Speaking of Disney...

peachy13 · January 2015

... FI and I had a more-than-normal amount of red last night and booked a trip to Disney World next month! We are like little kids (with hangovers) today getting excited about our adventure.

Question for the group as it's been a good 20 years since I was there last... what are some must-dos for adults? Is Epcot fun now that I'm a grown-up? The last time I was there, my main priorities were riding Splash Mountain and getting sweet autographs. Still planning to do both of those things this time around, but I would love some extra tips. :-)

Wegl13 · January 2015

Harry. Potter. Fucking. World. Or we can't be friends.

novella1186 · January 2015

I can't ever go to Disney without riding Pirates of the Caribbean. I even went to Disney in Paris (yes I'm a terrible person because I skipped Versailles to do that instead) and road it. And Space Mountain.

I'm pretty sure Epcot is where you can try all the beers from around the world. I think? I haven't been there since... 13 years ago. Besides the one in Paris. That was 4 years ago.

flutteringinfl · January 2015

You want tips???

FASTPASS+

If you had Fastpass when you were a kid and think, "Oh, I know about that," FORGET EVERYTHING YOU KNOW. It's different now. Basically, instead of running to the attraction first thing and putting in your ticket for whatever time is next available, you pick your Fastpasses up to 30 days ahead of time (60 if you're staying at a Disney hotel). You can do this on the Disney website. A lot of people don't like planning their whole vacation like that ahead of time, but honestly it only takes a few minutes and you know you're guaranteed to have a spot on the high-traffic attractions that you really want.

Make your reservations ahead of time too. February shouldn't be too bad, but you still want to know you have a table at your must-do restaurants. That can also be done online.

Where are you staying? What kind of food do you like? What rides do you definitely want to do? I can make some recs based on your interests and where you're staying.

Epcot is TWICE as fun now that you're a grown-up. Because you can DRINK! I think France and Mexico are the best for cocktails, but it depends on what kind of alcohol you like best. Get Faspasses for Soarin over Test Track if you can. Test Track has a single rider line and a more interesting standby queue.

Good luck! Let me know if I can be of more help. I'll be at Disney Feb 19-21 for the Princess 10k.

hellohkb · January 2015

Yes, Epcot will be more fun as an adult. I suggest drinking around the world at Epcot. Or eating around the world!

Personally, it depends what you like and dislike. I am actually a 7 year old girl in disguise and almost ugly cried during the Little Mermaid ride because I'm literally the biggest Ariel fan ever. Whatever yours and your FIs favorite characters are, make sure to go on their ride or try to get a picture with them. I love Haunted Mansion and FH loved.... It's A Small World. I was shocked he loved everyone's most hated ride.

Get a fast pass when you can and go on less popular rides whIle you wait. Fast passes are free and you have to reserve a time to ride whatever ride you get the pass for. They're so worth it. Ask a cast member if you're unsure about how to do the fast passes

Make reservations for restaurants like.... Now. Some of the more popular restaurants like Be Our Guest in Magic Kingdom book up almost 2 months beforehand. I didn't make any reservations and we had to eat Buffalo Wild Wings in Orlando near our hotel.

I also suggest Disneybounding. Its where you dress in a normal outfit inspired by something Disney related. I Disneybounded as Ariel and wore a purple tank top and put a starfish clip in my hair. My hair was dyed bright red at the time so that's all I need. It's fun to do and you will get a ton of compliments from cast members and other Disney goers. That's obviously not too helpful but it's fucking fun!

peachy13 · January 2015

Wegl13 said:

Harry. Potter. Fucking. World. Or we can't be friends.

Went two years ago at Universal Studio. SOO GOOD.

peachy13 · January 2015

@flutteringinfl Thank you!!! We have the fast pass and I can't believe how cool the "my disney experience" online is. Thank you thank you thank you, and good luck on the 10K!

levioosa · January 2015

flutteringinfl said:

You want tips???

FASTPASS+

If you had Fastpass when you were a kid and think, "Oh, I know about that," FORGET EVERYTHING YOU KNOW. It's different now. Basically, instead of running to the attraction first thing and putting in your ticket for whatever time is next available, you pick your Fastpasses up to 30 days ahead of time (60 if you're staying at a Disney hotel). You can do this on the Disney website. A lot of people don't like planning their whole vacation like that ahead of time, but honestly it only takes a few minutes and you know you're guaranteed to have a spot on the high-traffic attractions that you really want.

Make your reservations ahead of time too. February shouldn't be too bad, but you still want to know you have a table at your must-do restaurants. That can also be done online.

Where are you staying? What kind of food do you like? What rides do you definitely want to do? I can make some recs based on your interests and where you're staying.

Epcot is TWICE as fun now that you're a grown-up. Because you can DRINK! I think France and Mexico are the best for cocktails, but it depends on what kind of alcohol you like best. Get Faspasses for Soarin over Test Track if you can. Test Track has a single rider line and a more interesting standby queue.

Good luck! Let me know if I can be of more help. I'll be at Disney Feb 19-21 for the Princess 10k.

WAIT. Can I do this at Disneyland Anaheim too? I'm going this weekend.

hellohkb · January 2015

Wegl13 said:
Harry. Potter. Fucking. World. Or we can't be friends.

Yesss. I actually prefer Universal Studios to Disney. I love Disney World, but US and Islands of Adventure are my home away from home.

theartistformerlyknownas · January 2015

Wah. I wanna go on a warm weather vacation. H is going to Florida in March to visit his grandpa and watch some pre-season baseball. I need a trip!

SmileDamnit · January 2015

Ditto PPs about Epcot being more fun as an adult. I've gone twice when in Orlando for work trips...and the "around the world" drinking is a blast

JCbride2015 · January 2015

hellohkb said:

Wegl13 said:
Harry. Potter. Fucking. World. Or we can't be friends.
Yesss. I actually prefer Universal Studios to Disney. I love Disney World, but US and Islands of Adventure are my home away from home.

Harry Potter World is so much better than Disney.

Wegl13 · January 2015

In all seriousness, google this because I found an amazing site that helped with picking what day of the week and when to do what depending on the season, in order to max out your experience. It also gave yu dates of when to call and reserve restaurants I can't convince my husband to go with me even though his sister lives 30 minutes away so I just pretend in my head we are going there and look things like this up.

Wegl13 · January 2015

I think I'm just going to go to HP by myself this summer. I do not have cool friends.

flutteringinfl · January 2015

levioosa said:

flutteringinfl said:

You want tips???

FASTPASS+

If you had Fastpass when you were a kid and think, "Oh, I know about that," FORGET EVERYTHING YOU KNOW. It's different now. Basically, instead of running to the attraction first thing and putting in your ticket for whatever time is next available, you pick your Fastpasses up to 30 days ahead of time (60 if you're staying at a Disney hotel). You can do this on the Disney website. A lot of people don't like planning their whole vacation like that ahead of time, but honestly it only takes a few minutes and you know you're guaranteed to have a spot on the high-traffic attractions that you really want.

Make your reservations ahead of time too. February shouldn't be too bad, but you still want to know you have a table at your must-do restaurants. That can also be done online.

Where are you staying? What kind of food do you like? What rides do you definitely want to do? I can make some recs based on your interests and where you're staying.

Epcot is TWICE as fun now that you're a grown-up. Because you can DRINK! I think France and Mexico are the best for cocktails, but it depends on what kind of alcohol you like best. Get Faspasses for Soarin over Test Track if you can. Test Track has a single rider line and a more interesting standby queue.

Good luck! Let me know if I can be of more help. I'll be at Disney Feb 19-21 for the Princess 10k.

WAIT. Can I do this at Disneyland Anaheim too? I'm going this weekend.

It's on its way, but I don't believe it's there yet. I think it's just regular old school Fastpasses for now.

flutteringinfl · January 2015

peachy13 said:

@flutteringinfl Thank you!!! We have the fast pass and I can't believe how cool the "my disney experience" online is. Thank you thank you thank you, and good luck on the 10K!

It's pretty neat, huh? If you have friends who go too and you know you're going with them, you can make FP+ selections for them too.

Inkdancer · January 2015

We're going in June and I'm so excited I might explode. Even when I was 10, Epcot was my favorite because of the single-rider lines for Test Track and all the amazing food.

levioosa · January 2015

@flutteringinfl thanks! But boo for original Disney being behind the times!

jdluvr06 · January 2015

When you're picking your fast passes make sure to have one for Soarin at Epcot. That ride is so cool and the wait for it can be horrendous. Are you guys staying at Disney or at an outside hotel? Are you guys getting the Magic Bands? Those are the most awesome things ever.

I used to love US and Islands but I'm not so into it since they started adding all the Harry Potter stuff. Don't throw things at me. Lol.

mrsdee15 · January 2015

novella1186 said:

I can't ever go to Disney without riding Pirates of the Caribbean. I even went to Disney in Paris (yes I'm a terrible person because I skipped Versailles to do that instead) and road it. And Space Mountain.

I'm pretty sure Epcot is where you can try all the beers from around the world. I think? I haven't been there since... 13 years ago. Besides the one in Paris. That was 4 years ago.

Disney Paris' Space Mountain is AWESOME! I loved Disney Paris. It was so over-the-top compared to Disneyland or World. I would have picked Disney Paris over Versailles too, although at Versailles I did get to have hot chocolate while eating chocolate ice cream. Actually, you can probably do that at Disney Paris too.

Totally agree with the suggestions for Fastpass+ and Harry Potter World. Clotted cream ice cream in Diagon Alley. Don't question it, you can thank me later. Oh, and take the Hogwarts Express between the two parks. It's really cool. If you're into the roller coasters, the Hulk (at Universal Studios) is great.

Epcot is amazing, especially with the drinking! They have some fun food too. We did an around-the-world drinking/eating bonanza, and it was a ton of fun. Still some of my favorite memories.

I got too excited when I saw @novella1186's post about the Disney Paris, so I can't remember whether you said you're going to Animal Kingdom, but I recommend it. They have a really neat wildlife area where the animals live together. Also, they have a dinosaur area, because dinosaurs are neat.

jdluvr06 · January 2015

I almost forgot if you like Beauty and the Beast you have to eat at the Be Our Guest restaurant. Make reservations or you'll never get in but it is seriously like walking into Beast's Castle. They have three rooms. One looks like the ballroom complete with a faux window that looks like a snowy night. One that looks like Beast's room and another one that has a big dancing Belle and Beast. At Magic Kingdom try to get a fastpass to the Seven Dwarfs mine roller coaster. We didn't get to ride it because the line was like two hours long and all the fast passes were taken when we tried to book one... Three weeks before we left.

jdluvr06 · January 2015

And because I'm awesome here is a pic or two of the ballroom in Be Our Guest. Sorry they are a bit blurry. Took these with my phone.

flutteringinfl · January 2015

Be Our Guest is also great for lunch!

BrandNewJ · January 2015

Wegl13 said:

I think I'm just going to go to HP by myself this summer. I do not have cool friends.

I'll go with you!!! Harry Potter is my ultimate jam! Just bought the last 5 books of HP stamps at the post office for our StDs. Went to HP world 2 years ago after graduation. It is the greatest place on Earth.

I don't know anything about Disney, but sounds like you got some great tips. Have a fantastic trip!

chibiyui · January 2015

There's so much food to eat. So. Much. Food.

And booze!

I think the new fastpass allows you to do for the shows like Fantasmic. (spelling is wrong, I know it.) But seriously, you should decide what restaurants you want to do and figure out your park days from there.

hellohkb · January 2015

jdluvr06 said:
When you're picking your fast passes make sure to have one for Soarin at Epcot. That ride is so cool and the wait for it can be horrendous. Are you guys staying at Disney or at an outside hotel? Are you guys getting the Magic Bands? Those are the most awesome things ever.

I used to love US and Islands but I'm not so into it since they started adding all the Harry Potter stuff. Don't throw things at me. Lol.

It's okay, HP isn't my favorite part of Universal. Give me the Mummy ride and Jurassic Park!!

lc07 · January 2015

I booked a trip to Hawaii in April and am staying at Aulani! No rides of course but I bet it's going to be rad. Didn't we always say we were going to do a TK GTG at Disney?

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