Want to see the "extras"

[PrincessBrideJo]

I have been to disney many times but it has usually been about riding as many rides as possible. I want to know what the extra things there are to do! I haven't been in 4 years and hubby hasn't been in 5, so I'm rusty on the parks! PLEASE HELP!

Also any other tips? I looked on the rookie board and saw things like the fast pass which I have no idea what that is. I also have no idea what ADR is. I feel so clueless!

 

[safetymom]

If you look on the welcome board there is a sticky thread for new comers to the DIS. You can get lots of great information there.

Also for dining questions you would want to ask them on the restaurants board here on the DIS. You will get all sorts of help.

Just take some time and look at the different boards here and before you know it you will be answering questions for people planning a trip.

Welcome to the DIS.

 

[PrincessBrideJo]

I didn't think I had any dinning questions, but maybe I am too new. I will check out the newcomer board.

I still want to know what some of the extras for the attractions there are. Like what shows are great. Any little secret hide-aways people know of. That kind of thing.

 

[Bill From PA]

New attractions since your last visit:

Expedition Everest at AK - a rollercoaster
Soarin' at Epcot - a hang-glider flight simulator over California
Mission Space at Epcot - a flight simulator to Mars
Who Wants to be a Millionaire? at MGM - the TV game show

A FastPass gets you a scheduled time to walk right on a ride. For instance, first thing we do at MGM is hit ToT, then R'n'Rollercoaster before lines get long. Before leaving that area, we get a FastPass for one of those two by scanning our park pass in a FP machine which gives us a pass with a time on it. After doing other rides in MGM, we return at the time on the pass and walk right on the ride we choose, usually blowing by hundreds of folks stuck in the 'regular' line.

As for 'extras', we hop to Epcot every day once our early park gets crowded and finish the day there, exploring the countries slowly, noticing things one might miss if in a hurry, and of course we feel obligated to sample the fermented and distilled product that those nations produce.

Keep reading these forums. Check out the Resorts board as you can tour the resorts and have a meal or drinks while you check out new digs for you next trip. After a morning at Epcot or MGM take the boat or walk to BoardWalk, it's practically another park in itself. Hit JellyRolls there some night, it's a duelling piano-bar for 21 and older. Hit Pleasure Island some night and catch a Comedy WareHouse show then spend an hour or so in the Adventurer's Club, you won't be disapointed.

Bill From PA

 

[safetymom]

You mentioned ADR's and that refers to dining reservations. If you look at the sticky threads at the top of each board you can learn a lot. There is a sticky on the theme parks board with lots of secrets in each park.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Here are some great ideas from Deb's site..........

http://allearsnet.com/btp/beyond.htm

And welcome to the DIS.

 

[funcinderella]

Free campfire movie and sing a- long every night at Fort Wilderness is an extra. (No reservations req'd.)

You can rent out boats/pontoons to see the MK fireworks or the Epcot Illuminations (resv. req'd)

Are those the types of things you are looking for?

 

[Dolce27]

I have been to disney many times but it has usually been about riding as many rides as possible. I want to know what the extra things there are to do! I haven't been in 4 years and hubby hasn't been in 5, so I'm rusty on the parks! PLEASE HELP!

Also any other tips? I looked on the rookie board and saw things like the fast pass which I have no idea what that is. I also have no idea what ADR is. I feel so clueless!

Pay a lot of attention to your surroundings. I worked at MGM one summer on the college program and discovered the streetmosphere. They are a group of improve actors that pretend that they are living in the golden age of Hollywood. They come out (usually on Hollywood Blvd. and Sunset Blvd.) and perform skits throughout the day. They are hilarious and most people do not realize that they are even there. It's nice to take a break and find a bench in the shade somewhere in that area and watch the skits.

Also, there are little things in all parks that most people over look. Close by Indiana Jones Epic Stunt show at MGM, there is a well with a rope and a sign that say's something like 'Don't pull the rope'. One day I spotted a kid at the rope yanking on it and I was about to ask him to stop when I realized that you are suspposed to pull the rope. Even working there every day I obviously didn't pay attention to all of the details. At MK, look for 'Push' the trashcan in Tomorrowland and I believe that 'Push' as a cousin (or something) over at AK. EPCOT has a talking water fountain and there is the 'Singing in the Rain' umbrella at MGM. There are many things throughout the parks that are interesting and entertaining that most people over look.

 

[iluveeyore]

If you've only done rides, make sure you make time to see the different shows at each park to experience the true magic of Disney. MGM has Beauty and the Beast, Indiana Jones and the new Lights, Motors, Action stunt show. AK has Festival of the Lion King (a must!) and It's Tough to Be a Bug. Epcot has Honey I Shrunk the Audience, and make sure you visit Philharmagic at MK. My DH isn't much of a ride person, but he loves to see the shows every year. Especially all of the fireworks and parades at each park - do no miss Fantasmic at MGM or Wishes and Spectro Magic at MK. Use the park maps and schedules and plan your days. Enjoy!