WDW her I come!

[historymystery]

Hey everybody I am going to WDW in December 2003! Yeah! For a seven day on site trip. I am going with my sisiter and brother in law! I can not wait we are flying down there. Oh man I can not wait! I have a a few questions for the big time Disney experts here at this site.

Question #1. Will Mission: Space and Phillarmagic be up and running by then?

Question #2. What are some secrets of WDW (Resorts, Parks, anything I should know)

Question #3. What are the essentials I should take with me?

Question #4. Where should I shop and eat in each area and at Downtown Disney?

Question #5. Will there be any other new rides built between now and then, if so what?

Thank you I can not wait! LOL! YEAH!

 

[DDPGambit]

Originally posted by historymystery

Question #1. Will Mission: Space and Phillarmagic be up and running by then?

Question #2. What are some secrets of WDW (Resorts, Parks, anything I should know)

Question #3. What are the essentials I should take with me?

Question #4. Where should I shop and eat in each area and at Downtown Disney?

Question #5. Will there be any other new rides built between now and then, if so what?

1. Barring any major delays, yes.
2. Here are two threads that might be usefull,
http://forums.wdwmagic.com/showthread.php?threadid=18114&highlight=secrets

http://forums.wdwmagic.com/showthread.php?threadid=2428&highlight=secrets
3. A hat and/or sunglassess, broken in tennis shoes, since your going in December a windbreaker and a heavy-er winter coat, clothing for warm and cold weather (Florida is tricky like that).
4. Hmm, I'm not the best person to answer this one...anyone else?
5. Aside from Philharmagic and Mission: Space, I don't think there will be any new attractions, but keep checking WDWMagic, you never know what might be announced!

 

[wannabeBelle]

Gee you just want to know everything huh??? LOL LOL LOL!!! OK first things first:
1) I am not really sure but I think someone else answered this
2) Secrets... I kinda understand what you are asking but I really do need you to be more specific as I could type all day and some stuff may be stuff you already know or doesnt apply.
3) Agree with previous answer but also take a Christmas-y type shirt with you. Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, The Osbourne Lights & Candlelight Processional are all must see and do items for December. I havent missed the Mickey's Very Merry since 1999 when I started going!!! BRING A VIDEO CAMERA, with tripod if possible I did this year it was amazing to have something VERY similar to the Disney Christmas special on video
4) Oh My!! I CANT TYPE THAT MUCH!!!!!!:animwink: :animwink:
my best advicce for this is to buy a guidebook I personally dig the Birnbaum ones as they have the most pictures etc but some people herre have stated a preference for the unofficial books. Go to your local bookstore and check it out.
5) Dunno again not really big on that.

Belle's guide to planning:
1) talk to all peoplegoing on the trip. Get a good idea after reading said guidebook as to what everyone wants to see and do.
2) About 3 months ahead of time call Disney and ask about the Mickeys Very Merry (MVMCP) and the dinner package for the Candlelight Processional. There is a special ticket aside from the regular admission for the first and the second is priority seating with a dinner package that you must pay for. 1-407 WDW-DINE will be able to explain all to you or transfer you to someone who will. If not PM me and Ill go over what I know at that time as I am sure I Am going then, barring disaster of course!!
3) get all Park hours and times for all parades and special events. This is usually posted on the website or can be gotten on the phone.
4)Make out a schedule for your time down there. I usually choose a park, make dinner priority seatings for a restaurant in that park for that day and schecdule it around any parades or fireworks shows I want to see. Rides, shows etc are kinda free form, although schedule mroe time in the parks where you want to do more or the individual items are longer.
5) I dont know if this is your thing but on exactly 60 days at 7 am precisely(Eastern Standard time) from the first morning you will be at Disneyworld, if you are interested call to make breakfast ressies at Cinderella's Castle. Breakfast has the Princesses, lunch and dinner do not there, but I always love dining in the Castle
OK I am kinda done with the big items. Anything else that I can help with write back!!! Belle

 

[historymystery]

Hey thanks

Thank you both for your answers. Belle Here is really wht I meant on the secrets:

Magic Kingdom: Best Place to shop? When is the best time to ride Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad? (I know where I am going to eat in each park already, but thank you.) What are the best areas of each ride to be, like front or back left or right on popular rides?

Epcot: Best Place to Shop? When is the best time to ride Test Track? Which lands in World Showcase have rides (We didn't get to go through this area on our first trip.)

MGM: Best place to shop? Is Tower of Terror really scary, like heart attack scary? Are there any secrets on Fantasmic!?

Animal Kingdom: Best Place to shop? When does Flights of Wonder start? When does Tarzan Rocks start? When does Festival of the Lion King start?

Downtown Disney: Does Cirque Du Soliel cost extra? Is it worth watching?

Water Parks: Should I go to a water park in December?

World of Sports: What is it and should I go?

Recreational Activities: Do any of these cost extra should I try miniature golfing?

Okay well thank you again:animwink:

 

[wannabeBelle]

hi there again!!! Thanks for being specific. I Am going to try to help but please anyone else join in as I am not so specific about some stuff as you will see:
1)MK- As previously stated I Am still on about MVMCP is this in the game plan?? I love to shop at the Emporium. I also like Mickey's Star Trader's Mostly just to visit my friend, Push. He is there on the half hour like 11:30am , 12:30 etc check him out he is a riot! As far as the rides If you can make it there right at park opening and take the train around to Frontierland then hit Splash and BTMRR. I find Space isnt so bad during the parades and fireworks. Seating location is something I never paid attention to.
2) EPCOT I love Mousegear. it is probably one of the best stores around, Also a note if you do the Candlelight processional dinner package, on eo f benefits is 15% off everything you buy ANYWHERE in EPCOT that day!! And hey you have to eat anyhow right?? Test Track I have found first thing in the morning is great I did that once and walked on with no wait at all 3 times!!!! Rides specifically are only two countries I think Norway (Maelstrom) and Mexico ( Rio De Tiempre) Some of the other countries have movies and other attractions. All will be decked out for Christmas in December though and have thier holiday traditions being recounted.
3)MGM Well shopping isnt my strong point, but there is a store at the end of the Animation tour that I just love. It has all kinds of Art and stuff that I just dig. As far as food I have to speak up for this one, Are you going to the 50's Prime Time Cafe?? That is probably one of my favorite places in the World to eat!! Good food and entertaining also!!! Tower of Terror isnt too bad or wasnt when I was last on it, before the drop sequences were changed and added to!!!!

 

[wannabeBelle]

If you get a chance watch a special on the Travel Channel Called Walt Disney World. They did a great segment on it and it certainly helped me!! Do this ride on an empty stomach though!! My favorite ride is RNRC which is right next door!! Awesome Coaster!!! No secrets about Fantasmic! that I know of, but it is a fabulous show and not to be missed.
4) AK Again shopping isnt the strong suit, but there is one shop near the Tree of Life on your right hand side going towards Dinoland. they have some unusual stuff in there. As far as Tarzan Rocks!! Another show to bring the video camera for!! I love this show, although my brother in law swears it is just the man in the loincloth thing!!! It really isnt though, just a great show. All shows are seasonal as far as times as you get a bit closer you can be more specific with that. They wouldnt have this info available now.
5) DD Cirque De Soliel- Yes it does cost extra, quite a bit but people that I know who have been to see it said at $75 a ticket it was an absolute gift!! They say it is a do not miss. I havent done so I cant say
Remainder) I have no opinion on as I havent done any of these!!! Good Luck!! Belle

 

[historymystery]

Thank you very much Belle yes I definitly plan on the Christmas events on all parks. Thank you for the information. I have been to WDW before and have seen Fantasmic! I loved it more than anything else. However I have only been there once and for only four days and it was hectic but fun. However we didn't get to everything. That is why I am asking. If you want to hear the details on my trip last spring I could type it on a different post (I have been meaning to for a long time now.) Anyway here are places at WDW I have not been to.

Magic Kingdom; Mickey's Toontown Fair, Most of Fantasyland and Tomorrowland except Alien Encounter and Space Mountain. And I have never seen the fireworks show or Spectro Magic.

Epcot; Lands at World Showcase, anything to the left side of Future World when you come in. I have been to Inooventions but didn't get it.

MGM; Tower of Terror (too scared), Rock n' Roller Coaster (wanted to), Beauty and the Beast (wanted too) Hunchback (wanted to but now I can't ) Indiana Jones epic Stunts (was afraid of getting pulled on stage), One Man's Dream (wanted to), Animation and movie ride (wanted too), playhouse Disney (glad I didn't), Millionaire and sounds Dangerous (It really isn't disney like but I didn't really understand what it was about).

Animal kingdom; Festival of the Lion King, Conservation station, Flights of Wonder, Tarzan Rocks, Pangani, and Pocahontas friends.

Those are things I haven't been to and haven't seen but wanted to. This time I will though.

 

[historymystery]

Here is the order of things and where I will go:

Magic Kingdom: Eat first at Cinderella's Royal Table
Adventureland: All but Swiss Family Treehouse and I will shop at Agrabah's Market Place but I will be very selective.
Frontierland: All but shooting arcade and horseshoe saloon revue, yes I know I am known to have a thing against Tom Sawyers Island but I will go there too I will shop at the store right by Splash Mountain but I will be extremely selective.
Liberty Square: All but shop no where.
Fantasyland: All and shop in Cinderella's Castle. At lunch time I will eat at the Crystal Palace.
Toontown: Judge's Tent. No shopping.
Tomorrowland: All (does anyone know if CoP and Timekeeper will be open?).
Main Street: I will go through all the stores one side when in and other side when leaving. But I will be selctive.
I am going to Mickey's Christmas party

Epcot:
Future World: All but Food Rocks. Is Ice Station Cool open? I would eat at the Living Seas Pavilion. Shop at the store at the exit of Spaceship Earth.
World Showcase: All, (which land should I eat at for dinner?)
I am going to the light Processional. Shop at each country but be incredibly selective.

MGM Studios: All but Playhouse Disney. And I am not sure on Tower of Terror yet (still looks (terrorible). I will eat at Sci Fi and Hollywood and Vine. Shop at Star Wars and Fantasmic! Also shop at Disney Art Store.

Animal Kingdom: All but boneyard. I will eat at Rainforest Cafe and Pizzafari for Lunch. I will shop at Dinosaur and Festival of the Lion king (Is there a store there?)

DD: I know where everything is here and I know what to do but most likely I will not go to Cirque. Disney is another story YEAH!

Blizard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon: Should I go during December?

Thanks to you. Oh by the way here is the kind of stuff I would look for at stores plus I must buy for others too:

Anything Lion king, Aladdin, Hercules, or Tarzan (especially Lion king.) I will also be looking for Disney animated videos. (Do they sell Disney movies that are in the vault at Disney World?) I will be looking for any miniatures like an Epcot and Magic Kingdom playsets. Knick knacks of any princess or prince such as Belle and Beast or Aladdin and Jasmine etc... A must for me is snow globes! I love snow globes! (Do they sell miniatures of monuments at World Showcase anywhere like a mini Great Wall or Eiffel Tower cause I collect those. I will also buy a pin but which one? I will have to have anything Dinosaur. And any Star Wars stuff. Plus I love Fantasmic! and I know where that store is.

If you know where I could buy this stuff please write me.

 

[DisneyCP2000]

*****2*****
Hidden stuff of WDW...Every attraction in WDW has a story behind it. Look into it or ask Cast members. Hidden Mickey's of course! Other hidden stuff could include Keys to the Kingdom tours where you can go backstage. Do a search for thoughts about the tour.
Planning...get a park map at the hotel and there'll be a listing of all the tims of the show, you can plan you're 'attack' then.
*****3*****
Bring sunblock, fairly heavy coat just in case it gets cold. plenty of film, batteries for the camera.
*****4*****
DTD! A great place to shop and spend a whole lot of $$$
Great places to eat at DTD/West Side: Wolfgang pucks (both fast food and restaurant), Bongos.
Great places to shop: World of Disney!(one stop shopping-literally!) Once Upon a Toy!
Epcot: shop @ Mouse Gear, eat @ the Land food ct/Morocco.
MK: shop @ Main Street
DMGMS: shop@Hollywood av, eat @ Hollywood&Vine (buffet)
*****La Nouba opinons*****
go here...
http://forums.wdwmagic.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=12188&highlight=cirque I know I loved it!
*******etc********
STUDIOS: I read you were afraid of getting picked...don't worry, they'll pick people who want to get in on the action. For those who'd rather watch, just sit and watch other jump and do cartwheels to get on stage. :lol: Sound's dagerous is cool. If you did the sound booths in Conservations Stn, it's pretty much the same thing but geared for an audience. I'm sure you'll get a laugh out of it if you go.
EPCOT: Test Track, get there EARLY. Fast passes will be 'sold out' by noon if the park's busy. If they're out go for the singles lines, wait usually runs 15 min (party WILL be split though) vs 2 hours in stand by. Make sure you check out Illuminations if you havn't yet.
FASTPASS: Use it to your advantage! I believe that it's the best way to get on your favorite attractions. I'd usually get a fast pass for something and head for a light meal & some shopping. By the time I was done the fast passes would be ready.

Have a great time

 

[historymystery]

You had almost the same ideas as I did on everything.

Unfortunatly I have not seen Illuminations (up close)

I did see it from MGM Studios during Fantasmic! And I could tell it rocked all the way from there! I was trying to look at both at the same time. LOL

 

[wannabeBelle]

Where is dinner for the MK?? As far as Mickey's Very Merry, there are Tshirts/sweatshirts that are ONLY put out in the shops for the MVMCP. They have that logo on them. I bought a lovely burgundy longsleeve Tshirt this year and got a ton of compliments on it. These are exclusive to the MK and only during the party so if you want one, buy it there you wont see them anywhere else!!
EPCOT; Hey I liked food rocks!! As far as dinner package I would say either UK Rose & Crown( request outdoor seating if it is nice weather and close to 8:00 when you first sit down, best viewing spot for Illuminations)Another good place to eat for the CP is Germany. All you can eat buffet, the atmosphere is amazing and I liked the live entertainment. Canada was REALLY good but the mashed potaoes were too peppery for me. France was very good but really pricey, I enjoyed Morocco, Japan is great fun for Teppanyaki Grill, China was nice but I preferred Japan, Never ate at Norway or Mexico. Italy was just OK. I wasnt too impressed.
MGM: Have you ever done the 50's Prime TIme?? I would definitely say to go there over one of the other two restaurants. All else looks good. LOVED RNRC!!!!!
AK: Not sure about the store thing but all else looks good.
Most important thing: Have a great time!!!! Belle

 

[historymystery]

Hey thank you. I will look for some T's. I will eat dinner at Tomorrowland. Can't wait to see Mickey's Christmas Party.

I have never had French cuisine and Moroccan I just don't care for. So I will eat French.

I like my restaurant choices. For MGM but thank you anyways :animwink:

Questions I still have:

Is Ice Station cool open?
Will CoP and Timekeeper be open then?
Should I go to the water parks?
Should I go to Wide World of Sports?
Can you take video cameras on all the attractions and rides, or will they stop you? Will you get in trouble for it?
Should I ride Kali in December?
Should I ride Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Splash Mountain in December?

Thanks!

 

[dreamer]

Only one bit of advice from me:

Unless you're planning to spend 3 weeks, don't try to do everything. Leave free time in your plans and rushing about to actually enjoy the magic.

 

[orangefan15]

Originally posted by historymystery


Questions I still have:

Is Ice Station cool open?
Will CoP and Timekeeper be open then?
Should I go to the water parks?
Should I go to Wide World of Sports?
Can you take video cameras on all the attractions and rides, or will they stop you? Will you get in trouble for it?
Should I ride Kali in December?
Should I ride Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Splash Mountain in December?

Thanks!

Ice Station cool is still open.

CoP and Timekeeper seem to only be opened during the busiest times (i.e. week between Christmas and New Year's, over Thanksgiving weekend)

In December, Typhoon Lagoon is usually shut down for refurb, so your water park choice would have to be Blizzard Beach. I would say wait until you get there and see how the weather is before deciding. We went in early Dec. this year and I really wanted to try Blizzard Beach, but it was too cool.

I wouldn't go to Wide World of Sports...there's not really much there.

You can your video camera pretty much anywhere. If there's something they don't want you taping, they'll announce it (i.e. at beginning of Hall of Presidents they say no taping)

Riding Kali in Dec. once again depends on weather. You could end up completely soaked. If its cold, that may make you rather unhappy. We rode this year in early Dec. but we did it right before we were headed back to the hotel, so it wasn't too bad. Some people suggest wearing a poncho to keep dry, but we found that it didn't really work.

Absolutely no reason not to ride Big Thunder Mountain. As far as Splash, once again, you may get rather wet (or you may not get wet at all), so it could depend on the weather. We did find that wearing ponchos on this ride kept us dry.

Hope this helps

 

[historymystery]

Thanks orangefan

Hey thank you. But if you video tape something that you are not supposed to can you get in trouble for it? And if so what happens?

Thanks for the other information.

 

[orangefan15]

If they see you with the camera on, they'll come over and ask you to turn it off. If you don't, they'll remove you from the ride. I've seen it happen before.

Besides the fact that its just plain rude to interrupt other guests enjoyment of an attraction just because you feel like taping it. (this is part of the reason they ask you not to tape in Hall of Presidents and other dark shows)

 

[wannabeBelle]

the Animation tour in MGM Is another HUGE no-no as far as taping goes for obvious reasons. You are actually walked through the areas where the animators are working!!! I have no idea what would happen if you were caught taping in there, but I'd imagine it wouldnt be pleasant Belle

 

[CAPTAIN HOOK]

Re: Hey thanks

Originally posted by historymystery
Thank you both for your answers. Belle Here is really wht I meant on the secrets:

Magic Kingdom: Best Place to shop? When is the best time to ride Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad? (I know where I am going to eat in each park already, but thank you.) What are the best areas of each ride to be, like front or back left or right on popular rides?

Epcot: Best Place to Shop? When is the best time to ride Test Track? Which lands in World Showcase have rides (We didn't get to go through this area on our first trip.)

MGM: Best place to shop? Is Tower of Terror really scary, like heart attack scary? Are there any secrets on Fantasmic!?

Animal Kingdom: Best Place to shop? When does Flights of Wonder start? When does Tarzan Rocks start? When does Festival of the Lion King start?

Downtown Disney: Does Cirque Du Soliel cost extra? Is it worth watching?

Water Parks: Should I go to a water park in December?

World of Sports: What is it and should I go?

Recreational Activities: Do any of these cost extra should I try miniature golfing?

Okay well thank you again:animwink:

Buy a copy of the Unofficial Guide

 

[historymystery]

Okay, thank you a lot all of you. Well they only questions I can think of still are:

Is it possible to see all of Magic Kingdom in one day?

Is it possible to see all of Epcot in one day?

Is it possible to see all the shows at Animal Kingdom in one day?

Which park is open the latest and why?

Where is the best place to rest in each park and at Downtown Disney?

 

[Katherine]

You can see Mk and Epcot in one dayfor each, you'll feel rushed but I've done it. Epcot especially because when I go around the world showcase I like to kinda linger. Don't know about the rest

but first and foremost...

HAVE A GREAT TIME! but who doesn't in WDW. :wave: