Visiting soon...a few questions

[Croda]

Hi, I'm taking my family down from Nov 3 - 10 and I have a few questions.

First off, with Ariel's Grotto closed is there anywhere else where Ariel has been? My daughter will be crushed to miss her. I know there was a picture of a sign that said she was in the Judge's Tent in Toon Town, however the person on the phone at WDW didn't seem to think that would be the case. Does anyone know if she has been 'around' for pictures and autographs?

Second, since the Stich ride is due to open two days after I leave, should I expect there to be some previews going on? I understand it's all luck and timing to get into one, but should I expect them to be going on at all? If so, should I ask? How does one get in? And does anyone know the specifics on the show (run-time, seating situation, etc.) I'm going to have 2 2-year-olds with me...so it's important.

As for Crowds, I know they've been big lately, but does anyone at Disney have any expectation for how they'll be in 2 weeks? Is the rush expected to peter out or to continue? I would love a quiet week.

Lastly, regarding the Food and Wine Fest - I know they have kiosks with food set-up, but where is the beer and wine? same kiosks or elsehwhere? also, how much should I expect to spend on alcohol sampling?

Those are the biggies...thanks so much for any insight you can provide!

 

[CAPTAIN HOOK]

Welcome :wave:
I would expect crowds to quieten down some now - I think the parks have been busier due to the hurricanes and folks being forced to delay or re-schedule their trips.
Have a great time and be sure to tell us about the trip

 

[Atta83]

Ariel should be in the Judges Tent, when you arrive go to Guest Relations, they can make sure she is there. The person on the phone didnt know what they were talking about.

For the SGE there might be soft openings while you are there, so look out for that. The ride has a height requirement not sure if the two years olds might be able to go on it.

As for the crowds I am not sure what to tell you.

I hope that helped out some :wave:

 

[FamilyMan]

Hi, I'm taking my family down from Nov 3 - 10 and I have a few questions.

Alright, I have some answers!

First off, with Ariel's Grotto closed is there anywhere else where Ariel has been? My daughter will be crushed to miss her. I know there was a picture of a sign that said she was in the Judge's Tent in Toon Town, however the person on the phone at WDW didn't seem to think that would be the case. Does anyone know if she has been 'around' for pictures and autographs?

Ariel is scheduled to remain in Ariel's Grotto until they need to start tearing it down and such. Once that happens, she will be re-located to the new Princess Room inside the ToonTown Hall of Fame.

Second, since the Stich ride is due to open two days after I leave, should I expect there to be some previews going on? I understand it's all luck and timing to get into one, but should I expect them to be going on at all? If so, should I ask? How does one get in? And does anyone know the specifics on the show (run-time, seating situation, etc.) I'm going to have 2 2-year-olds with me...so it's important.

I'm betting it will be open. Measure your kids though, gotta be 35 inches tall.

As for Crowds, I know they've been big lately, but does anyone at Disney have any expectation for how they'll be in 2 weeks? Is the rush expected to peter out or to continue? I would love a quiet week.

well, you're going in early November, which isn't going to be in the busy season. However, it's not in the un-busy season either. Let's just say Space Mountain should have about a 30 min wait. LOL.

Lastly, regarding the Food and Wine Fest - I know they have kiosks with food set-up, but where is the beer and wine? same kiosks or elsehwhere? also, how much should I expect to spend on alcohol sampling?

Same kiosks, and that would depend on how much you want to sample. (Food isn't free either you know) If you plan to sample one thing from each country, bring at least $100 to spend, and that's really a conservative estimate. Best bet? Ask Rob, aka mkt. (he's a user here) I have a gut feeling he might have an idea of how much money to bring. LOL.

Those are the biggies...thanks so much for any insight you can provide!

Also, be sure to bring sweatshirts and socks. Mid-November is when we start getting chilly nights in FL. Hopefully. LOL

 

[celticdog]

Alright, I have some answers!
Ariel is scheduled to remain in Ariel's Grotto until they need to start tearing it down and such. Once that happens, she will be re-located to the new Princess Room inside the ToonTown Hall of Fame.

Ariel's Grotto is closed. Here is the operational update from Disney.com:

Magic Kingdom® Park
The ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter closed on Sunday, October 12, 2003 for re-development. Replacing the attraction will be Stitch's Great Escape which is expected to open in Fall 2004. We recommend Mickey's PhilharMagic during this time.

The Timekeeper - open seasonally

"it's a small world" will not be operating May 2, 2004 until Spring 2005, however we recommend Peter Pan's Flight as an alternative during this time.

Magic Carpets of Aladdin will not be operating September 13 - October 19, 2004 however we recommend Dumbo the Flying Elephant as an alternative during this time.

Ariels's Grotto will not be operating September 13 - November 11, 2004 however we recommend Toontown Hall of Fame Tent as an alternative during this time.

Frontierland Shootin' Arcade will not be operating September 18 - October 9, 2004 however we recommend Tomorrowland Arcade as an alternative during this time.

Cinderella's Carousel will not be operating November 2 - 14, 2004 however we recommend the Mad Tea Party as an alternative during this time.

 

[s25843]

See this site

http://www.allearsnet.com/tp/ep/fw04c.htm

for prices on the F&W's Booths