I'm curious to see how the members here tour the parks. Are you all more concerned with getting everything done and doing everything, or rather stopping to smell the roses, or in this case, watching Talking Trashcans?
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Theme Park Commando or Detail Noticer?
- Thread starter Kingdom WDW
- Start date
sarabi
New Member
Well, this is a tough one because I usually travel with my mother and she's a real commando type.
After I did the College Program, though, I learned noticing details rewards greatly. I tried, when she visited during my CP, to slow her down some and point out some of the fascinating details and she enjoyed that too.
Now when we vacation, it depends on our agenda. Usually day 1 and the last day are more detail oriented... just soaking in the Disney feel. By Day 2, we may have an agenda (like ride mission space twice then ride soarin') so that becomes very commando style.
There are also places were paying attention to detail pays off better. For example, we usually commando it through future world at EPCOT but by the time we hit World Showcase, we very seriously take our time and look up and down and at all the nooks and crannies. DAK is very good for slowing down too.
After I did the College Program, though, I learned noticing details rewards greatly. I tried, when she visited during my CP, to slow her down some and point out some of the fascinating details and she enjoyed that too.
Now when we vacation, it depends on our agenda. Usually day 1 and the last day are more detail oriented... just soaking in the Disney feel. By Day 2, we may have an agenda (like ride mission space twice then ride soarin') so that becomes very commando style.
There are also places were paying attention to detail pays off better. For example, we usually commando it through future world at EPCOT but by the time we hit World Showcase, we very seriously take our time and look up and down and at all the nooks and crannies. DAK is very good for slowing down too.
I always imagine my trips to be commando style - and they are for the first couple of days but then we slow down and notice the detail (which is what makes Disney so special).
However, in a none Disney park it's always almost commando because the majority of parks out there don't have the same interesting history or detail.
However, in a none Disney park it's always almost commando because the majority of parks out there don't have the same interesting history or detail.
RiversideBunny
New Member
We do all of the above.
Our main theme is 'If you're not in a park then you are wasting WDW time.'
For our trips we try to plan enough days so that we can do everything we like, then repeat some favorites, and then have one extra day to top it off.
One Lil Spark
EPCOT Center Defender
I'd like to say I take the time to see the details, but I end up going commando when I'm in the parks. Usually, I can see the details on this site so I know I'm not missing out on too much.
krueg66
Member
We have been there so many times that we really don't rush anymore. We just take our time and let the crowds dictate what we ride/don't ride. We'll FP the biggies and then ride whatever else isn't too crowded. That and we park hop a lot so we will go to every park twice in a week. What we miss the first time around, we'll hit the second...
jjgoo
Member
In 2005 I did the real commando thing. I had 3 full days and did all four parks. I left with very sore legs.
Since then I have gone back enough that I am really starting to enjoy the details. My DW really enjoys the details and this December we are also bringing my Father-in-law. He is going to be using a wheelchair so we are looking forward to taking things slow and enjoying our first time in the parks with Christmas decorations.
We are making a list of a few must sees or must dos, but the rest of the time it will be all about the details.
Since then I have gone back enough that I am really starting to enjoy the details. My DW really enjoys the details and this December we are also bringing my Father-in-law. He is going to be using a wheelchair so we are looking forward to taking things slow and enjoying our first time in the parks with Christmas decorations.
We are making a list of a few must sees or must dos, but the rest of the time it will be all about the details.
The Empress Lilly
Well-Known Member
Half my time at WDW is spend relaxing, soaking up the details and generally losing myself to the magic. :sohappy:
The other half is spend working. Like getting my fastpasses, bus schedules, and dinner reservations I had to make six months earlier.:fork:
The other half is spend working. Like getting my fastpasses, bus schedules, and dinner reservations I had to make six months earlier.:fork:
krankenstein
Well-Known Member
I'm a little bit of both. I tend to start off very commando, but towards the end of the trip I start slowing down and taking my time. With every new trip I am becoming more of a detail person.
EPCOT Explorer
New Member
In EPCOT I'm crazy.I MUST SEE EVERYTHING!!!!!!
In MK or anywhere else,I'm pretty chill.
In MK or anywhere else,I'm pretty chill.
Brwneyedgirl72
Active Member
I am definitely a stop and smell the roses kind of gal. We have been to WDW so many times that I don't feel the need to be commando in the parks. Life will go on if I don't get to ride all the mountains in one day - but I will definitely miss something if I don't take the time to stop and enjoy that I am WDW. Don't get me wrong, I love the attractions, but sometimes I am just as content to sit back and soak it all in.
KCBroadway
Member
My husband and I tend to go crazy the first few hours after a park opens. We usually go in with an "attraction agenda" and tackle that (ie. riding the E-tickets and getting Fastpasses, etc.). We usually relax once we finish up that stuff. We also tend to be VERY relaxed at night. We usually go back to the hotel to freshen up before dinner and then take it easy at night. It's nice to do that!
CBug88
Member
I am all about the details! I have been lucky enough to visit Disney several and stay at about 10-14 days each trip, so the fam and I like to kick back and relax (esp at a nice sit down lunch or dinner). What I don't ride one day, I'll catch the next time we visit. We usually get to visit each park at about three times so I know I will see it all. I like to soak it all in!
The resorts are awesome for soaking in the atmosphere as well. At least one day in our trip we plan a 'relax' day by the pool (usually at Animal Kingdom Lodge) and do nothing but soak up the sun! (and then top off the night with a fabulous dinner @ Jiko!)....mmmmmmmm 14 more days to go! I can't contain myself!:ROFLOL:
The resorts are awesome for soaking in the atmosphere as well. At least one day in our trip we plan a 'relax' day by the pool (usually at Animal Kingdom Lodge) and do nothing but soak up the sun! (and then top off the night with a fabulous dinner @ Jiko!)....mmmmmmmm 14 more days to go! I can't contain myself!:ROFLOL:
Southern_Tink
Member
I'm all about details, BUT it also varies depending on where I am in the park. I will get Fast Passes and do try to ride as many rides and see as many shows as possible. But, I take my time at World Showcase. I also use my hopper so I can visit different parks throughout the day or go back and see a certain park 3 or 4 times.
fizzle75
New Member
My wife and I are the exact opposite of the "theme park commando" type, we are extremely laid back when we go to WDW. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love all of the amazing attractions but for me WDW is a multisensory experience that is best experienced when you slow down and take it all in. EVERYTHING about WDW comes together to help create the "magic" that we all know and love, whether we realize it or not, from the brilliant attraction ques and building facades to the smells and ambient music.
I hear people talk about how they can "do" a park in less than a day and "do" everything...horsehockey I say! You may be able to hit all or most of the attractions but you are a long way from experiencing all that the parks have to offer if you just "do" the rides and shows. I think of all of the amazing street performers that go unnoticed or unappreciated and it just breaks my heart, some of our fondest Disney memories are from stopping to enjoy a street performance, getting sucked into the "magic" and having an amazing time.
I have health problems that have severely slowed me down, especially on our last few trips, and in alot of ways I'm very thankful for it, it has allowed me to appreciated WDW on a whole new level. I was as sick as a dog during our trip last Sept./Oct. and was unable to do most of the rides so early in the trip we decided we were going to focus on resort hopping...and we had an absolute blast. We could easily spend several weeks at WDW, not set foot in a park, and still have an amazing time filled with Disney "magic"(it exists in the resorts too...you know that, right?:animwink: Heck, I could spend an entire week just at Animal Kingdom Lodge and be totally happy.:lol:
We definitely try to hit as many rides as possible and see as many shows as we can but we can still have an amazing time even if we don't. Having said that, there are some things that we definitely HAVE to do each trip...
Wishes
Illuminations
Fantasmic
Splash Mountain
Spectromagic
Mickey's Philharmagic
Finding Nemo The Musical
...if we miss anything else, oh well, we'll still have a blast watching the following...
Devine at Animal Kingdom
The World Showcase Players in the UK
The Voices Of Liberty at The American Pavillion
Spirit Of America Fife and Drum Corps at The American Pavillion
The reggae band at Animal Kingdom
The various street performers at DHS
The Jammitors at Epcot
Sergio at the Italy Pavillion
The balancing act in front of the France pavillion
The Dapper Dans on Main Street
Jack Sparrows Pirate Tutorial
The magician, juggler and other assorted performers at Boardwalk
Storytelling around the fire at Animal Kingdom Lodge
The amazing band in the lobby of the Grand Floridian
And don't even get me started on all of the amazing things to do during the holidays.
Basically WDW has something for everyone, whether you're a theme park commando or like to take your time. I realize that most folks don't have the luxury of spending more than four or five days at WDW, so it makes sense to be a theme park commando in that situation but I truly believe that if you have the time, the BEST and ONLY way to truly "experience" WDW is to slooooow down and take in all of the sights and sounds you possibly can at non only the parks but at the resorts as well.:wave:
I hear people talk about how they can "do" a park in less than a day and "do" everything...horsehockey I say! You may be able to hit all or most of the attractions but you are a long way from experiencing all that the parks have to offer if you just "do" the rides and shows. I think of all of the amazing street performers that go unnoticed or unappreciated and it just breaks my heart, some of our fondest Disney memories are from stopping to enjoy a street performance, getting sucked into the "magic" and having an amazing time.
I have health problems that have severely slowed me down, especially on our last few trips, and in alot of ways I'm very thankful for it, it has allowed me to appreciated WDW on a whole new level. I was as sick as a dog during our trip last Sept./Oct. and was unable to do most of the rides so early in the trip we decided we were going to focus on resort hopping...and we had an absolute blast. We could easily spend several weeks at WDW, not set foot in a park, and still have an amazing time filled with Disney "magic"(it exists in the resorts too...you know that, right?:animwink: Heck, I could spend an entire week just at Animal Kingdom Lodge and be totally happy.:lol:
We definitely try to hit as many rides as possible and see as many shows as we can but we can still have an amazing time even if we don't. Having said that, there are some things that we definitely HAVE to do each trip...
Wishes
Illuminations
Fantasmic
Splash Mountain
Spectromagic
Mickey's Philharmagic
Finding Nemo The Musical
...if we miss anything else, oh well, we'll still have a blast watching the following...
Devine at Animal Kingdom
The World Showcase Players in the UK
The Voices Of Liberty at The American Pavillion
Spirit Of America Fife and Drum Corps at The American Pavillion
The reggae band at Animal Kingdom
The various street performers at DHS
The Jammitors at Epcot
Sergio at the Italy Pavillion
The balancing act in front of the France pavillion
The Dapper Dans on Main Street
Jack Sparrows Pirate Tutorial
The magician, juggler and other assorted performers at Boardwalk
Storytelling around the fire at Animal Kingdom Lodge
The amazing band in the lobby of the Grand Floridian
And don't even get me started on all of the amazing things to do during the holidays.
Basically WDW has something for everyone, whether you're a theme park commando or like to take your time. I realize that most folks don't have the luxury of spending more than four or five days at WDW, so it makes sense to be a theme park commando in that situation but I truly believe that if you have the time, the BEST and ONLY way to truly "experience" WDW is to slooooow down and take in all of the sights and sounds you possibly can at non only the parks but at the resorts as well.:wave:
hnp929@optonlin
Active Member
I used to be a commando.I would go once a year.Now we joined DVC and my son is 7 so i have learned to slow down.That's a good thing because i think my wife going to look for a hit man to stop me.We go "home" 2-3 times a year.I still have to check in ,drop our bags and RUN to MK.#1 must see the castle #2 DOLE WHIP.:slurp::slurp:
.We go "home" 2-3 times a year.I still have to check in ,drop our bags and RUN to MK.#1 must see the castle #2 DOLE WHIP.:slurp::slurp:
maggiegrace1
Well-Known Member
I'd like to say I take the time to see the details, but I end up going commando when I'm in the parks. Usually, I can see the details on this site so I know I'm not missing out on too much.
We can go commando together...
:lookaroun
Too....many.....jokes!!!!!:zipit::zipit::zipit:I'd like to say I take the time to see the details, but I end up going commando when I'm in the parks. Usually, I can see the details on this site so I know I'm not missing out on too much.