DL Vet's first trip to WDW as a couple 4/29-5/2

[DallasDisneyDork]

I know it's a little late in getting it up on here, but better late than never right?

Don't judge the pictures too much ; , I didn't take my Canon I5 IS, and instead took a small pocket Canon point and shoot. ; Most pics weren't bad, but I miss not having my I5IS. ;

My partner and I both have been to WDW. I went 4 years ago with an Ex and his Parents. It was a nightmare trip due to his parents not being able to handle the heat. I never thought I could have a horrible time at a Disney park. My partner went when he was around 12 years old. So this seemed like a first time trip for the both of us. We both frequent Disneyland at least twice if not three times a year. DL is our home park and we love it so much. But with my partner having a convention to attend in Orlando, we decided why not do a quick trip to WDW for 3 days.

We had a lot to get use too. The heat, the crowds and having to take a bus. For two people who are use to walking between parks, walking to our hotel and walking to DTD, it was a big adjustment and a huge learning experience. We had a great time, but I have a feeling we'll do things differently when we go back in a couple years.

Click here to see all 640+ pics. Some good, some bad.

DAY 1
My trip started off really nice. I got sat next to a 3 year old on the plane, who schooled me on all things Disney related. He even asked me to watch Monsters, Inc. together on the flight out to Orlando. As we got off the plane, he waved and said, “See you in Florida and at Mickey’s House!â€Â

 

[DallasDisneyDork]

DAY 3
We were moving kind of slowly on Saturday morning. But we got up around 7am, ate some breakfast and decided on what to do and where to go that day. We had no plans. MK was only open until 7pm due to grad nights (which we didn't realize) and we had already planned on going to MK from 8am to 1am on Sunday. We wanted to walk around EPCOT some more and ride Spaceship Earth again, so we hopped on the bus to EPCOT.

We spent about 3 hours, doing another walk through and taking more pictures. We did a little shopping as well. We forget how big EPCOT is and how long it takes to walk around WS. By the time we got finished we were tired, but decided to plug away and head to DHS around noon. Even though DHS has many of the rides that DCA and some that are at DL, we decided to check it out and see what was different.

We rode ToT which was very different from the one in DL. We loved it. We went on Rockin' Rollercoaster. It's one of my favorites and Steven had never been. He loved it as well, but wished it wasn't so short. We followed that attraction with backstage tour, TSMM and the Great American Movie ride (?). TSMM is pretty much the same but with better theming in the queue. I find the movie ride to be quite humorous, but Steven wasn't amused. I think he might have fallen asleep.

By this time, we were completely tired, worn out and the heat was getting to us pretty bad. We live in Texas and it still was too much for us. Must be the humidity. The park was so crowded you could barely move. They said that due to grad nights at MK, most spent the day at DHS instead that Saturday. Long lines for food and attractions, and was even going to take 6 hours to have our name put on a set of ears. Needless to say, it didn't take long to become frustrated, so we found a nice little bar towards the back of the park with a very friendly bartender who made us great, strong drinks. We had a few of those, followed by tons of water. We walked around one last time and and decided to leave around 6pm. We were done for the day. This is so strange for us since we're use to open to close.

We went back to PC to nap and freshen up before heading to BLT to go to Top of the Tower for a few cocktails which was offered to us by a very gracious DVC member who was there. It was beautiful up there and the view of MK is wonderful. We got to see the um....boat, light show thingy on the river? Not sure what it was called.

 

[DallasDisneyDork]

DAY 4

Today was the day that we had been waiting for. We're such HUGE Disneyland fans that our focus and goal was to experience Magic Kingdom together. The other parks were more "perks" to our trip than anything else.

To be perfectly honest, after the othe 3 parks, I think we might have spent one day doing AK and EPCOT and the other two days fully at MK. Hindsight is always better than foresight.

Being this was the 4thday and the 3rd day in a park, our poor feet and legs were killing us. We found the new Disney crocs that have these white stripes around the base, so we both purchased a pair around 7am and switched shoes before heading to the bus stop. These shoes saved our feet. Luckily, we got there pretty early because we didn't realize that MK is way longer of a drive than any of the other parks. Have I mentioned yet that we now officially hate busses?

We love experiencing rope drop.

We made it just in time as the opening started. Rather than walking in and running straight to get a fast pass, then ride another normally busy attraction, we decided to relax, take our time and just do what we can, when we can. We went up to the train station to take some pics, then wandered around mainstreet for an hour or so, shopping and having some coffee. It's odd to look around and go, Where's the Emporium or Disneyana at? Where's the coffee shop? Where's this or that? We had to get acclimated.

MK wasn't that busy that morning for some reason, so we were able to really enjoy the morning with it not being very busy until around noon. We wandered around the Hub having a Photopass taken every time we saw one. Which by the way, we rarely saw any Photopass people. We usually leave DL with about 80 pics with two parks and we were lucky to get out of 4 parks with only 40 pictures. It was strange.

On the left hand side going towards Tomorrowland, there's the photo op spot that had a photopass guy. We walked up and the first thing he asked was, "So how do you guys know each other?" I found this odd at first and didn't realize why he was asking. I guess I'm a little slow at times. I asked him what he said, he repeated and I'm like, "Oh, well we're Partners". So he asked us to pose and "act like we liked one another" and get close, which we did. He then said, "OK, now for the kissing shot! I was kind of caught off guard. LOL So we kiss and he starts counting, 1, 2, 2 1/2, 2 3/4, 3!!". When we looked up there were a few people standing there and many walking by who were all smiling really big. That made us feel so good and it absolutely made our day. It was a great way to start off.
;
We started riding finally around noon and rode TTA (I so miss this from DL), Buzz Lightyear, the Train, Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Railroad, Haunted Mansion, Hall of Presidents, Country Bear Jamboree, Jungle Cruise. Snow White, Philharmagic, POTC, Tiki Room (which is an abomination!) and IASW. We had all of this completed by 6pm! We were given fast passes by someone at one point, went and retrieved a 2nd set, then rode something else while we waited for those two FP times to show up. We rode HM, SM and BTR within 40 minutes. It was crazy.

We enjoyed the Celebrate Parade and loved seeing Miss Piggy and Kermit. It was like seeing Royalty. :rotfl: We loved the spot we got. I posted this on FB, but not one seemed to get my sense of humor. We found a spot in the shade on Main Street, behind two people who were on scooters. They couldn't stand, so we had perfect viewing! The family behind us was literally trying to physically move us to the side so they could get in front of us which there was no room since we were right up against the scooter people. They were an average of 5'2" tops so they figured they could stand in front of us. I couldn't believe they were physically trying to push us aside.

We rode a few attractions again, before spending the rest of the time spending money before finding a perfect spot for SpectroMagic, which we absolutely LOVED! I like sparkly, glittery night time parades. Again, we grabbed a great spot with a bunch of people in front of us who sat the entire time. The odd thing? I'm not sure what country they were from, but any character that was evil or bad, they all booed and gave the thumbs down. Has anyone ever seen or heard this done? :lmao:

After the parade, we wandered closer to the HUB to watch Wishes. Got a great spot in the middle of MS. I can't tell whether or not I like Remember from DL or Wishes from MK. I think I'm leaning towards Remember though. Loved the fireworks. Always our favorite part of the evening.

We spent the rest of the next two hours doing our final, slow walk around the park. We like to visit the shops one last time, buy our last minute items, soak up the atmosphere and kind of say good bye.

We ended up at the wishing well at Cinderella's castle and took pics of our rings on the well again. It's become a tradition for us when we go to DL, so we figured we would do it at MK.

Always the first pic we take when entering the park

Trying on hats for the day

One of my favorite buildings on MS

Perfect photo op

Loved our Photopass guy. I have to still get the photopass photos online and will post later.

Our new comfy shoes that saved our lives!

TTA is one of my favorite rides. So relaxing.

Another perfect photo op

Royalty!

The skipper took our picture when he caught us struggling to take it ourselves. Plus he made a big deal that we interrupted his flow.

Great way to cool off on this hot day

Loved the difference in the MK HM version. Although I'm use to seeing the entire building, not just a portion.

There's bloooooood on the saddle........

Twilight is my favorite time of day at any park

Odd to see this covered at MK, but it's quite beautiful

I have a thing for horsies.

So peaceful on this side of the park late night.

My favorite color

I think our rings are getting a little beat up. Steven wants to upgrade already. LOL

Leaving.....always a sad time.

 

[Roger]

Wonderful trip report and pics! ; Thanks for sharing!

BTW: Remember should win. ; Remember is Wishes on steroids and nostalgia. ; Hopefully I won't let that cloud my judgment of Magical in 2 weeks.

 

[DallasDisneyDork]

Wonderful trip report and pics! ; Thanks for sharing!

BTW: Remember should win. ; Remember is Wishes on steroids and nostalgia. ; Hopefully I won't let that cloud my judgment of Magical in 2 weeks.

Thank you!

I'm with you. ; After we got back, I compared Remember to Wishes. ; Hands down Remember is the best. ;

We got to see Magical last year when we went to the D23 Expo. ; Although it's not Remember (hard to top that, right?), we really loved it. ; Seeing Dumbo fly over the castle is pretty amazing and quite tear enducing, since Baby Mine is being sung at the same time. ; Then again, I get teary eyed easily. ; : ; But yes, go with an open mind if you're a huge Remember fan.

When we go in October, I'm excited to see Halloween Screams fireworks. ; Will be our first time at the parks during Halloween. ; HM and SM overlay and WOC is going to make for an exciting trip.

 

[Roger]

; But yes, go with an open mind if you're a huge Remember fan.

I'll try. ; At least Fantasmic! will still be there. ; Maybe WoC will soft open and draw some of the crowds away...heheheh

When we go in October, I'm excited to see Halloween Screams fireworks. ; Will be our first time at the parks during Halloween. ; HM and SM overlay and WOC is going to make for an exciting trip.

Jack Skellington is exciting! ; While my wife doesn't like the overlay, I do. ; Since it's not all the time, it seems fresh. ; I need to go back during the season someday.

Hopefully by then they will have figured out the WoC Fastpasses issue. ; The show is a fork in the road: ; On the left is crowd control nightmare with a very small viewing area (for optimal) resulting in upset APs and the show becomes LightTragic 2.0. ; On the right is a show that exceeds or meets expectations and is very popular for repeat viewings and will require a dedicated team of yellow jackets (with orange stingers) to work every night. ;

Again, they need to figure out a way to prohibit APs from getting Fastpasses more than once every xx weeks/months. ; At least for the summer.

 

[DallasDisneyDork]

I'll try. ; At least Fantasmic! will still be there. ; Maybe WoC will soft open and draw some of the crowds away...heheheh

Jack Skellington is exciting! ; While my wife doesn't like the overlay, I do. ; Since it's not all the time, it seems fresh. ; I need to go back during the season someday.

Hopefully by then they will have figured out the WoC Fastpasses issue. ; The show is a fork in the road: ; On the left is crowd control nightmare with a very small viewing area (for optimal) resulting in upset APs and the show becomes LightTragic 2.0. ; On the right is a show that exceeds or meets expectations and is very popular for repeat viewings and will require a dedicated team of yellow jackets (with orange stingers) to work every night. ;

Again, they need to figure out a way to prohibit APs from getting Fastpasses more than once every xx weeks/months. ; At least for the summer.

Yes, it's going to be a logistical nightmare. ; The official opening date for WOC is June 11th. ; I read that it was up to 3 shows a night, then back down to 2, now back up to 3? ; It mentioned that the first show would be Fastpass and the 2nd and 3rd would be a free for all, where you will wait in a holding area and ushered in. ; I'm glad we're going to see it in October so they have time to work out all the kinds over the summer. ; I don't envy anyone trying to see it the first summer it's open. ; Let us know how it goes!

 

[Roger]

Uhhh I'm technically leaving before the show opens. ; Due to multiple summer changes this was the only window I had left to go to DL with the family. ; I think the press event is the 10th. ; They should be soft opening it before then, but that means that they don't tell anyone about it. ; Word will get out when it does soft open however.

 

[Craig]

Re: DL Vet's first trip to WDW as a couple 4/29-5/

Great trip report! I loved reading it. Thanks for sharing. Eventually you get used go the heat and humidity down here. I love it, winter was way too long this year.
I'm glad you got to go to top of the world. ; That's a great picture ofyou guys on the deck with your drinks

 

[DallasDisneyDork]

Re: DL Vet's first trip to WDW as a couple 4/29-5/

Great trip report! I loved reading it. Thanks for sharing. Eventually you get used go the heat and humidity down here. I love it, winter was way too long this year.
I'm glad you got to go to top of the world. ; That's a great picture ofyou guys on the deck with your drinks

Thanks! ; We loved being able to check out Top of the Tower (world?). ; We got the chance to go to Club 33 at DL last year and get to go again in October. ; Really excited. ;

We told ourselves the next time we go to Orlando, we'll do the parks in the morning and evening and take a long deserved break in the afternoon to nap and/or lounge by the pool. LOL ; Here in Texas, we just stay indoors when it's that hot.

 

[Roger]

Re: DL Vet's first trip to WDW as a couple 4/29-5/

Here in Texas, we just stay indoors when it's that hot.

Yeehaw! ; Yesterday since I had to leave work early for a dentist appointment, I ended finishing my sprinkler repairs and mowing the front yard; finished by 5. ; It was sunny, hot (RealFeelâ„¢ was 102) and just miserable.

Two hours later we had hail. ; Fortunately I was able to catch the weather in time and got my car in the garage. ; The hail probably wasn't big enough to damage but boy did the "20 percent chance" of rain turn into a doozy last night!

 

[zackiedawg]

Speak for yourself Craig! ; I still hate the heat and humidity down here after 35+ years! ; ; Actually, to be honest, I am more used to it, even if I don't like it. ; I just sweat a lot, but it doesn't stop me from doing anything.

Great trip report - glad the east coast showed you a good time, especially for such a special occasion. ; I couldn't say whose shows are better as I haven't seen the west coast versions in 16 years! ; I still haven't ever bought or worn a 'croc' but the more people I hear talk about how it saved their feet makes me awfully tempted to try one. ; By the 3rd or 4th day in the parks, my feet are dead...I'm always wearing sneakers that are very comfy for long walking, but it's the combination of walking, standing, and the heat that starts to get to them.

I have to agree on the TTA as the best ride and twilight as the best time. ; And also on Disney CMs being so friendly and open to any and all - a rare and wonderful thing nowadays. ; I've always found it sweetly ironic that Disney hosts both a conservative Christian faith event and the gay days event - and both so accomodatingly. ; Part of the magic of Disney - so old-timey conservative was Walt's spirit and style, yet so progressive were his parks (including accomodating working women and minorities even when that was not so de rigeur in the '50s).

 

[prettypixie]

I really enjoyed the set!

 

[DallasDisneyDork]

Speak for yourself Craig! ; I still hate the heat and humidity down here after 35+ years! ; ; Actually, to be honest, I am more used to it, even if I don't like it. ; I just sweat a lot, but it doesn't stop me from doing anything.

Great trip report - glad the east coast showed you a good time, especially for such a special occasion. ; I couldn't say whose shows are better as I haven't seen the west coast versions in 16 years! ; I still haven't ever bought or worn a 'croc' but the more people I hear talk about how it saved their feet makes me awfully tempted to try one. ; By the 3rd or 4th day in the parks, my feet are dead...I'm always wearing sneakers that are very comfy for long walking, but it's the combination of walking, standing, and the heat that starts to get to them.

I have to agree on the TTA as the best ride and twilight as the best time. ; And also on Disney CMs being so friendly and open to any and all - a rare and wonderful thing nowadays. ; I've always found it sweetly ironic that Disney hosts both a conservative Christian faith event and the gay days event - and both so accomodatingly. ; Part of the magic of Disney - so old-timey conservative was Walt's spirit and style, yet so progressive were his parks (including accomodating working women and minorities even when that was not so de rigeur in the '50s).

Yeah Croc's are ugly as hell, but they're like crack for feet. ; We have pretty nice tennis shoes that are really comfortable, but after two days, we could barely walk. ; Had no problem the rest of the trip in the Crocs. ;

It was a really great trip and it made our anniversary really special. ; We wore Anniversary Buttons on Saturday, but only a handful of CM's said anything. ; Some seemed uncomfortable and didn't know if they should congratulate us or not. LOL ; That's ok though. ; Didn't bother me. ; The photopass guy at MK made up for it. ; I find it ironic as well how it seems every Gay Day has some sort of other Faith based even going on it seems, but as you said they always handle it well. ; We're going to GD's in October at DL and curious to see what it's like. ; We've never been to one. ; Already making our red shirts.

 

[mSummers]

Nice report. ; It sounds like you had a great time. ;

I know what you mean about the walking killing you... for me it doesn't bother my feet so much, but it kills my knees. ; I have gotten into the habit of taking Tylenol religiously while I'm at WDW.

 

[DallasDisneyDork]

Nice report. ; It sounds like you had a great time. ;

I know what you mean about the walking killing you... for me it doesn't bother my feet so much, but it kills my knees. ; I have gotten into the habit of taking Tylenol religiously while I'm at WDW.

I think next time we need to end each day at the park with a drink (or 3 or 4) and a jacuzzi. ;

 

[zackiedawg]

We're going to GD's in October at DL and curious to see what it's like. ; We've never been to one. ; Already making our red shirts.

I landed in the middle of gd's last year at WDW, so I can give you the hetero perspective - pretty much the same as any other day at Disney, but with more red shirts and better hygiene. ; ; I'll actually be up there again during gd's the first week of June...my family likes to go that first week for my mother's birthday and I also have relatives living up there, so we get together and make a 4-day weekend out of it. ; We don't really plan where we're going when we're up there - we'll decide what park to go to sometimes at the bus stop. ; So on one or two of the days, we might be at the park chosen for gd, and other times we'll be at one of the other parks. ; The only downside I found to being at the same park as the gd day was that it was a bit more crowded - go to one of the other parks that day, and it can be pretty empty in June. ; But I know from talking to some folks that were there for the events that there are so many more events going on throughout Orlando, various clubs and such at night, that the parks are just part of the event. ; I've heard it can get a lot more rowdy at the night events.

I think next time we need to end each day at the park with a drink (or 3 or 4) and a jacuzzi. ;

Funny you mention that - I've already got a lock on that process! ; (Craig would agree) - a few drinks at Dawa bar to chill in the shade and listen to some African tunes on a hot day of walking around AK, followed by heading back to the DVC villa for a soak in the jacuzzi tub definitely goes a long way towards making up for sore feet!

 

[DallasDisneyDork]

I landed in the middle of gd's last year at WDW, so I can give you the hetero perspective - pretty much the same as any other day at Disney, but with more red shirts and better hygiene. ; ; I'll actually be up there again during gd's the first week of June...my family likes to go that first week for my mother's birthday and I also have relatives living up there, so we get together and make a 4-day weekend out of it. ; We don't really plan where we're going when we're up there - we'll decide what park to go to sometimes at the bus stop. ; So on one or two of the days, we might be at the park chosen for gd, and other times we'll be at one of the other parks. ; The only downside I found to being at the same park as the gd day was that it was a bit more crowded - go to one of the other parks that day, and it can be pretty empty in June. ; But I know from talking to some folks that were there for the events that there are so many more events going on throughout Orlando, various clubs and such at night, that the parks are just part of the event. ; I've heard it can get a lot more rowdy at the night events.

Funny you mention that - I've already got a lock on that process! ; (Craig would agree) - a few drinks at Dawa bar to chill in the shade and listen to some African tunes on a hot day of walking around AK, followed by heading back to the DVC villa for a soak in the jacuzzi tub definitely goes a long way towards making up for sore feet!

I think going to Gay Days at WDW might wait a few years for us. ; Going to tackle DL first and see how that one goes. ; They say DL is more laid back than WDW when it comes to GD's. Less parties and shows, but mainly just hanging out at the parks. ;

When we're there in October, we'll be going to Club 33 on Friday night, so it's always kind of nice to end the first day with a great dinner and some drinks, then watch Fantasmic from the balcony of the Club. ; I just got back from a vacation, but can you tell I'm ready for the next one? lol