Trip Report

[CrisKennedy]

Hey, guys! I'm back! WDW was awesome. We had little or no waits to get on most rides. Our longest line was waiting to see Lord of the Rings opening night at Pleasure Island. Attendence didn't pick up until Thursday. Though not much because you could still walk right on to some rides.

Monday: We went to Animal Kingdom in the morning after checking in at Wilderness Lodge (which we were able to get into our room that morning) and went to Magic Kingdom in the afternoon. We loved Kilimanjaro Safaris, Kali River Rapids, and Dinosaur.

Tuesday: We went to Magic Kingdom in the morning & Epcot in the afternoon. We decided that next time we go to WDW we are going to skip Epcot because it was really boring. Though Test track was cool.

Wednesday: We went to MGM. RnR was awesome - we rode it 4 times. I rode Tower of Terror for the 1st and last time - I was so freaked out after riding it that I refuse to ride it again.

Thursday: We went to Magic Kingdom in the morning. We went back to the Wilderness Lodge to go swimming after lunch. and spent the rest of the afternoon playing mini-golf at Winter Summerland. We went back to Magic Kingdom to have dinner at Cinderella's Royal Table. And we spent the evening playing mini-golf at Fantasia Gardens.

Friday: We went to DisneyQuest. That place is so cool. I definitely recommend going there.

BTW, I highly recommend the Deluxe Magic plan. It was so worth the price. All we had to worry about enjoying ourselves and shopping.

 

[Sheri]

Sounds cool!!! Also, tell yer husband I said happy belated Birthday!


ps: You hafta go back on tot! i love that ride!

 

[Maria]

Originally posted by CrisKennedy


Monday: We went to Animal Kingdom in the morning after checking in at Wilderness Lodge (which we were able to get into our room that morning) and went to Magic Kingdom in the afternoon. We loved Kilimanjaro Safaris, Kali River Rapids, and Dinosaur.

Great! those are my favorites too! Did u see the Lion King show?

[/i]
We decided that next time we go to WDW we are going to skip Epcot because it was really boring. Though Test track was cool.
[/QUOTE]

That breaks my heart.... Did u see Illuminations at least?

Glad you had a nice trip! thanks for the report!

 

[CrisKennedy]

We didn't see the Lion King show. My husband doesn't like shows. He's anti-musicals.

 

[Maria]

Originally posted by CrisKennedy
We didn't see the Lion King show. My husband doesn't like shows. He's anti-musicals.

 

[DisJosh]

Glad to hear ya had a great time!

I'm with Maria on this one though! I'm sad to hear you didnt enjoy Epcot!

There's tons to do and see...and no it's nothing like the Magic Kingdom or MGM but it's not supposed to be. Did you guys just walk in, look around and assume the place is boring or did you see all the attractions and make this conclusion? If it's the later, then I'm really shocked! Epcot has got to be the best park on WDW property for alot of different reasons...ok ok I'll stop. I'm just disapointed you didnt like Epcot.

 

[Maria]

Originally posted by DisJosh
Epcot has got to be the best park on WDW property for alot of different reasons...

ditto. :sohappy:

 

[DisneyPhD]

Hey Chris, we were there some of the same days. I kept an eye open for you in the crowds, but then again people don't usually look like there wedding pictures when at the parks!
The weather was great and the crowds were low. All in all I would recomend going that time of year again. To save time I will post a mini trip report on your thread, hope you don't mind :xmasmile:

Thursday (Dec13)
Arive from Detroit. Get to hotel and in room at Poly by 11:30. Get some lunch, hang out by pool while baby takes a nap, do down town Disney.

Friday. Off to MK in the a.m. My kid's frist ride was Dumbo, she loved it. The crowds were light and the weather great. Spent a good deal of time as she napped in a quiet area near hall of presidents. Epcot in the evening. Found it crowded and unable to get into any good restraunts for last minitue dinner. Still had a good time. Epoct is a tad low key compared to the rest of the world, but then that is what makes it special, just be sure you are in the mood for it.

Saturday. MGM in am. saw Play house Disney for the frist time (not the last) my husband (the real Disney PhD) almost got into the hot seat at millonare twice (almost doesn't count.) I got mauled to death holding my 9 month old who didn't want to sit through it the second time (she slept the first)
MK in the evening because it was open until 8. It was crowded (to be expected.) We had dinner at Tony's at 5:30 and was disappointed that while there was room they did not seat us with a good view of the parade. When I walked my baby over the balcony they told me I had to go back to my seat. So far the times I have ate there I have not been impressed with the kindness of the serveres (last time they sat us right next to a kid who threw up before they cleaned it up ewee!)
It took us over an over to get back to hotel on monorial becuase of the lines that evening.

Sunday. Took a detour from the parks. Turns out my daughter who had started antiboics for an ear infection on Monday was in fact allergic to penicilin and was coved from head to toe with hives. Her face swelled up. The hotel and first aid at M.K was really good to us and recomended Centra care walk in medical center. They came right to the resort, took us to the center in Kissimee and home again. A few days of cortizone and she was much better. The funny thing about getting hives at Disney is you get lots of little hidden mickeys all over you!

Monday. Animal kingdom in morning, (oh what a, um cute kid, is she contageous?) Turns out the baby swap is different in each ride. Some they send one person around back and you only have to wait once, others they give you an fast past and you have to wait twice. Had to leave lion king becuase of screaming kid who lost her pacifier. Turns out the baby center is really nice in all 4 parks. MGM in evening. The Osborne light are unbeliveable. They had it snow also.

Tuesday. MK. in the am (baby did like all the rides at MK.) Epoct at night, walked to Y&B for dinner at Beaches and Cream. YUM. had a good view of reflections of earth.

Wed. Epoct in am. This was a bit of a waste of time, not much to do before WS opens, crowds to much for just FW. Back to MK for the Christmas parade. Got a great veiw right on main street near the train.

Thursday. Ready to go home. Shop at DTD. Try like crazy to stuff to many christmas gifts into our luggage before flying home.

All in all it was a great trip. Funny how being around the same time, but very different vacations. Having a baby oposed to a honey moon. Enjoy just the two of you while you can. (we were married 7 years before we gave in and had kids!) We had the best stroller. It turned into a back pack. When the crowds got bad we just put her on our back and walked out.

 

[ToTBellHop]

you want a PACKED disney trip?! COME WITH US!! I make my family's schedule hehe...here goes:
Friday, February 15, 2002
1. Check-In at Animal Kingdom Lodge
2. Epcot
3. Test Track
4. Tapestry of Dreams 8:10 p.m.
5. IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth at 9 p.m.

Saturday, February 16, 2002
1. Disney’s Animal Kingdom 9am
2. Chester and Hester’s Character Breakfast
3. Disney-MGM Studios
4. Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade—3:30 p.m.
5. Fantasmic! 7 p.m.
6. Magic Kingdom
7. SpectroMagic at 8 p.m.
8. Fantasy in the Sky at 9 p.m.
9. Park closes at 10 p.m.

Sunday, February 17, 2002
1. Animal Watching through 10 a.m.
2. Typhoon Lagoon from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
3. Water Sprites
4. Boardwalk (ESPN Club)
5. Miniature Golf

Monday, February 18, 2002
1. Disney-MGM Studios
2. Magic Kingdom at 2:30
3. Share a Dream Come True Parade at 3:30
4. SpectroMagic! At 7 p.m.
5. Park closes at 9 p.m.
Tuesday, February 19, 2002
1. Typhoon Lagoon 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
2. Downtown Disney Marketplace/West Side 3:30-7:00 p.m.
3. DisneyQuest 7:00 p.m.- 11 p.m.

Wednesday, February 20, 2002
1. Animal Kingdom 9 a.m. to 4:30
2. Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade 4 p.m.
3. Epcot
4. Future World 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
5. Test Track at 7 p.m.
6. World Showcase
7. IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth at 9 p.m.

Thursday, February 21, 2002
1. Free Day for Kelly, Chris, and Christopher (for whatever they choose to do)
2. Mom, Jason, and Kyle do Keys to the Kingdom
3. Disney-MGM Studios
4. Polynesian at 4
5. Luau at 5
6. Electrical Light Pageant

Friday, February 22, 2002
1. Animal Gazing, swimming, breakfast at Boma—Flavors of Africa
2. Kelly, Chris, Christopher leave at noon
3. Magic Kingdom
4. SpectroMagic at 7 p.m.
5. Fantasy in the Sky at 8 p.m.
6. E-Ride Night from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Saturday, February 23, 2002
1. Epcot (opens at 10 a.m.)
2. Disney-MGM Studios for Fantasmic! 7 p.m.
3. Epcot for Reflections of Earth 9 p.m.

Sunday, February 24, 2002
1. Animal Kingdom 9-12
2. Disney-MGM Studios 12-3
3. Depart at 4

YEEHAW! 49 days!
Kyle

 

[DisneyPhD]

Originally posted by DogsRule!
you want a PACKED disney trip?! COME WITH US!! I make my family's schedule hehe...here goes:


YEEHAW! 49 days!
Kyle

Wow, I guess with a big group it pays to be that organized, but part of the fun with us is just to do what ever sounds good at the moment.

OK, so you are from N.Y. You have to be dying to get down to Florida SOON!!!!!!!!

Did you get any of the snow Buffalo got? We are freezing here in Detroit, but not much snow. Still 8 days ago we were basking the Orlando sun and now, well I don't want to think about it.

 

[ToTBellHop]

we got snow...and it's COLD...and I HATE it...we aren't in a big group, and we pretty much do whatever we want, too ...at least I do...mainly because I could get from any one point on the property to another with my eyes closed :king:! I always just make a schedule for the same reason that I pack a month ahead hehe...and yes, I can't wait till we go...47 days! It is so cold here...I would not work outside for any other reason that the doggies I work with...(who could resist playing with them even if it is 15ºF out?!)
Kyle

 

[ToTBellHop]

as you can see from my schedule, I, like Walt, love the nighttime at disney parks...some nights we have two firework shows on

 

[NowInc]

Originally posted by DogsRule!
as you can see from my schedule, I, like Walt, love the nighttime at disney parks...some nights we have two firework shows on

I like the parks better at night...its more beutiful

 

[CrisKennedy]

Originally posted by DisJosh
Glad to hear ya had a great time!

I'm with Maria on this one though! I'm sad to hear you didnt enjoy Epcot!

There's tons to do and see...and no it's nothing like the Magic Kingdom or MGM but it's not supposed to be. Did you guys just walk in, look around and assume the place is boring or did you see all the attractions and make this conclusion? If it's the later, then I'm really shocked! Epcot has got to be the best park on WDW property for alot of different reasons...ok ok I'll stop. I'm just disapointed you didnt like Epcot.

Actually, we spent 7 hours at Epcot. We rode Test Track, Spaceship Earth, and Maelstrom (Test Track was awesome). We saw Honey, I Shrunk the Audience. We went into Innoventions (the Ultimate Home Theatre exhibit was cool). We went into almost every shop in the World showcase. To be honest, we didn't like Epcot because we wanted something more exciting/thrilling to do. We may consider going back to Epcot when Mission: Space opens in 2003. That should be really cool. (FYI: I wanted to be an astronaut when I was a kid. Unfortunately, I'm 2 inches too short to ever be an astronaut. )

 

[allieddance]

Sounds like you had a great time. We're headed to the Wilderness Lodge on Monday. I hear it's great during the holidays. How's the service there? and have the crowds been down as expected?

 

[General Grizz]

DisJosh said: "I'm just disapointed you didnt like Epcot. "

I agree that EPCOT isn't a BAD park. In fact, a lot of it is pretty good.

HOWEVER...The park has seemed to worsen over the years. The now out-dated Food Rocks (with cheaply made animatronics) seems like a Chuck-ee Cheese show vs. the very high quality Kitchen Kabaret. The change from JII to JIYI was a tragedy, and it won't be SIGNIFICANTLY better after this rehab, if it's going to be as good as the new "ImageWorks"... Test Track is a very popular attraction, but it's a VERY SHORT thrill ride, that is broken down half the day - plus has HOUR LONG waits... So all of the original attractions (WoM, JII, Horizons, etc.) are MUCH LONGER...and more entertaining, in my perspective...so, if you think about it, the WAITS at the parks for SHORT attractions is equal to the SHORT waits at the parks for LONGER, more WELL-Done attractions.

Don't get me wrong - EPCOT still has it's treasures: Be sure to check out these, my personal favorites:

1) The American Adventure: If you haven't seen it, I am sure you'll like it - and don't miss the Voices of Liberty - the show is very entertaining and very well-done with very nice animatronics and effects. Patriotic, too.

2) Mexico: Just visiting the area and eating at the San Angel Inn is a treat. If you like It's a Small World, you'll like El Rio Del Tiempo.

3) Canada: This is one of the most beautiful pavillions. Check out the gardens outside, too!

4) Spaceship Earth: You may like the communication ride inside the huge geosphere, but don't go in if you're claustophobic.

5) Wonders of Life: A very "colorful" pavillion...you may like Body Wars if you're into thrills...or Cranium Commands if you like creative animatronic shows...similar to the Timekeeper - very involving. It's a nice place to get some healthy, soft, cool, chocolate yogurt.....yum.....:slurp:

6) The Living Seas: Only if you're interested in fish...

7) Candelight Processional: VISIT THIS if you are in EPCOT during the holidays! You won't regret it!

10) Impressions de France: A very relaxing film inside the French pavillion...visit it at night! Also check out Imaginum - that's good stuff!

11) Norway: It's not too much of a thrill, but the ride is great. You may like the film.

12) Living with the Land: One of my personal favorites - it's a cool ride - and quite interesting. Garden Grille is a great restaurant if you're into the whole Land-thing.

So, there's plenty that's still left at EPCOT that's cool, as DisJosh said. But my favorites are still gone...maybe to be seen for the 20th anniversary???!!! :veryconfu

 

[General Grizz]

DogsRule! plans on "...3. Test Track..."...

GOOD LUCK! Test Track is hard to schedule!

 

[NowInc]

A LOT of people think the same way about Epcot...but luckily they are doing stuff about it...Mission: Space and the new imagination will bring some new intrest to the park...and if all goes well we could see a few more countires added as well...

 

[General Grizz]

Originally posted by NowInc
A LOT of people think the same way about Epcot...but luckily they are doing stuff about it...Mission: Space and the new imagination will bring some new intrest to the park...and if all goes well we could see a few more countires added as well...

Maybe EPCOT might get a new, improved Matterhorn for a Swiss Pavillion...complete with Basketball Court! :lol:

 

[ToTBellHop]

I have never had a problem fitting Test Track in SOMETIME throughout the day...provided it's not raining...I love Test Track...5 minutes in its entirety, I don't call that a short thrill ride (tower of terror is...what? 2 minutes? Rock 'n' Roller Coaster is under 1.5 minutes...you just can't send people at high speeds for more than a couple minutes and have it a thrill ride)...and if it breaks down, it can be 35 minutes! I think it's well done...does what it sets out to do. I just wish it wouldn't break down so much, although I know it's a permanent issue we will have to deal with...hopefully Mission: SPACE will ease some of the tension created when Test Track breaks down...