The Sorcerer's Apprentice Season 4: Homecoming Edition - Discussion Thread

spacemt354

Chili's
@spacemt354 I'm the odd ball looking forward to the Alien's ride more than the coaster. I love Mater's ride at DCA and glad we are getting a clone in Hollywood. I just hopes it's as funny.
It will be DHS's first B/C-Ticket flat ride as crazy as that sounds...so yes I'm looking forward to that more too...not even just because it's Mater tech but because it's a first for DHS.
 

TheOriginalTiki

Well-Known Member
Sounds like a great trip... and Great Fastpasses! :D Have an awesome time! - but if you go to Trader Sams get an appetizer as well - you won't be sorry! :cool:

Also don't forget if the lines get to long Everest, Test Track, and Rockin' all have single rider lines. It really can be the different between waiting over an hour or not :bookworm: There originally was a single rider in place for Flight of Passage, I don't know if they'll ever implement it though.

The panko crusted green beans at Disneyland's Trader Sam's are to die for, so we'll definitely have those. I'll have to compare the two menus to see if there's any special treats at Sam's not at the Disneyland Hotel version. I do know their signature drink is the Nautilus whereas Disneyland has the Uh-Oah, so my grandma and I will definitely be splitting that haha.

Single Rider is going to be a god send when we go to Universal, that's for sure. I also very much planning on using it for Test Track based on the success we've had using it at Radiator Springs Racers. Not sure about the coasters though. Coaster CMs tend to be really efficient at pairing up people at the station without having to pull from the single riders line, which can lead to SR being at a total standstill for cycle after cycle. I learned this the hard way trying it on Screamin' last year. Universal attractions are much easier to get on quickly with Single Rider and thankfully unlike Disney there's a multitude of options over there. I'll never forget marathoning Forbidden Journey at USH with Monkey about three times in 20 minutes using Single Rider. Good times!

Our emphasis is definitely Animal Kingdom and Epcot. Animal Kingdom mostly in the morning for Flight of Passage rope drops, Epcot in the evening. Granted I really should change the plans around to have one night at Animal Kingdom for Pandora. Possibly might cancel the Coral Reef reservations on Wednesday to make that happen. Thoughts?

As our now our strategy with Flight of Passage is to use the Minnie Vans to ENSURE we get to the gate an hour before park opening so were at the front of the rope drop pack. Basically were just going to hope for the best in terms of going through it once at rope drop and then getting right back in line both of the days were at the park in the morning. Of course Fastpasses might complicate things a bit and I'm sure by the time we get out of our first ride lines will have already exceeded an hour, but I definitely want to get on it as many times as humanly possible given the hype. Fastpasses were IMPOSSIBLE to get, as I logged on as early as I could on the 60 day point and the servers were literally crashing with people trying to book them.

As for After Hours crowds, to me the biggest issue seems to be the mob of people leaving the park after the fireworks, so because of that I plan on already being in the park outside of the hub when the fireworks go off. From what I understand unless you have a badge for the event they won't let you back into the lands so people will still hang out in the Hub but the actual lands are empty. Were talking walk ons for the mountains, 5-10 minutes for Seven Dwarfs. Dream come true levels of crowds.
 

spacemt354

Chili's
The panko crusted green beans at Disneyland's Trader Sam's are to die for, so we'll definitely have those. I'll have to compare the two menus to see if there's any special treats at Sam's not at the Disneyland Hotel version. I do know their signature drink is the Nautilus whereas Disneyland has the Uh-Oah, so my grandma and I will definitely be splitting that haha.

Single Rider is going to be a god send when we go to Universal, that's for sure. I also very much planning on using it for Test Track based on the success we've had using it at Radiator Springs Racers. Not sure about the coasters though. Coaster CMs tend to be really efficient at pairing up people at the station without having to pull from the single riders line, which can lead to SR being at a total standstill for cycle after cycle. I learned this the hard way trying it on Screamin' last year. Universal attractions are much easier to get on quickly with Single Rider and thankfully unlike Disney there's a multitude of options over there. I'll never forget marathoning Forbidden Journey at USH with Monkey about three times in 20 minutes using Single Rider. Good times!

Our emphasis is definitely Animal Kingdom and Epcot. Animal Kingdom mostly in the morning for Flight of Passage rope drops, Epcot in the evening. Granted I really should change the plans around to have one night at Animal Kingdom for Pandora. Possibly might cancel the Coral Reef reservations on Wednesday to make that happen. Thoughts?

As our now our strategy with Flight of Passage is to use the Minnie Vans to ENSURE we get to the gate an hour before park opening so were at the front of the rope drop pack. Basically were just going to hope for the best in terms of going through it once at rope drop and then getting right back in line both of the days were at the park in the morning. Of course Fastpasses might complicate things a bit and I'm sure by the time we get out of our first ride lines will have already exceeded an hour, but I definitely want to get on it as many times as humanly possible given the hype. Fastpasses were IMPOSSIBLE to get, as I logged on as early as I could on the 60 day point and the servers were literally crashing with people trying to book them.

As for After Hours crowds, to me the biggest issue seems to be the mob of people leaving the park after the fireworks, so because of that I plan on already being in the park outside of the hub when the fireworks go off. From what I understand unless you have a badge for the event they won't let you back into the lands so people will still hang out in the Hub but the actual lands are empty. Were talking walk ons for the mountains, 5-10 minutes for Seven Dwarfs. Dream come true levels of crowds.
We've had some bad experiences at Coral Reef. It used to be good...has gone downhill in recent years. So if you're thinking of bailing on that I wouldn't stop you.
 

Voxel

President of Progress City
Our emphasis is definitely Animal Kingdom and Epcot. Animal Kingdom mostly in the morning for Flight of Passage rope drops, Epcot in the evening. Granted I really should change the plans around to have one night at Animal Kingdom for Pandora. Possibly might cancel the Coral Reef reservations on Wednesday to make that happen. Thoughts?
So I might be the minority and I would look to @MonorailRed for another bit of opinion on this but I was underwhelmed by Pandora at night. Don't get me wrong it's gorgeous and jaw dropping but you can only get so much more of a jaw drop out of a land that is already extremely impressive. I would not re-arrange a trip just for Pandora a night, is what I'm getting at. If your there, it's beautiful but not soo beautiful to change plans for.
 

spacemt354

Chili's
So I might be the minority and I would look to @MonorailRed for another bit of opinion on this but I was underwhelmed by Pandora at night. Don't get me wrong it's gorgeous and jaw dropping but you can only get some much more of a jaw drop out of a land that is already extremely impressive. I would not re-arrange a trip just for Pandora a night, is what I'm getting at. If your there, it's beautiful but not soo beautiful to change plans for.
Pandora was underwhelming at night in terms of I was expecting it to be all lit up and really it's only the plants and some projected lights onto the mountains. Not the 'glowing' they advertised -- I much prefer it in the daytime.
 

TheOriginalTiki

Well-Known Member
So I might be the minority and I would look to @MonorailRed for another bit of opinion on this but I was underwhelmed by Pandora at night. Don't get me wrong it's gorgeous and jaw dropping but you can only get some much more of a jaw drop out of a land that is already extremely impressive. I would not re-arrange a trip just for Pandora a night, is what I'm getting at. If your there, it's beautiful but not soo beautiful to change plans for.

Noted. I was hesitant about getting Coral Reef reservations as I haven't heard great things about the food (and frankly looking at it the menu's a bit underwhelming in terms of selection...) but @JokersWild insisted I do it for the Classic Epcot of it all and the bragging rights of the "dining under water" experience and I couldn't pass it up. It's the reservation I'm least looking forward to for the actual food (that would be Napolini!) but most looking forward to for the experience.
 

spacemt354

Chili's
Noted. I was hesitant about getting Coral Reef reservations as I haven't heard great things about the food (and frankly looking at it the menu's a bit underwhelming in terms of selection...) but @JokersWild insisted I do it for the Classic Epcot of it all and the bragging rights of the "dining under water" experience and I couldn't pass it up. It's the reservation I'm least looking forward to for the actual food (that would be Napolini!) but most looking forward to for the experience.
If you want the classic Epcot vibe...The Odyssey should be open since you are going during a Festival...walk in there now that is classic Epcot. And the Wonders of Life

The Seas Pavilion as a whole looks nothing like it used to during the 80s/90s unless you were there and can pick out the similarities.

Also most of the restaurants in world showcase have been around since opening day so technically they are all classic Epcot;) (and much better food/service)
 

MonorailRed

Applebees
Original Poster
The panko crusted green beans at Disneyland's Trader Sam's are to die for, so we'll definitely have those. I'll have to compare the two menus to see if there's any special treats at Sam's not at the Disneyland Hotel version. I do know their signature drink is the Nautilus whereas Disneyland has the Uh-Oah, so my grandma and I will definitely be splitting that haha.

Definitely the Nautilus. Definitely the Poke or the Tacos.

Tacos.jpg

Hawaiian-Poke.jpg


Single Rider is going to be a god send when we go to Universal, that's for sure. I also very much planning on using it for Test Track based on the success we've had using it at Radiator Springs Racers. Not sure about the coasters though. Coaster CMs tend to be really efficient at pairing up people at the station without having to pull from the single riders line, which can lead to SR being at a total standstill for cycle after cycle. I learned this the hard way trying it on Screamin' last year. Universal attractions are much easier to get on quickly with Single Rider and thankfully unlike Disney there's a multitude of options over there. I'll never forget marathoning Forbidden Journey at USH with Monkey about three times in 20 minutes using Single Rider. Good times!

Absolutely use it at Universal! - Also do Poseidon's Fury, it's unexpectedly, awkwardly funny. It uses effects you'd usually see in storytelling in an interesting way.

Our emphasis is definitely Animal Kingdom and Epcot. Animal Kingdom mostly in the morning for Flight of Passage rope drops, Epcot in the evening. Granted I really should change the plans around to have one night at Animal Kingdom for Pandora. Possibly might cancel the Coral Reef reservations on Wednesday to make that happen. Thoughts?

As our now our strategy with Flight of Passage is to use the Minnie Vans to ENSURE we get to the gate an hour before park opening so were at the front of the rope drop pack. Basically were just going to hope for the best in terms of going through it once at rope drop and then getting right back in line both of the days were at the park in the morning. Of course Fastpasses might complicate things a bit and I'm sure by the time we get out of our first ride lines will have already exceeded an hour, but I definitely want to get on it as many times as humanly possible given the hype. Fastpasses were IMPOSSIBLE to get, as I logged on as early as I could on the 60 day point and the servers were literally crashing with people trying to book them.

Great Flight of Passage plan - It'll look crazy. The line will be crazy.

My advice is definitely to take the shortcut....

avatar_Full_30138.jpg


The rope drop will end over by the Restrooms on the right side of the map, to open up River journey as well.

Most people will take the giant path that loops around River Journey to Flight. - If you can... Go the small bridge path in the center near the water feature instead. - You'll get there quicker. It's known for getting people across Pandora with crowds efficiently :hilarious:
 

Voxel

President of Progress City
If you want the classic Epcot vibe...The Odyssey should be open since you are going during a Festival...walk in there now that is classic Epcot. And the Wonders of Life

The Seas Pavilion as a whole looks nothing like it used to during the 80s/90s unless you were there and can pick out the similarities.

Also most of the restaurants in world showcase have been around since opening day so technically they are all classic Epcot;) (and much better food/service)
I can't really give advice on Epcot dining, I've only been to Coral Reef and Edo. :/
 

spacemt354

Chili's
I can't really give advice on Epcot dining, I've only been to Coral Reef and Edo. :/
Ironically Epcot is where I've eaten the most lol

Biergarten and Rose and Crown are two favorites...and for a less expensive dinner...you can try Seasons (it's not table service but really I don't need table service every night)

And then some good hidden gems in World Showcase
Katsura Grill in Japan, the outdoor restaurant in Mexico (forgot the name), Funnel Cake stand in American Adventure, and Via Napoli for pizza in Italy.
 

JokersWild

Well-Known Member
If you want the classic Epcot vibe...The Odyssey should be open since you are going during a Festival...walk in there now that is classic Epcot. And the Wonders of Life

The Seas Pavilion as a whole looks nothing like it used to during the 80s/90s unless you were there and can pick out the similarities.

Also most of the restaurants in world showcase have been around since opening day so technically they are all classic Epcot;) (and much better food/service)
To be fair, The Odyssey may not be open during Flower and Garden (I know it opens for Food and Wine, I've just never heard it opening for any other.) And I don't know if you've ever been to Coral Reef, but it's basically untouched since the pavilion opened. They still play the old area loop (albeit a variation on it specifically for the restaurant.) It's basically as close to the original Living Seas as you're ever going to get nowadays.

In terms of World Showcase, @MANEATINGWREATH and I tried desperately to convince him to go to Les Chefs de France as well. Personally my favorite restaurant on property let alone EPCOT.
 

MonorailRed

Applebees
Original Poster
Noted. I was hesitant about getting Coral Reef reservations as I haven't heard great things about the food (and frankly looking at it the menu's a bit underwhelming in terms of selection...) but @JokersWild insisted I do it for the Classic Epcot of it all and the bragging rights of the "dining under water" experience and I couldn't pass it up. It's the reservation I'm least looking forward to for the actual food (that would be Napolini!) but most looking forward to for the experience.

Coral Reef is on the lower end of EPCOT food in my opinion. I had went in 2015 - Kinda sad only thing I enjoyed was the appetizer and the bread service.

If you want a great restaurants in the EPCOT area, I highly recommend the quick services actually, Mexico, Morocco, and Japan are my favorites. Table service I say Rose and Crown and always Cape May Cafe, because I know the quality of food personally is on point.
 

TheOriginalTiki

Well-Known Member
If you want the classic Epcot vibe...The Odyssey should be open since you are going during a Festival...walk in there now that is classic Epcot. And the Wonders of Life

The Seas Pavilion as a whole looks nothing like it used to during the 80s/90s unless you were there and can pick out the similarities.

Also most of the restaurants in world showcase have been around since opening day so technically they are all classic Epcot;) (and much better food/service)

The argument Joker used is that there's always going to be ways to go to different ethnic restaurants...a lot of the time local spots serving better overall food way cheaper than the World Showcase counterpart...there's only one Coral Reef in terms of an "experience". And plus, how could I say no to getting to dine at the place where the Full House family found out Michelle was missing?!!? ( ;) :p ) Don't worry though, I very much plan on doing my fair share of World Showcase snacking and will probably do Drinking Around the World (granted most likely will break that up throughout a few nights. I'm a bit of a lightweight :p )
 

TheOriginalTiki

Well-Known Member
To be fair, The Odyssey may not be open during Flower and Garden (I know it opens for Food and Wine, I've just never heard it opening for any other.) And I don't know if you've ever been to Coral Reef, but it's basically untouched since the pavilion opened. They still play the old area loop (albeit a variation on it specifically for the restaurant.) It's basically as close to the original Living Seas as you're ever going to get nowadays.

In terms of World Showcase, @MANEATINGWREATH and I tried desperately to convince him to go to Les Chefs de France as well. Personally my favorite restaurant on property let alone EPCOT.

I've never had French food in my life. There's a strong possibility I would have walked away not eating half my plate at Les Chefs. ;)
 

spacemt354

Chili's
To be fair, The Odyssey may not be open during Flower and Garden (I know it opens for Food and Wine, I've just never heard it opening for any other.) And I don't know if you've ever been to Coral Reef, but it's basically untouched since the pavilion opened. They still play the old area loop (albeit a variation on it specifically for the restaurant.) It's basically as close to the original Living Seas as you're ever going to get nowadays.

In terms of World Showcase, @MANEATINGWREATH and I tried desperately to convince him to go to Les Chefs de France as well. Personally my favorite restaurant on property let alone EPCOT.
The Odyssey was just open for Festival of the Arts last month and that was a relatively small festival. And yes I have been to Coral Reef...it used to be a go-to place for us, most recently we tried returning in 2012, but we haven't been back since because the menu has changed hands over the last few years and since the early 2000s along the redo of the pavilion with Nemo, it has gone downhill (to me personally).

If you want classic Epcot I think there are other places you can go where you get better quality food/service.
 

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