So many things to do, so little time – Disney World

 

image from flickr by Allie Caulfield

 

image from flickr by Occam

  

There are four theme parks and two water parks from which to choose when planning your day’s activities. Our experience has been that one park per day, especially when accompanied by pre-school and most elementary school aged children, offers more than enough activity for a ten hour day. Establishing a logistically sound itinerary between “must do” rides and attractions, including a plan for meals, was essential. We found 6 to 8 spots, with lunch somewhere in the middle, filled a day. If you’re not familiar with the Fast Pass system, make sure you find out how it works. It is critical to minimizing the time spent in ques and is a factor when determining your path through a park.

What we did

She Said:

I just love all the theme parks, and have been going to Disney World almost every year for about thirty years.  I’ve never tired of this, because it seems to be ever changing, and I can’t wait to see what’s new.  It amazes me how they do crowd control.  They program millions of people. My older daughter Heidi and her family had a special “underground” tour, and their host told them one of the ways they did this.  When you first enter the parks, the music is played at a normal rate of speed, but after the fireworks and parades, when you are leaving the park, the music is sped up to get you out of there faster.  And you don’t think you can be programmed!! 

If you can go off season, it makes all the difference in the world. Of course it is less crowed and there are also special events in the off season.  In October my younger daughter, Whitney and I happened to be there during “The Taste of the World” at Epcot.  They had wines and special foods at Pavilions in every country.  We had a great time sampling everything!

There is one other thing that I don’t think many people know.  At the Disney Studio theme park around the area of what used to be the sound stage are some automated glass doors.  When you go inside, there are a group of doors lining the wall.  Go inside the booths and put on the head sets and see what happens.  They were refurbishing that area and I hope they are still there.

He said:

So much about Disney World has been written, and is so easily found in numerous locations, I will limit my comment to an endorsement of Disney’s claim that this is a park for kids of all ages – AARP members included! During our time in the parks I was more than happy to spend time with the “adorables” and, quite honestly, and selfishly, offered to accommodate them in any way necessary so I could act like the kid I mentally still am. It was also very pleasant getting to know Heidi, Scott, his parents, brother and girlfriend. In terms of the familial scrutiny I knew was being conducted, I can report that I was thrilled when Heidi commented to Marla, in everyone’s presence and loud enough for me, specifically, to hear, “we like him, so don’t screw this up”!!  I guess this proves that “when you wish upon a star, your dreams come true”.

Category: Disney World, South, United States, what we didTags: amusement parks, disney, disney planning, what to do at disney |