Disney World
- Thread starter IndyLady
- Start date
When I went to Disney Land in college, I felt like a kid again as I entered the park.
When I went Disney World ten years later it was with my niece -- eight years old with her own annual pass. She really spoiled the magic because to her it was just another amusement park. It and Sea World were probably the only ones she'd ever been to.
When I went Disney World ten years later it was with my niece -- eight years old with her own annual pass. She really spoiled the magic because to her it was just another amusement park. It and Sea World were probably the only ones she'd ever been to.
DanceMentor
Administrator
It's been a long time, but it is a huge park. I know you can get passes to multiple places (ex. Disney World and Epcot Center). One part of my memory was the parking lot was also huge and the person I went with walked really slow. I was really excited to go, but then my excitement turned into frustration a little because my friend was so slow walking. Before that I went as a kid and really loved it. I most remember the trams and Space Mountain. But that was a long time ago.
raindance
Forum Master
I've read that picking less busy days can be at least somewhat helpful for enjoying the day(s). We did Epcot many years ago on Christmas day (it was an odd quirk of our travel plans that year that Christmas was our free day to see the park) and it was nice and relaxed because it was nearly empty with few lines.
ProgressNotPerfection
Forum Master
To quote my husband, “why do you ask, and what do you intend to do with that information?”
But seriously, PLAN AHEAD. (Hahaha look who I’m telling that to….) My advice, based on personal experience, is: research a select few areas you want to visit (it’s too overwhelming to cover all of them); work out transportation packages (or better yet, roller-coaster-ride/food/transportation packages) ahead of time; pay extra for the pass or wristband (or whatever it is now, probably a QR code on your phone) gets you to the front of all lines; choose lodgings onsite.
Other than these generalities, plus always keeping in mind your family’s interests and attention limits and frustration tolerance levels, choose what you like.
DanceMentor
Administrator
By the way, since we’re on the topic of Disney World, are there any places to dance there? I’m sure they have some pretty good shows with dancing in them.
I was just looking to hear people's experience, irrespective of what I may plan to do, not looking for targeted advice. Hoping to find some useful nuggets in your personal stories.
But since you insist... it would be a family trip (including the son I talk about a lot here), likely the week (ish) after Christmas due to work demands and everyone's vacation schedules. I've never been, so I have no idea what to be interested in. My husband suggested Epcot, Magic Kingdom, something else? I googled a couple things on Wikipedia and holy smokes this is more material than an actuarial exam. Son enjoys roller coaster type rides and we like water parks. We don't really watch Disney... I have a large framed poster of the Wicked Queen from Snow White and have dressed up as her for Halloween a a few times, that's about it.
But since you insist... it would be a family trip (including the son I talk about a lot here), likely the week (ish) after Christmas due to work demands and everyone's vacation schedules. I've never been, so I have no idea what to be interested in. My husband suggested Epcot, Magic Kingdom, something else? I googled a couple things on Wikipedia and holy smokes this is more material than an actuarial exam. Son enjoys roller coaster type rides and we like water parks. We don't really watch Disney... I have a large framed poster of the Wicked Queen from Snow White and have dressed up as her for Halloween a a few times, that's about it.
I've been there three times and could be talked into going again.
I really liked the Animal Kingdom part of the World, and I'd already been on safari in the Serengeti twice. Having seen the real thing, I think Disney did a great job of representing Africa. They had Masaii shields and spears in the rafters of the hotel where I stayed, and exhibits about different areas of the continent.
Check out the Wild Africa Trek. Now they have a dinosaur thing, too.
Expedition Everest was fun, but can't remember if that was before or after my trips to the Everest area.
I did the water park, and that was cool.
Way back when there was Pleasure Island where I danced at the Neon Armadillo back when country was popular again.
Looking very briefly at the price person for the Africa Trek, you will spend a bundle, but if it's within your means and you're into this sort of thing, it will probably be money well spent.
I really liked the Animal Kingdom part of the World, and I'd already been on safari in the Serengeti twice. Having seen the real thing, I think Disney did a great job of representing Africa. They had Masaii shields and spears in the rafters of the hotel where I stayed, and exhibits about different areas of the continent.
Check out the Wild Africa Trek. Now they have a dinosaur thing, too.
Expedition Everest was fun, but can't remember if that was before or after my trips to the Everest area.
I did the water park, and that was cool.
Way back when there was Pleasure Island where I danced at the Neon Armadillo back when country was popular again.
Looking very briefly at the price person for the Africa Trek, you will spend a bundle, but if it's within your means and you're into this sort of thing, it will probably be money well spent.
OK now for the specific questions.
Those of you who have gone, did you do the pre-paid meal plans? I'm genuinely torn on this because I honestly don't know if it would end up making financial sense at the end, and having never been to DW, I have no idea if after 3 days we are still going to be consistently hungry enough to use it effectively, or so hungry all the time we will regret not getting it. From everything I read it sounds like kind of a crapshoot depending on your individual circumstances, but right now those are hard to predict. Any particular restaurants you remember that you liked?
I'm working with a friend turned Disney planner and she said look through the restaurants and if I find X or more I definitely want to eat at, then plan would be worthwhile. The list of restaurants is so long though, it's really overwhelming. Certainly there are many of interest, but I feel like I need to be mindful of where they are located to coordinate with whatever park we are at, and I don't want to miss a reservation because we were standing in line longer than anticipated for some ride... gah.
Those of you who have gone, did you do the pre-paid meal plans? I'm genuinely torn on this because I honestly don't know if it would end up making financial sense at the end, and having never been to DW, I have no idea if after 3 days we are still going to be consistently hungry enough to use it effectively, or so hungry all the time we will regret not getting it. From everything I read it sounds like kind of a crapshoot depending on your individual circumstances, but right now those are hard to predict. Any particular restaurants you remember that you liked?
I'm working with a friend turned Disney planner and she said look through the restaurants and if I find X or more I definitely want to eat at, then plan would be worthwhile. The list of restaurants is so long though, it's really overwhelming. Certainly there are many of interest, but I feel like I need to be mindful of where they are located to coordinate with whatever park we are at, and I don't want to miss a reservation because we were standing in line longer than anticipated for some ride... gah.
ProgressNotPerfection
Forum Master
Whether you’re hungry or not, you will probably be thirsty, and won’t want to pay $10 for something in a souvenir cup that you’ll toss before leaving the park that day. Food and drinks there are very expensive.
Also, if you go that route, choose a prepaid plan that doesn’t restrict you to getting meals from only certain places (if possible). When you’re hungry, it’s frustrating to have to trek to a distant restaurant when there’s one right in front of you calling your name.
But YMMV.
Dancing Gorilla
Active Member
Been there 3x total and pre paid meal plans are worth it. Theme park food is not cheap. So pre paid will actually save you money. I assume you have kids that's why you're going. After long lines, lots of walking and humidity, you'll be hungry. I don't remember exactly the meal plans but the one I always get is the one with sit down or restaurant option once a day like the middle tier because they actually got good restaurants on all the theme parks. Bring ziplocks for left overs and you can eat them for breakfast then just use the meal plan for lunch then dinner. I also prefer staying at their hotels because I can get their transportation to rest sometime in the afternoon then get back later at night for fireworks or more rides.
Happyhorsie
Well-Known Member
I always picked up some snacks and foods from nearby grocery stores and just brought them with me. Obv got some Disney snacks as well, but for my family, this was cheaper and better than figuring out Disney food every day. Also then we could easily snack in line. I do think it’s a good idea to figure out the app so you can pre-order food to pick up if you want though.