It's a mixture of excitement and nerves all at the same time. But 10 days from now I'll be, for the first time, at Disney World.
Never thought I'd go to the place till later in life, as Disneyland is so much closer and we go there annually, but Stitch is the main reason that WDW is finally happening for us.
The Stitch attraction is only the half of it, the other half is the fact that Stitch created fans, and those fans eventually came together, and a few formed very powerful friendships that may last an entire lifetime. That's my case, and I met one of them last year, and will meet again.
Stitch won't be open when we go, July 29, but at least I'll get to meet some old friends, and some new ones too, and embark on a journey I never expected I'd be taking.
It's been stressful to be sure, the planning since October of last year, the planning of a large group meet, only to have almost everyone eventually bail out when real-life finances and time constraints intervened to prevent them from coming. Still others, choosing to wait until later to be assured of riding Stitch.
but locked in and travelling the latest that those that remain could, we're gonna miss the opening. But we still will have fun, be happy, and at least, finally, I'll get to SEE the attraction, if only the outside of it, and the Disney World Park. And I get a feeling that I just might come away from this trip more impressed with WDW than I've ever been with DL, especially with MK's Tomorrowland being decidedly more "alive" than DL's.
Both a blessing and a curse, however, immediately prior to this (hopefully) great vacation, I have to be in Oregon for a few days. So, I leave home in 4 days, and following that trip will proceed immediately to florida, I won't even be home again for another month.
so, 4 days to get my affairs in order and I'm pretty well along. But I need your advice, if you'll be willing to give it. I have been studying the park, but this is my first visit, and I'm sure I'm in for some surprises.
So if you can offer some advice.......
About sunshine and rain: Do I REALLY need sunglasses for Florida? I don't like them. Pretty uncomfortable wearing them. But if it is absolutely necessary I may have no choice.
Rain: About how often does it rain and, when it does, how heavy is it?
Shade: Could you, perhaps, tell me which parks have the most outdoor shade, and which the least?
About eating on a budget:
My meal budget is limited to exactly $36 a day. Or an average of $12 a meal if I eat 3 meals a day. I am worried that I under-budgeted but it is now too late to allocate more funds. And, the fact that, I usually need a decent sized meal to be satsified, then taking in tax, I'm worried that I'm going to come up short on food money.
So, what's your best advice on where to get the most food for your dollar? In all parks? I am on a diet: Atkins, so I can't do heavy helpings of bread and junk food, but I need real food. Any tips and advice when it comes to eating on a budget?
Best attractions, attractions to avoid:
Any tips on attractions that were, in your opinion, not worth the wait in line? I will say that I'm not a thrill ride person, no Rock n' Rollercoaster or Splash Mountain for me, but I'm not a "Dumbo the flying elephant" person either. What would you say is worth the wait, but not too intense? Just highlights please, I dont expect you to list every attraction in every park (I've done that myself!
) But, if time becomes shorts, I'd like some tips on what to skip, and what to go out of my way to see.
Resort Restaurants:
We're planning on eating dinner at a few of the Deluxe hotel restaurants (we are Disney hotel guests at Riverside).
For sure, we know we're doing all the restaurants at the Polynesian....'Ohana, Kona Cafe, and, yes, the Luau too.
But aside from that what would you recommend? something not too expensive, and with meal names that we can actually pronounce? :lol: We're pretty sure we won't be eating at 1900 Park Fare (price), Citrico's (doesn't look appetizing), and Flying Fish Cafe (ever seen their entrees? Rule of thumb: Don't eat what you can't pronounce!).
Other than that any thoughts?
Best places to run into Stitch:
You knew I was going to ask this.
Where's he usually seen? Lilo not required.
Hoop dee doo Musical:
Is this worth the money? This one got a resounding "shrug" from the family, so just checking before we skip something we might have otherwise really enjoyed.
Best places to waste time:
Say chatting, relaxing, catching a break, etc, any "special spots" you'd suggest for friends to sit down and take a breather and shoot the breeze? Chairs preferred.
Extra Magic Hour:
Is it a good idea to escape from a park with EMH once the general public is allowed in? I've heard it gets pretty crowded once the park opens to non-disney guests on those days.
For the real Disney Enthusiast:
Where would you recommend visiting to get a taste of future developments and things to come at Disney World? Such as, rehabs where you can actually see the progress. ALSO, which specific things are down right now? Attractions, sideshows, etc...
And ANY other tips you care to add. I mean anything. If you want to share it, please do so as everything helps. I want this to be a great trip and you can never get too much advice, so, if you can share I appreciate it.
Nervous, but growing steadily more excited. I just hope everything goes well.
_________________________________
Never thought I'd go to the place till later in life, as Disneyland is so much closer and we go there annually, but Stitch is the main reason that WDW is finally happening for us.
The Stitch attraction is only the half of it, the other half is the fact that Stitch created fans, and those fans eventually came together, and a few formed very powerful friendships that may last an entire lifetime. That's my case, and I met one of them last year, and will meet again.
Stitch won't be open when we go, July 29, but at least I'll get to meet some old friends, and some new ones too, and embark on a journey I never expected I'd be taking.
It's been stressful to be sure, the planning since October of last year, the planning of a large group meet, only to have almost everyone eventually bail out when real-life finances and time constraints intervened to prevent them from coming. Still others, choosing to wait until later to be assured of riding Stitch.
but locked in and travelling the latest that those that remain could, we're gonna miss the opening. But we still will have fun, be happy, and at least, finally, I'll get to SEE the attraction, if only the outside of it, and the Disney World Park. And I get a feeling that I just might come away from this trip more impressed with WDW than I've ever been with DL, especially with MK's Tomorrowland being decidedly more "alive" than DL's.
Both a blessing and a curse, however, immediately prior to this (hopefully) great vacation, I have to be in Oregon for a few days. So, I leave home in 4 days, and following that trip will proceed immediately to florida, I won't even be home again for another month.
so, 4 days to get my affairs in order and I'm pretty well along. But I need your advice, if you'll be willing to give it. I have been studying the park, but this is my first visit, and I'm sure I'm in for some surprises.
So if you can offer some advice.......
About sunshine and rain: Do I REALLY need sunglasses for Florida? I don't like them. Pretty uncomfortable wearing them. But if it is absolutely necessary I may have no choice.
Rain: About how often does it rain and, when it does, how heavy is it?
Shade: Could you, perhaps, tell me which parks have the most outdoor shade, and which the least?
About eating on a budget:
My meal budget is limited to exactly $36 a day. Or an average of $12 a meal if I eat 3 meals a day. I am worried that I under-budgeted but it is now too late to allocate more funds. And, the fact that, I usually need a decent sized meal to be satsified, then taking in tax, I'm worried that I'm going to come up short on food money.
So, what's your best advice on where to get the most food for your dollar? In all parks? I am on a diet: Atkins, so I can't do heavy helpings of bread and junk food, but I need real food. Any tips and advice when it comes to eating on a budget?
Best attractions, attractions to avoid:
Any tips on attractions that were, in your opinion, not worth the wait in line? I will say that I'm not a thrill ride person, no Rock n' Rollercoaster or Splash Mountain for me, but I'm not a "Dumbo the flying elephant" person either. What would you say is worth the wait, but not too intense? Just highlights please, I dont expect you to list every attraction in every park (I've done that myself!

Resort Restaurants:
We're planning on eating dinner at a few of the Deluxe hotel restaurants (we are Disney hotel guests at Riverside).
For sure, we know we're doing all the restaurants at the Polynesian....'Ohana, Kona Cafe, and, yes, the Luau too.
But aside from that what would you recommend? something not too expensive, and with meal names that we can actually pronounce? :lol: We're pretty sure we won't be eating at 1900 Park Fare (price), Citrico's (doesn't look appetizing), and Flying Fish Cafe (ever seen their entrees? Rule of thumb: Don't eat what you can't pronounce!).
Other than that any thoughts?
Best places to run into Stitch:
You knew I was going to ask this.

Hoop dee doo Musical:
Is this worth the money? This one got a resounding "shrug" from the family, so just checking before we skip something we might have otherwise really enjoyed.
Best places to waste time:
Say chatting, relaxing, catching a break, etc, any "special spots" you'd suggest for friends to sit down and take a breather and shoot the breeze? Chairs preferred.
Extra Magic Hour:
Is it a good idea to escape from a park with EMH once the general public is allowed in? I've heard it gets pretty crowded once the park opens to non-disney guests on those days.
For the real Disney Enthusiast:
Where would you recommend visiting to get a taste of future developments and things to come at Disney World? Such as, rehabs where you can actually see the progress. ALSO, which specific things are down right now? Attractions, sideshows, etc...
And ANY other tips you care to add. I mean anything. If you want to share it, please do so as everything helps. I want this to be a great trip and you can never get too much advice, so, if you can share I appreciate it.
Nervous, but growing steadily more excited. I just hope everything goes well.
_________________________________
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