What are my must haves!

[Ali1203]

Hi all...I'm a newbie here but have been a WDW fan for a long number of years.

Last year I visited for 5 days, which was my 5th visit but 1st solo trip (either go alone or don't go and that is not an option!).

I'm booked to go back in November so I thought plenty of planning time, however I've just booked to pop out in March too.

So I'm over from 4th - 11th March and then 10th - 22nd November.

I'm happy to wander round the parks etc, both of these are to feed my Disney addiction but also to relax and rest!

So here are my questions:

1. What are my must do/must sees when visiting in these times (I've always been a July/August/September visitor)?
   
2. Is it worth a character breakfast on my own, if so which one?
   
3. Last year I stuck to quick service but am I missing out on some table services restaurants...where should I go?
   
4. Also, in November I'm hoping to see other resorts (I only stay at value as it's cheap, cheerful and only for me)...what are the resorts I should visit?
   
   
5. Finally, anything else you think I need to do or suggestions you might have.

Many thanks, Ali x

 

[Needafix]

I personally prefer QS. They have some great restaurants, but I prefer to spend all moments possible exploring the parks. I can get great restaurants at home - JMO. Ditto for Character meals. Although all that being said, I might try restaurants like Crown and Rose or Kona Cafe. The quicker ones. I'm not big on long sit down meals.

I love visiting the different resorts. I monorail hop to explore Cont, Poly and GF. I find WL and AKL breath taking and the walk around the Boardwalk is so beautiful that's always high on my list. I'd take resort exploring over restaurants any time.

 

[lmarieleonard]

I would say go to Jellyrolls on the Boardwalk at least once! It's so much fun and if you're feeling like chatting there are always friendly people there.

 

[Sir William]

So I'm over from 4th - 11th March and then 10th - 22nd November.

So here are my questions:

1. What are my must do/must sees when visiting in these times (I've always been a July/August/September visitor)?
   
2. Is it worth a character breakfast on my own, if so which one?
   
3. Last year I stuck to quick service but am I missing out on some table services restaurants...where should I go?
   
4. Also, in November I'm hoping to see other resorts (I only stay at value as it's cheap, cheerful and only for me)...what are the resorts I should visit?
   
   
5. Finally, anything else you think I need to do or suggestions you might have.

Many thanks, Ali x

You can do just about anything in March and November that you can in the summer months. Check the WDW website to see what attractions may be down. I'll be there 9 & 10 March and the only alteration I've made is to take a light jacket or sweater with me because it may get cool in the evenings.

Do a character breakfast, even if solo. The CM will take good care of you. We always did Chrystal Palace at MK because my kids like Pooh and his friends, but we enjoyed Mickey's Backyard BBQ and Hollywood & Vine (which turned out to my most memorable meal at WDW ever).

Table service: Lots to choose from so depends on your interests and budget. I like the choices offered by World Showcase, but if you're not touring the parks, consider any of the resorts or Downtown Disney.

 

[com_op_2000]

At DTD you can get a full menu at the bars of Rain Forest Cafe, T-Rex, and Raglan Road. Usually all you have to do is just walk up and you will find seating.

 

[Ali1203]

Thank you for your advice...Now I'm becoming a regular visitor I really want to explore the normal quick hitting stuff - see what else I'm missing, the details, the unusual stuff...do the stuff I've never done like explore the resorts too - you never know I might book one of them for another trip!

 

[ludari]

Ali,

1. I can't think of any must do/must see during that is any different from the time you are visiting with the exception of Food and Dine Festival at Epcot but that ends on November 10 this year.
2. I think everyone should do a character breakfast once and although I have done several all where on a Disney Cruise with the exception of one I enjoyed at Cape May Cafe. It was not crowded and all the guest had plent of time to meet and take pictures with all the characters.
3. I really enjoy table service. Some of my favorite resturants are Boma at Animal Kingdom Village Resort, California Grill at Contemporary Resort, Beaches and Cream Soda Shop at Beach Club and Ohana at Polynesian Resort just to name a few.
4. Being a DVC owner I typicall stay at the deluxe resorts and I enjoy visiting them just for the decor sometimes. I would suggest you check out Animal Kingdom Village, Wilderness Lodge, and Grand Floridian which are my favorites.
5. Being a solo traveller make sure you take advantage of any singler rider lines and doing what you like. Sometimes I just like to relax by the pool so make sure you set aside some quite time for yourself and of course have fun.

 

[Ensusieasm]

The Epcot Flower and Garden Festival begins on March 5th this year, so you are lucky to be there at just the right time!
Three exceptional resorts to visit are The Grand Floridian, The Polynesian, and The Wilderness Lodge. They are also very easy and fun to get to. Just take the bus to the Magic Kingdom. It is a short walk to the boat to the Grand Floridian. After exploring there, go back down to the boat dock and the boat back to the Magic Kingdom will stop first at The Polynesian. The boat from The Polynesian will take you straight back to Magic Kingdom. A short walk to a different boat dock will then have a boat to The Wilderness Lodge. Be sure to explore the gorgeous lobbies, pool areas, walkways, gardens, lakefront beaches, shops and restaurants.
On the day you visit Animal Kingdom, you can take a break in the middle of the day by catching a bus to Animal Kingdom Lodge. There is much to explore there inside and out. Even animals to see and great restaurants. Have fun!

 

[Sir William]

You're there long enough both times to spend a few hours at the parks then take a break to check out a resort or two each day, before returning to the parks in the evening.

Easy enough to do- just get on the bus going to your resort of interest from which ever park you're at, and then hop another bus when you've finished your inspection back to another park. Instead of eating in the parks, enjoy a meal at the various resorts you're visiting.

 

[TheDisneyPrep]

1. What are my must do/must sees when visiting in these times (I've always been a July/August/September visitor)?
   
2. Is it worth a character breakfast on my own, if so which one? I love the Tusker House breakfast buffet, but have never done it SOLO.
   
3. Last year I stuck to quick service but am I missing out on some table services restaurants...where should I go? I have always stuck to QS when I am traveling solo, but I would love to do a La Cellier OR a Tutto Gusto in World Showcase on my own. I think those two would really lend themselves to having a great solo meal! Or, now that I"m thinking of it... a window seat at Cali Grille would be lovely!
   
4. Also, in November I'm hoping to see other resorts (I only stay at value as it's cheap, cheerful and only for me)...what are the resorts I should visit? I love doing a monorail resort tour... you can do a monorail bar tour or snack tour, hopping off and grabbing a drink or snack at each place and touring it! Especially for your November trip, seeing those Christmas decorations! I prefer the decor in Wilderness Lodge and have heard great things about the Campgrounds, but have never actually seen the Campgrounds. Grabbing a glass of wine and a rocking chair by the fire in Wilderness Lodge, though, was a great memory of my last Christmas trip!
   
   
5. Finally, anything else you think I need to do or suggestions you might have. Bring a good book! During my last solo trip I would pass the time waiting for parades by reading my book. I also enjoyed grabbing a rocking chair in Frontierland and snacking on a pretzel while reading. Every time I think of that book or re-read that book I also think of my memories of Fronteirland!
   
   Also, one thing I love to do is pick up Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom cards and play my way around the MK. It's a fun way to meet people!
   
   Have so much fun!!

Many thanks, Ali x[/QUOTE]

 

[Ali1203]

Wow I actually feel so so so super excited about leaving on Tuesday - it's a long journey but I really cannot wait for it.

Thank you for your hints, tips and suggestions xxx

 

[Ali1203]

So I have been and gone and well and truly back home!

Now it's time to look forward to my November trip and some additional questions where I would really appreciate fellow DIS'ers help!

I fly out in November and will be there 10-22, arriving around 7pm on the 10th and then leaving about 3pm on the 22nd.

Here are the questions...

1) Will the Christmas decorations be fully up and everywhere on the 10th or will they increase towards the end of my trip?

2) What are the hotels I really need to visit to see their Christmas decorations?

3) I went for it and did a character breakfast on my own in Crystal Palace which was wonderful - should I do any more?

4) I'm starting to build a list of places I want to eat at while I'm over, what other restaurants do I need to add to my list? (so far thinking Wolfgang puck & it's express, 50's diner)

5) Where am I best to watch the Electrical Water Pageant?

6) Will one evening of MVMCP be enough or should I go twice?

7) Given MVMCP I am considering whether I need to get the memory maker for great night time photos (my camera is not that great) - what do you think?

 

[GlitzyGeekGirl]

If you are a drinker, while at Epcot stop by Italy and partake in an Italian Margarita. They are loverly.

 

[SueDonym3]

1) Will the Christmas decorations be fully up and everywhere on the 10th or will they increase towards the end of my trip? They will not be fully up- they put them out overnight...so it should increase throughout your trip...

2) What are the hotels I really need to visit to see their Christmas decorations?
No advice because I have yet to make these tours, but Grand Floridian has a gingerbread competition...not sure when displayed, but that would be something to look out for!

3) I went for it and did a character breakfast on my own in Crystal Palace which was wonderful - should I do any more? Yes! But I love character interaction. I am a fan of Chef Mickeys- the food and the characters, and Askershus if you like princesses...

4) I'm starting to build a list of places I want to eat at while I'm over, what other restaurants do I need to add to my list? (so far thinking Wolfgang puck & it's express, 50's diner). So many..Be Our Guest is great, if you can get a reservation. I also like Brown Derby, Mama Melrose, Le Cellier, Chefs de France, Yak & Yeti

5) Where am I best to watch the Electrical Water Pageant? Beach at Polynesian, but there is construction so I would check Grand Floridian, Contemporary...

6) Will one evening of MVMCP be enough or should I go twice? I like to go twice to these events, because I do not feel rushed and I get to see and do everything I want to do!

7) Given MVMCP I am considering whether I need to get the memory maker for great night time photos (my camera is not that great) - what do you think?[/QUOTE]. Memory Maker is new to me but I liked the photo pass cd and took advantage. my picture in front of the castle with all the lights is still one of my favorites...

Make sure to enjoy Food & Wine festival too!

 

[plutolady]

make sure to do the food and wine festival if it is still open. It is such a blast and great food!

 

[MommaPeel]

While planning my next trip, I saw some amazing photos of the decor at the Beach Club for Christmas. They have a carousel if i do recall correctly. I'd check that out, as the pictures I saw were great.

Also I'd recommend the character meal of 1900 Park Fare, you can't go wrong with Breakfast with Mary Poppins....

 

[Ali1203]

Sorry for the delay, I've been away for work.

I am so excited to go again as Christmas is all new to me out there...think next year I will do first couple of weeks in December.

I love seeing all your ideas, it makes me so excited to be back.

I think I might manage a sneaky wee week in July as I'm in Canada for work. Argh - I cannot wait!!