Adults who Disney...lets discuss

[McBenny]

Mar 19, 2019 12:30:44 GMT -6 HilarityEnsued said:

Living near Disney is an entirely different conversation, to me at least. When you pay hundreds of dollars for a ticket for a single day, your entire outlook is different than if you have an annual pass and can come and go as you please. There is 1000% less urgency. It's why we have annual passes to basically anything we do around Atlanta... because if you go more than twice a year, it already pays for itself. And then I can go to the aquarium or zoo or children's museum for an hour, leave when my kids starts to act a fool, and return again another time. Or go and just leave if it's too busy.

Yes. I made these people * people in one of my first posts on the matter

[gussie]

Mar 19, 2019 12:41:13 GMT -6 HilarityEnsued said:

despite any Disney plans, you always have to be ready to be flexible on the spot because kids are kids and it's impossible to say how any day will go. We have regularly canceled dinner reservations because we just can't get it together to do yet another thing after hours at the park each day.

Us too but now they charge you if you don’t cancel more than 24 hours in advance and it really sucks. How was I supposed to know 180 days ago that one of my kids would be a monster or MH is complaining that if he walks another step his foot will fall off?

To be fair, I could predict these things will happen every night at Disney.

[inthekitty]

TBH I've never seen much appeal in Vegas. I hate gambling and while I wouldn't mind catching a show they are all so expensive so I don't really get why people like to go there. But to each their own. I love all things Disney, but I'm primarily speaking to Disneyland because I'm a west coaster and that's where I go most often. I love how it is an escape from the world for a few days. I don't have to worry about traffic, I just walk out of my room and right to the parks. I love the rides, but there are also plenty of shows and exhibits. Some of it is nostalgia for me. And the parks definitely have way more attention to detail, friendlier employees, and are much cleaner than other theme parks.

[richard]

I’m planning a trip for late October/early November and was hoping for manageable crowds before Star Wars GE opens. And then they’re opening the damn thing early.

Oh well, already told the kids which was not my brightest moment.

[fancynewbeesly]

We are in the midst of Disney planning...a cruise this summer and DW in the fall.

As of now with DW there are only two restaurants I really want to get reservations for. Until DH mentions a few more. But we make use of the DAS at Disney for DD’s hypoglycemia and leukemia. We also our fast pass family.

[Wtfshouldmynamebe]

We make fastpass, but we change them all the time. I’ve given up on restaurants because my kids don’t care about characters. I decide day of and pick what is available. It’s actually been really fun trying places I have never been too there. German beer hall for the win (I’m not a drunk, really)

[Wtfshouldmynamebe]

Mar 19, 2019 17:41:59 GMT -6 fancynewbeesly said:

We are in the midst of Disney planning...a cruise this summer and DW in the fall.

As of now with DW there are only two restaurants I really want to get reservations for. Until DH mentions a few more. But we make use of the DAS at Disney for DD’s hypoglycemia and leukemia. We also our fast pass family.

We also use a DAS. My son has autism, anxiety and ADHD. Disney is his safe and happy place. Although I will admit one year the only thing that made him happy is riding the boat ride in Mexico over and over. Now he does roller coasters

[abs]

Mar 19, 2019 14:54:26 GMT -6 gussie said:

Mar 19, 2019 12:41:13 GMT -6 HilarityEnsued said:

despite any Disney plans, you always have to be ready to be flexible on the spot because kids are kids and it's impossible to say how any day will go. We have regularly canceled dinner reservations because we just can't get it together to do yet another thing after hours at the park each day.

Us too but now they charge you if you don’t cancel more than 24 hours in advance and it really sucks. How was I supposed to know 180 days ago that one of my kids would be a monster or MH is complaining that if he walks another step his foot will fall off?

To be fair, I could predict these things will happen every night at Disney.

This is where the modify button comes in handy. Modify your reservation to another day and then poof, cancel. I mean not that I’ve ever done this...

We are a Disney family. We’ve gone every year for the past 5 and are going again this summer. After this we will take a break. On paper I should hate Disney. I despise crowds, waiting, lines, and people. Yet somehow we all love Disney. It’s pure magic to my 8 year old. Sometimes you just need a bit of magic in your life!

[Minerva]

Mar 19, 2019 17:41:59 GMT -6 fancynewbeesly said:

We are in the midst of Disney planning...a cruise this summer and DW in the fall.

As of now with DW there are only two restaurants I really want to get reservations for. Until DH mentions a few more. But we make use of the DAS at Disney for DD’s hypoglycemia and leukemia. We also our fast pass family.

I’m still kicking myself for not signing DS up for DAS on our last trip. He has ASD and anxiety and had also just finished 6 weeks of serial casting, so had a lot of foot and leg weakness. We’d never really looked into DAS before and H was hesitant. Instead H gave him lots of piggyback rides - DS is 55lbs and H complained more than a little about the back pain.

If he’s having trouble with sensory stuff, waiting in line, and meltdowns next year, we will definitely be signing up for it.

[cyprissa]

Mar 19, 2019 11:06:56 GMT -6 Cher said:

Mar 19, 2019 10:51:09 GMT -6 thatgolfb said:

Same. H and I went on Guardians of the Galaxy like 3 times in a row because we were able to set up fast passes so quickly and I was just like... why are there people waiting in line right now? Fast passes are open!

Same with mobile ordering.

Yeah, mobile ordering g was the absolute best thing. 

[spicysalmonroll]

I haven't been so I know nothing... can someone explain fast pass to me. I thought it was a pay to skip the line thing, but Cher said everyone gets one with their admission. So how does everyone skip lines? Wouldn't there be 100 people with fast passes trying to ride the same ride?

[gussie]

Mar 20, 2019 6:59:01 GMT -6 spicysalmonroll said:

I haven't been so I know nothing... can someone explain fast pass to me. I thought it was a pay to skip the line thing, but Cher said everyone gets one with their admission. So how does everyone skip lines? Wouldn't there be 100 people with fast passes trying to ride the same ride?

You get 3 initially per day, you have to reserve your spot in line basically. So you pick a time for each of your 3 passes. Once all three are up, you can choose one at a time to hold. 

The fast pass line doesn't get bogged down because they only allow so many spots per hour, once those spots are gone for the day, you cannot book a fast pass for that ride. So the hot rides get booked up pretty quick, there's probably one per park like that. That's why it's important to book as soon as your window allows you (around 60 days in advance if you are staying on property and 30 if you aren't). 

And these are all free, you don't pay for fast passes. 

[spicysalmonroll]

gussie, oh wow. I know all the mention of early planning but it did not occur to me that, that actually meant booking a certain ride at a certain time. so much to learn hahah

[gussie]

Mar 20, 2019 7:55:44 GMT -6 spicysalmonroll said:

gussie, oh wow. I know all the mention of early planning but it did not occur to me that, that actually meant booking a certain ride at a certain time. so much to learn hahah

Once you do it a few times, it’s super easy to get the hang of. I can and do plan Disney trips in my sleep lol.

[AnnPerkins]

Mar 19, 2019 8:47:52 GMT -6 Cher said:

I’m in the final planning stages of my Disney trip and I’m so excited. We will be there for 10 days. It won’t be kid-free but I’ll be solo parenting in Disney with my 2. I’m excited to see them both in action. Last time I was there, the youngest was an infant so I’m excited to see how he will react.

Lots of flammable stuff in that paragraph.

DH is taking all three kids (10, 5, 17m) on his own in a couple of weekends since I have to work. He's taking the bigger two out of school early Friday, and then they'll drive down (about 10 hours). Saturday will be MK in the AM and Epcot in the afternoon for their Easter egg hunt. They will then drive home in the early or late evening to be back at some point Sunday.
This is 💯 so that they can do the Easter egg hunt because there just isn't another time that works with out schedule. And, while it is arguably the best scavenger hunt Epcot hosts, I think he's a little bonkers. 10 days? Sure, I do that every summer with the kids. 72 hours? Ehhhhh.
But, whatever. Go in peace and just make sure they wear sunblock.

[AnnPerkins]

This was really an unfortunately busy week for me for this topic, guys.

[Wtfshouldmynamebe]

Mar 20, 2019 10:11:46 GMT -6 HilarityEnsued said:

an easter egg hunt at epcot you say....

It is really fun.  You buy this kit and then in each country have to find the character egg and put the sticker of that egg on the map.  Then you turn it in for a prize.

They also have a Spike the bee hunt going on now.

[dc2london]

Mar 19, 2019 7:18:46 GMT -6 tater said:

And also...churros.

My father was obsessed with the DL churros and wouldn't eat churros anywhere else

[Cher]

Mar 20, 2019 10:00:57 GMT -6 AnnPerkins said:

Mar 19, 2019 8:47:52 GMT -6 Cher said:

I’m in the final planning stages of my Disney trip and I’m so excited. We will be there for 10 days. It won’t be kid-free but I’ll be solo parenting in Disney with my 2. I’m excited to see them both in action. Last time I was there, the youngest was an infant so I’m excited to see how he will react.

Lots of flammable stuff in that paragraph.

DH is taking all three kids (10, 5, 17m) on his own in a couple of weekends since I have to work. He's taking the bigger two out of school early Friday, and then they'll drive down (about 10 hours). Saturday will be MK in the AM and Epcot in the afternoon for their Easter egg hunt. They will then drive home in the early or late evening to be back at some point Sunday.
This is 💯 so that they can do the Easter egg hunt because there just isn't another time that works with out schedule. And, while it is arguably the best scavenger hunt Epcot hosts, I think he's a little bonkers. 10 days? Sure, I do that every summer with the kids. 72 hours? Ehhhhh.
But, whatever. Go in peace and just make sure they wear sunblock.

I would encourage MH to take the kids to the moon for 72 hours if it meant I got to be alone.

[AnnPerkins]

Mar 20, 2019 10:11:46 GMT -6 HilarityEnsued said:

an easter egg hunt at epcot you say....

They usually have a scavenger hunt for every season or festival. This is hunting for about 12" character eggs throughout the countries and marking their locations with stickers on a map. The prize is usually a regular sized character egg of your choice.

[inthekitty]

Mar 20, 2019 10:39:10 GMT -6 AnnPerkins said:

Mar 20, 2019 10:11:46 GMT -6 HilarityEnsued said:

an easter egg hunt at epcot you say....

They usually have a scavenger hunt for every season or festival. This is hunting for about 12" character eggs throughout the countries and marking their locations with stickers on a map. The prize is usually a regular sized character egg of your choice.

That sounds fun. Adding to the list for our trip in 2 weeks.

[tater]

Mar 20, 2019 10:39:10 GMT -6 AnnPerkins said:

Mar 20, 2019 10:11:46 GMT -6 HilarityEnsued said:

an easter egg hunt at epcot you say....

They usually have a scavenger hunt for every season or festival. This is hunting for about 12" character eggs throughout the countries and marking their locations with stickers on a map. The prize is usually a regular sized character egg of your choice.

they also do this at Disneyland. I may have participated the last few years.

[tater]

Mar 20, 2019 10:21:39 GMT -6 dc2london said:

Mar 19, 2019 7:18:46 GMT -6 tater said:

And also...churros.

My father was obsessed with the DL churros and wouldn't eat churros anywhere else

DL did a churro scavenger hunt kind of. They had 5 specialty churros and you got a sticker for each one you tried and when your map was complete, you got a big button.

I felt like garbage from eating five churros, but it was fun.

[dc2london]

I wouldn't have gone out of my way to take a 6 month old to Disney but that's how old C was when we wanted to take the boys and it was magical. She had a wonderful time.

[thatgolfb]

Mar 20, 2019 10:45:47 GMT -6 tater said:

Mar 20, 2019 10:39:10 GMT -6 AnnPerkins said:

They usually have a scavenger hunt for every season or festival. This is hunting for about 12" character eggs throughout the countries and marking their locations with stickers on a map. The prize is usually a regular sized character egg of your choice.

they also do this at Disneyland. I may have participated the last few years.

Oh really...

[klondike]

You all need to come to Cedar Point. America's Roller Coast! lol

Best rides anywhere. Good food.
Breakfast with Peanuts characters. Plenty of kiddie rides.
Hotel Breakers is steps away from the park entrance.
Early entry when you stay on site.

3 nights, 2 adults, 2 kids package at Breakers
All day drink & dining passes- free meal ever 90 mins & drink every 15 mins
Unlimited pic downloads
Fast lane passes
1 hour early entry
Waterpark included
about $3k plus flight

That's not a bad price with food & drink included. There are cheaper hotel options too. And you don't have to purchase the Fast Lane package or waterpark.
We have platinum passes and I will gtg:) Opens May 11th.

Also, cheese fries!

[richard]

Mar 20, 2019 11:11:55 GMT -6 klondike said:

America's Roller Coast! 

All day drink & dining passes- free meal ever 90 mins & drink every 15 mins

OMG, puke city.

[richard]

Am currently home with DD who is watching some video about WDW as I type.

She's planning her meals. I may have created a monster.

[McBenny]

Mar 19, 2019 16:09:20 GMT -6 inthekitty said:

TBH I've never seen much appeal in Vegas. I hate gambling and while I wouldn't mind catching a show they are all so expensive so I don't really get why people like to go there. But to each their own. I love all things Disney, but I'm primarily speaking to Disneyland because I'm a west coaster and that's where I go most often. I love how it is an escape from the world for a few days. I don't have to worry about traffic, I just walk out of my room and right to the parks. I love the rides, but there are also plenty of shows and exhibits. Some of it is nostalgia for me. And the parks definitely have way more attention to detail, friendlier employees, and are much cleaner than other theme parks.

I was not impressed with Vegas at all. My list of reasons is long.

I did like their tap water.

[Deleted]

Mar 19, 2019 14:54:26 GMT -6 gussie said:

Mar 19, 2019 12:41:13 GMT -6 HilarityEnsued said:

despite any Disney plans, you always have to be ready to be flexible on the spot because kids are kids and it's impossible to say how any day will go. We have regularly canceled dinner reservations because we just can't get it together to do yet another thing after hours at the park each day.

Us too but now they charge you if you don’t cancel more than 24 hours in advance and it really sucks. How was I supposed to know 180 days ago that one of my kids would be a monster or MH is complaining that if he walks another step his foot will fall off?

To be fair, I could predict these things will happen every night at Disney.

We didn’t find this to be true on our trip. We called same-day and explained that our kid was absolutely not going to be able to make it to an 8:50pm dinner at that point and they were willing to let us out of the reservation. I think their customer service is just so on point.