It's been just over a week since the Disney World trip. What an amazing vacation.
It was the first time that we have flown together as a family. Our previous vacations were all road trips. It was nice not having to worry about finding a gas station or place to eat or driving for 6 or so hours. Airport security was not as bad as I originally anticipated - I still think it is a farce, nothing more than security theatre - but that was only because the lines were not too long.
The best resource if this will be your first trip to Disney or if you have no been a long time is to buy a copy of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World. It is an amazing source of information providing all sorts of details including positive and negative feedback from visitors on every thing Disney World.
Though we did not use them in the end, the touring plans will save valuable time on busier days. The information in the book we found most useful was the description of all the sit down restaurants, the rides and the shows.
Also coming in handy via the website TouringPlans.com (purchasing the book gives you free access to all of the website for a year) was a crowd level guide and which parks you should visit and which parks you should avoid. Helps you plan which park to attend on which day to improve your experience.
Initially we began planning our trip using the vacation planner at the Walt Disney World website, but the number of options and so forth made it difficult to plan it. I finally went to our local CAA (AAA) office and went over the trip. I booked it.
Advantages of booking through CAA? You get all documentation and items in one package. Also, the travel agent will check to see if there are any better deals on your hotel portion. We got a package that was about $100 cheaper than originally planned PLUS a $200 gift card to use at the park. We booked our restaurants through CAA - a time and money saver since there is no toll-free number for Disney Dining (though it is my understanding that the restaurant reservation system should be online in the near future, if not already)
Disney Magical Express - the bus that takes you between the Disney World and Orlando International Airport - comes highly recommended. Don't let the long line at DME check in scare you. It moves along at a good pace. That said, this would be a good time for the rest of your party to visit the washroom, grab a snack or drink, or to change into more appropriate clothes. It was nice not to have to worry about lugging your luggage and storing it at hotel if you arrive before 4:00 PM.
The parking situation at Disney is not well documented nor well explained. When you check in at a Disney resort, you are given a parking pass. This is your ticket to free parking throughout Walt Disney World. What they don't explain is how to use it when visiting the hotels - you usually need your Park Pass and sometimes a picture ID. At some resorts you can swipe your card for automated access.
We used our AAA/CAA Diamond Parking pass whenever possible. No problem using the pass at Magic Kingdom. Diamond parking was not available at Epcot during our stay and we never drove to Hollywood Studios (choosing the boats instead). We did encounter a problem at Animal Kingdom in that the Cast Member did not believe our passes were real. I told her that was a problem between Disney and AAA/CAA.
The Disney Dining Plan seemed to work out, especially at lunch. We had absolutely no problems using the plan - most Cast Members were helpful in maximizing the value of the plan. Because it wasn't hot during our stay, we found that we didn't drink or snack as much during our visits to the park. So we used the snack credits to get a bunch of fruit and baked goods to use as our breakfast. We did bring bagels, instant oatmeal and a few other pre-packaged foods with us to cut down on breakfast costs.
The Boardwalk Villas are fully equipped. Dishwasher. Stove. Microwave. Washer. Dryer. Utensils, cookware and dishes. You could cook a meal if you wanted to. Best part? Housekeeping would wash everything for you. We always had two single load boxes of detergent. Having the washer and dryer was a god send. We were able to pack half the clothes, freeing up room for souvenirs on the trip back home.
We didn't see every single attraction or spent the entire day at every park. The longest day was at Magic Kingdom - where we did the majority of attractions. The shortest day was at Animal Kingdom - where we visited a single area. We didn't get a chance to checkout World Showcase at Epcot. But that was a good thing. It gives us the opportunity to check out 'new' attractions the next time we visit. And there will be a next time.
Posted by Adam
Saturday, 24 January 2009
Friday, 16 January 2009
Disney World - Day 6 - Home Sweet Home
Back to A Cold Reality
The Disney Magical Express was on time and the driver loaded our bags. The bus was full and we made one stop before heading to Orlando International Airport. The driver was a hoot. Making jokes and telling funny stories.
The airport was busy but the check in at Spirit Air was light. I used the self-service machine to get our boarding passes and luggage tags before handing our luggage to one of the staff. Then it was up to departures and getting through security. Fortunately, airport staff directed us to the family line and we proceeded quickly through the area - though I did have to take off my belt. Really?
A fast tram ride to our airside terminal and then a period of waiting. Our flight was pushed back about 45 minutes - it was late from Puerto Rico. But when it arrived at the gate, staff emptied and boarded the plane very quickly. Then the pilot was gunning it to the runway to avoid waiting to take-off.
The flight was uneventful. Those of us with a NintendoDS played it, while others read books or did crossword puzzles. There were no clouds between Orlando and Detroit, thereby offering an amazing view of the lit up cities below. The descent into Detroit was wild but smooth.
We had to walk a good distance before making our way down to the baggage claim section. While the rest of the gang waited for our bags, I put on my leather coat and readied myself for the extreme cold outside, hoping that our van would start with no problems.
It was freezing cold outside. I quickly found the van and turned key. No hesitation. Started right away. Turned on the heat and fans to full and left the garage. Tina had the luggage ready. As I parked the van she came out and I got the rest of the luggage. None of us could believe how cold it was.
No problem through Canadian customs. We grabbed a couple of pizzas at Little Caesar's for a very late supper. Guinea the Guinea Pig was happy to see us.
It was nice to be home after an amazing vacation. Thank you Babcia.
Posted by Adam
The Disney Magical Express was on time and the driver loaded our bags. The bus was full and we made one stop before heading to Orlando International Airport. The driver was a hoot. Making jokes and telling funny stories.
The airport was busy but the check in at Spirit Air was light. I used the self-service machine to get our boarding passes and luggage tags before handing our luggage to one of the staff. Then it was up to departures and getting through security. Fortunately, airport staff directed us to the family line and we proceeded quickly through the area - though I did have to take off my belt. Really?
A fast tram ride to our airside terminal and then a period of waiting. Our flight was pushed back about 45 minutes - it was late from Puerto Rico. But when it arrived at the gate, staff emptied and boarded the plane very quickly. Then the pilot was gunning it to the runway to avoid waiting to take-off.
The flight was uneventful. Those of us with a NintendoDS played it, while others read books or did crossword puzzles. There were no clouds between Orlando and Detroit, thereby offering an amazing view of the lit up cities below. The descent into Detroit was wild but smooth.
We had to walk a good distance before making our way down to the baggage claim section. While the rest of the gang waited for our bags, I put on my leather coat and readied myself for the extreme cold outside, hoping that our van would start with no problems.
It was freezing cold outside. I quickly found the van and turned key. No hesitation. Started right away. Turned on the heat and fans to full and left the garage. Tina had the luggage ready. As I parked the van she came out and I got the rest of the luggage. None of us could believe how cold it was.
No problem through Canadian customs. We grabbed a couple of pizzas at Little Caesar's for a very late supper. Guinea the Guinea Pig was happy to see us.
It was nice to be home after an amazing vacation. Thank you Babcia.
Posted by Adam
Disney World - Day 6 - Hollywood Studios
Hollywood Redux
It was our last day at Disney today. We showered, ate breakfast and finished packing. An itemized bill was left under our door and there was no need to check out if all was in order. The luggage was left with Bell Services and we headed to the boat dock to take the boat to Hollywood Studios.
My original plan was for us to go to Magic Kingdom. However, since we had done most of the attractions in Magic Kingdom, we wanted that experience to remain positive. So Tina and I decided the night before to give Hollywood Studios another try. It was closer to the hotel which meant we could spend more time in the park before coming back to the hotel for the trip back to Orlando International Airport.
It was cool - jeans and a sweater were appropriate attire. The boys had mitts and hats on. But it was very sunny, making for a pleasant day. We arrived after 9:30 AM and the park was not as busy as it was on Monday.
We managed to make it in time for the Jedi Training Academy - a live show that children participate in. To our relief, both Corbin and Jeremy were chosen to participate. The kids were given Jedi robes and lightsabers. Jeremy had some difficulty putting on his robe, so the 'Jedi Master' helped him out - Jeremy was front and centre.
The Jedi Master trained the kids in how to use the lightsaber. Then out of nowhere, Darth Vader appeared with two Stormtroopers. Darth Vader challenges the children to a one-on-one battle to see if they will join him. I don't think Jeremy or Corbin will ever forget this. All the kids were given certificates.
We took in some other shows and took some pictures with Power Rangers and Lightning McQueen and Mater. Another spin on Toy Story Mania (of course) before taking the Great Movie Ride - an attraction that takes you through various movie scenes and includes both live and animatronic characters. Other attractions included Muppets 3-D (a show that needs some serious updating) and Prince Narnia (Tina wasn't too impressed).
Lunch was at the ABC Commissary. We did some more shopping and watched a street performance of a director filming a scene. While Tina got our free 5 x 7 photo, Jeremy and I sat on a bench. The movie director introduced himself to Jeremy who had him audition for a scene. Jeremy played along. For his effort, Jeremy received a 'gold' plated cup and a business card.
It was time to leave Hollywood Studios and return to the hotel to wait for Disney Magical Express. While saddened to leave the park, we couldn't have finished on a better and happier note.
Posted by Adam
It was our last day at Disney today. We showered, ate breakfast and finished packing. An itemized bill was left under our door and there was no need to check out if all was in order. The luggage was left with Bell Services and we headed to the boat dock to take the boat to Hollywood Studios.
My original plan was for us to go to Magic Kingdom. However, since we had done most of the attractions in Magic Kingdom, we wanted that experience to remain positive. So Tina and I decided the night before to give Hollywood Studios another try. It was closer to the hotel which meant we could spend more time in the park before coming back to the hotel for the trip back to Orlando International Airport.
It was cool - jeans and a sweater were appropriate attire. The boys had mitts and hats on. But it was very sunny, making for a pleasant day. We arrived after 9:30 AM and the park was not as busy as it was on Monday.
We managed to make it in time for the Jedi Training Academy - a live show that children participate in. To our relief, both Corbin and Jeremy were chosen to participate. The kids were given Jedi robes and lightsabers. Jeremy had some difficulty putting on his robe, so the 'Jedi Master' helped him out - Jeremy was front and centre.
The Jedi Master trained the kids in how to use the lightsaber. Then out of nowhere, Darth Vader appeared with two Stormtroopers. Darth Vader challenges the children to a one-on-one battle to see if they will join him. I don't think Jeremy or Corbin will ever forget this. All the kids were given certificates.
We took in some other shows and took some pictures with Power Rangers and Lightning McQueen and Mater. Another spin on Toy Story Mania (of course) before taking the Great Movie Ride - an attraction that takes you through various movie scenes and includes both live and animatronic characters. Other attractions included Muppets 3-D (a show that needs some serious updating) and Prince Narnia (Tina wasn't too impressed).
Lunch was at the ABC Commissary. We did some more shopping and watched a street performance of a director filming a scene. While Tina got our free 5 x 7 photo, Jeremy and I sat on a bench. The movie director introduced himself to Jeremy who had him audition for a scene. Jeremy played along. For his effort, Jeremy received a 'gold' plated cup and a business card.
It was time to leave Hollywood Studios and return to the hotel to wait for Disney Magical Express. While saddened to leave the park, we couldn't have finished on a better and happier note.
Posted by Adam
Thursday, 15 January 2009
Disney World - Day 5 - Cape May Cafe
Seafood Fare
Knowing that we wouldn't have the rental car on our last night at Disney, I had booked a reservation at Cape May Cafe at the Beach Club Resort which is across from the Boardwalk Inn and Villas. So no need to travel far tonight to eat.
We caught a boat over to the Beach Club and walked from the dock to the restaurant. Didn't have to wait too long to be seated but the table they were going to put us at was awkward with a column between two people. I asked to be seated at another table. If you have an odd number of people - like five - the seating is awkward at Cape May Cafe.
The boys had their usual food. Macaroni, pizza, chicken fingers and so on. I filled up on some shrimp, fish fillets and chowder. Everyone else enjoyed the dinner and especially loved the desert selection. The food was good and hot, but nothing to get excited over. If you love clams, this is the place to come. Next time we'll probably try the Flying Fish at the Boardwalk.
Full of food, we strolled back along the boardwalk to the hotel. It was cool but it was nice to get some exercise and fresh air after a good meal.
Posted by Adam
Knowing that we wouldn't have the rental car on our last night at Disney, I had booked a reservation at Cape May Cafe at the Beach Club Resort which is across from the Boardwalk Inn and Villas. So no need to travel far tonight to eat.
We caught a boat over to the Beach Club and walked from the dock to the restaurant. Didn't have to wait too long to be seated but the table they were going to put us at was awkward with a column between two people. I asked to be seated at another table. If you have an odd number of people - like five - the seating is awkward at Cape May Cafe.
The boys had their usual food. Macaroni, pizza, chicken fingers and so on. I filled up on some shrimp, fish fillets and chowder. Everyone else enjoyed the dinner and especially loved the desert selection. The food was good and hot, but nothing to get excited over. If you love clams, this is the place to come. Next time we'll probably try the Flying Fish at the Boardwalk.
Full of food, we strolled back along the boardwalk to the hotel. It was cool but it was nice to get some exercise and fresh air after a good meal.
Posted by Adam
Disney World - Day 5 - Animal Kingdom
A Short Day
Decided to sleep in today and take it easy. We set off to Animal Kingdom, arriving before 10:00 AM. It was noticeably cooler today, but it was sunny.
Parking was interesting in that I had to put up with a Disney employee lecturing me about the Diamond Parking Pass. She was telling us that the coupon in our book is not valid - that it was a copy and that we were supposed to have a card. I said the coupon is not a copy and that any issue she had should be taken up with her management, not me. Eventually, I parked in the Diamond parking area and we walked to the front entrance. I complained at the customer service desk about that experience.
On our way in, we could smell the animals. We visited only two areas of Animal Kingdom: Discovery Island and Dinoland U.S.A. We took in the "It's Tough to be a Bug!", a 3D show that included crawling bugs in your seat. Jeremy was afraid of the show, but the rest of us liked it.
Next, we booked it over to "Finding Nemo - The Musical". We made it just in time, so no waiting in line. This was a live show based on the Finding Nemo movie and everyone loved it, even the kids. It was an interesting adaptation of the movie and included performers moving through the audience. Very well done and kept the attention of both our five-year old and 10-year old.
A short walk to Dinoland U.S.A. Corbin and I took a spin on Primeval Whirl - a spinning roller coaster - while Tina and Jeremy went on TriceraTop Spin - another Dumbo/Magic Carpet clone. Tina bought some tokens for the boys and they played a few carnival games.
Then we spent some time in the gift shop, where we all bought something. I purchased a WDW baseball cap, Jeremy picked out a bunch of stuff, Corbin a few things and Tina picked up some gifts.
It was close to lunch time so we grabbed a bite to eat at Restaurantosaurus. On the way out we listened to a band play African music. Jeremy danced like there was no tomorrow.
We walked back to the parking lot and I dropped the gang off at the hotel because I had to bring the rental car back to the Dolphin Hotel. We took it easy in the afternoon, hanging out in the hotel. My mom and Tina went out to the Boardwalk to do some browsing and shopping.
The boys and I chilled out in the room, watching TV and playing games on our Nintendo DS. I started getting some things ready for packing.
Posted by Adam
Decided to sleep in today and take it easy. We set off to Animal Kingdom, arriving before 10:00 AM. It was noticeably cooler today, but it was sunny.
Parking was interesting in that I had to put up with a Disney employee lecturing me about the Diamond Parking Pass. She was telling us that the coupon in our book is not valid - that it was a copy and that we were supposed to have a card. I said the coupon is not a copy and that any issue she had should be taken up with her management, not me. Eventually, I parked in the Diamond parking area and we walked to the front entrance. I complained at the customer service desk about that experience.
On our way in, we could smell the animals. We visited only two areas of Animal Kingdom: Discovery Island and Dinoland U.S.A. We took in the "It's Tough to be a Bug!", a 3D show that included crawling bugs in your seat. Jeremy was afraid of the show, but the rest of us liked it.
Next, we booked it over to "Finding Nemo - The Musical". We made it just in time, so no waiting in line. This was a live show based on the Finding Nemo movie and everyone loved it, even the kids. It was an interesting adaptation of the movie and included performers moving through the audience. Very well done and kept the attention of both our five-year old and 10-year old.
A short walk to Dinoland U.S.A. Corbin and I took a spin on Primeval Whirl - a spinning roller coaster - while Tina and Jeremy went on TriceraTop Spin - another Dumbo/Magic Carpet clone. Tina bought some tokens for the boys and they played a few carnival games.
Then we spent some time in the gift shop, where we all bought something. I purchased a WDW baseball cap, Jeremy picked out a bunch of stuff, Corbin a few things and Tina picked up some gifts.
It was close to lunch time so we grabbed a bite to eat at Restaurantosaurus. On the way out we listened to a band play African music. Jeremy danced like there was no tomorrow.
We walked back to the parking lot and I dropped the gang off at the hotel because I had to bring the rental car back to the Dolphin Hotel. We took it easy in the afternoon, hanging out in the hotel. My mom and Tina went out to the Boardwalk to do some browsing and shopping.
The boys and I chilled out in the room, watching TV and playing games on our Nintendo DS. I started getting some things ready for packing.
Posted by Adam
Wednesday, 14 January 2009
Disney World - Day 4 - Chef Mickey's
Character Dining Experience #2
Tonight was the 'main' character dining experience - Chef Mickey's.
We drove up to the Contemporary where the security guard gave us a third option for parking - drop the passengers at the front door and then park in the Valet Parking lot. Thank you very much. I do have to say it's nice to have a vehicle.
It was busy at Chef Mickey's. They are renovating a part of the restaurant so space is limited. About 20 or so minutes later, our buzzer buzzed. Tina had wanted a quit corner but that was another 30 minute wait. We were shown a table near the buffet and only beside one table, so that worked for us.
As we got our food from the buffet, the characters would come around. Donald Duck surprised Tina and the boys. Corbin had fun talking about Donald's misadventure in Philharmagic. The buffet was your typical Disney fare - there was lots of food. The highlight food wise was the desert bar. Soft serve ice cream and all sorts of toppings plus cakes and cookies. Watch out if you have a sweet tooth.
Other visitors included Goofy, Pluto and Minnie. The boys hugged the characters and posed for pictures. It made for a longer than usual dining experience.
It took a while for Mickey to come our area - be forewarned, seems everyone wants his autograph. But he did make it to our table and we took the mandatory picture or two. The boys ate it all up - the food and characters.
We purchased a picture of the five of us along with standard picture of the Disney characters. My mom stopped in a store to buy an album before we drove back to the hotel for some rest and relaxation.
Posted by Adam
Tonight was the 'main' character dining experience - Chef Mickey's.
We drove up to the Contemporary where the security guard gave us a third option for parking - drop the passengers at the front door and then park in the Valet Parking lot. Thank you very much. I do have to say it's nice to have a vehicle.
It was busy at Chef Mickey's. They are renovating a part of the restaurant so space is limited. About 20 or so minutes later, our buzzer buzzed. Tina had wanted a quit corner but that was another 30 minute wait. We were shown a table near the buffet and only beside one table, so that worked for us.
As we got our food from the buffet, the characters would come around. Donald Duck surprised Tina and the boys. Corbin had fun talking about Donald's misadventure in Philharmagic. The buffet was your typical Disney fare - there was lots of food. The highlight food wise was the desert bar. Soft serve ice cream and all sorts of toppings plus cakes and cookies. Watch out if you have a sweet tooth.
Other visitors included Goofy, Pluto and Minnie. The boys hugged the characters and posed for pictures. It made for a longer than usual dining experience.
It took a while for Mickey to come our area - be forewarned, seems everyone wants his autograph. But he did make it to our table and we took the mandatory picture or two. The boys ate it all up - the food and characters.
We purchased a picture of the five of us along with standard picture of the Disney characters. My mom stopped in a store to buy an album before we drove back to the hotel for some rest and relaxation.
Posted by Adam
Disney World - Day 4 - Epcot
Future World
The day began like any other. Showers. Breakfast. Getting our stuff together. I didn't feel like walking to the front of Epcot so we drove over. It was cool but very sunny.
Epcot was already buzzing with activity. Corbin and I headed over to Mission: Space (choosing the non-spinning version). Then Tina, Corbin, Jeremy and myself took a spin on Test Track. Everyone loved the ride, especially Jeremy who liked the cold and hot rooms and the fast part of the ride.
All five of us went on Spaceship Earth. The boys liked the interactive exhibits inside the pavilion while Babcia was amazed at the electronic post card with a picture of her from the ride. Corbin and I went on Soarin', which was a cool ride - Corbin ducked when the golf ball came towards us.
Other attractions we visited included "Honey, I Shrunk the Audience" - which needs an update and Living With the Land - a ride that the kids actually found interesting.
We grabbed lunch at the Sunshine Seasons food court in the Land Pavilion. It has an excellent selection of foods, deserts and drinks. One of the best food courts at Disney and it was recently renovated.
Just after 1 PM or so, we were done with Epcot. We decided not to explore World Showcase, because the boys were already losing steam - and we like to end things on a high note.
Tina and Jeremy headed to the hotel, while Babcia, Corbin and myself took a trip to a nearby outlet mall (which turned out to be a disappointing visit).
Posted by Adam
The day began like any other. Showers. Breakfast. Getting our stuff together. I didn't feel like walking to the front of Epcot so we drove over. It was cool but very sunny.
Epcot was already buzzing with activity. Corbin and I headed over to Mission: Space (choosing the non-spinning version). Then Tina, Corbin, Jeremy and myself took a spin on Test Track. Everyone loved the ride, especially Jeremy who liked the cold and hot rooms and the fast part of the ride.
All five of us went on Spaceship Earth. The boys liked the interactive exhibits inside the pavilion while Babcia was amazed at the electronic post card with a picture of her from the ride. Corbin and I went on Soarin', which was a cool ride - Corbin ducked when the golf ball came towards us.
Other attractions we visited included "Honey, I Shrunk the Audience" - which needs an update and Living With the Land - a ride that the kids actually found interesting.
We grabbed lunch at the Sunshine Seasons food court in the Land Pavilion. It has an excellent selection of foods, deserts and drinks. One of the best food courts at Disney and it was recently renovated.
Just after 1 PM or so, we were done with Epcot. We decided not to explore World Showcase, because the boys were already losing steam - and we like to end things on a high note.
Tina and Jeremy headed to the hotel, while Babcia, Corbin and myself took a trip to a nearby outlet mall (which turned out to be a disappointing visit).
Posted by Adam
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