Disney World Fun

For those of you that know me, you know how much I love Disney World.  It is such a great vacation, and I love passing along all the great things I have learned through my research and experience. 

My favorite source is a book called, The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World.  They do an updated version every year, since WDW is always changing.  If reading it is all you do to prepare for your trip, that will be enough, but here are some more things that might help you out.

My Biggest Piece of Advice: GET TO THE PARKS AT OPENING!!!  The first hour is the emptiest, and you can get most of the most popular things finished by 11am.  Just show up at the turn-styles about a half hour before the park's official opening and get in line for the gate opening.  Plus, each of the parks does a fun opening celebration with the characters and everything  that you don't want to miss :).

My MUST DO List:

Magic Kingdom - there are so many wonderful rides/shows here, but my must do's are:

• Mickey's Philharmagic - a 3D show that is so great and wonderful for the entire family!  My favorite thing :).
• Space Mountain - for the thrill seekers of the group
• Big Thunder Mountain - also for the ones who like roller coasters, but my little kids loved it too, since it is not overly wild.
• Monsters, Inc. Comedy Club - so hilarious and creative.
• Peter Pan's Flight - a classic, and who doesn't want to fly like Peter Pan?
• The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh - one of my kids very favorites
• Also fun are: Pirates of the Caribbean, The Haunted Mansion, Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin, Splash Mountain (wear a poncho), and the evening parade

Epcot - some people are hesitant to take their kids here, but mine love it!

• Soarin' - My very favorite ride in all of Disney World!!!  Your kids will love it too.
• Turtle Talk with Crush - Such a cool thing, and one of the kid's favorites.
• Test Track - testing out a car, and pretty fun
• World Showcase - I love going around to each of the countries and experiencing them.  They also have a little table at each one for kids to make something and get a stamp.
• Also fun are: Mission Space, Spaceship Earth, Living with the Land, and Honey I Shrunk the Audience (but it may scare your kids, so be careful).

Animal Kingdom - a fantastic animal park done Disney Style

• Expedition Everest - my favorite roller coaster at any of the 4 parks!
• Kilimanjaro Safaris - such an awesome safari experience
• Finding Nemo the Musical - almost like a mini-Broadway production
• Festival of the Lion King - a fantastic show!
• Kali River Rapids - very fun, but you will get wet, so wear a poncho
• Also fun are: both the Maharajah Jungle Trek and the Pangini Forest Trail, Flights of Wonder, and the Boneyard (a playground for kids - mine LOVE it!)

Disney Hollywood Studios - very fun and getting better every time I go

• Star Tours - a family favorite and perfect for Star Wars fans (and non-Star Wars fans)
• Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular - a fun and exciting show
• The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror - one of my favorites, but is terrifying for little kids
• Toy Story Mania- like Buzz Lightyear, but even more fun!
• Playhouse Disney Live on Stage - I put this because it is my kid's favorite, and watching them at the show is pure joy.  This would only be worth it if your kids watch Playhouse Disney.
• Muppet Vision 3-D - a funny 3D show with the always hilarious Muppet's.
• Also fun are: Voyage of the Little Mermaid, Lights! Motors! Action! Stunt Show, Fantasmic, Beauty and the Beast, Rock 'n' Roller coaster, and I also liked The Magic of Disney Animation

While planning my recent trips to Disney World, I also discovered a bunch of fun and helpful websites, that I thought I would pass along to any of you who may be dreaming of a Disney Vacation yourself . . .

• Disney World Official Site:  This is where you go to see pictures and get the general feel of Disney.  You can even order custom maps of each other theme parks (which are really cool, but make sure to leave 4 weeks for delivery).  Although you can make your travel reservations here, I would check a few of the other sites first to make sure you get the best deals.
• The Unofficial Guide to Disney World: This is a companion to the book, The Unofficial Guide to Disney World - the BEST book if you are planing a trip there!!  It has a lot of free options, such as a trip planner, and for $10 you can join and get their premium service for a year, which lets you print off custom touring plans and many other awesome things.  I definitely think it is worth the money.
• AllEars.Net:  This is an amazing source of information, and probably my favorite website on Disney World.  It has everything from tips, to menus for each eating establishment on the entire Disney property.  You can get sucked in just exploring this site and all the great stuff it has for planning your trip.
• Mouse Savers: The best place to find the best deals on Disney.  Not only does it list all sorts of deals (which it updates frequently), but it is also an amazing resource for tips and other info that will really help your planning and your vacation in general.
• Disney World - The Online Guide: Another place that has some great resources and advice.
• Advance Reservations Calculator:  This site helps you know WHEN you can make your advance reservations for select shows and any of the restaurants at Disney.  This is especially helpful if you plan on doing one of the character meals, especially dining at Cinderella's Castle.
• Walt Disney World Live Entertainment Guide:  This site is kept totally current on what live performances are taking place at Disney World, and is something that is great to know before you start your day at the parks.
• Shades of Green:  For any of you military or DoD people, this is a beautiful resort just for us located on Disney property.  It is run by MWR, but considered a "Disney resort" and so you get all the perks of staying on-site, but at a fraction of the price.  We have stayed there before, and look forward to going back.

This may make planning your trip appear to be overwhelming, but all these sites are super helpful.  A Disney World Vacation is a wonderful adventure, and so it is best to be as prepared as possible :).

Comments

[dawn]

wow, great info! thanks!