We get to go to Disney! What are your favorites (attractions/shows/dining areas/spots for firework and parade viewing)?

[ateenandatot]

I can't believe we are going back to Disney World!!!!

O.K. a few years ago, we purchased my mom's remaining timeshare weeks from her and now have an RCI membership. This year when I went to exchange our week, there was NOTHING here in Texas that I was interested in and I couldn't get beachside in Alabama either. Just out of curiosity, I typed in to search the Disney area ( we will be just 8 miles from the resort off of 192/Irlo Bronson Memorial Parkway) and couldn't believe that there were so many places available. Anyway, I decided that we might as well go. Gas may be even higher next year (when we had planned to do our big vacation) and I doubt it will get cheaper at any rate. We have opted not to rent a car and will deal with being cramped in our little Chevy Cavalier. (reasonably good gas mileage) Not only did the timeshare thing just work out, but I found out that we have $175 in Disney Reward Dollars! (Not from overzealous shopping, but from paying routine bills with it and paying it off.) And I am planning a garage sale (spending money) while cleaning out our little, cluttered (but thankfully affordable) cottage.  (Anwyay, I add this info. only because part of me feels guilty for spending so much on a vacation right now (even though we are going for WAY less than the norm.), but it isn't going to make us go hungry or get behind on any of our bills, so ......what the heck! )

My teenager (18) has been to Disney World once with us five years ago (we exchanged our week then, but couldn't get any closer than 1 hr. from Disney, so we had to commute. ugggh) and once three years ago with the high school band. My husband and I have only been the one time. We never went on these kinds of vacations as kids. This is my daughter's (3) first time to go. Anyway, we are excited. My 3 yr. old is even more excited now that we got the Disney vacation DVD. She still remembers seeing Dora last year at Paramount King's Dominion in Virginia (another timeshare exchange. We just kind of go where we can get an availabilty. For a mere $169 per week for a villa/condo, it can't be beat on a budget.). Maybe she will remember something about Disney in later years. (?)

We hadn't planned on taking a big vacation this year. It has just sort of all fallen into place. So now I am busily planning our trip and trying to get things done around here before we leave. (I am painting the inside walls and changing out wallpaper borders this summer, as well as just getting more organized.)

 We will be staying the night at Chipley, Florida on the way up. (Anybody know about this little town?) and spending about 24 hrs. in Ft. Walton Beach, Florida on the way back to Texas.  I am also hoping to checkout the world's largest McDonald's and maybe one other themed McDonald's while in Orlando. There is supposed to be a free huge weekend carshow in downtown Kissimmee. My husband would like that. We will be there for a  week.

While at Disney, we are going to do the Once Upon a Time breakfast at Magic Kingdom (that is our big splurge for my daughter. My teen is sitting that one out at Space Mountain) and eating at Chef Mickey's. (my son remembers that one fondly and is looking forward to it too), as well as Biergarten (our total favorite of all from the last visit). 

Questions I have:

Does anyone know if it is o.k. for the little girls to dress up for breakfast at the castle in their Disney princess costumes?

Can anyone tell me about your tea party or bibbidy-bobbity-bootique experience with your preschooler?

Do you have to be a resort guest to attend the Chip and Dale campfire sing-a-long at Fort Wilderness Campground?

Did anyone do the Playhouse Disney character breakfast at Hollywood and Vine and do you recommend it?

Did your 3 year old ride the Snow White ride and if so, did they enjoy it or was it too scary?

 I would love for you to share your Disney favorites and suggestions with me. Thanks!

[mamaofwildboys]

Jun. 17, 2008 at 2:01 PM

You should get into the disney group.  Those ladies can answer all your questions...

[ateenandatot]

Jun. 17, 2008 at 2:05 PM Thanks! I will do that.

(Original Poster)

[Sweet_Carol_126]

Jun. 20, 2008 at 4:51 PM

I wouldn't think there is any problem with kids wearing their Disney costumes there.  I only went to the Floridian for character breakfast and it was great for both photos and for characters to talk and interact with the kids.  We had a breakfast birthday celebration. 

We always like to go to Arabian Nights and get a good deal on tickets from Guy whose ID is Cordovan (or something similar) on ebay for Arabian Nights tickets.  I think the dinner and show is about $25 and regularly is about $48 or so.  I consider this a good deal and boys and girls love it because of the horses and tricks on horses, and a princess and Aladdin and bad guy, etc. and interaction with the guests.  Dinner is decent and everyone has wedding cake (see happy ending).  I like those.

Kids got to pet horses afterwards and take photos.

If want to save a bit of money can go to Cypress Gardens.  It is much slower pace and a place for adults to relax more, but they have rides and shows and ski show.  did have a 2 day for price of 1 last time we were there.  Universal Studios is good and can get discounted tickets.  If you see a timeshare, hold out for Disney tickets as they are more expensive.  And the 3 or 5 day tickets are less per day than fewer days.  Some tickets do expire and some don't.  Cost more not to expire, but same kid has to use them in the future.  They do thumb prints now.

Can ask questons on Disney website.  Check out family fun website which is from Disney as well.  I get their magazine and send out gifts of the magazine to grandkids.

Carolyn

[Sweet_Carol_126]

Jun. 20, 2008 at 4:53 PM

Be sure to see the parade in the afternoon and at least one night see the fireworks at night which is not long before the park closes.  It is super fireworks display.  In heat of the day or during rain, see shows.  Do the quick pass --fast pass it is for things that are especially busy but that you really want to see.  Have a great time.

 

[SensualScents]

Jun. 26, 2008 at 12:58 PM

I cannot answer your questions since I don't know LOL! I just was at Disneyworld on 6-9 (we only had one day for Disney on our trip). I will tell you that I saw alot of girls running around in princess outfits and boys wearing pirate gear so I imagine they can wear them for anything. Also, and this depends on the age of your kids, if you can skip out on parades....thats the best time to get on rides. We were able to get on Its a Small World, haunted Mansion, and Big Thunder Mtn two times during a parade. Well....Big Thunder Mtn we did right after the parade and the fireworks were getting ready to start. Now if you want to see the parades thats one thing buy one of my kids is a major thrillseeker and all she wanted to do was ride stuff.

Oh and if you haven't done it, Safari ride at Animal Kingdom is exciting...just get there first thing in the morning.

One thing also to consider when your kids get older. Universal Studios has a great park hopper ticket. $85 per person, unlimited access to two parks for 7 days. We did that for two days after our one day at Disney and my kids loved it. Mine are 2, 6, and 8 and they found plenty to do even though its targeted for older kids and adults. Oh and my inlaws gave us there timeshare, its RCI. We got to stay at the Sheraton Vistana, its on 535 about 5 min drive to an entrance to DisneyWorld. It was a very nice place to stay at so if you ever get the chance to stay there go for it!