Very First Trip... Lots of questions

[Followmik]

Hi everyone !

Just a little introduction : I'm a french Disney fan (Disneyland Paris annual passport holder & Cast-member during summer) and I take advantage of being exchange student here in the US to make a (big and old) dream come true by going (and spending the money I earned in DLP) for the first time at Walt Disney World ! This will also be a solo trip, but I don't really care, I'm sooo excited !

So, as you guess I would have a few question to ask you and I think this is the best part of the board to ask them :
-I'm planning to go to some morning and evening EMH but I heard the parks were crowded during theses periods, should I plan something else ? (during EMH, DLP is... empty)
-I'm more interested in shows and characters than rides, I know where the main meet'n'greet areas are (toon town, camp Mickey Minnie, EPCOT character spot) but I was wondering if some of you would have some good tips for quiet meeting in each park ? (I mean, in DLP there's a crowded Princess photolocation next to the castle though you can meet the Princesses in Fantasyland about 2 hours before parade, but nobody knows that...)
-I was also wondering if the show "Dream Along with Mickey' will still be performed march 6 to 13, I'd really like to see the famous "moving head"
-I heard there were Fast-Pass for Voyage of the Little Mermaid, is it the same idea than for rides ? Is it a sort of reservation for seats ? If I cannot have one, how many time should I plan before show time ?
-same question, how many time before show time for Fantasmic and Illumination ? (I plan to watch the latter from future world, I mean spaceship earth behing me and lake in front, is it a good idea ?)
-About merchandise, I look mostly for pins and clothes, and also Little Mermaid collectibles (can't find anything in France...) I was thinking of World of Disney, but what else in the parks ? (Emporium in MK, I guess...)
-I heard about guests name tags, does it still exist ? Where can I find this ?
-I was wondering if someone would know the usual (or probable) schedules of Ariel's Grotto and characters in toon town (I plan to go there in the morning...)
-Are breakfast included in room reservation ?
-I took the Disney "quick" Dining plan, I mostly like (original) burgers and pizzas, any recommandation ?

Well I don't think I forgot anything, I made a sort of planning based on EMH and night shows schedules I found on this website, what do you think about it ?
-Friday march 6th - arriving at Orlando at 11:45am / EPCOT
-Sat 7th : Magic Kingdom
-Sun 8th : Disney's Hollywood Studios
-Monday 9th : Disney's Animal Kingdom / Magic Kingdom
-Tuesday 10th : Magic Kingdom
-Wednesday 11th : Animal Kingdom / Disney's Hollywood Studios
-Thursday 12th : Magic Kingdom / Disney's Hollywood Studios
-Friday 13th : morning in favorite one / take off to Milwaukee at 6:28pm

I know it's a pretty long message, I really hope I'm in the right section, if not let me know

(otherwise, if I can help planning for DLP, mail me !)

 

[nurse.darcy]

First off welcome to USA. I will attempt to answer some of your questions. . .from my perspective:

1. Fastpass: Fastpass is sort of like a line holder. . .you get a fast pass by using your Key to the World or Park Hopper ticket in the fast pass machine and it gives you a window of time to return to the attraction. Most of the shows at DHS won't have fast pass and truly you do not need them. There aren't any real bad seats in the shows and the time of year you are going is relatively slow.

2. Quick service meal plan: This gives you two counter service meals and two snacks per day. I haven't used it yet but I have seen those counter service meals and its a lot of food that is included. You didn't mention where you are staying but none of the Disney hotels have breakfast included as part of your room stay unless you are staying concierge level. If you are staying concierge level then there will be some continental breakfast offerings in the concierge lounge. If you are like most of my european friends then you prefer to start your day with coffee and a pastry or bakery item. Since this meal plan includes the refillable mug, coffee is free at your resort and a pastry is a snack item. . .you would still have two full counter service meals and another snack to enjoy other things.

2. You can often find characters wandering the parks at times but I couldn't begin to tell you where to find them. I am sure someone else will come along here and offer more info.

3. EMH: I personally avoid EMH at all costs. That is usually where the biggest crowds are.

Well, hopefully I answered some of your questions. Feel free to ask anything else you like.

 

[jadedbeauty14304]

Hi there! Someday I hope to visit Disneyland Paris!!! I can't answer all your questions, but I do have some suggestions...

-I recently used the new quick service dining plan and I found it to be the perfect amount of food. You get a resort mug (which is great for morning coffee) 2 counter service meals a day, and two snacks a day. I would recommend Cosmic Rays in MK, Pecos Bills in MK, Flame Tree BBQ at AK, Pizzafari at AK, and Toy Story Pizza Planet is a loud and fun place at DHS. At Epcot, the possibilities are endless with all of the wonderful restaurants in the World Showcase, and Sunshine Seasons in the Land pavillion has some nice offerings. Also, check out the food court at your resort (If you are staying at a value or moderate resort) I have found the resort food courts meals very very very good! LOL And as for snacks, Mickey ice cream bars and mickey rice crispy treats are my favorites! LOL


- You can find Characters around the World Showcase at Epcot during the afternoon. Grab a times guide when you enter. I have seen Mulan in China, Aladdin and Jasmine in Morocco, Snow White and Dopey in Germany, and Belle in France. There are others too, and they don't guarantee who will be where, but they give you an idea of the times on the times guide for each country. There are also some great entertainment and shows in World Showcase, make sure you check it out!!

- Find your spot for Illuminations 45 minutes before the show is scheduled to start. And stay there. It gets very crowded!! But the show is totally worth it!! As for Fantasmic, get in line early, also at least 45 minutes before because if the amphitheater fills up, they will not allow anyone else in.

- You can find a lot of Little Mermaid Merchandise in the parks, just keep your eyes open for it.

- Slip a day at Epcot in your schedule!!!!! It is the best of all the parks!!!!!


Most of all, have a great time, and have fun!!!!

 

[WizardLarz]

Welcome
Here is my advice for your park schedule:
6th - EPCOT see Elluminations
7th - Magic Kingdom
8th - Disney Hollywood Studios (Evening EMH))
9th - MK (Evening EMH)
10th - EPCOT / DTD shopping
11th - Animal Kingdom/ DHS see Fantasmic (8:30pm)
12th - MK and/or EPCOT
13th - Blizzard Beach or a park
OH yea , Have a Magical Time!!

 

[Master Mason]

You don't have any time scheduled at Epcot in your plan that I can see. I would say that needs to be added.

I liked the EMH's the times I was there. Even if it is crowded, your still in the park later than you would otherwise be able to be.

 

[can84]

I would love to go to DLP. I'll make it one of these days!
I agree with everyone else--you haven't scheduled EPCOT and you really should. It's a great park! I really like the EMH. I find the morning ones less crowded than the evening ones though. I've also noticed that the early EMH hours seem more crowded as the day goes on, but that is just my opinion, not sure if that's really the case I also love the evening hours, but the waits can still be long for those.
For characters, in the MK there are some areas where they hang out. I know I've seen Captain Hook in Adventureland and Brer Bear near Splash Mountain, so just remember to take a minute to glance around because you never know what you will see!
There are fast passes for the Little Mermaid, but unless the park is really crowded that day I'm not sure that you will need it. Also, just outside by the exit is a small outdoor shop that may sell Little Mermaid merchandise, but I'm not too sure. Also, since Fantasmic is only shown a couple of days a week, you should probably get there fairly early.
I love Pecos Bill's in the MK for the hamburgers--the pulled pork sandwich is pretty good too! I also like the ABC Commissary in the Studios too.

I hope you have a great trip, and are staying warm while in Wisconsin!

 

[Followmik]

Hi !

Thank you all for answering, I'll make sure to try the restaurants you talked about, I'm staying at the All Star Music Resort, I find this type of resort is really a good idea, it's much cheaper than the cheapest resort of DLP !

I planned EPCOT for my first day because there's evening EMH at Future World so I can ride one or two attractions after Illumination. I have to confess I feel less interested in EPCOT than the other parks, it seem less Disney, this is also why I plan to start here, if I like it I could still plan a other time there during my stay... Anyway I think I'll go back at least one evening to see Illumination again as it seems really great !

I'm quite surprised about EMH and I am really wondering if I shouldn't reorganize my plans, do you think it would be less crowded in MK at 9am a day when there is morning EMH in DHS ?

Can84 : it's been a month now, so I'm used to Wisconsin Winter, seems like I won't need a coat for next winters in DLP ! But I'm sure I will enjoy Florida weather more than Wisconsin's !

 

[jadedbeauty14304]

Hi !

Thank you all for answering, I'll make sure to try the restaurants you talked about, I'm staying at the All Star Music Resort, I find this type of resort is really a good idea, it's much cheaper than the cheapest resort of DLP !

I planned EPCOT for my first day because there's evening EMH at Future World so I can ride one or two attractions after Illumination. I have to confess I feel less interested in EPCOT than the other parks, it seem less Disney, this is also why I plan to start here, if I like it I could still plan a other time there during my stay... Anyway I think I'll go back at least one evening to see Illumination again as it seems really great !

I'm quite surprised about EMH and I am really wondering if I shouldn't reorganize my plans, do you think it would be less crowded in MK at 9am a day when there is morning EMH in DHS ?

Can84 : it's been a month now, so I'm used to Wisconsin Winter, seems like I won't need a coat for next winters in DLP ! But I'm sure I will enjoy Florida weather more than Wisconsin's !

I always organize my plans to avoid the EMH parks. I usually try to go to a park the morning after it had a PM EMH. For example, if MK has PM EMH on Saturday night, I will plan to go to MK on Sunday morning. And I avoid at all costs the park that has the AM EMH.

I think once you go to Epcot you will feel the Disney in full force. It really is a magical park. The attractions in Future World are great, I really love Test Track, Soarin' and Spaceship Earth , but the shows, street performers, and pavilions in World Showcase on a sunny afternoon are like a vacation within a vacation. It may not be all fairy tales like MK, but the magic is still everywhere you look.

 

[4everWDW]

All of our trips we have also started at Epcot, it is my husbands favorite but its a good place to start...Test Track and Soarin are our favorites. One thing we do, especially if we are staying a week, is after a while all the food starts to taste the same, so we pick a country to visit for the evening and eat there.

 

[nurse.darcy]

I always organize my plans to avoid the EMH parks. I usually try to go to a park the morning after it had a PM EMH. For example, if MK has PM EMH on Saturday night, I will plan to go to MK on Sunday morning. And I avoid at all costs the park that has the AM EMH.

I think once you go to Epcot you will feel the Disney in full force. It really is a magical park. The attractions in Future World are great, I really love Test Track, Soarin' and Spaceship Earth , but the shows, street performers, and pavilions in World Showcase on a sunny afternoon are like a vacation within a vacation. It may not be all fairy tales like MK, but the magic is still everywhere you look.

I totally agree with this. . .and I make it a point of going back to this park as many times as possible. . .I spend very little time at MK cause I am a disneyland nut and the disneyland park has MANY MORE attractions than MK at WDW. Anyway, that is my normal touring plan.

 

[Sha]

Not sure what you all are looking at, but Followmik has Epcot on the day of arrival.

 

[Master Mason]

Not sure what you all are looking at, but Followmik has Epcot on the day of arrival.

Missed that. I guess I just thought there was too much time at DHS myself, but probably because that is the park I spent the least time at both times I was there. Probably too little time, but when your only there for a few days what are you going to do. I can get to DL which is pretty similar to MK a bunch, but there is nothing like epcot or animal kingdom out here. When I first went to epcot, I wasn't that impressed to be honest, but the second trip it grew on me.

 

[jadedbeauty14304]

Not sure what you all are looking at, but Followmik has Epcot on the day of arrival.

I was looking at the fact that Followmik only has Epcot on the day of arrival. It is just not enough time to really experience it. Thats just my opinion. My first trip I skipped Epcot totally and I regret it now looking back. I didn't think it would be any fun, but now it is my favorite place in all of the World!

 

[can84]

Not sure what you all are looking at, but Followmik has Epcot on the day of arrival.

It was supposed to say much EPCOT guess it didn't make it from my brain to the keyboard

 

[nurse.darcy]

Missed that. I guess I just thought there was too much time at DHS myself, but probably because that is the park I spent the least time at both times I was there. Probably too little time, but when your only there for a few days what are you going to do. I can get to DL which is pretty similar to MK a bunch, but there is nothing like epcot or animal kingdom out here. When I first went to epcot, I wasn't that impressed to be honest, but the second trip it grew on me.

I have a tendency to spend TOO much time at DHS. . .mostly at Tune-In Lounge fraternizing with David, David and Mario. . .lol

 

[nurse.darcy]

Regardless of the plan you make, leave yourself open to the possibility that you might end up spending less time than you thought at one park and want to return to another. Relax and enjoy yourself.

 

[Followmik]

yes, my plan is just a sort of guide (like the pirates' code...hmmm... nevermind) not to be lost in the "world" (you know, so excited that you wanna see everything and finally you miss everything) So I just plan what I really don't want to miss and keep a lot of "free time". I replaced a morning at MK by one at EPCOT and as I said by starting at EPCOT I still can choose to go back...

I just wanted to know if "Dream Along with Mickey" is still performed ?
if Ariel's Grotto opens at the same time the park opens (9am) ?
if there are already characters in Toon Town at opening time ?
and finally what attendance should I expect (march 6 to 13) ?

Thank you all for already answering my first questions

 

[nurse.darcy]

yes, my plan is just a sort of guide (like the pirates' code...hmmm... nevermind) not to be lost in the "world" (you know, so excited that you wanna see everything and finally you miss everything) So I just plan what I really don't want to miss and keep a lot of "free time". I replaced a morning at MK by one at EPCOT and as I said by starting at EPCOT I still can choose to go back...

I just wanted to know if "Dream Along with Mickey" is still performed ?
if Ariel's Grotto opens at the same time the park opens (9am) ?
if there are already characters in Toon Town at opening time ?
and finally what attendance should I expect (march 6 to 13) ?

Thank you all for already answering my first questions

Okay hun, just thought you should know that many of us here on the singles and adults thread are "frequent flyers" and tour much differently than those that come here once or twice in a lifetime. . .for instance, I made 4 trips in 2008 so by the time I got to trip #4, I knew what I wanted to see and what I didn't need to go back to. However, I am going to WDW with my DBF at the end of March and my touring plan includes stuff that we want to experience together as a couple (for us this means several trips to AK as we love animals)

 

[Glenn]

When you enter the parks make sure you grab the weekly entertainment schedule. Epcot will offer many groups that will perform during the day. Make sure you check out Off Kilter in Canada they are great. Over in England they have a good Beatles group (keep forgeting their name). For burgers Peco's Bills have some extra toppings like mushrooms and cooked onions. Remember to stop at the Coke tasting place (formally ice station cool) for samples from around the world. Have fun & enjoy WI too.