Disney World

[KotysDad]

Taking my son down there tomorrow for 7 days. I think I am more excited about this trip than he is. I think he thinks this place is just one big park we are going to do over and over for a week instead of the 5-6 different parks with all the roller coasters, simulators and thrill rides. He has no idea what he's in for once we get down there.

I've gone through that 1000-page guide book twice now taking notes of the tips and tricks of the vacation. But I get more from people who have actually gone there a few times.

Just curious to know what some of your favorite attractions (the absolutely must see things) are.....along with maybe one or two good pieces of advice you get only with experience down there.

 

[Morris]

When you go to Epcot if you go first thing in the morning go clockwise. A friend told me this and it wasn't as crowded. Seems everone, or most, enter and go counterclockwise.

 

[Captain Crunch]

Breakfast with the Disney characters. Make reservations early as this fills up quick. You don't hear any crying kids in there as all the characters go around to the different tables and talk to the kids and sign their autograph books. A lot of smiles in that big room. Have fun.

 

[Blitz]

If you are staying in the park, take advantage of the early opening times for Disney guests, you get to go in early and the lines are very short if any at all. Hit the most popular rides first until the park opens for everybody else...

Use the FASTPASS system. It gives you an assigned return time and you get in a special line that is much shorter...

We had a character Breakfast at The Crystal Palace in the Magic Kingdom with Winnie the Pooh and friends. Food is good, it is a buffet. Our seating time was early, before the park was open, but you go to the park entrance and show your reservation and they let you in, go eat and you are already in the park before it opens...

 

[Blitz]

We had a late dinner at The Rose & Crown Dining Room in the United Kingdom. Ask to be seated outside. After dinner we stayed at our table and had a few drinks and stayed and had a front row SEAT for the IllumiNations fireworks and Laser show. Everybody else is crowded around the Lagoon trying to see and we sat there and watched from the restaurants outside area...

 

[Dugan]

If you find a ride/attraction that you are really interested in here is a way to go on 3 times in a row rather quickly.
Sign in for fast pass.
1.Stand on line for the ride,
when exiting tell them you need baby swap passes, baby swap is for people who have brought a baby and the hubby or wife is staying with the baby at the time,
this will give you another fast pass so you do not have to stand in line again, 2.use you baby swap first and when you are done your 3.fast pass should be ready to be used, nice, my kids actually figured this our at 7 yrs. old.
As far as meals go you definitely must go to the Chef Mickey character breakfast, I have done them all and Chef Mickey's is the best by far but you need to calll about 3 days in advanced.
Have a blast!

 

[KotysDad]

We are staying at the Nick Hotel outside of the park. I made reservation to have a character breakfast with SpongeBob and company. Maybe next time we'll stay in one of the Disney resorts, but this time my son had his heart set on "getting slimed" at the Nick Hotel. I shudder to think what the hell that entails.

Question about Epcot.....should I do it early in the trip when his thrill factor isnt as high as it will be after we hit places like Islands of Adventure....or should I save Epcot for Saturday when the crowds might be higher at the more popular/less educational parks?

I also have a question about flying home if anyone has ever used SouthWest on this trip. I got up really early today to print my boarding pass and get an A pass so we can sit together. But 24 hours prior to our flight home on Monday will most likely put me in a park on Sunday and I probably wont be able to get an early boarding pass. Will hotels do this for you or should I just resign myself to the fact that I'll probably get a C pass and might have to sit apart from my son on the flight home? It's nonstop so I am not super concerned, just wondering......

Thanks for the replies so far

 

[dunclock]

Most all of my flights are Southwest and I have the hotel print my coming home pass all the time. Leave them your confirmation number but follow up and call them when the 24 period kicks in. This is the only "hassle" from Southwest but hotels are used to doing this request. Have fun on your trip!

 

[crutchie]

In my opinion,FWIW, Epcot doesn't have too much for kids. I would either go early in the trip or in the middle when your tired from all the rides and need a slower paced day.

 

[KotysDad]

Thanks for all the tips....much appreciated.

 

[Nole]

Taking my son down there tomorrow for 7 days. I think I am more excited about this trip than he is. I think he thinks this place is just one big park we are going to do over and over for a week instead of the 5-6 different parks with all the roller coasters, simulators and thrill rides. He has no idea what he's in for once we get down there.

I've gone through that 1000-page guide book twice now taking notes of the tips and tricks of the vacation. But I get more from people who have actually gone there a few times.

Just curious to know what some of your favorite attractions (the absolutely must see things) are.....along with maybe one or two good pieces of advice you get only with experience down there.

If your son is from 3-10, I recommend "Turtle Talk with Crush" at Epcot. The interaction between Crush and the kids is the best.

Islands of Adventure at Universal is great if you like fast, sharp turning rides. Spiderman 3-D is really cool.

Pirates of the Caribbean. You'll get to see Davy Jones early in the ride and Captain Jack Sparrow 3 other times during the ride. It's amazing how much those robotic things can look so human.
"We want the Redhead".

Junkanoo Safari ride at Animal Kingdon is educational and enjoyable. And, if you like roller-coasters, "Expedition Everest!" Sucker goes backward 15 sec into the ride. I about hurled. I'm a wuss.

MGM. You need to see the Lights, Stars and Motor Cars(I think that's it). It's way in the back ay MGM but a very entertaing show. Jumping cars, jet-skis, explosions. Cool stuff! Brought in from France.


Have a great, safe trip with your boy.


nole

 

[Old School]

WOW...great bunch of SUPERDADS.


AND MOMS OF COURSE..

HAVE A SUPER GREAT TIME KotysDad !