Another Site to Visit

WHAT NOT TO BUY AT WDW

Have cash to buy items? Keep the following in mind.

Set a limit and do not exceed it. Sometimes it is very tempting, but can really add to the cost of the vacation.

Buy items that are unique to this vacation, WDW, and not available at other stores when you return home. Don't spend more money on toys that are also available at lower prices at retail stores in your area. Do not buy clothes you can puchase elsewhere for less. And do not buy items that will fall into the worthless souviner category when you leave. Buying ears to walk around WDW - that is fine. Buying the kids trinkets that will sit on a desk for a week and then be thrown away is a waste. Use the money on unique items only found in the World, but will be useful at home also.

Epcot has many items in the countries that may not be found in your local area. You might obtain a Hummel that is being painted and signed for you by the artist. But, buying a sombrero in Mexico - likely not really worth the purchase.

In other words, don't waste money buying items at full price that might be discounted elsewhere, or will never be used once your vacation ends.

REVIEWS OF HOTEL RESTAURANTS

Citricos - excellent food and atmosphere - quality restaurant

Narcooses - as good as Citricos and views of fireworks from deck are great - last year the food options may have actually exceeded Citricos

Flying Fish - great seafood and service - funky atmosphere - really nice - not really part of Beach Club but right out its doors

Yachtsman Steakhouse - we used to think it was the best, but menu options have decreased to a degree - steaks excellent - lobster tails no longer an option

Ohana - not a favorite but very popular - just not our top food option with all the other signature restaurants at the world.

Jiko - very different - fun - and fantastic food - but may not be for everyone - African style foods from various areas of the continent - should try it

Artist Point - another excellent choice but with a very "unique" food options - definitely a fine restaurant - just check out the menu to make sure you like the dishes before making reservation

OUR RESTAURANT MINI REVIEWS - EPCOT

These are not all Disney restaurants - just a few that we like at EPCOT.

Both restaurants in France are very good. Chef's was very reasonably priced for the food quality - busy - noisy - but good service. Bistro much more elegant - higher prices - and more specialty foods - not for some who may not like the menu options.

Mexico offfers a nice indoor option with a better than average food selection and preparation. Not costly - nice atmosphere - very dark - and tables very close together. Outdoor cafe offers limited variety of indoor menu, but good quality and inexpensive. Hot in the summer - not a good option on a rainy day.

China is nice - food good - but nothing really out of the ordinary - of course, better than most local Chinese restaurants based on atmosphere alone.

Japan - being refurbished on our last visit - fine up to then - better than average, but nothing outstanding.

Canada - great steaks - fine lunch options - but small and very hard to get reservations most of the year.

Morocco - not our favorite only because of the food choices available. Probably fine if you like the spices used.

Living Seas - nice aquarium - food options used to be much better - since all EPCOT restaurants went on the new price plan this restaurant changed its menu and it is very evident - not bad - just not like it once was.

The Land - inexpensive comparatively speaking and nice quality foods even at the concession stand.

Favorites in Order

Chefs
Bistro
San Angel Inn

Since we cannot get into Canada recently - it was not listed in the top three, but it would likely be number 1 if we booked months in advance.

Our problem is since using the Vacation Packages and eating at the signature restaurants http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/dining/advancedDiningFinder?location=&diningExperience=Signature+Dining&cuisine=&experience=&allprices=true&allMeals=true&restaurantName=&submit=submit&x=22&y=7 - the others now have difficulty competing with them. These will be included in future reviews.

FYI - THE FORMAT OF THE ANIMAL KINGDOM PIC IN THE HEADING

If you have a wide screen monitor the Animal Kingdom photo in the header may seem narrow. However, it fits perfectly for those not having a wide screen monitor. Unfortunately, if we make the picture fix widescreens, the text doesn't fit well on those owning narrow screen monitors. Therefore, the compromise was to narrow the picture for some, rather than ruining the text view for others. We figured the text view was more important.

We thought we would just mention this since we had some questioning why the photo was not wide enough to fit some monitors. Small point maybe, but worth mentioning. And it is something we cannot control.

USING THIS BLOG

We tried keeping the postings short and to the point. The videos, news, links, and ads will help you get a better overview of WDW and viewpoints of others. However, you have to take the time to use the "connections" to truly make this site valuable.

For example:

Links - these bring you to other sites that have much information and other viewpoints. There is no sense for us to reprint information currently available - but instead simply link you to where this data is located on the Net.

Videos - give you some visual ideas of what is offered at the world. These are not our videos, but again will give you the perspective of other guests. There are also connections to updated Disney information including the sites that are most valuable, and even a connection to the show that appears on there hotel TV channel. While watching the video, you can click on it and it will bring you to a site with hundreds of related videos. There is a lot a information, but it takes time to "ingest" it all.

News - Not only did we include local news from the area, but if you go to any of the links on the left column and click on a specific topic, news about that topic will appear. Click on EPCOT and current EPCOT news shows up below. So, you can skip general news and find specific information on parks, rides, etc. before your next visit (or even during your visit if you bring your computer along).

Posts - Short and to the point, but do not forget to go to the older posts link for further information. The main page can only show a specified number of posts. You can also go the left column again and use the archives to locate specific link titles.

Search - Looking for a special topic? Use the search and it will find it for you by bringing you to the section of the blog which has this information.

Hope you have the time to enjoy this blog and its related WDW information. And don't forget to send your friends to the blog if they are going to WDW. We like guests!

TRAVELING WITH ADULTS - GRANDMA AND GRANDPA - OR JUST THOSE WHO ARE NO LONGER ABLE TO "RIDE EVEREST"

Again, planning is imperative.

Try to plan activities that your companions will enjoy. Depending on their health and mobility, the activities can be quite varied. Maybe you will not have to make many special plans, but for some elderly adults, heat - walking distances - long waits - and even crowded venues - can be an issue.

Give your companions a choice of what they would like to do during each day of the stay. Include parks, meals, shows, down time, and time by the pools.

Remember - many families and groups do split up during these vacations, so not everyone has to be together at all times. Take turns so that everyone gets to do their "favorite" things when at WDW. One example, your elderly companions may just want to relax one morning by the pool while you take your the little ones to Magic Kingdom. Maybe you can then meet somewhere for lunch at the hotel or even in the park.

At night, they might enjoy eating at the California Grill, while you take the children to watch the parade and fireworks.

Maybe Grandma and Grandpa would like to babysit one evening and take the kids to a dinner show such as the Hoop-De-Do Revue while you go out to a relaxing meal at Citrico's.

It is all in the planning. Ask everyone what they feel like doing, what are their "must sees", and make a schedule that will result in a great experience for everyone.

CHECK OUT THESE LINKS.

http://www.kingdommagictravel.com/disneyworld/seniors.htm


for relaxation or romance - WDW suggests the following

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/experience/experienceLanding?id=RomanceAndRelaxExperiencePage&count=5

INTERESTING WEBSITES FOR WDW TRIVIA

Interested in some trivia before your trip to WDW.

The siteS below have some fun stuff you might want to browse through before or during your vacation. It is always more enjoyable when you go to WDW and find out something new.

We do not have any connection with any site links - just a reminder that we do not control what is printed on these sites or assume all facts are "true."

http://www.disneyworldtrivia.com/

Trivia Challenge site.

http://www.wdwtrivia.com/

TAKING KIDS TO DISNEY - MAKE IT A VACATION TO REMEMBER (NOT ONE TO FORGET)

Taking little ones to WDW? Don't expect them to like what you think they will like! Sometimes it is the simple things they enjoy most, and not the big attractions. Going to a play area, the pools, or visiting with characters might end up being more fun for them than going into that "speical attraction with the long line" that they end up not wanting to enter. Your expectations of what should occur, may not occur.

Get to parks early when they are not crowded.
Go to attractions with the shortest lines.
Pick attractions that hold large numbers of people during high traffic times - go to shows, etc. that have large seating capacities and get there as late as possible. Most seats are good, and getting there late reduces "line stress." It also places you at the end of an aisle or near an exit in case the kids get tired or restless.
Be careful of "scary rides." Some of the rides for little ones can still frieghten some children.
Have snacks and drinks on hand to distract youngsters when walking, or waiting in lines.
Keep them cool - it can get hot in the summer (even in the spring and fall).

Below is a Mouse Planet link to some more suggestions.

http://www.mouseplanet.com/dtp/wdwguide/wdw_with_kids_index.htm

DON'T FORGET TO GO TO CELEBATION - DISNEY TOWN

It is just a fun town to visit - cute downtown - nice shops - good food - fun events - and available properties if you want to move to an area close to WDW.

http://www.celebration.fl.us/

THE HISTORY OF THE WORLD - DISNEY WORLD THAT IS!

The history of WDW is fascinating. The link below offers some information on the history of the World.

http://www.wdwmagic.com/wdwhistory.htm

TAKE A FEW EXTRA STEPS!

Want even more exercise than you already get from trudging through the parks - try taking a few extra steps.

Want to go from the Boardwalk, Yacht and Beach, or Swan and Dolphin to MGM - take the walking path. Depending how fast you walk, it isn't really going to take you much longer than waiting for the water transportation. Of course, any of these walks can be a little difficult in very hot weather, on rainy days, or on the rare cold days.

You can also walk from the Contemporary to the Magic Kingdom.

Stroll between the Poly and the Grand Floridian - great way to lose some calories after a meal at one of the hotels' resaurants.

There are also many walking trails on the grounds - just check the maps at the hotels. It is fun, good exercise and burns calories when you overeat!

Don't forget you can also rent bikes - not a bad idea when you find some spare time (which is sometimes difficult).

BE CAREFUL NOT TO OVER EXERT YOURSEL! READ THE TIPS FROM A PERSONAL TRAINER WHO "WALKS" DISNEY WORLD.

http://www.disneyworldtrivia.com/articleViewer.php?aid=554

CHECK THE LINK BELOW FOR A FEW TYPICAL WALKING DISTANCES AND TIMES AT WDW.

http://www.wdwmagic.com/walking_distances.htm

YEAR OF A MILLION DREAMS

We got a wish last time by "hawking" the "million dreams" staff. It was only a lanyard - but it was something.

HINT: Most wishes you receive are small, but fun to get. However, if you do seek out the wish givers and follow them around, you may end up be right where you need to be when they are giving out the gifts. But, you likely will end up spending hours of valuable time to get a reward that isn't worth the time.

But, it was kind of fun.

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/yomd/YOMDLanding?id=YOMDLandingPage

CHECK THIS OUT! SPECIAL OFFER FOR DISNEYLAND - NOT WDW, BUT SOMETHING TO CONSIDER IF YOU ARE GOING TO CA!

New savings option? Maybe it would be something to investigate if you plan on going to WDW in 2008.

http://abd.adventuresbydisney.com/PS!NFV/vAnZw4gFBgIAAAAGCgFICggzOTU5ODY4OQoKMzA0OTEzNjgxMgkAEqpjCgkyMzcyMDQ3MjQKA0RMUg==?CAMP_CODE=CM0000002879&FN=Sandra&email_addr=labendwa%40optonline.net

DISNEY VACATION CLUB - IS IT FOR YOU?

http://dvc.disney.go.com/dvc/index

It is worth looking into the club if you plan on visiting the World and other Disney properties frequently. We know of a number of families who love the club.

But, like everything else, it may not be for you.

There are also people selling their timeshares through other agents - maybe an option. However, I would definitely research any purchase thoroughly!

WDW EVENTS SCHEDULE

EVENTS SCHEDULE LISTED BY WDW

AAA WDW DISCOUNTS

WHAT DO YOU MEAN IT IS CLOSED?

Renovations go on constantly at WDW.

Rides close down, restaurants change menus or are being renovated, and shows may be only seasonal.

If you are going to WDW for specific events, rides, and/or attractions, check well in advance at the WDW website to make sure what parts of the park are not open during your anticipated vacation time. Recently, Pirates was closed to be updated, Spaceship Earth was not open, and the Haunted House was being updated.

There has to be something closed at all times - otherwise the park would not stay "current.?"

Newbies may not relize this and be disappointed.

Be prepared and check out the closings so you do not have to ask,"What do you mean it is closed?"

NOT ALL ROOMS ON SITE ARE EQUAL (EVEN WITHIN THE SAME HOTEL)

It is obvious that rooms in the high end hotels such as the Poly, Yacht and Beach Club, and the Grand Floridian are going to be bigger, more plush, and closer to the Kingdom. However, rooms within any of the Disney on site hotels, can vary.

For example, within the same price category at the Poly all the rooms are not the same size. They also are not always renovated at the same time. So, you have to ask when booking about the rooms in your price range. In addition, a garden view at the Poly may give you an actual garden view, or can offer you a view of the Castle if you can get the right room. The trick is to scout out the rooms in advance when you are there in preparation for your next trip. The desk will allow you to see some rooms, give you information on room sizes, and you can check out the balconey views by just wandering the grounds.

You cannot reserve a specific room in advance, but you can request a building or location (such as a floor or area within a floor plan). Then upon arrival, get to the hotel early in the morning, request a specific room, and if it is available (and you had requested it in advance) the hotels will do their best to give you the room for your stay.

Don't make a request, and you get anything that pops up on the computer. If you can't get the room you want the first night, it still may be available the next day (and the hotel will allow you to switch rooms).

The Coranado Springs has rooms in many buildings. Staying there? It is the same deal. Check out which building you want. Something close to the pool, near the restaurants and shops, or further out on the property. Again, don't ask and you will not receive.

But, this works best if you get there early - not later in the day. It is a first come, first serve option.

This brings up another point. So many people wander in late in the day because of the posted check in time. Forget it. You just wasted most of a day. Get there early, they will hold you bags, and you can run into the parks to take advantage of day 1.

Check out. Request a late checkout, and again stay as long as you can - they will also hold your bags until you leave. Don't waste two days and turn a seven day vacation into a full five day trip with two wasted days used maintly for traveling.


T

SAVE A FEW DOLLARS ON YOUR NEXT TRIP

Just a list of a few suggestions when booking for on property hotels:

Go during a slow season - special rates and packages are available

Shop around before you book, there are deals offered through AAA and other agents

Book your entire stay and packages in advance - adding days to your trip once you are staying at a property resort is full price once you are there - no discounts for rooms, etc.

Bring drinks and snacks to your room if you have a frig. It is much cheaper than using vending machines or snack shops.

Have deserts at concessions rather than at high end restaurants.

Set a limit for yourself (and your kids) on purchases. Having a budget limit in advance will reduce spending on "toys, trinkets, and other articles" you may never use again after you leave the property. Avoid impulse purchases.

Want to eat at high end restaurants for dinner, then grab a quick breakfast and less expensive lunch. Eating three large meals isn't really necessary.

Be careful to not book "expensive packages" that offer services and options you will not use. The high end packages are a good deal only when you can take part in all the items offered. Not golfing, going to spas, riding horses, going hang gliding, then you should book a package that doesn't include these offerings.

Again these are just a sample of money saving tips - more are on the way.

ALLEARS.NET

If you need general information (and there is a great deal of it) from a professionally produced website (not owned and/or operated by Disney) then ALLEARS.COM is the place to visit.

Unlike this blog which offers our personal information and links to other visitors videos, etc., ALLEARS also has links to companies selling anything from collectibles to vacation packages.

We think it might be somewhere for you to checkout - but we are not promoting this site, there advertisers, or any of their blogs. Just wanted to link you to another site that could be helpful.

ENJOY THE WORLD - HINT 2

Do not wait in long lines.

This is one of the most frustrating parts of Disney particularly for those who do not stay on the grounds. For someone, or a family, who is not able to get back to their hotel for a midday rest, staying at the park all day long can be exhausting.

Everyone wants to get the most for their money since the parks are not inexpensive, but this is one of the major reasons visitors must plan everyday of the trip. The trick is to get to the parks early, rest during the busiest hours, and visit attractions during the times they are least crowded. Will you see everything in one day - not hardly. Disney is so large now, even a week's vacation is not long enough to get everything done (at times).

So it is important to pick and choose what is really important to see, and try to find out when these attractions have shorter lines. The Disney employees can be helpful, but it is easy to find such information in books that are available at most bookstores.

For example, lines at attraction are shortest during parades, fireworks, and special events at each park since these draw large crowds. That is when to go to popular rides such as Space Mountain, Pirates, and others.

Lines are also shorter early and late. Another option.

Restaurant lines without reservations - go in off hours. Eat lunch at 11:00 am - or take an early dinner at 3:00 or 4:00 pm.

If you do not mind riding alone on some attractions, have everyone in your group go into the single rider lines. You will be put on rides in the order you are in line, so you will all be getting off the rides in order also - just meet up at the end of the attraction.

But, if you decide wait in 50 minute lines all day long, you will actually see less in the long run - and really be discouraged about your visit to WDW.

Keep coming back - more hints are one the way.

DISNEY YOUTUBE VIDEOS

I felt it would be helpful to post (below this blog section) a series of connections to YouTube videos from others who have visited Disney World. These are not our videos and we cannot control the connection or content of the posts. But, we requested video connections that hopefully will contain useful and appropriate content. I have screened these as they pop-up, but they change constantly and are linked through "Blogger."

I hope "Blogger" has removed any that are inappropriate regarding their content, but I wanted to included this "warning-disclaimer" prior to anyone logging onto any of the video links below.

ENJOYING DISNEY - HINT 1 - THE OPEN MIND

Never gone to WDW? Thinking it might not be fun? Try not to visualize this negatively before you go. Even if you do not think you will like the Mouse, there is something there for everyone.

Kids will love most everything about WDW except long lines and heat. And these two items can be avoided easily if you plan carefully in advance (See other posts).

Teenagers love the water parks, and more daring rides. But, some just love every aspect of the parks. Again, it is in the planning. Teens do not want to wait in lines, so use fast passes, plan other attractions or shopping while the fast pass is coming due, or grab something to eat at these times. Also, teens will find snacking sometimes more fun than taking times for sit down meals - so keep in touch by cell phone if the family decides to go separate ways for a while. Also, there is Downtown Disney with movies, and Disney Quest - lots of fun!! And do not foget water sports, horseback riding, and other available teen favorites. Disney's website has updated suggestions for teens on vacation at WDW.

Sports minded? There are water sports, golfing, miniature golf, "driving" real race cars, and the sports complex. Catch an Atlanta Braves pre-season game, or go to other events being held at the complex.

Older? Shows are always available. Great restaurants are everywhere. There are clubs, and nightspots.

The trick - get as much information in advance as humanly possible. Call AAA or travel agents. Ask those who have already visited. Go to the website. Plan your trip based upon weather, and events that are taking place at WDW. Go during the garden show in the spring, of the food festival in the fall. Plan carefully and go with an open mind - and everyone should be happy - except maybe the Grinch!

NEWS LINKS ADDED

We have added links to news items at Disney World, general Disney news, and Florida area news. Also, there are connections now to YouTube Disney related videos. Please note that we do not control the videos (they are not ours), nor do we post the news items. These are just immediate links to sites that will hopefully keep you aware of what is happening.

FUTURE POSTS

In the immediate future, posts will deal with how to save cash on your Disney World vacation, choosing a vacation plan, and how to not be disappointed with your visit.

If you have any questions about WDW or want specific topics addressed, feel free to make suggestions.

WINTER WEATHER AT DISNEY

Going to Disney this winter?

Check out the weather in the park before you depart. It can be variable and packing the wrong clothing can be an issue after you arrive.

One thing for sure though, is it isn't going to snow.

Click to get Orlando weather: http://weather.yahoo.com/forecast/USFL0372.html

AAA IS OFFERING SPECIAL PRICES IF YOU BOOK IN JANUARY 2008

Just noticed that AAA is coming up with some special prices for members who book this month. Might be worth a call.