MomsFavoriteStuff
05-18-2007, 08:22 AM
My Trip
Arrivals ?
We flew into Orlando International Airport and took the Magical Express. It was actually very easy. After checking in at the main desk (similar to a rental counter area) we were told to stand in a resort ? specific line. It turns out that the bus was already there and getting ready to leave, but there was room for us. We were asked to fold our double stroller and put it below the bus, and then got on the bus. The bus ride was very comfortable ? it?s a motor coach, and was air conditioned. One note is that you aren?t allowed car seats on the bus, so you have to stow them below.
We had reservations at the Port Orleans ? French Quarter, and that was the first stop on the bus. It became apparent to us very quickly that the FQ was the smaller of the hotels as we were the only ones on our packed bus to get out. Checking in was a breeze, and we received our room keys that also work as park admission and meal plan vouchers. I had UPS?d myself a package and they had record of it on my room reservation. It was at the Riverside resort, so it took several hours to make its way to our room. We also used Disney luggage service and approximately 3 hours after landing, our luggage was delivered directly to us. I had requested bed rails and a crib, and the housekeeping staff brought them about 20 minutes after we arrived. Apparently, if you want two rails, you specifically have to mention that ? they originally only brought us one.
The Hotel ?
The French Quarter is definitely smaller than Riverside, so it was nice with two small children. We requested a river view room on the 1st floor of Building 6, and I would definitely do that again. The river view side was very quiet, and it was great being able to walk right up to our room. Building 6 is conveniently located near the bus, food court, and pool, without being too close.
We only used the pool twice ? but my kids loved the heated kiddie pool! Depending on the time of day though, it got really packed! The larger pool was not heated, and was a little overwhelming for my little ones. There are life vests and towels available right at the pool, as well as a pool bar.
The Buses ?
The buses, and transportation in general, was my biggest complaint, although not all that bad. It was more the inconsistency than anything that annoyed us. Our last morning, so much time went by without buses that one family had to take a cab to avoid missing their princess breakfast (it was almost 30 minutes that we stood there with absolutely no buses to any of the parks coming by). Other days, the bus was quick and easy. French Quarter only has one bus stop, and it?s usually the first one of Port Orleans, so that definitely was great ? we always got a seat and were usually the first ones dropped off.
We also tried to use the boat service but waited 25 minutes without a boat. The driver of a boat to Riverside said that it would be a longer wait, so we gave up and took a bus.
The Food ?
We used the Disney Meal Plan and definitely thought it was worthwhile. As you probably know, the meal plan consists of 1 table service credit, 1 counter service credit, and 1 snack credit per day per person ? although you can use them on any day of your trip.
We purchased the refillable mugs at our resort for $12, so anytime we ate at the resort, we picked up a bottle of water and saved it for later.
To maximize the value of the meal plan, it would actually make more sense to use the table service credits on full sit down meals rather than character meals. For example, our Playhouse Disney buffet lunch was $22 plus tax and tip, while my entr?e alone at Alfredo?s in Italy was $32. However, to take advantage of any sit down meals, you really do need to make reservations in advance.
Another idea with the meal plan is to share counter service meals. We had lunch at the Mexican Pavillion, used two adult credits and had way too much food. It may have made more sense to use 1 counter service and then purchase a small item with cash.
Snacks are generally items under $4, so we tried to use our snack credits on things $2.50 and above, while paying cash for other items less than that.
Here?s where we ate (from memory, so I?m sure I?m missing stuff)
MGM
Playhouse Disney at the Hollywood and Vine
Animal Kingdom
Tusker House ? Lunch (great value with the meal plan)
Epcot
Alfredo?s ? table service
Norway ? princess breakfast
Mexico ? counter service (not that great)
Morocco ? counter service (this was SO good)
Magic Kingdom
Cinderella?s Royal Table ? dinner
Crystal Palace ? lunch
Downtown Disney
Cap?n Jacks ? table service
Miscellaneous
The Contemporary ? counter service (good to escape the Magic Kingdom crowds)
French Quarter ? counter service
Riverside ? counter service
Boatrights at Riverside ? table service
Characters ?
Here?s where we saw characters
Animal Kingdom
<UL type=disc><LI class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in">the camp Mickey trails starting at 10am<LI class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in">Lilo, Stitch, and some of the Jungle Book characters can be found around the parkDisney/MGM
<UL type=disc><LI class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in">Mickey/Minnie/Goofy/Chip/Dale/Daisy/Donald/Tigger, etc can be found by the big Mickey hat in the center of the park at 9am, 10am, 11am<LI class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in">Jo Jo and Little Einsteins on Mickey Avenue by the trailers<LI class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in">Toy Story Characters by Al's Toy Barn in the back of the park by the Muppets ride<LI class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in">The Playhouse Disney show had Big Brown Bear in the Big Blue House, Stanley, Jo Jo, and Pooh and Friends on stageThe Magic Kingdom
<UL type=disc><LI class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in">The opening show had characters riding on the train right when the park opened<LI class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in">Characters including princesses can be found inside at the Hall of Fame in Mickey's Toontown Fair<LI class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in">Stitch was in Tomorrowland<LI class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in">Woody and other Toy Story characters do a "Woody's Cowboy Camp" outside the Country Bear Jamboree in FrontierlandEpcot
<UL type=disc><LI class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list .5in">Some characters such as Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, and Pluto can be found in the Character Connection building next door to Club Cool in Future World<LI class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list .5in">Aladdin characters were outside the Moroccan pavilion in the afternoon
Attractions ?
We traveled with a 10 month old and a 2 ? year old ? here?s what they liked ? and didn?t.
Animal Kingdom ?
Rafiki?s Planet Watch ? my toddler loved the petting zoo up there
Kilamanjaro Safari ? she loved seeing the animals, we went at 5pm on a cooler day and there were tons of animals. I carried the baby in a front baby carrier and that worked out well.
Dinoland Dinosaur ride (like Dumbo) ? she loved this, and would have gone on it again and again
Epcot ?
The Seas with Nemo and Friends ? this was a lot of fun, she loved it.
Mexican ride ? it was a little on the boring side, but she asked to go on it again the next day. I think she liked being on a boat.
Magic Kingdom ?
The Aladdin Carpet ride/Dumbo ? loved, loved, loved it, cried when the ride ended.
The Enchanted Tiki Room ? this was a BAD idea. She liked it until the tiki gods came out, and is still having nightmares about that.
Country Bear Jamboree ? this one was a big hit!
Peter Pan ride/Pooh ? couldn?t have cared less about these rides for some reason
Small World ? her overall favorite ? had to go on this one twice
Jungle Cruise ? so unbelievably corny, but fun for the kids
MGM ?
Playhouse Disney show ? this was another big hit, she just loved this show.
Arial show ? another bad idea, she was screaming when Ursula came out and was shaking for the rest of the show
Honey I Shrunk the Kids Playground ? couldn?t get her to leave!
Feel free to ask any questions, I?m sure I missed something!!
Arrivals ?
We flew into Orlando International Airport and took the Magical Express. It was actually very easy. After checking in at the main desk (similar to a rental counter area) we were told to stand in a resort ? specific line. It turns out that the bus was already there and getting ready to leave, but there was room for us. We were asked to fold our double stroller and put it below the bus, and then got on the bus. The bus ride was very comfortable ? it?s a motor coach, and was air conditioned. One note is that you aren?t allowed car seats on the bus, so you have to stow them below.
We had reservations at the Port Orleans ? French Quarter, and that was the first stop on the bus. It became apparent to us very quickly that the FQ was the smaller of the hotels as we were the only ones on our packed bus to get out. Checking in was a breeze, and we received our room keys that also work as park admission and meal plan vouchers. I had UPS?d myself a package and they had record of it on my room reservation. It was at the Riverside resort, so it took several hours to make its way to our room. We also used Disney luggage service and approximately 3 hours after landing, our luggage was delivered directly to us. I had requested bed rails and a crib, and the housekeeping staff brought them about 20 minutes after we arrived. Apparently, if you want two rails, you specifically have to mention that ? they originally only brought us one.
The Hotel ?
The French Quarter is definitely smaller than Riverside, so it was nice with two small children. We requested a river view room on the 1st floor of Building 6, and I would definitely do that again. The river view side was very quiet, and it was great being able to walk right up to our room. Building 6 is conveniently located near the bus, food court, and pool, without being too close.
We only used the pool twice ? but my kids loved the heated kiddie pool! Depending on the time of day though, it got really packed! The larger pool was not heated, and was a little overwhelming for my little ones. There are life vests and towels available right at the pool, as well as a pool bar.
The Buses ?
The buses, and transportation in general, was my biggest complaint, although not all that bad. It was more the inconsistency than anything that annoyed us. Our last morning, so much time went by without buses that one family had to take a cab to avoid missing their princess breakfast (it was almost 30 minutes that we stood there with absolutely no buses to any of the parks coming by). Other days, the bus was quick and easy. French Quarter only has one bus stop, and it?s usually the first one of Port Orleans, so that definitely was great ? we always got a seat and were usually the first ones dropped off.
We also tried to use the boat service but waited 25 minutes without a boat. The driver of a boat to Riverside said that it would be a longer wait, so we gave up and took a bus.
The Food ?
We used the Disney Meal Plan and definitely thought it was worthwhile. As you probably know, the meal plan consists of 1 table service credit, 1 counter service credit, and 1 snack credit per day per person ? although you can use them on any day of your trip.
We purchased the refillable mugs at our resort for $12, so anytime we ate at the resort, we picked up a bottle of water and saved it for later.
To maximize the value of the meal plan, it would actually make more sense to use the table service credits on full sit down meals rather than character meals. For example, our Playhouse Disney buffet lunch was $22 plus tax and tip, while my entr?e alone at Alfredo?s in Italy was $32. However, to take advantage of any sit down meals, you really do need to make reservations in advance.
Another idea with the meal plan is to share counter service meals. We had lunch at the Mexican Pavillion, used two adult credits and had way too much food. It may have made more sense to use 1 counter service and then purchase a small item with cash.
Snacks are generally items under $4, so we tried to use our snack credits on things $2.50 and above, while paying cash for other items less than that.
Here?s where we ate (from memory, so I?m sure I?m missing stuff)
MGM
Playhouse Disney at the Hollywood and Vine
Animal Kingdom
Tusker House ? Lunch (great value with the meal plan)
Epcot
Alfredo?s ? table service
Norway ? princess breakfast
Mexico ? counter service (not that great)
Morocco ? counter service (this was SO good)
Magic Kingdom
Cinderella?s Royal Table ? dinner
Crystal Palace ? lunch
Downtown Disney
Cap?n Jacks ? table service
Miscellaneous
The Contemporary ? counter service (good to escape the Magic Kingdom crowds)
French Quarter ? counter service
Riverside ? counter service
Boatrights at Riverside ? table service
Characters ?
Here?s where we saw characters
Animal Kingdom
<UL type=disc><LI class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in">the camp Mickey trails starting at 10am<LI class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in">Lilo, Stitch, and some of the Jungle Book characters can be found around the parkDisney/MGM
<UL type=disc><LI class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in">Mickey/Minnie/Goofy/Chip/Dale/Daisy/Donald/Tigger, etc can be found by the big Mickey hat in the center of the park at 9am, 10am, 11am<LI class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in">Jo Jo and Little Einsteins on Mickey Avenue by the trailers<LI class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in">Toy Story Characters by Al's Toy Barn in the back of the park by the Muppets ride<LI class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in">The Playhouse Disney show had Big Brown Bear in the Big Blue House, Stanley, Jo Jo, and Pooh and Friends on stageThe Magic Kingdom
<UL type=disc><LI class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in">The opening show had characters riding on the train right when the park opened<LI class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in">Characters including princesses can be found inside at the Hall of Fame in Mickey's Toontown Fair<LI class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in">Stitch was in Tomorrowland<LI class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in">Woody and other Toy Story characters do a "Woody's Cowboy Camp" outside the Country Bear Jamboree in FrontierlandEpcot
<UL type=disc><LI class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list .5in">Some characters such as Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, and Pluto can be found in the Character Connection building next door to Club Cool in Future World<LI class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list .5in">Aladdin characters were outside the Moroccan pavilion in the afternoon
Attractions ?
We traveled with a 10 month old and a 2 ? year old ? here?s what they liked ? and didn?t.
Animal Kingdom ?
Rafiki?s Planet Watch ? my toddler loved the petting zoo up there
Kilamanjaro Safari ? she loved seeing the animals, we went at 5pm on a cooler day and there were tons of animals. I carried the baby in a front baby carrier and that worked out well.
Dinoland Dinosaur ride (like Dumbo) ? she loved this, and would have gone on it again and again
Epcot ?
The Seas with Nemo and Friends ? this was a lot of fun, she loved it.
Mexican ride ? it was a little on the boring side, but she asked to go on it again the next day. I think she liked being on a boat.
Magic Kingdom ?
The Aladdin Carpet ride/Dumbo ? loved, loved, loved it, cried when the ride ended.
The Enchanted Tiki Room ? this was a BAD idea. She liked it until the tiki gods came out, and is still having nightmares about that.
Country Bear Jamboree ? this one was a big hit!
Peter Pan ride/Pooh ? couldn?t have cared less about these rides for some reason
Small World ? her overall favorite ? had to go on this one twice
Jungle Cruise ? so unbelievably corny, but fun for the kids
MGM ?
Playhouse Disney show ? this was another big hit, she just loved this show.
Arial show ? another bad idea, she was screaming when Ursula came out and was shaking for the rest of the show
Honey I Shrunk the Kids Playground ? couldn?t get her to leave!
Feel free to ask any questions, I?m sure I missed something!!