Planning our first Disney trip, advice needed

#26
#26
f77f00 said:
I am surprised to see so much enthusiasm for Disney by adults. What do you all like about it so much?
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Honestly, I find the history of the place fascinating. The entire property is a modern marvel from an engineering and design stand point. Do you know they have there own tree farm? No way in hell could they have done what they did back in the 70s to built it today. EPA and all other environmental groups would have it shut down. They literally drained a big ass swamp, which probably killed thousands of animals and millions or billions of tiny bugs. But today they do a great job of being environmentaly sound. Their customer service is the best for such a large corporation. If you walk around that place, almost every single thing has a specific purpose and a background story of why it is there. I just really like going there to get away, my home can only offer me so much and when I get bore of being home, that's where I go. The wife and I are finishing up the last couple months on our annual passes. We want a lot this past year and I've had my fill. But give me 3 years away from it and ill be hungry to see what's new, what's changed and what has managed to stay the same.
 
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#28
#28
mdrew27 said:
Honestly, I find the history of the place fascinating. The entire property is a modern marvel from an engineering and design stand point. Do you know they have there own tree farm? No way in hell could they have done what they did back in the 70s to built it today. EPA and all other environmental groups would have it shut down. They literally drained a big ass swamp, which probably killed thousands of animals and millions or billions of tiny bugs. But today they do a great job of being environmentaly sound. Their customer service is the best for such a large corporation. If you walk around that place, almost every single thing has a specific purpose and a background story of why it is there. I just really like going there to get away, my home can only offer me so much and when I get bore of being home, that's where I go. The wife and I are finishing up the last couple months on our annual passes. We want a lot this past year and I've had my fill. But give me 3 years away from it and ill be hungry to see what's new, what's changed and what has managed to stay the same.
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That is an interesting perspective, thanks. I have not been there since I was about 12. I used to live in Winter Park so it wasn't far away but we always ended up going to Busch Gardens in Tampa instead or sometimes Sea World.
 
#30
#30
I've been over 50 times. My parents bought Disney Vacation Club points when I was 6 back in 93. I would highly suggest going to Epcot. It's is easily the best park for food and drinks. My wife and I really enjoy going to Epcot at night when we aren't with the kids. Not sure what your budget is for a place to stay but I would suggest Boardwalk, Beach Club, or Yacht Club. You can walk to Epcot from these and go in the back entrance. Also ride a boat to Hollywood Studios. Boardwalk is a cool place to be at night.
 
#31
#31
Utilize a certified Disney trip planner. They are worth it.

Wear comfortable shoes.

Stay at a mid grade resort on property. All you do is sleep and shower there. No need to go high-end. We like the Port Orleans Riverside. Can hop on the boat and be in Dowtown Disney in 10 minutes.

Eat supper at Ohana one night. Top notch place.

I would not skip a day for rest. I advise getting up early and go to the parks as soon as they open. You will beat the crowds, have cooler weather, and you can rest each afternoon. We like to go back and hit a few rides we like in the evenings. This will let you fit another park into your trip. I would suggest Epcot if it's just you and your wife.

Hope this helps. I will post more if anything useful comes to me.
 
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#32
#32
Jxn Vol said:
Utilize a certified Disney trip planner. They are worth it.

Wear comfortable shoes.

Stay at a mid grade resort on property. All you do is sleep and shower there. No need to go high-end. We like the Port Orleans Riverside. Can hop on the boat and be in Dowtown Disney in 10 minutes.

Eat supper at Ohana one night. Top notch place.

I would not skip a day for rest. I advise getting up early and go to the parks as soon as they open. You will beat the crowds, have cooler weather, and you can rest each afternoon. We like to go back and hit a few rides we like in the evenings. This will let you fit another park into your trip. I would suggest Epcot if it's just you and your wife.

Hope this helps. I will post more if anything useful comes to me.
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Will you elaborate more on this Disney planner? Is this a person? Or just like an online tool?
 
#33
#33
chatt-townVOL said:
Will you elaborate more on this Disney planner? Is this a person? Or just like an online tool?
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It's a person that we used. Basically they know Disney inside and out. They customize the trip to what you want to do. If you want to eat lunch at the German restaurant at Epcot, they will reserve you a table. She also helped us plan transportation to and from places (bus, boat, train, etc) Our lady gave us tips on where good places that you can watch the fireworks show (the beach at the Polynesian).

Disney is such a big place that it can get overwhelming. It was nice having a roadmap laid out for us. I'm not a big planner when it comes to vacations, but was glad we had some things set up prior. It helped us maximize our time.

Now we had kids, so it really helped us plan our Character meals. These may or may not be something you are interested in. I doubt you will need an appointment for hair and make up at the Bipity Bopity Boutique. Lol.
 
#35
#35
Jxn Vol said:
It's a person that we used. Basically they know Disney inside and out. They customize the trip to what you want to do. If you want to eat lunch at the German restaurant at Epcot, they will reserve you a table. She also helped us plan transportation to and from places (bus, boat, train, etc) Our lady gave us tips on where good places that you can watch the fireworks show (the beach at the Polynesian).

Disney is such a big place that it can get overwhelming. It was nice having a roadmap laid out for us. I'm not a big planner when it comes to vacations, but was glad we had some things set up prior. It helped us maximize our time.

Now we had kids, so it really helped us plan our Character meals. These may or may not be something you are interested in. I doubt you will need an appointment for hair and make up at the Bipity Bopity Boutique. Lol.
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Are there local ones here in Knoxville?
 
#38
#38
OP,

Step 1. Rob a bank.

Step 2. Provided you didn't get caught in step 1, have a great time!
 
#39
#39
If you want a good seat for the nightly parade.. Go the deck at the train station at the entrance
 
#40
#40
I wish we had Epcot here at DL. We have California Adventure instead.
 
#41
#41
PotS said:
Beers around the world at Epcot.

Do it.
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This is a understatement.. If you can make it "around the world" you are a champ! I'd recommend starting in Mexico with margaritas that way by the time you end up in England you can sit in the pub drinking a Guinness regretting your decisions! Enjoy
 
#42
#42
chatt-townVOL said:
So the wife and I are planning a Disney/Universal trip for early next year. It's our first one. Right now our tentative plan is to go to 2 Disney Parks (Animal Kingdom for sure, and one other) and then do the 2 Universal Parks (we want to go to Harry Potter world).

We are thinking about maybe doing the 2 Disney parks back to back, taking a rest day, then doing the 2 Universal parks back to back. The problem is, we don't know if it would be better to stay at one of the Disney resorts for all 5 days, or maybe stay there just 2 days, then get a different hotel for our rest day and the Universal days.

My question is, has anyone here ever done a similar trip? Or stayed at the Disney Resort that can tell us if it's worth it? Is it possible to just book the Disney resorts but not necessarily have to buy park tickets?

Any help would be much appreciated.
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Went in October with the family and stayed at the Art of Animation resort in the park. This is one of the newer hotels and the kids loved it. Its got several swimming pools and restaurants in the hotel. Definitely stay in the park. This will give you access to magic hours that only guests who are staying in the parks have access to. Certain parks like Magic Kingdom or whatever will be open later on certain nights so plan ahead and take advantage of these times. Also go back to your hotel and rest during the mid-day and then head back out in the afternoon. Go at rope drop and take advantage of the lower number of people at the parks early in the morning. We were able to ride several rides in under an hour before other people showed up by doing this. And take plenty of sun screen and have a good time!!!
 
#43
#43
chatt-townVOL said:
This. No kids. Just us.
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With that being the case, I would recommend looking at staying at the Yacht and Beach Club. It's one of the priciest of the resorts, but they do offer several types of discounts. The location is perfect as you can walk to Epcot, which is probably where you will want to spend the bulk of your time. It's typically the one adults like the best.
If you are going to do AK, get there as soon as they open and head straight for the Kilamanjaro Safari, then there are a couple of other cool things to see, but you have a better shot at seeing the animals if you get there EARLY. Also, if you are doing FastPass, don't get one for the Safari, just head there first thing.
My wife and I have done 2 trips in the last couple of years and we tend to set it up like this.
Fly in Thursday, get to the hotel by lunch and then spend the rest of the day at Epcot.
Friday hit the Magic Kingdom.
Saturday do Animal Kingdom.
Sunday is Hollywood Studios and anything else we want to do again then fly out on Monday.
 
#46
#46
thats a lot of parks for one trip. go in march or early april. not too hot, not too cold. 60 degrees in Florida is cold.
 
#47
#47
Super late bump:

Ok so we just booked.

Late February, 6 days at a Disney resort (Pop Century).

3 days at Disney parks with Park Hopper.
1 rest day.
2 days at Universal.

For the park hopper we plan on:
Day 1: Animal Kingdom
Day 2: Epcot
Day 3: Hollywood studios in the morning, Magic Kingdom in the evening.

A few questions:
1) Has anyone stayed at Pop Century that can give me a rundown?
2) Any tips for the general area (must see, must ride, etc?)
3) Thoughts on our park plans?
 
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#48
#48
chatt-townVOL said:
Super late bump:

Ok so we just booked.

Late February, 6 days at a Disney resort (Pop Century).

3 days at Disney parks with Park Hopper.
1 rest day.
2 days at Universal.

For the park hopper we plan on:
Day 1: Animal Kingdom
Day 2: Epcot
Day 3: Hollywood studios in the morning, Magic Kingdom in the evening.

A few questions:
1) Has anyone stayed at Pop Century that can give me a rundown?
2) Any tips for the general area (must see, must ride, etc?)
3) Thoughts on our park plans?
Click to expand...

Are you getting a dining plan? May be worth your while. If I'm not mistaken, no kitchenettes at Pop Century.
 
#49
#49
chatt-townVOL said:
Super late bump:

Ok so we just booked.

Late February, 6 days at a Disney resort (Pop Century).

3 days at Disney parks with Park Hopper.
1 rest day.
2 days at Universal.

For the park hopper we plan on:
Day 1: Animal Kingdom
Day 2: Epcot
Day 3: Hollywood studios in the morning, Magic Kingdom in the evening.

A few questions:
1) Has anyone stayed at Pop Century that can give me a rundown?
2) Any tips for the general area (must see, must ride, etc?)
3) Thoughts on our park plans?
Click to expand...


Have kids?

You can do Animal Kingdom in half a day. Get up early and be done by 12. When we go we always do Animal Kingdom in morning and Epcot at night. Epcot has best food out of any of the parks and good fireworks. Suggest eating at one of the countries in Epcot.
 
#50
#50
govols1864 said:
Have kids?

You can do Animal Kingdom in half a day. Get up early and be done by 12. When we go we always do Animal Kingdom in morning and Epcot at night. Epcot has best food out of any of the parks and good fireworks. Suggest eating at one of the countries in Epcot.
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No kids.

It just seems odd because I hear so many mixed things about the size of animal kingdom. I mean we have the park hopper, so if we're done early we can go wherever. It just seems like half of the world tells me animal kingdom is huge, the other half tells me what you told me.
 
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