Any tips for Disney World? Critique my plan.

[Leros]

iPhone app named "Magic Guide" was definitely the best $5 spent on the whole trip. Wait times, maps (with GPS), menus, descriptions... must-have.

Excellent. I heard there were several iPhone apps worth looking at. Can anybody else make recommendations in that regard?

 

[Leros]

Animal Kingdom was my favorite park. There is lots to see and do there. The expedition everest is great and so is the safari ride. The safari ride is different each time too. The animals around the park are great too. Animal Kingdom closes early so after it closes you should go to downtown Disney.

The last few time I went we went for 5 days at the parks. There was still so much I felt like missed out on.

Stay at the Animal Kingdom lodge, a very nice hotel. Make sure you get the safari view.

There seems to be two very different views on Animal Kingdom. Some people love it and spend lots of time and some go through really fast?

Question to the ones that didn't get crazy about Animal Kindgom? Were you focusing more on the rides or the animals?

 

[Leros]

When I was a kid, Magic Kingdom was where it was at. But last November when I took my girlfriend to Disney, I was more into Epcot.

Note: If you are prone to motion sickness, do NOT ride the "more intensive" option on the Mission: Space ride. I normally don't have a problem on rides or rollercoasters but that one made me want to lay down afterwards.

I think Epcot will end up being her favorite, but she hasn't experienced the "magic" of Magic Kingdom before so I'm sure that will be a blast for her. I've been to Magic Kingdom several times myself, so I'm looking forward to Epcot more.

 

[Leros]

I'd skip Animal Kingdom all together, it's seriously boring, hot, and not much to do. If you get park hopper passes then I guess it'd be okay to spend some time one morning there, but nothing more than that.

Universal (especially if you get tickets for both parks) can easily fill up a full day.

Otherwise I agree with ProfJohn. Take your time at the other three parks as there is a lot to see and little things beyond just standing in lines for rides.

As far as walking strategy, I'm not sure about Magic Kingdom but the last time I was at Hollywood Studios they actually had signs up with the current wait times on the major rides. So if Magic Kingdom has the same, you could just pick the shortest wait big ride you want to do and then go do that whole area first. Then work your way around, or move to the next area with the shortest wait time.

One of those days you should also check out the Disney Downtown Marketplace (if that's what its called these days). It's basically a shopping/dining area built around a lake. It's free to enter and is a nice relaxing area to walk around and have some dinner. You can take the buses from any of the hotels or parks to get there and back.

And since I'm older now and everything revolves around food, here's a couple food tips:

Magic Kingdom: Since you are going with your girlfriend, first thing early in the morning setup a reservation for Cinderella's Royal Table which is the restaurant inside the castle. (http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/cinderellas-royal-table/). Yes it's expensive, but the food is good and the setting is great for couples.

Epcot: Lunch at the United Kingdom pavilion, there is a counter service spot with some damn good fish and chips and its cheap (for Disney). Sit off behind the building by the water.

MGM/Hollywood Studios: We really enjoy the SciFi Dine-in Theater. Food is standard park food but you sit in booths made to look like old cars at a drive-in theater with random old scifi'ish stuff playing. Well worth it.

That's a good strategy. Hit the longest thing first and move around from there. I personally have a natural tendency to go counter-clockwise, which I think works out well at Disney (at least the DisneyLand layout, not sure how Disney World compares) because you get to New Orleans area of the park at night.

We'll probably go to downtown Disney the day we arrive, since we'll have the evening. That or after Animal Kindgom.

 

[Bignate603]

It may be big, but it doesn't have a lot worth doing. You'll power through it in no time.

Have you been there before?

 

[KaOTiK]

If you like Blue Man Group, I suggest hitting up their show at Universal, it is pretty damn good. If you really wanting to go to a beach, I suggest Coco, much nicer then Daytona imo.

If you dig animals and stuff, might be worth thinking of Sea World too since it isn't far. They have some good rides and excellent shows, it is a really cool park. It is like a mix of Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom but all ocean related.

 

[HAL9000]

Have you been there before?

I wouldn't be commenting if I hadn't. It was all Lion King shows and crap, and some big tree.

 

[DCal430]

If you are staying at a Disney hotel, DO NOT stay at the all star ones. They are run down roach motels. Complete crap, really they just a step above a motel 6.

 

[quikah]

There seems to be two very different views on Animal Kingdom. Some people love it and spend lots of time and some go through really fast?

Question to the ones that didn't get crazy about Animal Kindgom? Were you focusing more on the rides or the animals?

There are very few rides there. That is probably why people don't like it, but I think there is plenty of other stuff to look at. I kind of feel the same way about Hollywood Studios, but that is probably because I have seen all the shows about 5x each, but there are literally 4 rides worth doing in that park, granted Toy Story Mania is the greatest ride ever...

Not sure how much extra money you want to spend, but if you want to do something kind of unique go to Hoop Dee Doo Review at Fort Wilderness. It is a fun western themed dinner show, totally cheesy and not romantic, but it is a lot of fun.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

As an ex Disney cast member I can tell you that there is way more to see and do in each park than can be accomplished in a day. Unless your goal is to say you've been to each park and don't care how bad your feet hurt, take your time and enjoy. If you like an area stay and relax. There are no bonuses or penalties for not seeing everything.

 

[TastesLikeChicken]

<-- Former Imagineer from WDW that worked on Mission: Space, Soarin', Tower of Terror, Expedition Everest, Haunted Mansion Rehab, Spaceship Earth rehab, Pirates of the Carribean rehab and a bunch of other attractions including many Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Paris.

Honestly, in 4 or 5 days time you won't even scratch the surface of any one park. imo, you should concentrate on 2 primary parks of your choosing. If I was someone who had never been before I'd concentrate on the Magic Kingdom and EPCOT. Plan accordingly in the morning, arrive early, and get Fast Passes to the attractions you really want to see. In EPCOT Soarin' is an absolute must. Maybe one of the best things Disney has ever done. I love Mission: Space as well but if you are prone to motion sickness avoid the centrifuge (spinning), although that was entirely the whole point of M:S in the first place. One non-thrill ride I always found enjoyable in EPCOT was The Land.

For Magic Kingdom there's Haunted Mansion, Space Mountain, Pirates of the Carribean, and Thunder Mountain. Jungle Cruise is great for some relaxing cheese.

If you can avoid it don't eat in the parks except for 1 or 2 special dinners. It's expensive and most of the food isn't all that. There are some places where you can get really great eats but be prepared to dish out some coin in the process. The California Grill atop of the Contemporary Hotel is very nice, great ambiance, but a bit pricey. If you really want to spend some major coin there's Victoria & Alberts. Be prepared to wear a tie for V&A. It's mandatory. Bikos also has good food without requiring a monkey suit in the process. Honestly, Orlando proper has a multitude of great places to eat outside of Disney that are more than worth the trip. Two paces I highly recommend are Le Coq au Vin and the Ravenous Pig. Both are worth the trip so get a rental car for at least a couple of days.

 

[manlymatt83]

Funky Monkey!!!!

 

[UpgradeFailure]

Skip AK and do the Hollywood Studios

 

[ussfletcher]

<-- Former Imagineer from WDW that worked on Mission: Space, Soarin', Tower of Terror, Expedition Everest, Haunted Mansion Rehab, Spaceship Earth rehab, Pirates of the Carribean rehab and a bunch of other attractions including many Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Paris.

Honestly, in 4 or 5 days time you won't even scratch the surface of any one park. imo, you should concentrate on 2 primary parks of your choosing. If I was someone who had never been before I'd concentrate on the Magic Kingdom and EPCOT. Plan accordingly in the morning, arrive early, and get Fast Passes to the attractions you really want to see. In EPCOT Soarin' is an absolute must. Maybe one of the best things Disney has ever done. I love Mission: Space as well but if you are prone to motion sickness avoid the centrifuge (spinning), although that was entirely the whole point of M:S in the first place. One non-thrill ride I always found enjoyable in EPCOT was The Land.

For Magic Kingdom there's Haunted Mansion, Space Mountain, Pirates of the Carribean, and Thunder Mountain. Jungle Cruise is great for some relaxing cheese.

If you can avoid it don't eat in the parks except for 1 or 2 special dinners. It's expensive and most of the food isn't all that. There are some places where you can get really great eats but be prepared to dish out some coin in the process. The California Grill atop of the Contemporary Hotel is very nice, great ambiance, but a bit pricey. If you really want to spend some major coin there's Victoria & Alberts. Be prepared to wear a tie for V&A. It's mandatory. Bikos also has good food without requiring a monkey suit in the process. Honestly, Orlando proper has a multitude of great places to eat outside of Disney that are more than worth the trip. Two paces I highly recommend are Le Coq au Vin and the Ravenous Pig. Both are worth the trip so get a rental car for at least a couple of days.

I think that your advice is very good, except that ADULTS won't spend much time at the Magic Kingdom because there are only a handful of attractions to visit if you are not a child.

 

[Craig234]

I think the best thing there is the world showcase at Epcot. Not only can it easily fill a day to see each country, but each has one to three restaurants, and I'd try to get to several of them on the trip - and other parts of Disney have outstanding restaurants as well.

First, the key tip: first thing every day go to a kiosk and make reservations for the day's meals. The best places fill up.

World Showcase: Note, world showcase countries are staffed by young people from those countries who move here for a year.

France has three choices. Check the menus but naturally I'd prefer the best.

Italy has an enormous, noisy restaurant with singing waiters, crowds and the only fettucini alfredo *I* can't finish because it's too rich.

Mexico has outstanding Mexican food.

Norway isn't my taste, but it has Norwegian food that seems authentic like you won't find other places I've seen (fish, fish, fish).

Germany, also surprisingly not really my taste, but check the menu and it's a dinner theatre.

Morocco great atmosphere, mediocre food, think sitting around with pillows and many a belly dancer, the rice/raisin/chicken type dishes are ok. But look at the architecture - it's all authentic, with materials from Morocco and the king's own workers were brought in to make it, apparently subsidized by the Moroccan government.

England: pub food, not bad. Look for the close-up magician while there (one on one tricks, not a stage show).

Canada: I think it's a traditional steakhouse now but I don't remember it being great, just good.

China: Chinese food, very good Chinese food but still like any other place you can go.

Japan: nice Japanese food, worth it if you like the Benihana experience.

If it were me, I'd probably book France, England, Italy, maybe France again, Mexico.

Other Disney dining: arguably the best place by reputation is Victoria and Albert's Italian at the most beautiful Disney resort, the Grand Floridian.

Other nice places: the Californian Cafe at contemperary resort is a top-ranked restaurant, great view.

The all you can eat buffets at Wilderness Lodge I really like, western style (think skewers of meat).

Traditional steakhouse at the boardwalk.

Polynesian resort has a decent restaurant themed for that.

The Brown Derby in Universal Studios is good too.

I'd recommend you schedule at least a half day just to see the premium resorts (Floridian especially, and Wilderness Lodge but others too), most have monorail.

There's also boating (rent), and even horseback riding.

For a non-Disney restaurant: THE one to go to is Bern's - and after dinner sit in a carved-out wine barrel for a dessert restaurant.

I second the Cirque du Soleil show, and check the music venue - I saw Joe Walsh there.

There's also Downtown Disney - not the shopping area (like they need more stores) but the after dark near it, nice place for an evening, with some themed musical venues and entertainment (a cheesy show at the 'adventurer's club'), a show with celebrity autographs and such, best is probably the comedy show - no big deal but nice to see once.

They also have 'behind the scenes' park tours if you ask first thing in the morning (extra cost).

 

[Tweak155]

I was just there end of January. I think the best theme park is Epcot by far and as many people have said, it is for the country themes they have.

We didn't have time to do Animal Kingdom, but Magic Kingdom was freaking huge and we got there later at night. It was so packed for the fireworks it was ridiculous. Honestly, I doubt I'd care to see the fireworks there ever again in that situation, although it was earlier in the week like a Monday or Tuesday so that might have been the problem. (I picked AK over MK but wifey chose fireworks when I got to choose Epcot first).

Hollywood Studios was the bomb. It easily came in 2nd. I could have spent more time there. Universal Studios was OK, but not a priority. Very Small comparatively if you don't pay for both parks at the same time (I forget how they're split up - but its basically 2 parks literally next to each other that have a gate between them). We didn't have time to do both sides anyway which is why we only did 1.

Downtown Disney is great to visit a few times due to restaurant choices (at least for us). Also we found ourselves going through the shops again and seeing things we hadn't seen the first time. And the best thing about Downtown Disney is it is the one area you don't have to pay to get into but you can spend plenty of time there just browsing.

 

[sjwaste]

I was there about a year ago on our mini-honeymoon right after the wedding. Disney World can definitely be a good adult destination.

First, plan a day and a half for Epcot. For us, we did it as our first day and half of our last day. The first day is fun, assuming you're over 21, and can drink. Try to have a beverage at each country. I didn't make it, but I gave it a shot.

The Magic Kingdom needs a full day to explore fully.

MGM/Hollywood Studios (whatever it's called now) kind of sucks. There are basically 2 rides there and both will have long lines. If you go, don't plan to be there all day. It's a good one to split with Epcot because you can take the Disney ferry around between them.

Downtown Disney is no longer Pleasure Island. They closed just about all of the bars and it's a lot cleaner than it used to be. It's worth a walk around.

Animal Kingdom is AWESOME. It's a zoo, but it has some rides, and you can actually see animals in the exhibits. I went in there with the lowest of expectations and left feeling that Disney really did this one the right way.

Food, especially upscale dining, has really improved since we were kids. If you really want to go all out, Victoria and Albert's is a unique experience, but it's expensive and might not fit in with your plans. Blue Zoo at the Dolphin was excellent for seafood. I also really, really like the sit down restaurant in Morocco at Epcot.

Cabs are the way to go. If you take a car to Orlando from the airport, get the guy's number. Most of them will do it, and with like 10 minutes lead time, you will have a reliable driver any time you need to go somewhere. It was $20 or so to any point in Disney World for us, originating from the Dolphin (where we stayed, since it's a Starwood property).

 

[Fingolfin269]

Honestly I would just choose whichever parks have the Extra Magic Hours (or whatever they're called) in the AM. This assumes you're staying on-site though.

This isn't park specific but the fast pass is your friend. Use it as often as you can.

 

[moshquerade]

My girlfriend and I are going to Orlando for 4 days with the main focus of the trip being Disney World (she's never been).

I'm thinking:
Day 1) Magic Kingdom
Day 2) Epcot
Day 3) Animal Kindgom
Day 4) Universal Studios or explore Florida (if we're theme parked out)

Do you think the three Disney parks will keep us occupied for a full day?

I don't think we're going to rent a car (we're both under 25, so its actually somewhat costly with the extra fees), probably cheaper just to take taxis when we need and use the hotel shuttle to get to the parks. Think this is a mistake?

Any general suggestions?

group sex with mickey and minnie

 

[velillen]

I know when we went to WDW a good while ago we went to Animal kingdom and it was actually nice and relaxing. Laid back, slower paced, not really having to stand around in lines. you can do it in half a day or 3/4 of a day but that would leave your night open to go out for a nice dinner or see a show. I'd personally do Magic Kingdom (since your gf hasnt been), AK the next day just to relax a bit, then do Epcot. What i remember was Epcot and MK being a decent amount of walking and standing on your feet so an easy day to "recover" a bit might be nice for you.

Least thats what i remember (again been a few years) but might be nicer. We were there for a week if i remember right (or 10 days Oo) and hit all the water parks up too in between the main parks.

 

[Nik]

My only advice is to walk like a BAUCE while you're there cuz I'm hard jelly cuz I've never been.

 

[Newbian]

If you want to know new meanings of pain and anguish make sure you ride the "It's a small world after all" at least 3 times in a row.

 

[coxmaster]

If you like Blue Man Group, I suggest hitting up their show at Universal, it is pretty damn good. If you really wanting to go to a beach, I suggest Coco, much nicer then Daytona imo.

If you dig animals and stuff, might be worth thinking of Sea World too since it isn't far. They have some good rides and excellent shows, it is a really cool park. It is like a mix of Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom but all ocean related.

This. Don't come to Daytona if you want a good beach

 

[sjwaste]

group sex with mickey and minnie

They're not furries, Mosh.

Wait... do you know something that I don't?

 

[Adrenaline]

Hollywood Studios has the Toy Story ride which is AWESOME !!!!

You have to get there first thing in the morning and get a fastpass which there is a looooooooooooooooooooooooooooong line for the fastpass and come back 4 hours later and it is WORTH EVERY SECOND OF WAITING !!!

Seriously, it is awesome.