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[Jailer of Hope]

Yeah, we're in a DVC room and using the point system.

Ah ok. I wasn't too big of a fan the Boardwalk but the greater boardwalk area is one my favorite places on property. Transportation to the Studios is limited to boat and walking. The one thing I hated was that it takes 2 additional stops after getting picked up at the boardwalk to get to the Studios. If you're staying in the villas, though, it might be just as quick to walk to the neighboring Swan/Dolphin resort and get picked up/dropped off there.

 

[Juice]

Room service wise I can't really say much. We weren't in our room all that often and I never tried getting food brought up. My understanding is you can order anything from any of the regular restaurants and they will bring it up course by course as if you were at the table. We mostly ate at the restaurant in rotation each night, but sometimes would eat at the lunch buffet which converts into individual table service w/ a sampling of the other restaurants food at night. This is good if you need a break from the other guests you are dining with. I hear Remy/Palo are nice too but haven't tried them.

The shows are all really great for cruise lines, I'd try to see each of them. Also, they have a full schedule of movies playing in the two theaters around the clock, it is nice to be able to watch new releases for "free". The adult pools/lounge areas are pretty well partitioned off from the kids areas which can get pretty crazy during the day. The jogging track is usually not very crowded either. Actually the whole ship, while at certain spots at certain times can feel crowded, but in general it is so big that there are a ton of places you can go and just chill out if you explore.

Thanks!

How close of quarters will we be with our dining cohort? Not particularly eager to make friends for three days.

 

[The Albatross]

Ah ok. I wasn't too big of a fan the Boardwalk but the greater boardwalk area is one my favorite places on property. Transportation to the Studios is limited to boat and walking. The one thing I hated was that it takes 2 additional stops after getting picked up at the boardwalk to get to the Studios. If you're staying in the villas, though, it might be just as quick to walk to the neighboring Swan/Dolphin resort and get picked up/dropped off there.

We're pretty interested in walking. Heard it's about a mile to Hollywood Studios. I was so tired of the busses to and from Animal Kingdom when I went with my family last year that I think I'd rather control my own destiny in that way.

What do you mean by two additional stops? Does it stop at Swan/Dolphins en route?

We'll go to Hollywood Studios but probably just for one day/half day. I think we'll end up at Epcot and the Magic Kingdom most of the time.

 

[muteki]

Thanks!

How close of quarters will we be with our dining cohort? Not particularly eager to make friends for three days.

Most of the tables are 8 chairs a piece, with larger ones for big groups. They seem to do a decent job placing you with people that are around the same age as you, that have kids if you do, that have cruised before or not, or are travelling from a similar area. At least for both our cruises we always ended up eating with other 20-something couples with no kids. You are in close quarters, but others should be relateable at least.

And as I said, there are other options available if you just want to do something else. But the food and service is great, and the restaurants are decorated like crazy so I'd try to go to each of the 3 at least once.

 

[flyover]

We're pretty interested in walking. Heard it's about a mile to Hollywood Studios. I was so tired of the busses to and from Animal Kingdom when I went with my family last year that I think I'd rather control my own destiny in that way.

What do you mean by two additional stops? Does it stop at Swan/Dolphins en route?

We'll go to Hollywood Studios but probably just for one day/half day. I think we'll end up at Epcot and the Magic Kingdom most of the time.

The boat goes Epcot > Boardwalk > Beach/Yacht > Swan/Dolphin > Hollywood Studios (and reverse). From park to park, it's about 20 minutes, and there are (I think) two to four boats going at any given time.

The walk from Boardwalk to Epcot is cake. To HS, it is about a mile. If it's hot or you're just sick of walking, it's not fun. But otherwise, not so bad. And you can always walk one way and boat back. I hate the buses. I avoid them at all costs -- especially at the end of the day. I almost always rent a car, and if I don't, no Animal Kingdom that trip.

I love staying at the Boardwalk area (especially Beach Club), but that's probably because I like walking around World Showcase more than any other part of the parks.

 

[Jailer of Hope]

Walking to DHS might actually be faster than boat depending on how long you have to wait for one. The boat really isn't that bad. It can take a little longer than expected to get there because you already feel so close, though.

 

[RetroMG]

Just in case anyone is interested, we have a community here on GAF that plays the Mafia Game over the forums, and one of the games that's starting up is themed around Disney Princesses attacking one another in an effort to root out the Disney Villains hiding among them.

More info (and signups) are here.

 

[The Albatross]

Yeah, we're staying at Boardwalk because we love Epcot World Showcase. It's so damn unique, and the ability to walk over there and drink around the world is worth it... Plus walking through Epcot to take the monorail to Magic Kingdom is a big plus. Last time in Disney, my sister's and I would do the drinks around the lake near Magic Kingdom, at the Polynesian, Grand Floridian, and Contemporary, and then take the monorail to Epcot, go around the world there, and then head back. It was great.

 

[flyover]

Yeah, we're staying at Boardwalk because we love Epcot World Showcase. It's so damn unique, and the ability to walk over there and drink around the world is worth it... Plus walking through Epcot to take the monorail to Magic Kingdom is a big plus. Last time in Disney, my sister's and I would do the drinks around the lake near Magic Kingdom, at the Polynesian, Grand Floridian, and Contemporary, and then take the monorail to Epcot, go around the world there, and then head back. It was great.

That's just the kind of thing my wife and I do, too! I love taking the water taxis around the MK hotels: the ones you mentioned and Wilderness Lodge. A few years ago, we passed through Orlando on our way to a space shuttle launch and spent the day just cruising around those hotels, since we didn't have passes for the parks. It was great.

Speaking of the MK hotels, in December, we stayed in one of the newer rooms at the Polynesian, and I'll never do that again. If I splurge and stay on-site, it's Beach Club or bust. The location of the Polynesian was great, the rooms were well-designed and beautifully outfitted, and it was probably the noisiest hotel I've ever stayed at -- which is saying something, considering you have to assume most hotels will be pretty noisy. The construction was so cheap. You could hear every conversation from adjoining rooms, every footstep from above, and each toilet flush from every side. (And God help you if someone with a room in your hallway is puking.) If that kind of thing doesn't bother you though, it is otherwise fantastic.

 

[Jailer of Hope]

My stay at the Polynesian last October sounded a lot better. lol Those buildings are pretty old though, even if the studios are brand new. I think you can get a little unlucky when it comes to noise level and such. We stay at the Grand Californian all the time at Disneyland, and it's great, but we must've been put in a loud spot or something last month. My last stay at the Beach Club we were staying club level and they put is in a room right next to the lounge kitchen.

 

[flyover]

Yeah, you're right. I'm sure it can vary even within resorts. The very first night I ever stayed at Beach Club, I was in one of the rooms closest to (and facing) Epcot on a night when there was an all-night party with dance music going on in the park. Once I realized what was going on ("I thought the park closed over an hour ago?"), I asked to switch rooms, got one facing another direction, and BC went straight to the top of my rankings. But if I hadn't been able to switch, I'd never have stayed there again.

 

[NipplesAndToes23]

Watched Mulan yesterday for the first time in years. Parts og the beginning didn't resonate with the adult me, but overall the movie was still prone to give me the feels.

 

[Rapscallion]

Anyone watch the Disneyland 60th anniversary special?

It was an odd program. Aside from some performances at Disneyland, a segment with Josh Gad in the park, and a sneak peak at Star Wars Land, the whole thing felt more like a commercial for the Disney corporation than a commemoration of the park. The focus of the special was mostly on the Disney movies, and not the park at all. It almost felt like Disney wanted to do their own Grammys (which it was held at the same place the Grammys are usually held) and used the 60th anniversary to do so.

 

[Jailer of Hope]

Anyone watch the Disneyland 60th anniversary special?

It was an odd program. Aside from some performances at Disneyland, a segment with Josh Gad in the park, and a sneak peak at Star Wars Land, the whole thing felt more like a commercial for the Disney corporation than a commemoration of the park. The focus of the special was mostly on the Disney movies, and not the park at all. It almost felt like Disney wanted to do their own Grammys (which it was held at the same place the Grammys are usually held) and used the 60th anniversary to do so.

It was kind of like Disneyland Forever. Despite the name it's mostly about the movies and not the park itself. But Disneyland Forever is probably now my favorite fireworks show.

I did enjoy some of the performances though. Ne-yo's Friend Like Me was great and hearing Kermit sing Rainbow Connection is always fun.

 

[zeemumu]

This seemed like the right place to leave this:
http://attractionsmagazine.com/preview-marvels-haunted-mansion-1-comic/

They had some Haunted Mansion comics a while back but this is supposed to be a new run.

 

[Christopher]

Jailer if you had the perfect magic kingdom experience in Disney would where would you stay which resort in each tier? Also what resturant would you choose?

I've been to Disney a LOT probably going to give It one last big push then retire it for a bit

 

[Jailer of Hope]

Jailer if you had the perfect magic kingdom experience in Disney would where would you stay which resort in each tier? Also what resturant would you choose?

I've been to Disney a LOT probably going to give It one last big push then retire it for a bit

I haven't stayed everywhere, but my breakdown for resorts would probably be:

Deluxe - Contemporary Resort
Moderate - French Quarter
Value - Pop Century

I'll explain more in depth when I get off work and add my thoughts on food as well.

 

[Jailer of Hope]

Sorry Christopher. I didn't follow-up earlier because I had an end of the month crunch at work lol.

Anyways, regarding resort stays, I don't necessarily gravitate towards one overall. A lot of it has to do with which room category I want to go for. I love the Contemporary but it essentially hinges on staying in the main tower, because I love that either side of the tower has a great view. If that's not an option I'd go for either the Polynesian or Beach Club. I don't care too much about views at those two, but I enjoy the location and the rooms. The only DVC rooms I've stayed at were a studio at the Polynesian and a 1-bedroom at Wilderness Lodge. Both I enjoyed. I haven't stayed at the Yacht Club because I just end up defaulting to the Beach Club. I haven't stayed at Animal Kingdom either, but that's probably after my stay at Grand Floridian next month.

I haven't stayed at any moderates... lol. I did say the French Quarter because that would probably be the first I'd try out. The theme looks great and it's a compact resort. Pop Century has a good layout and it's just a short walk to Art of Animation. It also has a dedicated bus which may not always be the case at the All-Stars depending on how busy/slow it is.

For food I actually prefer to eat at Downtown/Disney Springs most of the times. A few of the new places like Boathouse and Morimoto are great. In park, a few I like are Be Our Guest, Le Cellier, and Via Napoli. I think my favorite resort ones are Citricos, Boma, and Hoop Dee Doo Revue. Disney Springs and most of the resort restaurants are pretty safe bets when it comes down to actual food quality. I'm a little more cautious in-park because quality isn't always consistent, even if the last visit was great. Some are fun experiences though, like 50s Prime Time. Funnily enough, my favorite Disney restaurant ever is actually Napa Rose in the Grand Californian at Disneyland lol.

 

[maxcriden]

Hey all,

Is there any reputable place to get discounts on Disney tickets for Orlando? (Or Universal for that matter?) Okay with paying full price but would prefer not to if it's avoidable.

Thanks!

 

[Jailer of Hope]

Hey all,

Is there any reputable place to get discounts on Disney tickets for Orlando? (Or Universal for that matter?) Okay with paying full price but would prefer not to if it's avoidable.

Thanks!

undercovertourist.com

The savings aren't the biggest, and it mostly depends on the length of the ticket, but they're trustworthy and reliable.

 

[Christopher]

Sorry Christopher. I didn't follow-up earlier because I had an end of the month crunch at work lol.

Anyways, regarding resort stays, I don't necessarily gravitate towards one overall. A lot of it has to do with which room category I want to go for. I love the Contemporary but it essentially hinges on staying in the main tower, because I love that either side of the tower has a great view. If that's not an option I'd go for either the Polynesian or Beach Club. I don't care too much about views at those two, but I enjoy the location and the rooms. The only DVC rooms I've stayed at were a studio at the Polynesian and a 1-bedroom at Wilderness Lodge. Both I enjoyed. I haven't stayed at the Yacht Club because I just end up defaulting to the Beach Club. I haven't stayed at Animal Kingdom either, but that's probably after my stay at Grand Floridian next month.

I haven't stayed at any moderates... lol. I did say the French Quarter because that would probably be the first I'd try out. The theme looks great and it's a compact resort. Pop Century has a good layout and it's just a short walk to Art of Animation. It also has a dedicated bus which may not always be the case at the All-Stars depending on how busy/slow it is.

For food I actually prefer to eat at Downtown/Disney Springs most of the times. A few of the new places like Boathouse and Morimoto are great. In park, a few I like are Be Our Guest, Le Cellier, and Via Napoli. I think my favorite resort ones are Citricos, Boma, and Hoop Dee Doo Revue. Disney Springs and most of the resort restaurants are pretty safe bets when it comes down to actual food quality. I'm a little more cautious in-park because quality isn't always consistent, even if the last visit was great. Some are fun experiences though, like 50s Prime Time. Funnily enough, my favorite Disney restaurant ever is actually Napa Rose in the Grand Californian at Disneyland lol.

Thank you so much.

Also buy your tickets from Disney - safe and easy

 

[RowdyReverb]

Disney Crossy Road just came out and it has some excellent Disney fan service. You get to play in different areas, including the Haunted Mansion with the actual sounds from the attraction. Get it now

Disney Crossy Road by Disney
https://appsto.re/us/O4By-.i

 

[TEJ]

Sorry for not having posted here in ages, I just got back on a regular computer of my own for the first time since early 2015. Zootopia was great. I finally joined the disney movie club.

I was hoping that spacepirate ridley would have made an updated list of movies for the intro, but he hasn't contacted me in ages. If you're there please note me. if anybody wants to help me update things to current films if he can't, that would be great. Also a list of upcoming animated films would be good too.

I'm hoping I can breathe new life into this thread, and any suggestions for the opening post would be appreciated.

 

[The Albatross]

Sorry Christopher. I didn't follow-up earlier because I had an end of the month crunch at work lol.

Anyways, regarding resort stays, I don't necessarily gravitate towards one overall. A lot of it has to do with which room category I want to go for. I love the Contemporary but it essentially hinges on staying in the main tower, because I love that either side of the tower has a great view. If that's not an option I'd go for either the Polynesian or Beach Club. I don't care too much about views at those two, but I enjoy the location and the rooms. The only DVC rooms I've stayed at were a studio at the Polynesian and a 1-bedroom at Wilderness Lodge. Both I enjoyed. I haven't stayed at the Yacht Club because I just end up defaulting to the Beach Club. I haven't stayed at Animal Kingdom either, but that's probably after my stay at Grand Floridian next month.

I haven't stayed at any moderates... lol. I did say the French Quarter because that would probably be the first I'd try out. The theme looks great and it's a compact resort. Pop Century has a good layout and it's just a short walk to Art of Animation. It also has a dedicated bus which may not always be the case at the All-Stars depending on how busy/slow it is.

For food I actually prefer to eat at Downtown/Disney Springs most of the times. A few of the new places like Boathouse and Morimoto are great. In park, a few I like are Be Our Guest, Le Cellier, and Via Napoli. I think my favorite resort ones are Citricos, Boma, and Hoop Dee Doo Revue. Disney Springs and most of the resort restaurants are pretty safe bets when it comes down to actual food quality. I'm a little more cautious in-park because quality isn't always consistent, even if the last visit was great. Some are fun experiences though, like 50s Prime Time. Funnily enough, my favorite Disney restaurant ever is actually Napa Rose in the Grand Californian at Disneyland lol.

Good tips, couple thoughts to add.

I stayed at the Animal Kingdom Disney Vacation Club last year, and I've got a few thoughts:

• Very cool hotel and some good unique perks. Being able to go onto your deck and look out at the animal reserve is awesome. Seeing giraffes eating shit at 8am is great and unique.
• Long walk for most of the rooms from the lobby. I'm talking like... 1/3 of a mile to walk to my room from the lobby. This sucked especially after a long day of walking. It was a solid 8-10 minute walk going from the lobby to my room. It made me less likely to want to mill about the hotel because it was a drag to walk to the lobby... I know this is crazy, but it was a bummer. My room was like half the way around the complex too... If you were the whole way around I think it might be close to a mile maybe.
• Great restaurants and a pretty good, unique bar in the ANimal Kingdom hotel.
• Long walk between the DVC rooms and the main hotel, I only walked there once because it was a long and inconvenient walk down a road, not through hotel or anything else.
• It's one of the furthest hotels from every park, and there were a few late nights leaving whatever park that I was pretty bummed taking a fairly long, someone crowded shuttle back to my hotel.
• The Vacation club pool is a good one, with a good bar right next to it. I went swimming with my nephew there each night, he is ~5 and he loved the slides. They had one small slide and one large slide. There was also this whole water fort area that was a blast, but we were there in November and it would drop into the 60s at night so it was a little too cold for that... but we still really enjoyed it.

Otherwise it's a really great hotel. The restaurants are great IMO because they're not your typical disney burger joint. They have those options, but you get some interesting food and good drinks. The bar was small but had good margaritas and a decent beer and tequila section. I was staying separate from the rest of my family (I didn't think I could come on the trip but was able to go), so I was staying at the Animal Kingdom alone while they were at the Bay Towers at the Contemporary. I don't mind vacationing alone, but finding a good bar and some things to do at the hotel (even if it's just relaxing somewhere comfortable and reading & having a drink) is important to me.

For lower priced places, I'd definitely second the Port Orleans or French Quarter resorts. Those are the lowest priced resorts that don't feel like sprawling apartments. I really didn't enjoy my stay at Pop Century when I stayed there because, as an adult traveling with my siblings w/ no kids, I felt like there was nothing there for us to do . When we went, there was no bar, no restaurant other than the cafeteria, and nothing to do at night around the hotel. Our rooms were also a long blistering walk from the lobby and the pool was shadeless, just a bit rectangle with no areas to hang out in. It's good for traveling to Disney on a budget, but given the opportunity, I would have spent another $40/night and stayed at Port Orleans.

Also, the busses to and from Pop Century and similar large resorts are PACKED, standing room only going to and from the parks.

My wife and I are headed back and staying at the Boardwalk this august for the tail end of a longer vacation to the gulf coast.

 

[brian577]

Has Disney done away with digital rentals? I checked to see if I could rent the TFW and it has buy only on Vudu same with Amazon and iTunes. I just rented Inside Out and Tomorrowland a few months ago on the same service and they're both by only. Same with all Disney, Star Wars and newer Marvel movies.

 

[PdotMichael]

Just got into Disney's Wernher von Braun - Man in Space stuff.

Putting the history of von Braun aside. I wish we would get more stuff like that today which teaches science stuff in such a "science, fuck yeah!" way to children.

 

[Sesuadra]

How is the movie about Walt? Was thinking about watching it.


Thanks DisneyGAF

 

[manzoman96]

How is the movie about Walt? Was thinking about watching it.


Thanks DisneyGAF

Walt Before Mickey?

If that's the one you're asking about, I really enjoyed it. Couln't stop laughing seeing Jon Heder as Roy Disney though I just kept expecting him to ask Walt for some tots haha. He does a great job though.

 

[SpacePirate Ridley]

Theres a walt disney biography movie and I didnt know about it!?

Seems its only of his youger years, talking about his multiple jobs and when he met Ub Iwerks.
If theres the part when they created Oswald it could be super cool, but the most interesting part of Walt is from when he met Iwerks until his death, and not finish a movie with just the start.
And its a tv movie I suppose?

Going to watch it though, im a fan of Walt Disney, even if he was a super jerk in parts of his life.

Edit: just watched it. Thankfully the movie starts from when he met Ub Iwerks and not before. Its a cool little movie, but its feels too much TV movie and invents a large part of the things that happened in strange ways. For example Ive never seen mentioned anywhere the Kansas part where he has money problems being that horrible in the documentaries and biographies ive seen (and the mouse part is a little too much), all the Mintz parts are laughably bad in terms of villiany. Yes Mintz was a horrible person, but when you read the real history it always tries to counter it with his wife Wrinkler, that was a super important part and here appear like in 2 scenes, you really never understand the final grudge Walt has with Mintz if you never read anything about it before, because that part flies. Like wtf was Oswald? What this movie tells me is it was this not important part of walt's life (lol at the bouncing checks during the oswald part when the studio was super good shape and had a team of 20 animators, nobody left because of the "kansas repeat" fritz freleng says in the movie) when in reality it was super big and he cared a lot and thats why he falls completly down when he loses him and his animators. And then using Plane Crazy as if it was some sort of triumph... thats really not true, plane crazy test screening was a failure and never found a distribution, it was Steamboat Willie after having sound which catapulted disney and iwerks to fame, and its a such a well known fact that it stranges me they decided to do the ending with Plane Crazy.
Or the final character cards trying to paint Disney as some kind of saint? Look, im a big fan of Walt, but some of the things in those cards are absolutely not true. Iwerks stayed friends with Disney forever? Yeah no, its a lot more complicated (and well known) than that. He didnt have a grudge against Mintz? Not what the majority of documentaries and books say, etc...
I dont know, its a cute movie but strange in some of the liberties it takes.

 

[MikeHattsu]

Looks like Disney Movie Rewards in the UK is shutting down. Just got this mail:

As a valued member of Disney Movie Rewards, our priority is to keep you informed about our program. So it is with regret that we have to inform you that Disney Movie Rewards will be closing at midday (12PM) on 28 September 2016.

Please note that you will only be able to redeem and spend points up to midday (12PM) on 28 September 2016

They updated the terms and conditions on their site as well with the closing info:
http://www.disneymovierewards.co.uk/page/terms-and-conditions.htm

 

[peteykirch]

Just booked a week at the Animal Lodge Kidani Village for the week before Thanksgiving.

I cannot wait to go down, this will be the first time my GF ever stepped on Disney property, I just hope she ends up enjoying it as much as me.

Got a studio for the first 2 nights, and then a 1 bedroom villa for the following 5.

 

[Christopher]

Just booked a week at the Animal Lodge Kidani Village for the week before Thanksgiving.

I cannot wait to go down, this will be the first time my GF ever stepped on Disney property, I just hope she ends up enjoying it as much as me.

Got a studio for the first 2 nights, and then a 1 bedroom villa for the following 5.

$$$$$.

Did you get free dining or any discount?

 

[peteykirch]

$$$$$.

Did you get free dining or any discount?

I'm renting points from someone, total is a shade under 1500 for 7 nights. If I paid cash to Disney it would be roughly 3700 for the same time frame.

 

[Jailer of Hope]

Just booked a week at the Animal Lodge Kidani Village for the week before Thanksgiving.

I cannot wait to go down, this will be the first time my GF ever stepped on Disney property, I just hope she ends up enjoying it as much as me.

Got a studio for the first 2 nights, and then a 1 bedroom villa for the following 5.

Those 1 bedrooms at Kidani are nice. 2 baths unlike most other resorts.

 

[nicoga3000]

Just booked a week at the Animal Lodge Kidani Village for the week before Thanksgiving.

I cannot wait to go down, this will be the first time my GF ever stepped on Disney property, I just hope she ends up enjoying it as much as me.

Got a studio for the first 2 nights, and then a 1 bedroom villa for the following 5.

My wife and I want to stay there and Wilderness one day. We typically stay at our home resort (BCV) since we almost always go during Food and Wine.

We are going to Hawaii soon and are ending our trip at Aulani. We've heard great things, so I'm pretty excited.

 

[peteykirch]

My wife and I want to stay there and Wilderness one day. We typically stay at our home resort (BCV) since we almost always go during Food and Wine.

We are going to Hawaii soon and are ending our trip at Aulani. We've heard great things, so I'm pretty excited.

We were going to do the Wilderness Lodge, but the construction really turned me off. I've been there before, so I know how beautiful it can be, I didn't want my GF for her first time experience the WL to be marred with construction going on.

 

[The Albatross]

Just booked a week at the Animal Lodge Kidani Village for the week before Thanksgiving.

I cannot wait to go down, this will be the first time my GF ever stepped on Disney property, I just hope she ends up enjoying it as much as me.

Got a studio for the first 2 nights, and then a 1 bedroom villa for the following 5.

Stayed there at the same time same hotel 2 years ago... Had a great time. I've posted some thoughts about Animal Kingdom just up a few posts from your's.

Terrific hotel, only drawback was the long walk. I'd encourage you to try to request a room closer to the lobby... but you might not have much control over that.

 

[XGRaViSmOrSX]

A little over two weeks and I'll finally be down in Disney again after 3-4 years. It'll be my first time down there for the flower/garden festival, I'm pretty excited to see what that's all about.

Since I've been going to disney for a long time I need some new/different stuff to do. Does anyone have experience with the guided tours that they have in the parks? I did one years ago at the disney institute, for animation, and it was amazing. Figure with the DVC discount it'll be worth it for the 4-5 hour ones that are under $100 just for something to do. Any ones to recommend? Just curious before I schedule the tours.

 

[nicoga3000]

A little over two weeks and I'll finally be down in Disney again after 3-4 years. It'll be my first time down there for the flower/garden festival, I'm pretty excited to see what that's all about.

Since I've been going to disney for a long time I need some new/different stuff to do. Does anyone have experience with the guided tours that they have in the parks? I did one years ago at the disney institute, for animation, and it was amazing. Figure with the DVC discount it'll be worth it for the 4-5 hour ones that are under $100 just for something to do. Any ones to recommend? Just curious before I schedule the tours.

I've done an abbreviated "Keys to the Kingdom" tour for an ASCE continuing education event I went to. That was fun. Lots of interesting bits of information and trivia that I hadn't previously known as a Disney nut.

We're going to Food & Wine (again!) for my birthday this year, and we're going to do the "Behind the Seeds" tour. Living with the Lands is one of my favorite attractions in all of Disney, so that tour is a no brainer. I've heard amazing things about it, too.

 

[The Albatross]

A little over two weeks and I'll finally be down in Disney again after 3-4 years. It'll be my first time down there for the flower/garden festival, I'm pretty excited to see what that's all about.

Since I've been going to disney for a long time I need some new/different stuff to do. Does anyone have experience with the guided tours that they have in the parks? I did one years ago at the disney institute, for animation, and it was amazing. Figure with the DVC discount it'll be worth it for the 4-5 hour ones that are under $100 just for something to do. Any ones to recommend? Just curious before I schedule the tours.

We did the early morning behind the scenes Walt Disney World tour about 3 years ago, my sister and I. Was definitely worth it and it also got you early admission into the Magic Kingdom about an hour before everyone else. Was a great experience, well executed. I don't know what they call it though.

 

[XGRaViSmOrSX]

I've done an abbreviated "Keys to the Kingdom" tour for an ASCE continuing education event I went to. That was fun. Lots of interesting bits of information and trivia that I hadn't previously known as a Disney nut.

We're going to Food & Wine (again!) for my birthday this year, and we're going to do the "Behind the Seeds" tour. Living with the Lands is one of my favorite attractions in all of Disney, so that tour is a no brainer. I've heard amazing things about it, too.

We did the early morning behind the scenes Walt Disney World tour about 3 years ago, my sister and I. Was definitely worth it and it also got you early admission into the Magic Kingdom about an hour before everyone else. Was a great experience, well executed. I don't know what they call it though.

Appreciate the feedback. I'm likely going to do the keys to the kingdom at magic kingdom and the futureworld: undiscovered at epcot. I will also likely do the behind the seeds tour at the land, since that is one of my favorite spots and always wanted to see a bit more.

 

[Rapscallion]

Moving to San Diego in the summer. Currently trying to figure out if it's cost effective to buy an annual pass to Disneyland.

 

[RetroMG]

Moving to San Diego in the summer. Currently trying to figure out if it's cost effective to buy an annual pass to Disneyland.

If you're planning to go more than five days in a year, I would say yes, but that's just me.

(Possibly fewer than that? I don't know the prices off hand for California residents.)

 

[Christopher]

What's your favorite dining locations everyone ? One for each park! I want to go off site but I feel the time will cut into park time too much

 

[RetroMG]

What's your favorite dining locations everyone ? One for each park! I want to go off site but I feel the time will cut into park time too much

Land or World? I only know land, so:

Disneyland: Plaza Inn - the fried chicken and mashed potatoes are AMAZING, and until recently, it was the best place in the park to watch the fireworks. (Doesn't work as well for the Disneyland Forever show.)
California Adventure: Does Ghiradelli count? I get a big chocolate chip cookie from there on every trip.

 

[Bear Force One]

Haven't sampled enough places to know, but speaking of food, if you're at Magic Kingdom and haven't tried the Mac n Cheese covered in a layer of pot roast, you have failed this city. Place is in Fantasyland and is called Friar's Nook.

http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2014/05/12/review-pot-roast-macaroni-and-cheese-at-friars-nook/

 

[peteykirch]

Tomorrow is my 180 day and I can get my ADRs started

 

[Bear Force One]

Hitting the parks again on Wednesday and staying at The Swan on property that night for my birthday!

Best part is reservations
At Morimoto Asia at Disney Springs!!!

 

[Jailer of Hope]

Hitting the parks again on Wednesday and staying at The Swan on property that night for my birthday!

Best part is reservations
At Morimoto Asia at Disney Springs!!!

Get the tempura shrimp.

 

[Bear Force One]

Get the tempura shrimp.

That already sounds amazing.