Disney World PF Gathering and Tips for Disney Mania!

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A gathering for Disney enthusiasts is planned at Disney World during Memorial Day week (May 28 to June 5), inviting others to join for fun activities like measuring the drop rate at the Tower of Terror and pin trading. For those unable to attend, a return trip is already scheduled for Labor Day week (Sept. 3 to Sept. 11), with tips to find deals on the Disney website. The discussion includes a promise to share a shortlist of must-do attractions at Walt Disney World, encouraging contributions from others. Key tips for visiting include utilizing Disney's transportation, making reservations for dining, and understanding ticket expiration policies. The thread fosters community among Disney fans while providing practical advice for an enjoyable visit.
  • #1,551
OK, here are a few pictures from the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights.

mgm19rb.jpg


http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/1558/mgm27bi.jpg
 
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  • #1,552
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  • #1,553
Wow, that's a LOT of lights. :!)

I'm missing out on so much. :cry:
 
  • #1,554
mgm32ya.jpg


mgm58fi.jpg


mgm67le.jpg


Zz.
 
  • #1,555
Evo said:
Wow, that's a LOT of lights. :!)
I'm missing out on so much. :cry:
Even Zz's great photos can't fully do it justice! Oh, and they even had fake snow blowing in from the rooftops to complete the scene. It really is a shame you couldn't join us Evo. You'd have loved it (of course we'd probably be banned from the resort by now for eating the chocolate carousel, but that would be worth it, don't you think?)
 
  • #1,556
Moonbear said:
Even Zz's great photos can't fully do it justice! Oh, and they even had fake snow blowing in from the rooftops to complete the scene. It really is a shame you couldn't join us Evo. You'd have loved it (of course we'd probably be banned from the resort by now for eating the chocolate carousel, but that would be worth it, don't you think?)
They would have to prove we ate it first. :devil:

I've got to find some way to go next time.
 
  • #1,557
And oh, just for the heck of it, on the way out, I took a picture of The Hat. I think I'm kinda partial to this one...

Zz.

mgm85ko.jpg
 
  • #1,558
Oh, the hat picture came out about as perfect as you can get it! The view of it on the camera viewer didn't do it justice at all!
 
  • #1,559
ZapperZ said:
mgm32ya.jpg

mgm58fi.jpg

mgm67le.jpg

Zz.

:cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:
 
  • #1,560
Who went to Disney? Moonbear and Zz?
 
  • #1,561
More pictures from the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights...

mgm90qo.jpg


mgm108ko.jpg


mgm116vf.jpg


Zz.
 
  • #1,562
Wow those lights *are* spectacular. That's one of those things someone would have had to drag me off to see, and then I wouldn't want to leave once I got there.

That's some kickass photography on your part, Zz. Nice work.

So you laughed the whole way on the ride, huh, Moonbear? That's hilarious. I somehow couldn't envision you screeching the whole way, though. Laughing seems appropriate. And, yes, someone really young or way older than you doing something that might freak you out is a source of courage.

I hope you have a terrific day lounging by the pool reading. That sounds like a terrific plan. Otherwise, you'd need a vacation after your vacation. Disney doesn't sound like a real relaxing adventure. However, it does look and sound like a bunch of fun.
 
  • #1,563
Speaking of Moonbie, this is a picture of her... after you feed her with a sufficient amount of booze.

Zz.

mb40qe.jpg
 
  • #1,564
  • #1,565
More pictures...

This is the picture of the tree right in front of the entrance to Disney/MGM Studios during the day, and the same tree at night when it is lit up.

Zz.

http://img345.imageshack.us/img345/9259/tree19gg.jpg

tree22mc.jpg
 
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  • #1,566
GeorginaS said:
Wow those lights *are* spectacular. That's one of those things someone would have had to drag me off to see, and then I wouldn't want to leave once I got there.
That pretty much summed it up for me. I was going for the park, Zz was going for the lights, but once they turned the lights on, and I turned that corner and saw the "streets" lit up with them, I was like a little kid just standing in awe.

I hope you have a terrific day lounging by the pool reading. That sounds like a terrific plan. Otherwise, you'd need a vacation after your vacation. Disney doesn't sound like a real relaxing adventure. However, it does look and sound like a bunch of fun.
Well, so far I haven't done much lounging. Since my resort is a hop, skip and a jump from Epcot (it takes me longer to walk out of the hotel than it does to get to Epcot...this resort is HUGE!), I wandered over there this morning. It started out too cool to sit out by the pool, so I thought I'd take a leisurely stroll around Epcot. I had some fun with pin trading...it's actually a great thing when doing the solo walk around the park...it gave me an excuse to stop and talk with people on my way (yeah, I know, as if I need an excuse to talk). I did some damage to my credit card too...the German area had a shop with Christmas ornaments...the IngeGlas ones that I collect (that's my real collecting addiction...there was a little shop in Covington, KY (just across the river from Cincinnati) just packed with German Christmas ornaments, and I discovered the IngeGlas ones there. Well, now that I've moved, I can only get them by online mail order, but that's tough when you can't just look at the ornaments in person and decide which ones you really like to look at, so I couldn't resist when I walked into that shop and saw them today. Those are being shipped home...I'm not taking any chances trying to get those into my luggage safely, they're far too fragile.

Now it's warm enough for relaxing by the pool, so I'm headed there soon. :approve: I already scoped it out, and as expected, most of the kids are off to parks with their parents, so the huge pool is quite quiet and nearly empty. Perfect!
 
  • #1,567
Disneyland in California has followed Walt Disney World in raising the admission price.

http://www.hotel-online.com/News/2006_Jan_04/k.OCD.1136400753.html

Zz.
 
  • #1,568
Pictures from today at Epcot.

Zz.

epcot19cd.jpg


http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/6048/epcot27ab.jpg

epcot38zb.jpg
 
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  • #1,569
ZapperZ said:
Disneyland in California has followed Walt Disney World in raising the admission price.
http://www.hotel-online.com/News/2006_Jan_04/k.OCD.1136400753.html
Zz.
AGAIN! Jeezy Kreezy!
I hope that us SoCal residents will still get reduced admission, at least on occasion.
 
  • #1,570
ZapperZ said:
Pictures from today at Epcot.
Zz.
epcot19cd.jpg

http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/6048/epcot27ab.jpg
[PLAIN]http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/5356/epcot38zb.jpg[/QUOTE]The[/URL] first one is my favorite.

Great pictures Zz!
 
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  • #1,571
Yes, Zz is doing an amazing job with the photography stuff.

$50.00 per day for a grown-up? Per day? Yikes.

Edit: Right. Links to German Christmas ornaments, please, Moonbear.
 
  • #1,572
Uh oh, G, are you into the German Christmas ornaments too? I'll look up the site of the place I ordered from most recently when I get home...the boxes are still out since my Christmas decorations are still up. Their prices were fair, and everything shipped in one piece and quickly.

Park admission is pretty expensive, but when you do it as a package, like I did, you pretty much only pay for the first two days, and then it's really discounted for each additional day beyond that (I think it was only $2 difference between a 4 day and a 5 day pass when I made my reservations...it's definitely worth booking ahead).

I've also discovered that if you stay at the Disney Resorts, if you're a big eater, the dining plan they offer is a good deal. If you're a small eater like me, I'm certainly getting my money's worth, but am also majorly over-stuffing myself! It's too much food for me!
 
  • #1,573
More pictures from yesterday. These are from Downtown Disney taken on my shopping excursion.

Zz.

dd13mr.jpg


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[URL]http://img202.imageshack.us/img202/4921/dd31ma.jpg
 
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  • #1,574
Evo said:
The first one is my favorite.
Great pictures Zz!
Yeah, I would have to agree! Ooooh! Aaaaah! Pretty!
 
  • #1,575
Evo said:
They would have to prove we ate it first. :devil:
I've got to find some way to go next time.

ME THREE! :biggrin:
 
  • #1,576
Well, Zz is already making plans for his next two trips in June and September, so some more folks should do this next time. He knows more about the parks than the cast members. I definitely recommend the Zz Disney Travel Service. :biggrin: I can't believe I have to go home tomorrow already though. :cry: It's been a great vacation...I didn't go crazy and try to go to everything in every park, just spent a nice balance of time between parks, going on just some rides and enjoying walking around, meeting new people, eating way too much, and relaxing pool side.

Since I slept through most of today, I'll be hitting the Magic Kingdom one last time tomorrow morning and early afternoon before I have to return for the bus back to the airport...I'm going to get to those last few rides I've been wanting to go on but have not had time or have had too long of lines to get on earlier in the week.
 
  • #1,577
Moonbear said:
Well, Zz is already making plans for his next two trips in June and September, so some more folks should do this next time. He knows more about the parks than the cast members. I definitely recommend the Zz Disney Travel Service. :biggrin:

You forgot one important feature of the service - IT'S FREE!

:)

Zz.
 
  • #1,578
More pictures from today's activities. The first is the view from the ferry as it makes its way towards The Magic Kingdom.

out11zo.jpg


The second is the picture of the Christmas tree and the amazing lobby of The Animal Kingdom Lodge.

out37iq.jpg


The last is the view of the wildlife one gets out of one's room at the Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Zz.

http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/4917/out44bb.jpg
 
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  • #1,579
So I assume you are having a great time over there. I am just realizing that my vacation is over. It was a good run though. The highlight of our entire trip there was when we got to open the park as the selected miltary family. The gatekeeper was also nice enough to give us two no-string-attached passes, as he put it, which are essentially fast passes that can be used at any time. We got to drive through Magic Kingdom before it opened in this interesting fire engine looking car. Of all the rides that we went on we thought that the best ride was Soarin'. What do you think? Also did Mission Space honestly kill someone?
-Scott
 
  • #1,580
The last is the view of the wildlife one gets out of one's room at the Animal Kingdom Lodge.
Cool, Zz - now that is something I could go for. Can I play with the big cats? :biggrin:
 
  • #1,581
Astronuc said:
Cool, Zz - now that is something I could go for. Can I play with the big cats? :biggrin:
The Wilderness Lodge was a beautiful resort. The pictures Disney put up on their travel site didn't do it justice! If I visit again, I'm seriously thinking of staying there next time. It's not as convenient to the parks, so a bit less crowded, and with the animal park surrouding the lodge, all the nice shade trees around the property, and the pool being secluded amidst a scenery of rocks and taller plants, it was about as tranquil as you can get on Disney property (it IS Disney afterall, so there are those really short people called children running around no matter where you go :-p :biggrin:).
 
  • #1,582
Well, I love animals and I would appreciate less crowded. Hey, I could go visit the Withlacoochee Swamp. :biggrin:
 
  • #1,583
Moonbear said:
The Wilderness Lodge was a beautiful resort. The pictures Disney put up on their travel site didn't do it justice! If I visit again, I'm seriously thinking of staying there next time. It's not as convenient to the parks, so a bit less crowded, and with the animal park surrouding the lodge, all the nice shade trees around the property, and the pool being secluded amidst a scenery of rocks and taller plants, it was about as tranquil as you can get on Disney property (it IS Disney afterall, so there are those really short people called children running around no matter where you go :-p :biggrin:).

Moonbie means the Animal Kingdom Lodge, not the Wilderness Lodge. She must have been tired. :)

The Wilderness Lodge is also set out in the woods with an impressive lobby also, but no animals. So that is certainly another option if one wants a resort that looks secluded. While the Wilderness Lodge has no wild animals, unlike the Animal Kingdom Lodge, it has a convenient access to the Magic Kingdom via a boat ride.

Zz.
 
  • #1,584
Rumors are again running rampant about the impending deal of Pixar and Disney, causing Pixar's stock to soar to record high.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/orl-bk-pixar010506,0,2951124.story

Zz.
 
  • #1,585
Welcome home Disney trekers! Great photos! Looks like everyone had a good time. Even Chuck:rolleyes:
 
  • #1,586
I've just dropped off Moonbie back at her resort for her to catch the bus to the airport. I'm going to miss her <sniff>. She really made this trip very special, especially on my birthday.

We still have a couple of days left here at WDW, and will leave Orlando late Sunday. So there's still plenty of time to do more stuff, and do more shopping, especially for pins.

Will upload pictures from today later... Here's hoping that other PF'ers will consider joining us on our future trips to Disney World.

Zz.
 
  • #1,587
More pictures from today.

The first one is the outside of It's A Small World. We did this very early in the morning, so it wasn't crowded and we managed to walk right up to the boat.

http://img435.imageshack.us/img435/8181/mk16tt.jpg

We then, of course, did the Dumbo ride!

http://img327.imageshack.us/img327/2159/mk39dy.jpg

We then had lunch at the Crystal Palace. This is another of those dinning with the characters. This time, it was with Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore, and Piglet. The food was unusually good for a buffet restaurant at the Magic Kingdom. The picture here is the tree they had in the restaurant. Be warned that there is a higher than average ratio of kids to adults in this restaurant.

http://img367.imageshack.us/img367/5358/mk28kx.jpg

Finally, we went to the Grand Floridian resort, hoping to see the Gingerbread House. Unfortunately, they took it down 2 days ago! So we missed it. We still got to see the amazing tree they had in the lobby, so this is the picture of that.

mk49hf.jpg


It was a very good day...

Zz.
 
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  • #1,589
Well, I guess Moonbear has departed.

Have a safe trip Moonbear.


Zz - I guess Chuck and your other friends are still there. How many of you this trip?
 
  • #1,590
Well, the ONLY way I'm ever going to Disney World is with Zz! :approve:
 
  • #1,591
Astronuc said:
Well, I guess Moonbear has departed.
Have a safe trip Moonbear.
Zz - I guess Chuck and your other friends are still there. How many of you this trip?

There are only three of us on this trip. However, I'm meeting up with a couple of my friends tomorrow. They are Disney cast members. So I don't consider them to be counted on this trip.

Zz.
 
  • #1,592
Evo said:
Well, the ONLY way I'm ever going to Disney World is with Zz! :approve:

You'd better! I'd be crushed if you go with someone else!

:)

Zz.
 
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  • #1,593
More pictures...

On this trip, I'm staying at my new "home", which is the Saratoga Springs as part of the Disney Vacation Club resort. This is the view from my balcony, one during the day, and the other at night. It looks directly at Pleasure Island in Downtown Disney.

Zz.

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  • #1,594
ZapperZ said:
The new baby elephant at Disney's Animal Kingdom made its public appearence at the safari ride. Too bad we didn't get to see it while we were on this attraction.
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/pictures/LBV20.htm
Zz.
I wish I could have stayed a few more days to see that! I really wanted to see the baby.

Yep, I'm back home. It's 20 degrees with snow flurries. :cry: I want to be back at Disney. Do you think I can get the mouse to adopt me?

It was a great last day, although a bit chilly. The cold seemed to have kept the crowds away from the park, so we had little to no wait to get on rides all morning, which pretty much meant we got onto everything at the Magic Kingdom...the Haunted Mansion, It's a Small World, Thunder Mountain Railroad, Space Mountain, The Carousel of Progress (that hasn't made much progress :smile:), The Tomorrowland Transit Authority, yes, the Dumbo Ride, and since Zz "dragged" me onto the Dumbo ride, I made him join me on the carousel. :biggrin:

Lunch was fantastic...it was fun dining with the characters, and the food was excellent too...much better than I was expecting. I had expected that the buffet would be more basic, and you were really paying for the characters to provide the entertainment, but the buffet had a wonderful selection.

Oh, Astronuc, Disney also has a campground if you'd prefer that over the posh hotel experience. :biggrin: They really do their best to provide something for everyone and to just make everything easy. I didn't even have to figure out what time to go to the airport...they left me a little note yesterday at the room telling me what time to get the Disney Magical Express bus back to the airport, which got me there in plenty of time.
 
  • #1,595
Moonbear said:
I wish I could have stayed a few more days to see that! I really wanted to see the baby.
Yep, I'm back home. It's 20 degrees with snow flurries. :cry: I want to be back at Disney. Do you think I can get the mouse to adopt me?

Oh, the mouse will adopt you any time, but it'll cost ya. It's called the Disney Vacation Club! :)

[Remember: Money Grabbing Mouse]

Since the Animal Kingdom Lodge seems to be a major selling point for some people, I thought I'd post more pictures from there, so here they are. Just think, you could see giraffes out of your hotel window each day!

Zz.

http://img474.imageshack.us/img474/9527/akl17re.jpg

http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/8681/akl23jj.jpg

akl30kz.jpg
 
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  • #1,596
Moonbear said:
Yep, I'm back home. It's 20 degrees with snow flurries. :cry: I want to be back at Disney. Do you think I can get the mouse to adopt me?
Wow, that warm! :biggrin: That's T-shirt and bare feet weather.
Moonbear said:
Oh, Astronuc, Disney also has a campground if you'd prefer that over the posh hotel experience. :biggrin:
Cool. :cool:
 
  • #1,597
Oh, when we were at the Animal Kingdom Lodge eating at the Boma restaurant there, we had a fabulous tea called African Autumn. It was such a tasty tea that I immediately dragged Zz and Chuck off to the gift shop to see if we could buy it there (okay, I didn't have to drag anyone, they wanted to pin shop anyway, so it worked out for everyone). I was disappointed to find I couldn't buy any tea there, but I've just found it on Amazon! Zz, just in case you're interested, I thought I'd share that. I know I'll be ordering the loose tea (you can also get it in "sachets" ...you know, those things us ordinary, non-gourmet types call tea bags :-p). It is just the thing to sip while sitting in front of a fire reading books.
 
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  • #1,598
Moonbear said:
Oh, when we were at the Animal Kingdom Lodge eating at the Boma restaurant there, we had a fabulous tea called African Autumn. It was such a tasty tea that I immediately dragged Zz and Chuck off to the gift shop to see if we could buy it there (okay, I didn't have to drag anyone, they wanted to pin shop anyway, so it worked out for everyone). I was disappointed to find I couldn't buy any tea there, but I've just found it on Amazon! Zz, just in case you're interested, I thought I'd share that. I know I'll be ordering the loose tea (you can also get it in "sachets" ...you know, those things us ordinary, non-gourmet types call tea bags :-p). It is just the thing to sip while sitting in front of a fire reading books.

Thanks Moonbie. I'm sure I'll order it when I get home.

We had a very long day. Went early in the morning to Disney/MGM Studios (extra Magic Hours for Disney Resort guests), and then hopped over to the Wilderness Lodge for lunch as Whispering Canyon, which contrary to its name, is one of the loudest places I've ever eaten in, and then ended the day at the Magic Kingdom.

Tomorrow, reality will sets in. Will spend the day at Epcot before we make our way back to the airport late afternoon. This vacation is almost over. :(

Will post pictures from today later..

Zz.
 
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  • #1,599
Pictures from today. This will probably be the last pictures I'm posting while I'm at WDW. After this, I'll post more after I get home.

This picture is the main building at the Wilderness Lodge.

http://img474.imageshack.us/img474/5900/out18iz.jpg

This is the view from the boat approaching the Wilderness Lodge.

out28nn.jpg


"Follow the yellow brick road!", from Wizard of Oz in The Great Movie Ride.

http://img375.imageshack.us/img375/5237/out44bm.jpg

And this is the front shot of The Tower of Terror, where Moonbie couldn't stop laughing all the way down...

out39hv.jpg


Zz.
 
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  • #1,600
*sniff sniff* I miss it already! :cry: Thanks for the pictures of the Wilderness Lodge. It's going to be tough choosing a hotel for the next visit. I suppose the only solution will be to keep visiting until I've tried them all. :biggrin:
 

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