The Walt Disney World Resort Thread: Splashed for the Last Time

Discussion in 'The Mainboard' started by CF3234, Feb 26, 2020.

  1. killrbee7

    killrbee7 EMAGin' and Swaggin'
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    Think sit down is likely the play.
     
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  2. CF3234

    CF3234 Fan of: Bandwagons
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    Yak at Yeti is very popular.

    Tiffin's is also good.

    Sanaa at AKL is elite
     
  3. killrbee7

    killrbee7 EMAGin' and Swaggin'
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    Will probably just eat at Disney springs Friday night. Any recommendations there for a nice dinner for two?
     
  4. CF3234

    CF3234 Fan of: Bandwagons
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    Homecomin or Morimoto IMO.

    I'd vote Homecomin, but it is more casual.
     
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  5. Modsquader

    Modsquader Well-Known Member
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    We enjoyed Wine Bar George for charcuterie and skirt steak. George used to be the sommelier at California Grill.

    Had a nice Lobster Roll at Boathouse. Place is massive though with a series of rooms.

    Not sure how nice you want to get but also enjoyed Narcoossee at Grand Floridian on the water.

    Topolino Terrace at the top of Riviera is open now for dinner
     
  6. afb

    afb Spoiler Alert: Pawnee, IN may not be on a map.
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  7. David Puddy

    David Puddy Yeah that's right
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    Not even a huge Star Wars guy, but Rise of Resistance was incredible. Oga’s Cantina is pretty cool as well, but would probably be better post pandemic. Felt a little lifeless in there with such a sparse crowd
     
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  8. Dr. Mantis Toboggan

    Dr. Mantis Toboggan Well-Known Member
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    RotR lives up to the hype
     
  9. David Puddy

    David Puddy Yeah that's right
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    For sure. That moment when you can see the massive battle happening outside of the window. And then that drop in the escape pod

    [​IMG]
     
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  10. Dr. Mantis Toboggan

    Dr. Mantis Toboggan Well-Known Member
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    One of the last days before it shut down and we dumped our passes, took the day off and went at like 6:30. Wound up drinking at Epcot until later afternoon when the boarding group was called. Great way to go out.
     
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  11. duc15

    duc15 Hey Nong Man
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    Less than a week. So excited to get in the park
     
  12. DrTomOsbourne

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    Two parks down, one to go. 50k steps in.

    The post disney park dad sleep is a top 3 dad sleep, no debate
     
  13. Doug

    Doug Skeptical Doug-o
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    Need some help with our Universal trip, figured this was a good place. We'll be there for 4 full days. Mon/Tue/Wed/Thur over the early summer. I've done Disney quite a bit, but haven't been to universal in about 10 years, and never to Volcano bay. Thinking of an itenerary - I know it's not as important, especially since we're staying at one of the hotel express pass resorts - but ideally...

    Monday - Go straight to Harry Potter, I know the wife and daughter will want wands so maybe start there or Hagrids ride - then wands, then spend a few hours around harry potter world? Rest of the day just bouncing around other main rides?
    Tuesday - Volcano Bay - is there enough to do all day? I have a 7 year old so just laying out relaxing for an hour or so won't happen.
    Wednesday - Back to the main parks, finish anything we missed or want to do again
    Thursday ????
     
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  14. CF3234

    CF3234 Fan of: Bandwagons
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    Make sure you get a park hopper just so you can do the Hogwarts express. It's a different experience each way on the train.

    For the wands, you really only need one per family (this obviously changes for families with multiple kids where one shared wand won't cut it.) But if your wife isn't desperate for her own wand, there's a quick $40 savings right there.

    Carve out plenty of time for just exploring Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. There is so much to see and run into in just the scenery and interactive wand stuff. Stop in for a frozen Butterbeer. If you are a degenerate like me, bring a mini bottle of kahlua or something similar to add to the butterbeer. It's a fantastic addition imo.

    Is your daughter tall enough for the Roller Coasters? If so, Islands of Adventure will be the Park you spend most of your time at, if not, Universal is your spot.
     
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  15. killrbee7

    killrbee7 EMAGin' and Swaggin'
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    Express passes are a must at Universal, in my opinion, so good that you are staying at one of the premier hotels. I would start with Hagrid for sure, as it does not allow for express passes and is the best ride in the entirety of both parks. You can definitely spend a good portion of the day in Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley, especially if it’s your first time. The detail in those sections is amazing.

    For the wands, would recommend doing the Olivander’s wand experience with your daughter. They have locations in Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. Diagon alley location is usually a good bit faster.

    If everyone is good with motion rides, there are a ton in Universal and could easily spend an entire day doing those and the various rides in Islands of Adventure.

    I don’t know about volcano bay, but hope that you have fun.
     
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  16. Doug

    Doug Skeptical Doug-o
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    She's going to be right on the edge, hoping for one more little growth spurt before we go.
     
  17. Modsquader

    Modsquader Well-Known Member
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    You might be there when Velocicoaster opens which would be nice for y'all if it pulled some of the crowds away from Hogsmead. Not sure if they will do that in virtual queue or not like they did Hagrids.

    I'm terrible with the motion rides and would suggest popping a couple Dramamine each morning. I was there with people who are typically fine with that stuff and even they were asking me for some after HP. Spider-man, Harry Potter (IOA), Simpsons, and Despicable-Me really got me.

    I feel like the water rides at Universal also get you more wet than at other parks. Dudley's and Bluto's can have you soaked from head to toe for the rest of the day. I'd wear a poncho/rain coat if you decide to do those.
     
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  18. CF3234

    CF3234 Fan of: Bandwagons
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    This. If it's a water ride at Universal, you will almost certainly get SOAKED. It's not like Splash Mountain where only some flumes get wet. It's every flume at Universal. Not the worst thing in the summer and assuming, you dress correctly, (dry fit clothing) you will dry fast, but it definitely takes some planning.
     
    #1169 CF3234, Mar 17, 2021
    Last edited: Mar 17, 2021
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  19. IrishLAX2

    IrishLAX2 So you’re telling me there’s a chance
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    Pretty sure Hagrid’s ride is the only one in the park that doesn’t allow for express pass usage - or at least it was that way when I was there - so the line was super long. Good idea to start there as early as possible and then hit the rest after. Pretty sure it was a two hour wait when we went.
     
  20. AptosDuck

    AptosDuck Pedantic Hausfrau
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    Hopefully they've used the time off to work out the bugs. Last year we were escorted out mid-ride because it broke down, and on another occasion we sat in line for an extra hour+ because it broke down
     
  21. Tarpon Nole

    Tarpon Nole Well-Known Member
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    Really long write up-

    Asked if they'd let us stay one more night at the same rate and they agreed. Ended up 4 nights at $130/night at Grand Floridian

    Sunday - got to GF about 10 and room was ready. Checked in and headed to pool. Laid by pool all day. Almost 6 yo son probably went down the waterslide 100 times. Drank a bunch of beers from the cooler and ate a decent cheeseburger. Had some banana drink from bar. We all crashed by 9

    Monday - we were inside MK at 7:45. Wife walked on right on thunder mountain with son. They were on and off within 10 minutes of entering. Waited about 15 minutes for pirates of Caribbean, Walked over and did little mermaid and pooh with both kids. Wait was about 15-20 for those. Took son on goofy roller coaster a few times in a row. No real wait. Took son on haunted Mansion. 10 minute wait but the queue was all the way over to Pecos restaurant. Just a steady moving line. They didn't do the begining part in the room. Just straight to ride. By now it was pretty crowded. Hopped on monorail back to hotel for lunch and almost 2 yo nap. Went back about 4:30 and it was noticeably less crowded than when we left at lunch. Did buzz in about 20 minutes. Walked around and did dumbo and goofy roller coaster again. Ate dinner (pizza from pinnochio was mediocre at best) then wife took daughter to go walk around shops while son and I waited for seven dwarves. Posted time was 45 but according to my stop watch it was 30
    . Got an ice cream bar and was back at hotel by 7:30

    Tuesday - back at park before 8. Walked on small world no wait. About 10 minute wait for Peter pan then about 20 for thunder mountain. Made awful decision to wait 45 for jungle cruise then had an ok early lunch at Pecos Bill's. Went back and waited about 15 for haunted Mansion then back to hotel for nap. Was back at MK around 5 rerode some rides, crushed a turkey leg. wife stayed behind and waited about an hour for seven dwarves with son.

    Wednesday - chilled at pool all day. Took son for a few laps in monorail since he was obsessed with it

    Just got back to Tampa about an hour ago. Over all it was great. I am far from a Disney person and would never had gone if not for kids.

    GF is nice, but the monorail being right there is best part. Food overall was OK. Only had food at pool bar and the gasparilla restaurant at GF. Mobile order and walk up is nice.

    Limited capacity is really nice. It gets crowded by 10 but after 4 or 5 it starts thinning out. We didn't do space mountain because we weren't sure son would be ok with riding in a seat solo. He was also scared of splash mountain. Think we rode everything else besides those 2. Besides seven dwarves and dumb jungle cruise we never really waited that long. Rode most rides more than once.

    They definitely take masks seriously, which honestly surprised me. Lots of people being told to pull them up

    TLDR - Grand Floridian is nice, limited capacity is nice. Early morning and evening is noticeably less crowded
     
  22. CF3234

    CF3234 Fan of: Bandwagons
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    There's a pretty large gap in the food quality when it comes to Quick service vs. the upper tier sit down restaurants, especially at a hotel like GF. But when you have kids to deal with, Quick Service is often the easiest thing to do.
     
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  23. Codename Duchess

    Codename Duchess Well-Known Member

    We decided to tack on a stop to Universal after our trip to Disney in early April. This will be my first time at Uni - can anyone give me a rundown of what I need to know?

    Going for two days with the park hopping option. Not staying on property so would have to get express pass add-on. I know the parks have been crowded this week but I'm not expecting that when I go since it won't be Spring Break. Is that worth the extra money? It's $250 per ticket for the 1 time express pass.

    Any tips on the virtual queue for Hagrid's Motorbike? Is it similar to signing up for Rise of Resistance?

    We plan to get there at rope drop - what's the best thing to hit first?

    Thanks.
     
  24. killrbee7

    killrbee7 EMAGin' and Swaggin'
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    It’s cheaper to stay on site at one of the premier hotels and get a “free” express pass. Literally saves a ton of money if you have multiple people. That’s always my recommendation.
     
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  25. zeberdee

    zeberdee wheel snipe celly boys
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    booking for March of next year. really excited, my kids will all be about to turn 5, 3 & 2. this will be their first time and my first time in over 15 years. really excited to start getting into the planning.
     
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  26. Codename Duchess

    Codename Duchess Well-Known Member

    Yeah we looked into that but the premier hotels were already booked up on the dates we're going.
     
  27. CF3234

    CF3234 Fan of: Bandwagons
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    read the sheet in the OP. Lot of good info there. Feel free to ask any questions. No question is too dumb ITT.
     
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  28. CoastalOrange

    CoastalOrange Well-Known Member
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    Just renewed my AP for the trip over the 50th and we were too late in booking park reservations for MK on the 50th. Pretty annoyed with myself. Hopefully as more people get the vaccine more people are allowed to go into each park.
     
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  29. afb

    afb Spoiler Alert: Pawnee, IN may not be on a map.
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    but also you dont wanna be there on oct 1st
     
  30. Jack Parkman

    Jack Parkman Endorsed by Fred McGriff
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    Disney wins again!

     
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  31. TheFreak55

    TheFreak55 He should keep his mouth firmly shut
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    How earlier can you reserve dining
     
  32. Modsquader

    Modsquader Well-Known Member
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    60 days out
     
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  33. CoastalOrange

    CoastalOrange Well-Known Member
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    I used to have all the times down, now I'm having to relearn everything and, you know what, it is not fun at all.
     
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  34. CF3234

    CF3234 Fan of: Bandwagons
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    Mix all the flavors together and it tastes like bubble gum.
     
  35. CF3234

    CF3234 Fan of: Bandwagons
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    tour of the new cruise ship going on now
     
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  36. Codename Duchess

    Codename Duchess Well-Known Member

    Not Disney but the Velocicoaster at Universal looks so freaking awesome. I've been watching POV videos this morning from the passholder previews and I can't wait to do it. The air time on this looks insane especially with the lack of a shoulder restraint.
     
  37. Doug

    Doug Skeptical Doug-o
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    The last day of my universal trip is the opening day for Velocicoaster.

    Not sure if I want to waste half that day waiting in line, but I may do it.
     
  38. afb

    afb Spoiler Alert: Pawnee, IN may not be on a map.
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    you're gonna have to show up at 530am and pray it doesnt rain

    in june
     
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  39. NilesIrish

    NilesIrish Not a master fisher but I know bait when I see it
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    My folks are looking to take me and my daughter in November, current discussion is where to stay (on or off site) I think they are currently looking at staying on site because they'd prefer not to get a car. Any suggestions?

    Kid is 6 so we are thinking Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom over 2-3 days. Does a 10k budget sound sufficient?
     
  40. FrankReynolds

    FrankReynolds Go Blue
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    Just booked a mid november 7 day trip.
     
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  41. CF3234

    CF3234 Fan of: Bandwagons
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    More than sufficient.
     
  42. kinghill

    kinghill Cool American Flavour
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    Was it any good?
     
  43. zeberdee

    zeberdee wheel snipe celly boys
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    is there a big difference staying in a DVC room compared to a regular room? I know the maid doesn't come as often, but anything else I should be aware of/concerned about?
     
  44. CF3234

    CF3234 Fan of: Bandwagons
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    The dvc room (studio) has one bed and a pull out couch rather than 2 beds. It also has a microwave/mini fridge.

    along with the housekeeping. That’s it
     
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  45. zeberdee

    zeberdee wheel snipe celly boys
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    sweet. for the price difference it seems like a no-brainer.
     
  46. CF3234

    CF3234 Fan of: Bandwagons
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    How many people are you?
     
  47. zeberdee

    zeberdee wheel snipe celly boys
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    me, my wife and 3 kids (ages around 5, 3, 2). I'm sure we'll make the sleeping situation work.
     
  48. CF3234

    CF3234 Fan of: Bandwagons
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    If you can swing it, get the one bedroom. King size bed for you and the wife. Pull out couch for the kids. Pretty sure there is another pull out bed in there somewhere.

    full bathroom with jacuzzi tub. And most importantly, a full kitchen.