VWL Groupies & Lovers Thread (Special Collectors Edition 2.5) updated 2 February 2025

[Disney loving Iowan]

I would include that we've never ridden Astro Orbiter for the same reasons.

yeah I think I've only ridden that once also.

 

[DVC Jen]

There are several I have never been on - Mission Space, Expedition Everest, Tower of Terror, Rockin Roller Coaster... I am not a fan of most thrill rides. Never have been. To make my family happy I did do Space Mountain - once. It just felt so jerky to me that I didn't enjoy it at all. Our last trip I did Slinky Dog - which was a BIG stretch for me. It was another one and done. I know it is a very tame roller coaster but the way it is set up without any theming along the sides really bothers me. Strangely I love Big Thunder - but there is that themeing to distract me. It's not like I am looking over the side of the ride vehicle and seeing nothing but a drop. And speaking of drops - I love Splash Mountain. Maybe because by the time I am scared, it is over?

yes - I am strange. I admit it.

 

[Disney loving Iowan]

There are several I have never been on - Mission Space, Expedition Everest, Tower of Terror, Rockin Roller Coaster... I am not a fan of most thrill rides. Never have been. To make my family happy I did do Space Mountain - once. It just felt so jerky to me that I didn't enjoy it at all. Our last trip I did Slinky Dog - which was a BIG stretch for me. It was another one and done. I know it is a very tame roller coaster but the way it is set up without any theming along the sides really bothers me. Strangely I love Big Thunder - but there is that themeing to distract me. It's not like I am looking over the side of the ride vehicle and seeing nothing but a drop. And speaking of drops - I love Splash Mountain. Maybe because by the time I am scared, it is over?

yes - I am strange. I admit it.

Nah you aren't strange. Different strokes for different folks. Many years ago we went with some family and my SIL didn't even want to do Soarin because she doesn't like any thrill rides. Thankfully there are so many other things to do that you can still have a great time without doing the coasters etc. I never do the WDW space mountain because it is so jerky. It bothers my neck and back too much but the one at DL is so much smoother. I love that one.

 

[bluecastle]

Never ridden or experienced: Astro Orbiter, It's Tough to Be a Bug, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Magic Carpets of Aladdin, TriceratopSpin, Alien Swirling Saucers, Frozen Ever After, MF Smugglers Run, Mission SPACE, Slinky Dog Dash, Star Tours, Toy Story Mania.

Rides I've ridden once and can't do (motion sickness and back problems) or won't do again is too long to list!

Question: What is your favorite breakfast on property and why?

 

[twokats]

Never ridden or experienced: Astro Orbiter, It's Tough to Be a Bug, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Magic Carpets of Aladdin, TriceratopSpin, Alien Swirling Saucers, Frozen Ever After, MF Smugglers Run, Mission SPACE, Slinky Dog Dash, Star Tours, Toy Story Mania.

Rides I've ridden once and can't do (motion sickness and back problems) or won't do again is too long to list!

Question: What is your favorite breakfast on property and why?

Teacups for us also. And Astro Orbiter. I am sure there is one or two others, but those are the main ones we avoid.

The only breakfast we have ever done on property is the breakfast at Crystal Palace. Kati loves to do that so that she can eat with Tigger.

 

[twinklebug]

Has anyone else been catching some of the livestreams various vloggers have been putting out from the parks?

Disney's done a good job with most of the characters with the distanced photo ops and interaction as well as the cavalcades (mini parades) throughout the parks. Exception to poor little Tinkerbell who had no lost boys or dancers to accompany her. It was just her, alone, trucking through the MK on her treasure chest. She looked really odd: Tinkerbell, coming though. Honk! Honk!

I may be a bit partial, I hold Tink in a special place in my heart as the tiny fairy who flew up and over the castle to start off the Wonderful World of Disney every Sunday night when I was little. I'm still not on board with a human sized Tink.

 

[DVC Jen]

Question: What is your favorite breakfast on property and why?

Mine would have to be Whispering Canyon all you can eat skillet breakfast. Ian and I have made it a tradition that when the whole family goes and our girls are sleeping in, we sneak out and have breakfast - just the two of us. Whispering Canyon is often where we go.

Question - Is there a parade that is no longer running, that you miss?
(for me it has to be Tapestry of Nations/Dreams with Spectromagic being a close second)

 

[Cinderbrella1]

My family's must do breakfast is at Kona Cafe. Everything comes out beautifully prepared and we've always had excellent service. I always get an order of Tonga Toast with a side of bacon.
We've also enjoyed breakfast at the Grand Floridian Cafe, which is such a nice, relaxing, beautiful restaurant. The eggs are always prepared the right way, never overcooked.

 

[Disney loving Iowan]

Has anyone else been catching some of the livestreams various vloggers have been putting out from the parks?

Disney's done a good job with most of the characters with the distanced photo ops and interaction as well as the cavalcades (mini parades) throughout the parks. Exception to poor little Tinkerbell who had no lost boys or dancers to accompany her. It was just her, alone, trucking through the MK on her treasure chest. She looked really odd: Tinkerbell, coming though. Honk! Honk!

I may be a bit partial, I hold Tink in a special place in my heart as the tiny fairy who flew up and over the castle to start off the Wonderful World of Disney every Sunday night when I was little. I'm still not on board with a human sized Tink.

Yes I have been watching the videos. I have been enjoying watching them. I loved seeing Joy and Pooh. So cute.

 

[Lorana]

I may be a bit partial, I hold Tink in a special place in my heart as the tiny fairy who flew up and over the castle to start off the Wonderful World of Disney every Sunday night when I was little. I'm still not on board with a human sized Tink.

Right there with you! I was a little upset when she first appeared. Just like it took a while for me to accept her talking in the Tinkerbell movies.

On a different note -- has anyone been to the Lodge since it reopened? Given that it seems the hotel side isn't reopening any time soon, what's available for amenities, activities and restaurants? I'm not going till - hopefully! - December and then again in February, but I'd be disappointed if we don't get "full" experience, at least for my extended family trip in February as it will be their first time! (We also have a trip planned to AKL with friends in April, and I'm worried about the same thing!). And will they still decorate for Christmas??

 

[bluecastle]

Question - Is there a parade that is no longer running, that you miss?
(for me it has to be Tapestry of Nations/Dreams with Spectromagic being a close second)

MSEP is a nostalgic favorite with many happy memories associated with it, including listening to it at home quite often. Over the years I have found that I also really miss Spectromagic. Love that music too. It makes me very sad that it was damaged beyond repair because it was not stored properly.

Question: What is your favorite extra ticketed event?
My answer: We did the expensive MK After Hours in January. We had the MK practically to ourselves from 8-11 pm and loved it! Totally worth the money, even though we remember those $10.00 ETicket nights that were amazing in the early days.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Next Groupie meet on the Astro Orbiter!

 

[Corinne]

I just wanted to share with my Groupie friends that Mrs. Granny & I have our first grandchild...a boy born to my daughter early this morning! Mom & baby are in good health...praise God!

Congratulations Tom and Cindy! So happy for you, and how nice to hear such wonderful and joyful news!!!

 

[Corinne]

I miss a few days of checking the thread (month/quarter end) and you all decide to post a lot and play a fun game!!! Lol

we love The Boathouse, and only done there when at Springs. As sleepy mentioned it is always consistent, I only had one item I did not love, and in fairness our server advised against it, so totally my fault! We did try Art Smith‘s Homecoming in December, and, oh boy.....YUM! We will definitely go back.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Next Groupie meet on the Astro Orbiter!

Years ago I was with a friends daughter and I waited in line with her for Astro Orbiter. Her parents had health issues and could not go on certain rides. I had already gone on Space Mountain with her, so I thought I was ready. Well, I looked at the little ride cars, and decided IF I could get in, I would never get out! This was before I had my bilateral knee replacement. So, she had to go by herself, and I never did go on Astro Orbiter.

 

[Granny]

Congratulations Tom and Cindy! So happy for you, and how nice to hear such wonderful and joyful news!!!

Sincere thanks to you Corinne. We have visited our grandson every day since he came home from the hospital. But we are sneaky....Cindy makes dinner for my daughter and SIL every day so we have an excuse to go over to their house to drop off the meal. Of course, as long as we're there, some baby holding must happen!

 

[Corinne]

Sincere thanks to you Corinne. We have visited our grandson every day since he came home from the hospital. But we are sneaky....Cindy makes dinner for my daughter and SIL every day so we have an excuse to go over to their house to drop off the meal. Of course, as long as we're there, some baby holding must happen!

Oh man, enjoy every moment of that sweet baby
deliciousness! I’m quite certain your daughter and sil are thrilled to have you there, (not to mention the dinners)!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Years ago I was with a friends daughter and I waited in line with her for Astro Orbiter. Her parents had health issues and could not go on certain rides. I had already gone on Space Mountain with her, so I thought I was ready. Well, I looked at the little ride cars, and decided IF I could get in, I would never get out! This was before I had my bilateral knee replacement. So, she had to go by herself, and I never did go on Astro Orbiter.

The most memorable thing I've experienced on the Astro orbiter (at DL though) was when my 6'3" nephew and his rather pregnant wife were both trying to get in and out of those rockets! We were all laughing so hard for the entire experience.

 

[jimmytammy]

I rode the Astro Orbiter once at a MVMCP with our kids
I was thinking, “hey, the line isn’t too long, let’s go”
Bad mistake, it seemed like it went on forever and I think they truly let us ride longer since no one was waiting. I couldn’t wait to get off that thing!

 

[Corinne]

Our family memory of the Astro Orbiter was also at DL, I was riding with our older son, who was 5 or 6 at the time, and was tormenting me! I still quote him, saying, “I’m in control of this thing now!l