Trying to decide what we shouldn't miss.....

[caroline1851]

So just my dd 11 and I (leaving my son at home as I took just him last year) are going in January. The last time she went she was 5 and doesn't remember much of anything. Things she hasn't done that I want to make sure we do: space mountain, splash mountain, tot, rrc, ee, dinosaur, test track and Star tours. We have never done any shows like Lion King, Nemo, Fantasmic. Are these must sees? I love that we've been quite a few times but it's a new trip each time because we've missed so many things. she doesn't remember Soarin, BTMRR, POC, HM, TSMM so i'll make sure we do those.

What are must dos? she's not into doing marathon days in the parks and we are only there for 1/15 arrivwe 10am, 1/16-1/18 then need to leave resort to go to airport at 2pm on 1/19.

Also, I hate roller coasters, but suffered through rrc last trip. I hate big drops so it was tolerable. How is EE? wondering if I can handle it. I did TOT but hated it more than any ride ever.

thanks!

 

[BrianL]

I would definitely say do Fantasmic! as it is really great. Festival of the Lion King is pretty awesome too and well worth the time at AK. Finding Nemo is a bit more elaborate and longer (think mini-Broadway show) so it depends on if your daughter is into that. It is very well done though.

I would definitely check out the new projection show Once Upon a Time and if it is up and running, Rivers of Light (I have no idea of the current status of that show).

 

[Marc D]

Fantasmic and FOLK are must see. EE is a bit more intense than Seven Dwarves (that you didn't mention but that you should do, at least for the animatronics), one of the drops being quite steep. It also goes backwards. But it's not worst than SM that you mentioned so you should give it a try....

 

[lovethattink]

EE gets my stomach more than RRC. It's not the drop that gets me, but the inside dark part.

 

[caroline1851]

What is the projection show "once upon a time"?

 

[cassie58]

Agree with Fantasmic and Lion King as must do. You didn't mention Safari, but assume you will want to do that. Haven't braved EE yet, so can't tell you about that, but totally agree on ToT! In MK the castle projection show is excellent as PP said(a new one is starting now, but I am sure it will be good) and we love Philharmagic in addition to the ones you have listed, and 7DMT which I didn't see listed above. We also enjoy Muppets and DD 13 likes IJ show, but TSMM is our fave at HS. I think you have covered the rest!

 

[glassslippergirl]

I love Nemo, but your daughter may have different feelings as it is a bit long. It is visually stunning, though, great music. If she likes musical movies like Annie, I wouldn't skip it. If not, pass. You can always watch it on YouTube to help you make the call.

Fantastic, and the other nighttime shows--Wishes and Illuminations-- are not to be missed.

Definitely add 7DMT to your list-- it's a mild roller coaster. EE may be a challenge for you. If your DD wants to go, I'd find a way to power through. Again, maybe you could desensitize yourself by watching the YouTube video over and over.

 

[cassie58]

What is the projection show "once upon a time"?

Yes, it was Celebrate the Magic, which ended this week. Hoping new one measures up!

 

[Marc D]

Yes, it was Celebrate the Magic, which ended this week. Hoping new one measures up!

It does. You can watch it on YouTube if you don't want to wait for your next visit.

 

[broncobill]

Fantasmic, Festival of the Lion King, the night time parade at MK and fireworks. We never miss any of these. Really any of the shows are pretty great.

 

[carolynwi]

Every one has different opinions on what is more intense than the other- but in my opinion EE is much more intense than space mountain and seven dwarves and about on the same level as RNRC. The whole ride is pretty do-able for most but the part where you go in the dark can REALLY flip your stomach. Just imagine a big drop- in the dark- but its backwards. I love EE but I just don't want you to think it's a kiddy ride and be surprised by it! Watching the youtube video won't give you too much of an idea of what it's really like as the most intense part is pitch black, but it's definitely over very fast!

 

[loves to dive]

One person's must do is another person's must miss. I wouldn't do RNRC or Space Mountain if you offered to hand me a hundred dollar bill. In all honesty, though, I have done both. They are both a little rough for me but I'd gladly stand in line for a hour to do ToT. I would suggest you just book your 3 fast passes for what she says she wants to do and go from there. The thing about WDW is it's huge, seriously big. There is no way you are going to be able to do everything and so if you go into it with the thought that you are going to enjoy what you do get to do, you'll be better off. If you go with the thought that something is a must do and you don't get to do it, you set yourself up for disappointment. Just go, enjoy your time together and soak in the place.

 

[vicb]

Your daughter is a great age to go with! Would she enjoy "pick a pearl" in Japan? My DD did at that age and still has her necklace (she is 24 now!). I would do Fantasmic for sure.