Has anyone been to Disney World lately?

[William769]

We are going next week for 5 days. Have not been there for 8 years. Is there anything that is a must see? Also it will be the first time for us to see the Animal Kingdom. Is it any good?

[Midlodemocrat]

1. We loved Animal Kingdom. We haven't been in about 6 years,

but we are going in November. I can't wait.

[William769]

2. Same here about "can't wait".

Glad you loved the Animal Kingdom. I am so looking forward to see it.

[Pithlet]

3. I haven't been there since I was 10

that was 23 years ago. My mother in law is likely moving to Orlando soon, so I'm sure a trip is in the cards for my family. Have fun!

[William769]

4. Thanks.

I hope to meet Cinderfella.

[TheProphetess]

5. Hell yes!

I've probably been there three or more times each year for the last 6 years. My best friend moved to Florida and her husband works at the Magic Kingdom. Every time I visit, we get a free trip to the parks.

My favorite park is Epcot - right now they have an International Food and Wine Festival (starting tomorrow through November). You really should try to attend it. They have lots of tents set up with sample-size portions of foods from various countries and there's often beer, wine, or other beverages from that country as well. The range of cost per item is from $1-$6 (roughly). It's fantastic!

In MGM, I love the nightime show called Fantasmic. That's a big crowd pleaser but it fills up quickly so be there early for a good seat. It has practically all of the Disney characters in it (villians and good ones).

I highly recommend the Animal Kingdom - it's not what most people think. It's got lots to do for small and bigger kids. My favorite is the Safari - if you ride it, get there earlier in the day because the animals are more active then. There's also a very cute 4-D show called "It's Tough to be a Bug" inside the Tree of Life. It's darn cute but can be a little bit scary for very small kids.

Now, if you need recommendations on where to eat in and around the parks, PM me. I've got lots of great places to recommend.

Have a great trip!! :hi:

[William769]

8. Thanks for your input.

[Squatch]

6. How in the hell can an average family afford it?

That's just the cost for my wife and me, alone!

[William769]

10. Being a Florida Resident, we are buying seasonal passes.

Thay are $209.00 per adult. Some blackout dates, but the times that we would go we would be ok.

[MrSlayer]

17. They have good deals.

You can do a family of 4 for a week for $1500.
Also check out http://www.mousesavers.com for specials.

[huskerlaw]

7. I was there 3 years ago

loved Animal Kingdom and MGM. If you're into rollercoasters, don't miss the Rock-N-Roller Coaster at MGM. I second the Fantasmic recommendation as well. I also hear the water parks are awesome, but I was there in January, so we didn't go.

We found the Magic Kingdom to be rather boring (same rides they had when I was a kid), but it's one of those "I'm here, I can't NOT go" kind of things. Epcot was ridiculously outdated, we basically walked in, walked through it, and left.

[MrSlayer]

9. I just got back a few weeks ago. Here's some helpful hints.

Must see: Wishes fireworks display in Magic Kingdom, Illuminations in Epcot and Fantasmic in MGM Studios.

Best Rides:

Magic Kingdom: Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion. Everything is excellent but these are the standouts.

Epcot: Mission Space, Test Track, Turtle Talk with Crush and Dory and Honey, I shrunk the Audience. In World Showcase there are tons of shows reflecting the cultures of the countries represented and some cool rides in Norway and Mexico.

MGM Studios: Rockin Roller Coaster, Tower of Terror, Star Tours, The Great Movie Ride, Muppets 3-D show. Plus other good shows and attractions.

Animal Kingdom: Dinosaur, Kali River Rapids, It's Tough to be a Bug and the Safari are all excellent. There are some other rides in Dinoland U.S.A. that are cool in a carnival type atmosphere.

If you are staying in the resort don't forget your Extra Magic Hours and plan your days accordingly.

I am a Disney World Expert, If you have any questions at all about dining, shows or attractions please feel free to ask.

[William769]

12. Thank's!

What about the ride sorin (the sky dive ride)?

[MrSlayer]

15. Ah yes. Soarin' is killer.

Make sure to check that out, it's in The Land pavilion in Future World EPCOT.

[Nye Bevan]

11. Make sure you go on "Soaring" at Epcot

It has opened recently and is a copy of "Soaring Over California" in Disney's California Adventure park. A *great* ride.

Oh, and be sure to use Fastpass (which I don't think existed the last time you went). Two useful tips about Fastpass (which Disney will *not* volunteer):

1. you can get a new Fastpass as soon as the time window for your existing Fastpass has begun (whether or not you have actually ridden your ride);
2. you can *ignore* the "end time" on your Fastpass. Say your Fastpass says to return between 2:30 and 3:30-- as long as you return after 2:30 they will let you on the ride, even if it is several hours after 3:30!

[William769]

13. Thanks I heard alot of good stuff about this ride.

[TheProphetess]

19. Yes - Fastpass will save you hours of time

It's a great perk of the parks now and it saves a great deal of waiting in line time.

[Meatwad]

14. I have not been to Disney World.

Perhaps I will one day when I win a football game. :shrug:

[IChing]

16. Has the Pat Robertson's 700 club theme section open yet? Next to

Saudi Arabia World?
Sounds like a deal.
Have Fun.;) ;)

no really, but I can make fun of Disney, right?

[CitrusLib]

21. I love Disney.

I'm sentimentally attached to the movies, music and characters. Love visiting the parks with my son. But they are ABSOLUTELY a target for ridicule. How could a corporation that big not be? ;-)

[IChing]

25. I loved Walt, I have pictures of me in my Davie Crockett suit at 5 or was

it Daniel Boone?

I loved him and his dreams and visions. I went to Disney World when Walt was alive and don't regret it, I took the kids later. You need to do it once. No more for me.

Eisner and the corporation can go to hell, after the F-911 shit.

[Pacifist Patriot]

23. If we can't make fun of Disney our democracy is truly dead.

[CitrusLib]

18. I live nearby and have a seasonal pass.

We love Animal Kingdom. It's the only park that can truly be covered in a single day. It's smaller, more intimate, but pretty well planned. The safari is nice and the river ride is fun (but too short, I think). Expedition Everest is not open yet, but looks like it's going to be cool. The salmon at the Tusker House is very good and the beer stand outside the river rapid ride has the coldest beer in the park. Don't overlook the bird show. Characters are well hidden, but there's an area to meet Mickey and the Gang and the Pooh characters. The boneyard is a great place to let the kids run around while parents sit and take a breather.

Number 1 hint. Take advantage of Fast Pass. At the entrance to popular rides, you are able to put your park pass through a machine to get a ticket for a specific time range to get on a ride. It can literally save you hours of wait time. The only gotcha to this is that you can't get more than 1 fast pass at a time.

This is actually a pretty good time to go to Disney World. The lines shouldn't be that long. I went about two weeks ago and the wait time for Splash Mountain was 5 minutes. I walked right on to Space Mountain.

At the Magic Kingdom, I recommend making reservations for lunch at the Plaza restaurant. It's at the end of Main Street on the right as you're facing the castle. It's a cozy, cool retreat if you want to get off your feet and have someone serve you lunch. The veggie sandwich with sweet potato chips ROCKS.

At MGM, don't miss the Rocking Roller Coaster and the Tower of Terror. I haven't seen the Car stunt show yet, but I've heard that's good and it's only there for a limited time. If you're looking for a fun lunch experience, the Prime Time Cafe is cute. The waitresses will abuse you.

At EPCOT Test Track, Soarin' and Mission Space are the thrill rides available. Make sure you keep your head still during that last one, LOL. I highly recommend taking a break during the middle of the day and splitting EPCOT in two. Go early to avoid crowds, go back to the hotel for a nap and then return later so you can see Illuminations. Or do each half of the park on separate days. I can't tell you how many times I've left early due to sheer exhaustion and missed the fireworks. Food is where this place is at! You can get just about any cuisine and I don't think I've ever had a bad meal there. Just do me a favor and skip the McDonald's stand outside of the Canada pavilion. You can get that stuff at home. :D

Have fun!!! We'll be headed over in a few weeks for the EPCOT Food and Wine festival.

[William769]

20. Thanks for all the info!

[Pacifist Patriot]

22. I go way too often.

I love the Animal Kingdom. Definitely worth a visit but it's a shame the new roller coaster isn't open yet. Do the safari first thing if you want to see the animals more active. My kids alternate between the Magic Kingdom and the Animal Kingdom being their favorite parks.

Soarin' at Epcot is worth doing.

Take advantage of Fast Pass!

[AllegroRondo]

24. Make your meal reservations now!

especially if you want to go to any character breakfasts. The better resteraunts and character breakfasts are very difficult to get into without a reservation. Times fill up fast, but you should be OK if you make reservations before you get there. 1-800-WDW-DINE

and there is no penalty if you decide not to go after you make a reservation. (except for ones that need a deposit, like the Hawaiin Luau)

[Bamboo]

26. People go to the carnival instead of the carnival going to the people.

Between Hurricane Katrina and Rita I went to the Magic Kingdom,on Main Street they had a brass band with two people singing Zip-A-De-Do-Da which is one step below The Battle Hymn of the Republic in NASCAR chic.Wash your hands often,I have caught strep throat more than once.Be prepared for sticker shock,a new candy store at Downtown Disney has $8 slurpees.The water fountains are warm to sell more bottled water.I remember when a frozen banana on a stick was a whole banana,now it is slices which control the profit down to the gram.I have heard about people making out in the Animal Kingdom Planet Watch booths because the rooms get dark and a light outside says occupied.You can still buy toy guns,when I hear kids beg dad for them it is never in a language other than English.Buy a Statue of Liberty at MGM and bury it leaning over half deep in a planter.