WDW Advice from Disneyland people for a DL Veteran

[kim3339]

I'm going to WDW in January for pretty much the first time. I am a big DL person, I go at least once or twice a year(more if I can afford it). I know WDW is ginormous compared to DL and the Magic Kingdom layout is different from DL. I'm just looking for advice on things to do and see, places to eat or things I should look out for that might be fun to do, that aren't at DL/DCA. We're staying on-site at the Port Orleans French Quarter Hotel so we'll be using the shuttles and Magic Express from the airport.

This is the schedule-
Friday- Hollywood Studios
Saturday- Epcot
Sunday- Marathon and Magic Kingdom, and if alive and able to walk night Magic Hours at MK.
Monday- Magic Kingdom
Tuesday- Animal Kingdom

I'm writing here instead of the WDW threads, b/c I want advice from DL people who normally go to DL. WDW is a once in awhile trip, as opposed to people who go to WDW all the time. If that makes any sense.

Thanks in advance!!

 

[skiingfast]

Kim did you know that Hydroguy has a thread about WDW for DL vets, just like the one he makes about DLR for WDW vets. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=16541636

PM me if you want to know about French Quarter that's where I stayed last trip. I can tell you about transport from that resort and the dining situations there.

 

[Brancaneve]

All I can say is that you will LOVE it. We will be there at the end of May for our third time. It's different, however, fun to see Disney done in so many different ways.

Like you, I had a schedule but it all changed when I discovered how fun Epcot is at night! We would spend the day at another park, go back to the hotel to rest and snack, and then head over to Epcot for a relaxing stroll and dinner. The World Showcase has yummy restaurants such as Le Cellier(Canada) and San Angel(Mexico's restaurant), which I heard has undergone a big remodel/change. Plus, it's the only park where you can drink a beer or a margarita!

I can easily say that there are two parks that don't take very long to see: Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. Although Animal Kingdom has so many nooks and crannies to explore, it's quite relaxing and peaceful in some areas. Don't miss the Lion King show! Amazing!

What I enjoy about WDW is that upon stepping out of the parks, you truly feel as if you are in a resort. It's very different in comparison to stepping out of DL's gates and having to walk back to your hotel and seeing the man who always shaves at the bus stop!

Will you rent a car? If not, there is a service that delivers groceries for you. Great thing to do if you need water bottles, fruit and snacks. Have fun!

 

[SplashMo]

Sounds like a blast!

Did you use the unofiicial guide to pick the dates going to the parks? this is a big help.

Great choice of French Quarters. I love to take the boat to DTD and have a Ghiradelli hot fudge Sunday!!! Best food in the park Repeat multiple times (Your on vacation)

AK - Like to be there when they open and see the safari / ride the coaster, eat at Flame Tree BBQ fast pass the river ride while waiting for food. Ride Primeval Swirl and River ride.

Then same day we leave for HS and Catch our favorites there:

The parade which is my favorite parade (Has a Star Wars section in it) Eat at 50s Prime Time diner. Ride Tower and Rockin coaster and Watch Fantasmic which is the highlight of the day.

Epcot The countries are staffed with people form that country. Very Cool!!!

Epcot TestTrack and Soarin. And Illuminations at night is the highlight for me there...

MK I like to see the fireworks and ride the rides with Splash mountain being my favorite.

 

[jlmarr]

I'd recommend taking the boat from MK to Fort Wilderness and Wilderness Lodge. Have lunch at the Trail's End buffet at FW or the Whispering Canyon Cafe at WL. This will also give you a chance to tour WL, one of our favorites. If you've got plenty of time, take the internal FW bus on a round trip tour so you can get a taste of that property. We've stayed there too, and it's got a nice woodsy feel to it.

 

[Sleepless Knight]

Honestly, I don't believe that 1 day is enough for Epcot. I would upgrade to a parkhopper and do half a day in DHS, half a day in MK (just to see the different in a good way and unique attractions), and use the rest of the time for Epcot.

I love WDW, but on each subsequent visit, I find myself spending less and less time in the MK. There just aren't enough unique attractions there to justify spending the time there when I visit Disneyland multiple times a year. If you were to do only the unique/different in a good way attractions at the MK, you could see the park in half a day.

And don't be fooled by POTC. I waited 5 minutes for it last time and even then I was questioning if it was worth it. WDW thinks it has POTC, but it really has 1/2 of POTC if that.

 

[fhtpdw20]

Must see shows: Illumination at Epcot, Fantasmic at Studios, Lion King and Nemo shows in Animal Kingdom. Ride ques are very different at WDW than DL as they are prequel to the ride and mostly under cover. Spaceship Earth, Living with the Land, and American Adventure at Epcot as well as the Great Movie ride at Studios can only be found at WDW. I can't think of a bad place to eat in Epcot. Sci-Fi drive in is like stepping back in time to where you eat in your car under the stars watching B movies. 50 Prime Time is great if you go with the attitude of playing along with the servers and again you can watch TV while you eat. Hoop De Doo dinner show is a lot of fun too. The Celebrate parade that just closed in DL is way different from WDW version. Don't waste your time with Sounds Dangerous. Tiki Room show will make you appreciate DL version. Country Bears is worth a look since it was replaced in DL.

 

[fhtpdw20]

I forgot to add Downtown area is totally different as well as you have and East and West side. One side has mostly shops/eateries while the other has entertainment like La Nuba Circe De Soluia show (sp). Hopefully it will not be bad weather and you can go up in the tethered balloon for an aerial view of WDW.

 

[kim3339]

I was just on the calendar part and they said that Splash is going to be closed. I am so bummed, b/c I've read that that one is better than the DL one and you get to ride side by side. Oh well, I guess I'm going to have to go back to WDW.

 

[skiingfast]

I was just on the calendar part and they said that Splash is going to be closed. I am so bummed, b/c I've read that that one is better than the DL one and you get to ride side by side. Oh well, I guess I'm going to have to go back to WDW.

don't feel too bad, the WDW version has section that DL doesn't, but it doesn't have the train going through the final scene.

SM always closes there for about a month January into February. If I think back to my trip last year SM was down, but I don't remember anythng else major except the Crystal Palace which is like the Plaza in DL. If it is while you are there I have a phenomal tip for a rare opportunity.

 

[Judy from Boise]

I agree upgrade to hoppers and plan to spend 2-3 nights in Epcot. You should see Illuminations at least twice!