Disney World?

[AliceLover]

Ok-- So im going to Disney world in 2 weeks for the first time in my life. Ive never been on a vacation, outside of MA, NH, and ME because we have houses down the cape in MA and a family house on a lake in NH. Theres never been any need. My best friend from school invited me to go with him and his family. We are staying at the Disney Carribean Resort (???) and styaing for 6 days.....Ive never been on a plane....

Ok so for those of you who have gone...

Whats it like?
Is there stuff to do for teenagers?
Is it really THAT hot?
Is Mickey Mouse the loveable mouse that everyone thinks he is or is he trying to suck ever penny out of you that you have?
What is there to buy?
Should I bring a lot of spending money?
Am I going to be attacked by a giraffe in the Animal Kingdom?

Thanks
Jimmy

[David]

Originally Posted by AliceLover

Ok so for those of you who have gone...

Whats it like?

All the Disney parks are major fun. You will have a great time. However, you are going very near the peak season, so be prepared for huge crowds & lines. When you arrive in Orlando, ask the hotelier for information on how to visit the park while avoiding the biggest crowds ... & then DO EVERYTHING THAT IS RECOMMENDED.

Is there stuff to do for teenagers?

Plenty.

Is it really THAT hot?

95 or hotter during the day, & because of the humidity only down to the upper 70s or low 80s at night. If you like sultry, blazing, sticky tropical weather, you will be in paradise in Orlando.

Is Mickey Mouse the loveable mouse that everyone thinks he is or is he trying to suck ever penny out of you that you have?

A lot of both, really.

What is there to buy?

Everything under the sun: every kind of food imaginable, gifts, junk, candy, toys, memorabilia, clothes, park relics, etc.

Should I bring a lot of spending money?

You should bring travelers' cheques, some cash (you can always get cash at the park) & of course your credit cards. There's no reason to travel to such a major tourist destination with huge amounts of cash on you--you'll only get robbed & then that will be the end of your vacation.

Am I going to be attacked by a giraffe in the Animal Kingdom?

Possibly. But the odds are far more likely that you will be attacked by mosquitos every day.

Have you read the Disneyworld Web site?

www.disneyworld.com

[jadegypsy]

Well I want there after my high school graduation and had a blast, so yes lots of stuff for teenagers.

Is it really that hot, YES REALLY! the humidity kills you so you will be drinking a ton of water, I stayed at the Carribiean resort too! Buy the "refill unlimited glass" it is well worth the money, and spend a day on the lake area there in the little boats that's lots of fun. Also bring lots of Anti Bug suntant lotion, the mosquitoes will kill you otherwise.

Plan to get to the parks about an hour after opening so you don't have to stand in line and if possible adjust your meal times to 8pm or later so that you can go on the popular attractions during the normal dinner hour.

As for the actual parks, EPCOT is huge it took two very full days to do all of it, best advice start at the back and work forward on one side, that way you have thinner crowds as most do the opposite. The parade/show is great, make sure you can see the middle of the lake for this. Lots of fun shopping, not a lot of rides, but the few there are are neat and more educational.

Disney Kingdom, if you have been to Disneyland then this is no big deal, only takes one day, if not plan on two days and utalize the fast passes, skip Fantasy land if you don't have young kids it's just a headache. Make sure to go on Pirates of the Carribean the Haunted Mansion and Indiana Jones.

Animal Kingdom, really neat safari ride, should be lots of fun, but also the most quiet of the parks, make sure to go on the water rides early as you do get soaked, and you will eventually want to dry off.

Disney Studio (can't remember actual name) Neat but small, about 3/4 of a day, stay for the late Fantasmic show it's much less crowded, oh and the Drive In resurant is fun.

Downtown Disney, lots of great resurants, Cirue del Sol has a great show.

Typhoon Lagoon, if you like water parks this is the best one.

Resturants: Shulas, excellent streak. The one on the top of Contempo (or this may be the name of the resurant?) Hotel (Execlent view of the fireworks and great food), The Polynesisan is a fun dinner, The Aquarium resturant in Epcot is great and you can get croc suasage.

Expect to buy some suvineers but overall everything is decently priced.

Also if you have the time go visit the Kennedy Space Station and awsome day trip and one of my favorite memories from Florida.

Have a blast!

[The Tower]

Hey Jimmy- Geoffrey and I just spent a week there for my birthday back in April. Here's my answers to your blurbs....

Originally Posted by AliceLover

Whats it like?

Animal Kingdom is the best. Since you've never been to Disneyland, you should enjoy the Magic Kingdom. Epcot is pretty good, too. MGM Grand is .... well, there's no other way to put it- it sucks.

Is there stuff to do for teenagers?

It depends on your parental situation. If you have the ability to plan things on your own, then the answer is yes. Otherwise, it might be a little bit more difficult. The main reason is the fact that everything is so spread out. Once you get in Disney World (<---- key word, because it really is a world of its own), you never have to worry about transportation. Buses, the monorail system and, in some spots, the waterway system take you everywhere for free. However, because it's so spread out, you can't just say, "I'm going over to Downtown Disney for an hour or so and I'll meet you back at the Animal Kingdom for dinner and then we're going to hit Epcot." It doesn't work that way.

Is it really THAT hot?

Now it is. When I went it was still somewhat bearable.

Is Mickey Mouse the loveable mouse that everyone thinks he is or is he trying to suck ever penny out of you that you have?

The former. There are no grocery stores or convenience stores in Disney World. When Geoffrey and I went, we stayed at the Villas at Wilderness Lodge and had a suite with a full kitchen and laundry. In order to get groceries, we had to take a 45 minute cab ride to the land outside Disney World and then take a cab back. Otherwise, all the food you eat and drink is prepared and sold by Diznee. And it's not necessarily inexpensive, even though some of the food is "cheap".

What is there to buy?

Everything under the sun.

Should I bring a lot of spending money?

Again, it depends on your relationship with your parents. When Geoffrey and I went, the hotel gave us a Disney Visa card that was tied to our room (and the credit card that was tied to our room). That Disney Visa card is accepted at every single purchase point at every single place within disney world. You can buy churros with it, you can buy shirts with it, you can buy paintings with it, you can buy drinks with it, you can buy anything with it. They accept it everywhere. As soon as your Disney Visa collective hits $1,500.00, they transfer the charges to the room credit card, continuing to do so until you hit your credit card limit. The Disney Visa cards are issued in each person's name- so, if your parents are cool, you should ask them to get you a card.

Otherwise, you are going to need cash!!

This is my Disney "Key to the World" (invalid now, of course)- I kept it as a souvenier.

Am I going to be attacked by a giraffe in the Animal Kingdom?

Nope. The Animal Kingdom is by far the best of all the parks and you CANNOT miss Expedition Everest!!! Geoffrey and I got to ride it the first day it was open to the public- even before the official opening day- and it is indescribable. The best theme park ride I've ever been on, period.


Have a great time Jimmy!!

[paleshadow]

I haven't been to Disney World in years, but I had a great time! I guess it depends on what you are into. If you are into thrill rides, I don't think it's the best place to go.

I liked the MGM park, and Magic Kingdom. Wasn't that fond of Epcot Center, and Animal Kingdom wasn't there when I went.

Since you are staying at a Disney resort, you will get to enter the parks earlier and stay later than the general public, which is the perfect opportunity to hit the attractions that typically have longer lines.

One thing I'm not sure if anyone else mentioned that you'll have to deal with besides the heat, is the chance of severe thunderstorms at any moment! When I went I remember coming out of Space Mountain to a torrential downpour. Everywhere you looked you saw people wearing these yellow Mickey Mouse slickers (sold at every shop). You may want to bring your own rain wear, or buy the Mickey one ahead of time to avoid any surprises. Though it can be pretty scary to get caught in one, the storms are usually over as fast as they begin, so it won't ruin much of your day.

Have a safe trip, and lots of fun!

[Villavic]

Whats it like? Disneyworld is a world apart. When I'm there I really fall in the Dinsey dream. I've been in Disneyland twice, but since it's inside a city, the magic is not the same Magic Kingdom is in a world apart. And if you free your child within you, you'll enjoy it

Is there stuff to do for teenagers? EPCOT has more attractions for teenage than Magic K. MK is actually for children and children at heart. I enjoy both. And of course there is DOWNTOWN DISNEY with discos, clubs, pubs, etc. And. THE WATER PARKS!!!

Is it really THAT hot? June.. it will be HOT. And the dark side of WDW: Lines, lines and LINES!!!!! Get the Fastpass everytime you can. Seek for the main attracctios very early in the morning (Pirates of Caribbean, TrackTest, Space Mountain, Worldship Earth, etc..) since later the waiting time may be 40 min or MORE!!

Is Mickey Mouse the loveable mouse that everyone thinks he is or is he trying to suck ever penny out of you that you have? Both. Mickey is a nice guy, but his parks are really expensive. Clothes, souvenirs, toys, are expensive. REALLY EXPENSIVE.

What is there to buy? Nice clothes, t-shirts, mementos, souvenirs, toys.

Should I bring a lot of spending money? Carry your credit card. Look for other souvenirs in Orlando or Kissimmee (cheaper).

Am I going to be attacked by a giraffe in the Animal Kingdom? I liked Animal K. but not that much. Enjoy the ride in the river and the Dino encounter.

[ryan8472]

Jimmy is going to Disney World! Woo hoo!

The last time I was there, I was 6 years old. So I'm sure it is VERY different now. But I sure had fun!

I hope you have a great time when you go, tho.

[JazmenFlowers]

^^^
yeah, I was 10 the last time I went. I really want to go back. from what I hear, the clubs and nightlife are awesome. screw Space Mountain...where're the go go boys!

[greatdarkwing]

Everyone here has put in some great points. The only other advice I would give is to STRATEGICALLY use the "fastpass" system to avoid the lines. For example: in Magic Kingdom, on the way to Splash Mountain, and Big Thunder Mountain, stop by Space Mountain and pick up a fastpass. Space mountain EASILY has a 1 hour + wait during the entire day....by doing this, you would avoid having to stand in line later. Just read the rules on how to use the fastpasses, but take advantage of them as they are KEY in having you avoid lines

I go to Disney about 4 times a year, Email me if you need more information.

~Alex

[DavidMn]

I havent been there since 2988. But from what I remember, its a really good time.

[carrie721]

Originally Posted by DavidMn

I havent been there since 2988. But from what I remember, its a really good time.

oh my god, david, are you from the future??????

i don't mean to make fun of you, but you've made some funny typos today!

[BTFLCHLD]

I am taking my nephew to Knott's Berry Farm tomorrow.
I have never been to Disney World, but I have been to Disney Land one too many times. I may make an attempt on the Ghostrider (roller coaster) tomorrow if I can brave another near-aneurysm. I burst into tears last time! I may have made the mistake of riding at night...it freaked me the F-out!

The Timber-Twisting Facts About....

The Track: 4,533 feet -- constructed from 2.5 million board feet of treated long-leaf southern yellow pine to blend in with Knott's classic Ghost Town theming.
The Height: 118 feet -- lowest point to highest point. One single, chain-driven lift raises mining cars to the crest of the initial hill, with the laws of gravity providing the power for the rest of the ride.
The Initial Drop: 108-foot banked drop - longest banked wooden coaster drop in the Western U.S. GhostRider reach a speed of 56 mph at an angle of 51 degrees at this point.
Length of Ride: 2 minutes (all this chit in two minutes!)
Speed: GhostRiders reach a maximum speed of 56 mph.
Number of Hills: 14
Number of Crossovers: 10
Number of Bridges: 3
Number of Brakes: 15
Number of Friction Drives: 4
Maximum Track Bank Angle: 42.5 degrees
G-Force: +3.14

Jimmy...Enjoy your trip to Disney World!
Sorry I can't provide any insight. I would like to go one day.

[Patti]

I'm leaving for Orlando tomorrow and the world of Disney. I just sort of skimmed this thread and saw you talking about fastpasses. What are they and where do you get them?

[AliceLover]

Originally Posted by Villavic

Whats it like? Disneyworld is a world apart. When I'm there I really fall in the Dinsey dream. I've been in Disneyland twice, but since it's inside a city, the magic is not the same Magic Kingdom is in a world apart. And if you free your child within you, you'll enjoy it

Is there stuff to do for teenagers? EPCOT has more attractions for teenage than Magic K. MK is actually for children and children at heart. I enjoy both. And of course there is DOWNTOWN DISNEY with discos, clubs, pubs, etc. And. THE WATER PARKS!!!

Is it really THAT hot? June.. it will be HOT. And the dark side of WDW: Lines, lines and LINES!!!!! Get the Fastpass everytime you can. Seek for the main attracctios very early in the morning (Pirates of Caribbean, TrackTest, Space Mountain, Worldship Earth, etc..) since later the waiting time may be 40 min or MORE!!

Is Mickey Mouse the loveable mouse that everyone thinks he is or is he trying to suck ever penny out of you that you have? Both. Mickey is a nice guy, but his parks are really expensive. Clothes, souvenirs, toys, are expensive. REALLY EXPENSIVE.

What is there to buy? Nice clothes, t-shirts, mementos, souvenirs, toys.

Should I bring a lot of spending money? Carry your credit card. Look for other souvenirs in Orlando or Kissimmee (cheaper).

Am I going to be attacked by a giraffe in the Animal Kingdom? I liked Animal K. but not that much. Enjoy the ride in the river and the Dino encounter.

My friends mother already has the Fast Passes, so we are all set with those. I am prepared for the heat, so I got some more shorts and t-shirts. I am also going to try and find some sunglasses. I am also not a hat person, but I am going to try and find one. I'm only 16, but I am going to bring both of my paychecks from the last 2 weeks, so ill bring about 500 spending money. We are right in the Parks so I am sure we will be able to beat the lines and stuff. The only thing really worrying me is.........THE PLANE!!! Ive never flown, and im not even going with my family. Im going with my friend and his family. Oh boy.....ill be a wreck that morning!

[DavidMn]

Originally Posted by AliceLover

My friends mother already has the Fast Passes, so we are all set with those. I am prepared for the heat, so I got some more shorts and t-shirts. I am also going to try and find some sunglasses. I am also not a hat person, but I am going to try and find one. I'm only 16, but I am going to bring both of my paychecks from the last 2 weeks, so ill bring about 500 spending money. We are right in the Parks so I am sure we will be able to beat the lines and stuff. The only thing really worrying me is.........THE PLANE!!! Ive never flown, and im not even going with my family. Im going with my friend and his family. Oh boy.....ill be a wreck that morning!

The plane thing iasnt that bad. I never flew till I was 26, I was scared as hell, but now Ive been all over the world