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Dagney · 12-16-2006, 08:29 PM

Oh, we'll be putting photos on the web - probably his site, not mine - he's our Camera Guy - my future MIL said we have a point and shoot relationship - I point, he shoots

Not much was closed at Disney - except a few things that were down for repairs, but I'm not sure I'd have missed them because there were so many other things to do.

I don't know your daughter, so I can't say what may excite her - but I'll give some highlights of all of the parks so you can decide or let her decide (it is _her_ trip *G*)

Animal Kingdom - the park is - as you may have guessed, geared towards animals. There aren't a LOT of rides, but it is fun. The Kilimanjaro Safari was an interesting trip through the 'reserve' Disney has set up there - lots of animals. The narration is a bit 'cheesy' but all in all, it was really interesting. The Flights of Wonder show was all about birds of different varities, and we learned a few things we didn't know before - the birds flew out through the audience, and we got to see a few we'd never see otherwise. (The Hyacinth Macaw was one of those). The Dude liked Expedition Everest - said it wasn't scary, but was 'fun'. I'll be trying that in October - so will let you know then. One ride we didn't get on was the Kali River Rapids - but only because we didn't feel like getting soaked. Looked fun though, but the weather wasn't cooperating for us. This isn't a 'full day' park - because it closes around 5pm. We augmented the day with an evening at Epcot for dinner and the fireworks (park hopper passes are the way to go so you can move around as you want).

MGM - this park has more rides - and a lot of shows - if your daughter likes roller coasters, the Rockn' Rollercoaster is Dude's favorite. Fastpass makes it easier to get on it a few times through the day. MGM is also not a 'full day' park for us - there aren't any fireworks in the evening, and I've been told that the Fantasmic show in the evenings is good - but not spectacular. (It's on our 'if we've got nothing else to do list'.

Magic Kingdom - This is most definitely the 'kid' park of the four. Lots of munchkin meltdowns - but if you're going to Disney - you have to go here. Space Mountain is a good coaster from what I heard (we weren't able to get on it). Splash Mountain and the Big Thunder Mountain coaster were fun. The Jungle Cruise and Pirates of the Caribbean were fun too. We enjoyed the Haunted mansion - thought the effects were fun.

Epcot - Part of the park is ride and 'kid' oriented - the other - the international part is more adult oriented - but still fun. Futureworld is the ride part of Epcot - Soarin is well worth the wait - and a few rounds if you can do more than one. Spaceship Earth is the big golfball - and the ride inside is relaxing and informative. (It's about the evolution of communication). The Land has a very interesting 'ride' through the hydroponic greenhouses and fish farms. This is where we did the behind the seeds tour. The International showcase is a lot of little movies and shopping, and food of course - not a lot to 'ride' but a lot to absorb.

There are two water parks we didn't get to - Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon - I've heard they're pretty cool places - but we just didn't have enough time.

One thing that really made our trips through the parks fun is playing the 'Hidden Mickey' game. All through the parks there are images of the Mickey head. There are guide books to help you find some - and some you find on your own. We spent time looking for those as well - but didn't find as many as we could have. (Next time!) That could make the trip fun for your teenager.

Disney doesn't seem to have an 'off season' any more. Which is good - things won't be closed for you.

Where to stay - well, we're members of the Disney Vacation Club, so we have a time share at the Boardwalk Villas. If you want to stay on property, there are a number of resorts available for you to pick from - ranging from tent camping to posh spoilage, and lots of things in between. If you stay at the Animal Kingdom for example, and have a room that opens on to the savannah, you can look out your window in the morning and maybe catch a glimpse of a zebra or giraffe. (Now that would be awesome in my opinion).

One point of advice - budget time, and listen to your feet. Nothing worse than trying to cram everything into a few days and being miserable towards the end of it. We took lots of breaks, sat through some shows, and basically just did what we wanted to, on a very loose time frame.

I highly recommend making reservations for your dinners and lunches, or you'll wait forever at some places. Fast pass helps you bump to the front of the line (when it works right). And if you're wanting a pepsi, youre out of luck - Disney is a coke only park.

And when you're at Epcot, try the Beverly at the coke place. Trust me, it's memorable

A few good reference tools

Hidden Mickeys: A Field Guide to Walt Disney World's Best Kept Secrets - Steve Barrett (We got ours from Amazon - you can get them at the Parks however)
Fodor's Walt Disney World - I just picked up the 07 version tonight, but an earlier edition had a lot of great info in it.
www.allearsnet.com - the source for a lot of great WDW info, as well as menus for most, if not all of the restaraunts
www.wdwinfo.com - another source for great info.
www.disneysearch.net - don't use this one much, but it's come in handy
talkdisney.com - more info

12-16-2006, 08:29 PM	#15
Dagney The Prodigal Brat Returneth Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: North Cackalacky Posts: 1,107	Oh, we'll be putting photos on the web - probably his site, not mine - he's our Camera Guy - my future MIL said we have a point and shoot relationship - I point, he shoots Not much was closed at Disney - except a few things that were down for repairs, but I'm not sure I'd have missed them because there were so many other things to do. I don't know your daughter, so I can't say what may excite her - but I'll give some highlights of all of the parks so you can decide or let her decide (it is _her_ trip G) Animal Kingdom - the park is - as you may have guessed, geared towards animals. There aren't a LOT of rides, but it is fun. The Kilimanjaro Safari was an interesting trip through the 'reserve' Disney has set up there - lots of animals. The narration is a bit 'cheesy' but all in all, it was really interesting. The Flights of Wonder show was all about birds of different varities, and we learned a few things we didn't know before - the birds flew out through the audience, and we got to see a few we'd never see otherwise. (The Hyacinth Macaw was one of those). The Dude liked Expedition Everest - said it wasn't scary, but was 'fun'. I'll be trying that in October - so will let you know then. One ride we didn't get on was the Kali River Rapids - but only because we didn't feel like getting soaked. Looked fun though, but the weather wasn't cooperating for us. This isn't a 'full day' park - because it closes around 5pm. We augmented the day with an evening at Epcot for dinner and the fireworks (park hopper passes are the way to go so you can move around as you want). MGM - this park has more rides - and a lot of shows - if your daughter likes roller coasters, the Rockn' Rollercoaster is Dude's favorite. Fastpass makes it easier to get on it a few times through the day. MGM is also not a 'full day' park for us - there aren't any fireworks in the evening, and I've been told that the Fantasmic show in the evenings is good - but not spectacular. (It's on our 'if we've got nothing else to do list'. Magic Kingdom - This is most definitely the 'kid' park of the four. Lots of munchkin meltdowns - but if you're going to Disney - you have to go here. Space Mountain is a good coaster from what I heard (we weren't able to get on it). Splash Mountain and the Big Thunder Mountain coaster were fun. The Jungle Cruise and Pirates of the Caribbean were fun too. We enjoyed the Haunted mansion - thought the effects were fun. Epcot - Part of the park is ride and 'kid' oriented - the other - the international part is more adult oriented - but still fun. Futureworld is the ride part of Epcot - Soarin is well worth the wait - and a few rounds if you can do more than one. Spaceship Earth is the big golfball - and the ride inside is relaxing and informative. (It's about the evolution of communication). The Land has a very interesting 'ride' through the hydroponic greenhouses and fish farms. This is where we did the behind the seeds tour. The International showcase is a lot of little movies and shopping, and food of course - not a lot to 'ride' but a lot to absorb. There are two water parks we didn't get to - Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon - I've heard they're pretty cool places - but we just didn't have enough time. One thing that really made our trips through the parks fun is playing the 'Hidden Mickey' game. All through the parks there are images of the Mickey head. There are guide books to help you find some - and some you find on your own. We spent time looking for those as well - but didn't find as many as we could have. (Next time!) That could make the trip fun for your teenager. Disney doesn't seem to have an 'off season' any more. Which is good - things won't be closed for you. Where to stay - well, we're members of the Disney Vacation Club, so we have a time share at the Boardwalk Villas. If you want to stay on property, there are a number of resorts available for you to pick from - ranging from tent camping to posh spoilage, and lots of things in between. If you stay at the Animal Kingdom for example, and have a room that opens on to the savannah, you can look out your window in the morning and maybe catch a glimpse of a zebra or giraffe. (Now that would be awesome in my opinion). One point of advice - budget time, and listen to your feet. Nothing worse than trying to cram everything into a few days and being miserable towards the end of it. We took lots of breaks, sat through some shows, and basically just did what we wanted to, on a very loose time frame. I highly recommend making reservations for your dinners and lunches, or you'll wait forever at some places. Fast pass helps you bump to the front of the line (when it works right). And if you're wanting a pepsi, youre out of luck - Disney is a coke only park. And when you're at Epcot, try the Beverly at the coke place. Trust me, it's memorable A few good reference tools Hidden Mickeys: A Field Guide to Walt Disney World's Best Kept Secrets - Steve Barrett (We got ours from Amazon - you can get them at the Parks however) Fodor's Walt Disney World - I just picked up the 07 version tonight, but an earlier edition had a lot of great info in it. www.allearsnet.com - the source for a lot of great WDW info, as well as menus for most, if not all of the restaraunts www.wdwinfo.com - another source for great info. www.disneysearch.net - don't use this one much, but it's come in handy talkdisney.com - more info __________________ The Constitution gives every American the right to make a total fool out of himself. But that doesn't mean you need to. Last edited by Dagney; 12-16-2006 at 08:45 PM.