Walt Disney World and Disneyland(s) Discussion

[Agent0028]

Re: Walt Disney World and Dineyland(s) Discussion

Half right. The idea of having a "california" themed park INSIDE California was ridiculous, but it COULD be done if they didn't get cheap.

The problem wasn't not enough "Disney Theming"... it was that it didn't have enough Disney-quality Theming.


When Disneyland opened, Fantasyland was the only realm where you can find Disney character attraction. I suppose you could meet characters on Main Street and in the parades but each land was themed to something that really wasn't entirely "disney" in identity.


DCA was built on the cheap, not properly laid out, and built under the assumption that people would flock to the park because it had the "Disney" name. It cost guests the same price ($60 about) to go to DCA as it did going to Disneyland. The difference is about 40 attractions or so... which would lead anyone to be disappointed.

That's what my cousin complains about the most at Disney, how everything is "Disney" themed now. She liked when the seperate lands were seperate.

DCA has never held any interest for me. When I eventually get out to Disneyland I'll prolly go to DCA just because I'm there and why not.

 

[Coheteboy]

Re: Walt Disney World and Dineyland(s) Discussion

That's what my cousin complains about the most at Disney, how everything is "Disney" themed now. She liked when the seperate lands were seperate.

DCA has never held any interest for me. When I eventually get out to Disneyland I'll prolly go to DCA just because I'm there and why not.

Yup. There was a time when "Disney" simply meant "Quality". Now people make up their own definition: "Cheap", "greedy", "all characters, all the time."


It's a funny time we live in now. Ask yourself what your FAVORITE disney rides are and most people will say:

-Pirates of the Caribbean
-Haunted Mansion
-Big Thunder Mtn
-Space Mtn

etc etc.

Majority of those attractions don't have any characters at all... or even a real story. You get to create your own fiction to it and that's what makes it fun. They're completely original creations. But now you look at everything that they do, it's "oh, what movie can we shoe-horn into the park now?"

Magic Kingdom
Alien Encounter became Stitch's Great Escape.
TimeKeeper became Monsters Inc Laugh Floor
DreamFlight or Take Flight became Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin
Enchanted Tiki Room got new Management (iago and zazu)
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea became a Pooh Playground

so on so forth.


Over in Disney California Adventure, the entire park seems to be taking on a Pixarification.

Superstar Limo dark ride became Monsters Inc Mike & Sulley to the Rescue

Golden Dreams (movie about the founding of CA) is becoming the Little Mermaid ride.

Bountiful Valley Farm (a boring land about California Agriculture) became A Bug's Land

Avalon Cove (originally a wolfgang puck seafood restaurant) is now Ariel's Grotto character dining

Wilderness Recreational Area now has a Brother Bear layover (who cares that Brother Bear takes place in Canada or Alaska)

Orange Stinger became Silly Symphony Swings

Sun Wheel became Mickey's Fun Wheel

Mulholland Madness is going to become Goofy's Sky School

Two eateries became Toy Story Midway Mania

Generic Boardwalk Games became Disney movies themed (this I applaud)

new land added is Cars Land



And DCA opened in 2001 so this is all happening in the last decade.

Speaking of which, when do you think you'd make it to Disneyland, Agent0028?

 

[Agent0028]

Re: Walt Disney World and Dineyland(s) Discussion

Sadly, I have no clue when I may make it out there. I'd like to do it within a few years.

 

[cokebabies]

Re: Walt Disney World and Dineyland(s) Discussion

You could have added even more attractions to your WDW list... El Rio del Tiempo added the Three Caballeros, The Living Seas added Nemo, among others.

But for DCA, I actually like the re-theming. While the Sun Wheel looked cool (going off pictures), I actually love the Mickey head there, especially since I grew up on those classic videos. I guess I didn't have any interest in a non-Disney themed section like that because it seemed too close to just being at a plain park.

And I'm sure mentioning the SSL to MI change was another for the list, but thank God. SSL looks literally like one of the worst dark rides I have EVER seen.

 

[Coheteboy]

Re: Walt Disney World and Dineyland(s) Discussion

Sadly, I have no clue when I may make it out there. I'd like to do it within a few years.

Well... the DCA expansion is complete by 2012 so you can see the brand new Buena Vista Street that opens the park and also CarsLand in the back.

You could have added even more attractions to your WDW list... El Rio del Tiempo added the Three Caballeros, The Living Seas added Nemo, among others.

But for DCA, I actually like the re-theming. While the Sun Wheel looked cool (going off pictures), I actually love the Mickey head there, especially since I grew up on those classic videos. I guess I didn't have any interest in a non-Disney themed section like that because it seemed too close to just being at a plain park.

And I'm sure mentioning the SSL to MI change was another for the list, but thank God. SSL looks literally like one of the worst dark rides I have EVER seen.

I do like the new lighting on the Mickey Fun Wheel but I'm sure you'd understand my stance that adding Disney characters on something doesn't FIX the problems.

The many complaints about Paradise Pier is that if it was named appropriately in a Disneyland type park, the name of the land would be AMUSEMENT PARK LAND. So you're going to a theme park to see a land about amusement parks. That's great.

They can add all the disney characters they want but it doesn't change the fact that it's still an amusement park land. Adding attractions like Toy Story Midway Mania and Little Mermaid helps drive attendance but... in a land like Amusement Park Land, those attractions become "rides".

In fantasyland, you really can make believe that you traveled to London with Peter Pan or traveled into Wonderland with Alice. In Paradise Pier, are you really going under the sea with Ariel? Or is it just a fancier version of a ride you'd find at a real carnival? The sense of make-believe and imagination is gone when you have Amusement Park Land.


The changes to Paradise Pier have improved the mood, and it's a nice romantic place to walk around at night but the problem that it's an amusement park inside a theme park will never change.




And agreed about Superstar Limo. Terrible terrible ride. What's sad is that I heard it was going to be something more fun, being chased by paparazzi.... and then Princess Di crashed.

 

[cokebabies]

Re: Walt Disney World and Dineyland(s) Discussion

I don't know how much I agree with the point that your surroundings dictates how you respond to the ride.

How is a dark ride in Fantasyland different than Paradise Pier, when you're indoors? Alice even breaks this illusion by having you go outside, where you are confronted with a mountain.

The queue for TSMM (if it's similar to DHS') does a MUCH better job of helping the make-believe along than any of the Fantasyland queues do. Especially since the majority of Fantasyland queues are outdoors where you see the other attractions and the illusion is again broken.

And while it might not be as strong as many other lands, the theming of Paradise Pier is clear... it's a boardwalk. It's a MUCH better theme than the lazy Dinoland USA in Animal Kingdom, which is just a dinosaur-themed carnival.

 

[Coheteboy]

Re: Walt Disney World and Dineyland(s) Discussion

I don't know how much I agree with the point that your surroundings dictates how you respond to the ride.

How is a dark ride in Fantasyland different than Paradise Pier, when you're indoors? Alice even breaks this illusion by having you go outside, where you are confronted with a mountain.

The queue for TSMM (if it's similar to DHS') does a MUCH better job of helping the make-believe along than any of the Fantasyland queues do. Especially since the majority of Fantasyland queues are outdoors where you see the other attractions and the illusion is again broken.

And while it might not be as strong as many other lands, the theming of Paradise Pier is clear... it's a boardwalk. It's a MUCH better theme than the lazy Dinoland USA in Animal Kingdom, which is just a dinosaur-themed carnival.

Paradise Pier is basically the same thought as Dinoland USA. Only Dinoland's carnival area is just a portion of the whole land and they don't hide the fact that these are carnival attractions. The E-ticket Dinosaur attraction is haha... in a classier part of the land.


Toy Story Midway Mania in Paradise Pier is nicely themed to the victorian style that the imagineers are trying to achieve. But what they don't tell you is that the story: the Toy Story gang have this new midway game and you're going to Andy's room to play with them.

But you're in Paradise Pier. How do you go to Andy's room when you're in a carnival? How did Mr. Potato Head get so large? Did I shrink? When did I become the size of a toy?

Likewise the Little Mermaid ride's architecture is modeled after many great Seaside amusement parks of the day. Clearly, this is just a ride. The fantasy of going under the sea is washed away.



In Fantasyland, there are no rules. Different stories coexist but that's part of the fun. You may come out of Wonderland on the Alice ride but you're still in the world of Fantasy.


Haunted Mansion in New Orleans Square is probably the best example of a great ride with a great setting. You don't expect rides inside Mansions in New Orleans Square, but you don't question it when you come across it.

But you DO expect rides in a Amusement Park. And that's what you get at Paradise Pier: rides.

Walt was very clear that he wanted "Attractions and Adventures". Although Fantasyland in its old day (and Magic Kingdom's now day) resembled a Medieval Fair, it was still a world of Fantasy.

 

[Agent0028]

Re: Walt Disney World and Dineyland(s) Discussion

I agree with you both.

For me theming is most important in the queue. Take Finding Nemo at Epcot. For anyone not familiar with it there really isn't too much theming outside at Epcot (except World Showcase) it's mostly sidewalks leading to pavillions. Once you step inside that changes. For Finding Nemo you start out on the beach and as your work your way through the queue you see the waters edge, then you go around a corner and you're right at the water's edge going under water. The poles change to look corroded like they've been underwater for years and the ceiling looks like the top of the water. It really makes you feel like you are going underwater.

That said, I agree with you Cohete about lands that are themed in their entirety. Walking around Fantasyland I really feel like I'm in a fantasy land. Same for Liberty Square, it is like an instant time machine to Colonial America. That theming takes everything to a whole new level.

 

[cokebabies]

Re: Walt Disney World and Dineyland(s) Discussion

I think maybe my issue with the Fantasyland comparison is I've just never been a huge fan of the theming of either Fantasyland (WDW's is barely a theme, anyway). Most of the more popular dark rides are just bunched together, and most of what ties it together is just trees and some European looking buildings. What gives it its strongest theming are the attractions themselves (especially Monstro and Dumbo), but in that case arguing that the theming enhances your immersiveness is circular reasoning.

Adventureland, New Orleans Square, Toontown, even Critter Country do fantastic jobs of having you permanently in the vibe of what their attractions will offer. And that definitely does enhance the overall atmosphere.

There's no denying that a strongly themed land will enhance the transition into an attraction. But I definitely don't think you can't have a strongly themed and immersive ride that stands on its own. Like Agent mentioned, Nemo in Epcot goes from Florida cement right to a beach's boardwalk, and it still works wonderfully.

And yeah, in TSMM you're going from a boardwalk to a child's room. But if the giant Tinkertoys and board games don't fill you in that you've shrunk to the size of a toy, the problem is on the guest's end.

 

[Coheteboy]

Re: Walt Disney World and Dineyland(s) Discussion

And yeah, in TSMM you're going from a boardwalk to a child's room. But if the giant Tinkertoys and board games don't fill you in that you've shrunk to the size of a toy, the problem is on the guest's end.

But that's the thing. Why are we going to a child's bedroom in an Amusement park setting? I just can't get over that. I can't get over that even if you AREN'T in line for Midway Mania (in DCA), you'll see a huge potato barking you into the ride. That's not a guest issue. That's an execution of the attraction. Remember in Adventure Thru Inner Space, shrinking you to the size of an atom was PART of the fun. Now they just force you to accept it and... I'm not okay with that. It's one thing to make a land for the Bugs where everything is massive. It's another thing to stick a toy ride in a normal human setting and expect everyone to accept it.

They're trying to make paradise pier a turn of the century environment and thus, removing the Maliboomer. Well... was Mr. Potato Head around at the turn of the century? Should they axe him too?

It's a double standard and because the ride is fun, a lot of folks give it a free pass.



I suppose in my old fashioned viewpoint, I'd be more satisfied if they stopped pretending that we're going into Andy's room. I do really enjoy the attraction but wish WDI held themselves to a higher standard than they do now.



See, in all the other lands of a Disney park, "rides" aren't the reason for the theme. Let's take Frontierland for example. From Walt's own words: "Frontierland is a tribute to the faith, courage and ingenuity of the pioneers who blazed the trails across America. We find ourselves back in the exciting days when the story of our country's past was being lived. We will ride a covered wagon to a roaring river town, pay a visit to Slew-Foot Sue's Golden Horseshoe, and then catch the paddlewheel steamer Mark Twain for a trip down the Rivers of America."

The rides he speaks of, existed in a real time and place. And though they're "fake" in Disneyland, they become real in this Frontierland. Riding the majestic Mark Twain steamboat through the Rivers of America is as real as we want it to be. And that's the beauty of Disneyland. Everything found within, was intended to be treated as REAL and authentic.


Now... what's the theme of Paradise Pier? It's a land where rides are rides. Shows are shows. And games are designed to rip you off of your money. To be authentic to Paradise Pier is to put it plainly: go on rides.




But while we're at it, here's more dedications:

"Fantasyland is dedicated to the young and young at heart; to those who believe that when you wish upon a star, your dreams do come true."


Tomorrowland
"A vista into a world of wondrous ideas, signifying man's achievements.... A step into the future with predictions of constructive things to come. Tomorrow offers new frontiers in science, adventure, and ideals, the atomic age, the challenge of outer space and the hope for a peaceful and unified world."

 

[cokebabies]

Re: Walt Disney World and Dineyland(s) Discussion

I think the whole move towards a more turn of the century environment is a poor one, since there's lot more going on in PP than the Maliboomer that doesn't fit the theme. There were no looping roller coasters, no wild mouse coasters, etc.

In a perfect world (or, in this case, land) the overall theming would blend into the queue which would prepare you for a great attraction. If I can get at least two of those those steps, it's still pretty good. But, usually, we get all three.

Disneyland itself isn't immune to questionable theming / attraction placement. Why are Autopia and Nemo in Tomorrowland? To be really petty, you could question the canoes being in Critter Country. Similar issues with the TSM queue befall Buzz... you walk right in and you're the same size as him.

Unfortunately, it seems the current line of thinking is, "think of an attraction, and we'll try to make it fit where there's room and maybe even where it makes sense." And unfortunately again, a lot of Walt's ideas and ideals will continue to fall by the wayside. All you have to do is look at Disneyland versus the Magic Kingdom, and there are many noticeable and subtle shifts in feel and history.

Trust me, I definitely agree with you on almost all your points; maybe it's because DLR isn't "my park" as much lets me be a bit more flexible. Or maybe I've just gotten used to WDW's habit of just chucking or re-skinning attractions wherever they can.

And I know this seems like a cop out argument, but I think with Disney parks you need to look at the aggregate. Despite the fact that they're a company whose Imagineers pride themselves on the details, it depends which details you choose to focus on: some will amaze you, some will just irritate you because they don't make sense.

 

[Coheteboy]

Re: Walt Disney World and Dineyland(s) Discussion

I think the whole move towards a more turn of the century environment is a poor one, since there's lot more going on in PP than the Maliboomer that doesn't fit the theme. There were no looping roller coasters, no wild mouse coasters, etc.

In a perfect world (or, in this case, land) the overall theming would blend into the queue which would prepare you for a great attraction. If I can get at least two of those those steps, it's still pretty good. But, usually, we get all three.

Disneyland itself isn't immune to questionable theming / attraction placement. Why are Autopia and Nemo in Tomorrowland? To be really petty, you could question the canoes being in Critter Country. Similar issues with the TSM queue befall Buzz... you walk right in and you're the same size as him.

Unfortunately, it seems the current line of thinking is, "think of an attraction, and we'll try to make it fit where there's room and maybe even where it makes sense." And unfortunately again, a lot of Walt's ideas and ideals will continue to fall by the wayside. All you have to do is look at Disneyland versus the Magic Kingdom, and there are many noticeable and subtle shifts in feel and history.

Trust me, I definitely agree with you on almost all your points; maybe it's because DLR isn't "my park" as much lets me be a bit more flexible. Or maybe I've just gotten used to WDW's habit of just chucking or re-skinning attractions wherever they can.

And I know this seems like a cop out argument, but I think with Disney parks you need to look at the aggregate. Despite the fact that they're a company whose Imagineers pride themselves on the details, it depends which details you choose to focus on: some will amaze you, some will just irritate you because they don't make sense.

You're right on your viewpoints as well and yah, it could possibly be that Disneyland isn't your "home" park because there IS a big difference in how these two resorts are handled. There was a time when they were neck and neck in quality but in the last 10 years, Disneyland has really gone back to the glory it used to be and WDW has really gone down in both quality and value. (it took me 15 years to come to that conclusion).


Here's an article from Miceage's Al Lutz about the handling of Pirates of the Caribbean upgrades that somewhat relates to what we're talking about:

If it makes you feel any better as a Disneyland fan, you can take solace in the fact that Disneyland received the far superior version of the attraction update in 2006. The Team Disney Anaheim executives in '06 knew that Southern California had the most sophisticated and demanding audiences of any Disney theme park, and like most recent upgrades and rehabs at Disneyland they allowed WDI to go full-tilt on the upgrades to the ride. Compared to the smaller budget and lower expectations of Walt Disney World's management, Disneyland's Pirates ride received a far more lavish treatment in '06.


For instance, during Disneyland's '06 refurbishment every single speaker in the ride was replaced and upgraded with cutting edge 21st century equipment that included sub-woofers buried in the sets and digitally processed and targeted sound. Whereas at Walt Disney World, most of the 1970's speakers remain, and only where new dialog or animatronics were introduced were a handful of new speakers installed in '06. Lighting at Disneyland was also dramatically upgraded with cutting edge LED fixtures that allow the Imagineers a far wider array of mood-setting illumination, but out in Florida the Nixon-era incandescent fixtures (worthy of a community college production of South Pacific) remain bolted to their dusty perches. Disneyland also received a far bigger budget for prop freshening and replacement, and some additional eye candy like the Isla Tesoro island scene along the queue and keeping the iconic talking skull at the first drop were all part of the bigger Disneyland budget.

I have friends that work in Imagineering who consider Walt Disney World their home park. I asked them what they thought of DCA when it was being built. They said "I thought it was fine!"

That really did shock me because to everyone in CA, it wasn't fine. Just a little more secrets about me, I worked at Disneyland back in those days and when I saw the plans for DCA, I quit. I quit a year before it opened.

That may seem crazy to many, but to me, I'm still comfortable with my decision.






AUTOPIA, BUZZ, NEMO IN DL
Backtracking a bit to your comments on Autopia, Buzz, and Nemo in Disneyland's Tomorrowland, you're right.... especially with Nemo. That's a property that wasn't only added because the movie made a ton of money. They were hoping for Atlantis but that one tanked unfortunately. I suppose the cheat is that they "developed new technology to allow them to understand what the fish are saying".

Buzz Lightyear... it's a big Toy ride. And Yah, I'm not a fan of that. It's a great ride, but why couldn't we going on an adventure with the hypothetically real Buzz Lightyear? I think that would work really well. Battle the REAL Zurg, not the toy

And Autopia.. well... that's been there since day 1. Hong Kong Disneyland's Autopia makes use of electric cars. I think everyone should go that route at the very least.

 

[cokebabies]

Re: Walt Disney World and Dineyland(s) Discussion

I remembered from my last trip (which was about 19 years ago) that POTC was much longer in DLR, and it is not only longer but definitely much better. The slow start through the bayou, and the long quiet (except for all the loud idiots in the boat) stretch before the drop are such an advantage over WDW's.

One thing that did stand out was the Jack animatronics look much better in WDW. The first two (hiding behind the wall, in the barrel) in DLR didn't seem to move with the same fluidity. They might be the same animatronics, but the final Jack in the chair just didn't look very good in DLR. Maybe it's because he's so much closer to you in DLR than WDW.

 

[Coheteboy]

Re: Walt Disney World and Dineyland(s) Discussion

One thing that did stand out was the Jack animatronics look much better in WDW. The first two (hiding behind the wall, in the barrel) in DLR didn't seem to move with the same fluidity. They might be the same animatronics, but the final Jack in the chair just didn't look very good in DLR. Maybe it's because he's so much closer to you in DLR than WDW.

It could be. Not sure. I do recall that it was swapped out at some point (the last one on the chair) for a new one.

 

[Protozaius]

Re: Walt Disney World and Dineyland(s) Discussion

I just wanted to say that I've REALLY enjoyed reading this thread... the information exchanged here has been very enlightening. And just a tad bit frightening, considering my impending plans.


Now if only we can get the Mods change the spelling of "Disneyland" in Thread subject line, that would be great.


Anyway, my family and I are planning on going to Disney World this December... along with a side trip to the Harry Potter "land" at Universal. I've never been a big Universal Studios fan (something is just missing in those parks) so it's going to be strange to LEAVE Disney World to go to "the other place". But my wife and daughter are both HUGE Potterheads so not going is not an option. So... Islands of Adventure, here we come.


We will be staying at the Pop Century hotel to save on money so we can try and stay there longer. (Funny, the hotel does not offer a shuttle to the Universal Park, hmmmm). Anyway, I'm kind of nervous, after reading some of the discussion here about the time I wish to travel. Please note the plans are already cemented... there is NO changing... for there is no OTHER time we could go with both my kids and wife in school. Anyway, we are arriving on December 11th, spending the first two days at Universal (to get it out of the way ) and will spending the first day at Disney World on the 14th. Our stay at the parks will extend to the 22nd, not including the travel day back. At least our vacation is on this side of X-mas and not the week after... which I hear is sheer hell through New Year's Day.


So my question is... how screwed am I in terms of crowds?


This will be the third time at Disney World. The first time was when my wife and I got married. We always planned on having our honeymoon there but when we read that we could stage a small ceremony at the Polynesian Resort, we jumped at the chance. This was in 1995, just before weddings became BIG business for Disney. We couldn't stage the same wedding today, not without adding more than we need and paying WAY more than we could afford. That time we stayed at the newly opened All Star Music hotel, which had GREAT access to the parks.


The second visit was in 2005 for our tenth wedding anniversary. We stayed at the Shades of Green hotel that time since my dad traveling with us this time. Because he was once in the military, he could get us a really good rate there. The hotel was nice, nicer than we are used to, however access to the parks was a lot more limited than what we had remembered in 1995. Overall it felt a bit too disconnected to the parks... too far off the beaten path.


Both of these visits were at the end of May. The crowds weren't too bad... it was just HOT for a bunch of Oregonians. Although we tried to visit the Magic Kingdom on a Saturday in 2005 and it was so unpleasant, we aborted to visit and went to Blizzard beach... which was WAY cooler than I thought it would be.


One of the reasons why we are choosing December for the trip is because we have REALLY enjoyed going to Disneyland during the holidays and have done so in 2002, 2006 and 2008. Disney World must be awesome as well, right? Also, the trip will be a bit of a surprise for my two kids. They think they are going to spend five days Disneyland, like we have done so every two years or so, but when we get to the airport, were going to inform them of the change in plans... Harry Potter Land and Disney World for 11 days!!!


I'm also excited that we were able to secure reservations to the Royal Table inside the castle... a feat we weren't able to do the last two times (much to my kids disappointment).


Basically, I figured that we will have about four days of lighter traffic through the parks until "the magic hits the fan" on Saturday the 18th, the starting of winter break for most people.

Any thoughts from the WDW park hopping experts?

 

[cokebabies]

Re: Walt Disney World and Dineyland(s) Discussion

On the plus side, it's not your first trip. People who go during more peak times for their first trip can get pretty blindsided, especially with no strategies.

My wife is a teacher, so I haven't been to a Disney park during a quiet period in over six years. So I've gotten good at crowd avoidance, and when that can't be avoided, crowd-dealing-with (what awkward phrasing).

Let's get the bad news out of the way:

You mentioned no shuttle to USF... so are you still planning on not having a car at all? If so, multiple trips to USF via cab will add up FAST.

Also, the value resorts get hit the hardest with Disney Transportation, both from the airport as well as throughout the World.

Pop Century is far from Magic Kingdom, but really not a bad bus ride. But it is very close to DHS, Epcot, and Downtown.

Universal only has a paid Fast Pass system, so there's really no getting around lines there. You can pay for a Fast Pass, and depending on how slammed the park is, it's not the worst idea. But it usually isn't a great one.

In WDW, there will be crowds. Just brace for the worst, and anything lighter will be a great surprise. It sounds like a horrible attitude, but it actually works very well.

Now some good stuff:

You are on the good side of Christmas. The week after is truly brutal. On New Year's Eve two years back, and it was a horrifying experience. On the steet signs that say "Epcot - Right" "Animal Kingdom - Straight", at the top it just said "Magic Kingdom - FULL".

So while it will be busy, it could definitely be worse.

The biggest advantage is you have ELEVEN DAYS. That is nine days in WDW, which is fantastic.

Make sure you have a Fast Pass at all times. And make sure to remember that while it is usually the case, you don't always have to wait for your next FP time to get another. If you get a FP for Soarin' that says come back in four hours, chances are you can get another FP in an hour or so.

This was the case last time I was there, but I have heard of this changing: when Park Hopping, you can get another FP immediately in another park.

MAJOR PROTIP: The two rules of FPs that are firm: you can't come back until the time it says, and you have to go back that day. But the big thing to know, especially when park hopping, is you can come back any time AFTER that. So if you grab a FP for Space Mountain that says 3 PM - 4 PM, and you happen to be in Epcot around this time, don't stress it. You can go back to Space Mountain any time that night, and it's still valid.

That tip has saved us so much stress since we found that out, especially the trips when we were using Disney transportation.

Don't wait more than 20 minutes (MAX!) for Spaceship Earth. Since it's the first attraction in Epcot, people flock to it during the day and it gets crammed up early. But in the evening, especially closer to when Future World closes, it is pretty much a walk-on, even in peak periods.

Make sure you see the Nemo show in Animal Kingdom. It is amazing. But don't go insane with waiting in line, the theater holds a ton of people, and even the seats closer to the back have good views). Also, ask a cast member if they've added any shows, since during peak periods they will occasionally add shows to the schedule.

I don't know how difficult this is with kids, but take full advantage of Magic Morning Hours. This is without a doubt, the best way to get the big attractions done, and/or meet some characters. Magic Kingdom morning hours are the best time to get the Fantasyland rides done, especially Dumbo, Peter Pan, and Pooh (the latter two have FPs, if you need to). Evening hours are nice, in that the crowds thin out a bit, but they are nothing compared to morning hours.

Go to Club Cool, the Coke store in Epcot, where you can try free soda samples from around the world. Give your kids a sample of Beverly from Italy. Watch their reactions. It might be the best part of your trip.

I could probably ramble on for pages on this, so I'll stop here.

edit: Holy crap, this reply did not look this long in the quick reply box

 

[Agent0028]

I love the recommendation for Club Cool. My favorite part of any Epcot trip with someone who is inexperienced is tricking them into drinking that Italian soda.

Great tips overall. Pretty much everything I would say and then some. Since I'm local I miss alot of the good traveler tips. I don't think you have to worry too much about crowds. The weeks leading up to xmas usually aren't that bad; the crowds will get worse as you get closer to your checkout date. In fact, I intend to go one evening during the weekend you are there.

In terms of Universal.... I just went last Friday and the Harry Potter ride is amazing. How old are your kids? They may not be able to go on it. There is a height restriction, I don't know what it is though. I'm not as familiar with Universal (because it's dull), so I cannot comment on the crowds. Definitely get there for rope drop and hit up Hogsmeade first. We went during the deadest time of the year for theme parks and the line was at least an hour for Forbidden Journey (the ride) while all the other rides were 20 minutes or less.

You're going to have a great time, just take the crowds in stride and don't sweat it.

 

[cokebabies]

I'm always surprised at the Universal dismissals. While they don't reach the theming of Disney, I think USF both parks are great.

Although I'm one of the few unhappy about the Potter switch, since I've always thought Harry Potter is junk, and Lost Continent had fabulous theming to begin with.

 

[Protozaius]

Thanks for all those great tips... I really appreciate the time you took to post them.

Especially that tip concerning Fast Passes... I've been using them ever since they were introduced and have never known that they were good the same day after the alloted time. You don't know how many Fast Passes I've thrown away in the past thinking that they were no longer good. Yes, Indiana Jones ride, I'm talking about you.

Also I didn't know that you can secure another Fast Pass immediately if you enter another park. I wonder if that is also true with Disneyland and DCA?

Funny thing about our trip... my kids think they are going to Disneyland, not Walt Disney World. So, every time there is a commerical on the Disney Channel about the World of Color they say that THAT is the one thing they are looking forward to the most on the trip. And my son can't wait to ride the Nemo subs again. Oooops. I'll probably take your advice and take him to the Nemo Show in Animal Kingdom. Hopefully he'll forget all about those subs... which were VERY cool by the way.

By the way, we are making arrangements to rent a car to travel between Universal and WDW. Is there anything really cool at Universal Studios... anything really worth the price of admission?

 

[cokebabies]

Revenge of the Mummy is probably my favorite attraction out of any park ever, followed pretty closely by The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man.