What's your Disney "Thing?"

[Microcell]

All these are great!

1. Dole Whips
2. Popcorn for DH & DD
3. We have to sing "Yo ho, yo ho a Pirate's after me" going into and during POTC because since my DS was two he sang it that way!
3. My DD has to grab for the jewels during Philharmagic.. it will be required as a teenager!
4. We have to go on IASW and we have to call it "Boats" (again with my DS at two)
5. My daughter has to get her hair wrapped.. and I have to get her haircut before we go! If she skips it during her teen years it is fine by me though!
6.We have to sing DS's first made up song (man, he was busy at two). We were making up songs to the tune of "Goodnight Lady" and he wanted to sing one.. his way of saying he wanted water at the time was "Do wa wa-was" I think he was mirroring "Do you want water" and it was his way of saying it. So when we were walking to the hotel he waited for a break in all the silly singing and he sang:

Do wa wa-was, Do wa wa-was
Do wa wa-was
Wa wa wa wa was!

7. We also usually have to sing some form of another song we made up at Disney about our Jack Russell Daisy.. (to the tune of the Chicken Dance)

Daisy doesn't have a butt, Daisy doesn't have a butt
Daisy doesn't have a butt, butt butt butt butt.

Daisy doesn't have a butt, Daisy doesn't have a butt
Daisy doesn't have a butt, butt butt butt butt.

Oh Daisy does not have a butt now,
No Daisy does not have a butt.
Daisy does not have a butt now
No Daisy does not have a butt!

Go ahead and sing it, you know you want to! That is what Disney is all about! Songs about dogs with legs that go straight to thier hips and magical family memories!

8 OHHHHH Most important one! This is a good tip too for everyone! We have to go to MK the morning we fly out! One year we told DD who was 6 to say bye to MK on our last evening and she burst into tears and then we all cried and got sad about leaving. If you go the morning you leave if possible then we usually get each person's favorite ride ridden one last time and maybe a couple of others then we go spend the rest of our snack credits at the candy store on Mainstreet USA! Then we are in a dash to get back to the hotel to catch Magical Express! Bell Services will hold your luggage if you need them to! Less sadness and more "Holy Guacamole we gotta get to our flight!".

 

[homedad]

can only got to HM after dark.......

 

[Liz McC]

My family and I always have to end our trip with the last ride of the night on the carousel in Magic Kingdom and then we take the ferry back so we can watch Magic Kingdom fade away as we leave. It always makes me cry a little.

 

[catra121]

Two things...one old and one new:

1. I HAVE to ride Peter Pan's Flight. I always get a FP for this so I don't have to wait in a long line...but I HAVE to do it.

2. Disney Deluxe Dining Plan - I now HAVE to eat great meals while I am there. Eating at Signature Restaurants and having unbelievable meals is a must for me.

And okay...maybe a third thing:

3. The electrical parade and fireworks at MK. Can't miss those either...

 

[Eliza32]

First ride in the World has to be POTC, first food is Tuna Sanwich at CHH. After that, anything's do-able!!!
In the bad old days I used to also enjoy an extra large Minute Maid Orange Soda, but I guess it's been banned because of the additives????

 

[Ice DAncer]

my Disney "thing' would be dragging my husband (the dragging is half the fun!) down to see the water parade.We have seen it several times but I still like to go down to the beach and watch it. Hubby goes too after I pour a bit of Southern Comfort in his travel mug and hand it to him....Sure its dated and hokey...that's the best part

 

[Da_Hoser]

There are a couple of things for me.

1) CRT breakfast before MK opens. There is something about walking up to the Castle without anyone around that just makes me feel so happy. I don't always get to do this, but I try.

2) Any and all character meet and greets. I just love 'em. They make me feel like a kid again.

3) I must go to the Haunted Mansion at least 5 times (Spaced out, not in a row) during the first day that I'm at WDW. If I don't hit it 5 times that day everything feels off for the rest of the vacation.

4) I must eat at one or two restaurants that I have not eaten at before. I'm slowly going through all the places.

 

[perdidochas]

This doesn't have to be a great "tip", or a "secret" or a "freebie." Just your own personal "thing." What is that one thing that you HAVE to do or else your Disney trip just isn't complete - a show you have to watch? a food you have to eat? a certain place you need to steal a kiss from your hubbie or wife?

I'd love to know what makes Disney, " Disney " for you!

(Mine are very simple - I MUST ride Dumbo w/ my DSs, and I MUST ride Tower of Terror - with DH if possible, but w/ 2 little ones, it'll probably be a kiddie exchange instead.)

Ropedrop at the Magic Kingdom.

Riding in the front of the monorail (no longer available, from what I've heard)

 

[lilybeth11602]

we have to eat at Ohana for dinner and watch the MK fireworks.

eating a coke float at MK

the first ride on the monorail seeing the castle

riding CP

getting DD and DH picture together with pirate Goofy ears after riding PoC. we have taken this picture every year since our first trip 8 years ago.

and we love the DDP. we would never eat at those places w/o it and it is such a treat to get to experience them. we definatly have our favorite must do's now.

 

[perdidochas]

Ropedrop at the Magic Kingdom.

Riding in the front of the monorail (no longer available, from what I've heard)

Also, if staying offsite, a large Dunkin Donut coffee for me and my wife to drink while on the way to park and to ropedrop.

 

[dragonfly08]

I like to take one afternoon/evening to spend at Downtown Disney. Earl of Sandwich for a meal, Ghirardelli for dessert, and the Days of Christmas store (my kids get an ornament as one of their Hanukkah gifts each year, and in the years we've visited Disney I've always bought them there).

 

[lighttech]

Wow! This thread has really taken on a life of its own!
I'll try to go back and read everyone's tonight.

I'm down to 12 days and in the crucial final planning stages!

Thank you to everyone for all the wonderful posts!

 

[pepperderr]

We have only been to WDW one other time as a family but when we go back in April...

My DS wants to make sure he gets a chilli dog

Mickey ice cream.

I never tried the dole whip either so I plan to do that if I find them.

I have not read all the posts yet but something that I haven't even seen mentioned was to get a turkey leg.

DS has to collect pennies and buy a silly hat. I think he wants Goofy.

pepperderr

 

[lighttech]

DHS:
Honey I shrunk the Kids playground

I forgot all about that playground... haven't been on it since I went in high school for a choir trip. I'll have to look for it again.

I always make sure to book an early flight so we have a half day to do something

This year my DH and I are going for our 10th anniversary,and I can't wait!

This time, we're leaving the house around 3:30am. So we can drive to the airport and catch a 7:45 flight. We'll have at least 1/2 a day if all goes well and I'm so excited to extend our vacation this way! (We don't have park tix, but we'll probably do DTD.)
Happy Anniversary! Our 10yr was in September... and this trip is our gift to each other (and the kids get to tag along too... )

My kids are helping shout out answers! lol

5- at WDW, I always have to have a Turkey Leg

Ooo. I forgot about those. Yummy!

4. We also ALWAYS must do a super late MK EMH. Since we go in the summers mostly, that means staying at MK until 2 or 3 in the morning! Love it! Along those lines, we must always ride POTC a whole bunch of times!

We've never gone in summer... I bet it would be fun to be there that late!

but find that now it is just great to follow the grandkids where ever they want to go. But I do keep an eye out for "hidden Mickeys" just for old time sake!

Love, Love, LOVE watching the kids reactions! THE BEST!

Newest Must: Soaring (at least twice!)
Oldest Must: the Japan Pavilion at Epcot to buy little dishes
Always Must: Muppet 3D ... still cracks me up every time!!!
Food Must: the Cantina outside Mexico ... one lunch for two does it.

I love Muppet 3D. And the fountain outside!

My MUST do's at Disney

4. Ohana's.

We have dinner ressies there this time. I've never eaten there before, but I'm so excited to try it!

Not to sound flip but...... D I S N E Y !!!!!!!!

Not flip at all. I think we ALL understand that!

if you hate waiting in lines and it starts raining the park will clear out and lines are shorter

Thanks for the tip!

1st ride on the monorail must be in the front cab

1st meal at Chef Mickey's

MK must ride haunted mansion

Haunted mansion is fantastic... although, I'm a bit nostalgic for the pre-rennovation version.

 

[lighttech]

We have to do the Crystal Palace in Magic Kingdom and or do breakfast with Mickey at the Contemporary.

I really like Crystal Palace. And seeing Winnie and his friends is great.

I went to DisneyQuest on my last trip and did not enjoy myself. My kids love pin trading! It gives them the opportunity to talk with cast members and ask many many questions. They love trying to get set Hidden Mickey pins.

What a great way to start conversations w/ cast members!

2) Go to LEGO store.
.

We'll definitely be doing this this time. DS5 is all about Lego's these days.

I've only been there twice so far as an adult, but I think our 2 main "things" are:
1. First Lunch at Crystal Palace
2.Last Dinner at O'Hana

And that's exactly what I have reserved for trip #3

Yum! and Yum! Both on our list this time too. (Ohana's will be a first.)

We have to watch Illuminations on the last night of our trip. Serves us as a reminder of why we want to come back. Kind of corny I know, but the flame reminds me of the Olympic flame and it burns in our family until we once again head to the happiest place on earth.

No such thing as too corny for WDW. Its all part of the magic!

4. Go to Tom Sawyers Island and search for a paint brush

Did this w/ our DS on the last trip we took. Very fun. We took only one back to the CMs, but walked around looking for all the others just for fun.

4 - Say hello to Walt and Mickey on my way in.

Too cute. Love it!

My family and I always have to get a mickey shaped Nestle icecream bar when we first arrive and before we leave.. its a tradition!!

Traditions are good! (and tasty)

9. and last but not least: Pineapple float!!!

The one thing that gets us feeling Disney excited is the first look as your coming onto property and you see the castle come into view. Then in the park is the walk down main street and you run into your first character and the smells of the bakery. Vacation has begun!!-

I love those sensory moments!! I grew up going to the Jersey shore, and the boardwalk is like that for me. So many sites and smells that are imprinted forever on my memory.

Another vote for cinnamon roll at the main street bakery (ask them for extra topping!)

Have to do the Maharaja walking trail at DAK in the morning when it's cool - those bats are amazing.

I might have to try those cinnamon rolls!
What is the Maharaja walking trail? I don't know that one...

1) 4) Ride It's A Small World (no joke, it's hard to get people on that ride haha)

DH has to do that one too. I never put it on my list, but I do like it when we are there! I sort of forget how nice it is.

Disney things I must do (not necessarily in this order):

1) Monorail from Epcot to Magic Kingdom
2) World of Disney store in DTD...my favorite store
3) Go to Magic Kingdom at least twice
4) Eat at Earl of Sandwich in DTD
5) Get ice cream from The Plaza...then watch Wishes
6) Spend the last night of my vacation in Magic Kingdom

I have to go to Magic Kingdom on the first day, and the first ride I have to go on is Pirates

I like starting at MK too. Something magical about beginning that way.

1. Go to MK first day for rope drop.

Did rope drop for the first time last trip. We'll actually be skipping an early EMH this year b/c we want to start w/ the rope drop rather than going in early. We just thought this was such a wonderful way to begin!

 

[lighttech]

All these are great!

3. We have to sing "Yo ho, yo ho a Pirate's after me" going into and during POTC because since my DS was two he sang it that way!

Might have to sing that to my kids this time!

can only got to HM after dark.......

It does look awesome in the dark!

My family and I always have to end our trip with the last ride of the night on the carousel in Magic Kingdom and then we take the ferry back so we can watch Magic Kingdom fade away as we leave. It always makes me cry a little.

Awwww. Me too.

2. Disney Deluxe Dining Plan - I now HAVE to eat great meals while I am there. Eating at Signature Restaurants and having unbelievable meals is a must for me.

I'm hungry already!

First ride in the World has to be POTC, first food is Tuna Sanwich at CHH. After that, anything's do-able!!!
In the bad old days I used to also enjoy an extra large Minute Maid Orange Soda, but I guess it's been banned because of the additives????

Is it a special tuna sandwich? I do love tuna!

my Disney "thing' would be dragging my husband (the dragging is half the fun!) down to see the water parade.We have seen it several times but I still like to go down to the beach and watch it. Hubby goes too after I pour a bit of Southern Comfort in his travel mug and hand it to him....Sure its dated and hokey...that's the best part

Nothing like a little SoCo to make a grouchy husband more pliable!

There are a couple of things for me.


2) Any and all character meet and greets. I just love 'em. They make me feel like a kid again.

Love meeting the characters. Until we had DS's books to manage, DH and I still got autograph books.

Ropedrop at the Magic Kingdom.

Riding in the front of the monorail (no longer available, from what I've heard)

Oh no! I hope that's not the case... we did this last trip and loved it! Ah well... if it is, I suppose we'll just be on to new adventures.

getting DD and DH picture together with pirate Goofy ears after riding PoC. we have taken this picture every year since our first trip 8 years ago.

I bet those are great photos to look through.

I like to take one afternoon/evening to spend at Downtown Disney. Earl of Sandwich for a meal, Ghirardelli for dessert, and the Days of Christmas store (my kids get an ornament as one of their Hanukkah gifts each year, and in the years we've visited Disney I've always bought them there).

We really enjoy our time at DTD. And I LOVE the icecream sodas at Ghirardelli!

DS has to collect pennies and buy a silly hat. I think he wants Goofy.

pepperderr

Sounds like some great souveniers!

 

[kermit116]

Pineapple Dole whip, walk Epcot WS, visit MK at night.

 

[Disneyfreak616]

1. Ride Splash Mountain at LEAST 3 times
2. Get school bread from Norway
3. Meet Mary Poppins, Alice and Ariel
4. Go around World Showcase/see Illuminations
5. Go in the Land pavilion and just smell it

 

[lighttech]

Pineapple Dole whip, walk Epcot WS, visit MK at night.

All the parks look so different at night. Its nice to see each one (except AK, of course) like that.

1. Ride Splash Mountain at LEAST 3 times
2. Get school bread from Norway
3. Meet Mary Poppins, Alice and Ariel
4. Go around World Showcase/see Illuminations
5. Go in the Land pavilion and just smell it

Don't people wonder about all the sniffing?

 

[kaffinito]

First ride has to be POTC and I have to see ITTBAB at least once.