More Disney Questions

[paelthom]

Okay we are set to go to Disney May 20 - 24, even though it may be a bit hot, it's the best we could do. So I need info from any of you who've been there before. Have you had any experiences good or bad at the following:

Pop Century Resort
The Princess Character Breakfast at Norway in Epcot
The Crystal Palace Restaurant in Magic Kingdom
The Garden Grill Restaurant in Epcot
The Hollywood and Vine Cafeteria in MGM
Water Parks
and
Did you do priority seating for any meals?
What kind of fast food can I expect at the hotels food courts?
Are ice machines available?
Please rate the parks from 1 - 4 according to how much you enjoyed them? 1 being best.
Anything I should just flat out avoid?

[Jessie]

Sorry I can't give you any ratings on those that you have listed. The ones we went to (and it was awhile ago) in Animal Kingdom we went to the rainforest cafe, in Magic kingdom we ate with the pooh characters (can't remember the actual name) and at epcot we ate at the living reef (think that was it) and I can't remember where we ate at MGM? We were very pleased with the ones we went to. A couple were also buffet and great tasting food. I think its very important to get priority seating, there were many people turned away from all the ones we were at because there was no room left. One thing we did there was have a bigger lunch, it's alot cheaper than the price of dinner and then you can walk all those calories off, lol. Then we had sandwhiches at the hotel when we got back, we stayed within the park and then went back to the parks for the evenings events. Things inside the parks are expensive, but I don't think terribly expensive, well considering your in the middle of Disney

Are you staying within the park? Pop Century Resort? Is that inside or close by?

As far as the parks themselves go, I would have to say that Magic Kingdom would rate first, MGM second and then Animal Kingdom, The kids didn't enjoy Epcot that much and we probably won't hit that park next time we go. Sorry, can't rate the water parks, we went at christmas and in the colder months and it was a bit nippy for water rides.

Have you sent away for their free video? They also have some books in the library that rate the different parks and rides and resturants there, I think they might have one of those idiots guide to Disney? Those books can be very helpful sometimes, gives you some pretty good tips.

edited to add, I think the kids were too young to enjoy Epcot, but they did enjoy the tram ride over, LOL.

[SewCrafty]

Pat it has been years since we went to Disney, but I'll tell you all I remember!

Parks

Now remember this is just 2 adults going.
1. Epcot
2. Animal Kingdom
3. MGM
4. Magic Kingdom

They are in that order cuz we're old!!! I love the country portion of Epcot, Animal Kingdom just opened the last time we were there, MGM, if you like rides, then this is the park for you, and lastly Magic Kingdom is fun and we always spent at least 1 morning or afternoon there, but the majority of it (when we were there last) is geared towards little kids.

We have never gone to the water parks.

Don't miss the safari ride in Animal Kingdom and take your camera!! Small World and the Presidents Hall in Magic Kingdom.

Epcot - the first part of the park is all based on science and is a wonderful (fun) learning experience for children and adults. I remember one ride that was a simulator that took you through the human body, it was so neat!! And of course Spaceship Earth is a must too. The second part is World Showcase, when we went Japan had a troop of Japanese drummers that were out of this world! Also 2 or 3 of the countries had 360 Theaters, don't miss them, China was fabulous and I think Canada has one too!

MGM, If you love the movies then this is the park for you, other than that I don't remember too much about this park except the food! And lots of teenagers!

Pop Century Resort is thier newest one, so I can't comment on that. We always stayed at Dixie Landings which is now called Port Orleans French Quarter. You can't go wrong staying at ANY Disney resort. The staff is fantastic, beautiful landscaping, everything is so clean and SAFE!! We saw many young children (8-10) walking the paths after dark within the compound alone! Ice machines are all over the place.

All the resorts have multiple swimming pools, usually a large main one and then smaller side ones that are quieter of course. Abundant laundry facilities on each property. Safe, well lit pathways, you can go bike riding, just reserve a bike and go for a morning ride.

Food

I'll tell you all I remember. It was many years since we did a character breakfast, what I do remember was I had to make the reservations from home (NOW) or you won't get in. We went to the Swan Resort in one of thier restaurants and dined with Pluto, Tigger, Chip and Dale and others. The food was buffet style and fabulous!! The characters stop at EVERY table, so make sure you have your camera, these will be some of the best memory making shots you will get and if Ryan wants autographs, make sure she has a book and pen.

MGM - The Hollywood and Vine Cafeteria is the absolute BEST!!! We had park hopper tickets and would go to MGM everyday just to eat. The best food, lots of it and the price was the best in any of the parks! We also went to 50's Prime Time Cafe, Want to feel like you stepped into the 50's? This place was great, little pricey $15-$25 per person, but great home cooked meals and great wait staff who make you eat all your veggies before you can have dessert!

Animal Kingdom - We ate at the Rain Forest Cafe, we had breakfast there and did not care for the food, it was well made just not to our liking. But do go for a drink, the atmosphere is wonderful and fun. You are sitting under the canopy in a rain forest with wild animals all around.

I don't remember too much about eating in Magic Kingdom or Epcot. I will say this, Disney coffee in any park, sucks!! That is the worst I can say about all of them. The coffee in the food courts is fine, just not in the parks.

The food courts are great, everything is a-la-carte but very good. When you first get there, go to the food court and purchase a mug, it will probably run you about $6 each (maybe more now), but once you pay for it, all your drinks at the food court are free for you length of stay. That is an enormous savings when you figure most drinks everywhere are $2 and up each.

We usually ordered a pizza to be delivered to the room at least once each time we went, whenever our legs were killing us the most. Go to the food court, get your free drink, order your pizza and go back to your room. Pizza will be delivered!

AT the food courts are breakfast, eggs, bacon, french toast that sort of thing. Bagel and pastry station, pasta station, burgers, hotdogs, chicken sandwich and fries and of course pizza. They also have salads, drinks, fresh fruit etc... We have tried it all and found everything very good and much cheaper than eating in the parks except for Hollywood and Vine Cafeteria.

Ask me anything and I'll answer if I remember.

[SewCrafty]

Go to http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/index?bhcp=1 they have lots of info on all the parks and resorts.

[baronmom]

Epcot has the best food, but only if you are interested in a more expensive dinner. We have eaten in Germany and in Norway, and both had excellent buffets but were very expensive. (Germany was all but $100 with tip for 2 adults and 2 kids. Thank goodness ds1 went back to the hotel or it would have been more.)

I was not impressed with MGM at all. The majority of attractions at this park are shows. There are only a handfull of rides. Both times we were there the Rock and Rollercoaster was broke down.

Most hotel food courts are the usual foods like hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza, some have sandwiches and salads, spaghetti and other stuff similar to this. Breakfast was usually pancakes, frenchtoast, cereal, oatmeal, eggs, bacon, sausage, the normal foods you see most often. do buy the refillable cups. They may sound expensive, but if you think of how many times you want a soda, coffee, or juice, you can simply go and fill up as many times as you want with the mug. If you buy them separately, you are going to spend close to $2.00 per drink. Ours cost I think around $8.00, and we filled them about 5 times per day for 5 people. We were there for 6 days.

Have fun when you go. The next time we go, we are going to do the Universal Parks since we have done the Disney parks twice already.

[paelthom]

Thanks for the Great info. I have worn out the disney site and I've watched the video bunches too. Pop Century is on site and it's the newest value resort. I've read a couple of books from the library and bought the Walt Disney World with Kids by Wiley. But still there is nothing like real first hand info from people I trust. You guys always come thru for me. I simply can't wait. I think I'm more excited than Ryan. LOL

[keilley]

I love Disney!

My favorite is MGM, then Magic Kingdom, Epcot then Animal Kingdom.

When you go to Epcot, find out where you can get a cardboard face mask that can be stamped/ country. This will be your kids free souvenir!

If you are tempted to buy souvenirs, there is a character store at the Belz Outlet or at the other outlet stores. These stores have all Disney products a lot cheaper than at the theme parks.

There is also a tram system in Orlando. It is pretty cheap. I believe 25cents. It only runs through International Drive. (where everything is at........horrendous traffic included.

Have fun!

Keilley

[DawnM]

We went for a week last November and had a great time. IMO I would rate the parks: (no little kids in our party though)

1. Epcot
2. MGM
3. Animal Kingdom
4. Magic Kingdom

We did priority seating for quite a few places. California Grill the first night we got there (to have dinner then watch the fireworks from the terrace). Rainforest Cafe, the Sci-Fi restaurant, etc. Oh, and the "girls" did a character breakfast while the guys went golfing. We did Chef Mickey. My dd loved it.

We stayed at All Star Movies. It was fine. We weren't there much - just to sleep and for a few meals. The food courts I found to be pretty good. We had soups and salads, fruit, etc. Lots of choices for any meal. We purchased the refillable cups...we're not big soda drinkers but they had ice tea too... and hot tea, and hot chocolate.

The rockin' roller coaster was a blast!!! My dd loved it. Test Track was fun too. Don't miss Fantasmic .. long wait but worth it. Don't miss "A Bug's Life" and Mickey's Philharmonic!! Fabulous 3-D and different effects. oh, and the white water rafting ride (forget the name at the moment) .. you WILL get soaked! LOL But it's big fun!

Have a great time! Your daughter will love it! We had such a blast. We'd been twice with the kids when they were young but had never stayed right on Disney, and had only gone for a day to Magic Kingdom .. this time it was a whole new experience.

[paelthom]

Thanks guys. I can't wait. I think I want it more than any kid. Maybe I'm starting my second childhood early. LOL

[MANDERS]

Pop century just opened in Dec.We went in Sept.It look pretty cool.A lot like the other value resorts. We stayed at AS Movies.We loved it.There were ice machines huge pool,laundry room,food court,store .We were right next to Andy's room.The food court had everything from pizza to hamburgers and in the morning had cereal and such.Also get a refilable mug it pays for itself.Refills are free.

Never went to any of the restraunts you mentioned,but have done priority seating for Whispering Canyon Cafe,Rainforest Cafe,50's prime time.And also for Donald's Breakfastsourous in Animal Kingdom.the princess breakfast in Norway is popular but a great way to see them all.

We loved everything about Disney and when we stayed in Orlando the last 2 days(we did universal too)we kept going back.We missed it.You feel like your in a different country.

We did Blizzard beach and loved it.THis was our second time.Had so much fun the kids loved the kiddie slides and don't miss summit plummit.You will get a wedgie!

for me and dh we rate the parks from

1.Epcot

2.Animal Kingdom

3.Magic Kingdom

4.MGM

For the kids its

1.Magic Kingdom

2.Epcot

3.MGM

4.Animal Kingdom

 

WE went to each park atleast 2 times with Magic Kingdom coming in first with 5 times,Epcot and MGm second with 4 times and Animal Kingdom 2 times.Don't miss out on Downtown Disney they offer awesome shopping on the west side with the world of disney store (its huge).

We got to hop on every ride with the longest wait the great movie ride in MGM at a 10 min wait.

Make sure you go to www.magictrips.com and look up all the tips and join the message boards they are a great bunch of folks.