We booked for March - any tips?

[#1MMFan]

We did it. I got my rota, and we've got a British Airways flight out from Glasgow via Gatwick to MCO on Thursday 20th March 2003, returning to Glasgow the morning of Monday 31st. We are back staying in Wilderness Lodge, woods view. Booked through Dreams and Beth saved us a packet.

Mum (58) is going as part of her birthday (59th) - she does ALL the rides tho' - and we couldn't wait to tell her, so we ended up printing out an "invitation" to WDW from Mickey and all the gang with some special bits of clipart. She couldn't speak!

We're really looking forward to going for a bit longer this time. We were spoilt by our previous 2 week holidays, but more recently it has been a bare week, so the 10 days is psychologically much better. We purchased premium annual passes and were hoping to go to a water park and Disney Quest etc as well as spend time in all the parks. We also want to take a pontoon boat out on Bay Lake this time, and will possibly hire a bike round to Fort Wilderness again. We are definitely going to have Tonga Toast at Polynesian again.

I'd love to hear tips from other people about March, the new ToT4 and any more unusual things you think we should try to do on our trip given that it will be our ninth time to the world.

Can't wait already...

John

 

[KayleeUK]

Hi John

I bet your mum was so excited How about some mini-golf (50% off with PAP) and a tour of the Epcot resorts. Have you thought about Afternoon tea at the Grand Floridian for your mum - I am sure she will enjoy that

Kaylee

 

[#1MMFan]

Kaylee - thanks. I'd like to do mini golf again. It's been a while mainly because we suggest going there at night when it's not so hot but it always ends up we feel too tired. We will most certainly try to do it this trip!

Are YC/BC and BWI worth a look around? We have seen Boardwalk and walked round the hotel's shop onto the boardwalk itself, but never ventured inside the hotels.

Unfortunately the three of us visited GF last trip and of all the MK resorts it was our least favourite... in fact I think it is my least favourite of all the disney resorts. I think the decor is too bland a colour, and the staff at the gift shop (yes, the disney gift shop - not Bally!) followed us around like we were going to steal something.

But we did love Polynesian.

What else can we do that would be different or special?

John

 

[Hilary]

I don't know whether you've done any of these before, but you could:

1. View the MK fireworks from the beach at the Poly
2. Go to the Fort Wilderness evening campfire and toast some marshmallows
3. Visit the Boardwalk for some evening entertainment
4. Ask to be the Flag Raising family at Wilderness Lodge one morning
5. Take any of the Wilderness Lodge tours (free)
6. Take any of the backstage tours in the parks (discounts on some with APs or DC)
7. Watch the Electrical Water Pageant from a deckchair on the WL beach
8. Check out any of the other resorts you haven't yet visited
9. Chill out with a dole whip and watch the world go by
10. Buy your Mum a birthday oyster from one of the stands at Typhoon Lagoon, Downtown Disney, AK or the store in 'Japan' at Epcot and let her open it to find her pearl

Have fun!

 

[#1MMFan]

Hi Hilary

Thanks for your suggestions - they sounded great!

That one about the Electrical Water Pageant is fantastic. We just discovered the deck chairs on our second stay at the lodge. It was surreal sitting there relaxing in the dark with the pageant floating by. For anyone who hasn't done this, it is truly magical... like having your own personal performance. One of my most special memories.

I have always thought about the flag raising ceremony and have wondered if you'd have to be American to do it. And even if you didn't, would you feel an idiot because you wouldn't know how they conduct these kind of ceremonies, and the words etc. One other thing that put me off is just the stair climb; not me but my mum would find that bad on her knees I think. It's a real pity because she's very good on everything else.

I thought of trying to book a fireworks cruise, but Beth has said it's very unlikely to be available now. I shall give it a shot regardless. Maybe I'm crossing bridges, but I'm not sure which one my mum would prefer. I think I'll just count my blessings if I manage to get one.

Thanks for the posts so far, I'm looking forward to reading more...

John

 

[Olaf]

I don't think you have to be an American for the flag raising. I think the front desk cast members would be thrilled that you wanted to help out (considering that you're English and all).

Last time we were at the Wilderness Lodge, some cast members brought a cute little white pony out to the pool for petting. I'm pretty sure it was a pony, but it may have been a miniature horse.

 

[BevS97]

have a look here, Cruises booked in March
you may be able to find someone who has space on their boat.

Bev

 

[richard3330]

Sounds Great, John!

On our last trip we stayed at Wilderness Lodge and Loved It!

If you want to be 'The Flag Family' make sure you see a receptionist on the day of arrival - it fills up fast
Also have you thought about The Polynesian Laua?

Have a wonderful trip!

 

[#1MMFan]

I was very jammy. Beth has managed to organise a MK fireworks cruise for Saturday 22nd March!! Am not going to tell mum about this one, just leave it a surprise.

I've heard the polynesian luau is good. We didn't fancy hoop-dee-doo because of the food and the audience participation (am I right?). What is the luau like?

Also, if anyone has done Flag Family what were your experences like? Was it flag-up or down so to speak?!

I'm really enjoying reading the replies, so keep-em coming, thanks!!

John

 

[Olaf]

The Laua is great, but get there early so you can sit up front.

 

[#1MMFan]

still hoping for more tips... anyone?!!!

Thanks

John