Anyone been to Walt Disney World lately?

[gregga]

Our family is heading to Walt Disney for 8 days in early April. (yes, I'm gonna miss the auction). I haven't been there in 10-12 years, so I'm not sure who's more excited, me or the kids? We got that amazing deal where you pay for 4 days and get 3 for free.....There's so much to do and see....Anyone want to throw out some Do's and Dont's. We're staying at the Coronado Hotel and are on the Disney Dining Plan. We have 2 days at the Magic Kingdom, 2 days in Epcott, 1 at Animal Kingdom and 1 at Hollywood Studios. The last day we're leaving open for now.

[FishWife]

My boys and I are Disney pros. We've gone almost every year since 1984. My family lives in FL so we went on the way down to see them. You can do alot with the speed pass they have now.

You basically go to a ride get a time and come back when they tell you. A little more jumping around but you can beat the lines You will also get specal early mornings and late nights to be in the park because you are in a Disney Hotel.

Make sure to do the backstage tour at MGM and The Great Movie Ride. At Epcot...the fireworks are the best (Laser light show). The countries all have neat little rides and shops and restaurants Italy and Germany are good. I love the Norway ride and that restaurant. Make reservations early.

Don't miss the Haunted Mansion at Magic Kingdom. The Hawaiian Luau is awesome at The Polynesian - it even keeps the kids attention. The water parks are great fun too but we never really had enough time to go (except on my Senior trip I went to River Country). I'll add more tips later after I give it some thought. This was just off the top of my head. Have a great time....it's our favorite place on earth!!!

~Marianne

[YoungAquaticPhotos]

Too funny the Coronado is where I stayed with Fishwife for my first time to Disney! It took me 50 years to get there a few years ago!

[Flareside]

tips....go left when you go in the gates- most people go right. You will find less crowded lines and easy access to fast pass tickets.

And take lots of pics...man am I jealous!!

[nyc2tanks]

I read the same go left instead of right advice in a Disney guidebook years ago and tried it at the Disney parks - it seems to work.

[FishWife]

It even works better when you have someone run ahead with your groups Park passes and get the fast passes for the popular rides and then you all work your way over to those rides. My oldest son Tom, is a master at Disney. When he was little he wanted to be a Disney Animator. He had the Animation program on his computer for years and still believes he watched the artists draw one of the scenes from The Lion King when we were there.

He's an art major. I wouldn't be surprised if he ends up working for Disney in some capacity some day. We LOVE it there!! We're jealous too. Especially since April 1st is my son Tom's birthday and April 3rd is mine (if we were going, we'd get in free if we registered our birthdays online). Needless to say, I'd rather be at Disney :cloud9: than the auction.

[gmoses]

A year and a half ago we went to Disney for my 30th Birthday with my family and girlfriend... What an absolute good time. There is so much to do and see and it is exhausting but well worth it. When i go home i will find the guide book i purchased. In the back it gives you different itineraries depending on your with children or all adults etc...
I followed the books itinerary which helps you avoid lines tells you when to go on what ride at what time in what order..it has maps and fast pass hints..it was well worth the 20 or so i paid for it
album
http://www.flickr.com/photos/redseaclub/sets/72157604033649266/
or slideshow
http://www.flickr.com/photos/redseaclub/sets/72157604033649266/show/

We were their in the dead of summer it was hot and humid...Now in these times money is always an issue. I would definitely bring your own water refill at fountains as it adds up for a family a couple of bucks a bottle...food in the park is also not cheap so plan ahead to pick a couple of the restaurants for the experience but doing them all is pricey...(once again guidebook was very helpful) like teh restaurant we went to and got very lucky with an outdoor table for the parade at the kingdom. Ok thats all fo rnow but i will get you that guide book i used..