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[Leatherface]

WOOT! I'm going to Disney for my birthday this year (Oct 3rd)!! I'm totally pumped to experience everything Disney has to offer for my first Halloween time visit! Anyone here go in October before? How are the crowds? What should I check out? What about Disney easter eggs? Telll Meee!

Anyway, I know there are a ton of die hard Disney fans here at GAF, so I was hoping some of you would share some neat Disney secrets, tips, and maybe a few money saving tricks. What are the under appreciated Disney things I should be looking for (that are sometimes overlooked)? Is "Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween" worth the extra ticket price? How about ways to get discount park passes? Any advice, secrets tricks and first hand experiences are welcomed! Thanks GAF!

So EXCITE!

 

[Buckethead]

Don't go to Epcot. Get the fast pass. Enjoy the milfs.

 

[Rorschach]

Rent a wheel chair to skip all the lines. :3

 

[Leatherface]

Don't go to Epcot.

WAT?! Epcot has my favorite fireworks AND I can drink around the world. U crazy. lol

Rent a wheel chair to skip all the lines. :3

Ooo. That's dirty.

Spoiler

I'll keep that in mind tho. :lol

 

[Escape Goat]

Ahh, memories of elementary school halloween parties...watching Disney specials, getting scared watching Sleepy Hollow cartoon at home. Those were perfect days...


But back on topic I can't help ya much. Don't be afraid to reserve a hotel farther out from Disney as you'll pay a butt ton more the closer you get and since you'll likely be staying there all day you'll only be making 2 trips per day.

 

[Jeff Albertson]

We're going in a couple of weeks staying at Coronado Springs resort, can't bloody wait.

10 days of the dining plan is going to be awesomely fattening.

Dole Whip here I come!!!

 

[Leatherface]

P.S.- I'm turning 34 :lol :lol

Hamburglar- I've got lodging covered. I'll be at Orange lake resort (non Disney, but right there basically). I'm taking advantage of my in-laws timeshare so we skate free on that expense. *phew*

We're going in a couple of weeks staying at Coronado Springs resort, can't bloody wait.

10 days of the dining plan is going to be awesomely fattening.

Dole Whip here I come!!!

Is the dining plan for Disney Resorts only or can I purchase separately somehow? Oh, and Have fun man! Food and Wine Expo should be at Epcot around then. :rock

 

[DeathbyVolcano]

I'm going in about a month, and I have a free pass

 

[joeyjoejoeshabadoo]

Ah, Disneyworld. Yeah, I got nothing for you. I'm about to go for the first time next year.

We're going in a couple of weeks staying at Coronado Springs resort, can't bloody wait.

10 days of the dining plan is going to be awesomely fattening.

Dole Whip here I come!!!

Can you elaborate on the Disney Dining plan? They really didn't go over it on the vacation planning DVD. Obviously you have to eat on property but are all restaurants included or just select ones?

 

[Leatherface]

Ah, Disneyworld. Yeah, I got nothing for you. I'm about to go for the first time next year.

ah man. My first time was a few years ago. Mind. Blown. I thought a random billboard was a ride. I was like "why is there a ride on the side of the road like that?" :lol

Have fun dude. There's nothing like the first time at Disney World. Unless you have a cold black heart, you'll feel like a wide eye'd 12 year old no matter what your age is.

 

[way more]

Bring your own turkey leg.

and

 

[DarkKyo]

ah man. My first time was a few years ago. Mind. Blown. I thought a random billboard was a ride. I was like "why is there a ride on the side of the road like that?" :lol

Have fun dude. There's nothing like the first time at Disney World. Unless you have a cold black heart, you'll feel like a wide eye'd 12 year old no matter what your age is.

Agreed. It blew my mind when I was a kid and when I went back two years ago Disney did it again.

 

[Gallbaro]

Disney Dining Plan:
Do not do it! Too much food in too little sittings. I literally have a photo of me and my son staring at a ginormous desert looking absolutely full and tired. And we can eat!
Edit: You can't anyway as you are staying off property.

Disney Food:
Most of it sucks, has really gone down hill since they introduced and because of the dining plan.

Le Cellier in Canada at Epcot is absolutely fantastic, France at Epcot has a fantastic bakery in the bake were the pastries where just like in Paris. Boma, at the Animal Kingdom Lodge which is our home resort is the best but most expensive buffet in the world.

Parks:
Get to the parks at opening, you will get more done in the first hour than you would in several hours later in the day.

Plan on Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios being half days.

Since you are staying off property and cannot do extra magic hours, plan to go on days when the park does not have extra magic hours, this will reduce the crowds. e.g. If Magic Kingdom has Extra Magic hours that day, go somewhere else!

 

[Freakinchair]

Do NOT skip Epcot. I've been to Disney World probably about 10 times now (and I live in Canada!:lol ) and Epcot is my favorite park. The best way to visit the parks is to do it during weekdays (weekends they get SUPER full) and to stay at one of the Disney World resorts. They have a bus system that takes you from the resorts to the parks (buses arrive every 5 to 10 minutes). Some of the resorts, like the Dolphin, actually have a boat that you can take every 20 minutes which brings you to MGM studios. So when we stayed there we would go to MGM by boat, take the bus from MGM to Magic Kingdom and then take the monorail to Epcot for the fireworks and dinner at night! Another bonus to staying at the resorts is (unless theyve changed it) that you can have early access to the parks depending on the day. Having that extra 1 hour in the morning when its nice and cool out to explore the park (when nobody is around!) is amazing.

*Fake Edit* Woops, just read that you're staying outside Disney but I'll just leave the above info incase you go back or other people are planning a vacation

For food the meal plan is pretty good depending on where you want to eat but I'm not sure if you can use the credits from it on the more expensive restaurants. If you want to make the most of it eat at the various restaurants in Epcot. My favorites are Mexico and Germany (Buffet!). However make sure to avoid France, due to expensiveness and small portions, unless you're just going to their little pastry corner in the France "alley". The pastries at the Norwegian section are also very good! For a more expensive (but amazing!) meal you can try the aquarium restaurant in the southeast corner of Epcot. They're tuna steak is incredible. If you do plan on eating at any of the Epcot restaurants make sure you make reservations at least a day, or more, beforehand as they get booked up very very quickly.

As for entertainment and number of attractions I would rate the parks as follows:

Magic Kingdom > MGM Studios > Epcot > Animal Kingdom

That's not to say Animal Kingdom isnt fun - there are alot of GREAT attractions there - it's just that if you want to fill up your day with activities there's more to do at MK and MGM.

My favorite attractions at each park are as follows:

Magic Kingdom: Buzz Lightyears Space Ranger's Spin (tied with Haunted Castle)
MGM: Studios Backlot Tour (tied with Great Movie Ride)
Epcot: Test Track (honorable mention to Spaceship Earth)
Animal Kingdom: Kilimanjaro Safari's

I'm not a big fan of the super wild rides, so if those are your fancy then go for those instead!

For fireworks I prefer the Epcot fireworks over the MK fireworks as the ones at Epcot are easier to see and the show is usually a lot longer. Not sure if they do this anymore but the fireworks at Epcot also go along with a music track that gets played around the lagoon.

Finally: Be prepared to wait in line alot, especially for the more popular attractions (like space mountain -.-) and get the "fast pass" tickets way in advance for em. Also be prepared to be walking around ALOT.

 

[Hazmat]

I've never gone to the after-hours Halloween thing, but if it's anything like the Christmas thing you should definitely go. Great atmosphere, short lines, and there were stations all over the park giving out cookies and hot chocolate.

 

[FOOTE]

See about renting a villa for the week instead of staying at a Disney hotel. That's all I can say for sure will save you a load of money, although it might be too late to reserve one and probably you already have that stuff set up. (edit and you do, great job)

But, anyone in the future looking to take a trip to Disney World, rent a villa and take the extra 15 minutes to drive there every day.


I've never been for Halloween time, I really want to go sometime though- so I envy you right now OP. Been there for Christmas and summer(a few times). Never gone for 4th of July, I doubt I could stand it then though.

 

[Palmer_v1]

I've been to Disney World a few times. I also would suggest skipping Epcot, as it was the always the most boring one, IMO.

Best rides: The Matterhorn(sp?), Space Mountain, Tower of terror. The tower in particular was a lot of fun, and seemed to have very short lines compared to the other parks. I believe the Aerosmith rollercoaster is nearby, and supposed to be decent, but it was closed last time I was there.

For non-ride attractions, my favorite was the Indiana Jones experience, or whatever it's called. A pretty amusing show. My wife and I also got tickets for Cirque du Soleil: La Nouba at Downtown Disney. It was a great show, though the tickets can be pricey. It was well worth the price to me.

Edit: The other reason i avoid Epcot is they only really have two rides. The Test Track, which is actually pretty cool, and the spaceship simulator, which I would be extremely weary of. If any ride was going to make you violently sick, this is the one. I'm normally great with spinny rides, and those moving 3d type, but I had to sit down for almost an hour after this ride before I felt good enough to move around again. If you're going for the big rides, it's probably better to skip Epcot, but if you like to sight-see and relax, Epcot has a nice atmosphere.

 

[Gallbaro]

I've been to Disney World a few times. I also would suggest skipping Epcot, as it was the always the most boring one, IMO.

EPCOT is the second best park, with Test Track, Soarin and Mission Space.

Best rides: The Matterhorn(sp?), Space Mountain, Tower of terror. The tower in particular was a lot of fun, and seemed to have very short lines compared to the other parks. I believe the Aerosmith rollercoaster is nearby, and supposed to be decent, but it was closed last time I was there.

Wrong Coast, I assume you are talking about Expedition Everest.

For non-ride attractions, my favorite was the Indiana Jones experience, or whatever it's called. A pretty amusing show. My wife and I also got tickets for Cirque du Soleil: La Nouba at Downtown Disney. It was a great show, though the tickets can be pricey. It was well worth the price to me.

Also for those who have not been there in the past year.

They refurbed space mountain and covered the waiting area. The result is space mountain feels like a new ride!

 

[Palmer_v1]

EPCOT is the second best park, with Test Track, Soarin and Mission Space.
Wrong Coast, I assume you are talking about Expedition Everest.


Also for those who have not been there in the past year.

They refurbed space mountain and covered the waiting area. The result is space mountain feels like a new ride!

Yup, I had the wrong coast for the Matterhorn, but having been on both rides, I can confirm that they are pretty similar overall.

You gotta remind me, what is Soarin?

and like I said in my edit above, Mission Space can be a disastrous choice for a ride.

 

[Gallbaro]

Yup, I had the wrong coast for the Matterhorn, but having been on both rides, I can confirm that they are pretty similar overall.

You gotta remind me, what is Soarin?

and like I said in my edit above, Mission Space can be a disastrous choice for a ride.

Soaring is the hang Gliding simulator that is actually pretty nice.

And I rode Mission Space before they created the tame version, it IS a very intense ride and took me out for the rest of the day.

 

[FOOTE]

Soaring is the hang Gliding simulator that is actually pretty nice.

And I rode Mission Space before they created the tame version, it IS a very intense ride and took me out for the rest of the day.

Is Soaring the one where you

Spoiler

fly over a (orange field?) and you smell oranges?

Yeah that ride is epic.

 

[dark_chris]

Wouldn't disney world be less crowded since summer is over and not many traveling people?

 

[Gallbaro]

Wouldn't disney world be less crowded since summer is over and not many traveling people?

The parties are packed.

http://www.touringplans.com/tp2/UG2_index.php?PageID=14

 

[Chairhome]

That's my birthday as well! I live in Orlando but have only been to Disney with my daughter recently. I believe the Food and Wine Festival at epcot starts in october,so look into that. Have fun!

 

[Leatherface]

The parties are packed.

http://www.touringplans.com/tp2/UG2_index.php?PageID=14

This is really neat. Thanks! Is there any way to see the week of Oct. 2nd- the 9th? Why does it start at the 9th?

That's my birthday as well! I live in Orlando but have only been to Disney with my daughter recently. I believe the Food and Wine Festival at epcot starts in october,so look into that. Have fun!

I'm totally looking forward to it! Love Epcot. Food and Wine festival make it even better!

October 3rd is your birthday too?! ha! :rawk

 

[megashock5]

Don't go to Epcot. Get the fast pass. Enjoy the milfs.

WRONG. Epcot is awesome. Go to Le Cellier in Canada. And do Mission Space (the orange line)

But yeah, get Fast Passes.

Magic Kingdom=Epcot>Hollywood Studios>Animal Kingdom

(but definitely go to Hollywood Studios just for Toy Story Mania)

 

[Leatherface]

I'm doing it all baby! I love all the parks honestly. Each has their own strengths and draws for me. Anyway thanks for the responses so far guys. Some great posts!

Morning GAF- Anyone have some Disney stuff to share? tips/tricks/suggestions? Money savers?! Tanks.

 

[red shoe paul]

My girlfriend and I have a trip in January all paid for and we're huge fans of Disney. I've been a handful of times and so as she. I'll be looking over this topic from time to time.

Also Epcot is incredibly boring, and I'm not sure why you guys like it. Mission Space is the only decent thing there.

 

[Relix]

Disney's not too full in October, no need for Fast Pass IMO. UNLESS, you go to the Halloween Fests, then it usually gets full... UNLESS.... you go a weekday.

Parks:
MGM
Magic Kingdom
Epcot (just for Mission Space/Orange Line... the sphere itself is a nice ride as well)

I go there yearly, usually in Spring or Fall (this year I went Spring, next year I already have a ticket reserved for Spring with some friends). So enjoy it, it truly is an awesome and fun place.

EDIT: Remember to get the Multi Park one. Just be efficient with your time and what rides you want, then get on the Monorail to the next park as soon as you can :lol

 

[SteveMeister]

Animal Kingdom is my wife's & my favorite park. It closes early compared to the others, so get there at opening.

We can spend hours & hours watching all the animals. And the Safari ride is never the same, so it's sometimes worth going at different times during the day because the animals' activities change. The parade is great, Expedition Everest is great, and there's good food.

If you have kids, there's a dinosaur-themed area with lots of rides for younger kids, plus a big play area where kids can dig for fossils, climb around & stuff. You can spend a couple hours in that part by itself.

There's also the Dinosaur ride nearby which is pretty cool.

Finally it's just a gorgeous park, the most beautiful of the Disney parks. It's a bit more relaxed than Magic Kingdom, and much easier to get in & out of (the parking lot is right at the gate, so no monorails or ferry to take once you park).

Go to Animal Kingdom, then after it closes head over to Epcot for dinner & fireworks. But make your dinner reservations first!

 

[Leatherface]

Also Epcot is incredibly boring, and I'm not sure why you guys like it. Mission Space is the only decent thing there.

U R crazy!!! Epcot is awesome! It's a totally different experience though. It's not focused on rides as much as the other parks, but as an adult it's a great place to be. The week I'm going is the International Food and Wine expo and the fireworks are THE BEST in all of Disney (IMO of course). There's nothing better than having a little buzz from a nice glass of wine/beer and watching the spectacle of fireworks to top off the night. Then, when it's all done, race over to the monorail just in time to catch some of the light parade / Fireworks at Magic Kingdom. Maybe hit up a few of my favorite attractions (the Haunted Mansion / Pirates are both heavenly at night!) <3 <3

 

[ahoyle77]

Went the first week of October three years ago. Had a great time. I believe Epcot will have food and wine festival going on. If so thats fantastic. And I am shocked at the Epcot hate here. Easily my favorite park.

I also stayed at Orange Lake about 4 years ago, and its a great resort, but honestly I was there at night, so its not like we took too much advantage of the facilities.

As for planning, use wdwinfo.com and disboards.com. They have good information there. PM me if you want more specific information, I'll be glad to email you about stuff.

 

[Leatherface]

Went the first week of October three years ago. Had a great time. I believe Epcot will have food and wine festival going on. If so thats fantastic. And I am shocked at the Epcot hate here. Easily my favorite park.

I also stayed at Orange Lake about 4 years ago, and its a great resort, but honestly I was there at night, so its not like we took too much advantage of the facilities.

As for planning, use wdwinfo.com and disboards.com. They have good information there. PM me if you want more specific information, I'll be glad to email you about stuff.

Oh cool. Thanks bud!! I have a quick question for you. "Mickey's Not so Scary Halloween". Did you go to this on your visit? If so is it worth the extra ticket price?

 

[ahoyle77]

I did not...as my son was just about to turn 3, and staying that late was not an option. It looked fun, but in my mind I couldnt justify the cost. To me, your just paying that premium for the parade and a few other things. The decorations are virtually the same, and thats the main thing I was interested in seeing.

I also went in December and didnt pay for the Christmas party either.

 

[Jokergrin]

Animal Kingdom is my wife's & my favorite park. It closes early compared to the others, so get there at opening.

We can spend hours & hours watching all the animals. And the Safari ride is never the same, so it's sometimes worth going at different times during the day because the animals' activities change. The parade is great, Expedition Everest is great, and there's good food.

If you have kids, there's a dinosaur-themed area with lots of rides for younger kids, plus a big play area where kids can dig for fossils, climb around & stuff. You can spend a couple hours in that part by itself.

There's also the Dinosaur ride nearby which is pretty cool.

Finally it's just a gorgeous park, the most beautiful of the Disney parks. It's a bit more relaxed than Magic Kingdom, and much easier to get in & out of (the parking lot is right at the gate, so no monorails or ferry to take once you park).

Go to Animal Kingdom, then after it closes head over to Epcot for dinner & fireworks. But make your dinner reservations first!

How's Elder Scrolls V coming along Steve?

 

[ryan-ts]

I can show you the world..... shining, shimmering, splendid.

Tell me, princess, now when did you last let your heart decide?

 

[Einbroch]

Get this:

And be happy.

 

[stldave2]

Le Cellier in Canada at Epcot is absolutely fantastic, France at Epcot has a fantastic bakery in the bake were the pastries where just like in Paris. Boma, at the Animal Kingdom Lodge which is our home resort is the best but most expensive buffet in the world.

I came in here to post those two exact things. Usually when I go I get a late breakfast/brunch at a buffet like Boma (I avoid the character breakfasts, ala 1900 park fare at the Floridian). Then you can grab a snack in whatever park you are in... then get an early dinner to avoid the crowds. I usually stay at AKL just so I can eat at Boma everyday:lol

It has been a few years since I have been (I'm going again in October), but my favorites were always:

MK:
-Royal Table (in the castle, why not right? They have awesome punch:lol)
-Tonys Town Square

Epcot:
-Le Cellier
-France (whatever that restaurant is called)
-Coral Reef is a ripoff, but cool atmosphere

MGM:
-SciFi Drive-in*
-50's primetime cafe*
*food is just blah, but the atmosphere is awesome. You're in Disney, right?

AK:
-Go somewhere else to eat, if you want animal shit go to the Rainforest Cafe in Downtown Disney



But the MUST DO thing for any Disney-Gaffer? Go to Beaches & Cream between the Yacht Club/Beach Club. Eat a ton of ice cream then go next door and game in the arcade.

 

[yankeehater]

My wife is super into Disney and I showed her this thread and she said to post these tips for you:

Arrive to the gates 20-30 minutes before opening so you're one of the first ones in the parks (Disney usually opens their gates about 15 minutes early). Getting there this early will help a ton because most rides will be walk-ons and the crowds will stay lightest for 2-3 hours. You'll get more done during this time than during the rest of the day if you arrive on time.

Fast Pass everything you can. Learn when you can get a new fast pass. And know that YOU DON'T HAVE TO USE THE FAST PASS DURING THE RETURN WINDOW. You can use it at anytime the rest of the day, as long as the first time on the return window has passed.

If you want to eat at any of the table service restaurants, make reservations now. Walk ups are hard to get.

Take an afternoon break to refresh yourself, then go back at night and stay til the end, when again, crowds can be a bit lighter.

If you're not taking advantage of parks offering extra magic hours, avoid them for that day as they will be busier than the others.

I also want to say that I rank the parks Epcot > Animal Kingdowm > Magic Kingdom > Hollywood Studios
Epcot is great for the drinking around the world. I had so much fun doing that my last trip. The food at disney is unmatched anywhere. Make sure to check out Ohana if you get the chance. I love that place, we are going to go twice our next trip.

 

[NekoFever]

My birthday's the day after yours. High five!

I'd recommend listening to the Inside the Magic podcast. They've just done an episode about the Halloween events at the various parks around Orlando, and with nearly 300 episodes if there's an aspect of WDW that you're wondering about you can probably find something on it. It's actually really well produced as well.

Lots of videos on the site too.

 

[joeyjoejoeshabadoo]

Get this:

And be happy.

Yes!!! Dole Whip floats are god tier.

 

[Leatherface]

Get this:

And be happy.

Dole Whip right? I haven't tried it yet but I think I will this year. nom nom nom!

 

[Leatherface]

I can show you the world..... shining, shimmering, splendid.

Tell me, princess, now when did you last let your heart decide?

A Whoole new Woooooooorld.. :lol

My wife is super into Disney and I showed her this thread and she said to post these tips for you:

Arrive to the gates 20-30 minutes before opening so you're one of the first ones in the parks (Disney usually opens their gates about 15 minutes early). Getting there this early will help a ton because most rides will be walk-ons and the crowds will stay lightest for 2-3 hours. You'll get more done during this time than during the rest of the day if you arrive on time.

Fast Pass everything you can. Learn when you can get a new fast pass. And know that YOU DON'T HAVE TO USE THE FAST PASS DURING THE RETURN WINDOW. You can use it at anytime the rest of the day, as long as the first time on the return window has passed.

If you want to eat at any of the table service restaurants, make reservations now. Walk ups are hard to get.

Take an afternoon break to refresh yourself, then go back at night and stay til the end, when again, crowds can be a bit lighter.

If you're not taking advantage of parks offering extra magic hours, avoid them for that day as they will be busier than the others.

I also want to say that I rank the parks Epcot > Animal Kingdowm > Magic Kingdom > Hollywood Studios
Epcot is great for the drinking around the world. I had so much fun doing that my last trip. The food at disney is unmatched anywhere. Make sure to check out Ohana if you get the chance. I love that place, we are going to go twice our next trip.

great post. thanks for the tips! :rawk

My birthday's the day after yours. High five!

I'd recommend listening to the Inside the Magic podcast. They've just done an episode about the Halloween events at the various parks around Orlando, and with nearly 300 episodes if there's an aspect of WDW that you're wondering about you can probably find something on it. It's actually really well produced as well.

Lots of videos on the site too.

I will do this. Thanks!

 

[Jim]

If you're going with young-ish kids, make sure to do the Rider Swap every once in a while.
You can basically get two or more rides in a row without having to wait in line (one adult each time).
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/rider-swap/

 

[Einbroch]

Dole Whip right? I haven't tried it yet but I think I will this year. nom nom nom!

Yep. They're worth the trip alone! I grab at least four.

 

[Leatherface]

No kids this trip, but I'll keep that in mind for next time. Thanks bud.

 

[jergrah]

We're going in a couple of weeks staying at Coronado Springs resort, can't bloody wait.

10 days of the dining plan is going to be awesomely fattening.

Dole Whip here I come!!!

Ive taken the family to Coronado Springs before -- great resort! Disney is a blast in general, I remember going the first time as a kid and was just as excited the first time I took my sons.

In response to the OP - I agree that staying close will cost more (thats a fact), but I also think it is the way to go personally. Quicker trips to and from the parks and a lot of times you can have your expenses just tied to your room key (if you are at an official park) and have any purchases made in the parks simply delivered back to your room. Plus being close allows you to go back to the room mid-day for a nap, swimming break or whatever.

Also as mentioned, learn and use the fast pass system. It can make a huge difference if you plan accordingly and space things out just right. For example at MGM, grab fast passes for Rock n Roller Coaster then go ride Tower of Terror and as soon as you get off your FP should be active for the Coaster right next door. And Id suggest seeing a show or two throughout the day, its a nice break from waiting in lines and walking and most of them are really well done.

Im probably going back that way at Spring Break in '11 -- I have twin sons and one is a huge Harry Potter fan so wants to go to the new exhibit at Universal. So we'll probably stay at Disney but spend one day going to Island of Adventure.

Im sure you'll have a blast - enjoy!

Oh yeah - Jim nailed it on the rider swap if you have young ones. Not many people know about it, but it really comes in handy. My sons are now 13, but the first 2 times we went when they were much younger, we used it quite often.

 

[speculawyer]

Disneyworld or Disneyland?

 

[Treo360]

Guys are wusses if Mission space took you out. I went twice on that bad boy just because I could Gary Sinese Eyeliner is heavy on that ride.

Soaring was fun.

The meal plan is all types of awesome, I stayed in Coronado Springs in the last three visits in as many years, they changed the menu though, I remember eating filet mignon (tender and flavorful) or a full rack of bb ribs following it up with some fried cheesecake (heavenly) cost for that meal (with app and drink) was around $90 and counted as 1 table service (which is great!) Sadly the menu now isn't that great, and leans heavily on sea food now (I hate sea food). Peppercorn Market ( I think that's the name) for breakfast/lunch is okay, but gets old real quick.

Careful on making the reservations for the more "thrifty" places or character lunches/dinner, they count as two sittings.

Im probably going back that way at Spring Break in '11 -- I have twin sons and one is a huge Harry Potter fan so wants to go to the new exhibit at Universal. So we'll probably stay at Disney but spend one day going to Island of Adventure.

Get there as early as possible, especially if you're going to the wand shop, then again this is a year out so it will be (or should) relatively dead.

It was so small and insignificant, I kept saying to myself is this it?

 

[seantos]

The have a promotion on free dining right now if your order through their website and are staying in the park (including the campground):

http://bookwdw.reservations.disney....=Promo&promotionCode=fy11dine&market=fy11dine