do both DL and California Adventure? I would do both. California screaming is awsome. The mocster inc ride is a acual ride. I tought it was very cute and was upset to find out the one at wdw was just a show. Also if they are still showing alddian thats a must. DCA alsoi s the park that has hollywood tower of tower.

Also, tell me the must do's and where we should eat!
We always eat at hungery bear. We loved it.
The must do's
space mt I think is much better here
Indain Jones My husband loves this ride
Piartes So much better and longer then wdw
I would do mister toad just because it's no longer at wdw I was upset to hear that i love this ride
Also the tikki room its still playing the same on from 1955
Thats all I can think of.
Thank you in advance for any input you have!

My husband and I love Disneyland much more then WDW but the kids love WDW.

 

[JaxJags08]

Hi! I'm pretty new to these boards, but discovered your TR and have enjoyed it so much! I'm now hooked on reading TR's (thanks a lot ), but haven't found many nearly as entertaining as yours!

I totally agree with you on the rain. Me, DH, and DD1 went to the MK a few weeks ago in the rain and still had a great time! I think it actually thinned the crowds out a bit too.

Also, being from FL, I can attest to the whole hair situation. In those instances I just put it up in a ponytail and call it a day!

Have a great time on your future trips - I'm sure you will! Would it be too greedy of us to ask for TR's on those too?

 

[DisMomAmy]

Yay - I'm so happy to hear about all of your travel plans! And I'm the most excited to hear that DH is going to join you on your next WDW trip!

Keep us posted about your DL trip! I've never been either so I don't have anything to offer for that one. Other than - HAVE FUN!

Amy

 

[lisaviolet]

1. I hate ADRs!

Hallelujah! Me too. I can't stand how they seem to interrupt my go with the flow.

I haven't made many this century! I had a trip in the mid 90s that cured me. I couldn't stand how they bothered me and my spontaneity. I felt like I was always running somewhere and I love love love lazy vacationing.

 

[mkluvsmickey]

Wow! You sure have a busy year! Sounds wonderful though. I'll be on the lookout for a new TR from you!

 

[babieemelly]

What a great end to your trip, Julie! You learned a lot that will defnitely help on your future trips. And I'm jealous of how much traveling you'll be doing! Are you thinking of doing any trip reports? Be sure to share your Greece pictures with us, that trip sounds amazing!

Thanks so much for sharing your trip with us. I really loved it and I'm glad that you guys had a good time!

 

[SwansLoveDisney]

WOW!!!

You are certainly going to busy over the next year. That is great to have so many trips.

I have not been to Disneyland since 1995 so I cannot help you.

I think there is a Disneyland thread on here, check it out.

look forward to any tr's u do in the future.

I will have to check out the Disneyland thread for sure. But I am scared that I am going to get sucked into reading EVERYTHING on the Disneyland thread!

Thanks so much for reading!

Joanne,

Hmm...to park hop or not.....

I would stick with DL--

Must do's:

Rides not at WDW:

Indiana Jones
Matterhorn

All these are "kiddie rides"--so you don't have to ride them...
Mr Toads
Alice in Wonderland
Roger Rabbit's Cartoon Spin
Pinocchio
Storybook
Casey Jr..

Rides that are better at DL:
Space Mountain, different and in some ways better at DL
Buzz--the guns detach from the car
Pirates--much longer at DL


As far as where to eat:

Try Napa Rose at the Grand Californian, Catal at DTD.

In DL: Pizza Port in Tomorrowland reminds me the most of eating at WDW..Translation--food pretty decent.

Thanks so much for the DL tips, Josh.

I knew you would have some good advice on that front!

If you were us, would you go at the beginning or end of April? or does it not even matter?

My next Disney trip is going to be in April! My friend Katie and I, and our DHs if we can convince them, will be driving to Disneyland in April to check out the scene.

This will be my first time at Disneyland. I never thought I wanted to go to Disneyland, but after Walk Disney: One Man's Dream, I feel like I MUST go to Disneyland.

We will only go to the park(s) for one day. I have so many questions about DL!!!

I'm just going to put these questions out there and if anyone can answer them, please do!!!

Since we're only going to parks for one day, should we do just DL or should with do both DL and California Adventure? I would do both. California screaming is awsome. The mocster inc ride is a acual ride. I tought it was very cute and was upset to find out the one at wdw was just a show. Also if they are still showing alddian thats a must. DCA alsoi s the park that has hollywood tower of tower.

Also, tell me the must do's and where we should eat!
We always eat at hungery bear. We loved it.
The must do's
space mt I think is much better here
Indain Jones My husband loves this ride
Piartes So much better and longer then wdw
I would do mister toad just because it's no longer at wdw I was upset to hear that i love this ride
Also the tikki room its still playing the same on from 1955
Thats all I can think of.
Thank you in advance for any input you have!

My husband and I love Disneyland much more then WDW but the kids love WDW.

Thank you SO much for your helpful advice!

I already feel more prepared. I'm thinking you're right about the park hopper. I would be so sad if I couldn't go on Tower of Terror. It's my favorite for sure.

Hi! I'm pretty new to these boards, but discovered your TR and have enjoyed it so much! I'm now hooked on reading TR's (thanks a lot ), but haven't found many nearly as entertaining as yours!

I totally agree with you on the rain. Me, DH, and DD1 went to the MK a few weeks ago in the rain and still had a great time! I think it actually thinned the crowds out a bit too.

Also, being from FL, I can attest to the whole hair situation. In those instances I just put it up in a ponytail and call it a day!

Have a great time on your future trips - I'm sure you will! Would it be too greedy of us to ask for TR's on those too?

Thanks so much for the compliment! And thanks for reading!

I can't wait to have a DD1 to take to MK!!! I'm jealous!

I agree about the rain thinning the crowds. So many times, there was a mass exodus when the rain would start to pour down. We stuck it out, though, and it was so worth it. Even if my hair looked like a crazy person's!

I'll do TRs for sure on my Disney trips. The other trips, I'll try to sneak into my pre TRs or TRs!

Yay - I'm so happy to hear about all of your travel plans! And I'm the most excited to hear that DH is going to join you on your next WDW trip!

Keep us posted about your DL trip! I've never been either so I don't have anything to offer for that one. Other than - HAVE FUN!

Amy

I am SO excited about DH coming to WDW! And I may be wrong (it's happened once before), but I think he's actually excited about it!

I will definitely fill you in on the DL trip!

Hallelujah! Me too. I can't stand how they seem to interrupt my go with the flow.

I haven't made many this century! I had a trip in the mid 90s that cured me. I couldn't stand how they bothered me and my spontaneity. I felt like I was always running somewhere and I love love love lazy vacationing.

I'm glad someone agrees with me about the ADRs!

My job is all about appointments and I hate having "appointments" on vacation!!!

 

[SwansLoveDisney]

Wow! You sure have a busy year! Sounds wonderful though. I'll be on the lookout for a new TR from you!

I'll definitely do a new TR! And I'll try to be more efficient about it!

Thanks for reading!!!

What a great end to your trip, Julie! You learned a lot that will defnitely help on your future trips. And I'm jealous of how much traveling you'll be doing! Are you thinking of doing any trip reports? Be sure to share your Greece pictures with us, that trip sounds amazing!

Thanks so much for sharing your trip with us. I really loved it and I'm glad that you guys had a good time!

Thanks for sticking with me the whole way!

I will definitely share the Greece pics...I know there will be hundreds of them!

 

[DisMomAmy]

I'll add in my 2 cents about ADRS - we enjoyed the ones we went to (mostly character meals), but it was definitely inconvenient sometimes. The last couple days were our most enjoyable at the parks - and those were the days we played it by ear. Our extended family was gone - now just the 4 of us - we didn't have any specific plans or ADRS - we just did what we wanted to do.

We have 2 ADRs for our 3 day trip in April - Le Cellier for lunch one day - but that's right at 11:30 when they open - so we won't have to wait long. And the other is the H&V buffet - get in and get out! And if we weren't on the dining plan - we probably wouldn't have the ADRs at all!

 

[SwansLoveDisney]

I'll add in my 2 cents about ADRS - we enjoyed the ones we went to (mostly character meals), but it was definitely inconvenient sometimes. The last couple days were our most enjoyable at the parks - and those were the days we played it by ear. Our extended family was gone - now just the 4 of us - we didn't have any specific plans or ADRS - we just did what we wanted to do.

We have 2 ADRs for our 3 day trip in April - Le Cellier for lunch one day - but that's right at 11:30 when they open - so we won't have to wait long. And the other is the H&V buffet - get in and get out! And if we weren't on the dining plan - we probably wouldn't have the ADRs at all!

That's my problem with the dining plan...ADRs! It seems like a great deal and all, but I just couldn't handle the ADRs.

Le Cellier, however, is completely and totally worth an ADR!

 

[jordanyosh]

Joanne (I better be careful or I'll start calling you that for real)

Our take on the DDP...we were too tied to ADRs.....we probably won't do it again....OR if we do, we'll do all Signature Dining.....It was a good value even with the changes to the plan in 2008.

I would say late April only to miss any late Spring Breaks....

 

[toocherie]

Hi there--I have grown up with DL and live 15 minutes from the park and go there often with my AP. The one thing people who are used to WDW have a hard time adjusting to is how close everything is--DL and DCA are just across a small courtyard from each other--so it is very easy to park hop! It's too bad that you don't have more than one day--for a commando type trip I would think a day and a half would be the minimum to hit the high points in both parks. I would study maps of both (if you want PM me and I will mail you some) and identify what your "must do's" are--you've gotten a lot of good suggestions already.

For restaurants--I know it's not the greatest food in the world but can I say--Blue Bayou. There is NOTHING to beat the ambiance of sitting in a darkened restaurant while the Pirates boats go by (and occasionally hear the screams of people going down the drops). And actually, I've enjoyed the three meals I've had there. And if you are two couples--well I think it's one of the more romantic places in DL. You can either go for lunch (and at lunch they have the famous Monte Cristo sandwich--but I would suggest sharing it because it is very heavy and fried) or dinner--but will need Priority Seating either way (the same as an ADR--just called differently here. You can make those 60 days in advance so I would hop on that. It is pricey--either lunch or dinner--but you can split plates for a small fee (or some people just go for dessert).

Since Spring Break seems like it's mostly mid-April I would suggest late April for your trip--you're also less likely to hit any rain we might get.

and finally, if you are there when they are doing the Electrical Parade at DCA for me it is a must--even more than the fireworks (but that's just my preference and I'm sure it's because of childhood memories).

If you have any other questions feel free to PM me or post here!

Cheryl (p.s.--I thought your TR was great! I am going to WDW for the first time (more or less--went MANY years ago when there was just the beginnings of the Magic Kingdom) and picked up a lot of tips from your TR!)

 

[DisMomAmy]

Joanne (I better be careful or I'll start calling you that for real)

Our take on the DDP...we were too tied to ADRs.....we probably won't do it again....OR if we do, we'll do all Signature Dining.....It was a good value even with the changes to the plan in 2008.

I would say late April only to miss any late Spring Breaks....

Is late April quiet(er)? New Englanders have school vacation in late February AND in late April. Are we the only ones? We are deciding between late February (a week later than the majority of the country) or late April for next year. I'm leaning toward late April. I think it also depends when Easter is, doesn't it? The Disney website reports that early April is a a great time to visit, but not late April. I guess I can report back on early April after my upcoming trip.

 

[DisMomAmy]

Is late April quiet(er)? New Englanders have school vacation in late February AND in late April. Are we the only ones? We are deciding between late February (a week later than the majority of the country) or late April for next year. I'm leaning toward late April. I think it also depends when Easter is, doesn't it? The Disney website reports that early April is a a great time to visit, but not late April. I guess I can report back on early April after my upcoming trip.

Sorry - I'm now realizing that you are talking about your DL trip... It was a late night - DS4 was up sick most of the night - I'm still in a bit of a fog...