"Official" Walt Disney World & Disneyland Thread

[thunderbolt]

^ I just read that the movie Frozen is supposed to take place in Norway (I'm a bit out of touch, I guess). So, it makes a bit more sense, but I still don't like the idea of having a movie themed ride in the "World Showcase."

- Ian

Well, Thor is Norse, too.

[EmergencyIan]

^ I just read that the movie Frozen is supposed to take place in Norway (I'm a bit out of touch, I guess). So, it makes a bit more sense, but I still don't like the idea of having a movie themed ride in the "World Showcase."

- Ian

[thunderbolt]

Really? They're messing up the cool ride in Norway to make it a "Frozen" ride? I hate to read that. Seems like that damages the integrity of "The World Showcase" in EPCOT.

- Ian

that damage has already been done in several of the countries, its too bad that they can't keep the cartoon characters out of the park.

[EmergencyIan]

Used to really love Epcot, but the character-ization of it is starting to really suck the fun out of it. They recently shut down the Norway ride to repurpose it to a Frozen ride. March 5th I will be there volunteering for the Flower and Garden show so I will check it out again.

Really? They're messing up the cool ride in Norway to make it a "Frozen" ride? I hate to read that. Seems like that damages the integrity of the "World Showcase" in EPCOT.

- Ian

[huedell]

I watched both your clips and they are amazing!! that's so very cool. A lot of that stuff is long gone (chair lifts, 20,000 leagues..., mr. toads wild ride, and they just recently removed the water fountain in the lobby of Polynesian resort). And I'd never use the term "generic" or even "cliche" to describe any of the old rides, they are quite simply "CLASSIC".

I'm with you on THAT 4NDR01D----I tend to use harsher words/get defensive, when "CLASSIC" woulda covered it all Earth2Chris mentioned the Peter Pan/Snow White rides---those are two more real classics to add. It's sad certain rides are shut down, but,, I suppose Disney has to make way for newer rides based on their newer more popular properties. That said, the thing I'm most surprised at, is that there's no more "ski lift" type cars over the park? If that's so, I wonder why---'cause those seem more "handy" than anything else.

Hugh that film is priceless! My first visit to Disneyland was right before my 7th birthday in 1973. I do have photos, but my scanner is acting weird. That's so cool that your dad had a movie camera w/ sound. I've never been to Disney World, and the last time I was in Disneyland was '96. When I was little, I really loved the Dumbo ride, Peter Pan, Pirates of the Carribean and It's a Small World. Of course when I got older it was all about the coasters, Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain.

Thanks for the post, HardyGirl---maybe you'll get to Disneyland again one of these days (or get to see Disney World for the first time)---regardless, it sounds like your childhood/'96 memories are quite epic on their own. As Earth2Chris pointed out---the Peter Pan ride is really top notch nostalgic stuff! Wherever you may be, I know you'll keep enjoyin' keepin' the childhood dream alive!

[Earth 2 Chris]

^Yeah, it's definitely something you have to plan in advance, if you want to maximize your Disney experience. I wasn't sure I'd like the new Fast Pass Plus bands vs. the old Fast Pass tickets, but it's actually better to have that all in advance, and not have to make a mad dash for those kiosks every morning.

We went over fall break and enjoyed the Halloween party as well this past year. It was well worth the extra dough! My son kept getting pulled into other family's photos, since he was dressed as a very convincing Jack Skellington!

Chris

[YoungOnce]

FP = Fast pass
ADR = Advanced Dining Reservations

Yeah.... Sorry... Fast passes are your "permission" to get in a shorter line at an attraction. Almost a must in peak attendance days (which is any day around a holiday or throughout the summer). Advance dining reservations must be made at about any sit down restaurant to guarantee a seat. Thanks megomania!

[megomania]

FP? ADR?

FP = Fast pass
ADR = Advanced Dining Reservations

[HardyGirl]

FP? ADR?

[YoungOnce]

Always been a big Disney fan and we have stayed at the "world" a lot in the past twenty years as our girls have grown up.

That said, it seems that something is being lost at the parks for me and it's not neccessarily Disney's fault (well, not all of it...). It is nigh impossible to just show up and enjoy a spontaneous day at any of the parks nowadays. If you intend to ride the top tier rides and eat at the restaurant of your choice, you need to get your FP and ADRs well ahead of time. Especially if you go during busy times, which is a better part of the year nowadays.

It is still a magical place, especially with kids, but the spirit of Walt is losing to a very corporate, profit-margin experience IMO. They have every right to make lots of money of course, but I find myself pining for the more relaxed experience it used to be.

[TrekStar]

Went to Disneyland twice, and Disney World once, but haven't been to either in over 10 years
want to go back to both very soon.

[HardyGirl]

Hugh that film is priceless! My first visit to Disneyland was right before my 7th birthday in 1973. I do have photos, but my scanner is acting weird. That's so cool that your dad had a movie camera w/ sound. I've never been to Disney World, and the last time I was in Disneyland was '96. When I was little, I really loved the Dumbo ride, Peter Pan, Pirates of the Carribean and It's a Small World. Of course when I got older it was all about the coasters, Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain.

[thunderbolt]

We did the Norway ride once and for whatever reason never did it again in all our visits to Epcot. I have a little girl who at the age of 2 is already obsessed with Frozen (Ive seen it at least 100 times and wake up with the songs already in my head) so I think the added character might be a good thing for it. We always miss the F&G show, which sucks, and we've only made it to the Food and Wine festival once which is too bad since it was a lot of fun. What do you do there when you volunteer?

we work at the FNGLA display in between France and Morrocco for 3 hours and get the park the rest of the day for free. My wife and I scratch our Disney itch that way every year. Get to see backstage, too.

[drquest]

Thanks for the info. I've heard the week after Thanksgiving is a good time to go, because the kids are back in school, and it's before the school's Christmas break begins. I'll have to do more research before committing.

I loved the Halloween experience and was so glad to do it with my children. Our last visit I dressed as a pirate and my picture was taken so many times, while we were around the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, it made me feel like one of the cast.

I would agree about the week after Thanksgiving. We usually have 1-2 days after the Thanksgiving weekend left before we head home and the parks are pretty mild. It's a very good time to good as the weather is nice and lower crowds, and parks are decorated etc.

Regarding Halloween, the last trip we made, my three kids all went as boxers, and my wife was a referee. I went as the caucasian Don King, with the tall hair and mustache etc.... My daughter, who's my oldest was pretty tired of hearing "Hey it's Don King" all day, haha...

[superherocrazy]

Thanks for the info. I've heard the week after Thanksgiving is a good time to go, because the kids are back in school, and it's before the school's Christmas break begins. I'll have to do more research before committing.

I loved the Halloween experience and was so glad to do it with my children. Our last visit I dressed as a pirate and my picture was taken so many times, while we were around the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, it made me feel like one of the cast.