"Official" Walt Disney World & Disneyland Thread

[drquest]

Can anyone who's been there during these time periods give some insight on the crowds and wait times for rides.

I've been there over Halloween several times, and quite a number of times over Thanksgiving and a couple of times in early December. October is lighter crowds for sure than Thanksgiving and is a lot of fun if you like dressing up in costumes etc.... Some people go so overboard on their costumes and it makes for a lot of fun people watching.

I've noticed it's been getting more and more busy over Thanksgiving, so expect pretty packed crowds. I have friends that have been there over Christmas break, and the week of Christmas is supposed to be nuts, so I doubt we'll try to be there over that time frame. If you want to see the parks decorated, and do the Christmas Parade etc, they do the parades starting a few weeks before Thanksgiving, but not everything is decorated across WDW until the day after Thanksgiving.

[superherocrazy]

I've been to Disneyworld with my family twice and both times were in October when the park was decorated for Halloween. We paid the extra money to experience dressing up and trick-or-treating in Magic Kingdom. I was afraid I'd be the only adult in costume but it's amazing to see how many get into the spirit and dress up with their children. Plus free candy you can't go wrong!

We have stayed at the All star movies and All star sports resorts, you're only in the room to sleep, and bought the Premium meal plan on both occasions, which was more than enough for my family of 4. Both times we had so many snacks left over we ended up bringing a lot of glazed nuts home to enjoy after the vacation was over.

Magic Kingdome - Liberty Tavern is the place to eat, great food and lot of it. Favorite Rides - Buzz Light Year and Haunted Mansion.

Epcot - Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, you can get your pictures with the princess, and Marrakesh, the leg of lamb is to die for. Favorite Rides - Test Track and Mission Space.

Hollywood Studios - Brown Derby, although it burns two dinner points, and Hollywood and Vine. Favorite Rides - Toy Story and Tower of Terror, even though I'm afraid of heights I go on it at least 5 times while I'm there.

Animal Kingdom - Yak and Yeti to eat. Favorite Ride - Expedition Everest.

We stay 8 days and hit all the parks twice except for Animal Kingdom, this park we attend on the last day of our vacation, which gives you more than enough time to experience everything in the park. Sorry to say we've never made it to downtown Disney so far.

This year over the Christmas holiday we vacationed in California and were able to attend Disneyland. It is not as big as Disney World but just as fun. I've always wanted to see Disney decorated for Christmas and I was not disappointed. We spent Christmas Eve at the park and I was pleasantly surprised it wasn't as crowded as I feared. Most rides were a 15 minute wait with only two with over a 45 minute wait. Those we got fast pass tickets and rode them later in the day. Since it was only a day/night trip, no meal plan, and just purchased burgers for lunch and dinner. Who needs food when there's so much to do. Favorite Rides - Splash Mountain and Star Tours.

I'm already looking to book a Disneyworld vacation for this year but haven't decided what month to go. I'd like to see all the Florida resorts decorated for Christmas so maybe over my children's Thanksgiving or Christmas school breaks.

Can anyone who's been there during these time periods give some insight on the crowds and wait times for rides.

If you've never been to one of these parks what are you waiting for, no matter what uour age, you'll have the time of your life!!!

[drquest]

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?

I've ridden Maelstrom many times, but it never had a line, and Epcot massively needs more tier 1 rides.

[4NDR01D]

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.

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?

[4NDR01D]

My family at DISNEY WORD in 1978:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8HmZpR26tzc

Not a lot of people have films from their childhood time in the park---so, I feel blessed my Dad lugged the dang camera-thing around!

My advice?

I know that at ANY age---I'd regret not going on the "famous" rides----

HAUNTED MANSION, SPACE MOUNTAIN, PIRATES OF THE CARRIBEAN----heck, even the "annoying" one SMALL WORLD, and the very child-geared DUMBO RIDE are big "do's" for me, 'cause I just gotta have the most "generic" Disney experience. But a generic Disney experience isn't a bland experience---it's a GREAT TIME to me....

Ya won't find me at the Egyptian pyramids, or the Grand Canyon, or even the Empire State building---but, MR. TOAD'S WILD RIDE? If it's still open, you can bet I'm takin' that classic "wild ride"! It's a magical time!

Enjoy the magic of YOUR Disney trip!

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".

[drquest]

Any frequent visitors have thoughts on the new Fantasy Land at Magic Kingdown? It took Disney several years to get that done, and quite a number of things were lost to make room and to be honest, I'm sad to see some of the changes. The new Dumbo ride is fine, but it's not he old one. Mickey's Toontown fair my kids loved and we always spent fun times there, and it's gone. The new 7 Dwarves ride is ok, it's not amazing, and Disney could have thrown any theme at it in any park I think.

My kids still love going over to Tom Sawyer's island, it's never busy there. The People Mover and Carousel of Progress are always on their todo list as well.

[drquest]

How long does it take to do everything they have at Disneyland? could you do it in a day? we're interested in going but since WDW has so much more we always go there. I'd love to visit the original park though.

Disneyland is quaint compared to Disneyworld and my family loved it too. We stayed at the Grand Californian resort, so you can just literally walk out from it and your in the park which is awesome. The crowds are less than Disneyworld and lines are shorter etc... They have the new Cars Land there and that's pretty cool. If you spend two days there you can do everything you wanted to do. 1 day will get you the highlights, and keep in mind Disneyland still uses the older Fastpass system, so it's less stress in my opinion.

[Nostalgiabuff]

love WDW. have brought the family there many times. My wife and I had our honeymoon there

I have stayed in many of the resorts as well. as a couple, I loved Beach Club. with the family on a budget, the animation resorts are really nice.

favorite rides? too many to choose from and I have not even see any of the new ones they built at Magic Kingdom a few years back. but space mountain is a fun ride, pirates, splash mountain, expedition Everest, dinosaur, star tours. I am looking forward to the Star Wars land.
my wife and I love epcot. we would spend more time there than any other park but the kids get bored. we like to just walk around the "world" sampling the beer and wine in each country and always spend at least one night there for the fireworks over the lake

[thunderbolt]

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.

[huedell]

My family at DISNEY WORD in 1978:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8HmZpR26tzc

Not a lot of people have films from their childhood time in the park---so, I feel blessed my Dad lugged the dang camera-thing around!

My advice?

I know that at ANY age---I'd regret not going on the "famous" rides----

HAUNTED MANSION, SPACE MOUNTAIN, PIRATES OF THE CARRIBEAN----heck, even the "annoying" one SMALL WORLD, and the very child-geared DUMBO RIDE are big "do's" for me, 'cause I just gotta have the most "generic" Disney experience. But a generic Disney experience isn't a bland experience---it's a GREAT TIME to me....

Ya won't find me at the Egyptian pyramids, or the Grand Canyon, or even the Empire State building---but, MR. TOAD'S WILD RIDE? If it's still open, you can bet I'm takin' that classic "wild ride"! It's a magical time!

Enjoy the magic of YOUR Disney trip!

[Earth 2 Chris]

Went for the first time in 2012, and went back in fall 2014. We LOVE it, and are already talking about going back.

We too loved Port Orleans Riverside. We stayed at French Quarter the first time (and it wasn't bad at all) but really enjoyed the Riverside resort. The food court there has surprisingly good food and great atmosphere. Plus, you can ride the ferry over to Downtown Disney from the resort.

Favorite rides: Magic Kingdom -Haunted Mansion, without a doubt. But we really had a blast on the new Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. That's a great ride! Also really dig Peter Pan's Flight as well.

Epcot - Soarin' or Test Track. Test Track was down the first time we were there, so we were glad to get on it this time.

Hollywood Studios - Star Tours. No question!

Animal Kingdom - We didn't go to Animal Kingdom this time, instead taking in a day at Downtown Disney. And we only went half a day the first time. I'll get back to you on that.

Restaurants - Magic Kingdom: Be Our Guest. We did the lunch version, and I can honestly say it was as good or better than most of our table service meals. Liberty Tavern and it are tied, really. If you walk away hungry from Liberty Tavern...you have a tape worm!

Epcot: Akeruas; I know I mispronounced that, but I love their Norwegian meatballs and mashed potatoes. Plus, the girl gets to meet the princesses!

Hollywood Studios: We ate at Prime Time Cafe this time, and really enjoyed it.

Animal Kingdom: I can't recall the name, but that quick-service BBQ grill is really good.

I could go on and on, but I'll spare you the details. We can't wait to go back!

Chris

[4NDR01D]

We've been to Disneyworld at least once a year, sometimes twice a year since my daughter was 2, and that was in 2001. So yeah, we've seen a done a lot there. Each trip we stayed on property.

We were there over Thanksgiving last November, and will be there again this March. My daughter, now in Highschool, will be marching with her band on Main Street in Magic Kingdom and she is so excited!

We've stayed at all of the resorts on the monorail route, Grand Floridian, Polynesian and Contemporary. We've also stayed at Wilderness Lodge, and my son and I stayed at the Beach Club(near Epcot) last May when we were there for Star Wars weekends. I will say my favorite is the Contemporary(we've stayed there 10+ times), tower room, Magic Kingdom view. Going to sleep looking at the castle, and waking up to the views out the window is worth the money and being able to walk over to Magic Kingdom is very cool, not to mention having the monorails gliding through the resort is awesome!

Disney has changed quite a bit the past few years, Magic Bands and having to schedule your fastpass times is tough for new people and even for veterans.

>I think the whole experience of Disney can be tough for people who haven't been before. There's so much to do if your not super organized you're going to miss out on a a lot. My wife likes to be the one to plan everything out which works for both of us, but can still get pretty frustrating when you want to just chill and not HAVE to be anywhere at a specific time.


Epcot tends to be one of my favorites. The park is so big, even if it's busy, it doesn't feel crowded. My older son and daughter really enjoy Hollywood Studios.

Be aware Hollywood Studios has some attractions that have closed. Backlot tour is gone, and American Idol. The big Sorcerer's hat is being removed right now. There's a rumor that the Indiana Jones attraction will be closing soon as well. What I've heard is Disney is planning on expanding the Pixar world, and a Star Wars Land is being planned for Hollywood Studios as well.

>This is all good news to me


Rides:
MK, Haunted Mansion, or Pirates, or Space Mountain, haha..
HS, Tower of Terror, could ride it over and over
Epcot, Mission Space
AK, Expedition Everest

Restaurants:
Teppon Edo(Japanese Steak House at Epcot)
O'Hanas(Polynesian)
SciFi Drive In (Hollywood Studios)
Cosmic Ray's(Magic Kingdom)
Le Cellier(Epcot), but it's too pricey


We like Disneyland as well, and my my and I got engaged at Disneyland 20 years ago this June.

Got any questions, feel free to ask, as I have lots of opinions about Disneyworld

How long does it take to do everything they have at Disneyland? could you do it in a day? we're interested in going but since WDW has so much more we always go there. I'd love to visit the original park though.

[MIB41]

I went to Disney World back in 1973. Space Mountain was still being built. It was a magical experience for me as a kid. I can only imagine it today. Enjoy your experience!!

[4NDR01D]

I'm crazy over Epcot. I love the atmosphere of that place. It's like they built a futuristic city as depicted in 1970s scifi book covers. The music they play over the speakers in the public areas is great too. I love how it's really two parks in one also. I have an unhealthy obsession with Club Cool for some reason! As a huge Jerry Goldsmith fan, I love Soarin'… moves me to tears.

>Epcots the coolest because of it's retro-futuristic designs. And the restaurants and stuff. Epcot's the place where my wife doesn't mind if I have a few drinks, It seems a bit more adult I guess. I probably never have a drink with dinner at MK (even though I hear the do serve alcohol there now). And yeah, that futurist electronic music totally does it for me. I always wind up feeling a little queasy after club cool, but I still love it.

Magic Kingdom is all it's cracked up to be, and more. I love Carousel of Progress to the moon and back. Favorite ride would have to be Splash Mountain. It's like some awesome animatronics, followed by the best flume ride ever, and just when you think it's over… they throw this amazing showboat production at you. Again, tears.

>Carousel of Progress is kinda creepy cool. It's one of those things that's a bit outdated, but becomes cooler because of it imho. I like Splash Mountain but the line up can really wear out my patience, also It closes around this time so since this is time of year we usually go it's usually closed.

Haunted Mansion… what can I say? It's just a masterpiece. Can't believe after all these years they never put the Hatbox Ghost in there. Perhaps he's better as a legend though. Pirates is just a delight also. Anyone who doesn't "get" It's a Small World cannot be my friend. People who make fun of the repetitive song are completely missing the point. I am amazed they are able to synch the different audio as you pass from room to room. Love the new stuff at Fantasyland, especially the Little Mermaid ride. Those new animatronics are so lifelike, its scary.

>agreed. And yeah new Mermaid ride was excellent (only got to do it once so far) and we've yet to do the Snow White and 7 dwarfs mine train. I think it has a size requirement so if my 2 year old can't get on I might have to do it by myself)

Animal Kingdom… I can take or leave. The problem with it, is nothing there has that Disney Magic. The Dino Land feels like an import from a Bush Gardens. Everest is okay, but again, lacking something. Kali River Rapids again feels like something you'd find at any Six Flags. Just not special.

>I think AK has lots of great stuff going for it, but could really be so much more. The dinosaur land is totally lame (except for the ride which is pretty fantastic), hopefully Pixars new dino movie is a massive success and they can freshen it up.

Hollywood Studios is the park with incredible potential that is squandered. I would love to see that park focus on the history of Disney's live action films. Give us a Tron light cycle ride. How about an Into the Black Hole experience? 20,000 Leagues belongs there. Rip out all the Aerosmith stuff and make the Rockin' Roller Coaster into the Rocketeer's Roller Coaster. Star Tours is great, but they need more planet combinations.

>Yeah lots of big changes for the better coming to that park. The back lot tour was really pretty boring and 80's feeling. I'd really like them to put in a better prop and movie museum. of course more star wars stuff, maybe lose the indiana jones stuff.

sorry, having problems editing

[drquest]

We've been to Disneyworld at least once a year, sometimes twice a year since my daughter was 2, and that was in 2001. So yeah, we've seen a done a lot there. Each trip we stayed on property.

We were there over Thanksgiving last November, and will be there again this March. My daughter, now in Highschool, will be marching with her band on Main Street in Magic Kingdom and she is so excited!

We've stayed at all of the resorts on the monorail route, Grand Floridian, Polynesian and Contemporary. We've also stayed at Wilderness Lodge, and my son and I stayed at the Beach Club(near Epcot) last May when we were there for Star Wars weekends. I will say my favorite is the Contemporary(we've stayed there 10+ times), tower room, Magic Kingdom view. Going to sleep looking at the castle, and waking up to the views out the window is worth the money and being able to walk over to Magic Kingdom is very cool, not to mention having the monorails gliding through the resort is awesome!

Disney has changed quite a bit the past few years, Magic Bands and having to schedule your fastpass times is tough for new people and even for veterans.

Epcot tends to be one of my favorites. The park is so big, even if it's busy, it doesn't feel crowded. My older son and daughter really enjoy Hollywood Studios.

Be aware Hollywood Studios has some attractions that have closed. Backlot tour is gone, and American Idol. The big Sorcerer's hat is being removed right now. There's a rumor that the Indiana Jones attraction will be closing soon as well. What I've heard is Disney is planning on expanding the Pixar world, and a Star Wars Land is being planned for Hollywood Studios as well.

Rides:
MK, Haunted Mansion, or Pirates, or Space Mountain, haha..
HS, Tower of Terror, could ride it over and over
Epcot, Mission Space
AK, Expedition Everest

Restaurants:
Teppon Edo(Japanese Steak House at Epcot)
O'Hanas(Polynesian)
SciFi Drive In (Hollywood Studios)
Cosmic Ray's(Magic Kingdom)
Le Cellier(Epcot), but it's too pricey


We like Disneyland as well, and my my and I got engaged at Disneyland 20 years ago this June.

Got any questions, feel free to ask, as I have lots of opinions about Disneyworld