FC/OT: At Disney this week in Orlando - Happiest Place on Earth!

[Midnighter]

This was three years in the making thanks to COVID, but totally worth it. Kids are at the right age where they can ride pretty much everything but are still small enough to be pushed around in a double stroller (extra work for me but keeps them rested). My first time here (but did go to Disneyland in the 80s) and I can see why it’s cultish for some - the broad range of enthusiasts goes from kids to families to newlyweds to bridal parties to older couples to Star Wars cosplayers to goth kids to bros and everything in between. Will have a more in depth review later but if you’re considering going at some point there are definitely some things worth knowing in advance.

Back to my rum punch by the pool….

 

[LB99]

This was three years in the making thanks to COVID, but totally worth it. Kids are at the right age where they can ride pretty much everything but are still small enough to be pushed around in a double stroller (extra work for me but keeps them rested). My first time here (but did go to Disneyland in the 80s) and I can see why it’s cultish for some - the broad range of enthusiasts goes from kids to families to newlyweds to bridal parties to older couples to Star Wars cosplayers to goth kids to bros and everything in between. Will have a note in depth review later but if you’re considering going at some point there are definitely some things with knowing in advance.

Back to my rum punch by the pool….

Enjoy. We were last there just before everything shut down for COVID in 2020. I had a blast. My boys are older and we hit up all the roller coasters and Tower of Terror as a family this time. I find that I appreciate Disney and all it’s offerings more as an adult than I did as a kid. If you are so inclined, Universal Studios is worth it as well. Expensive, but a good time. Enjoy the pool.

 

[Midnighter]

Enjoy. We were last there just before everything shut down for COVID in 2020. I had a blast. My boys are older and we hit up all the roller coasters and Tower of Terror as a family this time. I find that I appreciate Disney and all it’s offerings more as an adult than I did as a kid. If you are so inclined, Universal Studios is worth it as well. Expensive, but a good time. Enjoy the pool.

Would love to come back to hit up all the other area attractions but this week is all Disney (going to all four parks). Tomorrow is Animal Kingdom but weather is supposed to suck. We’ll see - can’t complain though, weather has been tremendous all week. Also watching Pirates of the Caribbean at night to help complete the Polynesian experience.

 

[PSUJam]

This was three years in the making thanks to COVID, but totally worth it. Kids are at the right age where they can ride pretty much everything but are still small enough to be pushed around in a double stroller (extra work for me but keeps them rested). My first time here (but did go to Disneyland in the 80s) and I can see why it’s cultish for some - the broad range of enthusiasts goes from kids to families to newlyweds to bridal parties to older couples to Star Wars cosplayers to goth kids to bros and everything in between. Will have a more in depth review later but if you’re considering going at some point there are definitely some things worth knowing in advance.

Back to my rum punch by the pool….

Pro tip: They serve beer and alcohol at Animal Kingdom as well as Epcot.

 

[Midnighter]

Pro tip: They serve beer and alcohol at Animal Kingdom as well as Epcot.

Dude - the expanded creperie in ‘France’ at EPCOT sells real deal dry French cider. It was almost too hot for alcohol our first two days but yesterday at EPCOT was perfect. Also, Polynesian Resort is the only place you can get a Dole Whip outside of the parks - and you can get one with a rum floater…

 

[BW Lion]

Aren’t they on strike?

 

[Midnighter]

Aren’t they on strike?

Who? Employees? Doesn’t seem like it….

 

[PSUJam]

Would love to come back to hit up all the other area attractions but this week is all Disney (going to all four parks). Tomorrow is Animal Kingdom but weather is supposed to suck. We’ll see - can’t complain though, weather has been tremendous all week. Also watching Pirates of the Caribbean at night to help complete the Polynesian experience.

My wife, kids and I were approached by a worker at Animal Kindom asking if we wanted to ride a float in the parade. So everyone thought we were some kind of celebrities and were taking pictures of like crazy.

 

[Midnighter]

My wife, kids and I were approached by a worker at Animal Kindom asking if we wanted to ride a float in the parade. So everyone thought we were some kind of celebrities and were taking pictures of like crazy.

View attachment 188396

Awesome! We haven’t been that lucky but since it’s the 50th Anniversary of DW we did get to see some cool things - like special parades and fireworks shows. Will try to link some pics later.

Also, new Guardians of the Galaxy area of EPCOT looks awesome - will have to come back for that…

 

[BW Lion]

Who? Employees? Doesn’t seem like it….

Disney employees across the U.S. are walking out today. Here's why.

"We have been forced into an impossible and unsustainable position," LBGTQ employees said in a statement.

www.nbcnews.com

 

[Midnighter]

Disney employees across the U.S. are walking out today. Here's why.

"We have been forced into an impossible and unsustainable position," LBGTQ employees said in a statement.

www.nbcnews.com

Hm. We were at EPCOT yesterday and didn’t notice anything - no protests or lack of service.

 

[PrtLng Lion]

Glad you're having a good time, hope the weather and crowds hold up.

I was up there last April for a wine/food festival in EPCOT, and it was PACKED shoulder to shoulder. Several employees mentioned that it was a reduced capacity due to COVID and they guessed about 40%. Unreal, lines waiting to get into the Mexico pavilion, at all the food stands, etc. We left the park way earlier than originally planned.

How's the Star Wars section of Magic Kingdom?

 

[Midnighter]

Glad you're having a good time, hope the weather and crowds hold up.

I was up there last April for a wine/food festival in EPCOT, and it was PACKED shoulder to shoulder. Several employees mentioned that it was a reduced capacity due to COVID and they guessed about 40%. Unreal, lines waiting to get into the Mexico pavilion, at all the food stands, etc. We left the park way earlier than originally planned.

How's the Star Wars section of Magic Kingdom?

I heard about the food and wine festival - but not sure I could hang with that many people. We did Magic Kingdom on Monday and it was absolutely packed. EPCOT was better but still some long lines if you didn’t do Genie+ or Lightning Lane for rides.

Galaxy’s Edge in Hollywood Studios was incredible - feels like you are in the seedy area of Tattoine. The snack stands look like Star Wars and Coke is served in ball shaped bottles with alien writing on it. Droids and land cruisers are on display and they have a little droid factory where you can order and watch them build you a custom remote controlled R2 unit (about 18” tall) which you can carry around in the backpack they give you. No idea the cost but it was awesome. They also pipe in the soundtrack music throughout the area so it feels like you’re in the movie. Sometimes First Order troops will take positions on the sets and interact with fans. Lots of full on cosplayers too - head to toe in Jedi gear or Sith stuff. The top ride in the area is an interactive, trackless ride that has you escape from a Star Destroyer - it’s awesome but was down about 40% of the time. The other Star Wars ride - Star Tours - is just as fun but not down as much. It’s also in a different area of the park. The big Toy Story coaster was down all day.

 

[LB99]

Pro tip: They serve beer and alcohol at Animal Kingdom as well as Epcot.

And you can get 1 alcoholic drink with dinner on the Disney meal plan.

 

[PSUJam]

And you can get 1 alcoholic drink with dinner on the Disney meal plan.

 

[Aquapong]

I took my family over Christmas. My 5th time there and my kids’ second. They are 14 and 11 now so they are getting too old for the kiddie stuff.

Personally, I would’ve rather gone elsewhere. It’s expensive. To get many perks, you have to stay on property ($). To get the light ing lane access for popular rides early in the morning, you need to stay on property ($$). Some rides you can only access by buying a reservation or waiting in the 3 hour line ($$$). Some of the food is good, some is not. It just seems like things that used to be included in admission are now upgrades and on top of that the price of ti kets just keeps going up. Disneyworld is becoming for the upper middle class and wealthy now. I doubt I’ll go back except with my wife alone someday.

 

[JWB389]

My wife, kids and I were approached by a worker at Animal Kindom asking if we wanted to ride a float in the parade. So everyone thought we were some kind of celebrities and were taking pictures of like crazy.

We are a Disney family, though not what I would consider "cultish" (edit: after re-reading what I wrote, maybe we are?). I've discussed it on these sites before that my wife and daughter have celiac. We've determined that there is no better family vacation spot when it come to dining with a kid with celiac. In my mid fifties and I would guess I've been to the various parks 25+ times over the years. In laws live in FL and it's easy to get to when visiting, so we'll go for a long weekend, etc.

My daughter was selected to recite the Pledge of Allegiance at Magic Kingdom a few years back. It was prety exciting for her(and us). We were not previously aware that ever day they lower the flag at the same time. They select a randon (obviously American) kid to recite the pledge. We just happened to be walking by. It was quite a spectacle.

I'm an EPCOT fan, myself. I enjoy taking the beers around the world tour. Mission Space has to be one of the all time best adventure rides in the world.

There are really a lot of hidden gems on the properties. My wife is really good at finding interesting things. For example, I highly recommend dining at Animal Kingdom Lodge if you get the chance. Or for little kids, Tri-Circle D ranch in Fort Wilderness was cool. Probably one of my daughter's favorite childhood memories was a private tour of the stable for Cinderalla's horse. Big deal for a 6 year old.

 

[CF Lion]

Been to Disney probably 20 times. First time as a kid in the '70's, last time in 2015. I know a lot has changed/been added since my last time. My gf wants to go down for a combined family trip (hers and mine - 8 people total). Can't even imagine what that will cost.

 

[BobPSU92]

This was three years in the making thanks to COVID, but totally worth it. Kids are at the right age where they can ride pretty much everything but are still small enough to be pushed around in a double stroller (extra work for me but keeps them rested). My first time here (but did go to Disneyland in the 80s) and I can see why it’s cultish for some - the broad range of enthusiasts goes from kids to families to newlyweds to bridal parties to older couples to Star Wars cosplayers to goth kids to bros and everything in between. Will have a more in depth review later but if you’re considering going at some point there are definitely some things worth knowing in advance.

Back to my rum punch by the pool….

Glad you’re in your happy place.

 

[Midnighter]

I took my family over Christmas. My 5th time there and my kids’ second. They are 14 and 11 now so they are getting too old for the kiddie stuff.

Personally, I would’ve rather gone elsewhere. It’s expensive. To get many perks, you have to stay on property ($). To get the light ing lane access for popular rides early in the morning, you need to stay on property ($$). Some rides you can only access by buying a reservation or waiting in the 3 hour line ($$$). Some of the food is good, some is not. It just seems like things that used to be included in admission are now upgrades and on top of that the price of ti kets just keeps going up. Disneyworld is becoming for the upper middle class and wealthy now. I doubt I’ll go back except with my wife alone someday.

I guess it depends on what you’re looking for but totally agree - very expensive (we are at a resort, buying Genie+ and LL each day, and eating at the parks/resort - next time I’d bring my own booze because $14-$22 a drink adds up).

 

[Midnighter]

We are a Disney family, though not what I would consider "cultish" (edit: after re-reading what I wrote, maybe we are?). I've discussed it on these sites before that my wife and daughter have celiac. We've determined that there is no better family vacation spot when it come to dining with a kid with celiac. In my mid fifties and I would guess I've been to the various parks 25+ times over the years. In laws live in FL and it's easy to get to when visiting, so we'll go for a long weekend, etc.

My daughter was selected to recite the Pledge of Allegiance at Magic Kingdom a few years back. It was prety exciting for her(and us). We were not previously aware that ever day they lower the flag at the same time. They select a randon (obviously American) kid to recite the pledge. We just happened to be walking by. It was quite a spectacle.

I'm an EPCOT fan, myself. I enjoy taking the beers around the world tour. Mission Space has to be one of the all time best adventure rides in the world.

There are really a lot of hidden gems on the properties. My wife is really good at finding interesting things. For example, I highly recommend dining at Animal Kingdom Lodge if you get the chance. Or for little kids, Tri-Circle D ranch in Fort Wilderness was cool. Probably one of my daughter's favorite childhood memories was a private tour of the stable for Cinderalla's horse. Big deal for a 6 year old.

EPCOT is way underrated - Mission Space, Test Track, and Soarin’ we’re three of the best rides I’ve been on. The Guardians of the Galaxy area will be awesome and Ratatouille was also very good (despite being closed the first part of the day).

 

[Nohow]

I took my family over Christmas. My 5th time there and my kids’ second. They are 14 and 11 now so they are getting too old for the kiddie stuff.

Personally, I would’ve rather gone elsewhere. It’s expensive. To get many perks, you have to stay on property ($). To get the light ing lane access for popular rides early in the morning, you need to stay on property ($$). Some rides you can only access by buying a reservation or waiting in the 3 hour line ($$$). Some of the food is good, some is not. It just seems like things that used to be included in admission are now upgrades and on top of that the price of ti kets just keeps going up. Disneyworld is becoming for the upper middle class and wealthy now. I doubt I’ll go back except with my wife alone someday.

In other words, a rip-off. You might be better off going to the real Europe or national parks in this country rather than a make-believe place designed for separating you from as much money as possible.

 

[Midnighter]

In other words, a rip-off. You might be better off going to the real Europe or national parks in this country rather than a make-believe place designed for separating you from as much money as possible.

It’s relative. We’re going to Europe next year with the kids (well, England and France) so we’ll see how this stacks up. Will be pushing close to $10k for this week and we drove from VA (that’s four parks and seven nights at The Polynesian).

 

[CF Lion]

EPCOT is way underrated - Mission Space, Test Track, and Soarin’ we’re three of the best rides I’ve been on. The Guardians of the Galaxy area will be awesome and Ratatouille was also very good (despite being closed the first part of the day).

Biggest problem with EPCOT, according to my gf who was born in India, is that India is not one of the countries at World Showcase.

 

[Midnighter]

Biggest problem with EPCOT, according to my gf who was born in India, is that India is not one of the countries at World Showcase.

Bigger problem is the big ‘lake’ in the middle so you have to go around the thing to get anywhere. But yeah - no mango lassi also a problem .

 

[CF Lion]

Bigger problem is the big ‘lake’ in the middle so you have to go around the thing to get anywhere. But yeah - no mango lassi also a problem .

A boozy masso lassi stand, an Indian restaurant inside a mini Taj Mahal, a Jungle Book ride....many missed opportunities........

 

[JoeLion]

So should we expect the sexiest disney character poll soon?

 

[PSUJam]

I guess it depends on what you’re looking for but totally agree - very expensive (we are at a resort, buying Genie+ and LL each day, and eating at the parks/resort - next time I’d bring my own booze because $14-$22 a drink adds up).

My friend goes every year and has his booze and groceries delivered from a grocery store the day he gets there. He's been doing that for at least 10 years. Problem is you have to place your order at least a week or two in advance.

 

[Bkmtnittany1]

So should we expect the sexiest disney character poll soon?

Hottest Disney waitresses would be better!

 

[step.eng69]

View attachment 188419

DREAM ON JAM

 

[BW Lion]

Biggest problem with EPCOT, according to my gf who was born in India, is that India is not one of the countries at World Showcase.

I thought it was supposed to be “A small World (After All)”.

You all can thank me later for this song lingering in your heads tomorrow

 

[rudedude]

I thought it was supposed to be “A small World (After All)”.

You all can thank me later for this song lingering in your heads tomorrow

 

[Manofsteel200]

This was three years in the making thanks to COVID, but totally worth it. Kids are at the right age where they can ride pretty much everything but are still small enough to be pushed around in a double stroller (extra work for me but keeps them rested). My first time here (but did go to Disneyland in the 80s) and I can see why it’s cultish for some - the broad range of enthusiasts goes from kids to families to newlyweds to bridal parties to older couples to Star Wars cosplayers to goth kids to bros and everything in between. Will have a more in depth review later but if you’re considering going at some point there are definitely some things worth knowing in advance.

Back to my rum punch by the pool….

I love it. So many choices as to how you want to experience Disney. Have fun!

 

[Manofsteel200]

Biggest problem with EPCOT, according to my gf who was born in India, is that India is not one of the countries at World Showcase.

Not enough bathrooms to handle the curry freight train.

 

[PSU87]

In other words, a rip-off. You might be better off going to the real Europe or national parks in this country rather than a make-believe place designed for separating you from as much money as possible.

My best friend is a long time Disney vacation club member, and he's about had it. Said his trip down this year was probably his last and he's gonna sell his shares

His 25ish year old son said it best..."Disney monetizes everything"

Being a resident here since 94, and reading about Disney's shenanigans in books like Carl Hiaasen's "Team Rodent" make it easy not to like the place.

Luckily for me my kids were never huge fans so in my nearly 30 years here I've only been to the parks a handful of times.

 

[LionJim]

My best friend is a long time Disney vacation club member, and he's about had it. Said his trip down this year was probably his last and he's gonna sell his shares

His 25ish year old son said it best..."Disney monetizes everything"

Being a resident here since 94, and reading about Disney's shenanigans in books like Carl Hiaasen's "Team Rodent" make it easy not to like the place.

Luckily for me my kids were never huge fans so in my nearly 30 years here I've only been to the parks a handful of times.

The fact that Disney monetizies everything can't possibly come as a big surprise. Apologies if this comes off as snarky.

 

[Midnighter]

The fact that Disney monetizies everything can't possibly come as a big surprise. Apologies if this comes off as snarky.

Yeah, I mean - god forbid they make money on anything. I get it’s very expensive and for some a once in a lifetime splurge, but the quality is very high as are the standards for cleanliness and service. You will not see theme parks this nice and well kept anywhere else in the world.

 

[LionJim]

Yeah, I mean - god forbid they make money on anything. I get it’s very expensive and for some a once in a lifetime splurge, but the quality is very high as are the standards for cleanliness and service. You will not see theme parks this nice and well kept anywhere else in the world.

Been there with my kids, spent a sh!tload of money, had a wonderful, memorable time.

 

[Fac]

Yeah, I mean - god forbid they make money on anything. I get it’s very expensive and for some a once in a lifetime splurge, but the quality is very high as are the standards for cleanliness and service. You will not see theme parks this nice and well kept anywhere else in the world.

Kennywood (not a theme park) is kept very clean IMO.

 

[Midnighter]

Kennywood (not a theme park) is kept very clean IMO.

Been probably a dozen times. It’s great. But, different experience. It’s mostly a one day event and is pretty affordable. No character encounters, nice restaurants with custom cocktails, resorts, etc. it’s much smaller too.